KITSAULT MINE PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

KITSAULT MINE PROJECT

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

VE51988

Section 6.13 Summary of Assessment of Potential

Environmental Effects


ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTSUMMARY OF ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

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TOC 6.13-iVE51988 – Section 6.13 December 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS

6.13 Summary of Assessment of Potential Environmental Effects .............................. 6.13-1

List of Tables

Table 6.13-1: Summary of Potential Residual Environmental Effects Analysis ......................... 6.13-2 Table 6.13-2: Summary of Potential Residual Cumulative Environmental Effects Analysis ...... 6.13-9



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TOC 6.13-1VE51988 – Section 6.13 December 2011

6.13 Summary of Assessment of Potential Environmental Effects

Section 6 presents the environmental effects assessments of the Kitsault Mine Project (proposed Project) on the atmospheric environment, groundwater and hydrogeology, hydrology, surface water, and sediment, freshwater and marine aquatic resources, terrestrial environment, and wildlife species in the region. This section summarises the various assessments of potential environmental effects, and presents an overview in table format of the proposed Project’s potential residual environmental effects and their significance. Because Section 6.12 Environmental Health assesses risk rather than potential effects, and since results have been incorporated into other VC sections, Table 6.13 below does not contain an Environmental Health section.



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Table 6.13-1: Summary of Potential Residual Environmental Effects Analysis

Valued Components Potential Effect

(Note Phase of Proposed Project) Key Mitigation Measures Potential Residual Effect

Significance Analysis of Residual Effects

(Summary Statement)

Atmospheric Environment: Air Quality and Climate Change

Air Quality Dust deposition C, O, D/C. Fugitive dust emissions C, O, D/C, PC. Changes to baseline air quality C, O, D/C.

Use modern construction / mining equipment. Ensure proper equipment maintenance. Limit vehicle / construction equipment idling. Conserve energy. Minimise land disturbance. Establish speed limits on unpaved surfaces. Minimise clearing / grubbing areas. Optimise vehicle movement. Dust suppression measures.

Deterioration of air quality and emissions of GHG.

Not significant (minor)

Climate Change Climate change (C, O, D/C). Use modern construction / mining equipment. Ensure proper equipment maintenance. Limit vehicle / construction equipment idling and optimise vehicle movement. Implement 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle). Re-vegetate mine site areas that will not be disturbed in future. Avoid de-forestation and re-establish lost forest in proposed Project footprint.

None remaining. Not rated

Noise and Vibration Increased noise and increased vibration (C, O, D/C). Keep noise abatement devices and equipment in good condition. Operate equipment within specification and capacity. Use noise abatement accessories. Limit ground borne vibration and minimise air over pressure when blasting. Restrict the use of sirens and reversing alarms to the minimum.

None remaining. Not rated

Groundwater

Groundwater Flow Surface water flow rates, water levels, water chemistry and physical properties; potential to affect overburden aquifer groundwater quality(C, O, D/C, PC). Increase flow rates in headwater streams within the Clary Creek Watershed (C, O). Increase flow dynamics and turbidity within Patsy Creek and Lime Creek Watersheds (C, O). Surface water chemistry or physical quality, flow conditions, watercourse conditions, and groundwater flow (PC).

Complete regular schedules groundwater and surface water monitoring. Reduce or eliminate TMF supernatant pond footprint extending into the Clary Creek Watershed. Equip diversion channels with flow regulators and energy-dispersant works as warranted. Regular scheduled construction/integrity- and effectiveness-monitoring of constructed mitigation works and allow modification of the works to achieve required performance as warranted.

Change to groundwater flow. Not significant (negligible)

Groundwater Quality ML/ARD or blasting residue effects to surface water quality in and near groundwater discharge zones and to hydraulically down-gradient groundwater used for drinking (C, O, D/C, PC). Regulated substance quality effects to surface water quality in and near groundwater discharge zones and to hydraulically down-gradient groundwater used for drinking (O, D/C, PC).

Monitor groundwater piezometric head, groundwater chemical quality, surface water flow conditions, surface water levels, and surface water chemical quality and compare against predicted baseline conditions. Monitor groundwater flow, groundwater quality, surface water infiltration rates, surface water flow rates and levels, and surface water chemical quality. Identify and implement mitigation measures as warranted.

Change to groundwater quality. Not significant (negligible)

Groundwater Recharge and Discharge

Local groundwater flow, local and watershed scale groundwater chemical quality, and surface water flow or chemical quality (C, O, D/C).


Change to groundwater recharge and discharge.

