Pierre River Mine Project

WATER ERCB SIRS 46 – 79
Section 7.1
As described in the response to ERCB SIR 56, key indicator parameters in the
area of the ETDA will be identified based on the water quality of the tailings
water and control limits will be defined for each key indicator parameter for each
monitoring well. An exceedance of the control limits will trigger the initiation of
the groundwater response plan, as stated in EIA, Volume 4B, Appendix 4-9,
Section 2.1.5 and described further in the response to ERCB SIR 56.
Request 55d What will be the monitored parameters taking into consideration the behaviors of
various parameters?
Response 55d The monitored parameters for the ETDA that would be taken into consideration,
given the behaviours of various parameters, would include those listed in EIA,
Volume 4B, Appendix 4-9, Section 2.1.3, Table 1. Once detailed groundwater
characterization is complete, a set of indicator parameters will be developed for
each specific area (see EIA, Volume 4B, Appendix 4-9, Section 2.1.4). In the
area of the ETDA, key indicator parameters will be based on the water quality of
the tailings water.
Question No. 56
Request Volume 1, Section 13.1, Page 13-24, Supplemental Information Responses.
Shell states, “an ETDA-specific groundwater response plan will be developed to
mitigate effects on groundwater quality beyond the interception points.”
56a Provide a detailed scheme outlining Shell’s response if groundwater
contamination is found beyond the interception wells in the Athabasca River.
Provide a proposal that includes a reporting mechanism, water quality criteria
and a timeframe for mitigation.
Response 56a If the monitoring program detects unexpected effects on groundwater quality, an
incident-specific groundwater response plan will be implemented (see EIA
Volume 4B, Appendix 4-9, Section 2.1.5, page 13) to mitigate adverse effects on
groundwater quality beyond the interception wells.
Groundwater Monitoring Program
The groundwater monitoring program for the Pierre River Mine will include:
• identifying key indicator parameters for groundwater quality in the area of
the ETDA. This will be based on the water quality of the tailings process
water.
• implementing a groundwater monitoring network in the area of the ETDA,
including monitoring wells near and far from the interceptor wells
April 2010 Shell Canada Limited 7-9
CR029