PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS Project: Marie Lake Diesel Spill Response in Queen Charlottes Islands, BC Client: Quantum Environmental Group Services: Spill Response, Preliminary Site Investigation, Natural Resource Damage Assessment, Detailed Site Investigation, Ecological Risk Assessment, Human Health Risk Assessment, Environmental Management Plans, Remedial Action Plans, Water Quality Monitoring, Genomics, Habitat Restoration Goal: To complete an investigation, risk assessment, remediation, and restoration of a diesel spill at a remote watershed that is home to a fish population supporting a hatchery, sports fishing, tourism, and wildlife. Our Work: Hemmera worked closely with Quantum Environmental Group on the post emergency response investigation and subsequent remediation of a diesel spill which entered Marie Lake. Initial efforts included a preliminary investigation, conceptual model for contaminant transport, lake water quality assessment, remedial planning, and liaison with regulatory agencies. After the initial response the project transitioned into the assessment of long term impacts through completion of a human health and ecological risk assessment addressing the residual impacts of a diesel spill at Marie Lake in the Queen Charlotte Islands. The risk assessment evolved to include toxicity testing and the coordination of a genomics fish study which will provide the client with the ability to utilize research and development tax credits for Hemmera services. Hemmera and colleagues at the University of Victoria, applied microarrays to assess the sublethal effects (using gene expression endpoints) of residual contamination from a diesel spill on salmonids. The salmonid microarray consisting of 16,000 genes provided the tool to confirm that sublethal toxicity would not affect the long-term fish populations and allowed to elucidate the mechanism of diesel toxicity. The combination of traditional risk assessment methods with genomics provided a weight of evidence showing that contaminant concentrations were not likely to pose any risks to the fish and its consumers. The outcome of the risk assessment for Marie Lake has allowed the client to move toward a monitoring and closure plan consisting of water and sediment quality monitoring, site restoration, and documentation of final site conditions. Results: This project showcases Hemmera’s depth of expertise and innovative approaches to our client’s environmental challenges. By applying a combination of traditional risk assessment methods, including chemistry and toxicity testing with genomics, Hemmera was able to provide a weight of evidence showing that contaminant concentrations were not likely to pose risks to the fish and subsequent food chain.

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