Member Spotlight: AJM Environmental
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In the heart of Alberta's energy sector, AJM Environmental stands as a beacon of commitment to responsible development. With a dedicated focus on client-driven, straightforward, and cost-effective solutions, AJM has emerged as a trailblazer in the industry, addressing complex challenges and championing a more sustainable future. Specializing in wildlife, aquatic, wetland, and vegetation services, AJM's expansive scope of expertise is fueled by an unwavering dedication to environmental excellence. Comprising an exceptional team of environmental professionals, AJM serves a diverse clientele spanning industries such as oil & gas, mining, government, and the non-profit sector. In today’s article, we delve into three exemplary projects that encapsulate AJM's spirit of innovation and passion for environmental stewardship – the Keystone XL Snake Monitoring Project, Native Trout Recovery Planning & Habitat Reclamation Prioritization, and the VegLogic Vegetation Management Application. Each project is a testament to AJM’s commitment to harmonizing progress with environmental preservation, shaping a future where responsible development is not just a goal but a reality.
Guardians of the Grasslands
AJM’s project portfolio is punctuated with pioneering initiatives designed to address environmental challenges. One such example is the Keystone XL Snake Monitoring Project. In collaboration with TC Energy, this project, nestled in the heart of Alberta, was meticulously designed to ensure the protection and conservation of local snake species amidst the development of the Keystone XL pipeline.
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Figure 1 - Prairie Rattlesnake photographed by an AJM Environmental Scientist
AJM’s primary focus during this endeavour was on the prairie rattlesnake, bullsnake, and two garter snake species. The comprehensive project encompassed the entire lifecycle of the pipeline, from the pre-construction phase to post-construction monitoring, with a particular emphasis on two significant sensitive snake habitat locations.
The project unfolded with a strategic study design, coupled with thorough field assessments to pinpoint hibernacula locations in proximity to the pipeline right-of-way. The AJM team diligently observed and monitored snake populations with boots-on-the-ground data collection in addition to the implementation of cutting edge solar powered remote monitoring equipment connected to the cellular network for continuous data collection.
These efforts began during the season preceding construction and AJM has continued this surveillance for multiple seasons after the construction was complete.
The overarching goal of the monitoring project was to discern and quantify any potential impacts the Keystone XL pipeline construction might have on nearby sensitive snake populations. By collecting and analyzing robust data, AJM’s intention was not only to assess the immediate effects but also to harness this knowledge for informing future construction plans and developing effective mitigation strategies.
In essence, the Keystone XL Snake Monitoring Project embodies AJM’s commitment to environmental stewardship. By blending scientific rigor with practical insights, AJM strives to strike a harmonious balance between infrastructural progress and the preservation of local ecosystems. As “guardians of the grasslands”, AJM aims to contribute valuable insights that not only benefit the immediate surroundings but also pave the way for sustainable practices in future projects.
Nurturing Aquatic Havens
At AJM, the fisheries biologists boast exceptional relationships with provincial and federal regulators, local watershed councils, and esteemed conservation organizations across western Canada, including the revered Trout Unlimited Canada. Renowned for their 'ground up' methodology, AJM is recognized by these groups for their prowess in identifying, validating, and developing mitigation strategies for land use-based disturbances that pose threats to native trout populations.
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Figure 2 - AJM Environmental Sr. Aquatics Biologist, Greg Eisler, holding a Bull Trout
Since 2019, AJM has been at the forefront of pivotal initiatives, responding to requests from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Cows and Fish, West Fraser, and Trout Unlimited Canada. Collaborating on multiple fronts, AJM has been instrumental in shaping the reclamation of vital habitats for at-risk aquatic species, particularly the Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Bull Trout.
Working closely with provincial biologists and leveraging advanced habitat, population, and sediment modeling programs, AJM fisheries staff have meticulously prioritized habitat reclamation needs along Alberta's Eastern Slopes. Through a combination of desktop analysis, drone imagery, and on-site reconnaissance, AJM biologists have delivered relevant and practical site-specific habitat reclamation recommendations for over 200 sites within multiple watersheds crucial for aquatic species-at-risk.
While still in the early phases of post-construction monitoring, preliminary reports from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas suggest promising results. The habitat reclamation efforts led by AJM have not only increased the quantity and quality of available habitat for these cherished fishes but have also led to a marked upswing in population abundances of the targeted species.
To date, AJM has lent its expertise to habitat restoration planning in several critical watersheds and public land use zones (PLUZ), including the Trout Creek watershed (Porcupine Hills PLUZ) and Beaver Creek watershed (Porcupine Hills PLUZ) for Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Ghost and Burnt Timber watersheds (Ghost PLUZ) for Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Bull Trout, Clearwater River watershed for Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Bull Trout, and the Cutoff Creek, Elk Creek and Fall Creek watershed for Bull Trout. In each case, AJM’s commitment to the delicate balance of nature and sustainable habitat restoration shines through, ensuring a brighter future for these invaluable aquatic ecosystems.
Cultivating Sustainability
In collaboration with Cenovus Energy, AJM Environmental embarked on a transformative initiative known as VegLogic, a digital vegetation management application. The primary aim of this project was to revolutionize the prioritization and tracking of vegetation treatment at oil sands facilities, ensuring a more sustainable and efficient approach.
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Figure 3 - VegLogic digital vegetation management application
Leveraging AJM’s interdisciplinary strengths in biophysical sciences and software development, AJM pioneered the creation of a purpose-built software application that seamlessly integrates into the field data collection process. This comprehensive solution involves the development of a backend cloud database on AWS, the creation of an intuitive iOS and Android mobile application for on-the-ground data collection, and the establishment of a user-friendly website for visualizing and managing vegetation data. At the core of the VegLogic application is AJM’s commitment to marrying environmental stewardship with cutting-edge technology. By harnessing the power of cloud computing through AWS, AJM laid the foundation for a dynamic backend database that facilitates seamless data integration and management. The mobile application empowers field teams with a user-friendly tool for efficient and accurate data collection, ensuring that every detail contributes to informed decision-making.
The accompanying website serves as a centralized hub for visualizing and managing vegetation data, providing stakeholders with a comprehensive overview of the environmental landscape. This multifaceted approach not only streamlines the vegetation treatment process but also enhances transparency and accessibility to critical information.
In essence, the VegLogic application exemplifies AJM's commitment to marrying technological innovation with ecological responsibility. By developing solutions that bridge the gap between field work and data management, AJM contributes to the sustainable management of oil sands facilities, setting new standards for efficiency and environmental consciousness in the energy industry.
As 'guardians of the grasslands', advocates for aquatic havens, and cultivators of sustainability through technology, AJM strives to not only address environmental challenges but to contribute valuable insights that shape a more sustainable future. Through these pioneering initiatives, AJM is not just envisioning responsible development – they are making it a reality. AJM’s journey continues, and we look forward to seeing more success stories take shape that echo the ethos of blending technology, expertise, and passion for a brighter, environmentally conscious tomorrow.
For more information about, or to get in touch with the team at AJM Environmental, please visit www.ajmenv.com.
Thank you to AJM Environmental for preparing this article for use by ACR.
If you would like to have your organization, project or product featured in an ACR blog and Resources Letter, let us know! Contact communications@acr-alberta.com.
