Innovation-March_April 2013

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karst science, though somewhat rare, are available both inside and outside BC. A free online Karst Management Handbook Training Course is available from the BC government, and provides a rudimentary introduction to karst processes and karst man- agement. The successful comple- tion of the three-day Karst Field Assessments Training Course, developed by the BC govern- ment, is strongly recommended for anyone conducting KFAs in a forested setting. Qualified persons with suitable caving skills and expertise are essential for the safe inventorying and assessment of caves. Ongoing learning and professional development are also important for continued learn- ing about new approaches and research. Most workers involved in the evaluation and assess- ment of karst lands within BC have close links to professional associations (e.g., APEGBC, ABCFP, APB), which guide their standards of practice.

Steeply sloping limestone surfaces typically form features with a grooved or slotted pattern known as runnels. These runnels are derived from solutional weathering processes forming sharp ridges between the U-shaped grooves.

Conclusion Karst is a complex three-dimensional landscape that has a wide range of values. Forestry, renewable energy projects, quarrying and mining, oil and gas, and urban activities can be significantly impacted by karst landscapes due to subsidence, soil piping, uneven and unpredictable terrain conditions, and unusual groundwater flow conditions. Conversely, these activities can affect karst landscapes and systems by impacting subsurface drainage and water quality, sensitive habitats, and introducing excess soil, organic debris and contaminants to the subsurface. Identifying and recognizing that karst is present in the early stages of a project or development activity is important, as it can be easily overlooked and lead to future problems. Assessment of karst landscapes requires an in-depth understanding of karst sci- ence and a range of different skills and experiences. Management decisions and strategies for karst should only be developed fol- lowing careful assessment and analysis of the field data collected, as when it come to karst the old adage “expect the unexpected” is applicable. v The author thanks Paul Griffiths; Carol Ramsey; Tom Millard, P.Geo.; Del Ferguson, P.Geo., Eng.L.; Dr. Michael Cullen, P.Eng., and Shelley Higman P.Eng./P.Geo., for their insightful reviews and comments. Dr. Tim Stokes, P.Geo., is a professor in the Earth Science Department at Vancouver Island University, and also consults on a variety of environmental and engineering geoscience projects within BC.

Specific karst-related hazards to be avoided, such as unexpected cavities, ground instability, and unusual groundwater and surface flows should be considered prior to access road construction, the excavation of an open pit/underground workings, and the siting of processing facilities and tailing ponds/waste sites. The oil and gas exploration activity in Northeast BC is a new field where karst lands issues could be a significant concern. Recent legislation for this sector recognizes karst as a resource feature to be protected during certain sector activities. A new document released by the BC Environmental Assessment Office for reviewable projects has also identified karst as a resource that should be considered in the preparation of environmental assessments. Skills and Qualifications for Working on Karst Lands An understanding of karst lands can involve knowledge from a wide range of sciences including: geology, geomorphology, hydrol- ogy, biology, ecology, paleontology, and speleology (the study of caves), as well as anthropology and archaeology. The scientific study of karst is a multidisciplinary field known as karstology, or more simply as karst science. A person considered qualified to carry out karst assessments should have a comprehensive under- standing of the theory of karst science, be adequately trained and practiced in karst assessment techniques, have considerable experience in a wide range of karst field conditions, and have undergone some form of mentoring. An undergraduate degree in geology, geomorphology, biology or chemistry is useful, as are good communication and reporting skills. University courses in

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