Central Mackenzie Surface Water and Groundwater Baseline Assessment
May 21, 2015
Central Mackenzie Surface Water and Groundwater Baseline Assessment
REPORT 2: PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY
Submitted to:
Bruce Hanna Regional Science Coordinator Government of the Northwest Territories 867-920-6520 [email protected]
Report Number: 1401835 Final Report 2 Distribution:
REPORT GNWT - 5 copies Golder - 1 copy
CENTRAL MACKENZIE SURFACE WATER AND GROUNDWATER BASELINE ASSESSMENT - PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY
Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 1
1.1 Purpose of Report ...... 1
1.2 Study Area ...... 1
2.0 TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE ...... 4
3.0 SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE ...... 19
3.1 Surface Water Quantity (Hydrology) ...... 19
3.1.1 Climate ...... 19
3.1.2 Runoff ...... 20
3.1.3 Surface Water Zones ...... 21
3.2 Surface Water Quality ...... 22
3.3 Permafrost ...... 23
3.3.1 Where is Permafrost Found? ...... 23
3.3.2 What Do We Know About Permafrost in the Study Area? ...... 24
3.4 Geology ...... 24
3.4.1 Geology Near the Earth’s Surface (Surface Geology)...... 24
3.4.2 Geology Below the Earth’s Surface (Bedrock Geology) ...... 25
3.5 Aquifers ...... 25
3.5.1 What Do We Know About Aquifers in the Study Area? ...... 26
3.5.2 Groundwater Quality ...... 27
3.5.3 How Do Surface Water and Groundwater Interact? ...... 27
3.6 Summary ...... 28
4.0 WATER USE ...... 28
4.1 How Were Water Use Estimates and Predictions Made? ...... 28
4.1.1 Current Water Use ...... 28
4.1.2 Expected Future Water Use ...... 29
4.2 Results ...... 30
4.2.1 Municipal Sector...... 32
4.2.2 Public Sector ...... 34
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CENTRAL MACKENZIE SURFACE WATER AND GROUNDWATER BASELINE ASSESSMENT - PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY
4.2.3 Oil and Gas Activities ...... 35
4.2.4 Other Developments ...... 36
4.2.5 Overall Water Use ...... 37
4.2.6 Traditional Use ...... 38
4.3 Conclusion ...... 38
5.0 INSTREAM FLOW NEEDS ...... 38
5.1 What is Environmental Flow? ...... 38
5.2 What are the water management goals? ...... 38
5.3 How Was Water Supply Determined? ...... 39
5.4 What Methods Were Evaluated to Determine Environmental Flows? ...... 39
5.5 What Method is Recommended? ...... 40
5.6 Summary ...... 45
6.0 MISSING KNOWLEDGE ...... 45
6.1 Methodology ...... 45
6.1.1 Traditional Knowledge ...... 45
6.1.2 Scientific Knowledge ...... 46
6.2 Results ...... 46
6.2.1 Traditional Knowledge ...... 47
6.2.2 Scientific Knowledge ...... 49
6.3 Summary ...... 51
7.0 CONCLUSION ...... 51
8.0 CLOSURE ...... 53
9.0 GLOSSARY ...... 54
10.0 REFERENCES ...... 56
TABLES Table 2-1: Traditional Place Names Shown on Figure 2-3 ...... 12 Table 4-1: Water Use Projections using High Population Growth Projections, 2014 to 2021 ...... 37 Table 4-2: Water Use Projections using Low Population Growth Projections, 2014 to 2021 ...... 37 Table 5-1: Withdrawal Limits for Gauged Basins ...... 41 Table 5-2: Withdrawal Limits for Ungauged or Poorly Gauged Basins ...... 42
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CENTRAL MACKENZIE SURFACE WATER AND GROUNDWATER BASELINE ASSESSMENT - PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY
Table 5-3: Monthly Flows Below the 30% Threshold for Gauged Basins ...... 43 Table 5-4: Monthly Flows Below the 30% Threshold for Ungauged and Poorly Gauged Basins ...... 44 Table 6-1: Traditional Knowledge Gaps ...... 47 Table 6-2: Scientific Knowledge Gaps ...... 49
