FIELD PROCEDURES MANUAL FOR

ON-SITE ENVIRONMENTAL STAFF

Environmental Data Collection for

Preparation of Environmental
Permitting Documents

PREPARED BY

Knight Piésold Ltd.

1400 - 750 West Pender Street
Vancouver, BC
V6C 2T8
Telephone: (604) 685-0543
Facsimile: (604) 685-0147

34 Commerce Crescent
P.O. Box 10
North Bay, ON
P1B 8G8
Telephone: (705) 476-2165
Facsimile: (705) 474-8095

www.knightpiesold.com
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 GENERAL ..................................................................................... 1

2.0 LONG LEAD-TIME ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE STUDIES .................... 2

2.1 Introduction ............................................................................. 2
2.2 Metereological Studies ............................................................... 2
2.3 Hydrology and Hydrogeology ..................................................... 4
2.3.1 Hydrology .................................................................. 4
2.3.2 Hydrogeology ............................................................. 5
2.4 Water Quality ........................................................................... 5
2.4.1 Surface Water Quality .................................................. 5
2.4.2 Groundwater Quality .................................................. 6
2.5 Fisheries and Wildlife ................................................................ 6

3.0 KNIGHT PIESOLD SPECIALIST ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES .................. 7

3.1 Introduction ............................................................................. 7
3.2 Detailed Environmental Baseline Studies ...................................... 8
3.2.1 Metereology ............................................................... 8
3.2.2 Hydrology and Hydrogeology ....................................... 8
3.2.3 Surface and Groundwater Quality ................................. 8
3.2.4 Aquatic Resources and Habitat Capability ...................... 8
3.2.5 Soil Profiling and Analysis ............................................ 9
3.2.6 Vegetation and Terrestrial Ecosystems ............................. 9
3.2.7 Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat ........................................ 9
3.2.8 Socioeconomics .......................................................... 10
3.2.9 Cultural Heritage and Archaeology ............................... 10
3.3 Environmental Impact Assessment .............................................. 10
3.4 Socioeconomic Impact Assessment ............................................. 12
3.5 Environmental Mitigation Measures ............................................ 12
3.6 Waste Characterization ............................................................. 12
3.7 Environmental Effects Prediction and Monitoring .......................... 13
3.8 Environmental Management Plans ............................................. 14
3.9 Environmental Engineering Services ............................................ 14
3.10 Emergency Response and Spill Contingency Plans ........................ 14
3.11 Ecological Investigations ........................................................... 15

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 3.12 Reclamation and Closure Plans............................................15
3.13 Environmental Risk Assessment and Liability ...........................17
3.13.1 Risk Assessment ...................................................17
3.13.2 Liability Assessment ..............................................18

4.0 REFERENCES ...........................................................................19

TABLES

Table 2.1 Staff Gauge Record Sheet

Table 2.2 CCME Guidelines for Surfce and Groundwater Quality
Table 2.3 Recommended Water Quality Analytes and Detection Limits
Table 2.4 Monthly Log of Weather Observations
Table 2.5 On-site Wildlife Record Sheet

FIGURES

Figure 3.1Schematic of an Ecological Risk Assessment

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SECTION 1.0
General
 SECTION 1.0

General

The timely collection of environmental baseline data is critically important to the environmental
permitting process of any project. In particular, the collection of long lead-time baseline data
such as meteorological, hydrological, water quality, and fisheries/wildlife data. In addition to
this several other environmental studies can be collected concurrently with geotechnical or other
exploration programs.

All of the long lead-time environmental baseline studies can be conducted by the client’s on-site
staff, with initial sourcing of materials, set-up, maintenance, and guidance by Knight Piésold
environmental staff. This field manual describes the long lead-time studies that should be initi-
ated during advanced exploration, the services that Knight Piésold can provide, and the environ-
mental monitoring that can be conducted by the client’s on-site staff.

The second portion of this manual introduces the environmental, socioeconomic, and archaeo-
logical studies that are generally required for the preparation of an environmental impact assess-
ment and environmental permits for a mine development. These studies would be carried out by
a professional consultant, such as Knight Piésold.

The framework for this manual is the extensive experience that Knight Piésold has had preparing
environmental documents for mining clients around the world. These include environmental
impact assessments, environmental socioeconomic reports, environmental impact statements,
environmental baseline reports, and environmental permit applications.

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 SECTION 2.0
Long Lead-Time Environmental Baseline Studies
 SECTION 2.0

Long Lead-Time Environmental Baseline Studies

2.1 Introduction
Long lead-time environmental baseline studies are those studies that generally require AT LEAST
one year of data prior to the preparation of environmental permitting documents. In some
jurisdictions this can be as little as the collection of a minor amount of site-specific data corre-
lated with existing historical data for the region, or can be as much as one to several years of site-
specific data. The recommendations for long lead-time environmental baseline studies are de-
pendant on the permitting requirements for the jurisdiction.

The following descriptions of long lead-time baseline studies are based on a requirement for one
year of studies. One year of site-specific data is the minimum that Knight Piesold recommends.
This provides for the minimum required data set for determination of environmental impacts and
characterization of the receiving environment. The one-year minimum data set is typically re-
quired for:

• Meteorological data (temperature, precipitation, evaporation, wind speed and direction);

• Hydrological/hydrogeological data (surface/groundwater quantities and flow regime);
• Water quality data (metals levels, nutrient levels, and general characteristics of surface and
groundwater resources);
• Fisheries and wildlife data (species presence, endangered species, distribution in project
area, relative abundance).

Knight Piésold also recommends that a program of public information and/or consultation be
initiated at this stage of development to keep the local residents informed of the general activities
of the client. It has been our experience that socioeconomic concerns with respect to develop-
ment are not as critical if local residents are kept informed of what is happening in their “back
yard” and their concerns are noted and addressed. It has also been our experience that the
earlier this program of public information is initiated, the less blind opposition there is to the
project.

