Waterline staff hiked to the Burgess Shale in Yoho National Park this summer and had a great time with our hosts, the Burgess Shale Geoscience Foundation! #burgessshale

In recent years, our hydrogeologists have increasingly been using geophysics to support our groundwater exploration projects Western Canada Waterline’s hydrogeologists are familiar with the applications and interpretation of a variety of geophysical methods for groundwater exploration in both Alberta and BC. Waterline is familiar with the following geophysical techniques: In-house downhole geophysical logging capabilities: A quick and effective way to confirm geology and assist with screen design and include methods such as gamma, resistivity (SPR or MPR), spontaneous potential, (SP), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), temperature, caliper, spinner, etc. Ground geophysics: Used to map the subsurface in areas with limited borehole information and include methods such as seismic, transient electromagnetic method (TEM), electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), and electromagnetic (EM) surveys. Waterline’s Approach to Geophysics Waterline’s hydrogeologists commonly use the following approach when using geophysical techniques for groundwater exploration programs. 1. Clearly Defined Objectives Involve the geophysicist early and work with them to come up with a plan that is specific to the site Review the existing borehole and well data with the geophysicist Spend a few extra hours during the planning stage – it will pay off down the road 2. Identified Limitations Each method has its limitations Consider interference with power lines, generators, underground infrastructure, haul trucks Depth of the investigation Different seismic sources have different depth limitations A highly conductive clay unit can mask what is below (e.g., buried sand and gravel aquifer) 3. Set Realistic Expectations Resolution will decrease with depth. Identifying thin aquifer units may not be possible Complex 3D geology may not be well represented by a 2D survey line – may need multiple lines Use geophysics as a tool along with drillers local knowledge and sound hydrogeologic principles Drilling (ground truthing) will be needed to confirm the geophysical results 4. Communication Regular communication between the geophysicist, hydrogeologist, and driller is key Follow up and ask questions. Do the drilling results make sense with the geophysics? If not, what is the geophysics telling you?

Rural landowners depend on groundwater resources for their drinking water and agricultural operations. Consequently, activities that could potentially negatively affect groundwater resources is subject to public scrutiny and debate. Whether perception or reality, the burden of proof tends to lie with the project proponents for hydraulic fracturing, seismic, housing, sand and gravel, pipeline, and coal-bed methane developments. Pre- and post-development testing of the quality and quantity of water supplies: Demonstrates that project proponents are committed to the community; Protects proponents and landowners alike by using scientific data to make informed decisions; Provides an opportunity for Waterline as a third-party to educate landowners about their water supplies, well maintenance, etc.; and Is typically low cost compared to overall project costs. Waterline has tested thousands of domestic water wells across Western Canada and has a dedicated team of hydrogeologists that have been effectively communicating, troubleshooting, and organizing domestic well testing programs for project proponents and landowners since 2000. Waterline’s in-house, customized web app ecosystem is designed to allow clients and Waterline’s hydrogeologists the opportunity to: Use the latest technology to automate reporting, which improves the quality and cost effectiveness of Waterline’s deliverables; View, interpret and organize testing data on a map-based interface using a client or Waterline interface; and Determine if a water well was previously tested by the client, resulting in cost savings.

Waterline was excited to be part of the team that designed, organized, and volunteered at Queen Elizabeth School to enhance their environmental education program for grade 9 students. The program used the Canada Creosote site in Calgary as a way to engage students and included a field trip where students got to collect water samples from the Bow River with "real scientists", as well as a laboratory component at the school. Thank you to all of our collaborators (AGAT for donating their time to analyze samples, the University of Calgary, the Galileo Educational Network, and Queen Elizabeth school)

This week saw the start of the amazing ReDeveLoP 2019 conference in downtown Calgary. For those of you unfamiliar with ReDeveLoP, it stands for Responsible Development of Low-Permeability Hydrocarbon Resources. ReDeveLoP is a recent government-funded student training program, led by Dr. David Eaton (Geoscience Department, University of Calgary). Other academic partners include the University of Alberta, Toronto, Waterloo and Western Ontario. Dr. Tom O'Neill (UofC Industrial-Occupational Psychology) leads the student training in communication and conflict management. ReDeveLoP focuses on training young researchers in the responsible development of unconventional O&G resources. Each year ReDeveLoP students are divided into teams to assess an existing or emerging energy topic that resonates with Canadians. Each team elects a Project Manager and conducts professional meetings on a weekly basis. The student teams take part in a competition (The ReDeveLoP Challenge), and the winning team is awarded a prize at our Annual Innovation Conference. Team members are introduced to university professors, industry partners and Indigenous leaders who serve as resources and mentors to the students. At the 2019 ReDeveLoP Challenge , Mr. Wills, President of Waterline Resources Inc., served as an industry dragon to help judge the winner amongst 4 very well qualified, multi-disciplinary teams. The assessment included dragon’s Q&A with the team members, after each team had presented a poster, a 90-sec video and a 15-min presentation. The team topics spanned wastewater disposal, alternate fracking fluids, induced seismicity and a modification to the current AER Traffic Light System regarding hydraulic fracking-related seismic events. The 2019 ReDeveLoP Challenge students were absolutely amazing, and the O&G sector can only benefit from these future leaders. For more information on the ReDeveLoP program, please visit https://www.ucalgary.ca/science/redevelop/

