NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: North Slave Region

Tags: contaminants, water quality, sediment chemistry, vegetation, soil chemistry, aquatic invertebrates

Objective(s): To determine the environmental and physical conditions at nine sites on Gordon Lake and potentially six Gordon Lake south sites.

Project Description: The objective of this program is to determine the environmental and physical conditions at nine sites on Gordon Lake and potentially six Gordon Lake south sites. This will include the identification and quantification of environmental impacts in soil, sediment, surface water and groundwater, and the identification of any hazardous or non-hazardous materials. In addition, samples of biota (including vegetation, fish, benthic invertebrates) may be collected during the field program. In addition, the potential for Acid Rock Drainage will be further investigated and the ground truthing of potential borrow sources. As part of this assessment program, a desktop archaeological assessment program will be completed for each of the sites. If sensitive areas are identified during the desktop review, a field archaeological assessment may occur. A separate archaeological permit is being sought and is not part of the ARI application. Upon completion of this program, Public Works Government Services Canada (PWGSC) and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) will be provided reports detailing the Gordon Lake nine sites and potentially six Gordon Lake south sites. These reports may include: • Gap Assessment results • Updated Human Health and Environmental Risk Assessment • Updated Remedial action plan (including the remedial options assessment) • Updated Borrow Source Assessment Stantec personnel will follow all prescribed PWGSC and AANDC methodologies, Health and Safety requirements and technical sampling protocols. Field investigations may involve a small towable excavator which will be mobilized/ demobilized from each site via helicopter. Completion of sediment sampling will require the use of a boat which may be sourced out of Sandy Point Lodge. Upon the completion of the field program, assessment reports will be prepared. The results will be compiled in a comprehensive report and presented to PWGSC and AANDC, to be made available to the public upon request. PWGSC and AANDC will engage the local communities to communicate the results of the assessment program and work through remedial options analysis to finalized the remedial action plan. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from July 3, 2015 to December 31, 2015.