-
Suite 3083 - 595 Burrard Street, P.O. Box 49298, Vancouver B.C.
Canada V7X 1L3 Telephone: (604) 689-5564 Fax: (604) 566.9050
www.atlanticgoldcorporation.com
[email protected]
June 12, 2017 Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Suite
200, 1801 Hollis Street Halifax, NS 63J 3N4 Environmental
Assessment Branch Nova Scotia Environment Suite 2085, 1903
Barrington Street PO Box 442, Halifax, NS B3J 2P8 To Whom It May
Concern, Atlantic Gold is pleased to continue to move forward the
Environmental Assessment of its proposed Beaver Dam Mine Project.
Please find enclosed the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) as
per the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 and the
Environmental Assessment Registration Document (EARD) as per Nova
Scotia Environmental Assessment Regulations. The undersigned has
signing authority and submits the contents of the EIS / EARD as per
the federal and provincial environmental assessment processes. Any
correspondence regarding the Environmental Assessment should be
directed to the Chief Operating Officer, Maryse Bélanger at
604-689-5564 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
Maryse Bélanger Chief Operating Officer
http://www.atlanticgoldcorporation.com/
-
Beaver Dam Mine Project Environmental Impact Statement
Marinette, Nova Scotia
Prepared on behalf of:
45 Akerley Boulevard Dartmouth Nova Scotia B3B 1J7 Canada
088664 | 12 | Report No 4 | Revised June 12, 2017
-
Beaver Dam Mine Project Environmental Impact Statement
Marinette, Nova Scotia | Page i
Table ES-1 Table of Concordance
CEAA EIS Guidelines Beaver Dam Mine EIS Report
Section Title Section Title 1. Introduction and Overview 1.
Introduction 1,1 The proponent 1.2 Proponent Information 1.2
Project overview 1.1 Project Overview 1.3 Project location 2.1
Project Location
1.4 Regulatory framework 1.3 Regulatory Framework and Role of
Government
2. Project Justification and Alternative Considered 1.4 2.6
Purpose of the Project Alternative Means of Carrying Out the
Project
2.1 Purpose of the Project 1.4 Purpose of the Project
2.2 Alternative means of carrying out the Project 2.6
Alternative Means of Carrying Out the Project
3.0 Project Description 2 Project Description 3.1 Project
components 2.2 Project Components 3.2 Project activities 2.3
Project Activities
3.2.1 Site preparation and construction 2.3.1 Subsections titled
“Site Preparation and Construction”
3.2.2 Operation 2.3.2 Subsections titled “Operation and
Maintenance”
3.2.3 Decommissioning and abandonment 2.3.3 Subsections titled
“Decommissioning and Reclamation”
4. Public Consultation and Concerns 3. Public Consultation and
Engagement Program
5. Aboriginal Engagement and Concerns 4. Indigenous Peoples
Consultation and Engagement Program
5.1 Aboriginal groups to engage and engagement program 4.
Indigenous Peoples Consultation and Engagement Program
6. Effects Assessment 6. Environmental Effects Assessment
6.1 Project setting and baseline conditions 6. Subsections for
each VC titled “Baseline Conditions”
6.1.1 Atmospheric Environment 6.1 Atmospheric Environment 6.1.2
Geology and geochemistry 6.2 Geology, Soil and Sediment Quality
6.1.3 Topography and soil 6.2 Geology, Soil and Sediment
Quality
6.1.4 Groundwater and surface water 6.3 6.4
Groundwater Quality and Quantity Surface Water Quality and
Quantity
6.1.5 Wetlands 6.5 Wetlands 6.1.6 Fish and fish habitat 6.6 Fish
and Fish Habitat 6.1.7 Migratory birds and their habitat 6.9 Birds
6.1.8 Species at risk 6.10 Species at Risk 6.1.9 Ecosystems 6.7/6.8
Habitat and Flora/Terrestrial Fauna
6.1.10 Aboriginal peoples 6.11 App B
Indigenous Peoples Summary of Consultation
-
Beaver Dam Mine Project Environmental Impact Statement
Marinette, Nova Scotia | Page ii
Table ES-1 Table of Concordance
CEAA EIS Guidelines Beaver Dam Mine EIS Report
Section Title Section Title
6.1.11 Other environmental changes arising as a result of a
federal decision… 6.14.5 Environmental Effects Incidental of
Decisions Made by a Federal Authority
6.2 Predicted changes to the physical environment 6.X.6
Subsections for each VC titled “Project Interactions and
Effects”
6.2.1 Changes to the atmospheric environment 6.1.6 Project
Activities Interactions and Effects
6.2.2 Changes to groundwater and surface water 6.3.6, 6.4.6
Project Activities and Surface Water Interactions and Effects;
Project Activities and Groundwater Quality and Quantity
Interactions and Effects
6.2.3 Changes to wetlands 6.5.6 Project Activities and Wetlands
Interactions and Effects
6.2.4 Changes to the terrestrial environment
6.2.6; 6.7.6, 6.8.6
Project Activities Interactions and Effects; Project Activities
and Habitat and Flora Interactions and Effects; Project Activities
and Terrestrial Fauna Interactions and Effects
6.3 Predicted effects on valued components 6.X.6 Subsections for
each VC titled “Project Interactions and Effects”
6.3.1 Fish and fish habitat 6.6.6 Project Activities and Fish
and Fish Habitat Interactions and Effects
6.3.2 Migratory birds 6.9.6 Project Activities and Birds
Interactions and Effects
6.3.3 Species at Risk 6.10.6 Project Activities and Species at
Risk Interactions and Effects
6.3.4 Aboriginal peoples 6.11.6 Project Activities and
Indigenous Peoples Interactions and Effects
6.4 Other valued components that may affected as a result of a
federal decision….
6.X.6 Subsections for each VC titled “Project Interactions and
Effects”
6.4.1 Atmospheric environment 6.1.6 Project Activities
Interactions and Effects
6.4.2 Water quality and quantity 6.3.6/6.4.6
Project Activities and Surface Water Interactions and Effects;
Project Activities and Groundwater Quality and Quantity
Interactions and Effects
6.4.3 Wetlands 6.5.6 Project Activities and Wetlands
Interactions and Effects
6.4.4 Plants 6.7.6 Project Activities and Habitat and Flora
Interactions and Effects
6.4.5 Wildlife 6.8.6 Project Activities and Terrestrial Fauna
Interactions and Effects
6.4.6 Health and socio-economic conditions 6.13.6 Project
Activities Interactions and Effects
-
Beaver Dam Mine Project Environmental Impact Statement
Marinette, Nova Scotia | Page iii
Table ES-1 Table of Concordance
CEAA EIS Guidelines Beaver Dam Mine EIS Report
Section Title Section Title
6.4.7 Physical and cultural heritage and structures… 6.12.6
Project Activities Interactions and Effects
6.5 Mitigation 6.X.7 Subsections for each VC titled “Mitigation
and Monitoring”
6.6 Significance of residual effects 6.X.8 Subsections for each
VC titled “ Residual effects and Significance”
6.7 Other effects to consider
6.15 7 8
Accidents and Malfunctions Effects of the Environment on the
Project Cumulative Effects Assessment
6.7.1 Effects of potential accidents or malfunctions 6.15
Accidents and Malfunctions
6.7.2 Effects of the environment on the Project 7. Effects of
the Environment on the Project
6.7.3 Cumulative effects assessment 8. Cumulative Effects
Assessment
7. Summary of Environmental Effects Assessment 10 Summary of the
Environmental Impact Statement
8. Follow-up and Monitoring Programs 9. Compliance and Effects
Monitoring Program 8.1 Follow-up program 9.1 Environmental
Management Plans 8.2 Monitoring 9.2 Environmental Monitoring
Plans
9. Nova Scotia Environment Requirements
- Name of undertaking 1.2 Proponent Information - Location of
undertaking 2.1 Project Location
- Proponent information 1.2 Proponent Information and signed
letter - Nature of undertaking 1.1 Project Overview - Purpose and
need of undertaking 1.4 Project Purpose and Benefits - Proposed
schedules 2.5 Project Schedule - Description of undertaking 2.
