Community-Based Monitoring Camps
Principal Investigator: LeTourneau, Michele (2)
Licence Number: 14022
Organization: Environmental Monitoring Advisory Board
Licensed Year(s): 2008 2006
Issued: Jul 05, 2006
Project Team: Community members (participants, TG, LKDFN,YKDFN, NSMA), Michele LeTourneau (Facilitator, EMAB), William Nalley (Fisheries Technician, Golder)

Project Description: The community-based monitoring camp was created by Diavik to involve Aboriginal Peoples of communities affected by the mine site. People are concerned with effects on fish, water and caribou. Dust from the mine falls out on lichen and water, which are then consumed by caribou and fish. People will gather information about Diavik and environment-related issues and provide input and recommendations to EMAB. Participants will continue to learn to use scientific equipment and collect samples of water, benthos and sediment. This data will be analyzed to determine if there are any changes to Lac de Gras. This is separate from Diavik's own aquatic effects monitoring sites. Participants will learn about fugitive dust monitoring and lichen studies taking place at the Diavik mine. They will observe dust collection methods and learn about air quality monitoring from a GNWT Environment & Natural Resources expert. Participants will learn about accepted methods and practices out in the field, and will share their own traditional knowledge regarding lichen and caribou, and provide input and recommendation to EMAB that will address improving dust monitoring, including more Aboriginal involvement in monitoring. Participants in this Fish Palatability and Texture Study participate on an annual basis. Community members catch fish, prepare them for eating and evaluate the quality. Community members also record standard biological information on each fish collected. In addition, fish caught but not consumed will be opportunistically used for scientific analysis, under the fisheries authorization. This analysis includes metal content, metallothionein, texture analysis and analysis using an electronic nose. The fish used in the study include Lake Trout and Round Whitefish (approximately 30). Fish capturing uses nets and in consideration of community input, angling will not be used. Community members are paid honoraria. The results of the studies are distributed to EMAB members, parties to the Environmental Agreement, communities, and put on a website. The study will be conducted at Lac de Gras, 110° 30' W and 64°30'N