TEEM recognizes that many regional stakeholders and residents are concerned about the effects of air emissions on the regional plant, animal and fish resources used as food, or for medicinal or spiritual purposes. In response to this concern, TEEM initiated a 2-year study into the levels of contaminants in traditional resources that are used by regional residents.

Three major study areas (Ft. McKay, Birch Mountains, and Ft. Chipewyan) were selected by regional residents in collaboration with the TEEM committee. The residents of the regional communities selected the plant, animal and fish species to be included in the study, and a sampling program for these species within the study areas was established. Training sessions were used to instruct regional residents in sample collection methods, and these residents then traveled to areas known to them within the study areas, and collected a large number of samples. These samples were forwarded to laboratories for analysis.

This study has been completed and the report approved by the WBEA. The results were evaluated by TEEM and forwarded to AENV and RAMP. TEEM will be communicatingthe results of this study to the communities during the 2004 Communications Open House.