2.2 Meteorological Studies

Meteorological data collection is essential for the determination of precipitation input to the
hydrologic regime, evaporation rates, baseline air quality information, and determination of the
overall site microclimate.

Developing a reliable model of precipitation (rain and evaporation) for the mine site is critical for
preparing a comprehensive environmental protection plan for the proposed development. Infor-
mation on temperature and wind speed and direction, can be critical in terms of protection of
engineered facilities.

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 2.2 Meteorological Studies (Cont’d)
In order to simulate the equivalent of long-term records for the proposed development area, a
technique is used to convert short-term site-specific data into an equivalent of long-term records.
This is accomplished by interpolating coincidental data for the nearest established stations using
selected paired adjustment and data reconstruction techniques.

The basis for the conversion would be the site-specific data collected during the yearlong base-
line data collection program. A program of this type could include the installation of either a
manual meteorological monitoring station, or the installation of an automated station.

The automated station involves a large financial instalment at the initiation of the program but
lower costs over the long term and a more accurate quality of data. The station is composed of
a series of automatic sensors connected to a deep cycle battery and solar panel, and a datalogger
capable of holding 3 to 6 months of data (depending on the number of sensors).

An automated meteorological station would monitor the following parameters:

• Temperature (maximum, minimum, and average)

• Precipitation (daily)
• Wind speed and direction (peak and average).

The manual station involves the installation of a series of lower cost manual gauges. These must
be monitored daily by an on-site staff member. The data would be recorded electronically in a
database and/or on a specific record sheet (Table 2.1). This program requires constant monitor-
ing by an on-site staff member.

A manual meteorological station would consist of the following:

• Stevenson Screen (to protect thermometer from direct solar radiation)

• Maximum/minimum thermometer
• Rain gauge (daily precipitation).

A small automatic anemometer could also be installed at the met station with a wind vane to
determine wind speed and direction. Knight Piésold recommends the following protocol for
meteorological monitoring:

1. Purchase manual meteorological data collection equipment – Stevenson screen, manual

rain gauge, maximum/minimum thermometer.
2. Install a manual met station and train on-site personnel.
3. Record data from the manual station in a data log (Table 2.1).

Data from the station should be collected every 12 hours (6:00 am and 6:00 pm) and recorded
daily.
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 2.3 Hydrology and Hydrogeology

2.3.1 Hydrology
The hydrology of the watercourses within the project area is an important issue as it is
directly associated with the amount of water available for fish, amphibian, and
macroinvertebrate habitat, as well as the amount of water available for process applica-
tions, potable water sources, and discharge media.

It is recommended that hydrological information be collected throughout the exploration

program to ensure that sufficient data are available for modeling and impact assess-
ment during the water licensing and permitting processes. The monitoring program
recommended by Knight Piésold involves the initial installation of staff gauges at strate-
gic sites located in the vicinity of the Project Area. These hydrology monitoring stations
are site-specific and are determined by the natural drainage systems in the area. The
following are some generalized monitoring station locations:

• Control site upstream of all potential impacts from development (if there is more
than one watercourse impacted then a control site should be located on each
system);
• Downstream effects site located downstream of all inputs to the drainage system;
• One station on each watercourse that drains from or to the project area.

A hydrology monitoring program generally requires two stages, installation and moni-
toring of staff gauges to measure height of water in a system, and flow measurements to
associate with the staff gauge measurements. For the long lead-time environmental
baseline studies, prior to initiation of a full study program in support of an environmental
impact assessment, it is only required to install and monitor the staff gauges.

Manual staff gauges should be monitored on a 2-day rotation with data recorded by on-
site staff in a field log (Table 2.2). The profile of each watercourse should be surveyed at
the staff gauge site in order to facilitate more accurate flow determinations. Due to the
flashy nature of many streams in tropical and subtropical countries, if a flash rain event
should occur, data should be collected within two hours of the initiation of the event,
irrespective of whether the event occurs on the 2-day data collection rotation for the
stream.

Once the collection of flow data in conjunction with the staff gauge readings begins, a
regression curve (stage discharge curve) can be generated to apply the flows to the long
lead-time data set. This allows Knight Piésold to reduce the number of site visits that are
required for hydrological monitoring.

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 2.3.2 Hydrogeology
Hydrogeologic information is important for the determination of pit water inflow rates
and hydric mobility in the Project Area. It is also important for the determination of the
rate of abstraction of the local groundwater table that feeds the wells in the surrounding
communities. Knight Piésold recommends that, during the period prior to the initiation
of the full baseline environmental data collection program, piezometer readings be
collected. This can be associated with any geotechnical investigations that require the
installation of a piezometer.

2.4 Water Quality

2.4.1 Surface Water Quality

Controlled and accidental discharges (both surface and sub-surface) from mine devel-
opment, if not properly treated, can have a detrimental impact on surface and groundwater
quality. A comprehensive baseline water quality data collection program is required for
environmental impact modeling to support the EIA and for future comparative purposes
to ensure there is no degradation of the adjacent surface and groundwater receiving
environments. Consequently, documenting baseline water quality and establishing
pathways and assimilative capacity of the receiving environment prior to mine develop-
ment is central to projecting potential impacts on receiving water quality.

A water quality monitoring program should be initiated at the same time as the hydrol-
ogy monitoring program in order to monitor the quality of the receiving environment
over a range of water levels (i.e. throughout the hydrological regime).

Knight Piésold typically associates water quality monitoring stations with the hydrology
monitoring stations to allow for normalization of the water quality data with the exact
location that the hydrology data was collected. This allows for more accurate modeling.

The locations of the water quality monitoring sites should include both upstream control
sites and downstream effects monitoring sites as well as monitoring sites within the
project footprint.

Water quality samples should be analysed for a range of parameters. Determination of

the parameters that are relevant to the project is dependant on the type of mining
operation, the geology of the project area, and the regulatory standards. Table 2.3
presents the water quality parameters as set for the protection of aquatic life by the
Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME, 2000). Table 2.4 outlines
recommended analytical detection limits for analyses of trace metals (total and dissolved).

