NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: North Slave Region, South Slave Region

Tags: physical sciences, mining, geology, hydrology, environmental baseline, industrial development, seasonal variation

Objective(s): The baseline study is being conducted to aid Avalon Ventures in assessing potential environmental effects of its activities and having adequate environmental information to support filing of regulatory applications in the future.

Project Description: The baseline study is being conducted to aid Avalon Ventures in assessing potential environmental effects of its activities and having adequate environmental information to support filing of regulatory applications in the future. Two years of data collection is important for obtaining baseline ground water hydrology and quality data where seasonal changes in groundwater levels, recharge and discharge rates are observed. Jacques Whitford AXYS has been hired to complete the groundwater baseline study in and around the Thor Lake Area. In 2008, four hydrogeological wells were installed, to a maximum depth of 17.4 m. The monitoring wells will be used to monitor and sample groundwater. Groundwater monitoring and sampling will include measuring depth to water, in order to determine groundwater flow direction and any seasonal changes in the groundwater flow direction. This is necessary in order to determine which body of water is receiving inputs from groundwater, as well as any groundwater surface water interactions. Recovery tests will also be performed; these will be done in order to determine the velocity the groundwater is expected to flow within the unit. In addition, groundwater quality samples will be analyzed for various federally and provincially controlled parameters. This will provide baseline conditions for the Thor Lake area. Local residents will be employed for the baseline study program where possible. Data and analysis for the baseline study will be available to local residents, which will provide scientific and technical information that can be used by local residents for various purposes (e.g. land use planning, economic development). As the Thor Lake project proceeds further into the regulatory process, regulatory review and environmental assessment processes will provide information to affected Aboriginal communities and First Nations. Plain language information and summaries on the proposed research program will also be provided to interested and affected Aboriginal communities, First Nations and other stakeholders. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from May 01 to October 31, 2009, within and adjacent to the Thor Lake Property, approximately 100 km southeast of Yellowknife (62 06’ 27” N; 112 36’ 25” W).