NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: South Slave Region

Tags: physical sciences, mining, water quality, environmental impact, environmental monitoring, fish habitat, soil, vegetation, wildlife, cumulative effects, environmental responsibility, land use management, fish distribution

Objective(s): The objective of the proposed baseline program at the two sites (Thor Lake and Hay River) is to establish baseline environmental conditions including fisheries, water quality, wildlife, soils, and vegetation. The information gathered during this sampling will be used; 1) to assess environmental changes that may occur dur to mining operations and, 2) to establish the background environmental condition for comparison to monitoring data to be collected in the future. Knowledge of these conditions allow possible environmental effects from the mining process to be minimized both during the lifetime of the project and after mine closure. A diverse range of information will be collected. This will allow an integrated approach to be taken whereby environmental effects can be traced using an ecosystem approach. Possible pathways for environmental change will be explored using physical, chemical, and biological knowledge of each site independently.

Project Description: Fisheries investigations, including habitat identification and possibly gill netting, will be conducted in the four small lakes located within the watershed of the orebody of the Thor Lake site. In lakes with fish, will collect 10 fish (up to two species) for chemical analysis. Fisheries investigations, including habitat mapping, gill netting (to verify fish community), will be undertaken in the vicinity of the proposed process water discharge, either in the Hay River or in Great Slave Lake. Water & sediment quality samples at Thor Lake site collected & analyzed from each of 7 lakes. Water and sediment quality will also be monitored in the vicinity of the proposed process water discharge at the Hay River site, either in the Hay River or in Great Slave Lake. Wildlife studies involve observation of species and habitat. Soil & vegetation will be sampled and mapping will be conducted. Transportation will be by helicopter or light plane. At site, 4-wheel drive quad used along existing haul road and by boat on lakes.