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 2.4.2 Groundwater Quality
In many areas local inhabitants rely on the extraction of groundwater for drinking water
purposes. Contamination of this water source can result in human health risks and
regulatory problems. For this reason it is important to determine the quality of the
groundwater prior to construction and operation of a mine.

A groundwater quality sampling program can be run in conjunction with the geotechnical
investigations and the surface water quality monitoring program. Piezometers installed
for geotechnical monitoring can also be used to access groundwater for sampling.

The parameters for analysis of groundwater quality will depend on the use of the
groundwater (if any), the type of proposed operation, and the regulatory standards of
the project location. Table 2.3 presents the CCME Water Quality guidelines for Com-
munity Water Supplies (groundwater and surface water). Table 2.4 outlines recom-
mended analytical detection limits for analyses of trace metals (total and dissolved).

2.5 Fisheries and Wildlife

Preliminary studies to determine the presence of fish and wildlife species are important in order to
identify the presence of species of management concern (i.e. rare, endangered, threatened, or
otherwise protected species). The presence of these species in the project area, depending on the
jurisdiction of the project, may result in the requirement by government regulators to conduct
species specific studies to determine the extent of the species in the area, the potential impacts to
those species from development of the project, and the amount of suitable habitat available for
compensation (habitat replacement) if necessary.

An on-site client representative with a basic knowledge of the species in the area, particularly
those of management concern, should be requested to maintain an on-site wildlife log (as per
Table 2.5). Knight Piésold can provide the client with a list of species of management concern in
the project area and brief descriptions of the characteristics, habitat preferences, and basic habits
of these species to aid in their identification.

While Knight Piésold environmental specialists would conduct specific studies during the prepa-
ration of the Environmental Impact Assessment, it is important to maintain a daily log of fish and
wildlife sightings in the project area. The Knight Piésold site visits only provide single points of
data as opposed to a regular record of species presence.

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 SECTION 3.0
Knight Piesold Specialist Environmental Services
 SECTION 3.0

Knight Piesold Specialist Environmental Services

3.1 Introduction
The studies described in Section 2 of this manual are studies that can be easily conducted by the
client’s on-site staff with little or no involvement by Knight Piésold. The following studies are
specialist services of Knight Piésold and, as such, would be conducted by Knight Piésold envi-
ronmental personnel. Knight Piésold typically includes at least one client representative in all
studies. This is usually the client’s environmental monitor, but can be any person the client
wishes to assist us. The use of a client staff member in the field is to reduce the number of Knight
Piésold staff in the field to only those that are required to conduct the specialist services, and to
thereby save the client money.

Knight Piésold provides a wide range of specialist environmental services including:

• Detailed Environmental Baseline Studies

• Environmental Impact Assessments
• Socioeconomic Impact Assessments
• Environmental Mitigation Measures
• Waste Characterization
• Environmental Effects Prediction and Monitoring
• Environmental Management Plans
• Environmental Engineering Services
• Emergency Response and Contingency Plans
• Ecological Investigations
• Reclamation and Closure Plans
• Environmental Risk Assessment and Liability Assessment.

The following sections focus on the specialist environmental services Knight Piésold provides in
support of the preparation of a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment. These serv-
ices include detailed environmental baseline studies, assessment of environmental and socio-
economic impacts, and preparation of a conceptual level reclamation and closure plan.

The type of mine development, the jurisdiction of the project, and the regulatory requirements of
the jurisdiction determine the specific requirements of the comprehensive study. Prior to realiza-
tion of any work, Knight Piésold determines the actual requirements for the Environmental Impact
Assessment to meet whichever standards are required by the regulatory agencies. While these
requirements may not always be to North American or International Standards, Knight Piésold
maintains a high level of professional integrity and dedication to the prevention and minimiza-
tion of environmental impacts.

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 3.2 Detailed Environmental Baseline Studies
Knight Piésold acquires data for the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment from a
range of sources. These include historical regional information, historical site-specific data, data
collected by the client during the long lead-time baseline studies program, and information
generated during realization of specialist studies. Specialist baseline studies by field are pre-
sented in the following subsections. The list provided is a general overview of our capabilities.
Specific studies would be determined by analysis of the project and regulatory requirements.

3.2.1 Meteorology
• Site specific temperature, precipitation, evaporation, solar radiation, and wind speed
and direction data. This would involve continued monitoring of a manual met
station or the installation and monitoring of an automated system. Client’s on-site
staff would continue manual station monitoring.
• Collection of relevant historical regional data.

3.2.2 Hydrology and Hydrogeology

• Collection of flow data over a period of record for each staff gauge installation;
• Collection of historical flow data for the region;
• Correlation of flow data with precipitation data to generate a runoff coefficient for
the watershed. This will enable predictive modeling of the specified return period
water levels (i.e. 1:100 year, 1:10 year).

3.2.3 Surface and Groundwater Quality

• Collection of water quality samples during a range of water levels. This will enable
analysis of the annual range of concentrations of metals and other parameters in
the river.
• Predictive modeling for maximum/minimum metals concentrations.
• Collection of groundwater samples for chemical analysis. This will allow determi-
nation of baseline conditions under the proposed facility locations.
• Comparison of surface and groundwater quality values with legislated (or other-
wise required) standards for water quality.

3.2.4 Aquatic Resources and Habitat Capability

• Sampling of fish populations to determine species presence, relative abundance,
species characteristics (size, weight, age, reproductive status), and habitat avail-
ability and capability.
• Determination of the presence of rare, threatened, or endangered species, or spe-
cies otherwise protected by law.

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 3.2.4 Aquatic Resources and Habitat Capability (Cont’d)
• Sampling of fish liver and muscle tissues to determine baseline metals and contami-
nant content. This can be used for environmental effects monitoring during con-
struction, operation, and closure/reclamation.
• Sampling of benthic macroinvertebrates to determine species presence, the relative
health of the aquatic ecosystem (described by relative abundance of contaminant
sensitive, facultative, and resistant organisms), and the availability of benthics as
food for fish.

