NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Tags: physical sciences, contaminants, water quality, environmental monitoring, sediment quality

Objective(s): To revisit fixed sample stations at near-field, mid-field and far-field sites over the course of the year in an effort to determine any seasonal variation that may exist and confirm impact predictions.

Project Description: The objective of this project is to revisit fixed sample stations at near-field, mid-field and far-field sites over the course of the year in an effort to determine any seasonal variation that may exist and confirm impact predictions. The Aquatic Effects Monitoring Program (AEMP) Version 3.5 will consist of the following components; Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Dust Deposition; Effluent and Water Chemistry; Indicators of Eutrophication; Sediment Chemistry; Plankton; Benthic Invertebrates; Fish Population Health; Contaminants in Fish Tissues; and Weight-of-Evidence. Fish collection will primarily be conducted using Electrofishing and nets. Seasonal Staff will be selected from the local communities to participate in the above-noted program, in addition to other regulated programs. These are Seasonal term position that run April until September. Diavik Diamond Mine Inc. (DDMI) supplies this information to the following boards and government organizations: Wek’eezhii Land and Water Board, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and Environmental Monitoring Advisory Board. Summary information is provided in DDMI's Annual Environmental Agreement report, which is produced every year. The executive summary of this report is translated into several languages. DDMI also updates communities during community visits over the year. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from January 1, 2019 to December 29, 2019.