Wetland Mitigation Decision Framework

The Government of Alberta recognizes the importance of wetland preservation to Albertans; however, it also recognizes the economic, political, and social pressures for ongoing development in the province, and that these pressures will at times be in conflict with the preservation of wetlands. To deal with these conflicting demands, the province is developing the Wetland Mitigation Decision Framework (WMDF), which outlines a series of mitigation options when an action is proposed that might cause the loss or degradation of a wetland. Proponents of a development near wetlands are required to evaluate the potential impact on the wetlands, and take steps to minimize environmental damage.

It is important to note that any activities impacting any wetland type under either the Canadian Wetland Classification System or the Stewart and Kantrud's Wetland Classification System are subject to the Water Act; however, because of the difficulty in delineating and inventorying ephemeral waterbodies (Class I under Stewart and Kantrud), these are not subject to the Wetland Mitigation Decision Framework.

In descending order of preference, the mitigation options allowed for by the Wetland Mitigation Decision Framework are:

1. AVOIDANCE
   • Where possible, proponents of a development should seek options that avoid any loss or degradation of wetlands.
2. MINIMIZATION OF LOSS OR DEGRADATION
   • When the proponent of a development has made a reasonable case that avoidance is not possible, the next preferred option is to take steps to minimize the degree of loss or degradation.
3. COMPENSATION
   • If avoidance is not possible and the regulating body determines that the steps take to minimize loss or degradation are not sufficient, the final mitigation option is to provide compensation for the impacts or loss of wetlands.
   • Compensation under the WMDF can take a number of forms; in order of preference, these are:
     1. Restoration of other wetlands, separate from those impacted by the proposed activities, which have been previously degraded.
     2. Construction of wetlands either where they did not exist previously, or where they had been lost due to previous development activities.
     3. Enhancement of existing wetlands.

The new policy also allows for the consideration of other compensation strategies, such as efforts to secure existing high-value wetlands or financial or other support for wetland protection and research.