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

Identification of Potential EnvironmentalEffects and Proposed MitigationA Reclamation and Closure Plan will be developed in conjunction with regulators andcommunities for the long-term management of the rock and tailings materials upon completionof the Project. Mitigation of the tailings will likely involve permanent submergence below waterto retain the tailings in a reduced state. The closure scenario for all rock materials will be suchthat the surface and groundwater quality will meet regulatory requirements and environmentalstandards as set out in the Closure Plan.7.3.1.11 Soil QualityPotential EffectsPotential project-related impacts to soil quality include:• Covering or removal of soils by building roads, an airstrip, waste rock piles, other facilities• Erosion of soils around road crossings• Alteration of soils via dust-generating activities (road and airstrip use)• Alteration of soils via concentrate storage, transport, and handling (increase soil metalconcentrations)• Hydrocarbon contamination of soils due to vehicle refueling, maintenance, and spillsThe soils will be lost under the road and the various facilities’ footprints. They will also bedegraded adjacent to the various facilities in high traffic areas. The poorly drained soils will besubject to compaction.Erosion of soils may occur along stream banks at creek crossings and other erodible areas, ifdenuded of vegetation. The soils along the road may be subject to dust from vehicles and withthe dust, metals from the undercarriages. As well, ore dust can also add metals to the dust andtherefore, to soils along the road. The heavy use of roads could also result in hydrocarboncontamination from grease, oil, lubricants, etc., from vehicles and increase the risk of spills.Proposed MitigationIn order to mitigate the effects of covering or removal of soils, soils can be salvaged, wherefeasible, and stored. These soils could then be used for rehabilitation of disturbed areasincluding the access road at closure. Compacted soils will be ripped and seeded with a nativespecies, if possible. Soil erosion will be minimized by avoiding vegetation removal, wherepossible, and using straw bales and erosion cloth along stream banks as a short term solution tominimize sediment entering water bodies and affecting fish and water quality. Ultimately, theycould be armoured. Soil metal and hydrocarbon contamination will be minimized by ensuringthat vehicles are properly maintained, maintenance is carried out at designated locations whichare properly designed with liners, berms, etc. and cleaning up of spills in a timely manner. Extracare will be taken to ensure tarps on the trucks are in good condition and properly used.January 2008 Hackett River Project – Project Proposal Sabina Silver CorporationReport Version B.1 7–15 Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. (Proj. #833-2)