December 2017December 2017Environmental Update Environmental Update

f SLEMA B df SLEMA B dfor SLEMA Boardfor SLEMA BoardZhong LiuZhong LiuZhong LiuZhong Liu

December 31, 2017December 31, 2017

OutlineOutlineOutlineOutline1.1. Mine UpdateMine Update2.2. Inspection UpdateInspection Update3.3. Regulators’ UpdateRegulators’ Update3.3. Regulators UpdateRegulators Update4.4. Aboriginal UpdateAboriginal Update55 Stakeholders’ UpdateStakeholders’ Update5.5. Stakeholders’ UpdateStakeholders’ Update6.6. Agency’s ActivitiesAgency’s Activities7.7. SLEMA ReviewsSLEMA Reviews

AcronymsAcronyms AEMPAEMP Aquatic Effects Monitoring ProgramAquatic Effects Monitoring Program AEMP AEMP –– Aquatic Effects Monitoring ProgramAquatic Effects Monitoring Program ARD ARD –– Acid Rock DrainageAcid Rock Drainage DFO DFO –– Fisheries and Oceans CanadaFisheries and Oceans Canada ECCCECCC –– Environment and Climate Change CanadaEnvironment and Climate Change Canada ECCC ECCC Environment and Climate Change CanadaEnvironment and Climate Change Canada ECM ECM –– Extended Care and MaintenanceExtended Care and Maintenance ENR ENR –– Department of Environment and Natural Resources, GNWTDepartment of Environment and Natural Resources, GNWT EQC EQC –– Effluent Quality CriterionEffluent Quality Criterionyy GNWT GNWT –– Government of the Northwest TerritoriesGovernment of the Northwest Territories INAC INAC –– Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (formerly Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (formerly

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada [AANDC]) Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada [AANDC]) MVEIRBMVEIRB M k i V ll E i t l I t R i B dM k i V ll E i t l I t R i B d MVEIRB MVEIRB –– Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review BoardMackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board MVLWB MVLWB –– Mackenzie Valley Land and Water BoardMackenzie Valley Land and Water Board PK PK –– Processed Processed KimberliteKimberlite SLEMASLEMA –– Snap Lake Environmental Monitoring AgencySnap Lake Environmental Monitoring Agency SLEMA SLEMA –– Snap Lake Environmental Monitoring AgencySnap Lake Environmental Monitoring Agency SNP SNP –– Surveillance Network ProgramSurveillance Network Program SSWQO SSWQO –– SiteSite--Specific Water Quality ObjectiveSpecific Water Quality Objective TDSTDS –– Total Dissolved SolidsTotal Dissolved Solids TDS TDS Total Dissolved SolidsTotal Dissolved Solids WEMP WEMP –– Wildlife Effects Monitoring ProgramWildlife Effects Monitoring Program WTP WTP –– Water Treatment PlantWater Treatment Plant WMP WMP –– Water Management PondWater Management Pond

1.1 Mine Update1.1 Mine Update –– November 2017November 20171.1 Mine Update 1.1 Mine Update November 2017November 2017 The Snap Lake Mine remained in suspended The Snap Lake Mine remained in suspended

operations (Extended Care and Maintenance)operations (Extended Care and Maintenance) 202 m202 m33 of water withdrawn from Snap Lakeof water withdrawn from Snap Lake

N t t d t di h d i t S L kN t t d t di h d i t S L k No treated water discharged into Snap LakeNo treated water discharged into Snap Lake No reportable spillsNo reportable spills W t l d i 3 it i t tiW t l d i 3 it i t ti Water sampled in 3 monitoring stations Water sampled in 3 monitoring stations

SNP 02SNP 02--02 (North Pile ditch), SN 0202 (North Pile ditch), SN 02--15 (water 15 (water intake), SN 02intake), SN 02--16j (sewage effluent16j (sewage effluent)) j ( gj ( g

1 2 Spill #20171 2 Spill #2017--4404401.2 Spill #20171.2 Spill #2017 440440 Spill occurred on December 7, 2017, and Spill occurred on December 7, 2017, and

reported on December 8reported on December 8 500 L of diesel released outside of the 500 L of diesel released outside of the

containment of Auxiliary containment of Auxiliary GensetGenset Day Tank 2, Day Tank 2, which was overfilledwhich was overfilled

Th tt d t f t t l it thTh tt d t f t t l it th•• The attendant forgot to close it as the crew was The attendant forgot to close it as the crew was preparing for a shift changepreparing for a shift change

