NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: South Slave Region

Tags: contaminants, environmental monitoring, soil, sediment, benthic invertebrates, mine

Objective(s): To collect additional data including soil, surface water, groundwater, sediment and benthic invertebrate samples to analyze for potential contaminants.

Project Description: This licence has been issued for the scientific research application No.5035. The objective of this field program is to collect additional data including soil, surface water, groundwater, sediment and benthic invertebrate samples to analyze for potential contaminants. This information will help develop a human health and ecological risk assessment, and a remedial action plan to reclaim the site. Field crew will mobilize to site each day in either a helicopter or float plane. Once on site, each area of potential concern will be investigated. Soil samples will be collected by hand excavation. Surface water and sediment samples will be collected either from the shore, or using a small inflatable boat. Groundwater samples will be collected from already existing on site wells using disposable bailers. Also on site will be two wildlife monitors to assist the team in keeping an eye on any potential wildlife and keep everyone safe. All field sampling equipment will be removed from site at the end of the field program. Communication with the Fort Resolution Metis Government and the Deninu Kue´ First Nation has started already and we are hoping to work with one or both of them to hire wildlife monitors and field assistants for this work. Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIENAC) is liaising with the First Nations on archaeological investigations. CIRNAC is currently engaging with other stakeholder groups in NWT and can provide more information on this if needed. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from September 24, 2021 to December 31, 2021.