Section 6.7 Freshwater Aquatic Resources (Part 1)

266 Pages·2012·9.02 MB·English

KITSAULT MINE PROJECT
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Section 6.7
Freshwater Aquatic Resources

VE51988
KITSAULT MINE PROJECT
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
FRESHWATER AQUATIC RESOURCES

TABLE OF CONTENTS
6.7  Freshwater Aquatic Resources .............................................................................. 6.7-1 
6.7.1  Valued Component Selection Rationale.................................................... 6.7-2 
6.7.1.1  Valued Component / Issue Identification and Scoping ........... 6.7-3 
6.7.1.2  Valued Component / Issues Confirmation ............................ 6.7-24 
6.7.2  Dolly Varden ............................................................................................ 6.7-29 
6.7.2.1  Introduction ............................................................................ 6.7-29 
6.7.2.2  Relevant Legislation and Legal Framework .......................... 6.7-29 
6.7.2.2.1  Federal ............................................................. 6.7-29 
6.7.2.2.2  Provincial .......................................................... 6.7-30 
6.7.2.2.3  Nisga’a Lisims Government ............................. 6.7-31 
6.7.2.3  Spatial Boundaries ................................................................ 6.7-31 
6.7.2.3.1  Local Study Area .............................................. 6.7-32 
6.7.2.3.2  Regional Study Area ........................................ 6.7-34 
6.7.2.3.3  Cumulative Effects Study Area......................... 6.7-34 
6.7.2.4  Temporal Boundaries ............................................................ 6.7-38 
6.7.2.5  Information Source and Methods .......................................... 6.7-38 
6.7.2.5.1  Field Studies ..................................................... 6.7-38 
6.7.2.5.2  Regional Baseline ............................................ 6.7-41 
6.7.2.6  Detailed Baseline for Dolly Varden ....................................... 6.7-41 
6.7.2.6.1  Genetics ........................................................... 6.7-41 
6.7.2.6.2  Distribution and Catch-Per-Unit-Effort .............. 6.7-41 
6.7.2.6.3  Length, Weight, and Condition ......................... 6.7-44 
6.7.2.6.4  Age, Growth, and Maturity ................................ 6.7-46 
6.7.2.6.5  Diet ................................................................... 6.7-50 
6.7.2.6.6  Energy Storage and Energy Use ..................... 6.7-53 
6.7.2.6.7  Life History........................................................ 6.7-56 
6.7.2.6.8  Tissue Residual Metals .................................... 6.7-56 
6.7.2.7  Cultural, Ecological or Community Knowledge ..................... 6.7-61 
6.7.2.8  Past, Present or Future Projects / Activities .......................... 6.7-62 
6.7.2.9  Potential Effects of the Proposed Project and Proposed
Mitigation ............................................................................... 6.7-69 
6.7.2.9.1  Identification and Analysis of Potential Project
Effects ............................................................... 6.7-69 
6.7.2.9.2  Mitigation Measures ......................................... 6.7-83 
6.7.2.10  Potential Residual Effects and their Significance ................ 6.7-128 
6.7.2.10.1  Potential Residual Effects after Mitigation ...... 6.7-128 
6.7.2.10.2  Change in Stream Flows in Lime Creek ......... 6.7-160 
6.7.2.10.3  Change in Water Temperatures in Lime
Creek .............................................................. 6.7-172 
6.7.2.10.4  Change in Benthic Macro-Invertebrate
Community in Lime Creek .............................. 6.7-175 
6.7.2.10.5  Summary of Potential Residual Effects after
Mitigation ........................................................ 6.7-176 
6.7.2.10.6  Significance of Potential Residual Effects ...... 6.7-176 
6.7.2.11  Cumulative Effects Assessment .......................................... 6.7-179 
6.7.2.11.1  Rationalisation for Carrying Forward Project
Related Residual Effects Into the Cumulative
Effects Assessment ........................................ 6.7-179 
6.7.2.11.2  Interaction Between Dolly Varden and Other
Past, Present or Future Projects / Activities ... 6.7-180 
6.7.2.11.3  Mitigation Measures ....................................... 6.7-185 

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KITSAULT MINE PROJECT
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
FRESHWATER AQUATIC RESOURCES