FIGURES Figure 1-1: Sahtu Regional Overview ...... 2 Figure 1-2: Sahtu Regional Hydrological System Overview ...... 3 Figure 2-1: Traditional Trails of the Sahtu from the Sahtu Dene and Métis Trails Mapping Project ...... 5 Figure 2-2: Surface Water Overview ...... 9 Figure 2-3: Traditional Names ...... 10 Figure 2-4: Traditional Land Use Overview ...... 11 Figure 3-1: Climate Normal Air Temperature (T) and Total Precipitation (P) for Norman Wells, 1981 to 2010 ...... 20 Figure 3-2: Annual Distribution of Mean Monthly Streamflow as a Percentage of Annual Mean Streamflow ...... 22 Figure 4-1: Locations for 2014 Surface and Groundwater Use ...... 31 Figure 4-2: Projected future Water Use for Norman Wells 2014-2021 ...... 32 Figure 4-3: Projected future Water Use for Tulita 2014-2021 ...... 33 Figure 4-4: Projected future Water Use for Fort Good Hope 2014-2021 ...... 33
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CENTRAL MACKENZIE SURFACE WATER AND GROUNDWATER BASELINE ASSESSMENT - PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY
Abbreviations and Acronyms
Term Definition CIMP Northwest Territories Cumulative Impact Monitoring Program CMV Central Mackenzie Valley DOT Department of Transportation EFA environmental flow assessment EL Exploration Licence ESRF Environmental Studies Research Fund GIS Geographic Information System GNWT Government of the Northwest Territories Golder Golder Associates Ltd. LUP Land Use Permit MGM MGM Energy Corp. MVLWB Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board SLUPB Sahtu Land Use Planning Board SLWB Sahtu Land and Water Board SRRB Sahtú Renewable Resources Board SSA Sahtu Settlement Area TK Traditional Knowledge Department of Resources, Wildlife, and Economic Development (Aboriginal RWED Affairs and Northern Development Canada) WL Water Licence
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CENTRAL MACKENZIE SURFACE WATER AND GROUNDWATER BASELINE ASSESSMENT - PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose of Report The purpose of this report is to provide a plain language summary of the state of knowledge of the surface water and shallow groundwater in the Sahtu Settlement Region Study Area. The technical version of this report is called Central Mackenzie Surface Water and Groundwater Baseline Assessment Report 1: Technical State of Knowledge.
To identify suitable water sources for industry use and community needs, and to protect surface water and groundwater resources regionally, it is necessary to have an understanding of the traditional knowledge and scientific baselines regarding surface water and groundwater conditions in the region, including quality and quantity and how these two interact. This plain language summary report therefore has separate sections for scientific knowledge and traditional knowledge.
Baseline knowledge is important to define for several reasons: All stakeholders require a level of confidence that water resources will not be adversely affected by industrial activity. Establishment of suitable industry water sources and reasonable rates and limits for water use, while ensuring that other needs are not compromised, requires an understanding of surface and groundwater resources, including quality, quantity, surface-groundwater interaction and connectivity; the knowledge held in traditional use and traditional names; and environmental instream flow and volume needs. The degree of uncertainty in the estimates of surface and groundwater resources needs to be quantified so that informed decisions can be made when identifying appropriate water sources and water quality conditions and withdrawal rates. Quantifying uncertainty will support building a regional surface and groundwater resource assessment and monitoring program that addresses notable data and information gaps. Quantifying uncertainty will also support a water use plan for the region that will improve knowledge of the resource so that informed decisions can be made to appropriately share the resource among all users.
1.2 Study Area The Study Area (Figure 1-1) is located entirely within the Sahtu Settlement Area in the Central Mackenzie Valley. The Mackenzie River drains an area of 1.8 million square kilometres (km2), flowing north from the outlet of Great Slave Lake over 1,700 kilometres (km) to the Beaufort Sea in Canada’s Arctic.