Have you ever wondered how much of our groundwater is being allocated and used to recover oil, gas, and oil sands resources in Alberta? Oil and gas “companies are using far less water than what is allocated to them. For example, in 2017, the energy industry only used about 25 per cent (260 million cubic metres) of what was allocated to them (about 1 billion cubic metres). That’s less than 0.18 per cent of all the nonsaline water available in Alberta.” Learn more: https://www.aer.ca/protecting-what-matters/holding-industry-accountable/industry-performance/water-use-performance #environmentalconsulting #groundwater #hydrogeology #groundwatermanagement

Waterline is seeking an intermediate or senior environmental consultant in Calgary, Alberta. Learn more: https://www.waterlineresources.com/careers

The Province of British Columbia (the Province) has decided to extend the application deadline for existing groundwater users, those who were using groundwater prior to February 29, 2016, for an additional three years. Users now have until March 1, 2022 to submit their applications through FrontCounter BC. When the Water Sustainability Act (WSA) came into force, an estimated 20,000 users who were using groundwater up to and on February 29, 2016 were anticipated to apply for a water licence. However, the application intake has been lower than expected and for many groundwater users, recognizing the value of a licence to secure their water rights represents a significant change. (Government of British Columbia, 2019) All agricultural, industrial, commercial and institutional groundwater users are required to obtain a licence from the Province to ensure a sustainable supply of water. To encourage existing users to submit their applications the Province has extended, both, the transition and application fee waiver period. Existing users are encouraged to apply for a groundwater licence as soon as possible, as water rental fees will be charged retroactively to February 29, 2016. These fees must be paid to the Province in order for your licence application to be processed. The longer you wait to apply the more these rental fees will accumulate. While this groundwater management system introduced in the Water Sustainability Act is new to existing users there are many benefits to licensing your water well. If you would like to discuss the advantages of a groundwater licence, or have a professional hydrogeologist prepare and submit an application on your behalf, please contact: Steph Righi, Waterline’s Water Sustainability Coordinator at: Phone: 1-844-585-0802 Ext. 112 or wsa@waterlineresources.com Email: wsa@waterlineresources.com #BritishColumbia #groundwaterlicensing #deadlineextension #professional

Waterline is seeking a junior hydrogeologist, environmental engineer or environmental professional in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Learn more: https://www.waterlineresources.com/careers #grandeprairiealberta #fortstjohnalberta

"The deadline for registering wells and obtaining groundwater licences, an initiative aimed at establishing priority for water rights in BC, is fast approaching. But a growing chorus is calling on the province to postpone the deadline yet again due to ongoing issues getting everyone on board, not to mention challenges enforcing a regime in which fewer than 2% of potential licences have been granted." - Country Life in BC Learn more about the Water Sustainability Act in a recent Country Life in BC article: https://www.countrylifeinbc.com/critics-urge-licence-delay/ Note that the deadline to submit an application to licence your water well is March 1, 2019. Don't delay, call Steph Righi, Waterline's Water Sustainability Act Coordinator, at 1-844-585-0802 Ext. 112250-585-0802 or 1-844-585-0802 to avoid provincial government registration fees. #watersustainabilityact #waterlicence #bcwaterpermit

Come by our booth #1622 at the AME Roundup in Vancouver to speak with one of our professionals about all things water and mining. #AMERoundup #waterinnovation #BCminex #hydrogeologyconsultants #mining #bcwatersustainabilityact #waterapplication #groundwatermanagement #groundwater

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season and all the best for 2019. This year Waterline chose to give back by adopting a family for Christmas through the Made By Momma adopt-a-momma program. #MBMChristmas #AdoptAMomma #MadeByMomma