3.2.5 Soil Profiling and Analysis

• Determination of soil types and classification through preparation of a soil pit
(horizontal profiling).
• Analysis of soil nutrient capability (availability of macronutrients, micronutrients,
cation exchange capacity, organic content) and determination of suitability for rec-
lamation/revegetation.
• Analysis of soil moisture content.

3.2.6 Vegetation and Terrestrial Ecosystems

• Determination of plant species and relative abundances.
• Determination of presence of rare, threatened, endangered, or otherwise protected
plant species or ecosystems.
• Sampling and analysis of plant metals content (metals uptake ability). This can be
especially relevant during analysis of plants to be used for passive effluent or water
treatment options (constructed wetlands).
• Determination of the project area ecosystem (at a range of levels from broad ecosys-
tems to microsites). This can be used as a basis for reclamation prescriptions and
determination of wildlife habitat availability.
• Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping (mapping of vegetation, ecosystem, terrain, and cli-
matic characteristics).

3.2.7 Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat

• Investigations of species presence (includes breeding, post-breeding migration,
winter residence, and summer residence for all species).
• Determine the presence of species of management concern – rare, threatened,
endangered, or otherwise protected species (nationally and internationally).
• Assessment of wildlife habitat requirements (for all life stages) and determination of
habitat availability, capability, and suitability in the project area.
• Wildlife Habitat Mapping (mapping of the capability and suitability of habitats in
the project area to support each species of management concern).

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 3.2.7 Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat (Cont’d)
• Sampling of animal tissues for analysis of baseline metals content. This can be
used as a basis for environmental effects monitoring during construction, opera-
tion, and closure/reclamation.

3.2.8 Socioeconomics
• Background analysis of demographics, availability and access to basic services,
availability and access to education and medical services, and infrastructure analysis.
• Identification of stakeholders (individuals, communities, indigenous groups, com-
panies, government agencies, and/or non-governmental organizations).
• Poverty assessment.
• Identification of gender and age specific issues.
• Assessment of public opinion.
• Public consultation, forum, and public presentation programs.

3.2.9 Cultural Heritage and Archaeology

• Identification of cultural background of the project area.
• Determination of prior use of area by indigenous peoples (site used for settlement,
hunting, foraging, etc.).
• Archaeological assessment for historical and culturally significant artefacts and/or
sites.
• Identification of culturally modified trees.

An adequate baseline is critically important for the assessment of impacts to the environ-
ment from project development. The lack of sufficient baseline information can result in
inaccurate or faulty determination of impacts. This may result in an overestimate of the
impact of the project, causing difficulties with regulatory agencies during the permitting
process, or an underestimate of the impacts resulting in potential liability problems
during operation or during closure/reclamation.

3.3 Environmental Impact Assessment

Once an adequate level of baseline data has been collected and compiled, an analysis of the
potential impacts of the project on the physical, biological, social, economic, and cultural envi-
ronments can be conducted. The analysis of impacts is somewhat subjective but, with the use of
matrix evaluation techniques, Knight Piésold has developed a method of quantifying, to the
extent possible, the impacts of the project.

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 3.3 Environmental Impact Assessment (Cont’d)
An impact to the environment is any effect, generated by the presence of humans, that results in
the alteration of the environment, in either a positive or negative manner, and the resulting effects
of that alteration. Impacts can be direct, indirect, or cumulative. Direct environmental impacts
are defined as pressures on the environment that directly result in changes to the environment.
Indirect environmental impacts are defined as subsequent changes in the environment as a result
of direct environmental impacts that would not occur without the effects of the direct environmen-
tal impact. Cumulative impacts are those that compound previous impacts to the environment
such that the resultant impact is greater than either of the original impacts alone. Cumulative
impacts are generally assessed within defined temporal and geographic boundaries.

The basis of the matrix evaluation of impacts is the assessment of the significance of an impact.
The significance of an impact is a quasi-quantitative means of describing the relative importance
of the impact to the environment. The bases for analysis of the significance of an impact are the
following concepts (as per FEARO, 1994).

• Extent: this refers to the geographic extent of the impact. An impact that affects a large area
may be more significant than an impact that affects only a small area.
• Magnitude: this refers to the size of the impact. A large impact (i.e. development of an open
pit) may have a greater impact to the environment than a small impact (i.e. installation of a
meteorological station).
• Frequency and Duration: this refers to the length of the impact and how often the impact
occurs. This is typically most evident in impacts related to haulage, blasting, and road
maintenance. An activity that occurs frequently and lasts for an extended period may have
a greater significance than one that occurs infrequently and is of short duration.
• Reversibility: this refers to the capability of returning the environment to a pre-impact state,
after the impact has occurred. An action that results in an irreversible impact may have a
greater significance than one that is completely reversible.
• Ecological Context: this refers to the sensitivity of the environment in which the impact will
occur. An impact that occurs in a sensitive environment (wetland, community) may be more
significant than an impact that occurs in a resilient environment.

Each of these concepts is given a numerical rating based on a predetermined rating system.
Depending on the type of development and the environment in which the impacts would occur,
the concepts could be weighted for importance. The average of the numerical ratings or the
weighted numerical ratings would be the overall numerical significance of the impact. This
allows Knight Piésold to determine if the project would have an overall significant or insignificant
impact on the environment.

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 3.4 Socioeconomic Impact Assessment
In some jurisdictions or for some international lending agencies it may be necessary to conduct
a Socioeconomic Impact Assessment separate from the Environmental Impact Assessment. The
methods used for the evaluation matrix of a socioeconomic impact assessment are the same as
identified in Section 3.3.

