From: on behalf of Panel Registry Subject: FW: TNG registration of ...

Stratus Consulting Memorandum (4/16/2010)
cause behavioral avoidance in the Taseko River, and could exceed acutely lethal concentrations
in the Taseko River.
Dr. Morris’ analysis of copper toxicity will draw primarily on Hansen et al. (1999, 2002c,
2002d) and Meyer et al. (2007).
4.4 Implications for Salmonid Fisheries
Given the uncertainties and problems in the contaminant source and transport models, we believe
that releases of cadmium and copper to the Taseko River at concentrations several times greater
than what the Proponents have estimated is not only plausible but likely. In addition, Dr. Morris
will note that the metal concentrations used to predict toxicity in Fish Creek and the Taseko
River were the Proponents’ “worst case scenario” concentrations from March to May, which
may correspond to the time of migration, spawning, egg hatching, and swim-up for many
salmonid species in this system. Therefore, sub-lethal metal concentrations could disrupt adult
migration and spawning by affecting olfactory sensory organs and disrupting the fish’s ability to
find spawning grounds and establish social hierarchies. Additionally, the highest metal
concentrations may occur at the time of year when certain salmonid species are hatching or
young are first emerging from gravel beds (swim-up), which is the most sensitive life stage of
salmonids. Finally, sub-lethal metal concentrations could impact the overall fitness of the
salmonid fishery by reducing growth rates in juvenile fish.
The combined effect of lethal and sub-lethal concentrations of metals such as cadmium and
copper, in addition to possible additive and (or) synergistic effects of mixtures of these and other
toxic metals in Fish Creek and the Taseko River could have deleterious effects on a salmonid
fishery that currently supports viable populations of many species including rainbow, steelhead
and bull trout, and Chinook and sockeye salmon.
5. Qualifications of the Authors
Below we present the qualifications of the authors of this memorandum. In addition, we include
the qualifications of Dr. Lipton, who assisted Dr. Morris in the evaluation of metals toxicity data.
If possible, Dr. Lipton may participate via teleconference in the technical sessions.
Ann Maest, PhD, is an aqueous geochemist with expertise in the fate and transport of natural
and anthropogenic contaminants in groundwater, surface water, and sediment. She has over
20 years of research and professional experience as a geochemist and has worked on natural
systems as well as on systems that have been impacted by industrial activities, especially
hardrock mining and petroleum exploration. Dr. Maest’s research has included studies of metal-
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