WATER: Geoscience BC completes large airborne groundwater mapping project

BRITISH COLUMBIA – Geoscience BC has completed the first stage of its large airborne groundwater mapping project in the northeastern part of the province. Referred to as the “Peace Project,” the information will help First Nations, local communities, governments and the resource industry make more informed decisions on sustainable use, management and protection of water resources. The survey was flown last August over an 8,000-km² area between Hudson’s Hope, Fort St. John, and Pink Mountain. The data was used to create a 3-D configuration of fresh water aquifers and bedrock topography. Local groundwater was identified to a depth of 350 metres below the surface. The survey results will be used to place new groundwater monitoring stations to provide data used to make water management decisions. Geoscience BC said the results of its work will be of particular importance to the natural gas industry, and many large oil and gas companies supported its work. No doubt knowledge of the quality, quantity and location of groundwater will be of interest to the mining industry, too. Visit the Peace Project webpage or GeoscienceBC.com for more details.