Welcome to the Proposed Genesee Mine Extension Open · PDF fileGenesee Mine is awarded the...

Welcome to the Proposed Genesee Mine Extension Open House

Would You Like a Tour of the Mine?Winter and spring months are not ideal for tours of the mine

due to snow cover and mud. However, we would be happy

to take you into the mine in the summer or fall for you to see

the mining operation in action, as well as the reclamation

and research work currently underway.

Based on the number of requests we receive, we will

schedule tours and contact you to see which option works

best for you.

Children over the age of 5 are welcome.

Mining Sequence Board

What is the Proposed Genesee Mine Extension Project?Sherritt Coal will be applying for a new permit to extend the current Genesee Mine. The proposed mine extension

would be to the south of the current mine permit area and include 14.5 sections (or 9,280 acres) of land. All of the

subsurface rights to the coal within the proposed mine extension area are owned by Capital Power and Sherritt Coal,

and there are no Crown surface lands included in the proposed extension area. Sherritt Coal will also be applying for

a renewed licence to operate the mine.

Why is an extension of the Genesee Mine necessary?Coal from the Genesee Mine is used as fuel to run the three power generation units at Genesee Generating Station

(GGS). There is not enough coal within the current mine permit area to supply fuel for the GGS for the rest of its

economic life, so more coal reserves need to be accessed.

Permitting coal reserves that are directly adjacent to the existing mine permit area allows for the operation to continue

a natural progression of current mining and reclamation practices.

By the numbers:75 million Tonnes mined to date from the existing mine permit area.

80 million Mineable tonnes of coal remaining within the existing permit area.

101 million Tonnes of coal needed in the proposed permit area.

181 million Remaining tonnes expected to be consumed by the GGS by the end of their lifespans.

10% The estimate of coal unavailable due to washouts and poor quality.

200 million Tonnes needed to ensure there is enough coal for GGS in the existing and future mining areas accounting for expected washouts etc.

Genesee Mine – Safety AchievementsCanadian institute of Mining and Metallurgy (CiM) District 5 Safety Award (Small Mines) 1989, 1990, 1992

Occupational Health and Safety Award, northern Alberta Region, and an Alberta Mine Safety Association Award

1990

John T. Ryan Safety Committee, national Safety AwardAwarded 10 times

between 1992–2010

John T. Ryan national Award for 21 years of operation without a lost Time Accident June 2009

The Genesee Mine completes 22 years of operation without a lost Time Accident June 2010

Genesee Mine Rescue TeamDozer leveling subsoil Dozers pushing in a ramp

John T. Ryan Trophies are awarded by Mine Safety Appliances Canada limited as a memorial to the founder of the

company. The national trophies are awarded by the institute to the metalliferous mine, the select mine, and the coal

mine which experienced the lowest accident frequencies during the previous year in all of Canada.

Below is a description of the activities that take place within the mine:Clearing & Salvage Removing (and salvaging when possible) vegetation in advance of mining.

Coal Hauling Utilizing large mining trucks to haul coal to the Genesee Generating Station.

Coal liftingA technique used at the Genesee Mine where the dragline lifts the coal onto a bench where it is loaded into haul trucks.

DitchingConstructing ditches to either divert clean water around the mine or control mine water within the mine.

inpit Mining leaving coal seams in place and using a truck and loader fleet to haul the coal.

leveling Using dozers to level spoil piles.

Pre-strippingTrucks and large stripping shovels or loaders remove material in advance of the draglines to the mined out areas and discard it.

Pumping Pumping water from a collection point to a desired location.

ReclamationThe process of bringing disturbed lands to an equal or better land classification than was originally present.

Reclamation & Research

The process of reconverting disturbed land to its former or other productive uses. Research is conducted on land at various stages of reclamation to determine best reclamation processes and practice.

Road Maintenance Maintaining roads to ensure safe and efficient material hauling.

Shallow Well Program Using shallow wells to remove the water in the coal seams in advance of mining.

Spoiling Moving the material above and between the coal seams.

Subsoil Conditioning Deep-shaking subsoil to de-compact it, picking rocks and leveling small hollows.

Subsoil Recovery / Placement

Saving removed subsoil by direct-placing it on leveled or backfilled spoils.

Topsoil Recovery / Placement

Saving removed topsoil by either stockpiling it or direct-placing it on reclaimed lands.

These are some of the terms used when referring to mining activities:Ash Dump location for storage of fly and bottom ash which are the by-product of burning coal.

Backfill The material used to bring the surface to a predetermined grade.

Bench A close to level working elevation that equipment operates on.

Dead PileThe coal stockpile (covered in grasses) adjacent to the Genesee Generating Station that can be utilized in an emergency.

interburden Waste material in between coal seams.

Overburden Waste material on top of the first coal seam encountered.

Reclamation Certified

The status of reclaimed land once it has been investigated by Alberta Environment and verified as having achieved equivalent land capability.

Spoil The material that is moved by the draglines or pre-strip operations, such as dirt, rocks and clay.

Subsoil Soil found beneath the topsoil but above the bedrock and can extend up to 100 cm.

Topsoil The top most layer of soil that is moved in tillage and naturally ranges in depth from 5 cm to 45 cm.

Genesee Mine – HistoryMine permit C 80-14 is approved. Mar-81

Mobilization of mine site services construction. Jun-87

Start of M8200 dragline erection. Aug-87

Mine licence renewal submitted to the ERCB. Dec-87

Amended licence renewal submitted to the ERCB. Mar-88

Mine licence C-88-5 issued by the ERCB to expire May 1, 1993. May-88

M8200 dragline commissioning. Dec-88

Genesee Coal Mine officially in production. Dec-88

A water management report is submitted to the lCRC in support of a revised groundwater diversion licence application.

Oct-89

An amendment to D&R Approval C-2-82 is granted by A.E.P. Dec-89

Mine licence renewal application is submitted to the ERCB and Alberta Environment.

Jun-91

A supplement to the original 1992–1996 mine licence application is forwarded to the ERCB and Alberta Environment.

nov-91

A revised mine licence (C92-7) is granted by the ERCB. Jul-92

Construction starts for the M8750 Dragline. Jul-92

Genesee Mine is awarded the 1992 Ammonite Award for excellence in land Reclamation; presented by the Alberta Chamber of Resources in conjunction with Alberta Environmental Protection.

Jan-93

Approval of 1993–1996 revised mine plan is received from the ERCB. Feb-93

Five year renewal and amendment to the Development and Reclamation approval (C-2-82) is issued.

Apr-93

A hazardous waste storage pad and waste oil secondary containment reservoir is constructed.

Oct-93

installation of a concrete fuel and lube spillage control system is initiated at the mine site fueling station.

Jan-94

M8750 dragline begins operating. May-94

The official inauguration ceremony for the M8750 is held. May-94

10 million tonnes of coal is mined. Jul-94

Due to ERCB requests; a sound level survey is conducted. Results show that the mine is in compliance with noise directive iD94-4.

