NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Tags: physical sciences, infrastructure planning, hydroelectric station, all-weather road

Objective(s): The objective of this study is to conduct environmental surveys in the area surrounding the NICO Project camp and along the proposed routes of an all-weather access road and a transmission line to the Snare River Hydroelectric station.

Project Description: The objective of this study is to conduct environmental surveys in the area surrounding the NICO Project camp and along the proposed routes of an all-weather access road and a transmission line to the Snare River Hydroelectric station. The scope of the studies will include fish and fish habitat, hydrology and water quality surveys. Site visits by field staff and assistants will be made during the winter, spring, summer, and fall of 2008. 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 has been set up to collect weather data. 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 mine footprint and along the proposed access road route and the proposed transmission line. The fish surveys will complement surveys conducted in 1998, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. The survey will identify possible impacts from the mine, access road, and transmission line on fish and fish habitat. Various fish collection techniques including gill nets, angling 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 QUALITY Mid to late winter season water quality surveys will be conducted within the NICO property on water bodies within and downstream of the proposed mine footprint. These surveys will complement surveys conducted in 1998, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. The water quality surveys will determine the baseline chemistry of the water bodies. The water samples will consist of roughly 3 litres of surface water collected by hand. HYDROLOGY SURVEY Continued monitoring of surface water flow will be conducted to determine local flow rates and seasonal changes. Hydrology will be monitored through the installation of staff gages and probes at several streams within the study area. Staff gauges and probes will be installed in the early summer, and removed in the fall. An additional survey will be conducted in March 2008 do measure late winter flows in the Marian River. Fortune Minerals will be hosting meetings in all affected communities. Copies of all reports will be made available to each of the communities. This licence has been issued with the condition that the researcher continues to make efforts to include aboriginal organizations / traditional knowledge participation in this research. Fieldwork will be conducted from June 6 to December 31, 2008, within 50 kilometers of the Lou Lake camp, located at 63º 33' N, 116º 46' W.