Project Description
- Environmental baseline information 6. Environmental Effects
Assessment
- Address public and Aboriginal concerns
3. 4. 6.11
Public Consultation and Engagement Program Indigenous Peoples
Consultation and Engagement Program
- List of approvals required 1.3 Regulatory framework and Role
of Government - The sources of public funding 1.1 Project
Overview
-
Beaver Dam Mine Project Environmental Impact Statement
Marinette, Nova Scotia | Page iv
Table ES-2 Commonly Used Acronyms
Acronym Expanded Use
AMO Abandoned Mine Opening ANFO Ammonium Nitrate and Fuel Oil
AQI Air Quality Index AQHI Air Quality Health Index ARD Acid Rock
Drainage CAAQS Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards CCME Canadian
Council of Ministers of the Environment CEAA Canadian Environmental
Assessment Agency CEAA 2012 Canadian Environmental Assessment Act,
2012 CEAR Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry CEPA Canadian
Environmental Protection Act CFM Cubic Feet per Minute CIL Carbon
in Leach CLC Citizen Liaison Committee CO Carbon Monoxide CO2 eq
Carbon Dioxide Equivalent Units COSEWIC Committee on the Status of
Endangered Wildlife in Canada DFO Fisheries and Oceans Canada EA
Environmental Assessment EARD Environmental Assessment Registration
Document ECCC Environment and Climate Change Canada EIS
Environmental Impact Statement FWAL Freshwater Aquatic Life GDP
Gross Domestic Product GHG Greenhouse Gas HRM Halifax Regional
Municipality IA Industrial Approval IR Indian Reserve LAA Local
Assessment Area MBR Migratory Birds Regulations MCBA Migratory
Birds Convention Act, 1994 MEKS Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study
MMER Metal Mining Effluent Regulations NOx Oxides of Nitrogen NAPS
National Air Pollution Surveillance Network NPA Navigation
Protection Act, 1985 NPRI National Pollutant Release Inventory
NRCAN Natural Resources Canada
-
Beaver Dam Mine Project Environmental Impact Statement
Marinette, Nova Scotia | Page v
Table ES-2 Commonly Used Acronyms
Acronym Expanded Use
NSAQS Nova Scotia Air Quality Standards NSCCH Nova Scotia
Department of Communities, Culture, and Heritage NSDMA Nova Scotia
Department of Municipal Affairs NSDNR Nova Scotia Department of
Natural Resources NSE Nova Scotia Environment NSTIR Nova Scotia
Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal NWPA
Navigable Waters Protection Act, 1985 (repealed) O3 Ozone PA
Project Area PM Particulate Matter PM2.5 Fine Particulate Matter
PM10 Coarse Particulate Matter RAA Regional Assessment Area ROM Run
Of Mine SAR Species at Risk SARA Species at Risk Act, 2002 SO2
Sulphur Dioxide SOCI Species of Conservation Interest TPM Total
Particulate Matter TSS Total Suspended Solids USEPA United States
Environmental Protection Agency VC Valued Component
-
Beaver Dam Mine Project Environmental Impact Statement
Marinette, Nova Scotia | Page vi
Table ES-3 Units of Measurement List
Unit Expanded Use
cm/year Centimetres per Year g/t Grams per Tonne ha Hectares HZ
Hertz km Kilometre kt Kilotonne kW Kilowatt m Metres masl Metres
Above Sea Level mm Millimetres Mt Megatonne pphm Parts per Hundred
Million t/y Tonnes per Year t/m3 Tonnes per Cubic Metre µg/m3
Micrograms per Cubic Metre V Volt
Table ES-4 Useful Links
Resource/Document
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
https://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En Canadian
Environmental Assessment Agency - Environmental Assessment Registry
https://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/050/index-eng.cfm Canadian
Environmental Assessment Agency - Beaver Dam Mine Project
https://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/050/details-eng.cfm?evaluation=80111
Nova Scotia Environment Environmental Assessment
https://novascotia.ca/nse/ea/ Nova Scotia Environment, Project
Documents and Highlights - Surface Gold Mine at Moose River Gold
Mines, Halifax County http://novascotia.ca/nse/ea/MooseRiver.asp
Environmental Assessment Document for the Touquoy Gold Project,
Moose River Gold Mines, Nova Scotia, dated March 2007
http://novascotia.ca/nse/ea/MooseRiver/MooseRiver_Registration.pdf
Focus Report, Touquoy Gold Project, Moose River Gold Mines, Nova
Scotia, dated November 2007
http://novascotia.ca/nse/ea/MooseRiver/FocusReportTouquoyGoldProject.pdf
Environmental Assessment Approval – Touquoy Gold Project, dated
February 1, 2008
http://novascotia.ca/nse/ea/MooseRiver/MooseRiver_MinDecisionFinal.pdf
https://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=Enhttps://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/050/index-eng.cfmhttps://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/050/details-eng.cfm?evaluation=80111https://novascotia.ca/nse/ea/http://novascotia.ca/nse/ea/MooseRiver.asphttp://novascotia.ca/nse/ea/MooseRiver/MooseRiver_Registration.pdfhttp://novascotia.ca/nse/ea/MooseRiver/FocusReportTouquoyGoldProject.pdfhttp://novascotia.ca/nse/ea/MooseRiver/MooseRiver_MinDecisionFinal.pdf
-
Beaver Dam Mine Project Environmental Impact Statement
Marinette, Nova Scotia | Page i
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
...................................................................................................................................
1
1.1 Project Overview
................................................................................................................
1
1.2 Proponent Information
.......................................................................................................
2
1.2.1 Proponent Profile
..............................................................................................
2 1.2.2 Corporate Governance and Management Structure
........................................ 3 1.2.3 Proponent
Personnel Details
............................................................................
6 1.2.4 Environmental Assessment Study Team
......................................................... 6
1.3 Regulatory Framework and Role of Government
..............................................................
7
1.3.1 Federal Regulatory Framework
......................................................................
10 1.3.1.1 Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012
........................................... 10 1.3.1.2 Fisheries
Act, 1985
.........................................................................................
11 1.3.1.3 Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994
............................................................ 12
1.3.1.4 Species at Risk Act, 2002
...............................................................................
12 1.3.1.5 Navigation Protection Act, 1985
.....................................................................
13 1.3.1.6 Federal Guidance Applicable to the Project
................................................... 13 1.3.2
Provincial Regulatory Framework
...................................................................
14 1.3.2.1 Environment Act, 1995
...................................................................................
14 1.3.2.2 Provincial Guidance Applicable to the Project
................................................ 14 1.3.3 Municipal
Regulatory Framework
...................................................................
15 1.3.4 Indigenous Peoples
........................................................................................
15
1.4 Purpose of the Project
.....................................................................................................
16
1.5 Guiding Principles
............................................................................................................
17
1.5.1 Planning Tool
..................................................................................................
17 1.5.2 Public Participation
.........................................................................................
17 1.5.3 Indigenous Engagement
.................................................................................