Most of the streams and rivers on the west side of the Mackenzie River in the Study Area flow from the Mackenzie Mountains (Figure 1-1), which have few lakes to store water. Streams and rivers generally flow directly down to the Mackenzie River. Streams and rivers on the east side of the Mackenzie River are less steep, and flow more slowly through lakes and rivers before entering the Mackenzie River. Figure 1-2 shows a hydrological overview (the water cycle) of the Study Area, including water above ground, below ground, and how water interacts with permafrost.
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-90000 410000 910000
Arctic Ocean Viscount Melville Sound ³
Sachs Harbour !
8000000 Larsen Strait 8000000 Beaufort Sea
Amundsen Gulf Uluhaktok ! Tuktoyaktuk !
Paulatuk ! Aklavik ! ! Inuvik Queen Maud Gulf
Fort McPherson! ! Tsiigehtchic Coronation Gulf Colville Lake 7500000 ! 7500000 Fort Good Hope ! N u n a v u t SAHTU DENE AND METIS SETTLEMENT AREA Great Bear Lake Norman Wells Mackenzie! River Déline Tulita ! !
Wekweèti Gamèti ! ! Y u k o n Northwest Territories ! Wrigley ! Behchokò
7000000 Wha Ti ! 7000000 Lutselk'e Yellowknife ! ! Detah Fort Simpson ! Jean Marie River Great Slave Lake ! Nahanni Butte ! Fort Providence ! ! Fort Resolution ! !Hay River Fort Liard ! Kakisa ! ! Trout Lake Fort Smith Enterprise !
Saskatchewan British Columbia A l b e r t a 6500000 6500000
-90000 410000 910000 LEGEND 400 0 400 ! POPULATED PLACE ELEVATION (m) 3000 PRIMARY HIGHWAY SCALE 1:10,000,000 KILOMETRES LOCAL ROAD WATERCOURSE PROJECT SETTLEMENT AREA OR REGION CENTRAL MACKENZIE SURFACE WATER AND STUDY AREA GROUNDWATER BASELINE ASSESSMENT TERRITORIAL/PROVINCIAL BOUNDARY 0 TITLE WATERBODY SAHTU REGIONAL OVERVIEW
REFERENCE PROJECT 1401835 FINAL FILE No. POPULATED PLACES, TERRITORIAL BOUNDARIES, SETTLEMENT AREAS OR REGIONS DESIGN TE 05 Mar. 2015 SCALE AS SHOWN REV. 0 AND HYDROGRAPHY OBTAINED FROM GEOGRATIS, © DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES CANADA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ROADS OBTAINED FROM GEOBASE®. GIS UW 06 Mar. 2015 ELEVATION DATA CAN30RASTER OBTAINED FROM GEOBASE®. CHECK TE 15 Apr. 2015 FIGURE: 1-1 DATUM: NAD83 PROJECTION: UTM ZONE 11N REVIEW NS 29 Apr. 2015 I:\2014\1401835\Mapping\MXD\General\1401835_Fig1_1_Sahtu_Regional_Overview_Task8_20150420_FINAL.mxd Precipitation
Evaporation
Sublimation
Snowmelt
Thaw slump
Large Lake – No permafrost Runoff Karst below Runoff Spring/ Seep
Flow
Through-Taliks Infiltration and flow through Discontinuous Continuous discontinuous permafrost Permafrost (50 – 90%) Permafrost (90 – 100%) Thin permafrost due to small lake
CENTRAL MACKENZIE SURFACE WATER AND GROUNDWATER BASELINE STUDY SAHTU REGIONAL HYDROLOGICAL SYSTEM OVERVIEW
DRAWN: KM APPROVED: NPS DATE: 22 JUN 2014
PROJECT: 1401835 FIGURE: 1-2 CENTRAL MACKENZIE SURFACE WATER AND GROUNDWATER BASELINE ASSESSMENT - PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY
Average monthly temperatures in the Mackenzie River Valley, including the Study Area, are similar along the entire length of the Mackenzie River south of Inuvik. Rainfall and snowfall amounts vary along the length of the river. The Study Area contains a layer of permafrost that is found under most of the region.