3.5 Environmental Mitigation Measures

Environmental mitigation measures are those measures that are implemented in order to reduce
or avoid an environmental impact. These measures can be engineered, such as sediment
control systems or fishway designs, institutional, such as training for environmental awareness,
transport safety, and chemical handling procedures, or design, such as enlightened location of
facilities, choice of mineral processing, or treatment of effluents.

Socioeconomic mitigation measures are those measures that are implemented to avoid or reduce
negative impacts and advance positive impacts to local communities.

Knight Piésold can aid in the identification of means to avoid or reduce negative impacts to the
environment, and promote the advancement of beneficial programs in local communities.

3.6 Waste Characterization

Knight Piésold recommends the initiation of a waste characterization program as soon as feasible
in order to determine the potential for acid rock drainage, neutral metal leaching, and other
forms of contamination from waste rock, tailings, and exposed rock, as well as provide data for
designing effective waste management techniques. The program would be dependant on the
type of mining, the geology of the ore body, and the processes involved in the preparation of the
ore. An iterative process is generally followed so that rock types identified as potentially problem-
atic in the early test phases can be the focus of later, more expensive tests. The following is a list
of the typical studies associated with waste characterization.

• The geological characteristics of the rock should be determined and used to separate the
waste into different rock types. Previous test work done to determine the ore reserve can often
be used at this stage. Useful tests to obtain mineralogical or petrological information in-
clude the following:

• Whole Rock Analysis: this is a relatively low cost method of obtaining data from
which mineralogical information can be derived.
• X - Ray Diffraction or Transmitted and Reflected Light Microscopy: these
laboratory method produces more detailed information concerning mineralogy, at a
higher cost.
• Total Elemental Composition: this is useful in assessing enrichment of rock by trace
elements of concern.

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 3.6 Waste Characterization (Cont’d)
• Static testing is then conducted to assess the potential of the various rock units for ARD
or metal leaching. Static tests are quick and inexpensive. It is recommended that a
large number of samples be tested at this stage. Static tests include the following:

• Acid Base Accounting (ABA): ABA testing measures the material’s acid gener-
ating and neutralizing potential. Commonly used ABA tests are the Modified ABA
and the Sobek method.
• Metal Leaching Tests: these are relatively low cost, limited duration tests that
give an insight into the potential for metal leaching. The recommended tests which
are widely used in BC are the Modified BC Special Waste Extraction Procedure
(Modified SWEP) which simulates rainwater leaching and the shake flask extrac-
tion.

• If rock types are identified as potentially acid generating kinetic testing becomes neces-
sary. Kinetic tests are longer term more costly tests which predict reaction rates and
effluent quality. Some commonly used kinetic tests include:

• Humidity Cell Tests

• Column Leach Tests
• Field Test Plots.

3.7 Environmental Effects Prediction and Monitoring

The Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) program was developed to assess the adequacy of
effluent regulations under the federal Fisheries Act. The program was designed to achieve na-
tional uniformity in monitoring effects, while taking into consideration site-specific factors to
reduce uncertainty in decision making.

The Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations were amended to include the requirement for environ-
mental effects monitoring in May, 1992. Ammendments to the Metal Mining Liquid Effluent
Regulations (MMLER) are currently scheduled for implementation in June 2002. EEM approaches
are also suitable for application to developments in other industries (e.g. oil & gas, hydroelectric
power, foreshore development).

EEM approaches are “effects based” rather than criteria based, and are appropriate for the
setting of site-specific water quality objectives (WQO) and conducting retrospective risk assess-
ment in compliance monitoring. The advantage of biologically based approaches is that they
are cummulative indicators, which avoid the need to make operationally defined separations of
bulk phase chemical concentrations. EEM program can be used to assess the effectiveness or
protectiveness of engineering designs, generic publish environmental criteria, and site-specific
environmental objectives, by directly assessing biological effects.

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 3.7 Environmental Effects Prediction and Monitoring (Cont’d)
Where appropriate, data is be analyzed within a hypothesis testing statistical model comparing
locations or times differing in exposure to discharges or other stressors (i.e. spatio-temporal and
linear trend treatment levels). This assists in the differentiation of natural changes from impact
related changes. This type of approach is superior to many others used in the past as it:

• is more objective and directly tests impact hypothesis of interest,

• directly assesses the influence of natural variability on key effect indicators, and
• is statistically more defensible.

3.8 Environmental Management Plans

Environmental management plans are sets of procedures that should be implemented during
construction to prevent or mitigate environmental degradation and monitor the ecological health
of the system. These plans include specific requirements for sediment and erosion control,
practices and requirements for preservation of vegetation, protection of wetlands, and conserva-
tion of soil (stockpiling for use in progressive reclamation), and other project specific recommen-
dations.

3.9 Environmental Engineering Services

Knight Piésold retains the services of several environmental engineers on staff. They are avail-
able to design and construct engineered systems for sediment and erosion control, fish passage
(fishways, fish ladders), constructed wetlands, tailings covers, landfills, and other engineered
environmental systems.

3.10 Emergency Response and Spill Contingency Plans

Emergency response and spill contingency plans are programs that are instituted throughout all
phases of project development to provide a series of guidelines and training in the event of an
accident or chemical spill. Development of the plans is dependant on the jurisdiction of the mine
but generally include the following components:

• Emergency response organization (delegation of responsibilities)

• Emergency response contact numbers (for internal emergency response teams and person-
nel, external emergency response agencies, and government agencies)
• Emergency response procedures (procedures to follow in response to emergencies such as
fire, chemical spill, personal injury, terrorist threats, natural disasters, mine cave-ins, etc., as
well as multi-incident occurrences)
• Emergency response training schedule and guidelines
• Public relations management plan

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 3.10 Emergency Response and Spill Contingency Plans (Cont’d)
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all chemical agents transported and/or
stored on-site (reagents, fuels, lubricants, cleaning agents)
• List of emergency response equipment.

