Technical Data Report Geology and Terrain
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Technical Data Report Geology and Terrain Enbridge Northern Gateway Project Jacques Whitford AXYS Ltd. Edmonton, Alberta D. O'Leary, B.A. M. Trommelen, M.Sc. D. Huntley, Ph.D. 2010 Preface This technical data report (TDR) relies primarily on data collected up to September 2008. These data are used in the environmental and socio-economic assessment (ESA) for the Enbridge Northern Gateway Project, Volume 6A, Section 7. Some minor discrepancies may occur between this TDR and the ESA because of the differing datasets. Geology and Terrain Technical Data Report Table of Contents Table of Contents 1 Introduction.................................................................................................................... 1-1 1.1 Objectives........................................................................................................................ 1-1 1.2 Spatial Boundaries........................................................................................................... 1-1 1.3 Terminology.................................................................................................................... 1-2 2 Methods........................................................................................................................... 2-1 2.1 Review of Existing Data Sources.................................................................................... 2-1 2.2 Terrain Mapping.............................................................................................................. 2-1 2.3 Field Surveys................................................................................................................... 2-1 2.3.1 Terrain Field Program................................................................................................2-1 2.3.2 Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping Field Program..........................................................2-3 2.3.3 Soil Field Program .....................................................................................................2-3 2.4 Detailed Mapping............................................................................................................ 2-4 2.4.1 Surficial Material .......................................................................................................2-5 2.4.2 Surface Expression.....................................................................................................2-5 2.4.3 Geomorphic Modifying Processes .............................................................................2-5 2.4.4 On-Site Symbol Mapping...........................................................................................2-5 2.4.5 Post-fieldwork Classification and Ratings – PEAA...................................................2-9 2.4.6 Additional Mapping – Pipeline Route........................................................................2-9 2.4.6.1 Depth to Bedrock ....................................................................................2-9 2.4.6.2 Thickness of Organics.............................................................................2-9 2.5 Identification of Geohazards ......................................................................................... 2-10 2.5.1 Mass Wasting...........................................................................................................2-10 2.5.1.1 Deep-seated Landslides.........................................................................2-10 2.5.1.2 Shallow to Moderately Deep Slides......................................................2-10 2.5.1.3 Debris Flows .........................................................................................2-11 2.5.1.4 Rockfall.................................................................................................2-11 2.5.1.5 Avalanches............................................................................................2-11 2.5.1.6 Lateral Spreading ..................................................................................2-11 2.5.1.7 Stream Erosion and Sedimentation .......................................................2-12 2.5.1.8 Wind and Water Erosion (Shallow Stream and Overland Flow) ..........2-12 2.5.2 Settlement.................................................................................................................2-12 2.5.2.1 Consolidation Settlement ......................................................................2-12 2.5.2.2 Karst-induced Settlement or Displacement...........................................2-12 2.5.3 Seismicity.................................................................................................................2-13 2.5.3.1 Seismic Motion .....................................................................................2-13 2.5.3.2 Liquefaction ..........................................................................................2-13 2.5.4 Tsunami....................................................................................................................2-13 2.5.5 Acid Rock Drainage.................................................................................................2-13 2.6 Quality Control.............................................................................................................. 2-13 2.6.1 Preliminary Mapping................................................................................................2-13 2.6.2 Field Inventory Program ..........................................................................................2-14 2010 Page i Geology and Terrain Technical Data Report Table of Contents 2.6.3 Final Mapping and Classification............................................................................ 2-14 3 Results of Baseline Investigations................................................................................. 3-1 3.1 Eastern Alberta Plains ..................................................................................................... 3-3 3.1.1 Topography and Bedrock Geology............................................................................ 3-3 3.1.2 Hydrography.............................................................................................................. 3-4 3.1.3 Surficial Geology....................................................................................................... 3-4 3.1.4 Geohazards................................................................................................................ 3-8 3.2 Southern Alberta Uplands ............................................................................................... 3-8 3.2.1 Topography and Bedrock Geology............................................................................ 3-8 3.2.2 Hydrography.............................................................................................................. 3-9 3.2.3 Surficial Geology..................................................................................................... 3-10 3.2.4 Geohazards.............................................................................................................. 3-15 3.2.4.1 Deep-Seated Slides............................................................................... 3-16 3.2.4.2 Shallow to Moderately Deep Slides ..................................................... 3-16 3.2.4.3 Lateral Stream Erosion, Scour and Sedimentation............................... 3-17 3.2.4.4 Wind and Water Erosion...................................................................... 3-17 3.2.4.5 Consolidation Settlement...................................................................... 3-17 3.3 Alberta Plateau .............................................................................................................. 3-18 3.3.1 Topography and Bedrock Geology.......................................................................... 3-18 3.3.2 Hydrography............................................................................................................ 3-19 3.3.3 Surficial Geology..................................................................................................... 3-19 3.3.4 Geohazards.............................................................................................................. 3-21 3.4 Rocky Mountains .......................................................................................................... 3-21 3.4.1 Topography and Bedrock Geology.......................................................................... 3-21 3.4.2 Hydrography............................................................................................................ 3-22 3.4.3 Surficial Geology..................................................................................................... 3-23 3.4.4 Geohazards - PDA................................................................................................... 3-27 3.4.4.1 Shallow to Moderately Deep Slides ..................................................... 3-27 3.4.4.2 Rockfall................................................................................................ 3-28 3.4.4.3 Debris Flows ........................................................................................ 3-28 3.4.4.4 Avalanches ........................................................................................... 3-28 3.4.4.5 Lateral Stream Erosion, Scour and Sedimentation............................... 3-28 3.4.4.6 Overland Flow Erosion........................................................................