Base de données de recherche des TNO

Régions: South Slave Region

étiquettes: physical sciences, contaminants, water quality, fish habitat, hydrology, groundwater, fish presence

Objectif(s): To conduct environmental studies that will support upcoming regulatory applications for the Pine Point Project being developed.

Description du projet: This licence has been issued for the scientific research application No.4582. These studies are to support upcoming regulatory applications for the Pine Point Project being developed by Pine Point Mining Limited (PPML). The additional baseline studies include but are not limited to surface water quality and quantity, groundwater water quality, aquatic environment monitoring, fish and fish habitat, vegetation and soils, and air quality and noise. A variety of standard sampling methods will be used, exact details are yet to be determined. A summary for each discipline is provided. Surface Water Quality: Surface water grab samples from various natural waterbodies, including ponds, lakes, streams and rivers. Samples will be sent to an accredited lab for analysis. Analysis may include measurement of nutrients, total suspended solids, metals. Field parameters will be collected, including temperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and conductivity. Field studies will likely be completed during the fall in open-water conditions and winter in under-ice conditions. Surface Water Quantity: Water level and flow rates will be measured in the field, accompanied by installation of data loggers for continual data collection. Work will be completed before winter freeze-up Groundwater Water Quality: Collection of groundwater samples. Samples will be sent to an accredited lab for analysis. Analysis may include measurement of nutrients, total suspended solids, metals. Field parameters will be collected, including temperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and conductivity. Aquatic environment monitoring: Collection of plankton, sediment and benthic invertebrate samples during the late summer. Fish and Fish Habitat: Surveys for large and small-bodied fish. Surveys may be completed either to confirm the presence or absence of fish in small waterbodies, or in areas of known fisheries (such as Paulette Creek or Little Buffalo River) to fill information gaps. Methods may include electroshocking, gill nets, angling and minnow traps. Vegetation and Soils: Surveys for rare plants or traditionally used plants, accompanied by collection of soil samples to measure metal levels. Soils may also be described for composition. Air Quality and Noise: Possible deployment of a meteorological station to document local weather conditions, particularly wind intensity and direction. Decibel meters with data loggers may be deployed to document background noise levels. PPML have regular community engagement meetings. These studies and the results will be communicated through meetings with all communities. The next scheduled Community Relations meetings are planned for September-October 2019. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from September 13, 2019 to October 31, 2019.