Base de données de recherche des TNO

étiquettes: physical sciences, environmental assessment, mining, limnology, geochemistry, environmental baseline

Objectif(s): To collect environmental baseline information around the proposed mine site.

Description du projet: The objective of this research project is to collect environmental baseline information around the proposed mine site. Equipment for surveys will be limited to standard field measuring and surveying equipment, such as automated water quality monitors, GPS units, motorized inflatable boats, fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. An automated meteorological station will collect weather data. All surveys will take place within the study area which is defined by a radius of 15 km around the proposed mine site, and a 5 km buffer on each side of the proposed all-weather access road route. Fish and Fish habitat survey: A mid to late season fish and fish habitat survey will be conducted within the area potentially impacted by the Project footprint and along the proposed access road route and the proposed transmission line. The fish surveys will compliment surveys conducted since 1998. The survey will identify possible impacts from the mine, access road and the transmission line on fish habitat. Various fish collection techniques including set nets and traps will be used to collect specimens. Fish habitat will be surveyed visually, and depth will be measured using a depth sounder and measuring line. Water and Benthic Sediment: Late winter and summer water and sediment quality surveys will be conducted within the NICO property on water bodies within and downstream of the Project. These surveys will compliment surveys conducted since 1998. The water and sediment surveys will determine the baseline limnology and chemistry of the water bodies. The water samples will consist of roughly 3 litres of surface water collected by hand. Sediment samples will be collected from sediment cores. Geochemistry Survey: Additional geotechnical Investigations to be conducted on the NICO property from July to September will include a geotechnical investigation: • around the perimeter of the proposed tailings basin, to better delineate the permafrost temperature profile with depth; • on the proposed footprints of building foundations; and • to confirm that certain areas that will be buried by mine rock, tailings, or buildings are not sitting on potential ore. Participants from local communities will be asked to assist with the wildlife surveys. Fortune Minerals will continue to consult local communities regarding activities at the NICO Project. Communities will have opportunities to provide input into the wildlife study plans. Fortune Minerals has and will continue to host community meetings to discuss the Nico Project. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from April 13, 2011 to December 31, 2011.