NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Dehcho Region

Tags: water monitoring

Objective(s): To collect baseline aquatic data in advance of the development of the Prairie Creek Mine. The study will be part of the Aquatic Effects Monitoring Program (AEMP) and will satisfy the requirements of the federal Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM).

Project Description: This licence has been issued for the scientific research application No. 5986. To collect baseline aquatic data in advance of the development of the Prairie Creek Mine. The study will be part of the Aquatic Effects Monitoring Program (AEMP) and will satisfy the requirements of the federal Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM). This project involves the collection and assessment of a range of aquatic environmental data, primarily from Prairie Creek, to allow conclusions to be reached and, where necessary, decisions made regarding the ecological condition of the creek and any potential influences or impacts from Mine activities. The 2024 field program is designed to meet the requirements of the AEMP, the Mine’s Water Licence for a Surveillance Network Program (SNP), as well as those that will apply to the mine when operational (under MDMER). The 2024 AEMP program is comprised of the following components: 1. Receiving creek water quality monitoring and toxicity testing; 2. Sediment quality monitoring; 3. Biological monitoring of periphyton and benthic macroinvertebrates; and 4. Fish Surveys. Specific sampling areas were originally selected in discussion with Aboriginal Affairs Northern Development Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Environment and Climate Change Canada at a technical meeting held in Yellowknife on December 20, 2012. Input from the 2023 and 2024 Aquatic Effects Monitoring Program Working Group was also included in the development of the sampling locations. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from: August 01 - September 30, 2024