Transcript Jeff Greene
Consultation Performed by: Jeff Greene (Historical Operations Consultant) Adam Washenfelder (Wildlife Monitoring Specialist) Mark Mcknight (Air and Water Quality Specialist) Sheldon Miller (Botanical Specialist) Agenda Jeff Greene Background information and screening Historical mining operations in Alberta Mark McKnight Abiotic factors to be considered in EIA process Inclusion and exclusion list Adam Washenfelder Biotic factors (fauna) to be considered in EIA process Inclusion and exclusion list Shelly Miller Biotic factors (flora) to be considered in EIA process Inclusion and exclusion list Introduction Background information Surface Coal mine Over 45, 000 tonne annual yield Operating life of 20 to 25 years Area= 83.5 km² (23km long X 3.5 km wide) Located approximately 50 km east of Jasper National Park, just northwest of Robb, Alberta Similar mine also owned and operated by PRC 20km south of proposed development Historical Project References Grande Cache Coal Corporation (GCC) Located in Grande Cache, AB Operating since 2004 Environmentally friendly and sustainable operations Wildlife monitoring programs Reclamation security Historical Project References Gregg River mine (GRM) Located southwest of Hinton, AB Operation from 1983-2000 GRM Reclamation largely completed (2000-2004) Predator species returning Abiotic Considerations Team effort between the Pembina River Coal Company and the Angry Beavers Consulting Team: Acid Mine Drainage Soil Erosion • Air Pollution • Noise Pollution Included Abiotic Factors Acid Mine Drainage Harmful if it is not properly controlled and treated Causes deleterious affects on man made structures Can eliminate drinking water sources if it infiltrates groundwater system. Northern communities could be influence the most Images from The Atlas of Canada: Drainage Basins Proposed mine PRC Mine is located within the Arctic Ocean Drainage Basin region Included Abiotic Factors Acid Mine Drainage Acidic mixture of dissolved metal sulfides in water Corrosive Causes deleterious affects on man made structures Can eliminate drinking water sources Northern regions could be affected from this mine site Soil Erosion Bare soils are vulnerable to abrasive wind Could affect replanting process for future land uses because eroded soils inability to support plant life Excluded Abiotic Factors Air Pollution 10Kg of particulates for every tonne of coal extracted if preventative methods are NOT used Modern equipment can decrease air emission by up to 99% Noise Pollution • Affects of noise pollution on employees are minimal • Loss of habitat for and reduced reproductive success for animals due to avoidance is not proven List of Biotic Factors Vegetation Limber Pine, Mountain Hemlock, White Park Pine, Columbine, Douglas Fir, Engelmann Spruce, Trembling Aspen, Brown Eyed Suzan’s, Arnica, Paintbrush’s, Crocus, Yellow Lady Slipper, Wild Rose, Wild Strawberry, Alpine Fir, Buffaloberry, Crowberry, Gooseberry, and Heather Subalpine Fir Wildlife Ground Squirrel, Hairy Marmot, Porcupine, Beavers, Pika, Deer (white tailed, Mule, Brown tailed), Bear (grizzly, Brown), Wolves, Cougars, Coyotes, Weasels, Mountain goats, Big Horned Sheep, Caribou, Elk, Grey Owl, Great Horned Owl, Lynx, Deer Mouse, Squirrel, Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Osprey, Falcon, Ptarmigan, Grouse, Jays, and Hummingbirds Included Biotic Factors Wildlife (fauna) Grizzly Bear Latest population study shows it to be 580 Estimated 18 for every 1000km² (need large range) Dwindling populations Bald Eagle Fickle lake is an important nesting area Prefer to nest in low density areas Classified as sensitive species Included Biotic Factors Walleye/Northern Pike Populations are dropping in Fickle Lake Angling has doubled in 10 years Fish are being caught before they can breed Lake and population should be considered a collapsing environment Woodland Caribou Endangered species by COSEWIC and given the “At Risk” by SDR Loss of Habitat major reason for this Noise pollution has effect on their behavior Included Biotic Factors Vegetation (flora) Engelmann spruce The Engelmann spruce makes up the majority of the small amount of old growth forest left in the area, due to previous clear cuts. Douglas Fir Is a keystone species of vegetation in regards to the local ecosystem. Douglas Fir will be the species most effected by the mining development. Included Biotic Factors Limber Pine Species is listed “At Risk” according to Alberta sustainable resource department. This Species has been experiencing wide spread disease to the white pine blister. Company is committed the preservation of this species. Excluded Biotic Factors Wildlife (fauna) -Grey Wolf -Moose -Yellow Perch All have very strong populations in the area and surrounding areas. All are legally hunted, are not in danger or classified as sensitive. Excluded Biotic Factors Vegetation (flora) -Wild Rose One of the most common types of wild flowers in the area. Very persistent species that can survive in a number of living conditions. No foreseen problems that species will not be able to return to the area. Conclusions and Recommendations An EIA will be required according to regulation 111/93 under AEPEA Focus was given to specific area of operations in which the greatest environmental impacts would most likely occur. Gained knowledge from the GRC mine and the GCCC in order to predict environmental impacts Consideration was given to all species found in our report especially top predators.