Residual diesel inside the containment wasResidual diesel inside the containment was Residual diesel inside the containment was Residual diesel inside the containment was recovered by pumping it into the fuel tank, recovered by pumping it into the fuel tank, and the impacted snow and contaminated and the impacted snow and contaminated ppground outside the containment was shoveled ground outside the containment was shoveled into drumsinto drums

Spill FollowSpill Follow--up Report (I)up Report (I)Spill FollowSpill Follow up Report (I)up Report (I)

Dated December 20 2017Dated December 20 2017Dated December 20, 2017Dated December 20, 2017 During clean up and upon reconciliation of During clean up and upon reconciliation of

available information a more accurate volumeavailable information a more accurate volumeavailable information, a more accurate volume available information, a more accurate volume estimate was determinedestimate was determined

•• A maximum of approximately 5,903 L of diesel is A maximum of approximately 5,903 L of diesel is pp y ,pp y ,estimated to have been released outside estimated to have been released outside containment into the surrounding snow and gravelcontainment into the surrounding snow and gravelI t d d t i t d fI t d d t i t d f•• Impacted snow and contaminated non frozen Impacted snow and contaminated non frozen ground outside the containment was shoveled into ground outside the containment was shoveled into drumsdrums

Spill FollowSpill Follow--up Report (II)up Report (II)Spill FollowSpill Follow up Report (II)up Report (II)•• No free diesel product or pooling could be detectedNo free diesel product or pooling could be detectedNo free diesel product or pooling could be detected No free diesel product or pooling could be detected

during visual inspection and during visual inspection and it is assumed that it is assumed that rapid vertical infiltration occurredrapid vertical infiltration occurred, resulting in a , resulting in a limited surface area and potentially deeper verticallimited surface area and potentially deeper verticallimited surface area and potentially deeper vertical limited surface area and potentially deeper vertical penetrationpenetration

•• Soil profiling and determination of vertical pollution Soil profiling and determination of vertical pollution p g pp g pplume will resume in summer. plume will resume in summer. A comprehensive A comprehensive remedial approach shall be implemented during remedial approach shall be implemented during the decommissioning of Day Tank 2 as partthe decommissioning of Day Tank 2 as partthe decommissioning of Day Tank 2 as part the decommissioning of Day Tank 2 as part closure planningclosure planning

Comments from the Comments from the Environmental AnalystEnvironmental Analyst

Onsite cleanup and planned correctiveOnsite cleanup and planned correctiveOnsite cleanup and planned corrective Onsite cleanup and planned corrective actions are acceptableactions are acceptable

The Day Tank 2 area due to potentiallyThe Day Tank 2 area due to potentially The Day Tank 2 area, due to potentially The Day Tank 2 area, due to potentially deeper vertical penetration, will be a deeper vertical penetration, will be a contaminated site to be remediated duringcontaminated site to be remediated duringcontaminated site to be remediated during contaminated site to be remediated during mine closure, if no immediate remediation mine closure, if no immediate remediation applicable in summer 2018applicable in summer 2018applicable in summer 2018 applicable in summer 2018

1.3 Notification of Closure at the 1.3 Notification of Closure at the Snap LakeSnap Lake

Submitted on December 14 2017Submitted on December 14 2017 Submitted on December 14, 2017Submitted on December 14, 2017 “As a result of the on“As a result of the on--going evaluation of Snap Lake going evaluation of Snap Lake

Mine since 2015, De Beers will now begin preparation Mine since 2015, De Beers will now begin preparation for the Final Closure of the Snap Lake Mine. for the Final Closure of the Snap Lake Mine. De De Beers intends to file a Final Closure and Reclamation Beers intends to file a Final Closure and Reclamation Plan in 2019Plan in 2019 after conducting additional engagementafter conducting additional engagementPlan in 2019Plan in 2019 after conducting additional engagement after conducting additional engagement with our community partners and finalization of with our community partners and finalization of engineering studies”engineering studies”“D B t t“D B t t t fil ICRP i J ft fil ICRP i J f “De Beers requests to “De Beers requests to not file an ICRP in January of not file an ICRP in January of 20182018 but will instead focus efforts on completion of but will instead focus efforts on completion of FCRP and FCRP and licencelicence application for 2019”application for 2019”pppp

Updated Extended Care and Maintenance Plan Updated Extended Care and Maintenance Plan attachedattached

