NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: South Slave Region

Tags: physical sciences, water quality, hydrology

Objective(s): To document existing environmental conditions surrounding the Kennady North Diamond Project.

Project Description: The objective of this research is to document existing environmental conditions surrounding the Kennady North Diamond Project. Hydrology studies include the measurement of selected lake inflow and outflow and stream profile through field surveys, and installation of data loggers to continually monitor lake levels through the open-water season. Hydrology studies will be initiated during the spring freshet and continue until fall. Equipment will include survey rod and level, flow measuring rod and gauge, data logger and installation tools. Water quality studies include the collection of water samples from selected lakes to document lake water chemistry and physical parameters in summer and winter. Equipment will include auger, kemmerer and water parameter meter. Aquatic ecosystem studies include collection of phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthic invertebrates, and lakebed sediments in selected lakes. Fish health studies may include fish community and health surveys in lakes and streams using various sampling methods (including small-mesh gill netting, angling, baited minnow trapping and shoreline electrofishing), documenting fish habitat in selected lakes and streams, documentation of fish movement and spawning areas using tagging studies, and population estimates using hydro-acoustic surveys. Vegetation studies may include documenting plant species composition surrounding the Project. Soil characteristics may be documented through collection of soil samples in conjunction with vegetation studies. Dustfall monitoring may also be initiated through deployment of passive dustfall collectors. Groundwater may be studied through the installation of thermistors and wells in existing drill holes. Engagement Plan has been filed with the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board (Land Use Permit MV2013C0023). Results of this study and other Project updates will be regularly provided to surrounding communities. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from April 20, 2017 to December 31, 2017.