Sachs Harbour Disposal at Sea Follow up Study
Principal Investigator: Dahl, Mark (2)
Licence Number: 15259
Organization: Environment Canada
Licensed Year(s): 2013 2012
Issued: Jun 13, 2013
Project Team: Craig Broome

Objective(s): To assess if the assumptions made during the disposal at sea permitting process were accurate and if the permit conditions are effective in mitigating impacts.

Project Description: The study is designed to assess if the assumptions made during the disposal at sea permitting process were accurate and if the permit conditions are effective in mitigating impacts. This year’s field work will take place approximately a month prior to ice breakup. Lotek sonic tags (MM -M-16-50) will be firmly attached to wastes in 5 different piles dispersed throughout the disposal site. After placement each tag will be photographed, numbered, its unique signal noted and its position recorded using a GPS (Garmin GPSMAP 76 CS). As the ice melts it will begin to drift and eventually the material will fall into the sea. When sufficient open water is available a boat equipped with two LHP_1 hydrophones and a Lotek MAP 600 RT P2 receiver will be used to locate the tags. Once located tags will be identified using unique signal and its position will be recorded using the above GPS unit. Water depth will be measured using a PDS-2 hand held depth sounder. Video images of the sea floor around the tag location will be collected using an ROV or a drop camera to ascertain waste dispersal pattern and assess state of material decomposition. Further investigation will be dependent upon results. The study report will be provided to the Sachs Harbour Hunters and Trappers Committee and to the board members of the Muskox Company (6355 NWT Ltd.). The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from June 12, 2013 to June 21, 2013.