Jan-95

The first coal is available to the general public for sale. nov-95

Total reclamation of land approx. 155 ha. Dec-95

Permit no. C80-14 transferred to EPCOR under C95-27. licence no. C92-7 transferred to EPCOR under C95-28. licence no. C89-30 transferred to EPCOR under C95-33. Development and Reclamation Approval no. C-2-82 transferred to EPCOR – remains as C-2-82.

Jan-96

15 million tonnes of coal is mined. Jan-96

Mine licence Renewal and Conservation and Reclamation Approval filed for 10 year period 1997–2006.

Sep-96

25 million tonnes of coal is mined. Oct-98


50 million tonnes of coal is mined. Jun-05

Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act approves the Operation and Reclamation of the Genesee Coal Mine for 10 years (2005–2014).

Sep-05

The ERCB approves license no. C 2005-12A for operation of the Genesee Coal Mine for 10 years (2005–2014).

Dec-05


Genesee Mine is awarded the 2009 Ammonite Award for excellence in land Reclamation; presented by the Alberta Chamber of Resources in conjunction with Alberta Environment. Sherritt & CPC were nominated by Alberta Environment for this Award.

Jan-09

Construction of the Maintenance and Warehouse expansions begins. Mar-09

Construction of the P&H 4100C begins. Mar-09

P&H 4100C shovel begins operating. Jul-09

Construction of the Maintenance and Warehouse expansions is completed. nov-09


75 million tonnes of coal is mined. Feb-10

Genesee Mine – EquipmentFlEET # SizE PRiMARy WORk FUnCTiOn

Marion 8750 Walking Dragline 1 Bucket - 88 m3 Removal of overburden and intraburden to expose and pile coal

Marion 8200 Walking Dragline 1 Bucket - 52 m3 Removal of overburden and intraburden to expose and pile coal

P&H 4100C Electric Shovel 1 Bucket - 44 m3 Removal of overburden and subsoil

Marion 191B Electric Shovel 1 Bucket - 13 m3 Removal of overburden and subsoil

Caterpillar 994F Front End loader 1 Bucket - 21 m3 load coal and topsoil

Caterpillar 992C Front End loader 1 Bucket - 10 m3 load coal and tram coal

Hitachi 1800 Hydraulic Shovel 1 Bucket - 52 m3 Removal of overburden and intraburden, loading topsoil and loading coal

FlEET # SizE PRiMARy WORk FUnCTiOn

komatsu 830E AC Electric Truck 3 Capacity 218 tonnes Hauling overburden

Caterpillar 789C Mechanical Truck 2 Capacity 175 tonnes Hauling overburden

Caterpillar 785C Mechanical Truck 3 Capacity 136 tonnes Hauling coal and ash

Haulpak 630E DC Electric Truck 2 Capacity 170 tonnes Hauling overburden and coal

Haulpak 510E DC Electric Truck 2 Capacity 136 tonnes Hauling coal/ash, watering roads

Haulpak 210M DC Electric Truck 2 Capacity 50 tonnes Watering roads

Caterpillar D11T Dozer 5 nA Supporting the draglines, shovels and trucks

Caterpillar D10R Dozer 1 nA Supporting the draglines, shovels and trucks

Caterpillar 637E Scraper 2 Capacity - 23 m3 Road maintenance

komatsu PC 300 Excavator 1 nA Ditching and working with pumps

Caterpillar 16G Grader 1 nA Road maintenance

Caterpillar 16H Grader 1 nA Road maintenance

Genesee Mine – Equipment

Research Projects

Live root transfer Live root transfer Public tour of research

Aspen seedlings Tree planting

Air Quality• Predicted Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) concentrations

are below the ambient air quality objectives outside the western Mine permit boundary for 99% of the time during the life of the Project (Figure 4.11). It should be noted that the TSP levels are less than the objectives at the nearest residence outside the boundary. TSP is considered a nuisance rather than a health risk by Alberta Environment.

Significance

Based on the results of the air quality model, the Project will not have a significant effect on the overall air quality in the Genesee area. The model considered the emissions from the active machinery and the dust created by mining activities; both of which contribute to air quality affects associated with the Mine.

The amount of equipment is not expected to increase and the Mine will continue to use dust suppression techniques on all haul roads creating similar conditions as in the existing Mine permit area. The model also considered the effects of background air quality including the effects of the nearby power plant, which is also not expected to change.

Mitigation

• Haul roads will be watered during dry periods.• Efforts are being made to purchase land with potential receptors

within the Project Area.• Inactive areas of the ash dump will be covered to minimize ash

dust emissions.• Major haul roads will be gravelled.

Scope

Air quality modeling was conducted for the proposed Genesee Mine Extension Project (the Project). The modeling was conducted in the defined air study area, to quantify potential effects associated with the proposed project.

• Predictive dispersion modeling was conducted using the CALPUFF software package for all emission sources in the study area.

• The focus was primarily on dust and combustion emissions from haul roads and pit equipment.

• Sources outside the area were represented by background concentrations from monitoring stations in the West Central Airshed – Genesee, Wagner, Tomahawk.

Assumptions

• Used conservative assumptions in the predictive model.• Assumed pits are located in closest possible proximity to the

mine boundary.• Chose emission scenario with long haul roads.• Assumed improvements to engine technology through Mine life.

Results

• Predicted concentrations of gaseous emissions (such as SO2, NO2 and CO) are less than ambient air quality objectives within the Mine permit boundary (Figure 4.1; Figure 4.5).

• Predicted PM2.5 concentrations are less than ambient air quality objectives within the Mine permit boundary (Figure 4.10).

Predicted Daily TSP Concentrations

Predicted Daily PM2.5 Concentrations

Predicted Hourly NO2 Concentrations

Predicted Hourly SO2 Concentrations

Figure 4.10Figure 4.1

Figure 4.11Figure 4.5

Proposed Genesee Mine Extension Timeline

ACTIvITyTIMELINE

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

Ongoing Public Consultation (newsletter updates, website updates, one-on-one consultation and meetings, etc. as required)

Land Purchasing

Conduct Technical Studies

Open House to present baseline results

Open House to present assessment results

Submit Application to AENv* and ERCB**

AENv and ERCB Application Review Process

Commence Pre-mining Activities (Anticipated)

*Alberta Environment **Energy Resources Conservation Board

Aquatic Ecology

• Brook Stickleback

• Longnose Sucker

• Emerald Shiner

• Fine Scale Dace

• Fathead Minnow

• Lake Chub

• Longnose Dace

• Longnose Sucker

• White Sucker

Freshwater Crayfish from Strawberry Creek

Minnow from Strawberry Creek

Three Spined Stickleback from Creek 2

White Sucker from Strawberry Creek

Results

Fish

Creeks 2 and 3 are the only water courses located directly within

the Project. The upper extent of Creek 3 (upstream of Township

Road 502) is either permanently dry or has significantly reduced

water levels that offers minimal fish habitat. Upper portions of

Creek 2 are heavily influenced by beaver activity and agriculture.