17 1.5.4 Precautionary Approach Application
..............................................................
18
1.6 Benefits of the Project
......................................................................................................
19
1.6.1 Environmental Benefits
...................................................................................
19 1.6.2 Socio-economic Benefits
................................................................................
19
2. Project Description
.....................................................................................................................
21
2.1 Project Location and History
............................................................................................
21
2.1.1 Beaver Dam Mine Site
....................................................................................
21 2.1.2 Haul Road for Transporting Ore
.....................................................................
23 2.1.3 Touquoy Processing and Tailings Management Facility
................................ 23 2.1.4 Ecological Setting
...........................................................................................
24
2.2 Project Components
........................................................................................................
25
2.2.1 Beaver Dam Mine Site
....................................................................................
25 2.2.1.1 Surface Mine
...................................................................................................
25 2.2.1.2 Mine Site Roads
.............................................................................................
26 2.2.1.3 Material Storage Piles
....................................................................................
26 2.2.1.4 Ore Stockpiles
................................................................................................
27 2.2.1.5 Operational Facilities
......................................................................................
27
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Beaver Dam Mine Project Environmental Impact Statement
Marinette, Nova Scotia | Page ii
2.2.1.6 Water Management
........................................................................................
29 2.2.2 Haul Roads for Transporting Ore
...................................................................
30 2.2.3 Touquoy Processing and Tailings Management Facility
................................ 32 2.2.3.1 Currently Approved
Operations at the Touquoy Mine ....................................
34 2.2.3.2 Touquoy Gold Mine Environmental Assessment
........................................... 35 2.2.3.2.1 Air
Quality
...................................................................................................
36 2.2.3.2.2 Noise
..........................................................................................................
36 2.2.3.2.3 Surface Water Quality
................................................................................
37 2.2.3.2.4 Terrestrial Resources
.................................................................................
37 2.2.3.3 Existing Industrial Approval at the Touquoy Site
............................................ 37 2.2.3.4 Ongoing
Operations at Touquoy Facility and Benefits to the Beaver
Dam Mine Project
...........................................................................................
38
2.3 Project Activities
...............................................................................................................
39
2.3.1 Site Preparation and Construction (Year 1)
................................................... 39 2.3.1.1
Beaver Dam Mine Site
....................................................................................
39 2.3.1.2 Haul Road
.......................................................................................................
41 2.3.1.3 Touquoy Processing and Tailings Management Facility
................................ 43 2.3.1.4 Existing Environmental
Mitigation and Monitoring Requirements
Associated with Construction
.........................................................................
43 2.3.2 Operation and Maintenance (Years 2 to 5)
.................................................... 44 2.3.2.1
Beaver Dam Mine Site
....................................................................................
44 2.3.2.2 Haul Road
.......................................................................................................
50 2.3.2.3 Touquoy Processing and Tailings Management Facility
................................ 51 2.3.2.4 Existing Environmental
Mitigation and Monitoring Requirements
Associated with Operations
............................................................................
52 2.3.3 Decommissioning and Reclamation (Years 5 to 7 and Beyond)
.................... 55 2.3.3.1 Reclamation Objectives and Goals
................................................................ 56
2.3.3.2 Conceptual Reclamation Plan
........................................................................
56 2.3.3.3 Reclamation Schedule
....................................................................................
59 2.3.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
...........................................................................
60 2.3.5 Summary of Changes to Project Activities
..................................................... 60
2.4 Accidents and Malfunctions
.............................................................................................
61
2.4.1 Structural
Failures...........................................................................................
61 2.4.1.1 Surface Mine Slope Failure
............................................................................
61 2.4.1.2 Stockpile Slope Failure
...................................................................................
61 2.4.1.3 Settling Pond Failure
......................................................................................
62 2.4.1.4 Infrastructure Failure
......................................................................................
62 2.4.2 Accidents
........................................................................................................
62 2.4.2.1 Fuel and/or Other Spills
..................................................................................
62 2.4.2.2 Unplanned Explosive Events
..........................................................................
63 2.4.2.3 Mobile Equipment Accident
............................................................................
63 2.4.3 Other
Malfunctions..........................................................................................
63 2.4.3.1 Forest and/or Site Fires
..................................................................................
63
2.5 Project Schedule
..............................................................................................................
63
2.6 Alternative Means of Carrying out the Project
.................................................................
68
2.6.1 Identification of Alternative
Means..................................................................
68 2.6.2 Mine Type
.......................................................................................................
69 2.6.3 Ore Extraction Methods
..................................................................................
70 2.6.4 Ore Processing Methods
................................................................................
70 2.6.5 Ore Processing Locations
..............................................................................
71 2.6.6 Ore
Transportation..........................................................................................
72
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Beaver Dam Mine Project Environmental Impact Statement
Marinette, Nova Scotia | Page iii
2.6.7 Energy Source
................................................................................................
73 2.6.8 Project Component Locations
........................................................................
73 2.6.9 Water Supply and Management
.....................................................................
74 2.6.10 Mine Waste Management
Facilities................................................................
75 2.6.11 The Preferred Approach
.................................................................................
76
3. Public Consultation and Engagement Program
.........................................................................
83
3.1 Objectives
........................................................................................................................
83
3.2 Engagement Strategy
......................................................................................................
83
3.2.1 Community Liaison Committee
.......................................................................
83 3.2.2 Open Houses and Town Hall Meetings
.......................................................... 84 3.2.3
Presentations and Meetings with Local Community Groups
.......................... 84 3.2.4 Newsletters
.....................................................................................................
85 3.2.5 Signage
...........................................................................................................
85 3.2.6 Website, Email and other Digital Media
......................................................... 85 3.2.7
Media and Press Releases
.............................................................................
85 3.2.8 Meetings with Local Residents and Land Owners
......................................... 86 3.2.9 Complaints
Response Procedure
...................................................................
86
3.3 Regulatory Consultation
...................................................................................................
86
3.4 Public Engagement Activities
..........................................................................................
87
3.4.1 Community Open Houses
..............................................................................
87 3.4.2 Community Liaison Committee
.......................................................................
88
3.5 Key Issued Raised and Proponent Responses
...............................................................
88
3.6 Ongoing Community Engagement
...................................................................................
91
4. Indigenous Peoples Consultation and Engagement Program
................................................... 91
4.1 Objectives
........................................................................................................................
91
4.2 Indigenous People in Nova Scotia
...................................................................................
92
4.3 Engagement Strategy
......................................................................................................
94
4.4 Indigenous Peoples Engagement
Activities.....................................................................
95
4.4.1 Community Open Houses
..............................................................................
96 4.4.2 Community Liaison Committee
.......................................................................
97
4.5 Key Issues Raised and Proponent Responses
...............................................................
98
4.6 Ongoing Indigenous Peoples Engagement
...................................................................
101
5. Environmental Effects Assessment Methodology
....................................................................
102
5.1 Scope of the Environmental Assessment
......................................................................
102
5.1.1 Designated Project
.......................................................................................
102 5.1.2 Factors to be Considered
.............................................................................
104 5.1.3 Scope of Factors to be Considered
..............................................................
104
5.2 Overview of Approach
....................................................................................................
105
5.3 Valued Components Selection
......................................................................................
106
5.4 Project Boundaries
.........................................................................................................
113
5.4.1 Temporal Boundaries
...................................................................................
113
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Beaver Dam Mine Project Environmental Impact Statement
Marinette, Nova Scotia | Page iv
5.4.2 Spatial Boundaries
.......................................................................................
113 5.4.3 Administrative Boundaries
............................................................................