1.4 Notification of Water 1.4 Notification of Water Treatment Plan UpdateTreatment Plan Update

Submitted on December 22 2017Submitted on December 22 2017 Submitted on December 22, 2017Submitted on December 22, 2017 De Beers, in February 2018, will begin early De Beers, in February 2018, will begin early

modification work to its Main Water Treatmentmodification work to its Main Water Treatmentmodification work to its Main Water Treatment modification work to its Main Water Treatment Plant to prepare for the installation of a new Plant to prepare for the installation of a new water treatment train prior to freshet 2018 water treatment train prior to freshet 2018 pp

•• To remove redundant infrastructure within the To remove redundant infrastructure within the existing footprint and adjacent to the current main existing footprint and adjacent to the current main

ater treatment plantater treatment plantwater treatment plant water treatment plant The new water treatment train is anticipated The new water treatment train is anticipated

to arrive at Site and be installed by April 2018to arrive at Site and be installed by April 2018to arrive at Site and be installed by April 2018 to arrive at Site and be installed by April 2018

2 Inspection Update2 Inspection Update2. Inspection Update 2. Inspection Update

Inspector Inspector –– Tracy CoveyTracy Coveypp y yy yWater Water LicenceLicence InspectionsInspections

Inspected the mine site onInspected the mine site on DecemberDecember 66 20172017 Inspected the mine site on Inspected the mine site on December December 6, 6, 20172017•• Briefed SLEMA Board on December 8 Briefed SLEMA Board on December 8

3 Regulators’ Update3 Regulators’ Update –– MVLWBMVLWB3. Regulators Update 3. Regulators Update MVLWBMVLWB Invited reviewers to submit comments on Invited reviewers to submit comments on

D ft G id li f A ti Eff tD ft G id li f A ti Eff tDraft Guidelines for Aquatic Effects Draft Guidelines for Aquatic Effects Monitoring Programs, on December 1, Monitoring Programs, on December 1, 2017201720172017 Comments due on February 28, 2018Comments due on February 28, 2018

Invited reviewers to submit comments on Invited reviewers to submit comments on Notification of Final Closure and Request Notification of Final Closure and Request to not file an ICRP; and Extended Care to not file an ICRP; and Extended Care and Maintenance Plan V.2, on December and Maintenance Plan V.2, on December 1414 Comments due on Jan 8, 2018Comments due on Jan 8, 2018

4 Aboriginal Update4 Aboriginal Update4. Aboriginal Update4. Aboriginal Update

No comments received in December 2017No comments received in December 2017No comments received in December 2017No comments received in December 2017

5 Stakeholders’ Update (I)5 Stakeholders’ Update (I)5. Stakeholders Update (I)5. Stakeholders Update (I)

“The Liberal government's promised move to“The Liberal government's promised move to The Liberal government s promised move to The Liberal government s promised move to dissolve Indigenous Affairs and Northern dissolve Indigenous Affairs and Northern Development (INAC) and replace it with Development (INAC) and replace it with p ( ) pp ( ) pseparate departments reached a milestone separate departments reached a milestone Monday with the creation of two new ministries”Monday with the creation of two new ministries” The Department of Indigenous Services (DISC)The Department of Indigenous Services (DISC) CrownCrown--Indigenous Relations and Northern AffairsIndigenous Relations and Northern Affairs

–– CBC News, Dec CBC News, Dec 04, 201704, 2017

5 Stakeholders’ Update (II)5 Stakeholders’ Update (II)5. Stakeholders Update (II)5. Stakeholders Update (II)

DFO commented on De Beers’ SNPDFO commented on De Beers’ SNPDFO commented on De Beers SNP DFO commented on De Beers SNP Change Request on December 12, 2017Change Request on December 12, 2017

ENR commented on De Beers’ SNPENR commented on De Beers’ SNP ENR commented on De Beers’ SNP ENR commented on De Beers’ SNP Change Request on December 13, 2017Change Request on December 13, 2017

5.1 DFO Comments on De 5.1 DFO Comments on De Beers’ SNP Change RequestBeers’ SNP Change Request

No commentsNo commentsNo commentsNo comments

5.2 ENR Comments on De 5.2 ENR Comments on De Beers’ SNP Change RequestBeers’ SNP Change Request

ENR recommends that sampling at SNPENR recommends that sampling at SNP ENR recommends that sampling at SNP ENR recommends that sampling at SNP station 02station 02--16j can be reduced while 16j can be reduced while staffing levels at Snap Lake are reducedstaffing levels at Snap Lake are reducedstaffing levels at Snap Lake are reduced staffing levels at Snap Lake are reduced during ECMduring ECM