Not significant (negligible)



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(Summary Statement)

Groundwater and Surface Water Interaction

Surface water chemical quality effects (C, O, D/C, PC). Surface water flow and water level effects (C, O, D/C, PC). Overburden aquifer groundwater chemical quality effects. (C, O, D/C, PC).


Change to groundwater and surface water interaction.


Hydrology

Hydrology of Lime Creek / Patsy Creek, Clary Creek and Illiance River Watersheds

Decreased annual flows in Lime / Patsy Creek Watershed (C, O, D/C). Increased high flows to Lime / Patsy Creek Watershed (PC). Decreased low flows to Lime / Patsy Creek Watershed (C, O, D/C). Decreased annual flows to Clary Creek Watershed (C, O, D/C, PC). Decreased low flows to Clary Creek Watershed (C, O, D/C, PC). Decreased lake levels in Clary Creek Watershed (C, O, D/C, PC).

Maximise water recycling. Regulate discharge from mining facilities to mimic baseline conditions. Regulate discharge to compensate for peak and low flow periods. Increase the amount of freshwater diversions.

Change to hydrology of Lime Creek/ Patsy Creek. Change to hydrology of Clary Creek.

Not significant (moderate) Not significant (minor)

Surface Water and Sediment Quality

Surface Water Quality Change in surface water quality, (C, O, C/D, PC). Implementation of Water Management Plan. Sediment and erosion control. Water treatment (if necessary).

Change in water quality. Not significant (minor)

Sediment Quality Change in sediment quality (C, O, C/D, PC).

Implementation of Water Management Plan. Sediment and erosion control. Water treatment (if necessary).

Change in sediment quality. Not significant (negligible)

Freshwater Aquatic Resources

Dolly Varden Decrease in the abundance of Dolly Varden due to increased fishing (C, O, D/C, PC). Change in surface water quality in Lime Creek (C, O, D/C, PC). Change in hydrology in Lime Creek (C, O, D/C, PC). Change in water temperature in Lime Creek (C, O, D/C, PC). Change in BMI community in Lime Creek (C, O, D/C, PC).

No fishing policy. Implementation of Water Management Plan.

Change in surface water quality in lower Lime Creek. Change in hydrology in lower Lime Creek. Change in water temperature in lower Lime Creek. Change in benthic macro-invertebrates in Lime Creek.


Coho Salmon Change in surface water quality in Lime Creek (C, O, D/C, PC). Change in hydrology in Lime Creek (C, O, D/C, PC). Change in water temperature in Lime Creek (C, O, D/C, PC) Change in BMI community in Lime Creek (C, O, D/C, PC).

Implementation of Water Management Plan. Change in surface water quality in lower Lime Creek. Change in hydrology in lower Lime Creek. Change in water temperature in lower Lime Creek. Change in BMIs in Lime Creek.




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(Summary Statement)

Rainbow Trout Decrease in the abundance of Rainbow trout due to increased fishing (C,O, D/C, PC). Impingement and / or entrainment of fish in pumps needed for potable water supply (C, O). Entrainment of fish in the pipeline needed to divert water from Lake 493 to Lake 901 (C, O, D/C, PC). Change in fish passage at stream crossings along the Alice Arm Road. Mortality of fish and / or loss of fish habitat due to development of the northeast embankment of the TMF and the NESCP (C, O, D/C, PC). Change in surface water quality in Clary Creek Watershed (C,O,D/C, PC). Change in lake levels in Clary Creek Watershed (C,O,D/C, PC). Change in stream flows in Clary Creek. Change in BMI community in Clary Creek watershed (C,O,D/C, PC).

No fishing policy. Intake screens and following the “Freshwater Intake End-of-Pipe Fish Screen Guidelines”. Fish Habitat Compensation Plan. Implementation of Water Management Plan.

Loss of fish habitat under and downstream of the TMF. Change in fish passage at stream crossings along the Alice Arm Road. Change in surface water quality in Clary Creek Watershed. Change in lake levels in Clary Creek Watershed. Change in stream flows in Clary Creek Watershed. Change in BMIs in Clary Creek Watershed.


Benthic Macro Invertebrates Change to BMI abundance and composition in the Lime and Clary Creek watersheds (C, O, D/C, PC).

Fish Habitat Compensation Plan. Implementation of Water Management Plan.

Change to BMI abundance and composition in the Lime and Clary Creek Watersheds.


Marine Aquatic Resources

Marine Water Quality No direct effects on marine environment; proposed Project located inland (C, O, D/C, PC).