115 5.4.4 Technical Boundaries
...................................................................................
115
5.5 Standards or Thresholds for Characterizing and Determining
Significance of Effects .. 116
5.6 Baseline Conditions
.......................................................................................................
116
5.7 Anticipated Project-Environment
Interaction..................................................................
116
5.8 Effects Prediction
...........................................................................................................
123
5.9 Mitigation Measures
.......................................................................................................
123
5.10 Residual Effects and the Determination of Significance
................................................ 123
5.11 Follow-up and Effects Monitoring
..................................................................................
125
5.12 Effects of the Environment on the Project
.....................................................................
126
6. Environmental Effects Assessment
..........................................................................................
126
6.1 Atmospheric Environment
..............................................................................................
126
6.1.1 Rationale for Valued Component Selection
................................................. 126 6.1.2
Baseline Program Methodology
...................................................................
127 6.1.3 Baseline Conditions
......................................................................................
128 6.1.3.1 Ambient Air Quality Standards
.....................................................................
128 6.1.3.2 Preliminary Local Ambient Air Quality
.......................................................... 129
6.1.3.3 Regional Ambient Air Quality
........................................................................
130 6.1.3.4 Baseline Ambient Air Quality
........................................................................
132 6.1.3.5 Provincial and Federal Greenhouse Gas Limits
........................................... 132 6.1.3.6 Ambient
Noise
..............................................................................................
133 6.1.3.7 Ambient Light
................................................................................................
136 6.1.3.8 Climate and Meteorological Information
....................................................... 136 6.1.4
Consideration of Consultation and Engagement Results
............................. 137 6.1.5 Effects Assessment
Methodology
................................................................
137 6.1.5.1 Boundaries
....................................................................................................
137 6.1.5.2 Thresholds for Determination of Significance
............................................... 138 6.1.6 Project
Activities Interactions and Effects
.................................................... 140 6.1.6.1
Dust and Particulate Emissions
....................................................................
142 6.1.6.1.1 Beaver Dam Mine Site and Haul Road
.................................................... 142 6.1.6.1.2
Touquoy Processing Facility
....................................................................
143 6.1.6.2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
.........................................................................
143 6.1.6.2.1 Beaver Dam Mine Site and Haul Road
.................................................... 144 6.1.6.2.2
Touquoy Processing Facility
....................................................................
144 6.1.6.2.3 Overall Project
..........................................................................................
145 6.1.6.3 Noise Emissions
...........................................................................................
145 6.1.6.3.1 Beaver Dam Mine Site and Haul Road
.................................................... 145 6.1.6.3.2
Touquoy Processing Facility
....................................................................
146 6.1.6.4 Light Levels
...................................................................................................
147 6.1.6.4.1 Beaver Dam Mine Site and Haul Road
.................................................... 147 6.1.6.4.2
Touquoy Processing Facility
....................................................................
147 6.1.7 Mitigation and Monitoring
.............................................................................
148 6.1.7.1 Dust and Particulate Emissions
....................................................................
148 6.1.7.2 GHG Emissions
............................................................................................
150 6.1.7.3 Noise Emissions
...........................................................................................
150 6.1.7.4 Light Levels
...................................................................................................
151 6.1.8 Residual Effects and Significance
................................................................
154 6.1.9 Proposed Compliance and Effects Monitoring Program
.............................. 157
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Beaver Dam Mine Project Environmental Impact Statement
Marinette, Nova Scotia | Page v
6.2 Geology, Soil, and Sediment Quality
.............................................................................
157
6.2.1 Rationale for Valued Component Selection
................................................. 157 6.2.2
Baseline Program Methodology
...................................................................
158 6.2.3 Baseline Conditions
......................................................................................
159 6.2.3.1 Physiography, Geomorphology, and Topography
........................................ 159 6.2.3.2 Soils and
Sediment
.......................................................................................
159 6.2.3.2.1 Sediment Quality – Beaver Dam Mine Site
............................................. 161 6.2.3.2.2
Sediment Quality - Touquoy Site
............................................................. 162
6.2.3.3 Surficial
Geology...........................................................................................
163 6.2.3.4 Bedrock Geology
..........................................................................................
163 6.2.3.5 Seismic Activity
.............................................................................................
167 6.2.3.6 Isostatic Uplift and Subsidence
....................................................................
168 6.2.3.7 Landslides, Slope Erosion, and Subsidence Following
Project Activities .... 168 6.2.4 Consideration of Consultation and
Engagement Results ............................. 169 6.2.5 Effects
Assessment Methodology
................................................................
169 6.2.5.1 Boundaries
....................................................................................................
169 6.2.5.2 Thresholds for Determination of Significance
............................................... 170 6.2.6 Project
Activities Interactions and Effects
.................................................... 170 6.2.7
Mitigation and Monitoring
.............................................................................
172 6.2.8 Residual Effects and Significance
................................................................
173 6.2.9 Proposed Compliance and Effects Monitoring Program
.............................. 175
6.3 Surface Water Quality and Quantity
..............................................................................
175
6.3.1 Rationale for Valued Component Selection
................................................. 175 6.3.2
Baseline Program Methodology
...................................................................
176 6.3.2.1 Project Watersheds Location
........................................................................
176 6.3.2.2 Surface Water Quality
..................................................................................
177 6.3.2.2.1 Beaver Dam Mine Site and Haul Road
.................................................... 177 6.3.2.2.2
Touquoy Processing Facility
....................................................................
178 6.3.2.3 Surface Water Quantity
................................................................................
179 6.3.3 Baseline Conditions
......................................................................................
179 6.3.3.1 Surface Water Features
...............................................................................
179 6.3.3.1.1 Beaver Dam Mine Site
.............................................................................
179 6.3.3.1.1 Haul Road
................................................................................................
184 6.3.3.1.1 Touquoy Processing and Tailings Management Facility
......................... 192 6.3.3.2 Surface Water Quality
..................................................................................
192 6.3.3.3 Surface Water Quantity
................................................................................
196 6.3.3.3.1 Beaver Dam Mine Site
.............................................................................
196 6.3.3.3.2 Haul Road
................................................................................................
200 6.3.3.3.3 Touquoy Processing and Tailings Management Facility
......................... 200 6.3.4 Consideration of Consultation
and Engagement Results ............................. 200 6.3.5
Effects Assessment Methodology
................................................................
201 6.3.5.1 Boundaries
....................................................................................................
201 6.3.5.2 Thresholds for Determination of Significance
............................................... 202 6.3.6 Project
Activities and Surface Water Interactions and Effects
..................... 203 6.3.6.1 Beaver Dam Mine Site
..................................................................................
206 6.3.6.2 Haul Road
.....................................................................................................
206 6.3.6.3 Touquoy Processing and Tailings Management Facility
.............................. 206 6.3.7 Mitigation and Monitoring
.............................................................................
208 6.3.7.1 Surface Water Quality
..................................................................................
208 6.3.8 Residual Effects and Significance
................................................................
210 6.3.9 Proposed Compliance and Effects Monitoring Program
.............................. 214
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6.4 Groundwater Quality and Quantity
................................................................................
214
6.4.1 Rationale for Valued Component Selection
................................................. 214 6.4.2
Baseline Program Methodology
...................................................................
215 6.4.3 Baseline Conditions
......................................................................................
216 6.4.3.1 Hydrogeology
................................................................................................
221 6.4.3.2 Beaver Dam Mine Site
..................................................................................
222 6.4.3.3 Touquoy Gold Mine
......................................................................................
