Wetland Assessment Services

Wetland Assessments and regulatory planning

Protect your project and Alberta’s ecosystems with professional wetland assessments. Our experienced environmental consultants evaluate wetlands for ecological, hydrological, and regulatory compliance.

Comprehensive Wetland Assessments with Ethos Enviro 

A field-based wetland assessment is a detailed, on-site evaluation designed to classify wetlands and determine their ecological value, functions, and sensitivities. Conducted by experienced environmental consultants, these assessments follow the guidelines and directives set by the Alberta Government to ensure compliance with regional and federal regulations. As part of the assessment, our team uses the Alberta Wetland Rapid Evaluation Tool, historical imagery, and LiDAR to quantify wetland value. This tool helps evaluate the wetland’s hydrology, vegetation, soil characteristics, and ecological functions, providing a clear picture of its importance for water filtration, flood control, carbon storage, and wildlife habitat.

understanding Wetland Assessments

Wetland assessments are a critical component of environmental consulting services. They involve evaluating the ecological, hydrological, and soil characteristics of wetlands on or near your project site. Our environmental consultants identify wetland boundaries, classify wetland types, and assess their ecological functions. This information helps guide responsible project planning, ensuring that construction or development activities avoid impacting sensitive ecosystems while remaining compliant with Canadian environmental regulations.

Our Approach to Wetland Assessments in Alberta

Preliminary Mapping

We start by reviewing aerial imagery, historical imagery, government databases, LiDAR, and regulatory maps to identify potential wetlands and sensitive areas before setting foot on site.

Field Assessment and Verification

Our qualified environmental consultants inspect wetlands in the field, classifying wetland types, measuring hydrology, and evaluating soil and vegetation conditions.

Regulatory Reporting 

After the assessment, we provide a detailed report with wetland boundaries, maps, and recommendations for compliance with Alberta Wetland Policy, the Fisheries Act, and the Species at Risk Act. Reports include mitigation strategies such as buffer zones, site redesigns, or restoration plans to ensure construction proceeds responsibly.

Wetland Assessment and Impact Reporting in Alberta

Under the Alberta Wetland Policy, any project that affects wetlands must undergo a formal assessment to document impacts and outline appropriate mitigation strategies. Depending on the scale and duration of the impact, this may involve either a Wetland Assessment and Impact Report (WAIR) or a Wetland Assessment and Impact Form (WAIF).

Wetland Assessment and Impact Report (WAIR)

A WAIR is required for projects that will cause permanent changes to wetlands, such as loss, drainage, or major alteration. This detailed report evaluates a wetland’s ecological functions, hydrology, and biodiversity, and outlines mitigation measures like avoidance, minimization, or compensation. Because of its depth, a WAIR is typically needed for larger or more complex developments.

Wetland Assessment and Impact Form (WAIF)

A WAIF is a streamlined version of the WAIR, designed for smaller projects with temporary or limited impacts. While less detailed, it still ensures that wetland functions are reviewed and that even short-term effects are properly managed in line with regulatory expectations.

Past projects

  • Deerfoot and 15th Street NE, Calgary

    Deerfoot and 15th Street NE, Calgary, AB - Wetland Determination (2025)

  • Wellsite and Access Road Biophysical

    14-26-071-02 W5M Wellsite and Access Road Biophysical Assessment (2025)

  • Grizzly Bear Creek Windpower Project, Mannville

    Grizzly Bear Creek Windpower Project, Mannville, AB, Field Wetland Assessment and Water Act Approval (2019) 

Who We Work With

Our wetland services support a range of clients and projects, including:

  • Developers and landowners considering new developments around wetlands

  • Municipalities managing development in their jurisdiction

  • Energy and infrastructure projects prior to site clearing

  • Restoration and conservation organizations with wetland restoration objectives

  • Governments seeking increased environmental stewardship and critical habitat retention

We tailor every project to match your site conditions, timeline, and environmental goals.

FAQs About Wetland Assessments

  • Wetlands are identified based on vegetation, soil, and hydrology characteristics. A professional field-based wetland assessment is the most reliable way to determine whether your property contains wetlands.

  • The timeline depends on the site size, complexity, and regulatory requirements. Small sites may take a few days, while larger or multi-wetland sites may require several weeks from fieldwork through reporting.

  • It is a method for evaluating the ecological benefits and impacts of proposed wetland projects, often used in coastal areas to measure changes in habitat quality and quantity.

  • Wetlands provide critical services such as water purification, flood control, carbon storage, and habitat for diverse species, including amphibians, birds, and aquatic wildlife.

  • In Alberta, wetlands are regulated under the Alberta Wetland Policy, as well as federal legislation such as the Fisheries Act and Species at Risk Act. Projects affecting wetlands require formal assessments and appropriate mitigation.

  • If you do not conduct a wetland assessment and wetlands are discovered during construction, it can result in hefty fines and regulatory penalties. You may also be forced to redesign your project.

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