Downstream reaches of Creeks 2 and 3 contain a range of low

to moderate quality fish habitat.

Brook Stickleback and White Sucker are the fish species that are

most commonly found within the Project boundary.

Fish species that are within the local watercourses, and

Strawberry Creek are listed below:

Scope

Aquatic ecology (fish, fish habitat and water quality) data was

collected to compile a baseline report on the current status of

aquatic ecology resources within the proposed Genesee Mine

Extension Project (the Project) Area, and to quantify and qualify

potential effects associated with the proposed Project.

Aquatic Sampling Locations

Table 1: Summary of fish captured in the Study Area

SiteWater-course

Species

TotalEmerald Shiner

Brook Stickle-back

Lake Chub

Longnose Sucker

White Sucker

Upper 2A Creek 2 - 231 - - - 231

2.1 Creek 2 - 8 - - - 8

3.1 Creek 3 2 9 18 27 76 142

3.2 Creek 3 - 50 - - 9 59

1 Creek 10 - 3 2 - 11 16

Total 2 301 20 27 96 456

These are the major creeks studied for the Project.

Habitat

• Heavily influenced by agricultural and land development.

• Limited riparian habitat surrounding watercourses within the

Project.

• Watercourses downstream of the Project contain moderate to

high quality habitat, dominated by:

– Riffle pool morphology;

– Gravel and sand substrate;

– Secondary growth shrubs and mixed (coniferous/deciduous)

forests; and

– Sufficient water quality to sustain fish health.

• Overwinter habitat is restricted to Strawberry Creek, North

Saskatchewan River and Site Upper 2A.

Table 2: Physical aquatic habitat summary for watercourses

in the Study Area

Streambed Material (% Streambed Area)

% Wetted Area with Crown Closure

Crown Closure and Instream Cover

55

Organic 46 % Wetted Area with Instream Cover 70

Fines 25 % Total Instream Cover as:

Gravels 20 Small Woody Debris 10

Cobbles 5 Large Woody Debris 2

Boulders 4 Boulders 2

Rock <1 Undercut Banks 5

Anthropogenic Materials

- Deep Pools 15

Bank Morphology (% Streambank Length)

Overhanging vegetation 33

Undercut Banks 10 Instream vegetation 33

vertical 10 Riparian vegetation (% Streambank Length)

Sloping 70 No Riparian vegetation -

Flat/Ponded 10 Grasses 35

Channel Morphology (% Stream Area) Shrubs 35

Run 10 Coniferous Forest 5

Pool 20 Deciduous Forest 5

Riffle 65 Mixedwood Forest 10

Other 5 Pond 10

Glossary of Terms

Streambed material – the materials that make up the bottom

channel of a river, stream or creek.

Bank morphology – the structure and content that defines the

banks of a river, stream or creek.

Channel morphology – the structure and content that defines the

width of a river, stream or creek.

Crown closure and instream cover:

a) crown closure – also referred to as canopy cover, the amount of

large vegetation that provides instream shade;

b) instream cover – areas in the channel that provide protection,

and a place to rest for aquatic organisms, this can take the form

of deep pools, instream vegetation, fallen logs, large boulders.

Riparian vegetation – the vegetation that surrounds the banks of

a waterbody.

Surface Water

• Was collected from each watercourse in the Project Area;

• Water is classified as hard with slightly elevated pH and nutrients

and high concentrations of dissolved solids;

• variables that exceed aquatic life guidelines include sulphate,

Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), aluminum, chromium, copper, iron,

silver and zinc. With the exception of sulphate and zinc, these

variables also were in exceedance in areas upstream of mining

activities.

– These exceedances could be related to agricultural activities

and/or area geography.

– These exceedances do not make water uninhabitable to fish

nor do they contribute to the limited distribution.

– Fish distribution limitations are the result of low summer flow,

low dissolved oxygen and high summer water temperatures.

Potential Effects and Proposed Mitigation Measures

Effect/Significance

• Construction and mining activities increasing run-off into local

creeks.

• Insignificant with the implementation of the proper mitigation

measures.

Proposed Mitigation

• Implementing progressive mining and reclamation techniques.

• Installing sediment control ponds, ditching, and slope grading.

• Installing stream protection buffers.

• Re-vegetating exposed surfaces as soon as practicable.

Effect/Significance

• Construction of creek crossings.


measures.

Proposed Mitigation

• Following the Alberta Code of Practice for Watercourse

Crossings.

• Constructing during periods of low flow.

• Conducting an aquatic assessment of stream crossing locations.

Effect/Significance

• Changes in surface water quality.


measures.

Proposed Mitigation

• Diverting all Mine impacted water to the sediment control ponds.

• Diverting clean water around mining activities and releasing it into

the downstream portion of the respective watercourse.

Effect/Significance

• Changes in surface flows from loss of drainage basin.


measures.

Proposed Mitigation

• Diverting clean water around mining activities and releasing it

into the downstream portion of the respective watercourse.

• The release of clean water into effected drainage basins to

compensate for surface flow losses due to mining operations.

• Creating end-pit lakes which will serve as the long-term sources

of surface flows into downstream areas of Creeks 2 and 10.

Environmental Assessment Results

Several of the study areas are confined to the Project boundary.

Some disciplines studied areas outside of the Project boundary

to ensure an appropriate and complete range of information

was collected.

What are Assessment Studies?

The completion of baseline studies is the first step to completing

environmental (technical) assessment studies. Baseline studies were

conducted to determine the existing conditions prior to any Project

development.

The second step is to complete assessment studies to determine

what the effect will be as a result of the Project. The baseline results

are incorporated into the assessment results to understand the

extent, duration and significance of potential effects the Project may

have on each environmental discipline.

Depending on the results, mitigation measures may be necessary

to minimize or eliminate effects the Project may have. Appropriate

measures are then considered as part of the assessment studies.

The results of the assessment studies are presented here. Technical

experts are on hand to help you understand the results, answer your

questions and record concerns or comments you have regarding

the information.

Millennium EMS Solutions Ltd.

MEMS was contracted by the Genesee Mine (the Mine) to conduct

the baseline and technical assessment studies for the proposed

Genesee Mine Extension Project (the Project). The studies will:

• Ensure a complete understanding of existing environmental

conditions;

• Identify potential project-related effects; and

• Provide the basis for proposed mitigation to minimize

adverse effects.

