080121-08MN006-Sabina Hackett River Project Proposal ... - NIRB

Description of the Existing EnvironmentOverall, around a third of study community members had seen or talked on the phone aboutphysical, emotional or mental health in the past 12 months to a family doctor or practitioner.Meanwhile, around a fifth reported suffering from one or more long term health conditions. Thelowest reported figures were in Kugaruuk and Taloyoak and the highest in Cambridge Bay andKugluktuk.All of the communities have health services available in the form of community nurses with theexception of Bathurst Inlet and Omingmaktok. There are no hospitals in any of the communities.Medical personnel make visits to these communities or community members travel to CambridgeBay and Yellowknife for services.Other studies in the region have highlighted a number of current health concerns and issues,some of which have been linked to economic growth and resource sector development . Theseinclude drug and alcohol use, accidents and premature deaths, suicide, violence, STDs,pregnancies and maternal health and mental health.Human health in the study communities is also closely related to country foods. Studies areunderway analysing local country foods and monitoring for contaminants.6.3.8 Other Potential Socio-Economic VSECsNo other potential socio-economic components (VSECs) were identified in community meetingsor literature reviews.6.4 Summary of Potential VECsThis chapter described most of the components of the environment that data and information areavailable and/or can be obtained. However, all of these components will likely not be chosen asthe final Valued Ecosystem Components (VECs) and Valued Socio-Economic Components(VSECs) to be included in a draft EIS. The final list of VECs and VSECs will be determinedthrough the scoping process as carried out through NIRB, and through continued publicconsultation carried out by Sabina.Table 6.4-1 presents a summary of VECs and VSECs that were used for the High Lake Project(similar to Hackett in that it involves the development of 3 mineral deposits) and for BIPR(relevant to Hackett due to geographic similarities). This list of VECs likely reflects thepotential VECs that could be used for the Hackett River Project draft EIS. Public meetings heldthus far for the Hackett River Project have not identified any VECs or VSECs not alreadyincluded in Table 6.4-1.January 2008 Hackett River Project – Project Proposal Sabina Silver CorporationReport Version B.1 6–40 Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. (Proj. #833-2)