the importance of baseline data

The Importance of Baseline DataMore Than Just Counting Things

Presentation to Geology Matters November 14, 2013

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What do we mean by Baseline Data?

Refers to information pertaining to biophysical, social and economic aspects of a project area.

The Project Area is the extent of area where the project may have an effect during construction and operation. This is land, air, water (surface and ground) and all the things that are contained within them, including people.

These data are pieces that are fit together to give a fulsome description of the environment in which the project will be undertaken.

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Why do we collect Baseline Data?

There are two main purposes to collecting baseline data:

1. To provide a description of the current status and discernable trends of environmental factors (e.g., air quality) against which predicted changes can be compared and evaluated in terms of importance. The data should provide a statistically valid measure of any given parameter’s natural variability (as opposed to project induced change) in order to be of value for impact prediction and environmental monitoring.

2. To provide a means of detecting actual change by monitoring once a project has been initiated.

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Data Gathering

Baseline data are collected in a number of different ways, some of which depend upon the project type and setting.

One typical data source is from third parties (eg. DNR, NSE, ACCDC) through an open request for information maintained in their internal databases for the project area (eg. moose survey, fish habitat).

A more “first hand” approach is to talk to local people in the project area. This can be done several ways such as formal public consultation, community liaison committees, targeted stakeholder and First Nations information exchange, among others.

Field data are also collected.

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Data Gathering continued

Another important aspect of data gathering is to ensure sufficient time for adequate study

Many environmental components have to be studied over an extended time frame, for example birds typically need to be studied over four seasons

Often the proponent has not thought about this requirement and will find this difficult to accommodate within their proposed schedule

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Why Collect These Data?

Depending on the type of Assessment underway, a formal Terms of Reference (TOR) may have been developed by a regulatory agency or by the client.

The TOR usually outline the expectations of the agency and therefore, guide the data collection efforts.

It is important to remember that only data that are relevant to the EIA should be collected. This is the point where it is key to check that everyone on the team understands the purpose of this effort.

Always start with the end in mind.

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Another good reason to collect data….

There may be legal challenges associated with a project. These legal challenges may occur once a project is underway.

A legal challenge is often related to how a project has changed a particular aspect of the environment (eg., water quality or quantity). Compensation may be sought as a result of a project.

Appropriate baseline data collection can be a good insurance policy for both the project proponent and anyone who may be affected by the project.

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Project Examples

Brine Line (PotashCorp) Project consisted of an approximately 30 km pipeline in a new

Right-of-Way.

Project constraints included multiple watercourse and wetland crossings and a water supply area

Before beginning the project the proponent was made aware that there would be a requirement to conduct five years of post construction monitoring on the wetland crossings at a minimum.

Knowing the requirement for post-construction monitoring allowed the proponent to plan for required follow on funding as well as allowing time for proper baseline data collection.

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Petitcodiac River Project

This project is more of a restoration project and is not a typical EIA. As a result, the baseline data collection is different.

The Causeway was constructed between Moncton and Riverview, NB to provide a transportation link between these communities and to protect upstream from flooding.

Construction began in 1966 and was completed in 1968.

Construct fishway in accordance with legislation

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Project Options

EIA looked at 4 options:

1. Replacing the fishway

2. Gates open during peak migration

3. Gates open permanently

4. Replace part of the Causeway with a bridge

The status quo or existing condition was chosen as the baseline condition against which the options were to be evaluated.

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EIA Conclusion

Fish Passage and other ecosystem issues worsen under Status Quo

Project Options 3 and 4 improve fish passage and other ecosystem issues

Environmental Effects of Project Options 3 and 4 are not significant or net positive

Options 1 and 2 do not meet the project objective of restoring unimpeded fish passage up and downstream

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Status Quo Condition

Moncton

Causeway

Riverview

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EIA Decision and Next Steps

The EIA concluded that Project Options 3 and 4 would work

Gates have been open year round since April 2010

Need to understand impact of new condition

More Baseline Data collection

More monitoring

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Current Situation

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The Tidal Bore

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Questions?