The effects of a forest fires on water flow and quality in lakes surrounding a Northern Ontario mine

Abstract

Water quality and quantity can be greatly impacted following a forest fire, but fire impacts can vary based on fire intensity, watershed topography, and post-fire precipitation events. Forest fires are an important contributor to the natural regeneration of forests. Watershed monitoring is important for gaining a greater understanding of forest fire impacts on water resources, thus helping to improve interpretations of overall fire effects. The aim of this study was to reveal fire disturbance impacts on water quality characteristics surrounding a mine site. The forest fire likely resulted in increases in dissolved organic carbon and ammonia concentrations, especially downstream of the mine site. However, no increased metal concentrations occurred after the fire. Increased flows and frequency of peak flow events in the watershed following the fire did occur, which can impact water quality in ways that were not measured.