3.11 Ecological Investigations

Knight Piésold maintains a staff of professional biologists that represent a wide range of faculties
in environmental studies. This allows us to provide our clients with an extensive list of ecological
investigations. Investigations are site and project specific but could include:

• Limnology
• Wetland ecology
• Population dynamics
• Aquatic ecosystem studies
• Terrestrial species interactions
• Biological and physical characterization of ecosystems.

3.12 Reclamation and Closure Plans

Mine reclamation and closure plans are developed to ensure that after closure, mine compo-
nents do not cause serious environmental problems or pollution. The mine disturbed area
should be returned to a productive state. It is important that reclamation and closure planning
be incorporated early in the mine plan so that costs can be assessed and mine operations and
waste storage can be conducted in a manner conductive to final reclamation. Early planning
can often prevent or mitigate environmental problems before they start and can save money by
gearing operations towards rather than counter to the closure plan.

The most serious environmental concern associated with mining is the pollution and degradation
of nearby waterways with metal laden, acidic drainage and sediment. This acid rock drainage
(ARD) occurs when sulfide bearing material is exposed to oxygen and water. Closure and
reclamation plans generally include a mitigation strategy to control potentially problematic ma-
terial including tailings, effluent, waste rock, pit walls and construction material with ARD poten-
tial. Mitigation strategies include the following:

• Avoidance – Material identified as problematic in terms of acid production potential is left

undisturbed by mine activities to the extent possible. Cost associated with necessary mitiga-
tion and reclamation measures may make it unfeasible to develop some deposits.
• Underwater storage/flooding – Underwater storage and flooding is recognized as an effec-
tive means of preventing ARD. The waste rock and/or pit walls are immersed in water to
exclude oxygen from the sulphide bearing rock, preventing oxidation and subsequent acid
production.

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 3.12 Reclamation and Closure Plans (Cont’d)
• Engineered covers – Synthetic membrane covers or clay covers are placed over the waste
material to reduce the amount of water and oxygen that moves through the pile. The
reduction of water infiltrating into the pile reduces the leaching of the acidic metal laden
solution into nearby waterways while the reduction in oxygen slows the oxidation of the
sulphide materials.

• Blending of potentially acid producing and acid consuming waste – Potentially acid
producing material is placed in close proximity with potentially acid consuming mate-
rial so that the resulting drainage is near neutral. This mitigation strategy is most
effective when dealing with tailings or finely ground materials which can be well mixed.
When dealing with larger particles (ex. waste rock piles) zones of acid production may
develop within the pile with the potential for ARD. Kinetic testing is necessary to ensure
that rates and timing of acid production coincide with rates and timing of acid con-
sumption.
• Collecting and treating drainage – If ARD cannot be mitigated or for mines already
producing ARD it may be necessary to set up a collection and treatment system for the
mine drainage. A number of technologies exist for the treatment of ARD including lime
neutralization, high density sludge neutralization, and passive or engineered biologi-
cal treatment. The collection and treatment of ARD is an expensive and long term
commitment and is generally seen as a last resort solution.
• Passive wetland treatment – Mine drainage is routed through a naturally occurring or
engineered wetland to allow for the biological treatment of the wastewater. Metals
accumulate in organic deposits within the wetland. This is an emerging technology
which has potential when paired with other mitigation methods as a polishing step.

The closure and reclamation plan will also address other aspects of mine reclamation to return
the landscape to a productive state while protecting public safety. Additional reclamation activi-
ties include the following:

• Removal or decommissioning of unwanted mine structures, roads, stream crossings and

culverts
• Land recontouring to ensure stability and protect public safety
• soil replacement (often from stockpiled soil stocks)
• revegetation/seeding and fertilization to speed up the natural regeneration process for the
site.

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 3.13 Environmental Risk Assessment and Liability Assessment
Accurately assessing the human health, environmental and liability risks of a mining project are
essential in terms of project design, operation and closure. The results of a risk assessment are
used to plan and design or manage a project in a way that minimizes potential risks to human
health and the environment. This is achieved through good engineering design and planning
and a detailed knowledge of the systems that the project is a part.

Knight Piésold has extensive experience in carrying out risk assessment studies for mining projects
from an ecological, health and engineering perspective. Knight Piésold professionals have been
trained in all aspects of risk assessment for major projects, particularly in the mining industry.
Furthermore, employees of Knight Piésold have professional designations within their respective
professions and have extensive experience in the design, operation and closure of mining projects.

3.13.1 Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is a management tool for qualitatively or quantitatively assessing the
probability of an adverse effect occurring to a clearly defined component of the bio-
sphere (Bright, 2000). This definition applies to carrying out risk assessments for envi-
ronmental, human health and engineering aspects of a project. In all cases, there is
invariably one well-defined question behind the initiation and conductance of a risk
assessment. This question is as follows:

Is the risk of adverse effects to a specific group of “receptors” (e.g. human population,
fish, a river system) likely to be increased when exposed to a specific stressor or
stressors?

A perception of elevated or “unacceptable risks” will often lead to a different set of

management outcomes or decisions than a prediction of acceptable or insignificant
risks.

Figure 3-1 illustrates a framework for ecological risk assessment. Although the termi-
nology changes from one discipline (e.g. engineering vs. environmental) to another,
the evaluation and decision making process is the same.

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 3.13.2 Liability Assessment
Similar to carrying out a risk assessment, the accurate assessment of existing liabilities of
a mining project is essential to protect a mining company from any future claims or
responsibility for past problems. It is a fact that there are hundreds of abandoned or
inactive mine properties in Canada and around the world. Many of these sites become
targets for new exploration and discovery using more advanced and refined exploration
techniques. It is also a fact, however, that many of these sites contain historical liabili-
ties that can become problematic for new companies who wish to re-activate explora-
tion or development programs. Abandoned tailings or waste rock storage areas, open
mine adits or shafts, treatment ponds and unstable crown pillars. These are all features
of old mine properties that can be a source of concern for companies that are looking
to re-open these sites.

