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2006Cumulative Effects Assessment
2006CEA Definition
Potential for residual project-specific effects associated with Meadowbank project in combination with residual effects of other projects and activities to affect valued components of the biophysical environment and the human environment
2006CEA Scope
Cumulative effects were only assessed if:1. Residual project-specific effect on a Valued Environmental
Component (VEC) or Valued Socioeconomic Component (VESC) will have a measurable effect or may occur
2. Residual project-specific effect on that component does, or is likely to, act in a cumulative fashion with the effects of other past, present or reasonably-foreseeable future projects and activities
2006VECs and VSECs Assessed
Air Quality Water Quality Aquatic Ecosystems Wildlife
caribou grizzly bear wolverine beluga whale
Socio-economic Aspects
2006VECs Not Assessed Noise Hydrogeology Hydrology Terrain and soils Vegetation Small mammals and avifauna
Rationale: considered to have negligible
project effects no overlap in zones of influence
Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, 2002 and Courtesy of Natural Resources Canada, Geological Survey of Canada, photo # 2001-050C.
2006Study Area Boundaries
Regional Study Area Specific for each VEC & VSC
Actions List 73 different projects and land
use activities were identified Included active and inactive
mines, mine exploration, municipal areas, tourism venues, recreational activities and traditional use
Most point sources
2006Cumulative Effects on Biophysical Components
Could occur as a result of:• Overlaps between the zones of influence for residual
project-specific effects for the Meadowbank Project and the zones of influence for other projects or activities in the region; and/or
• Linking of non-overlapping zones of influence as the result of the movement of valued ecosystem components through the region (e.g., water, fish, caribou, grizzly bear, wolverine, marine mammals).
2006Air Quality
Issues Emissions from the mine facility Fugitive dust emissions Greenhouse gases
Conclusions Given zone of influence of
issues, cumulative effects on air quality and greenhouse gases are not significant
2006Water Quality
Issues Re-flooding of the Goose Island Pit and effects on water quality in Third Portage Lake Effects of vehicular traffic on the all-weather road on water quality 9 actions could overlap with project effects
Conclusions Heavy metals from mine operations – no overlap Road runoff effects localized No significant cumulative effects
2006Aquatic Ecosystems
Issues Changes in habitat availability Activities associated with construction
and the use of the all-weather road 9 actions overlap with project effects
Conclusions No significant cumulative effects on
Fish or Fish Habitat due to limited movements of fish within the drainage sub-basin
A monitoring program with emphasis on water quality will be undertaken
2006Barren-ground Caribou
Issues Temporary loss of habitat Alteration to movement patterns and
energetics Mortality risk 72 actions overlap with project effects (31
industrial, 25 tourism)
Conclusions Alternations to movement patterns and
associated changes in energetics was of greatest concern
Given mitigation, cumulative effect and contribution by Project considered to be not significant
Regional monitoring recommended
2006Grizzly Bear & Wolverine
Issues Changes in habitat availability Habitat alienation and alterations to
movements Mortality risk 10 actions overlap with project effects (4
industry, 3 recreation)
Conclusions Mortality risks to grizzly bear and wolverine
were considered significant as mortality of one or several animals could affect regional population
Cumberland will implement monitoring programs, with a focus on mortality risks
Regional monitoring program on mortality and potential population effects
2006Marine Mammals
Issues Collisions with barges Alteration of movement patterns and
distributions due to disturbances by barges and ships
Increased potential for exposure to contaminants as a result of spills
Changes in abundances
Conclusions Given mitigation and monitoring,
cumulative effects will be not significant
2006Socio-economic Effects Degree of effects depends on interactions
among: Meadowbank Project and other existing or
foreseeable projects and activities in the region
Suite of mitigation measures that will be implemented by Cumberland Resources, as well as measures that have been or will be implemented by other projects and the territorial and Federal governments
Decisions made by individuals and communities with regard to the Meadowbank Project, as well as events and situations that are unrelated to the project.
2006Socio-economic Effects Net positive effects
employment &training business opportunities infrastructure social services
Effects on traditional use and wellness will depends on: how individuals communities respond to
various projects and activities types of choices that are made
If negative cumulative effects – predict low magnitude
Heritage sites -- unavoidable loss of some sites and artifacts
2006Overall Conclusions
Most potential cumulative effects are not significant; can be managed at project level
Possible concern of cumulative effects on grizzly bear and wolverine mortality, depending on success of mitigation program