ENR recommends that sampling ofENR recommends that sampling of ENR recommends that sampling of ENR recommends that sampling of effluent during periods of discharge to the effluent during periods of discharge to the receiving environment remain at theirreceiving environment remain at theirreceiving environment remain at their receiving environment remain at their current approved frequency (SNP 02current approved frequency (SNP 02--17b/0217b/02 17)17)17b/0217b/02--17)17)

6 Agency’s Activities (I)6 Agency’s Activities (I)6. Agency s Activities (I)6. Agency s Activities (I)

SLEMA staff attended the Traditional KnowledgeSLEMA staff attended the Traditional Knowledge SLEMA staff attended the Traditional Knowledge SLEMA staff attended the Traditional Knowledge (TK) Workshop follow(TK) Workshop follow--up meeting for closure up meeting for closure criteria by NSMA at De Beers’ Boardroom on criteria by NSMA at De Beers’ Boardroom on yyDecember 3, 2017December 3, 2017

SLEMA held the following meetings/workshop in SLEMA held the following meetings/workshop in Yellowknife in December 2017Yellowknife in December 2017 Annual General Meeting on December 8Annual General Meeting on December 8 Core Group Meeting on December 8Core Group Meeting on December 8 Traditional Workshop on December 14Traditional Workshop on December 14

Core Group Meeting on December 8, 2017Core Group Meeting on December 8, 2017Core Group Meeting on December 8, 2017Core Group Meeting on December 8, 2017

6 Agency’s Activities (II)6 Agency’s Activities (II)6. Agency s Activities (II)6. Agency s Activities (II)

SLEMA sent out three comment letters inSLEMA sent out three comment letters in SLEMA sent out three comment letters in SLEMA sent out three comment letters in December 2017December 2017

Comments on Air Quality and EmissionComments on Air Quality and Emission Comments on Air Quality and Emission Comments on Air Quality and Emission Monitoring and Management Plan Update to Monitoring and Management Plan Update to De Beers and ENRDe Beers and ENRDe Beers and ENRDe Beers and ENR

Comments on SNP 02Comments on SNP 02--16j to the MVLWB16j to the MVLWB Comments on the 2016 EnvironmentalComments on the 2016 Environmental Comments on the 2016 Environmental Comments on the 2016 Environmental

Agreement Annual Report to ENRAgreement Annual Report to ENR

7 SLEMA Reviews7 SLEMA Reviews7. SLEMA Reviews7. SLEMA Reviews 2016 Environmental Agreement Annual 2016 Environmental Agreement Annual

ReportReportRequest to Amend Request to Amend SNP 02SNP 02--16j16jjj

7.1 2016 Environmental 7.1 2016 Environmental Agreement Annual ReportAgreement Annual Report

Submitted on November 13 2017Submitted on November 13 2017 Submitted on November 13, 2017Submitted on November 13, 2017 This annual report satisfies the requirements This annual report satisfies the requirements

of the Environmental Agreement and providesof the Environmental Agreement and providesof the Environmental Agreement and provides of the Environmental Agreement and provides a summary of the monitoring activities and a summary of the monitoring activities and results from 2016 results from 2016

Two formats provided for commentsTwo formats provided for comments•• Old format follows the same Table of Contents as Old format follows the same Table of Contents as

before (115 pages in total)before (115 pages in total)•• New format has a brandNew format has a brand--new Table of Contents new Table of Contents

(42 pages in total)(42 pages in total)(42 pages in total)(42 pages in total)

Summary of the Monitoring Summary of the Monitoring A i i i d R l f 2016 (I)A i i i d R l f 2016 (I)Activities and Results from 2016 (I)Activities and Results from 2016 (I) Air QualityAir Quality Air QualityAir Quality

In 2016, emission rates were lower than in 2015. Emission rates In 2016, emission rates were lower than in 2015. Emission rates to date have continue to be lower than were predicted during the to date have continue to be lower than were predicted during the project environmental assessmentproject environmental assessmentproject environmental assessmentproject environmental assessment

