Base de données de recherche des TNO

étiquettes: physical sciences, mining, environmental monitoring, water sampling, limnology, geochemistry, environmental baseline

Objectif(s): To collect baseline environmental information for future environmental effects monitoring.

Description du projet: To collect baseline environmental information for future environmental effects monitoring. Surveys will include fish, fish habitat, water and sediment quality, and geochemistry. 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 will collect weather data. All surveys will take place within the study area which is defined by a radius of 15 km around the proposed mine site, and a 5 km buffer on each side of the proposed all-weather access road route. Fish and Fish habitat survey methods: An open water to late season fish and fish habitat survey will be conducted within the area potentially impacted by the Project footprint and along the proposed access road route and the proposed transmission line. The fish surveys will compliment surveys conducted since 1998. The survey will identify possible impacts from the mine, access road and on fish habitat. Various fish collection techniques including angling, set nets 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 and Benthic Sediment methods: Late winter and summer water and sediment quality surveys will be conducted within the NICO property on water bodies within and downstream of the Project. These surveys will compliment surveys conducted since 1998. The water and sediment surveys will determine the baseline limnology and chemistry of the water bodies. The water samples will consist of roughly 3 litres of surface water collected by hand. Sediment samples will be collected from sediment cores. Geochemistry Survey methods: Additional geotechnical Investigations to be conducted on the NICO property as follows: • around the perimeter of the proposed tailings basin, to better delineate the permafrost temperature profile with depth; • on the proposed footprints of building foundations; and • to confirm that certain areas that will be buried by mine rock, tailings, or buildings are not sitting on potential ore. Participants from local communities will be asked to assist with the wildlife surveys. Fortune Minerals will continue to consult local communities regarding activities at the NICO Project. Communities will have opportunities to provide input into the wildlife study plans. Results from the monitoring program at NICO will be submitted to the regulatory agencies and communities through land use permits and water licence processes. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from February 27, 2012 to December 31, 2012.