6.7.2.11.4  Potential Residual Cumulative Effects and
Their Significance ........................................... 6.7-185 
6.7.2.12  Limitations ........................................................................... 6.7-188 
6.7.2.13  Conclusion ........................................................................... 6.7-189 
6.7.3  Coho salmon ......................................................................................... 6.7-190 
6.7.3.1  Introduction .......................................................................... 6.7-190 
6.7.3.2  Relevant Legislation and Legal Framework ........................ 6.7-191 
6.7.3.2.1  Federal ........................................................... 6.7-191 
6.7.3.2.2  Provincial ........................................................ 6.7-193 
6.7.3.2.3  Nisga’a Lisims Government ........................... 6.7-193 
6.7.3.3  Spatial Boundaries .............................................................. 6.7-193 
6.7.3.3.1  Local Study Area ............................................ 6.7-193 
6.7.3.3.2  Regional Study Area ...................................... 6.7-194 
6.7.3.3.3  Cumulative Effects Study Area....................... 6.7-194 
6.7.3.4  Temporal Boundaries .......................................................... 6.7-195 
6.7.3.5  Information Source and Methods ........................................ 6.7-195 
6.7.3.5.1  Field Studies ................................................... 6.7-195 
6.7.3.5.2  Regional Baseline .......................................... 6.7-196 
6.7.3.6  Detailed Baseline for Coho Salmon .................................... 6.7-197 
6.7.3.6.1  Distribution and Catch .................................... 6.7-197 
6.7.3.6.2  Length, Weight, and Condition ....................... 6.7-197 
6.7.3.6.3  Life History...................................................... 6.7-198 
6.7.3.6.4  Diet ................................................................. 6.7-199 
6.7.3.6.5  Habitat ............................................................ 6.7-199 
6.7.3.7  Cultural Ecological or Community Knowledge .................... 6.7-199 
6.7.3.7.1  Nisga’a Nation ................................................ 6.7-199 
6.7.3.7.2  Aboriginal Groups ........................................... 6.7-200 
6.7.3.8  Past, Present or Future Projects / Activities ........................ 6.7-201 
6.7.3.9  Potential Effects of the Proposed Project and Proposed
Mitigation ............................................................................. 6.7-207 
6.7.3.9.1  Identification and Analysis of Potential
Project Effects ................................................ 6.7-207 
6.7.3.9.2  Mitigation Measures ....................................... 6.7-219 
6.7.3.10  Potential Residual Effects and Their Significance .............. 6.7-231 
6.7.3.10.1  Potential Residual Effects After Mitigation ..... 6.7-231 
6.7.3.10.2  Significance of Potential Residual Effects ...... 6.7-237 
6.7.3.11  Cumulative Effects Assessment .......................................... 6.7-240 
6.7.3.11.1  Rationalisation for Carrying Forward Project
Related Residual Effects Into the
Cumulative Effects Assessment ..................... 6.7-240 
6.7.3.11.2  Interaction Between Coho Salmon and
Other Past, Present or Future Projects /
Activities ......................................................... 6.7-240 
6.7.3.11.3  Mitigation Measures ....................................... 6.7-244 
6.7.3.11.4  Potential Residual Cumulative Effects and
Their Significance ........................................... 6.7-245 
6.7.3.12  Limitations ........................................................................... 6.7-245 
6.7.3.13  Conclusion ........................................................................... 6.7-247 
6.7.4  Rainbow Trout ....................................................................................... 6.7-247 
6.7.4.1  Introduction .......................................................................... 6.7-247 
6.7.4.2  Relevant Legislation and Legal Framework ........................ 6.7-248 
6.7.4.2.1  Federal ........................................................... 6.7-248 
6.7.4.2.2  Provincial ........................................................ 6.7-249 
6.7.4.2.3  Nisga’a Lisims Government ........................... 6.7-250 

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ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
FRESHWATER AQUATIC RESOURCES