Aquatics Aquatics Concentrations of total dissolved solids, nutrients and some Concentrations of total dissolved solids, nutrients and some

t l h b i i d t th di h f t t dt l h b i i d t th di h f t t dmetals have been increasing due to the discharge of treated metals have been increasing due to the discharge of treated effluent but concentrations for all water quality parameters effluent but concentrations for all water quality parameters continue to remain below Aquatic Effects Monitoring Program continue to remain below Aquatic Effects Monitoring Program (AEMP) benchmarks In 2016 whole(AEMP) benchmarks In 2016 whole lake averagelake average(AEMP) benchmarks. In 2016, whole(AEMP) benchmarks. In 2016, whole--lake average lake average concentrations in Snap Lake were less than whole lake average concentrations in Snap Lake were less than whole lake average model predictions from the Extended Care and Maintenance model predictions from the Extended Care and Maintenance Plan and below the sitePlan and below the site--specific water quality objectivesspecific water quality objectivesPlan and below the sitePlan and below the site specific water quality objectivesspecific water quality objectives

Summary of the Monitoring Summary of the Monitoring A i i i d R l f 2016 (II)A i i i d R l f 2016 (II)Activities and Results from 2016 (II)Activities and Results from 2016 (II) ArchaeologyArchaeology Archaeology Archaeology

None of the sites discovered near the winter None of the sites discovered near the winter road and Mine were disturbed in 2016road and Mine were disturbed in 2016road and Mine were disturbed in 2016road and Mine were disturbed in 2016

Hydrology Hydrology Th t t l tfl f 2016 ld t bTh t t l tfl f 2016 ld t b The total mean outflow for 2016 could not be The total mean outflow for 2016 could not be calculated as a result of instrumentation calculated as a result of instrumentation malfunctionmalfunctionmalfunctionmalfunction

Summary of the Monitoring Activities Summary of the Monitoring Activities d R lt f 2016 (III)d R lt f 2016 (III)and Results from 2016 (III)and Results from 2016 (III)

Hydrogeology and GeochemistryHydrogeology and Geochemistry Hydrogeology and Geochemistry Hydrogeology and Geochemistry The rock types at the Mine have not changed from The rock types at the Mine have not changed from

what was predicted in the EARwhat was predicted in the EAR De Beers discovered that more water is seeping into De Beers discovered that more water is seeping into

the underground mine than originally thought and as the underground mine than originally thought and as a result there are more dissolved minerals in thea result there are more dissolved minerals in thea result, there are more dissolved minerals in the a result, there are more dissolved minerals in the water. De Beers has water. De Beers has procured and delivered to site a procured and delivered to site a reverse osmosis plantreverse osmosis plant to solve this issue. However, to solve this issue. However, d t th f t th t th i h b td t th f t th t th i h b tdue to the fact that the mine has been put on due to the fact that the mine has been put on Extended Care and Maintenance, the decision has Extended Care and Maintenance, the decision has been made to been made to not install and operate that plantnot install and operate that plantp pp p

Summary of the Monitoring Activities Summary of the Monitoring Activities d R lt f 2016 (IV)d R lt f 2016 (IV)and Results from 2016 (IV)and Results from 2016 (IV)

VegetationVegetation VegetationVegetation There were no signs of dust accumulation or impacts There were no signs of dust accumulation or impacts

to vegetation in the surveyed reference or exposure to vegetation in the surveyed reference or exposure Permanent Sample Plots (PSPs) during the last Permanent Sample Plots (PSPs) during the last survey in 2013 with the next survey scheduled for survey in 2013 with the next survey scheduled for 2018. Disturbance to vegetation was observed to a2018. Disturbance to vegetation was observed to a2018. Disturbance to vegetation was observed to a 2018. Disturbance to vegetation was observed to a distance of 20 m from the west side of the airstrip due distance of 20 m from the west side of the airstrip due to gravel accumulation from airstrip clearing and to gravel accumulation from airstrip clearing and maintenance Overall no signs or symptoms of stressmaintenance Overall no signs or symptoms of stressmaintenance. Overall, no signs or symptoms of stress maintenance. Overall, no signs or symptoms of stress were observed, the vegetation in the west and east were observed, the vegetation in the west and east side of the airstrip appeared healthy and species side of the airstrip appeared healthy and species composition was typical of the heath boulder composition was typical of the heath boulder Ecological Land Classification (ELC) typeEcological Land Classification (ELC) type

Summary of the Monitoring Activities Summary of the Monitoring Activities d R lt f 2016 (V)d R lt f 2016 (V)and Results from 2016 (V)and Results from 2016 (V)

