Northern River Basins Study/ Northern Rivers Ecosystem Initiative

The Northern River Basins Study (NRBS) was designed to address the ecological concerns about pulp mill expansion and to increase scientific knowledge about conditions in the Peace, Athabasca and Slave Rivers. The five year, $12 million study, jointly sponsored by the governments of Canada, Alberta and the Northwest Territories, was initiated in 1992. The study's objectives were to gather and interpret sound scientific information about the basins, develop appropriate recommendations for basin management, and communicate effectively with the public. The study's final report and recommendations were submitted to the three participating governments in 1996.

The investigative and reporting mandate of the Northern Rivers Ecosystem Initiative (NREI) was derived from the Canada Alberta Northwest Territories Response to the Northern River Basins Study Report to the Ministers. In their response the governments committed to ongoing and improving control of water pollution in the northern river basins, to maintaining the integrity of ecosystems, and to facilitating the participation of all stakeholders in their protection. More details are provided in the reports Northern Rivers Ecosystem Initiative 1998-2003 - Key findings