6.7.4.3  Spatial Boundaries .............................................................. 6.7-250 
6.7.4.3.1  Local Study Area ............................................ 6.7-251 
6.7.4.3.2  Regional Study Area ...................................... 6.7-253 
6.7.4.3.3  Cumulative Effects Study Area....................... 6.7-253 
6.7.4.4  Temporal Boundaries .......................................................... 6.7-253 
6.7.4.5  Information Source and Methods ........................................ 6.7-254 
6.7.4.5.1  2010 Field studies .......................................... 6.7-254 
6.7.4.5.2  2011 Field Studies .......................................... 6.7-256 
6.7.4.6  Detailed Baseline for Rainbow trout .................................... 6.7-259 
6.7.4.6.1  Species Composition and Relative
Abundance ..................................................... 6.7-259 
6.7.4.6.2  Catch Per-Unit-Effort in Lakes........................ 6.7-259 
6.7.4.6.3  Length, Weight, and Condition ....................... 6.7-260 
6.7.4.6.4  Age, Growth, and Maturity .............................. 6.7-262 
6.7.4.6.5  Diet ................................................................. 6.7-265 
6.7.4.6.6  Tissue Metal Residues ................................... 6.7-266 
6.7.4.6.7  Lake 901 Inlet Tributaries ............................... 6.7-268 
6.7.4.7  Cultural Ecological or Community Knowledge .................... 6.7-274 
6.7.4.8  Past, Present or Future Projects / Activities ........................ 6.7-274 
6.7.4.9  Potential Effects of the Proposed Project and Proposed
Mitigation ............................................................................. 6.7-279 
6.7.4.9.1  Identification and Analysis of Potential
Project Effects ................................................ 6.7-279 
6.7.4.9.2  Mitigation Measures ....................................... 6.7-292 
6.7.4.10  Potential Residual Effects and their Significance ................ 6.7-320 
6.7.4.10.1  Potential Residual Effects after Mitigation ...... 6.7-320 
6.7.4.10.2  Significance of Potential Residual Effects ...... 6.7-382 
6.7.4.11  Cumulative Effects Assessment .......................................... 6.7-393 
6.7.4.11.1  Rationalisation for Carrying Forward Project
Related Residual Effects Into the Cumulative
Effects Assessment ........................................ 6.7-393 
6.7.4.11.2  Interaction Between Rainbow trout and Other
Past, Present or Future Projects / Activities ... 6.7-395 
6.7.4.11.3  Mitigation Measures ....................................... 6.7-400 
6.7.4.11.4  Potential Residual Cumulative Effects and
Their Significance ........................................... 6.7-401 
6.7.4.12  Limitations ........................................................................... 6.7-402 
6.7.4.13  Conclusion ........................................................................... 6.7-403 
6.7.5  Benthic Macro-Invertebrates ................................................................. 6.7-404 
6.7.5.1  Introduction .......................................................................... 6.7-404 
6.7.5.2  Relevant Legislation and Legal Framework ........................ 6.7-405 
6.7.5.2.1  Federal ........................................................... 6.7-405 
6.7.5.2.2  Provincial ........................................................ 6.7-406 
6.7.5.2.3  Nisga’a Lisims Government ........................... 6.7-406 
6.7.5.3  Spatial Boundaries .............................................................. 6.7-406 
6.7.5.3.1  Local Study Area ............................................ 6.7-406 
6.7.5.3.2  Regional Study Area ...................................... 6.7-409 
6.7.5.3.3  Cumulative Effects Study Area....................... 6.7-409 
6.7.5.4  Temporal Boundaries .......................................................... 6.7-409 
6.7.5.5  Information Source and Methods ........................................ 6.7-410 
6.7.5.5.1  BMI Field Methods in 2009 ............................. 6.7-410 
6.7.5.5.2  BMI Field Methods in 2010 ............................. 6.7-411 
6.7.5.5.3  Fish Diet Analysis in 2009 and 2010 .............. 6.7-411 
6.7.5.5.4  Laboratory Methods and Data Analysis ......... 6.7-412 

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ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
FRESHWATER AQUATIC RESOURCES

6.7.5.6  Detailed Baseline for Benthic Macro-Invertebrates ............. 6.7-412 
6.7.5.6.1  Density and Relative Abundance in Streams . 6.7-412 
6.7.5.6.2  Richness and Diversity Indices for Streams ... 6.7-414 
6.7.5.6.3  Density and Relative Abundance in Lakes ..... 6.7-415 
6.7.5.6.4  Richness and Diversity Indices for Lakes ...... 6.7-415 
6.7.5.6.5  BMI Composition in Fish Diets ....................... 6.7-416 
6.7.5.7  Cultural Ecological or Community Knowledge .................... 6.7-417 
6.7.5.8  Past, Present or Future Projects / Activities ........................ 6.7-418 
6.7.5.9  Potential Effects of the Proposed Project and Proposed
Mitigation ............................................................................. 6.7-421 
6.7.5.9.1  Identification and Analysis of Potential Project
Effects ............................................................. 6.7-421 
6.7.5.9.2  Mitigation Measures ....................................... 6.7-432 
6.7.5.10  Potential Residual Effects and Their Significance .............. 6.7-462 
6.7.5.10.1  Potential Residual Effects after Mitigation ...... 6.7-462 
6.7.5.10.2  Significance of Potential Residual Effects ...... 6.7-483 
6.7.5.11  Cumulative Effects Assessment .......................................... 6.7-485 
6.7.5.11.1  Rationalisation for Carrying Forward Project
Related Residual Effects Into the Cumulative
Effects Assessment ........................................ 6.7-485 
6.7.5.11.2  Interaction Between Benthic Macro-
Invertebrates and Other Past, Present or
Future Projects / Activities .............................. 6.7-487 
6.7.5.11.3  Mitigation Measures ....................................... 6.7-489 
6.7.5.11.4  Potential Residual Cumulative Effects and
Their Significance ........................................... 6.7-490 
6.7.5.12  Limitations ........................................................................... 6.7-494 
6.7.5.13  Conclusion ........................................................................... 6.7-495 