224 6.4.4 Consideration of Consultation and Engagement Results
............................. 225 6.4.5 Effects Assessment
Methodology
................................................................
225 6.4.5.1 Boundaries
....................................................................................................
225 6.4.5.2 Thresholds for Determination of Significance
............................................... 226 6.4.6 Project
Activities and Groundwater Quality and Quantity Interactions
and Effects
....................................................................................................
226 6.4.6.1 Beaver Dam Mine Site and Haul Road
........................................................ 228
6.4.6.2 Touquoy Processing Facility
.........................................................................
229 6.4.7 Mitigation and Monitoring
.............................................................................
230 6.4.8 Residual Effects and Significance
................................................................
233 6.4.9 Proposed Compliance and Effects Monitoring Program
.............................. 237
6.5 Wetlands
........................................................................................................................
238
6.5.1 Rationale for Valued Component Selection
................................................. 238 6.5.2
Baseline Program Methodology
...................................................................
238 6.5.2.1 Wetland Functional Assessment
..................................................................
240 6.5.3 Baseline Conditions
......................................................................................
240 6.5.3.1 Functional Assessment Results
...................................................................
249 6.5.4 Consideration of Consultation and Engagement Results
............................. 287 6.5.5 Effects Assessment
Methodology
................................................................
288 6.5.5.1 Boundaries
....................................................................................................
288 6.5.5.2 Thresholds for Determination of Significance
............................................... 288 6.5.6 Project
Activities and Wetlands Interactions and Effects
............................. 288 6.5.6.1 Wetland Impacts
...........................................................................................
290 6.5.6.2 Impacts to Groundwater
Recharge...............................................................
294 6.5.6.3 Wetland Impact Extent
.................................................................................
295 6.5.6.4 Wetland Avoidance
.......................................................................................
301 6.5.7 Mitigation and Monitoring
.............................................................................
302 6.5.7.1 Monitoring
.....................................................................................................
308 6.5.8 Residual Effects and Significance
................................................................
309 6.5.9 Proposed Compliance and Effects Monitoring Program
.............................. 312
6.6 Fish and Fish Habitat
.....................................................................................................
312
6.6.1 Rationale for Valued Component Selection
................................................. 312 6.6.2
Baseline Program Methodology
...................................................................
313 6.6.2.1 Electrofishing
................................................................................................
313 6.6.2.2 Fish Collection and Characterization
............................................................ 315
6.6.2.3 Water quality
.................................................................................................
317 6.6.2.4 Aquatic Ecosystem Condition
.......................................................................
317 6.6.3 Baseline Conditions
......................................................................................
319 6.6.3.1 Fish Habitat Assessment
..............................................................................
319 6.6.3.2 Electrofishing
................................................................................................
333 6.6.3.3 Fish Collection
..............................................................................................
341 6.6.3.4 Characterization of Fish Populations
............................................................ 345
6.6.3.5 Water Quality
................................................................................................
347 6.6.3.6 Aquatic Ecosystem Condition
.......................................................................
350 6.6.4 Consideration of Consultation and Engagement Results
............................. 361
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6.6.5 Effects Assessment Methodology
................................................................
361 6.6.5.1 Boundaries
....................................................................................................
361 6.6.5.2 Thresholds for Determination of Significance
............................................... 362 6.6.6 Project
Activities and Fish and Fish Habitat Interactions and Effects
.......... 362 6.6.7 Mitigation and Monitoring
.............................................................................
377 6.6.8 Residual Effects and Significance
................................................................
383 6.6.9 Proposed Compliance and Effects Monitoring Program
.............................. 386
6.7 Habitat and Flora
...........................................................................................................
386
6.7.1 Rationale for Valued Component Selection
................................................. 386 6.7.2
Baseline Program Methodology
...................................................................
387 6.7.2.1 Priority Species List Methodology and Desktop
Evaluation ......................... 387 6.7.2.2 Habitat Survey
..............................................................................................
390 6.7.2.3 Vascular Plant Surveys
................................................................................
392 6.7.2.4 Lichen Surveys
.............................................................................................
392 6.7.3 Baseline Conditions
......................................................................................
392 6.7.3.1 Habitat
..........................................................................................................
392 6.7.3.1.1 Very Poor Nutrient Regime
......................................................................
399 6.7.3.1.2 Poor Nutrient
Regime...............................................................................
399 6.7.3.1.3 Medium Nutrient Regime
.........................................................................
399 6.7.3.1.4 Rich Nutrient Regime
...............................................................................
400 6.7.3.1.5 Habitat Survey Conclusions
.....................................................................
400 6.7.3.2 Vascular Plants
.............................................................................................
401 6.7.3.3 Lichens
.........................................................................................................
402 6.7.4 Consideration of Consultation and Engagement Results
............................. 403 6.7.5 Effects Assessment
Methodology
................................................................
404 6.7.5.1 Boundaries
....................................................................................................
404 6.7.5.2 Thresholds for Determination of Significance
............................................... 404 6.7.6 Project
Activities and Habitat and Flora Interactions and Effects
................. 404 6.7.7 Mitigation and Monitoring
.............................................................................
409 6.7.8 Residual Effects and Significance
................................................................
413 6.7.9 Proposed Compliance and Effects Monitoring Program
.............................. 416
6.8 Terrestrial Fauna
............................................................................................................
416
6.8.1 Rationale for Valued Component Selection
................................................. 416 6.8.2
Baseline Program Methodology
...................................................................
416 6.8.3 Baseline Conditions
......................................................................................
417 6.8.3.1 Mammals
..................................................................................................
417 6.8.3.1.1 Mainland Moose
.......................................................................................
418 6.8.3.1.2 Bats
..........................................................................................................
418 6.8.3.2 Herpetofauna
................................................................................................
419 6.8.3.3 Summary of Fauna and Habitat within the PA
............................................. 419 6.8.4
Consideration of Consultation and Engagement Results
............................. 421 6.8.5 Effects Assessment
Methodology
................................................................
421 6.8.5.1 Boundaries
....................................................................................................
421 6.8.5.2 Thresholds for Determination of Significance
............................................... 422 6.8.6 Project
Activities and Fauna Interactions and Effects
.................................. 422 6.8.7 Mitigation and
Monitoring
.............................................................................
426 6.8.8 Residual Effects and Significance
................................................................
433 6.8.9 Proposed Compliance and Effects Monitoring Program
.............................. 436
6.9 Birds
...............................................................................................................................
436
6.9.1 Rationale for Valued Component Selection
................................................. 436 6.9.2 Desktop
Review
............................................................................................
437 6.9.2.1 Maritime Breeding Bird Atlas
........................................................................
437
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Beaver Dam Mine Project Environmental Impact Statement
Marinette, Nova Scotia | Page viii
6.9.2.2 Important Bird Areas
.....................................................................................
438 6.9.2.3 Baseline Program Methodology
...................................................................
439 6.9.2.4 Fall Migration
................................................................................................
439 6.9.2.5 Winter birds
...................................................................................................
440 6.9.2.6 Spring Diurnal Raptor Migration
...................................................................
440 6.9.2.7 Spring Nocturnal Owl
....................................................................................
441 6.9.2.8 Spring
Migration............................................................................................
442 6.9.2.9 Breeding Birds
..............................................................................................
442 6.9.2.9.1 Point Counts
.............................................................................................
442 6.9.2.9.2 Common Nighthawk
.................................................................................
443 6.9.3 Baseline Conditions
......................................................................................
443 6.9.3.1 Winter Birds
..................................................................................................
451 6.9.3.2 Spring Diurnal Raptor Migration
...................................................................