Welcome to the Genesee Mine Extension Open House, June 16, 2011The purpose of this open house is to share information and receive feedback on the assessment studies that have been conducted for the Genesee Mine Extension Project (the Project). These studies include:

• Air Quality• Aquatics• Historical• Hydrogeology

• Hydrology• Noise• Socio-Economics• Soils

• vegetation• Wildlife

Conservation and Reclamation Plan The primary goal of the reclamation program at Genesee is

to return reclaimed lands to a capability that is equivalent to

pre-development conditions, and to reclaim the disturbed lands

to meet intended land uses. The reclamation program will meet

the test of equivalent land capability, will increase land biodiversity,

and will provide mitigation strategies for biophysical disciplines.

Proposed end land uses for the Project Area include:

Conceptual End Land Uses

Conceptual Conceptual

• Agricultural lands (pasture

and crop land);

• Forested lands including

transitional forested;

• Riparian areas;

• Wetlands; and

• Recreation.

A conceptual Conservation and Reclamation (C & R) Plan has

been developed for the Genesee Mine Extension Project (the

Project) with input from various professionals.

This C & R Plan contains information with respect to the

reclamation activities that the Genesee Mine (the Mine) plans

to carry out to ensure that environmental impacts are minimized

and the final end land use objectives and goals are attained.

The conceptual C & R Plan summarizes the long range

development of the Project and is a large component of the

proposed End Land Use Plan for the entire Project Area.

The current and conceptual end land uses for the Project Area are

described in Table 1.

Table 1: Current Land Uses and Proposed Reclaimed

Conceptual End Land Uses for the Project Area

Land Use*Current Land Use Reclaimed Conceptual Land Use

Area (ha)

Percentage Distribution

Area (ha)Percentage Distribution

Anthropogenic‡ 70.2 2.3 - -

Agricultural – crop, pasture and cleared

lands2269.8 74.6 1833.0 60.3

Forested – all forested lands &

upland shrub509.3 16.7 689.8 22.7

Riparian 70.6 2.3 134.9 4.4

Transitional Forested**

- - 95.6 3.1

Wetlands*** 123.8 4.1 290.4 9.5

Totals† 3043.7 100 3043.7 100

*Land uses are based on estimated vegetation cover as adapted from the Genesee Mine Extension Project: Baseline Vegetation and Rare Plant Survey Report.**Transitional Forested – reclaimed forested areas that may contain temporary wet areas during years with significant precipitation or snow melt, however, the length of time that surface water is present is expected to be short term and forested vegetation is expected to develop in these habitats over the long term.***The area of wetlands includes all wetlands recorded. The estimated area of wetlands that may require compensation is approximately 100 ha (based on the Stewart and Kantrud classification system).†Totals are rounded.‡Anthropogenic – Man-made water retention structures.

The Mine is intending to reclaim the East and West Fields with

distinct reclamation end land use goals. The East Field will be

reclaimed to provide predominantly agricultural lands that will be

utilized post reclamation for crop production and/or pasture for

livestock. The West Field will be reclaimed to provide suitable

wildlife habitat that will provide a corridor to the forest lands

northwest of the Project. Portions of the West Field will also be

reclaimed to provide agricultural lands.

The annual reclamation monitoring program measures the

success of the reclamation program. The components that

will be assessed are:

• Re-contouring – to ensure that the reclaimed landscape

is stable, suitable for agricultural operations and does not

promote erosion;

• Soil replacement – to ensure that the replaced soil properties

are equivalent as the undisturbed adjacent lands; and

• Revegetation – to ensure that the vegetation is suitable for

the end land uses.

Results and experience from the annual monitoring program will

be incorporated into the C & R Plan at the Mine and will be used

to improve these programs.

Cross-Section of the Conceptual End Land Use

End Land Use PlanningWater Management Plan

This plan ensures that the anticipated surface runoff associated

with rainfall and snowmelt continues to contribute to the original

drainage basin or, if the C & R Plan has changed the drainage, a

mitigation plan is proposed.

The East Field sub-basins currently drain to Strawberry

Creek will be reclaimed to allow similar drainage. Wetlands

and waterbodies that exist in the area prior to the Project

development will be returned (See Table 1).

West Field planning is still underway. The Water Management

plan for this area is more complex as there are several water

courses which drain toward the North Saskatchewan River.

See Hydrology Board for additional information.

• Recreation

• Agriculture

• Wetlands

• Riparian

• End pit lakes

• Wildlife habitat

See C & R Board for additional information.

An End Land Use Plan is being developed as part of the

application for the Genesee Mine Extension Project (the Project).

This conceptual plan provides a vision for the proposed use of the

Project Area upon the completion of reclamation. A conceptual

End Land Use Plan must strike a balance between the regulatory

requirements to return lands that are of equivalent land capability

and the public/Government desires for increased biodiversity,

increased landscape diversity, maximized agricultural land and

continuity with adjacent land uses.

The conceptual End Land Use Plan outlines the mitigation

proposals for the terrestrial and social effects of the Project.

Major components of the End Land Use Plan are:

• The Water Management Plan

• The Conservation and Reclamation Plan

• The Road Plan

Conservation & Reclamation Plan

A C & R Plan can ensure the predictable release of coal while

minimizing the amount of reclamation material that has to be

moved multiple times and can add diversity to the reclaimed

landscape in the areas of:

Road Plan

An updated Road Plan for the Project Area is being developed in

cooperation with all interested parties as part of the Application.

As the active mining area within the Project progresses, there will be

a need to close existing public access roads. The Mine has a long

history of consultation with area stakeholders to ensure the closure

and opening of roads is as appropriate as possible to minimize the

effects on area road users. This process will continue throughout

the Project.

A table top map show which roads will be closed for the operation

and some proposed road openings. Expected timeframes for the

changes are based on the progression of the Mine and are shown

where possible.

Please provide your comments, concerns and questions to

Open House staff for consideration in Road Planning.

The Genesee Land Use Guidelines

The Genesee Land Use Guidelines provide an overview of the

practices for how the Mine manages the land owned in the

Genesee area. They were developed in 2007 to meet the needs

of the operation and other users of the land.

A review of the Land Use Guidelines is underway to ensure it

aligns with and supports the conceptual End Land Use Plan being

developed for the Project. The Mine is committed to ensuring that

the manner in which the land is managed today supports the use

of the land once the Genesee operations are completed.

The Guidelines are intended to be a living document that will be

updated periodically to reflect the needs of the operation, and

input and feedback received from all land users as appropriate.

Interested stakeholders are invited to provide input into the

review of the Land Use Guidelines. If you are interested in

participating in the review, please notify an Open House

staff member.

Historical ResourcesResults

The Project is not expected to result in significant impacts to

historical resources as all of the archaeological finds to date have

been of limited significance. The historical resources assessment

resulted in recording a total of 44 sites (i.e. 36 previously

unrecorded and 8 sites had been previously documented).

Aside from two larger campsites identified, all other sites within

the Project Area are listed as small campsites, artifact scatters,

or isolated finds.

Scope

A historical resources survey was conducted under Permit 10-126 for the lands within the proposed Genesee Mine Extension Project (the Project) Area, that quantified and qualified potential effects associated with the Project.

The Project Area was sampled based on its potential (i.e. high, moderate and low) for cultural resources. A total of 22 quarter sections were surveyed for cultural resources. This constitutes over 38% of the total Project Area.

Two quarter sections with potential for historical resources, due to dense forestry and well formed drainages, were not subject to study under Permit 10-126. In an effort to have complete clearance of the Project Area, access negotiations are underway with the landowners. These lands will be incorporated into the

historical resources survey at a future date.

Lands Surveyed and Sites Found

In considering the collective distribution of the sites found across

the Project Area, it is apparent that sites diminish in both size

and density as distance increases from the North Saskatchewan

River valley and the Genesee Creek drainage basin.

Mitigation

Based on expert field assessment all of the finds are of limited

archaeological significance. The recording and/or collection of

the historical resources during the study period are considered

a sufficient mitigative strategy.

With acceptance of the Historical Resources Report, the

surveyed portions of the Project Area are anticipated to be

granted full Historical Resources clearance by Alberta Culture

and Community Spirit.

Hydrogeology (Groundwater)Results

The drawdown of water levels in advance of mining extends 2

kilometers from active mine areas based on available piezometer

data. As a result, lowering of water levels can adversely affect

supply in wells and springs. This impact decreases as distance

increases from the active mine face. Over time, groundwater levels

will naturally recover.

No changes to water chemistry or quality have been observed in

20 years outside of areas already mined.

Monitoring

The existing piezometer network will continue to be utilized

throughout the life of the Mine to ensure changes in groundwater

are noted and appropriate mitigation considered. The Mine

practices will be examined to ensure that current monitoring

methods are effective for future development.

An inventory of the water wells and dugouts outside of the

Project Area will be undertaken once the boundary of the Project

is approved.

Scope

A survey was completed for the lands within the Genesee

Mine Extension Project (the Project) Area to inventory and map

existing water wells and to identify potential effects associated

with the Project. The water wells in the Project Area were

sampled to collect baseline data pertaining to the quality and

quantity of groundwater. With these results the Mine will be

able to track any changes in groundwater.

Baseline Results

Groundwater quality in the Project Area is fair for human and

stock consumption based on the monitoring data and Alberta

Environment Guidelines. Baseline monitoring data indicates that:

• The Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) ranges from 600 to 1,500 mg/L

which is above the provincial drinking water limit of 500 mg/L.

• Sodium content ranges from 70 to 550 mg/L which is compared

to the standard drinking water limit of 200 mg/L.

• The pH levels of the groundwater range from 7.7 to 9 whereas

the drinking water limit is 6.5 to 8.5.

• The water level monitoring data shows that significant drawdown

of water levels in wells occurs within 2 kilometers of the active pit.

Mitigation

Water Levels/Supply

The principles of existing Water Well Replacement Policy are

an appropriate mitigation strategy:

• Covers all water supply features including water wells and

dugouts;

• Calls for inventory of existing water supply features within a

specified distance of the Mine permit;

• Includes a groundwater monitoring system;

• Sets out procedures for allocating actions and dealing with

remedial costs on the basis of a distance from the Mine;

• Includes supply of replacement water in some circumstances; and

• Includes dispute resolution mechanisms.

The existing Water Well Replacement Policy will be reviewed

and updated as necessary to mitigate the effects of the Project.

The review will take into consideration the findings from the

baseline work.

Section View of the Predicted Effect of the

Mine Advancement on Groundwater Levels

Hydrology (Surface Water)

Significance

The Mine operation effects to the environment and identifiable

downstream water users will be mitigated by water management

activities such as water treatment and release, diversion of clean

water around mining areas and the provision of supplemental

water supplies.

The C & R Plan is being developed to reclaim the existing

watershed areas when feasible and to minimize the residual

effects when active water management activities are concluded.

Figure 1 Scope

The purpose of the surface water hydrology assessment is to

determine what effect the proposed Genesee Mine Extension

Project (the Project) may have on the amount of surface water

that is flowing in the Project Area.

Baseline Results

The watercourses which may potentially be affected by the

Project include (1) Strawberry Creek which drains to the

North Saskatchewan River, (2) several unnamed tributaries

to Strawberry Creek, and (3) two unnamed tributaries to the

North Saskatchewan River. Figure 1 shows the drainage basin

boundaries for these watercourses.

Strawberry Creek is monitored by a Water Survey of Canada gauge

that provides baseline hydrologic data. This data, when appropriately

scaled for individual drainage basin size, is representative of all of

the local area watersheds within the Project Area.

The assessment indicates no significant hydrologic effects to the

surrounding surface water sources including Strawberry Creek,

the North Saskatchewan River and associated sub-basins, with

the exception of Creek 2 in the West Field. Reclamation in the

West Field may result in a net diversion of eight square kilometers

of basin area from Creek 2 to Creek 3. This could cause a

reduction in the flows at the mouth of Creek 2.

Operation Phase

EFFECT: During mining, water flow across the Mine will be interrupted. Overall, there will not be any loss of water, but the release points and timing of release will change which may effect the amount streams receive. Some streams may receive more water while others receive less due to mining operations effecting drainage basins.

Loss of flow in watercourses will be greatest at the point where

flow leaves the Project Area boundary and effects as a percentage of total flow will decrease further downstream from the Mine.

MITIGATION: Water from disturbed areas will be held for treatment in settling ponds to meet Alberta water quality standards before it is released offsite. This may shift more water flow to the fall with releases occurring once acceptable settlement has been reached. Water will be released back to the natural drainages. Priority will be given to streams with downstream fish habitat and downstream riparian uses.

Current principles set out in the Water Replacement Policy ensures that alternative water supplies will be provided if necessary to avoid effects to downstream users.

Reclamation Phase

EFFECT: Basin boundaries for the reclaimed site may be altered slightly from existing conditions and end pit lakes created. Most of the shifts may be minor. The greatest impact may be a shift of watershed

area from Creek 2 to Creek 3. This may cause a decrease in the flow

of Creek 2 at the mouth, and an increase in the flow of Creek 3.

MITIGATION: The effect on Creek 2 will be addressed through

proposed C & R Plan and End Use Plan.

Some water flow across the Mine will be interrupted during

mining and minor shifts in basin boundaries are expected.

The area outside of the Project Boundary that is expected

to see slight changes in surface water flow is the area to the

SE consisting of Section 32, 33, 34, 35 – 049-02 W5M and

Section 1, 2, 3, 12-050-02 W5M.

If you are a current surface water user in these mentioned

areas and would like more information please contact

Cam Smith (Engineering Manager, Genesee Mine, PMRL)

at 780-848-2126.

Water Management Plan

The Mine’s Water Management Plan has been in place since

mining operations began. This Plan will be in place for the entire

life of the Project with the implementation of diversion ditches,

pumps and sediment ponds.

The Water Management Plan is designed to divert clean water

around the active Mine via diversion ditches. Diversion ditches will

also be used, along with pipe and pump systems to collect and

transport waters effected by Mine operations to impoundments

where settling will occur. Water in these impoundments will meet

Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act water quality

guidelines before being released to the natural drainage basins.

Maintaining water quantity and quality for the watercourses

surrounding the Mine is the objective of the Water Management

Plan. The Water Management Plan employs a number of

sediment ponds and ditch systems to maintain flows in the

watercourses in the Project Area.

Please see Water Management Plan on the End Land Use

Plan Board for additional information.

Figure 2

Noise

The Predicted Extent of Noise Effect

Scope

The purpose of the noise survey was to measure sound levels at the Genesee Mine (the Mine) and to use those sound levels to

develop a model to predict noise levels expected during operation of the Genesee Mine Extension Project (the Project).

The study area consists of locations where Mine equipment is currently operating and where it is anticipated that Mine equipment will

be operating in the future. The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) Directive 038, requires that residential receptors within

1.5 kilometers of mine permit boundaries be included in the assessment. Where no residence exists, the same 1.5 kilometers zone

surrounding the mine permit is used for assessment purposes.

Methodology

• Conducted baseline sound level measurements for existing Mine

equipment when it was operating at full capacity.

• Baseline data was used in noise model generation.

• Noise model incorporated elevation contours of entire Project

Area, existing noise data for the Genesee Generating Station

(GGS), and the projected Mine plan and equipment operations

along with site-measured noise levels.

• Noise levels were calculated at all residential receptors within

1.5 kilometers of Project permit boundary.

Results

The Project will have an effect on receptors within some areas of

the 1.5 kilometer zone adjacent to the Project Permit boundary.

The predicted effect is due to the modeled levels of noise

emitting from the mining and hauling equipment.

Mitigation

To offset the effect of noise from mining mitigation that are being

considered include:

• Technical modifications, such as the installation of noise

suppression devices, on Mine equipment.

• Construction of strategically located earth berms.

• Modifying the Mine plan to accommodate specific hours of

operation.

With mitigation, it is anticipated that the levels of noise in the

area surrounding the Project will be within the ERCB permissible

sound levels.

Proposed Mine Extension Area

Lands are progressively reclaimed as mine development proceeds.

Socio-Economic • Approximately 75 people will be directly affected representing about 0.45% of the current Regional Study Area (RSA) population. This equals slightly less than one year of population growth of the RSA in recent years.

• Currently, reclaimed land is being restored to primarily leased agricultural land and is not available for residence.

Population Effect

Leduc County, including the portion west of Highway QE2 is growing. This is despite the fact that agriculture (across most municipalities in Alberta) is in the midst of a long-term downward employment trend.

Populations are increasing in all communities surrounding the Mine. In the last five years the eastern part of Leduc County has seen slightly more growth than the western part.

Population Growth

Municipality 1996 200610-Year Change

Average Annual Rate of Change

Leduc County 12,292 12,730 438 0.4%Warburg 549 621 72 1.2%Thorsby 725 945 220 2.7%Calmar 1,797 1,959 162 0.9%Total RSA 15,363 16,255 892 0.6%Parkland County 24,769 29,265 4,496 1.7%

Scope

The purpose of the Socio-Economic Study is to examine population, social, economic, land use and local road network effects of existing Genesee Mine (the Mine) and the proposed Genesee Mine Extension Project (the Project).

Methodologies included:

• Interview program with key community and resident advisory stakeholders and public service providers;

• Community consultation input; • Economic; • Employment; • Population; and• Roadway analyses of current and proposed activities.

Baseline Results

The Project Area includes:

• 37 landowners– 22 landowners with homes and land– 15 landowners with land only

• Through discussions with landowners within the Project Area, there is an indication that many residents may re-establish households nearby.

• The directly affected landowners within the Project Area ranges from 45–65. This decreases the spending in the area and likely affects an additional 10 residents.

Factors that counter the decline in populations associated with

agriculture, include:

• Overall growth of the Capital City Region resulting in a wider

range of available jobs; and

• Opportunities with local industry, namely mining and electricity

generation employment.

Employment Effect

• Many people working for the Mine live in the area:

– 38 of the 173 Mine workforce (22%) live in rural Leduc County,

Warburg, Thorsby and Calmar (the regional study area); and

– 19 (11%) live north of the river in Parkland County.

• The Project will add 8 workers and keep the current workforce

in place.

– Some are likely to live in the communities near the Mine.

• The Mine also creates employment through local purchasing.

• 22% of all goods and services procured by the Mine are from

businesses in Leduc County and Parkland County.

• The Mine spends approximately $2 million in goods and services

in an average year in local communities.

Fiscal Effect

• The Mine pays $440,000 per year to Leduc County, accounting

for 1% of total property tax income.

• $1.5 million in coal production royalties is paid annually to the

Province of Alberta.

Road Plan

• As the Project progresses, some local roads need to be closed

and others can be opened.

• This may affect some residents by creating longer driving times.

• County approval of the plan will be required to ensure

maintenance of new roads and that emergency services planning

is considered.

Mitigation

Landowners

• Efforts are being made to minimize effects on residents from

the region:

– Land Purchase Program (2010).

– Premium offered may influence some relocated residents to

re-establish in the region.

– Offers purchase option for residents in the new extension

½ mile buffer zone.

– Informal facilitation to connect directly affected residents

with other potential property sellers in the region.

– Land Purchase Program and disclosure of the Project

provide clarity regarding Mine plans and possible effects

to area residents.

• Reclaim land to an equivalent land capability, and make available

for lease.

Local Employment

• The Mine endeavors to hire and procure locally:

– Recognize the importance that purchasing locally (where

reasonable) has on community sustainability.

– Employment opportunities are available for candidates that

meet expected standards and qualifications.

• Continue to support high school trades work experience

programs.

Community Support

• Over $100,000 has been given to support local communities in

the last five years.

• Open to strategizing with community groups and leadership

regarding effective, sustainable initiatives.

Local Roads

• The Mine will work with residents to ensure local road closure

effects are minimized.

• The Mine will communicate all road closures to impacted

residents in an appropriate and timely manner.

Soils Resources Twenty-eight different soil series and variants were recognized and

organized into 18 soil landscape models (SLMs) that were used to

describe the baseline soil and terrain patterns for the Project Area.

Assessment Results

An assessment of potential effects to the soil resource was

completed based on the results of the baseline soil survey. As a

result of soil salvage, soil handling, stockpiling and replacement

throughout the life of the Project, the following effects may have

the potential to affect the soil resource and reduce the capability

of the reclaimed lands:

• Decreases in soil quality and quantity through improper soil

handling may result in insufficient soil material or highly admixed

soils post reclamation which will decrease soil productivity and

subsequently result in the inability for reclaimed soils to achieve

equivalent productivity.

• Soil compaction due to heavy equipment and high traffic activities

can result in poor soil aeration, low water permeability, poor root

penetration, and decreased water infiltration which increases the

risk of surface water ponding and thus soil erosion via water.

• Soil handling and replacement activities may result in increased

stones in the reclaimed soil, particularly the topsoil layer. An

increase of stones may affect agricultural production through

decreased seed germination, and create physical barriers for

agricultural equipment.

Scope

A soils resources survey was completed for the lands within the

proposed Genesee Mine Extension Project (the Project) Area to

inventory and map baseline soils and terrain and identify potential

effects associated with the Project.

Baseline Results

Soil and site data was collected at a total of 649 inspection sites

(558 in 2009 and 2010, 91 in 1981) in and around the Project

Area. Samples of one or more soil horizons or layers were collected

at 56 soil inspection sites.

Fine textured clay and silty clay (glaciolacustrine) material is

most common in the Project Area. Two types of fine textured

glaciolacustrine materials were found during the course of this

soil survey:

• Fine textured glaciolacustrine sediment (F1) – massive clay or

well-bedded silts and clays deposited in meltwater (proglacial)

lakes (Andriashek et al. 1979, Shetsen 1990); and

• Fine textured “lacustro-till” deposits (F3) – clay and silt mixed

with till layers and pockets identified in the surficial geology

maps as “mixed glaciolacustrine sediments” (Andriashek et al.

1979) or ice-contact lacustrine deposits (Shetsen 1990).

• Inadvertent introduction of unsuitable materials (sodic) during material

placement at reclamation (within the root zone) may adversely effect

the agricultural land suitability of the reclaimed soil profile.

• The loss of soil via erosion during soil salvage, soil storage, and

after soil replacement is a potential affect that may influence soil

quantity and quality.

• Settling of re-contoured land may create instability and/or

undesirable landscape features leading to surface ponding.

Mitigation

To minimize these potential effects mitigation and monitoring

activities will be implemented. Mitigation activities include:

• Salvaging topsoil and suitable subsoil.

• Prescribed salvage information for topsoil and subsoil material,

as detailed in the C & R Plan, will be followed to ensure

placement of suitable rooting medium during direct placement.

• Avoiding salvage and handling during wet, windy, or frozen conditions

to reduce the chances of erosion, compaction, and admixing.

• De-compacting (breaking up) of the replaced soil profiles.

• Stones will be removed upon replacement of subsoil and

topsoil layers.

• All reclaimed lands will be vegetated after soil replacement to

minimize soil loss via erosion (wind and water).

• Re-contouring will occur during non-frozen conditions and

re-contoured areas will be allowed to settle for one season

prior to placement of subsoil and topsoil materials.

• A monitoring program will be developed and implemented to

measure the success of reclamation.

Significance

Implementation of appropriate and effective mitigation and

monitoring activities will ensure that the potential residual effects

of the Project on the soils and terrain are not significant.

Glossary of Terms

Glaciolacustrine – stratified fine, sand, silt and clay deposited on

lake beds; deposited by glacial movement.

Proglacial – deposits and other features, associated from being in

front of or just beyond the outer limits of a glacier.

Lacustro-till – till-like sediments deposited in a lacustrine

environment by flow mechanisms.

Lacustrine – stratified fine, sand, silt and clay deposited on lake

beds; deposited by wave action.

Sodic – a sodic soil contains sufficient exchangeable sodium to

interfere with the growth of most crop plants.

Figures: Definitions

Land suitability in the Project Area was assessed according to the Land Suitability Rating System for agricultural crops (LSRS). LSRS has seven classes with Class 1 having the highest suitability (fewest limitations) and Class 7 being unsuitable for agricultural production of spring-seeded small grains. Due to climatic constraints the best possible LSRS rating in Alberta is Class 2. LSRS is based on a systematic evaluation of climate, landscape, and soil attributes.

• Class 1: 80–100 index points, none to slight limitations for spring-seeded small grains;

• Class 2: 60–79 index points, slight limitations (best possible class in Alberta due to the certainty of slight temperature or moisture limitations);

• Class 3: 45–59 index points, moderate limitations;• Class 4: 30–44 index points, severe limitations;• Class 5: 20–29 index points, very severe limitations;• Class 6: 10–19 index points, extremely severe limitations; and• Class 7: 0–9 index points, unsuitable.

Subclasses identify limitation types and were assigned to Soil Landscape Models on maps according to LSRS guidelines (Agronomic Interpretations Working Group 1995).

The following subclass limitations were utilized in the assessment:

D – structure and/or consistency limitations;I – flood frequency and duration limitations;W – wetness limitations (poor drainage);T – extreme topographic limitations;H – temperature limitations (based on growing degree days);v – soil reaction (based on soils with a pH that is too high or low for optimum growth); Z – organic soil temperature limitations;N – salinity (based on the content of soluble salts); andR – rock content.

Agricultural Land Suitability (LSRS) Ratings

vegetation

Results

The pre-mining, mining and reclamation of the Project Footprint

(the area that is used for mining operations) will directly affect the

following components of vegetation and wetlands resources.

• The number, area and type of wetlands;

• The extent of natural vegetation communities;

• The existence of rare plants and rare plant communities; and

• The predominance of non-native and invasive species.

Significance

After accounting for mitigation measures and the mode of

reclamation procedures to be employed, the environmental

effects of the Project on vegetation and wetland resources were

determined to be insignificant.

Vegetation Cover Types

Scope

The vegetation and Wetlands assessment conducted field

surveys to inventory and document baseline conditions of

vegetation and wetland resources including rare plants within

the proposed Genesee Mine Extension Project (the Project)

Area. The assessment consisted of a desktop component and

a field program.

The field program consisted of:

• Conducting vegetation and wetland surveys; and

• Conducting rare plant surveys.

The desktop program consisted of:

• Review of existing information;

• Mapping the entire Project Area using accepted systems to

identify vegetation and wetland communities; and

• Research to identify rare plants and non-native and invasive

species.

The mapping verification and field surveys provided the basis for

assessing the effects of the Project on vegetation communities,

wetlands, plant species composition and abundance, rare plants

and rare plant communities.

• Seven broad vegetation types were encountered during the

field assessment.

• Pastures, crops and forested areas cover the greatest area

within the Project Footprint (91%).

• Anthropogenic areas are human affected areas such as

homesteads, dugouts, and clearcuts, but do not include crops

or pastures.

• Forests consist of deciduous (aspen and poplar), mixed (aspen

and spruce), and conifer (spruce) stands.

• Shrub consists of areas that have shrub vegetation cover, but are

not wetlands.

Vegetation Types

vegetation types within the Project Footprint include:

• Riparian areas are vegetation communities that border streams.

This class also includes streams which have been heavily

affected by beaver activity.

• Wetlands consist of temporary, seasonal, semi-permanent, and

permanent ponds and lakes, as well as swamps and peatlands.

