Since 2003, Hatfield Consultants has undertaken the management and implementation of the Regional Aquatics Monitoring Program (RAMP) in the Athabasca oil sands region of northern Alberta. Hatfield has also provided environmental information system support to RAMP through developing a web-enabled environmental database and project website.
RAMP Website
In 2009, the Regional Aquatics Monitoring Program (RAMP) launched a new website, developed by Hatfield, with graphic design contributions from Strata360 (Montreal), providing improved access to information related to the program. The website presents material and information in an interactive format to support a common understanding of the environment and specifically aquatic ecosystems in the lower Athabasca River Basin.
The primary function of the website is to provide:
- An overview of RAMP;
- Details of RAMP monitoring;
- Results from the monitoring program;
- Information of Community Programs;
- Answers to frequently asked questions; and
- A single source for news about the program.
In addition to these organizational elements, the website utilizes maps, diagrams and interactive features to present information related to the Athabasca River, the Resources and Environmental Management practices and the People residing in the lower Athabasca River Basin.
The RAMP website can be accessed by the general public here: www.ramp-alberta.org
RAMP Monitoring Database
Hatfield has developed a web-enabled environmental database for RAMP to capture, manage, display and analyze over one-million records of environmental monitoring data. The system maintains data on water and sediment quality, fisheries programs, benthic invertebrate surveys, aquatic vegetation and acid sensitive lakes. Information can be accessed using database queries or through an interactive Internet map service, implemented using ESRI ArcIMS, which is fully integrated with the monitoring data system.
Online datasets include:
- Climate and hydrology;
- Water quality;
- Benthic invertebrate and sediment quality;
- Fish populations; and
- Acid-sensitive lakes.
Members of the RAMP Steering Committee can access the RAMP monitoring database here.