451 6.9.3.3 Nocturnal Owl
...............................................................................................
451 6.9.3.4 Fall Migration
................................................................................................
451 6.9.3.5 Spring
Migration............................................................................................
452 6.9.3.6 Breeding Season
..........................................................................................
453 6.9.3.7 Common Nighthawk
.....................................................................................
456 6.9.3.8 Discussion
....................................................................................................
456 6.9.4 Consideration of Consultation and Engagement Results
............................. 458 6.9.5 Effects Assessment
Methodology
................................................................
458 6.9.5.1 Boundaries
....................................................................................................
458 6.9.6 Project Activities and Birds Interactions and Effects
.................................... 459 6.9.7 Mitigation and
Monitoring
.............................................................................
465 6.9.8 Residual Effects and Significance
................................................................
468 6.9.9 Proposed Compliance and Effects Monitoring Program
.............................. 471
6.10 Species of Conservation Interest and Species at Risk
.................................................. 471
6.10.1 Rationale for Valued Component Selection
................................................. 471 6.10.2
Baseline Program Methodology
...................................................................
472 6.10.2.1 Priority Fish Survey Methods
........................................................................
472 6.10.2.2 Priority Vascular Flora Survey Methods
....................................................... 472
6.10.2.3 Priority Lichen Survey Methods
....................................................................
472 6.10.2.4 Mainland Moose Survey Methods
................................................................
473 6.10.2.5 Bat Survey Methods
.....................................................................................
474 6.10.2.6 Priority Herpetofauna Survey Methods
........................................................ 474
6.10.2.7 Priority Invertebrate Survey Methods
........................................................... 475
6.10.2.8 Priority Bird Survey Methods
........................................................................
475 6.10.3 Baseline Conditions
......................................................................................
476 6.10.3.1 Priority Fish Species
.....................................................................................
476 6.10.3.1.1 Blacknose Dace
.......................................................................................
477 6.10.3.1.2 American Eel
............................................................................................
477 6.10.3.1.3 Atlantic Salmon
........................................................................................
480 6.10.3.1.4 Fish SAR & SOCI Summary
....................................................................
483 6.10.3.2 Priority Vascular Flora Species
....................................................................
483 6.10.3.2.1 Wiegand’s Sedge
.....................................................................................
489 6.10.3.2.2 Lesser Rattlesnake Plantain
....................................................................
489 6.10.3.2.3 Southern Twayblade
................................................................................
489 6.10.3.2.4 Appalachian Polypody
.............................................................................
490 6.10.3.2.5 Highbush
Blueberry..................................................................................
490 6.10.3.2.6 Vascular Flora SAR & SOCI Summary
.................................................... 490 6.10.3.3
Priority Lichen Species
.................................................................................
490 6.10.3.3.1 Blistered Jellyskin Lichen
.........................................................................
492 6.10.3.3.2 Blistered Tarpaper Lichen
........................................................................
493 6.10.3.3.3 Blue Felt Lichen
.......................................................................................
493
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Beaver Dam Mine Project Environmental Impact Statement
Marinette, Nova Scotia | Page ix
6.10.3.3.4 Boreal Felt Lichen
....................................................................................
493 6.10.3.3.5 Frosted Glass-whiskers Lichen
................................................................
494 6.10.3.3.6 Peppered Moon Lichen
............................................................................
494 6.10.3.3.7 Lichen SAR & SOCI Summary
................................................................
494 6.10.3.4 Priority Terrestrial Mammal Species
............................................................. 495
6.10.3.4.1 Mainland Moose
.......................................................................................
496 6.10.3.4.2 Bats
..........................................................................................................
498 6.10.3.4.3 Terrestrial Fauna SAR & SOCI Summary
............................................... 499 6.10.3.5
Priority Herpetofauna Species
......................................................................
500 6.10.3.6 Priority Invertebrates
....................................................................................
502 6.10.3.7 Priority Birds
.................................................................................................
505 6.10.3.7.1 Bird species observed within the Project Area
........................................ 506 6.10.3.7.2 Common
Nighthawk
.................................................................................
511 6.10.3.7.3 Peregrine Falcon
......................................................................................
511 6.10.3.7.4 Chimney Swift
..........................................................................................
512 6.10.3.7.5 Olive-sided
Flycatcher..............................................................................
512 6.10.3.7.6 Canada Warbler
.......................................................................................
512 6.10.3.7.7 Rusty Blackbird
........................................................................................
513 6.10.3.7.8 Barn Swallow
...........................................................................................
513 6.10.3.7.9 Eastern Wood-Pewee
..............................................................................
514 6.10.3.7.10 Bird SAR & SOCI Summary
.....................................................................
514 6.10.4 Consideration of Consultation and Engagement Results
............................. 516 6.10.5 Effects Assessment
Methodology
................................................................
516 6.10.5.1 Boundaries
....................................................................................................
516 6.10.5.2 Thresholds for Determination of Significance
............................................... 517 6.10.6 Project
Activities and Species of Conservation Interest and Species at
Risk
Interactions and Effects
................................................................................
517 6.10.6.1 Priority Fish Species
.....................................................................................
518 6.10.6.2 Priority Vascular Flora and Lichens
.............................................................. 519
6.10.6.3 Priority Terrestrial Fauna
..............................................................................
520 6.10.6.4 Priority Birds
.................................................................................................
522 6.10.7 Mitigation and Monitoring
.............................................................................
523 6.10.7.1 Priority Fish Species
.....................................................................................
523 6.10.7.2 Priority Vascular Flora and Lichens
.............................................................. 524
6.10.7.3 Priority Terrestrial Fauna Species
................................................................
524 6.10.7.4 Priority Birds
.................................................................................................
525 6.10.8 Residual Effects and Significance
................................................................
526 6.10.8.1 Priority Fish Species
.....................................................................................
527 6.10.8.2 Priority Vascular Flora and Lichens
.............................................................. 528
6.10.8.3 Priority Terrestrial Fauna Species
................................................................
530 6.10.8.4 Priority Bird Species
.....................................................................................
532 6.10.9 Proposed Compliance and Effects Monitoring Program
.............................. 534
6.11 Indigenous Peoples
.......................................................................................................
535
6.11.1 Rationale for Valued Component Selection
................................................. 535 6.11.2
Baseline Program Methodology
...................................................................
535 6.11.3 Baseline Conditions
......................................................................................
537 6.11.3.1 Historic Mi’kmaq Land and Resource Use
................................................... 540 6.11.3.2
Current Mi’kmaq Land and Resource Use
................................................... 541 6.11.4
Consideration of Consultation and Engagement Results
............................. 542 6.11.5 Effects Assessment
Methodology
................................................................
543 6.11.5.1 Boundaries
....................................................................................................
543 6.11.5.2 Thresholds for Determination of Significance
............................................... 544 6.11.6 Project
Activities and Indigenous Peoples Interactions and Effects
............. 544 6.11.7 Mitigation and Monitoring
.............................................................................
557
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Beaver Dam Mine Project Environmental Impact Statement
Marinette, Nova Scotia | Page x
6.11.8 Residual Effects and Significance
................................................................
558 6.11.9 Proposed Compliance and Effects Monitoring Program
.............................. 562
6.12 Physical and Cultural Heritage
......................................................................................
562
6.12.1 Rationale for Valued Component Selection
................................................. 562 6.12.2
Baseline Program Methodology
...................................................................
562 6.12.3 Baseline Conditions
......................................................................................
563 6.12.4 Consideration of Consultation and Engagement Results
............................. 565 6.12.5 Effects Assessment
Methodology
................................................................