List of Tables
Table 6.7.1-1:  Issues Raised or Identified for Freshwater Aquatic Resources by the
Nisga’a Nation, Aboriginal Groups, the Public, and Federal and Provincial
Regulators During Pre-Application Consultations .................................................. 6.7-4 
Table 6.7.1-2:  Valued Component / Issue Interaction Matrix for Freshwater Aquatic
Resources .............................................................................................................. 6.7-9 
Table 6.7.1-3:  Potential Issues by Project Component for Freshwater Aquatic Resources –
Construction Phase .............................................................................................. 6.7-12 
Table 6.7.1-4:  Potential Issues by Project Component for Freshwater Aquatic Resources –
Operations Phase ................................................................................................. 6.7-15 
Table 6.7.1-5:  Potential Issues by Project Component for Freshwater Aquatic Resources –
Closure and Decommissioning Phase ................................................................. 6.7-19 
Table 6.7.1-6:  Potential Issues by Project Component for Freshwater Aquatic Resources –
Post-Closure ......................................................................................................... 6.7-22 
Table 6.7.1-7:  Freshwater Aquatic Resources Valued Component Selection Rationale ............ 6.7-25 
Table 6.7.2-1:  Summary of Fish Captured and Average Catch-Per-Unit-Effort, By Season
and Gear Type, in Lime and Patsy Creeks in 2009 ............................................. 6.7-42 
Table 6.7.2-2:  Summary of Fish Captured and Catch-Per-Unit-Effort, by Season, Reach,
and Gear Type, in Lower Lime Creek in 2010...................................................... 6.7-43 
Table 6.7.2-3:  Average Length, Weight, and Condition Factor for Dolly Varden Captured
in Lime Creek in 2009 and 2010 .......................................................................... 6.7-44 
Table 6.7.2-4:  Percent Maturity, by Age, for Female and Male Dolly Varden Captured in
Lime Creek in Fall 2009 ........................................................................................ 6.7-49 

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KITSAULT MINE PROJECT
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
FRESHWATER AQUATIC RESOURCES

Table 6.7.2-5:  Average Length, Weight, and Condition Factor at Age for Dolly Varden
Captured in Lime Creek in 2009 and 2010 ........................................................... 6.7-49 
Table 6.7.2-6:  Mean Hepatosomatic Indices for Dolly Varden Captured in Lime Creek in
2009 and 2010 ...................................................................................................... 6.7-54 
Table 6.7.2-7:  Mean Gonadosomatic Indices, by Sex, for Dolly Varden Captured in
Lime Creek in 2009 and 2010 .............................................................................. 6.7-55 
Table 6.7.2-8:  Metal Concentrations in Juvenile Dolly Varden Muscle Tissue ............................ 6.7-58 
Table 6.7.2-9:  Metal Concentrations in Adult Dolly Varden Muscle Tissue ................................. 6.7-59 
Table 6.7.2-10: Test for Significance Differences in Mean Metal Concentrations between
Adult and Juvenile Dolly Varden Muscle Tissue in Lower Lime Creek ................ 6.7-60 
Table 6.7.2-11: Historical Land Use Activities in Biophysical Cumulative Effects
Assessment Study Area ....................................................................................... 6.7-62 
Table 6.7.2-12: Present Land Use Activities in Biophysical Cumulative Effects
Assessment Study Area ....................................................................................... 6.7-65 
Table 6.7.2-13: Reasonably Foreseeable Projects in Biophysical Cumulative Effects
Assessment Study Area ....................................................................................... 6.7-67 
Table 6.7.2-14: Assessment of Linkages between Other Projects, Human Activities
and Reasonable Foreseeable Projects with Dolly Varden ................................... 6.7-68 
Table 6.7.2-15: Potential Direct Project Effects on Dolly Varden .................................................. 6.7-70 
Table 6.7.2-16: Potential Indirect Project Effects on Dolly Varden ................................................ 6.7-72 
Table 6.7.2-17: Potential Combined Project Effects by Project Phase on Dolly Varden ............... 6.7-76 
Table 6.7.2-18: Potential Indirect Project Effects on Other Valued Components .......................... 6.7-79 
Table 6.7.2-19: Summary of Potential Interaction Between Project Effects on Dolly
Varden and Other Valued Components ............................................................... 6.7-81 
Table 6.7.2-20: Summary of Potential Project Effects to be Carried Forward Into the
Assessment for Dolly Varden ............................................................................... 6.7-83 
Table 6.7.2-21: Potential Indirect Project Effects on Dolly Varden through Changes in
Surface Water Quality and Mitigation Measures During Construction
Phase .................................................................................................................... 6.7-87 
Table 6.7.2-22: Potential Indirect Project Effects on Dolly Varden through Changes in
Surface Water Quality and Mitigation Measures During Operations Phase ........ 6.7-90 
Table 6.7.2-23: Potential Indirect Project Effects on Dolly Varden Through Changes in
Surface Water Quality and Mitigation Measures During Closure /
Decommissioning Phase ...................................................................................... 6.7-94 
Table 6.7.2-24: Potential Indirect Project Effects on Dolly Varden Through Changes in
Surface Water Quality and Mitigation Measures During Post-closure Phase ...... 6.7-97 
Table 6.7.2-25: Summary of Provincial and Federal Water Quality Guidelines for the
Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Life in Lower Lime Creek .............................. 6.7-100 
Table 6.7.2-26: Summary of Predicted Exceedences of Provincial and Federal Water
Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Life in Lower
Lime Creek ......................................................................................................... 6.7-102 
Table 6.7.2-27: Potential Indirect Project Effects on Dolly Varden through Changes in
Hydrology in Lower Lime Creek and Mitigation Measures During
Construction Phase ............................................................................................ 6.7-107 
Table 6.7.2-28: Potential Indirect Project Effects on Dolly Varden through Changes in
Hydrology in Lower Lime Creek and Mitigation Measures During
Operations Phase ............................................................................................... 6.7-110 
Table 6.7.2-29: Potential Indirect Project Effects on Dolly Varden through Changes in
Hydrology in Lower Lime Creek and Mitigation Measures During Closure /
Decommissioning Phase .................................................................................... 6.7-113 
Table 6.7.2-30: Potential Indirect Project Effects on Dolly Varden Through Changes in
Hydrology of Lime Creek and Mitigation Measures During Post-closure
Phase .................................................................................................................. 6.7-115 