WildlifeWildlife Wildlife Wildlife In 2016, wildlife monitoring at the Mine was focused on regional In 2016, wildlife monitoring at the Mine was focused on regional

programs that support conservation and management of caribou, programs that support conservation and management of caribou, grizzly bears, and wolverine by the GNWT. The wildlifegrizzly bears, and wolverine by the GNWT. The wildlifegrizzly bears, and wolverine by the GNWT. The wildlife grizzly bears, and wolverine by the GNWT. The wildlife monitoring data from these monitoring programs collected at the monitoring data from these monitoring programs collected at the Mine as part of the Wildlife Effects Monitoring Plan (WEMP) Mine as part of the Wildlife Effects Monitoring Plan (WEMP) suggest that all the wildlife valued ecosystem components suggest that all the wildlife valued ecosystem components gg y pgg y p(VECs) continue to be present and active in the regional study (VECs) continue to be present and active in the regional study area (RSA), and area (RSA), and no critical issues were identified in 2016no critical issues were identified in 2016. . Monitoring indicators for caribou all indicate low levels of activity Monitoring indicators for caribou all indicate low levels of activity in 2016. These levels may be related to the recent decline in the in 2016. These levels may be related to the recent decline in the presence of caribou in the RSA and in the population of the presence of caribou in the RSA and in the population of the Bathurst caribou herdBathurst caribou herd

Summary of the Monitoring Activities Summary of the Monitoring Activities d R lt f 2016 (VI)d R lt f 2016 (VI)and Results from 2016 (VI)and Results from 2016 (VI)

ComplianceComplianceCompliance Compliance There were 17 inspections conducted by the There were 17 inspections conducted by the

GNWT Resource Management Officer(s) inGNWT Resource Management Officer(s) inGNWT Resource Management Officer(s) in GNWT Resource Management Officer(s) in 2016, including 16 Water License inspections 2016, including 16 Water License inspections and 1 Land Use Permit Inspection. All issues and 1 Land Use Permit Inspection. All issues ppidentified by the Inspector were addressedidentified by the Inspector were addressed

Summary of the Monitoring Activities Summary of the Monitoring Activities d R lt f 2016 (VII)d R lt f 2016 (VII)and Results from 2016 (VII)and Results from 2016 (VII)

MitigativeMitigative Measures Measures The AEMP annual report demonstrates that the Snap The AEMP annual report demonstrates that the Snap

Lake Mine’s impact is similar to what was predicted in Lake Mine’s impact is similar to what was predicted in the Environmental Assessment. This demonstrates the Environmental Assessment. This demonstrates that the that the mitigativemitigative measures being used by De Beers measures being used by De Beers are working effectively. Two early warnings (i.e., Low are working effectively. Two early warnings (i.e., Low Action Levels) were triggered in 2016: sodium andAction Levels) were triggered in 2016: sodium andAction Levels) were triggered in 2016: sodium and Action Levels) were triggered in 2016: sodium and strontium in smallstrontium in small--bodied fish tissue and fish tasting. bodied fish tissue and fish tasting. Response Plans for sodium and strontium are in Response Plans for sodium and strontium are in l H i h h Mi i i Cl H i h h Mi i i Cplace. However, given that the Mine is now in Care place. However, given that the Mine is now in Care

and Maintenance (i.e., mining has ceased, and and Maintenance (i.e., mining has ceased, and discharges to Snap Lake are reduced), further discharges to Snap Lake are reduced), further g p ),g p ),management actions are not presently being management actions are not presently being consideredconsidered

Summary of the Monitoring Activities Summary of the Monitoring Activities d R lt f 2016 (VIII)d R lt f 2016 (VIII)and Results from 2016 (VIII)and Results from 2016 (VIII)

Adaptive MeasuresAdaptive Measures Adaptive Measures Adaptive Measures At Perimeter Sump 5, two submersible pumps were At Perimeter Sump 5, two submersible pumps were

installed to monitor the inflow of water. The existing installed to monitor the inflow of water. The existing station remains as a backup in case the submersible station remains as a backup in case the submersible pumps failpumps fail

The Mine Water Treatment Plant underwent changesThe Mine Water Treatment Plant underwent changes The Mine Water Treatment Plant underwent changes The Mine Water Treatment Plant underwent changes to revise chemical dosage rates necessary to treat to revise chemical dosage rates necessary to treat waste water. Physical changes in the water quality waste water. Physical changes in the water quality ( ifi ll t t l d d lid ) it t d th( ifi ll t t l d d lid ) it t d th(specifically total suspended solids) necessitated the (specifically total suspended solids) necessitated the need for a revised chemical regime to effectively treat need for a revised chemical regime to effectively treat for metals in the effluent for metals in the effluent

Table of Contents for New FormatTable of Contents for New FormatTable of Contents for New FormatTable of Contents for New Format