565 6.12.5.1 Boundaries
....................................................................................................
565 6.12.5.2 Thresholds for Determination of Significance
............................................... 566 6.12.6 Project
Activities and Physical and Cultural Heritage Interactions and
Effects
...........................................................................................................
566 6.12.7 Mitigation and Monitoring
.............................................................................
567 6.12.8 Residual Effects and Significance
................................................................
568 6.12.9 Proposed Compliance and Effects Monitoring Program
.............................. 571
6.13 Human Health and Socio-economic Considerations
..................................................... 571
6.13.1 Rationale for Valued Component Selection
................................................. 571 6.13.2
Baseline Conditions
......................................................................................
571 6.13.2.1 Nova Scotia Economic Outlook
....................................................................
571 6.13.2.2 Socio-economic Conditions
..........................................................................
572 6.13.2.3 Infrastructure
.................................................................................................
574 6.13.3 Land and Resource Use
...............................................................................
575 6.13.3.1 Existing Land Use
.........................................................................................
575 6.13.3.2 Land Ownership and Tenure
........................................................................
575 6.13.3.3 First Nation Land and Resource Use
........................................................... 576
6.13.3.4 Protected Areas, Nature Reserves, and Parks
............................................ 576 6.13.3.5 Tourism
and Recreation
...............................................................................
577 6.13.3.6 Natural Resource Use
..................................................................................
577 6.13.4 Consideration of Consultation and Engagement Results
............................. 577 6.13.5 Effects Assessment
Methodology
................................................................
578 6.13.5.1 Boundaries
....................................................................................................
578 6.13.5.2 Thresholds for Determination of Significance
............................................... 579 6.13.6 Project
Activities and Health and Socio-economic Conditions
Interactions
and Effects
....................................................................................................
579 6.13.6.1 Touquoy Processing and Tailings Management Facility
.............................. 583 6.13.7 Mitigation and Monitoring
.............................................................................
583 6.13.8 Residual Effects and Significance
................................................................
584 6.13.9 Proposed Compliance and Effects Monitoring Program
.............................. 588
6.14 Assessment of Valued Components within Federal Jurisdiction
................................... 588
6.14.1 Environmental Effects within Federal Jurisdiction
........................................ 588 6.14.2 Environmental
Effects on Federal or Transboundary Lands ........................
591 6.14.3 Environmental Effects on Indigenous Peoples
............................................. 591 6.14.4 Power or
Duty by Federal
Authority..............................................................
592 6.14.5 Environmental Effects Incidental of Decisions Made by a
Federal Authority 593
6.15 Accidents and Malfunctions
...........................................................................................
594
6.15.1 Assessment Methodology
............................................................................
595 6.15.2 Hazard Identification
.....................................................................................
596 6.15.3 Structural
Failures.........................................................................................
596 6.15.3.1 Surface Mine Slope Failure
..........................................................................
596 6.15.3.2 Stockpile Slope Failure
.................................................................................
600
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Beaver Dam Mine Project Environmental Impact Statement
Marinette, Nova Scotia | Page xi
6.15.3.3 Settling Pond Failure
....................................................................................
602 6.15.3.4 Infrastructure Failure
....................................................................................
605 6.15.4 Accidents
......................................................................................................
608 6.15.4.1 Fuel and/or Other Spills
................................................................................
608 6.15.4.2 Unplanned Explosive Event
..........................................................................
611 6.15.4.3 Mobile Equipment Accident
..........................................................................
613 6.15.5 Other
Malfunctions........................................................................................
617 6.15.5.1 Forest and/or Site Fires
................................................................................
617 6.15.6 Risk Assessment
..........................................................................................
620 6.15.7 Discussion
....................................................................................................
624
7. Effects of the Environment on the Project
................................................................................
624
7.1 Environmental Considerations
.......................................................................................
624
7.1.1 Extreme Weather
..........................................................................................
625 7.1.1.1 Flood and Drought Conditions
......................................................................
625 7.1.1.2 Extreme Temperatures, Storms, and Wind
.................................................. 625 7.1.1.3
Lightning Strikes
...........................................................................................
626 7.1.2 Climate Change
............................................................................................
626 7.1.3 Slope Stability
...............................................................................................
626 7.1.4 Seismic Events
.............................................................................................
627
7.2 Mitigations
......................................................................................................................
627
7.3 Residual Effects
.............................................................................................................
629
8. Cumulative Effects Assessment
...............................................................................................
629
8.1 Regulatory Framework
...................................................................................................
629
8.2 Cumulative Assessment Methodology
...........................................................................
629
8.2.1 General
Approach.........................................................................................
629 8.2.2 Identification of the Valued Components that will
constitute the Focus of
the Cumulative Effects Assessment
............................................................. 630
8.2.3 Determining the Spatial and Temporal Boundaries
...................................... 630 8.2.4 Identification,
Selection and Description of Projects in the Area Past,
Present and Future Physical Activities
......................................................... 631 8.2.5
Baseline Conditions
......................................................................................
631 8.2.6 Identification and Assessment of the Cumulative Effects
............................ 632 8.2.7 Mitigation and Monitoring
.............................................................................
632 8.2.8 Residual Cumulative Effects and Significance Assessment
........................ 632 8.2.9 Follow-up
......................................................................................................
632
8.3 Identification of the Valued Components
.......................................................................
633
8.4 Identification of Projects in the Area
..............................................................................
638
8.4.1 Past Physical Activities
.................................................................................
638 8.4.1.1 Past Mining Operations within the Beaver Dam Mine
Project Area ............. 638 8.4.1.2 Past Forestry Operations
..............................................................................
638 8.4.2 Present Physical Activities
............................................................................
639 8.4.2.1 Touquoy Gold Project
...................................................................................
639 8.4.2.2 Current Regional Forestry Operations
......................................................... 639
8.4.2.3 Port of Sheet Harbour
...................................................................................
639 8.4.2.4 Cooks Brook Sand and Gravel Pit
................................................................
640 8.4.2.5 ScoZinc Ltd.
..................................................................................................
640 8.4.2.6 National Gypsum
..........................................................................................
640 8.4.2.7 Murchyville Gypsum Quarry
.........................................................................
641
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Beaver Dam Mine Project Environmental Impact Statement
Marinette, Nova Scotia | Page xii
8.4.2.8 Tangier Gold Mine
........................................................................................
641 8.4.2.9 Dufferin Gold Mine
........................................................................................
641 8.4.2.10 Taylor Lumber Co. Ltd.
.................................................................................
641 8.4.2.11 Great Northern Timber
.................................................................................
642 8.4.2.12 Gaetz Brook Wind Farm
...............................................................................
642 8.4.3 Future Physical Activities (Certain, Reasonably
Foreseeable or
Hypothetical)
.................................................................................................
642
8.5 Cumulative Effects Assessment of the Valued Components
........................................ 645
8.5.1 Atmospheric Environment
............................................................................
645 8.5.1.1 Analysis of Effects
........................................................................................
645 8.5.1.1.1 Baseline conditions
..................................................................................
645 8.5.1.1.2 Effects of Proposed Project
.....................................................................
646 8.5.1.1.3 Effects of Other Projects in the Area
........................................................ 649
8.5.1.1.4 Cumulative Effects on the Atmospheric Environment
.............................. 650 8.5.1.2 Mitigation
......................................................................................................
650 8.5.1.3 Residual Cumulative Effects and Significance Assessment
........................ 650 8.5.1.4 Follow up and Monitoring
Programs
............................................................. 651
8.5.2 Surface Water Quality and Quantity Cumulative Effects
Assessment ......... 651 8.5.2.1 Analysis of Effects
........................................................................................