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KITSAULT MINE PROJECT
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
FRESHWATER AQUATIC RESOURCES

Table 6.7.2-31: Baseline and Predicted Mean, Minimum, and Maximum Monthly and
Annual Discharge in Lower Lime Creek During Construction, Operations,
Closure, and Post-Closure Phases of the Project .............................................. 6.7-120 
Table 6.7.2-32: Optimal and Maximum Tolerance Water Temperature Ranges for
Different Dolly Varden Life stages ...................................................................... 6.7-125 
Table 6.7.2-33: Recommended Site-Specific Acute and Chronic Aluminum Guideline
Criteria for the Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Life in Lower Lime Creek ...... 6.7-137 
Table 6.7.2-34: Comparison of Median and 95 percentile Dissolved Aluminum
Concentrations to Alternative Site-Specific Acute and Chronic Aluminum
Guideline Criteria for Lower Lime Creek ............................................................ 6.7-137 
Table 6.7.2-35: Daily Discharges and Percent of Mean Annual Discharge in Lower Lime
Creek During Data Collection Periods for Development of Hydraulic
Relationships at Riffle Crests and Pool Tail-Outs, 2010 .................................... 6.7-161 
Table 6.7.2-36: Comparison of Predicted Water Depths and Water Velocities at Pool
Tail-outs and Riffle Crest Mesohabitats in Lower Lime Creek During the
Dolly Varden Spawning Period (September and October) Under Average
and Low Flow Conditions During Pre-Mine, Construction (Stage 2 & 3), and
Operations (Year 15) Phases of the Project ....................................................... 6.7-167 
Table 6.7.2-37: Comparison of Predicted Water Depths and Water Velocities at Pool
Tail-Outs and Riffle Crest Mesohabitats in Lower Lime Creek During the
Dolly Varden Egg Incubation Period (November to March) Under Average
and Low Flow Conditions During Pre-Mine, Construction (Stage 2 & 3),
and Operations (Year 15) Phases of the Project ............................................... 6.7-170 
Table 6.7.2-38: Summary of Residual Effects for Dolly Varden .................................................. 6.7-176 
Table 6.7.2-39: Residual Effects Assessment by Project Development Phase for
Dolly Varden ....................................................................................................... 6.7-177 
Table 6.7.2-40: Project Related Residual Effects - Rationale for Carrying Forward Into
the Cumulative Effects Assessment ................................................................... 6.7-180 
Table 6.7.2-41: Assessment of Interaction between Other Projects, Human Activities
and Reasonable Foreseeable Projects with Dolly Varden ................................. 6.7-182 
Table 6.7.2-42: Assessment of Spatial and Temporal Overlap Between the Project and
Other Projects and Human Actions with Dolly Varden ....................................... 6.7-183 
Table 6.7.2-43: Potential Cumulative Effect by Project Phase on Dolly Varden and
Mitigation Measures ........................................................................................... 6.7-185 
Table 6.7.2-44: Summary of Residual Cumulative Effects for Dolly Varden ............................... 6.7-186 
Table 6.7.2-45: Residual Cumulative Effects Assessment on Dolly Varden by Project
Development Phase ........................................................................................... 6.7-187 
Table 6.7.3-1:  Historical Land Use Activities in Biophysical Cumulative Effects
Assessment Study Area ..................................................................................... 6.7-201 
Table 6.7.3-2:  Present Land Use Activities in Biophysical Cumulative Effects
Assessment Study Area ..................................................................................... 6.7-204 
Table 6.7.3-3:  Reasonably Foreseeable Projects in Biophysical Cumulative Effects
Assessment Study Area ..................................................................................... 6.7-205 
Table 6.7.3-4  Assessment of Linkages Between Other Projects, Human Activities
and Reasonable Foreseeable Projects with Coho Salmon ................................ 6.7-206 
Table 6.7.3-5:  Potential Direct Project Effects on Coho Salmon ............................................... 6.7-208 
Table 6.7.3-6  Potential Indirect Project Effects on Coho Salmon ............................................ 6.7-209 
Table 6.7.3-7:  Potential Combined Project Effects by Project Phase on Coho Salmon ........... 6.7-214 
Table 6.7.3-8:  Potential Indirect Project Effects on Other Valued Components ........................ 6.7-216 
Table 6.7.3-9:  Summary of Potential Interaction Between Project Effects on Coho
Salmon and Other Valued Components ............................................................. 6.7-217 
Table 6.7.3-10: Summary of Potential Project Effects to be Carried Forward Into the
Assessment for Coho Salmon ............................................................................ 6.7-219 

