Language selection

Search

Use of explosives

Detonation of explosive materials in or near water during construction, maintenance or decommissioning phases.

NOTE:

Pathways of Effects diagrams have been developed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada as a tool to communicate potential effects of development proposals on fish and fish habitat and were developed through extensive consultation. It is expected that these diagrams will be updated to describe new activities and stressors as required.

Use of explosives

Effects

Change in nutrient concentrations: Some activities may cause an increase in nutrifying elements such as nitrogen and phosphorus and mineral compounds such as ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, orthophosphates. This leads to 'eutrophication', thick growths of aquatic plants (especially algae) that block light needed by aquatic vegetation, either by clouding the water column or coating the vegetation itself. When the algae die, they settle to the bottom and are consumed by bacteria during the decomposition process. This process consumes oxygen, depleting it from bottom waters. The resulting low dissolved oxygen concentrations drive fish from their preferred habitat and can cause other organisms to die.

Lethal or sublethal effects on fish: Blasting in or near water produces shock waves that can damage fish swim bladders and rupture internal organs. Vibrations from the use of explosives may also kill or damage fish eggs or larvae.

Change in contaminant concentrations: An increase in concentrations of toxins and pollutants in sediments and waters can breach the range of chemical parameters that support healthy aquatic communities, seriously affecting fish and fish habitat. The ecological effects can range from direct fatality to organisms, alteration of the ecosystem structure through changes in the abundance, composition, and diversity of communities and habitats, and persistence and progressive accumulation in sediments or biological tissues (bioaccumulation, biomagnification). Deformities, alterations in growth, reproductive success, and competitive abilities can result.

Change in sediment concentrations: Change in sediment concentrations Increased erosion of stream bank soils and rocks result in an excess of fragmented organic and inorganic material which is transported by water, wind, ice, and gravity. These sediments, which contain nutrifying elements and can capture or absorb contaminants, are suspended or else settle and collect in waterways affecting physical processes, structural attributes, and ecological conditions such as water clarity (by reducing visibility and sunlight and damaging fish gills) and reducing the availability and quality of spawning/ rearing habitat (through infilling).

Date modified: