| Abstract/Description or Keywords |
As part of the ongoing environmental and socio-economic baseline studies and impact assessment being conducted for the proposed Mount Klappan Coal Project, this document describes the methods and reviews the results of the water quality component carried out in 2004 and 2005. Field sampling began in October 2004 and will continue through 2006. Data collected will form the backbone of the relevant section of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) that will be submitted to all levels of government and affected First Nations later this year. This information will also provide an important basis for long-term monitoring of potential impacts of any development. Water quality has an enormous impact on all aspects of aquatic life and it is therefore imperative when generating an EIA to obtain baseline data on the undisturbed stream, wetland or lake, so that any changes that occur can be monitored. Water quality can vary considerably throughout the year, and was therefore sampled during different seasons. Sampling took place every second month during winter and every month during summer. In addition, weekly samples were taken at some sites during spring freshet and fall, when snowmelt and heavy rain can lead to changes in water quality.Once the 2006 sampling program is complete, two years of data will be available on water quality variability. These results will be compared to water quality data obtained by Gulf in the 1980’s, enhanced by the fact that eight of the water quality sites near the proposed mine were also sampled as part of the Gulf field sampling program. Together this information will allow any proposed development to be effectively monitored throughout the life of the mine. Furthermore, as part of the EIA process, baseline data will be used to predict possible impacts of the mine and long term management strategies will be developed to counteract these effects. |