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ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
FRESHWATER AQUATIC RESOURCES

Table 6.7.3-11: Summary of Provincial and Federal Water Quality Guidelines for the
Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Life in Lower Lime Creek .............................. 6.7-221 
Table 6.7.3-12: Summary of Predicted Exceedences of Provincial and Federal Water
Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Life in Lower
Lime Creek ................................................................................................... 6.7-6.7-223 
Table 6.7.3-13: Summary of Residual Effects for Coho Salmon ................................................. 6.7-237 
Table 6.7.3-14: Residual Effects Assessment by Project Development Phase for Coho
Salmon ................................................................................................................ 6.7-238 
Table 6.7.3-15: Project Related Residual Effects - Rationale for Carrying Forward Into
the Cumulative Effects Assessment ................................................................... 6.7-240 
Table 6.7.3-16: Assessment of Interaction Between Other Projects, Human Activities
and Reasonable Foreseeable Projects with Coho Salmon ................................ 6.7-242 
Table 6.7.3-17: Assessment of Spatial and Temporal Overlap Between the Project
and Other Projects and Human Actions with Coho Salmon ............................... 6.7-242 
Table 6.7.3-18: Potential Cumulative Effect by Project Phase on Coho Salmon and
Mitigation Measures ........................................................................................... 6.7-244 
Table 6.7.3-19: Summary of Residual Cumulative Effects for Coho Salmon .............................. 6.7-245 
Table 6.7.4-1:  Summary of Fish Sampling Effort in Stream 76800 and ILP 887
Watersheds in June and July, 2011 ................................................................... 6.7-258 
Table 6.7.4-2:  Summary of Known Rainbow Trout Stocking in Killam Lake by the
BC MOE .............................................................................................................. 6.7-259 
Table 6.7.4-3:  Average Length, Weight, and Condition Factor of Rainbow Trout
Captured in Clary Lake and Lake 901 Creek in 2010 ........................................ 6.7-261 
Table 6.7.4-4:  Weight-Length Relationship for Rainbow Trout Captured in Clary Lake
and Lake 901 in 2010 ......................................................................................... 6.7-261 
Table 6.7.4-5:  Average Length, Weight, and Condition Factor at Age for Rainbow
Trout Captured in Clary Lake in 2010 ................................................................ 6.7-264 
Table 6.7.4-6:  Length and Age of Mature Female and Male Rainbow Trout Captured
in the Clary Lake Inlet (910-929800-05800-76800) in Spring 2010 ................... 6.7-264 
Table 6.7.4-7:  Metal Concentrations in Rainbow Trout Muscle Tissue from Clary Lake .......... 6.7-267 
Table 6.7.4-8:  Summary of Fish Captured in Lake 901 Inlets in Summer, 2010....................... 6.7-268 
Table 6.7.4-9  Summary of Fish Captured in Stream 76800 and ILP 887 Watersheds
in June and July, 2011 ........................................................................................ 6.7-269 
Table 6.7.4-10: Historical Land Use Activities in Biophysical Cumulative Effects
Assessment Study Area ..................................................................................... 6.7-275 
Table 6.7.4-11: Present Land Use Activities in Biophysical Cumulative Effects
Assessment Study Area ..................................................................................... 6.7-276 
Table 6.7.4-12: Reasonably Foreseeable Projects in Biophysical Cumulative Effects
Assessment Study Area ..................................................................................... 6.7-277 
Table 6.7.4-13  Assessment of Linkages Between Other Projects, Human Activities
and Reasonable Foreseeable Projects with Rainbow Trout .............................. 6.7-278 
Table 6.7.4-14: Potential Direct Project Effects on Rainbow trout .............................................. 6.7-280 
Table 6.7.4-15  Potential Indirect Project Effects on Rainbow Trout ........................................... 6.7-283 
Table 6.7.4-16: Potential Combined Project Effects by Project Phase on Rainbow Trout .......... 6.7-286 
Table 6.7.4-17: Potential Indirect Project Effects on Other Valued Components ........................ 6.7-288 
Table 6.7.4-18: Summary of Potential Interaction Between Project Effects on Rainbow
Trout and Other Valued Components ................................................................ 6.7-290 
Table 6.7.4-19: Summary of Potential Project Effects to be Carried Forward Into the
Assessment for Rainbow trout ........................................................................... 6.7-291 
Table 6.7.4-20: Potential Project Effects on Rainbow Trout and Mitigation Measures ............... 6.7-293 
Table 6.7.4-21: Upstream Watershed Areas at the Lake 901 Outlet and the Clary Lake
Outlet During Pre-Mine and Construction, Operation, and Closure /
Post-Closure Phases of the Project ................................................................... 6.7-307 

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VE51988 – Section 6.7 December 2011 TOC 6.7-vii
KITSAULT MINE PROJECT
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
FRESHWATER AQUATIC RESOURCES

Table 6.7.4-22: Predicted Average Monthly Flow Reductions in Lake 901 Due to
Construction of the Northeast Embankment of the Tailings Management
Facility ................................................................................................................. 6.7-308 
Table 6.7.4-23: Predicted Average Lake Level Change in Clary Lake From Baseline, by
Depth and by Percentage, during Construction, Operations, and Closure /
Post-Closure Phases of the Project ................................................................... 6.7-311 
Table 6.7.4-24  Percentage Change in Average Monthly and Average Annual Flows at
Different Locations in the Clary Creek Watershed During Construction,
Operations, Closure, and Post-Closure Phases ................................................ 6.7-314 
Table 6.7.4-25: Summary of Provincial and Federal Water Quality Guidelines for the
Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Life in Lake 901 and Clary Lake ................... 6.7-316 
Table 6.7.4-26: Summary of Predicted Exceedences of Provincial and Federal Water
Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Life in
Lake 901 ............................................................................................................. 6.7-319 
Table 6.7.4-27: Summary of Predicted Exceedences of Provincial and Federal Water
Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Life in
Clary Lake .......................................................................................................... 6.7-319 
Table 6.7.4-28: Summary of Habitat, by Reach and Tributary, in the Stream 76800
Watershed .......................................................................................................... 6.7-323 
Table 6.7.4-29: Summary of Habitat, by Reach and Tributary, in the ILP 887 Watershed ......... 6.7-325 
Table 6.7.4-30: Summary of Habitat Area, by Habitat Type, in the Two Lake 901 Inlet
Tributaries Affected by the Construction and Operation of the Tailings
Management Facility .......................................................................................... 6.7-325 
Table 6.7.4-31: Predicted Percent Change in Littoral Area of Clary Lake from Baseline,
during Construction, Operations, and Closure / Post-Closure Phases
of the Project ...................................................................................................... 6.7-327 
Table 6.7.4-32: Predicted Average Monthly and Annual Flow Reductions in the Lake 493
Outlet Due to Water Diversions to Lake 901 Through the Diversion ................. 6.7-333 
Table 6.7.4-33: Habitat Suitability Criteria for Rainbow Trout ..................................................... 6.7-334 
Table 6.7.4-34: Predicted Wetted Perimeter, Water Depth, and Water Velocity in the
Lake 493 Outlet During May and August during Pre-Mine Baseline
Conditions and During Construction / Operations and Closure /
Post-Closure Phases of the Project ................................................................... 6.7-336 
Table 6.7.4-35: Trigger Ranges for Total Dissolved Phosphorus Concentrations in
Freshwater Lakes and Streams in Canada (CCME 2004) ................................. 6.7-351 
Table 6.7.4-36: Baseline Trophic Parameter Values for Clary Lake and Lake 901 .................... 6.7-351 
Table 6.7.4-37: Trophic State Index Ranges for Freshwater Lakes (from Carlson and
Simpson (1996)) ................................................................................................. 6.7-352 
Table 6.7.4-38: Predicted Nitrogen / Phosphorus Ratios for Lake 901 During the
Construction, Operations, Closure, and Post-Closure Phases of the
Project ................................................................................................................. 6.7-353 
Table 6.7.4-39: Trophic State Index (TSI) Values for Lake 901 Based on Predicted
Total Nitrogen Concentrations During Construction, Operations,
Closure, and Post-Closure Phases of the Project .............................................. 6.7-353 
Table 6.7.4-40: Summary of Water Quality Predictions .............................................................. 6.7-371 
Table 6.7.4-41: Summary of Residual Effects for Rainbow Trout ............................................... 6.7-382 
Table 6.7.4-42: Residual Effects Assessment of Loss of Fish Habitat Under and
Downstream of the Tailings Management Facility on Rainbow Trout ................ 6.7-383 
Table 6.7.4-43: Residual Effects Assessment of Change in Fish Passage at Stream
Crossings Along the Kitsault Road on Rainbow Trout ....................................... 6.7-384 
Table 6.7.4-44: Residual Effects Assessment of Change in Surface Water Quality
Due to Tailings Management Facility Seepage on Rainbow Trout .................... 6.7-387 
Table 6.7.4-45: Residual Effects Assessment of Lake Level Changes in Clary Lake
on Rainbow Trout ............................................................................................... 6.7-388 