651 8.5.2.1.1 Baseline conditions
..................................................................................
651 8.5.2.1.2 Effects of Proposed Project
.....................................................................
653 8.5.2.1.3 Effects of Other Projects in the Area
........................................................ 654
8.5.2.1.4 Cumulative Effects on the Surface Water Quality and
Quantity .............. 655 8.5.2.2 Mitigation
......................................................................................................
655 8.5.2.3 Residual Cumulative Effects and Significance Assessment
........................ 656 8.5.2.4 Follow up and Monitoring
Programs
............................................................. 656
8.5.3 Groundwater Quality and Quantity Cumulative Effects
Assessment ........... 656 8.5.3.1 Analysis of Effects
........................................................................................
656 8.5.3.1.1 Baseline conditions
..................................................................................
656 8.5.3.1.2 Effects of Proposed Project
.....................................................................
657 8.5.3.1.3 Effects of Other Projects in the Area
........................................................ 658
8.5.3.1.4 Cumulative Effects on the Groundwater Quality and
Quantity ................ 659 8.5.3.2 Mitigation
......................................................................................................
659 8.5.3.3 Residual Cumulative Effects and Significance Assessment
........................ 659 8.5.3.4 Follow up and Monitoring
Programs
............................................................. 660
8.5.4 Wetlands Cumulative Effects Assessment
................................................... 660 8.5.4.1
Analysis of Effects
........................................................................................
660 8.5.4.1.1 Baseline conditions
..................................................................................
660 8.5.4.1.2 Effects of Proposed Project
.....................................................................
661 8.5.4.1.3 Effects of Other Projects in the Area
........................................................ 662
8.5.4.1.4 Cumulative Effects on the Wetlands
........................................................ 666
8.5.4.2 Mitigation
......................................................................................................
666 8.5.4.3 Residual Cumulative Effects and Significance Assessment
........................ 666 8.5.4.4 Follow up and Monitoring
Programs
............................................................. 666
8.5.5 Fish and Fish Habitat Cumulative Effects Assessment
................................ 667 8.5.5.1 Analysis of Effects
........................................................................................
667 8.5.5.1.1 Baseline conditions
..................................................................................
667 8.5.5.1.2 Effects of Proposed Project
.....................................................................
670 8.5.5.1.3 Effects of Other Projects in the Area
........................................................ 671
8.5.5.1.4 Cumulative Effects on the Fish and Fish Habitat
..................................... 671 8.5.5.2 Mitigation
......................................................................................................
671 8.5.5.3 Residual Cumulative Effects and Significance Assessment
........................ 671 8.5.5.4 Follow up and Monitoring
Programs
............................................................. 672
8.5.6 Habitat and Flora Cumulative Effects Assessment
...................................... 672
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Beaver Dam Mine Project Environmental Impact Statement
Marinette, Nova Scotia | Page xiii
8.5.6.1 Analysis of Effects
........................................................................................
672 8.5.6.1.1 Baseline conditions
..................................................................................
672 8.5.6.1.2 Effects of Proposed Project
.....................................................................
673 8.5.6.1.3 Effects of Other Projects in the Area
........................................................ 674
8.5.6.1.4 Cumulative Effects on the Habitat and Flora
........................................... 675 8.5.6.2 Mitigation
......................................................................................................
675 8.5.6.3 Residual Cumulative Effects and Significance Assessment
........................ 675 8.5.7 Terrestrial Fauna Cumulative
Effects Assessment ...................................... 676
8.5.7.1 Analysis of Effects
........................................................................................
676 8.5.7.1.1 Baseline conditions
..................................................................................
676 8.5.7.1.2 Effects of Proposed Project
.....................................................................
677 8.5.7.1.3 Effects of Other Projects in the Area
........................................................ 678
8.5.7.1.4 Cumulative Effects on the Terrestrial Fauna
........................................... 679 8.5.7.2 Mitigation
......................................................................................................
680 8.5.7.3 Residual Cumulative Effects and Significance Assessment
........................ 680 8.5.7.4 Follow up and Monitoring
Programs
............................................................. 680
8.5.8 Birds Cumulative Effects Assessment
.......................................................... 680
8.5.8.1 Analysis of Effects
........................................................................................
680 8.5.8.1.1 Baseline conditions
..................................................................................
680 8.5.8.1.2 Effects of Proposed Project
.....................................................................
681 8.5.8.1.3 Effects of Other Projects in the Area
........................................................ 682
8.5.8.1.4 Cumulative Effects on Birds
.....................................................................
683 8.5.8.2 Mitigation
......................................................................................................
683 8.5.8.3 Residual Cumulative Effects and Significance Assessment
........................ 683 8.5.8.4 Follow up and Monitoring
Programs
............................................................. 684
8.5.9 Species of Conservation Interest and Species at Risk
Cumulative Effects
Assessment
..................................................................................................
684 8.5.9.1 Analysis of Effects
........................................................................................
684 8.5.9.1.1 Baseline conditions
..................................................................................
684 8.5.9.1.2 Effects of Proposed Project
.....................................................................
688 8.5.9.1.3 Effects of Other Projects in the Area
........................................................ 689
8.5.9.1.4 Cumulative Effects on the Species of Conservation
Interest and
Species at Risk
........................................................................................
690 8.5.9.2 Mitigation
......................................................................................................
692 8.5.9.3 Residual Cumulative Effects and Significance Assessment
........................ 692 8.5.9.4 Follow up and Monitoring
Programs
............................................................. 692
8.5.10 Indigenous Peoples Cumulative Effects Assessment
.................................. 692 8.5.10.1 Analysis of Effects
........................................................................................
692 8.5.10.1.1 Baseline conditions
..................................................................................
692 8.5.10.1.2 Effects of Proposed Project
.....................................................................
694 8.5.10.1.3 Effects of Other Projects in the Area
........................................................ 695
8.5.10.1.4 Cumulative Effects on Indigenous Peoples
............................................. 696 8.5.10.2
Mitigation
......................................................................................................
697 8.5.10.3 Residual Cumulative Effects and Significance
Assessment ........................ 698 8.5.10.4 Follow up and
Monitoring Programs
............................................................. 698
8.5.11 Human Health and Socio-Economic Conditions Cumulative
Effects
Assessment
..................................................................................................
698 8.5.11.1 Analysis of Effects
........................................................................................
698 8.5.11.1.1 Baseline conditions
..................................................................................
698 8.5.11.1.2 Effects of Proposed Project
.....................................................................
699 8.5.11.1.3 Effects of Other Projects in the Area
........................................................ 699
8.5.11.1.4 Cumulative Effects on the Human Health and
Socio-Economic
Conditions
................................................................................................
699 8.5.11.2 Mitigation
......................................................................................................
700 8.5.11.3 Residual Cumulative Effects and Significance
Assessment ........................ 700
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Beaver Dam Mine Project Environmental Impact Statement
Marinette, Nova Scotia | Page xiv
8.5.11.4 Follow up and Monitoring Programs
.............................................................
700
8.6 Cumulative Effects
Summary.........................................................................................
700
9. Summary of Compliance and Effects Monitoring Programs
.................................................... 702
9.1 Environmental Follow-Up Program
................................................................................
702
9.2 Environmental Monitoring Plans
....................................................................................
705
10. Environmental Impact Statement Summary and Conclusions
................................................. 713
10.1 Summary of the Environmental Impact Statement
........................................................ 713
10.2 Conclusions of the Proponent
....................................