NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: South Slave Region

Tags: physical sciences, environmental assessment, water sampling, soil, metals, sediment

Objective(s): To collect additional environmental and geotechnical samples to complete the remedial design.

Project Description: This licence has been issued for the scientific research application No.5051. This project will collect additional environmental and geotechnical samples to complete the remedial design. The former Stark Lake Uranium Exploration site has undergone multiple investigations over the years, and a data gap analysis has indicated that there is additional information required to complete the remedial options and further the remedial design. Staff will travel to site via float plane daily for approximately 6 days, to collect samples of water, soil, rocks, and various site debris. This information will be added to the previous studies that have been completed at this site to develop the remedial plan. Soil samples will be collected from surface, using a trowel or shovel. It is anticipated that the depth of soil is generally limited 15 and 30 cm before bedrock. A hand auger will also be available to use if soil depth is more than 30cm. Maximum depth of sample would be 1m below ground surface. Soil samples will be analyzed for metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons depending on location. Soil samples are being collected to better define background conditions at the site. Water and sediment samples will be collected from stream and surface water sources south east of the mine area, to collect surface water and sediment that is representative of background conditions in the region, and is not impacted by mine activities. Water and sediment samples will be collected from the shallow water areas by scooping up sample from the water edge. Water and sediment samples will be analyzed for total metals. Borrow sources will be evaluated for use in remediation. Borrow will generally be required for road/site upgrades and to provide cover for the waste rock or mined veins (to be confirmed during remedial design following borrow evaluation). Borrow samples will be collected with shovel, rock hammer and pick axe. The borrow will be analyzed for physical properties, like grain size distribution, as well as geochemical properties for acid rock drainage and gamma radiation. Borrow areas will also be evaluated based on the quantity of vegetation present on the surface and any access considerations will be noted (i.e. if it is possible to access with a truck during remediation). The debris on site will be visually inspected for the presence of any hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead paint. Samples will be collected by removing potentially asbestos containing materials and double bagging in plastic bag, or by scraping paint flakes off into plastic bags. The debris will also be categorized for information during remedial design, considering what volume may be able to be incinerated, and what volume may be required to be disposed of off site. An air sample of the air within the adit will be collected and analyzed for Radon, to provide information during remedial design of the adit closure. Topographic survey will be completed of the mined veins area to provide information during the remedial design of the veins. This work is being completed on behalf of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRANC). CIRNAC will lead engagement activities, and plan to include community feedback during the remediation options review and selecting the remedial plan and design. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from August 24, 2021 to December 31, 2021.