No mitigation measures required. None identified. Not Rated

Marine Biota No direct effects on marine environment; proposed Project located inland (C, O, D/C, PC).

No mitigation measures required. None identified. Not Rated

Terrestrial Environment: Terrain, Surficial Geology, and Soils

Physiography and Topography

Alteration of baseline landscape(C, O, D/C, PC); and Terrain stability and accelerated erosion (C, O, D/C, PC).

Footprint minimisation. Erosion control. Closure and Reclamation.

Alteration of landscape from baseline condition.

Not significant (moderate)

Surficial Geology Removal of overburden (or suitable reclamation) material (C). Terrain stability and accelerated erosion (C,O). Re-contouring land surface (D/C, PC).

Minimisation of the proposed Project footprint. Salvage and store suitable reclamation materials. Erosion control measures and maintenance of slope gradients. Site reclamation activities following mine closure.

None identified. Not rated

Soil Cover Soil disturbance (C). Soil redistribution (D/C, PC).

Minimisation of the proposed Project footprint. Reclamation and closure plan. Reclamation material replacement. Soil erosion and vegetation monitoring programs.

None Identified. Not rated

Soil Quality Soil contamination (C, O, D/C, PC). Terrain stability and accelerated erosion (C, O, D/C, PC). Dust deposition (C, O, D/C, PC). Quality of reclamation material (C, O, D/C). Soil disturbance (C, O). Soil redistribution (D/C, PC).

Environmental Management System. Spill response and containment. Erosion control measures. Dust suppression. Soil salvage and stockpile. Reclamation and closure plan. Minimisation of Project footprint. Vegetation monitoring programs.

None Identified. Not rated



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(Summary Statement)

Vegetation and Plant Communities

Ecosystem Composition Loss of baseline ecosystems (C, O). Dust deposition (C, O, D/C, PC). Spread of invasive plants (C, O, D/C, PC).

Dust suppression measures. Minimisation of Project footprint. Maintain soil salvage for reclamation. Reclamation and Closure Plan. Vegetation Management Plan.

Loss of baseline ecosystems from the TMF Supernatant Pond.

Not Significant (minor)

Wetland Ecosystems Loss of baseline wetlands (C, O). Minimisation of Project footprint. Site map for wetlands. Maintain soil salvage for reclamation. Reclamation and Closure Plan.

Loss of baseline wetlands from the TMF Supernatant Pond.


Old Forests Loss of baseline old forests (C). Minimisation of Project footprint. Site map of old forest stands within the Project footprint area. Timber Salvage Plan. Vegetation Management Plan. Reclamation and Closure Plan.

Loss of old forests from the WRMF, tailings ponds and northeast embankment.


Species at Risk Land disturbance affects loss of baseline potential ecosystems for species at risk (C).

Minimisation of Project footprint. Species at risk avoidance during construction clearing. Invasive Species Management; Maintain soil salvage for reclamation. Reclamation and Closure Plan.

Loss of potential ecosystems for species at risk.


Ecological Communities at Risk

Loss of baseline ecological communities at risk (C, O, D/C). Introduction and spread of invasive plants (C, O, D/C).

Minimisation of Project footprint; Invasive Species Management. Site map of ecological communities at risk within the Project footprint area. Maintain soil salvage for reclamation. Reclamation and Closure Plan.

Loss of ecological communities at risk.


Cultural Plants Loss of cultural plants and habitat for cultural plants (C, O). Minimisation of Project footprint. Timber Salvage Plan. Invasive Species Management. Maintain soil salvage for reclamation. Reclamation and Closure Plan.

Loss of cultural plants and habitat for cultural plants


Wildlife and Their Habitat

Western Toad Habitat loss (C, O). Mortality (C, O, D/C). Disruption of movement (C,O, D/C). Response to features as attractants (C, O, D/C, PC).

Minimisation of Project footprint. Wildlife Management Plan (identify and avoid sensitive habitat, minimise standing water in roadside ditches, monitor and report wildlife observations including mass toad movements, and survey waterbodies and shorelines prior to clearing vegetation around wetlands and ponds). Reclamation and Closure Plan. Environmental Management System.

Habitat loss change in habitat availability. Disruption of movement; and Mortality.


Olive-Sided Flycatcher Mortality (C, O). Noise disturbance (C, O).

Habitat loss/availability (C, O).

