De Beers - Gahcho Kué Ecological Risk Assessment Program

Regions: North Slave Region

Tags: physical sciences, mining, soil, vegetation, risk assessment

Principal Investigator: Langhorne, Amy (4)
Licence Number: 14962
Organization: Golder Associates Ltd.
Licensed Year(s): 2011
Issued: Sep 07, 2011

Objective(s): To determine baseline metal and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentration in surficial soils and plants growing in the study area.

Project Description: The objective of the plant and soil sampling is to determine baseline metal and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentration in surficial soils and plants growing in the study area. The data will be used in the human health and terrestrial wildlife risk assessment. The proposed study will include the collection of up to 30 co-located soil, plant, and insect samples at six terrestrial locations in one day during September to determine baseline metal and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentration. Samples will be up to 20 grams each, stored in plastic bags and frozen. Samples will be shipped to a laboratory for analysis to determine metal and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentration. Results from the analysis will be used to predict plant concentrations in the Project Application Case. De Beers Canada Inc. has been proactive in providing information to local communities. Surrounding communities have the opportunity to participate as field assistants, where possible, in the implementation of the various environmental monitoring programs, as described in this application. These communities include, Yellowknives Dene First Nation, Tlicho Government, the North Slave Metis Alliance, and the Lutsel K'e Dene First Nations. De Beers does, and will continue to, host meetings to provide updates in all affected communities. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from September 7, 2011 to December 31, 2011.