The chemistry, mineralogy, and rates of transport of sediments in the ...

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these "known" watersheds . This could be done best, in our opinion, by
establishing experimental research watersheds in a variety of representative
areas along the route of development . Some experimental research
watersheds should be in areas where intensive and widespread technological
disturbance will occur, and some should be in areas that are not likely, to
be greatly disturbed (for natural history and experimental control purposes,
or controlled experimental manipulation of parts of the watershed) . Where
possible, these experimental research watersheds should become calibration
sites for development in undisturbed regions . For example, estimates of
the increase in sediment supply (per unit area of disturbance) to streams
caused by technological development of roads or pipelines could have been
obtained by designating the Martin and Rengleng Rivers watersheds as
experimental research watersheds before the construction of highways and
pipelines . Detailed and synthetic studies, involving the disciplines of
wildlife, aquatic ecology, hydrology, geology, meteorology, vegetation,
soils, permafrost, geomorphology, and engineering would likely allow a more
quantative and predictive approach to development in undisturbed regions .
Specifically, and for the purpose of using and testing the information
and hypotheses in this paper, we recommend the following :
1) that experimental research watersheds be designated in a variety
of suitable and representative areas of the Mackenzie Valley and
northern Yukon ;
2) that the network of discharge and suspended sediment monitoring
stations be increased and maintained in this region for the duration
of construction and at least 5 years after completion of the development
of roads and pipelines, and that this expansion of Q and SS
stations include representative small watersheds within and outside
of areas of development ;
3) that meteorological data gathering stations accompany all discharge
and suspended sediment stations ;
4) that research into the importance
port of sediments be encouraged, and
and,
and magnitude of bedload transthat
it be monitored seasonally ;
5) that the chemistry of suspended sediments be more fully studied,
specifically the annual rates of sediment transport of selected
heavy metals, pesticides, dissolved and particulate organic matter,
and naturally-occurring hydrocarbons .
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