Minimisation of Project footprint. Habitat avoidance (avoid vegetation and tree clearing during the general bird breeding period of 1 April to 31 July). Pre-clearing nest surveys (when clearing within the general bird breeding period). Noise Management Plan (minimise sensory disturbance). Transportation and Access Management Plan (enforce speed limits). Reclamation and Closure Plan (re-vegetation, water quality and aquatic monitoring).

Change in habitat availability / loss. Disturbance from noise (displacement); and Mortality.




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(Summary Statement)

Sooty Grouse Mortality (C, O). Noise disturbance (C, O). Habitat loss (C, O).

Minimisation of Project footprint. Wildlife Management Plan (no hunting policy). Habitat avoidance (avoid vegetation and tree clearing during the general bird breeding period of 1 April to 31 July). Pre-clearing nest surveys (when clearing within the general bird breeding period). Noise Management Plan (minimise sensory disturbance). Transportation and Access Management Plan (enforce Speed Limits). Reclamation and Closure Plan (revegetation, water quality and aquatic monitoring).

Habitat Loss / change in habitat availability. Noise disturbance (displacement), Mortality.

Not Significant (minor)

Northern Goshawk Noise disturbance (displacement) (C, O). Habitat loss (C, O). Mortality (C, O, D/C).

Minimisation of Project footprint. Wildlife Management Plan (carrion removal). Habitat avoidance (avoid vegetation and tree clearing during the general bird breeding period of 1 April to 31 July). Pre-clearing nest surveys (when clearing within the general bird breeding period). Noise Management Plan (minimise sensory disturbance). Transportation and Access Management Plan (enforce Speed Limits). Reclamation and Closure Plan (revegetation, water quality and aquatic monitoring).


American Marten Mortality (C, O); Habitat loss (C, O). Features causing attractants (C, O).

Minimisation of Project footprint. Wildlife Management Plan (carrion removal). Solid Waste Management Plan. Transportation and Access Management Plan (enforce speed limits and gate site access points). Reclamation and Closure Plan (revegetation, water quality and aquatic monitoring).

Mortality; and habitat loss.


Mountain Goat Mortality (C, O, D/C). Attractants (C, O, D/C). Noise disturbance (C, O).

Transportation and Access Management Plan (enforce Speed Limits and gate site access points). Wildlife Management Plan (no hunting policy; wildlife observations, incident and accident reporting). Road management (line-of-sight maintained, provide breaks in snow banks along roads during winter). Noise Management Plan (minimise sensory disturbance).


Moose Mortality (C, O, D/C). Habitat loss (C, O). Noise disturbance causing displacement (C, O).

Minimisation of Project footprint. Wildlife Management Plan (no hunting policy, wildlife observations, incident and accident reporting). Transportation and Access Management Plan (enforce Speed Limits and gate site access points). Road management (line-of-sight maintained, provide breaks in snow banks along roads during winter). Noise Management Plan (minimise sensory disturbance). Reclamation and Closure Plan (revegetation, water quality and aquatic monitoring).

Mortality. Disturbance causing displacement.

Not significant (moderate)



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(Summary Statement)

Grizzly Bear Mortality (C, O, D/C). Habitat Loss (C, O). Attraction (C, O).

Minimise Project footprint. Wildlife Management Plan (no hunting policy, wildlife observations, incident and accident reporting, carrion removal). Solid Waste Management Plan. Bear Management Plan. Transportation and Access Management Plan (enforce Speed Limits and gate site access points). Road management (line-of-sight maintained, provide breaks in snow banks along roads during winter). Noise Management Plan (minimise sensory disturbance). Reclamation and Closure Plan (revegetation, water quality and aquatic monitoring).

Mortality. Attraction to site.


Project phase: C - construction; D/C - decommissioning and closure; O - operations; PC - post-closure

Note: BMI - benthic macro-invertebrate; GHG - greenhouse gas; Ml/ARD - metal leaching / acid rock drainage; NESCP - Northeast Seepage Collection Pond; TMF - Tailings Management Facility; WRMF - Waste Rock Management Facility



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Potential environmental residual effects were carried forward into an assessment of cumulative environmental effects for water quality, freshwater aquatic resources, physiography and topography, and wildlife and their habitat (moose and grizzly bear).

In general, cumulative effects associated with water quality, freshwater aquatic resources, and physiography and topography were primarily related to historical mining activities at the proposed Project mine site, and to ongoing and future exploration within the proposed Project watershed. Cumulative effects associated with moose and grizzly bear were primarily related to current and anticipated future vehicle traffic along the Kitsault transportation route. Potential residual cumulative environmental effects associated with the proposed Project were rated as not significant (minor).

