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

Identification of Potential EnvironmentalEffects and Proposed MitigationDust generating activities could potentially introduce particulate material into the marineenvironment and alter the nature of sediments and hence fish habitat.Fuel and concentrate loading and transportation has the potential to introduce contaminants intothe marine environment, and have direct effects on aquatic life and fish (e.g., fuel spill), increasemetal loading within the food web (e.g., concentrate spill), and potentially affect marine habitatby changing the nature of sediments and shoreline habitat.Ballast water can contain organisms not indigenous to Bathurst Inlet. These organisms would bepotentially harmful to the natural marine ecosystem currently existing in the area.Proposed MitigationThere are no proposed mitigation measures for the potential effect of noise on marine fish.Mitigation measures for potential sediment introduction to marine water and sediments will be asdescribed in the marine water and sediment sections. These measures will help minimizeimpacts to marine habitat.The best mitigation measures for potential effects from fuel and concentrate spills is to haveplans in place to avoid spills, and have plans in place (and equipment) in the event of a spill.Spill response and management plans will be developed for the marine portion of the project.Employees will be trained and familiar with the spill response plans.To avoid the potential effects of ballast water on marine organisms, fish, and habitat, ballastwater will not be released while ships are at port.7.3.3.6 Marine Wildlife (Mammals, Birds, and Waterfowl)Potential EffectsThe potential project-related impacts to marine wildlife include:• disruption to movements;• disturbance to normal wildlife behaviours;• mortality (direct and indirect); and• reduction in wildlife productivity.Marine wildlife considered in this section included all marine mammals and seabirds outlined inChapter 6.Disruptions to Movement: The use of the shipping lane for movement of supplies andconcentrate to and from the port at Bathurst Inlet along the shipping lane could disruptmovements of marine wildlife. Ship traffic may increase ice breakup, especially during October.A review of ice conditions conducted for the High Lake Project noted considerable difficulty forvessels transiting through the proposed shipping lane, and the likelihood of encounteringJanuary 2008 Hackett River Project – Project Proposal Sabina Silver CorporationReport Version B.1 7–31 Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. (Proj. #833-2)