Knight Piésold personnel have extensive experience in carrying out audits and due
diligence studies of mine properties. Assignments have often been carried out for major
mining firms looking to acquire a new property as well as for smaller firms looking to
evaluate a historical mining area for future potential. In all cases, professionals with
extensive experience in all aspects of engineering and environmental components of
mining projects are employed to assess and document any and all liabilities on a site.
These findings are most often documented and communicated in a report that is pro-
vided to the client for their internal use, or to assist in financing arrangements.

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SECTION 4.0

References
 SECTION 4.0

References

Bright, D. 2000. ES 581 - Toxicology and Risk Assessment, Masters of Environment and
Management Course Notes, Royal Roads University, Victoria, BC.

CCME, 1999. Chapter 2 – Community Water Supplies, Chapter 4 – Canadian Water Quality
Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life, and Chapter 5 – Canadian Water Quality
Guidelines for the Protection of Agricultural Water Uses – IN: Canadian Environmental
Quality Guidelines. Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment.

FEARO, 1994. Reference Guide for the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, Addressing
Cumulative Effects. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Office.

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TABLES
 TABLE 2.1
8/26/2003 11:45
Rev'd 06/13/01
STAFF GAUGE RECORD SHEET

Date Time Staff Gauge Level (m) Comments

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 TABLE 2.2

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA COLLECTION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL

PERMITTING DOCUMENTS
FIELD PROCEDURES MANUAL FOR ON-SITE ENVIRONMENTAL STAFF

CCME Guidelines for Surface and Groundwater Quality

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S:\Marketing\N-Manuals\9-ENVIRONMENTAL FIELD GUIDE MANUAL\Forms\[Baseline Monitoring Forms.XLS]Table 2.2 Rev'd 02/05/01
Surface Water Groundwater
Parameter Agricultural Use
Protection of Aquatic Life Community Water Extraction
Irrigation Livestock
General Parameters
pH 6.5 to 9.0 n/a n/a 6.5 to 8.5 (a)
Temperature site specific n/a n/a =15°C (a)
Taste n/a n/a n/a inoffensive (a)
Odour n/a n/a n/a inoffensive (a)
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) (b) n/a n/a =500 mg/l (a)
Turbidity (c) n/a n/a n/a
Dissolved Oxygen 5500 to 9500 µg/l n/a n/a n/a

Cations
Ammonia (total) 1370 to 2200 µg/l n/a n/a n/a
Chloride n/a 100,000 to 700,000 µg/l n/a =250 mg/l (a)
Cyanide 5 µg/l n/a n/a 0.2 mg/l
Fluoride n/a 1000 µg/l 1000 to 2000 µg/l 1.5 mg/l
Nitrate avoid [ ] that promote weed growth n/a 100,000 µg/l (d) 45 mg/l
Nitrite 60 µg/l n/a 10,000 µg/l n/a
Sulphate n/a n/a 1,000,000 µg/l =500 mg/l (a)
Sulphide (as H2S) n/a n/a n/a =0.05 mg/l (a)

Organic Parameters
Faecal Coliforms n/a 100 colonies/100 ml n/a 0 colonies/100 ml
Total Coliforms n/a 1000 colonied/100 ml n/a < 10 colonies/100 ml

Trace Metals
Aluminum 5 to 100 µg/l 5000 µg/l 5000 µg/l n/a
Antimony n/a n/a n/a 0.006 mg/l
Arsenic 5.0 µg/l 100 µg/l 25 µg/l 0.025 mg/l
Barium n/a n/a n/a 1.0 mg/l
Beryllium n/a 100 µg/l 100 µg/l n/a
Boron n/a 500 to 6000 µg/l 5000 µg/l 5.0 mg/l
Cadmium 0.017 µg/l 5.1 µg/l 80 µg/l 0.005 mg/l
Calcium n/a n/a 1,000,000 µg/l n/a
Chromium (Cr(III)) 8.9 µg/l 4.9 µg/l 50 µg/l
0.05 mg/l
Chromium (Cr(IV)) 1.0 µg/l 8.0 µg/l 50 µg/l
Cobalt n/a 50 µg/l 1000 µg/l n/a
Copper 2 to 4 µg/l 200 to 1000 µg/l 500 to 5000 µg/l =1.0 mg/l (a)
Iron 300 µg/l 5000 µg/l n/a 0.3 mg/l (a)
Lead 1 to 7 µg/l 200 µg/l n/a 0.010 mg/l
Lithium n/a 2500 µg/l n/a n/a
Manganese n/a 200 µg/l n/a =0.05 mg/l (a)
Mercury 0.1 µg/l n/a 3.0 µg/l 0.001 mg/l
Molybdenum 73 µg/l 10 to 50 µg/l 50 µg/l n/a
Nickel 25 to 150 µg/l 200 µg/l 1000 µg/l n/a
Selenium 1.0 µg/l 20 to 50 µg/l 50 µg/l 0.01 mg/l
Silver 0.1 µg/l n/a n/a n/a
Sodium n/a n/a n/a =200 mg/l (a)
Thallium 0.8 µg/l n/a n/a n/a
Uranium n/a 10 µg/l 200 µg/l 0.1 mg/l
Zinc 30 µg/l 1000 to 5000 µg/l 50,000 µg/l =5.0 mg/l (a)

Notes:

Values with ranges are subject to factors not identified here. CCME guidebook provides all pertinent information.

a) Aesthetic objective
b) Total suspended solids (for protection of aquatic life): for clear flow - maximum increase of 25 mg/l over background levels for short term
exposure (24 hr); maximum increase of 5 mg/l for long term exposure (to 30 days).
Total suspended solids (for protection of aquatic life): for high flow - maximum increase of 25 mg/l over background if background is
between 25 and 250 mg/l; maximum increase of 10% if background is >250 mg/l.
c) Turbidity: for clear flow - maximum increase of 8 NTU over background levels for short term exposure (24 hr); maximum average increase of
2 NTU for long term exposure (24 hr to 30 day).
Turbidity: for high flow - maximum increase of 8 NTU over background levels if background is between 8 and 80 NTU; maximum increase of
10% over background levels if background is >80 NTU.
d) Total nitrate nitrogen (nitrate + nitrite)