Table 6.13-2 provides a summary of the potential residual cumulative environmental effects of the proposed Project and their significance on key aspects of the environment.



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Table 6.13-2: Summary of Potential Residual Cumulative Environmental Effects Analysis

Valued Components Potential Cumulative Effect

(Note Phase of Proposed Project)

Key Mitigation Measures Potential Residual Cumulative Effect Significance Analysis of

Cumulative Effects (Summary Statement)

Surface Water and Sediment Quality

Surface Water Quality Change in surface water quality from the project interacts with historical mining and exploration on site (C, O, D/C, PC).

No additional mitigation measures proposed to mitigate potential cumulative effects. Mitigation (as stated for residual effects) includes implementation of Water Management Plan, sediment and erosion control, and water treatment (if necessary).

Change in water quality. Not significant (minor)

Freshwater Aquatic Resources

Dolly Varden Change in dolly varden growth, survival and health from combined changes in water quality in Lime Creek due to past deposition of mine tailings and mine effluent from the proposed Project..

No additional mitigation measures proposed to mitigate potential cumulative effects. Mitigation (as stated for residual effects) includes implementation of the water management plan, environmental effect monitoring program, water treatment at closure (if required) and adherence to water quality objectives.

Change in Dolly Varden growth, survival and health from combined changes in water quality in Lime Creek due to past deposition of mine tailings and mine effluent from the proposed Project.


Coho Salmon Project residual effects can interact with past land use activities (mining and channelization of Lime Creek) and current land uses (commercial and recreational fisheries) and together have the potential to reduce the number of coho salmon returning to natal streams to spawn.


Change in growth and survival due to surface water quality from TMF seepage and past deposition of mine tailings in Lime Creek; Change in escapement due to reduced rearing habitat suitability in Lime Creek and increasing fishing pressure in commercial and recreational fisheries


Rainbow Trout Project residual effects on rainbow trout in Clary Lake can interact with the past use of Clary Lake during previous mining operations and the ongoing exploration and potential future mining of the Bell Moly deposit in the upper Clary Creek Watershed.


Potential residual cumulative effect on rainbow trout in Clark Lake due to the change in surface water quality in Clary Lake from TMF seepage and ongoing or future mine exploration at the Bell Moly deposit.


Terrestrial Environment: Terrain, Surficial Geology, and Soils

Physiography and Topography Change in baseline landscape from the project interacts with historical and future land use (PC).

No additional mitigation measures proposed to mitigate potential cumulative effects. Mitigation includes footprint minimisation, erosion control, and closure and reclamation.

Alteration of landscape from baseline condition.


Wildlife and Their Habitat

Moose Potential noise disturbance from project-related vehicle traffic can interact with other transportation noise disturbance (C, O). Potential mortality risk from project-related vehicle traffic along the transportation route can interact with other transportation (C, O). Potential mortality risk from increased winter access and subsequent increase in unregulated hunting or poaching pressure (C, O).

Coordinate and communicate with other major projects and exchange information on traffic schedules, volumes, and composition where relevant and applicable. Exchange wildlife and human accident data and information with other major projects and relevant government agencies. Cooperate and participate (where invited) in any future regional cumulative effects assessment and planning efforts, as well as meetings or workshops related to transportation, access and traffic held by the Nisga’a Nation and/or Aboriginal groups.

Noise disturbance to moose due to increased traffic along transportation route and road utilisation due to increased volume as projects may overlap. Potential mortality of moose from vehicle strikes and access along transportation route due to increased traffic volume as projects may overlap.




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Valued Components Potential Cumulative Effect

(Note Phase of Proposed Project)

Key Mitigation Measures Potential Residual Cumulative Effect Significance Analysis of

Cumulative Effects (Summary Statement)

Grizzly Bear Increased grizzly bear mortality risk from proposed Project-related vehicle traffic in combination with current and future vehicle traffic along the transportation route (C, O).

Coordinate and communicate with other major projects and exchange information on traffic schedules, volumes, and composition where relevant and applicable. Exchange wildlife and human accident data and information with other major projects and relevant government agencies. Cooperate and participate (where invited) in any future regional cumulative effects assessment and planning efforts, as well as meetings or workshops related to transportation, access and traffic held by the Nisga’a Nation and/or Aboriginal groups.

Potential mortality of grizzly bear from vehicle traffic strikes along transportation route due to increased traffic volumes as projects may overlap.


Project phase: C - construction; D/C - decommissioning and closure; O - operations; PC - post-closure

Note: TMF - Tailings Management Facility

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KITSAULT MINE PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT