Authors: R. Schmidt, J. Donetz, Md Rajib Ahsan, and G. Cook
Canadian Water Resources Association 61st Annual Conference 2008
Abstract
In-stream construction activities for the Wuskwatim Generating Station in Northern Manitoba will involve the placement of granular materials in the water. This work will be closely monitored to determine if these activities will effect the aquatic environment.
Limits on the amount of allowable change in Total Suspended Solids (TSS) have been established by regulators to ensure compliance with the licenses and permits for the construction of the Wuskwatim Generating Station. Manitoba Hydro must monitor sedimentation on the Burntwood River in the area of the construction activities and must undertake remedial actions if changes greater than allowed occur. Manitoba Hydro and its consultants developed a plan to measure real-time turbidity (Tu) as a proxy for TSS. Pre-construction TSS and Tu data were collected during several years of sedimentation monitoring during the open water season at three sites to determine if a reliable relationship could be formulated. Several different models of sensors were also used to collect turbidity data resulting in different results. Results indicate there is a moderate TSS-Tu relationship that varies with individual turbidity sensor models at the selected sites.