Plain Language Summary (with Dogrib and ChipewyanPlain Language Summary (with Dogrib and Chipewyan Plain Language Summary (with Dogrib and Chipewyan Plain Language Summary (with Dogrib and Chipewyan translation)translation)

IntroductionIntroduction Purpose of ReportPurpose of Report 2015 EAAR Stakeholder Input2015 EAAR Stakeholder Input Ab t th S L k MiAb t th S L k Mi About the Snap Lake MineAbout the Snap Lake Mine The Environment (Air, Water, Fish, Animals and Plants)The Environment (Air, Water, Fish, Animals and Plants) Summary of Snap Lake Regulatory Monitoring andSummary of Snap Lake Regulatory Monitoring and Summary of Snap Lake Regulatory Monitoring and Summary of Snap Lake Regulatory Monitoring and

Management ComplianceManagement Compliance Regulatory Inspection ComplianceRegulatory Inspection Compliance

Background for the New Format (I)Background for the New Format (I)Background for the New Format (I)Background for the New Format (I)

In May 2016 De Beers requested discontinuingIn May 2016 De Beers requested discontinuing In May 2016 De Beers requested discontinuing In May 2016 De Beers requested discontinuing the Environmental Agreement Annual Report the Environmental Agreement Annual Report (EAAR) until resumption of the full operations at (EAAR) until resumption of the full operations at ( ) p p( ) p pSnap Lake MineSnap Lake Mine

The signatories of the Environmental The signatories of the Environmental Agreement Agreement were consultedwere consulted

Both LKDFN and YKDFN stated that the EAAR Both LKDFN and YKDFN stated that the EAAR is a very important way for the Environmental is a very important way for the Environmental Agreement signatories to assess the mine’s Agreement signatories to assess the mine’s activities and they did not support the requestactivities and they did not support the requestactivities and they did not support the requestactivities and they did not support the request

Background for the New Format (II)Background for the New Format (II)Background for the New Format (II)Background for the New Format (II)

As a result the GNWT decided in JulyAs a result the GNWT decided in July As a result, the GNWT decided in July As a result, the GNWT decided in July 2016 that De Beers would not be excused 2016 that De Beers would not be excused from its obligation to submit the EAAR asfrom its obligation to submit the EAAR asfrom its obligation to submit the EAAR, as from its obligation to submit the EAAR, as required under Article X of the required under Article X of the Environmental AgreementEnvironmental AgreementEnvironmental AgreementEnvironmental Agreement For the 2015 reporting year, the GNWT For the 2015 reporting year, the GNWT

expected to receive a comprehensive EAARexpected to receive a comprehensive EAARexpected to receive a comprehensive EAAR expected to receive a comprehensive EAAR sometime late in 2016sometime late in 2016

Moving forward, a shorter, lessMoving forward, a shorter, less--detaileddetailed Moving forward, a shorter, lessMoving forward, a shorter, less detailed detailed EAAR was appropriateEAAR was appropriate

Comments from the Analyst (I)Comments from the Analyst (I)Comments from the Analyst (I)Comments from the Analyst (I)

In general the new format addresses theIn general the new format addresses the In general, the new format addresses the In general, the new format addresses the required content, as specified in the required content, as specified in the Environmental Agreement, even though it is Environmental Agreement, even though it is g gg gshort and lessshort and less--detailed, and it is acceptabledetailed, and it is acceptable Figures show the monitoring stations at the mine siteFigures show the monitoring stations at the mine site Tables list the regulatory requirements, Tables list the regulatory requirements,

programs/plan, and annual reportsprograms/plan, and annual reports The new format could be utilized in future years until theThe new format could be utilized in future years until the The new format could be utilized in future years until the The new format could be utilized in future years until the

mine status changes, then the requirement of EAAR mine status changes, then the requirement of EAAR reporting will be further reviewedreporting will be further reviewed

Comments from the Analyst (II)Comments from the Analyst (II)Comments from the Analyst (II)Comments from the Analyst (II)

The new format shares the same plain languageThe new format shares the same plain language The new format shares the same plain language The new format shares the same plain language synopsis as the old formatsynopsis as the old format However, the plain language summary appears not matched However, the plain language summary appears not matched

with the Results for 2016 in Section 6. The Environmentwith the Results for 2016 in Section 6. The Environment Improvement is requested in future submissionsImprovement is requested in future submissions

Section 6 2 is titled Water but the content onlySection 6 2 is titled Water but the content only Section 6.2 is titled Water, but the content only Section 6.2 is titled Water, but the content only covers the Acid Rock Drainage and Hydrologycovers the Acid Rock Drainage and Hydrology Summary information on SNP, reference lakes and Summary information on SNP, reference lakes and y ,y ,

downstream water courses is requesteddownstream water courses is requested If water quality trends within the Snap Lake and If water quality trends within the Snap Lake and

d t t ld b t d id t t ld b t d idownstream water courses could be presented in downstream water courses could be presented in figure, it would be appreciatedfigure, it would be appreciated

Comments from the Analyst (III)Comments from the Analyst (III)Comments from the Analyst (III)Comments from the Analyst (III)

Summary of SNP compliance (SNP 02Summary of SNP compliance (SNP 02--17B)17B) Summary of SNP compliance (SNP 02Summary of SNP compliance (SNP 02 17B), 17B), spills at the mine site should be provided either spills at the mine site should be provided either in Section 8. Regulatory Inspection Compliance in Section 8. Regulatory Inspection Compliance g y p pg y p por in a separate sectionor in a separate section

In page 21, Environmental Agreement Report In page 21, Environmental Agreement Report (EAR) referenced in the last paragraph and (EAR) referenced in the last paragraph and Table 2 might not be rightTable 2 might not be right

7 2 Request to Amend SNP 027 2 Request to Amend SNP 02--16j16j7.2 Request to Amend SNP 027.2 Request to Amend SNP 02 16j16j

De Beers requested to reduce theDe Beers requested to reduce theDe Beers requested to reduce the De Beers requested to reduce the frequency of external sampling at SNP 02frequency of external sampling at SNP 02--16j to every two weeks because flights to16j to every two weeks because flights to16j to every two weeks, because flights to 16j to every two weeks, because flights to site have been reduced to every two site have been reduced to every two weeks in Extended Care and Maintenanceweeks in Extended Care and Maintenanceweeks in Extended Care and Maintenance weeks in Extended Care and Maintenance (ECM)(ECM)

In house sampling will still continue as perIn house sampling will still continue as per In house sampling will still continue as per In house sampling will still continue as per usual for fecal usual for fecal coliformscoliforms

Comments from the Comments from the Environmental Analyst (I)Environmental Analyst (I)

No concerns are raised for the requestNo concerns are raised for the request No concerns are raised for the requestNo concerns are raised for the request Sample results for SNP 02Sample results for SNP 02--16j have remained 16j have remained

consistent throughout ECM and there is no indication consistent throughout ECM and there is no indication that this would changethat this would change

One issue are identified for the SNP 02One issue are identified for the SNP 02--16j in 16j in th S ill N t k P (A Ath S ill N t k P (A Athe Surveillance Network Program (Annex A, the Surveillance Network Program (Annex A, MV2011L2MV2011L2--000, page 51 of 66)000, page 51 of 66)

Inconsistency between the description and theInconsistency between the description and the Inconsistency between the description and the Inconsistency between the description and the rationale of SNP 02rationale of SNP 02--16j16j

Inconsistency between the Description Inconsistency between the Description d th R ti l f SNP 02d th R ti l f SNP 02 16j16jand the Rationale of SNP 02and the Rationale of SNP 02--16j16j

The Description of SNP 02The Description of SNP 02--16j is sewage16j is sewage The Description of SNP 02The Description of SNP 02--16j is sewage 16j is sewage effluent from Sewage Treatment Plant, effluent from Sewage Treatment Plant, prior to mixing with Water Treatment Plantprior to mixing with Water Treatment Plantprior to mixing with Water Treatment Plant prior to mixing with Water Treatment Plant effluenteffluent

The Rationale of SNP 02The Rationale of SNP 02 16j is operational16j is operational The Rationale of SNP 02The Rationale of SNP 02--16j is operational 16j is operational monitoring: to evaluate whether sewage monitoring: to evaluate whether sewage has been adequately treatedhas been adequately treated before mixingbefore mixinghas been adequately treated has been adequately treated before mixing before mixing with other waste streams in the Water with other waste streams in the Water Management PondManagement PondManagement PondManagement Pond

Comments from the Comments from the Environmental Analyst (II)Environmental Analyst (II)

It is recommended that the MVLWB makeIt is recommended that the MVLWB make It is recommended that the MVLWB make It is recommended that the MVLWB make changes to ensure the consistency changes to ensure the consistency between the Description and the Rationalebetween the Description and the Rationalebetween the Description and the Rationale between the Description and the Rationale of SNP 02of SNP 02--16j16j