Pierre River Mine Project

TERRESTRIAL AENV SIRS 44 – 78
Section 13.1
Request 44d How do they compare to the reconstructed profiles described in the Closure,
Conservation, and Reclamation Plan for the Pierre River Mining Area (EIA
Volume 5, Appendix 5-2, Section 2.4.5, Page 61, and Figure 10, Page 63)?
Response 44d Since the reconstructed profiles were not discussed in the personal
communication of July 2008, Shell cannot compare the profiles in Figure 10 of
the EIA. The research referred to in this personal communication is the Nutrient
Biogeochemistry II project currently being conducted through CONRAD. The
results of this study are not available for public disclosure.
Request 44e Based on the age and Land Capability Class of these juvenile profiles and a
comparison of reconstructed profiles, discuss Shell’s assumptions and knowledge
that equivalent capability will be achieved within the 80 year timeframe
discussed in the original EIA, using the reconstruction profiles proposed in the
Closure, Conservation, and Reclamation Plan for the Pierre River Mining Area.
Response 44e Considering the degree of profile development on direct placement, peat-mineral
mix areas after only 20 to 30 years, it is reasonable to expect that soil profile
development will continue to evolve to a soil profile typical of the region. Shell
expects that equivalent land capability will be achieved for similar profiles within
the 80-year time frame, as discussed in the EIA, as well as incorporating
advances in soil salvage and handling approaches through adaptive management.
Question No. 45
Request Volume 2, SIR 415, Page 21-31.
This question was asked in the list of SIR 1 questions, but the reference provided
(Shell EIA Update Report, Appendix II, Section 2.4.1 and 2.4.2, Table 20 and 21)
was for the Jackpine Mine Expansion only. Shell states that they will answer the
question in the Jackpine Mine Expansion Project Supplemental Information, but
the question is applicable to both the Pierre River Mine and Jackpine Expansion
Mine areas and, as such, requires an answer for the Pierre River Mine Project as
well. The Pierre River Mine reference is: Volume 5, Appendix 5-2, Section 2.4.1
and 2.4.2, Table10 and 11. Tables 10 and 11 outline the criteria to be used for
determining the suitability of salvageable upland surface soils and subsoil for
reclamation purposes, but it is unclear how Shell will be applying these ratings
to additional data collected during soil salvage operations, or if they will be
relying on the data collected during the Soil and Terrain ESR.
45a Provide a response to SIR 415 in regards to Pierre River Mine.
Response 45a Professional agrologists and pedologists from Paragon Consulting Ltd. and Shell
Albian Sands carry out monitoring programs to sample soil quality for
13-2 Shell Canada Limited April 2010
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