Pierre River Mine Project

TERRESTRIAL AENV SIRS 44 – 78
Section 13.1
(statistically) robust to prove that genetic connectivity has been maintained …
involves establishing not only movement from one location to another; but, also
the survival and reproduction of migrants. Direct studies of survival and
reproduction have not been conducted for wildlife in the Oil Sands Region. Yet,
in a number of responses to other SIRs, Shell continues to indicate genetic
connectivity will be maintained:
- Volume 1. Section 13.1 Page 13-1 Question 310a and b. (ERCB)
- Volume 1. Page 14-8 Question 371b (ERCB)
- Volume 2. Page 23-2 Question 383a
- Volume 2. Page 23-105 Question 449d
- Volume 2. Page 23-181 Question 481b
49a Shell acknowledges there is no evidence to support the assertion that genetic
connectivity will be maintained, yet in contradiction to this, Shell asserts they
will maintain genetic connectivity in several other SIR responses noted above.
Clarify this apparent contradiction and revise the responses noted above as
applicable.
Response 49a Shell intended to highlight observations from current external research (Mills and
Allendorf 1996; Wang 2004) suggesting the possibility for maintenance of
genetic connectivity as opposed to asserting that genetic connectivity will be
maintained. Responses noted above are revised as appropriate below.
Volume 1. Section 13.1 Page 13-1 SIR 310a (ERCB)
Previous Request 310a What studies have been done to determine that a
setback of 250 m from the Athabasca River will be appropriate for habitat
protection and will provide a suitable wildlife corridor?
Revised Response 310a
Wildlife corridor monitoring has been carried out in and around the Muskeg and
Athabasca rivers, specifically to provide information on wildlife abundance and
distribution in potential corridor areas, as documented in EIA, Volume 5,
Section 7.5.4. Results from monitoring programs carried out as part of the
Terrestrial Environmental Setting Report for the Jackpine Mine Expansion and
Pierre River Mine Project (Golder 2007a) and the Jackpine Mine – Phase 1
Wildlife Corridor Monitoring Program (Golder 2007b) have shown that many
species use the riparian and upland areas adjacent to rivers, which suggests that
genetic connectivity will likely be maintained for wildlife populations if corridors
are provided along the Athabasca River system adjacent to the Pierre River Mine
Project.
Volume 1. Section 13.1 Page 13-1 SIR 310b (ERCB)
Previous Request 310b What criteria did Shell apply to select 250 m as an
appropriate setback from the high water line on the western shore of the
Athabasca River?
April 2010 Shell Canada Limited 13-7
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