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 TABLE 2.3

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA COLLECTION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL

PERMITTING DOCUMENTS
FIELD PROCEDURES MANUAL FOR ON-SITE ENVIRONMENTAL STAFF

Recommended Water Quality Analytes and Detection Limits

8/26/2003 11:48
S:\Marketing\N-Manuals\9-ENVIRONMENTAL FIELD GUIDE MANUAL\Forms\[Baseline Monitoring Forms.XLS]Table 2.3 Rev'd 02/05/01
Analyte Detection Limit Analyte Detection Limit
Alkalinity-Total (CaCO3) 1 mg/L Dissolved Manganese 0.005 mg/L
Dissolved Aluminum 0.005 mg/L Total Manganese 0.005 mg/L
Total Aluminum 0.005 mg/L Total Mercury 0.00001 mg/L
Ammonia Nitrogen 0.005 mg/L Dissolved Molybdenum 0.001 mg/L
Dissolved Antimony 0.0001 mg/L Total Molybdenum 0.001 mg/L
Total Antimony 0.0001 mg/L Dissolved Nickel 0.001 mg/L
Dissolved Arsenic 0.0001 mg/L Total Nickel 0.001 mg/L
Total Arsenic 0.0001 mg/L Nitrate Nitrogen 0.005 mg/L
Dissolved Barium 0.01 mg/L Nitrite Nitrogen 0.001 mg/L
Total Barium 0.01 mg/L pH 0.01
Dissolved Beryllium 0.005 mg/L Dissolved ortho-Phosphate 0.001 mg/L
Total Beryllium 0.005 mg/L Total Dissolved Phosphate 0.001 mg/L
Dissolved Bismuth 0.1 mg/L Total Phosphate 0.001 mg/L
Total Bismuth 0.1 mg/L Potassium 0.01 mg/L
Dissolved Boron 0.1 mg/L Dissolved Selenium 0.0005 mg/L
Total Boron 0.1 mg/L Total Selenium 0.0005 mg/L
Dissolved Cadmium 0.0002 mg/L Dissolved Silicon 0.05 mg/L
Total Cadmium 0.0002 mg/L Total Silicon 0.05 mg/L
Dissolved Calcium 0.05 mg/L Dissolved Silver 0.0001 mg/L
Total Calcium 0.05 mg/L Total Silver 0.0001 mg/L
Chloride 0.5 mg/L Sodium 0.01 mg/L
Dissolved Chromium 0.001 mg/L Dissolved Strontium 0.005 mg/L
Total Chromium 0.001 mg/L Total Strontium 0.005 mg/L
Dissolved Copper 0.001 mg/L Sulphate 1 mg/L
Total Copper 0.001 mg/L Total Suspended Solids 1 mg/L
Total Dissolved Solids 1 mg/L Dissolved Titanium 0.01 mg/L
Fluoride 0.02 mg/L Total Titanium 0.01 mg/L
Hardness (CaCO3) 0.05 mg/L Total Organic Carbon 0.5 mg/L
Dissolved Iron 0.03 mg/L Turbidity 0.1 NTU
Total Iron 0.03 mg/L Dissolved Uranium 0.00001 mg/L
Dissolved Lead 0.001 mg/L Total Uranium 0.00001 mg/L
Total Lead 0.001 mg/L Dissolved Vanadium 0.03 mg/L
Dissolved Magnesium 0.1 mg/L Total Vanadium 0.03 mg/L
Total Magnesium 0.1 mg/L Dissolved Zinc 0.005 mg/L
Total Zinc 0.005 mg/L

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 TABLE 2.4
8/26/2003 11:48
Rev'd 06/13/01
Monthly Log of Weather Observations
Monthly Weather Station Report for the Month of 20 .
Time of Observation am pm Station
Observer Province / Territory

Temperature Precipitation Times of

Maximum Minimum Rain Precipitation Remarks

Total for Day (mm)

Measured(mm)

For Day (mm)

Day of Month

Observation

After Reset
Observed

Observed
For Day

For Day
Time of

Began

Ended
1 am
pm
2 am
pm
3 am
pm
4 am
pm
5 am
pm
6 am
pm
7 am
pm
8 am
pm
9 am
pm
10 am
pm
11 am
pm
12 am
pm
13 am
pm
14 am
pm
15 am
pm
16 am
pm
17 am
pm
18 am
pm
19 am
pm
20 am
pm
21 am
pm
22 am
pm
23 am
pm
24 am
pm
25 am
pm
26 am
pm
27 am
pm
28 am
pm
29 am
pm
30 am
pm
31 am
pm
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 TABLE 2.5

FISH AND WILDLIFE RECORDS

Date Species Total Total Total Total Total Location Comments Observer
Male Fem Imm Unk Indiv

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FIGURES
S:\Marketing\N-Manuals\9-ENVIRONMENTAL FIELD GUIDE MANUAL\Word Files\Figure 3.1 - Schematic Assessment.Doc

Ecological Risk Assessment

Discussion between

DATA ACQUISITION: VERIFICATION AND MONITORING

the Risk Assessor
and Risk Manager PROBLEM FORMULATION
(Planning)

ANALYSIS
Characterization Characterization
of Exposure of Ecological
Effects

RISK CHARACTERIZATION

Discussion Between the Risk Assessor

and Risk Manager
(Results)

Risk Management

PR

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA COLLECTION FOR

PERMITTING DOCUMENTS
Notes: 1 – From Figure 1. US EPA Document “ A
Framework for Ecological Risk Assessment”.
Washington, D.C., February 1992. SCHEMATIC OF AN ECOLOGICAL RISK
ASSESSMENT
Proj. No. Ref. No. Rev.
0019 9 0

FIGURE 3.1