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VE51988 – Section 6.7 December 2011 TOC 6.7-viii
KITSAULT MINE PROJECT
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
FRESHWATER AQUATIC RESOURCES

Table 6.7.4-46  Residual Effects Assessment of Change in Stream Flows in the
Clary Creek Watershed on Rainbow Trout ......................................................... 6.7-389 
Table 6.7.4-47  Residual Effects Assessment of Change in Stream Flows in the
Clary Creek Watershed on Rainbow Trout ......................................................... 6.7-390 
Table 6.7.4-48: Residual Effects Assessment of Change in Benthic Macro-
Invertebrates on Rainbow Trout ......................................................................... 6.7-392 
Table 6.7.4-49: Project Related Residual Effects - Rationale for Carrying Forward
Into the Cumulative Effects Assessment ............................................................ 6.7-394 
Table 6.7.4-50: Assessment of Interaction Between Other Projects, Human Activities
and Reasonable Foreseeable Projects with Rainbow Trout .............................. 6.7-396 
Table 6.7.4-51: BC MOE Regional Fish Tissue Metal Concentration for Rainbow
Trout in Pinchi Fault Lakes ................................................................................. 6.7-397 
Table 6.7.4-52: Assessment of Spatial and Temporal Overlap Between the Project
and Other Projects and Human Actions with Rainbow Trout ............................. 6.7-398 
Table 6.7.4-53: Potential Cumulative Effect by Project Phase on Rainbow Trout
and Mitigation Measures .................................................................................... 6.7-400 
Table 6.7.4-54: Summary of Residual Cumulative Effects for Rainbow Trout ............................ 6.7-401 
Table 6.7.4-55: Residual Cumulative Effects Assessment on Rainbow Trout by
Project Development Phase ............................................................................... 6.7-402 
Table 6.7.5-1:  Sampling Precision, Mean Density, And Community Metrics For
Stream BMI Sites Sampled in The Lime Creek Watershed In 2009 .................. 6.7-413 
Table 6.7.5-2:  Sampling Precision, Mean Density, And Mean Community Metrics
For Stream BMI Sites Sampled In 2010 ............................................................. 6.7-414 
Table 6.7.5-3:  Sampling Precision, Mean Density, And Community Metrics For
Lake BMI Sites Sampled In 2009 And 2010....................................................... 6.7-415 
Table 6.7.5-4:  Historical Land Use Activities in Biophysical Cumulative Effects
Assessment Study Area ..................................................................................... 6.7-418 
Table 6.7.5-5:  Present Land Use Activities in Biophysical Cumulative Effects
Assessment Study Area ..................................................................................... 6.7-419 
Table 6.7.5-6:  Reasonably Foreseeable Projects in Biophysical Cumulative
Effects Assessment Study Area ......................................................................... 6.7-419 
Table 6.7.5-7:  Assessment of Linkages Between Other Projects, Human Activities
and Reasonable Foreseeable Projects With Benthic Macro-Invertebrates ....... 6.7-420 
Table 6.7.5-8:  Potential Direct Project Effects on Benthic Macro-Invertebrates ....................... 6.7-421 
Table 6.7.5-9:  Potential Indirect Project Effects on Benthic Macro-Invertebrates ..................... 6.7-423 
Table 6.7.5-10: Potential Combined Project Effects by Project Phase on Benthic
Macro-Invertebrates ........................................................................................... 6.7-426 
Table 6.7.5-11: Potential Indirect Project Effects on Other Valued Components ........................ 6.7-428 
Table 6.7.5-12: Summary of Potential Interaction Between Project Effects on Benthic
Macro-Invertebrates and Other Valued Components ........................................ 6.7-430 
Table 6.7.5-13: Summary of Potential Project Effects to be Carried Forward Into the
Assessment for Benthic Macro-Invertebrates .................................................... 6.7-432 
Table 6.7.5-14: Potential Project Effects by Project Phase on Benthic Macro-
Invertebrates and Mitigation Measures .............................................................. 6.7-433 
Table 6.7.5-15: Summary of Provincial and Federal Water Quality Guidelines for
the Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Life in lower Lime Creek
Watershed .......................................................................................................... 6.7-442 
Table 6.7.5-16: Summary of Predicted Exceedances of Provincial and Federal
Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Freshwater Aquatic
Life in Lower Lime Creek .................................................................................... 6.7-445 
Table 6.7.5-17: Summary of Predicted Exceedances of Provincial and Federal
Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Freshwater Aquatic
Life in Lake 901 in the Clary Creek watershed................................................... 6.7-446 

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VE51988 – Section 6.7 December 2011 TOC 6.7-ix