Wetlands

Wetlands within the Project Footprint include:

Wetland TypesArea Within Project

Footprint(ha)Percent of Project

Footprint (%)

Ephemeral* ponds 3.1 0.1

Temporary ponds 57.7 1.9

Seasonal ponds 29.8 1.0

Semi permanent ponds 8.1 0.3

Permanent ponds 3.9 0.1

Treed fens 21.2 0.7

Total 123.8 4.1

*Ephemeral – containing water for a very short time.

Rare Plants

One rare plant, golden saxifrage (Chrysosplenium iowense),

was observed four times within the Project Footprint. Golden

saxifrage is ranked vulnerable in Alberta. This rare plant was also

observed six other times outside of the Project Footprint Area but

still within the Project Area.

Non-Native and Invasive Plants

Thirteen weedy species were observed over 140 times during

the field surveys. Of these, four species are regulated by the

Alberta Weed Control Act and are designated “Noxious.”

• Creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense) observed 11 times;

• Scentless chamomile (Matricaria perforata) observed one time;

• Tall buttercup (Ranunculus acris) observed three times; and

• Perennial sow-thistle (Sonchus arvensis) observed three times.

Mitigation

Mitigation and reclamation of the Project Area is expected to be

different in the East and West Fields of the study area.

The conceptual reclamation plan has the East Field being

reclaimed primarily to an agricultural end land use with seeding

of either nurse cover crops or native seed mixes that will provide

fast ground cover.

The West Field is composed of a mix of land types and will

therefore be reclaimed to provide a natural mix of species. This

will be achieved through appropriate contouring to provide a

mosaic of land forms and drainage patterns that mimic the terrain

of the dry mixedwood subregion. Appropriate seed mixes will be

used in re-vegetation.

Specifically, mitigation will involve:

• Reclaiming a mixture of agricultural land uses and natural

communities, including forests that resemble pre-mining

conditions (see the C & R Plan and the End Land Use Plan);

• Encouraging natural plant species (e.g. Golden Saxifrage) to

reclaim areas, by use of natural recovery, utilizing a non-invasive

seed mix for reclamation and weed monitoring program;

• Monitoring weeds and applying control programs as

necessary; and

• Preserving suitable habitat for rare plants within the Project Area

by limiting the Project Footprint to what is needed.

Golden Saxifrage (Chrysosplenium iowense)

Shrubby Swamp

WildlifeSeveral wildlife species observed in the Project Area are currently

listed as Sensitive species in Alberta. Sensitive species are those

species that are currently not at risk of extinction or extirpation, but

require more attention and or protection to prevent the species

from becoming at risk.

• Western toad – common in Genesee area. Breeds in ponds,

wetlands and along watercourses.

• Pied-billed grebe – recorded only in riparian habitat along Creek 3.

• Baltimore oriole – common in area. Found in riparian, deciduous

and mixedwood habitats.

• Eastern phoebe – uncommon in area. Edge species that often

nests around buildings.

• Least flycatcher – common in deciduous, mixedwood and

riparian habitats.

• Pileated woodpecker – found in mature deciduous and

mixedwood forest.

Significance

The Project will affect wildlife by reducing the amount of habitat

but this effect will be temporary as the proposed end land use

of the reclaimed Mine replaces these lost habitats. Reclamation

will occur concurrently with mining operations, which will

provide habitat for early successional species soon after the

initial dragline cuts are completed. With the proper mitigation

strategies in place the Project will have an insignificant effect on

Genesee area wildlife in the long term.

Scope

The primary goals of this assessment were to:

• Collect and analyze baseline field data for wildlife in the

Project Area;

• Assess potential effects of the Genesee Mine Extension Project

(the Project) on wildlife; and

• Identify mitigation measures.

Baseline Results

White-tailed deer are very common in the Project Area, although

mule deer, moose and elk have also been recorded. The coyote

is the most abundant terrestrial furbearer while the beaver is the

most common aquatic furbearer.

Drought conditions in recent years have greatly reduced the

amount of wetland and stream habitat in the Project Area for

three amphibian species, the wood frog, boreal chorus frog

and western toad.

At least 69 bird species were observed in the Project Area

during the breeding period. These included several owls

(great horned owls were the most common), twelve species of

waterfowl (mallards, Canada geese, blue-winged teal, lesser

scaup and common goldeneye were the most common), and 51

species of songbirds. The most numerous songbird species were

European starling, American robin, house wren, red-eyed vireo,

savannah sparrow, song sparrow and least flycatcher.

Results

The Project is expected to affect wildlife in several ways:

Habitat Effects – Direct habitat affects from Mine clearing

operations is expected to be the primary factor affecting wildlife.

Effects to natural habitat types are expected to total about 300

ha, with deciduous forest accounting for about 66% of this total.

Riparian/wetland and mixedwood forest supports the highest

abundance and diversity of wildlife. Effects to riparian and

wetland habitats are expected to amount to about 194 ha, while

approximately 35 ha of mixedwood forest will be affected.

Disruption of Wildlife Movements – Mining will affect

wildlife corridors that are important for conserving species

and maintaining biodiversity. In areas disrupted by agricultural

activities, most of the remaining wildlife corridors are associated

with watercourses.

Wildlife Mortality and Health – Although direct mortality of most

wildlife species resulting from the Project is minimal to none,

losses of small mammals and amphibians are expected to occur

during pre-mining operations. There is potential for mortality

of ungulates and other wildlife due to collisions with vehicles;

however, traffic levels and speed limits on area roadways are not

expected to increase over current levels as a result of the Project.

The low levels of dust and emissions that are predicted to occur

during mining operations are not expected to pose a serious

health risk to wildlife in the area.

Mitigation

The focus of the mitigation program will be on:

• adjusting mining practices as reasonably practical to minimize

the Footprint within the Project Area and;

• develop and implement a Mine C & R Plan (see C & R Plan

board) that returns the habitat values that are lost as a result

of development.

For example, setback provisions for Creek 3 are expected to

maintain the function of this important wildlife corridor during

the mining operation. Clearing and stripping operations will

be scheduled to avoid wildlife nesting and breeding periods.

In addition, speed limits will be strictly enforced at the Mine

to minimize the potential for vehicle collisions with wildlife.

Reclamation of riparian corridors that have previously been

affected by Mine development will be a key objective of the

final reclamation plan.

The goal of the Mine reclamation program will be to ensure that

habitat affected as a result of the Project is replaced with habitat

of similar capability, so that the Project will not have a negative

long-term effect on regional biodiversity. Although the locations

of re-habitat patches on the reclaimed landscape may not be

the same as they were prior to Mine development, efforts will

be made to establish similar types and quantities of habitat on

reclaimed sites and to address requirements for maintaining

habitat connectivity across the regional landscape (including

wildlife movement corridors).

Wildlife Biodiversity

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