Communities along the Mackenzie River are home to distinct populations of aboriginal peoples. The Study Area includes the communities of Fort Good Hope, Tulita and Norman Wells.
While there are many sources of information collected over many years, there are still areas in which more information is required to fully understand the surface water and groundwater of the Study Area, and how these surface waters and groundwaters interact.
2.0 TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE
2.1 Traditional Land Use The Sahtu Settlement Area (SSA) gets its name from the Dene name for Great Bear Lake and Great Bear River – Sahtu and Sahtu Deh. Before contact with Europeans, local groups lived in areas near lakes with a dependable supply of fish and small game while hunting for larger game such as moose, caribou, and sheep. Key seasonal events in the Sahtu Dene cycle include communal fall barrenland caribou hunts; the dispersal of family groups for winter hunting and trapping; spring waterfowl hunting; and communal summer fishing camps. Large gatherings were common in the spring and early summer along major rivers and lakes. Due to the importance of these gatherings, fur trading posts were often built on or near these centres. All groups had access to the entire traditional lands of the Sahtu, but each region was associated with a distinct dialect of the Slavey language and with a particular 'home' land use area. Regional groups were typically made up of several family groups, named for their extended land use area. The regional groups include: the Sahtu Got’ı ̨ ne or Saht u Dene (People of the Sahtu) of the Sahtu (Great Bear Lake) area; the K’ásho Got’ı ̨ ne (Big Willow People), of the Rádeyı ̨ lı ̨ kóé (Fort Good Hop e) - K’ahbamı ̨ ́ Túé (Colville Lake) area;
the Shuhta Got’ı ̨ ne (Mountain People), of the area west of the Dǝo (Mackenzie River) and south of Tłego ̨ ́htı ̨ (Norman Wells); and the K’áalǫ Got’ı ̨ ne (Willow Lake People) between the Dǝo (Mackenzie River) and Sahtu (Great Bear Lake).
Though the Dene of the SSA were traditionally nomadic and knew no fixed boundaries, permanent settlements were gradually established in response to the expansion of the fur trade and the development of petroleum and mining industries in the area. The network of interconnecting trails provides access to Sahtu lands encompassing about 300,000 km2 (Auld and Kershaw 2005: 14). These trails are shown in Figure 2-1. Most trails and destinations have traditional names and stories that embody and convey knowledge about the history and use of the area.
Today, the SSA is divided into 3 Districts:
K’ásho Got’ı ̨ ne District including the communities of K’ahbamı ̨ ́ Túé (Colville Lake) and Rádeyı ̨ lı ̨ kóé (Fort Good Hope);
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CENTRAL MACKENZIE SURFACE WATER AND GROUNDWATER BASELINE ASSESSMENT - PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY
Délı ̨ ne District including the community of Délı ̨ ne; and Tulı ́ t’a District including the communities of Tulı t’á and Tłego ̨ ́htı ̨ (Norman Wells).
Within each regional district, there are many significant places and stories that demonstrate the Sahtu Dene and Métis relationship with the lands: For the Dene of the Sahtu, the land is mapped in words. The Dene place names spread across the landscape are linked to a multitude of ancient stories that bind the people to the land in a way that is more than purely functional. The land becomes a representation of Dene history and spirituality since time immemorial, and patterns of land use and travel identify what it means to be Dene.
Figure 2-1: Traditional Trails of the Sahtu from the Sahtu Dene and Métis Trails Mapping Project
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CENTRAL MACKENZIE SURFACE WATER AND GROUNDWATER BASELINE ASSESSMENT - PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY
2.2 Water Use The characteristics of the waters in the Sahtu have changed a lot since the first human occupation of the region, around 9,000 to 10,000 years ago. Nevertheless, the Dene have relied on and lived off the clean waters of the Sahtu for many generations, and say that all water bodies should be kept clean throughout any development. The waters of the Sahtu have supplied water for drinking and cooking, provided food such as fish, waterfowl and aquatic mammals, supported large game, edible and medicinal plants, and have been used as major travel routes.
The significance of waterways for traditional use activities has been supported through archaeological studies completed for development projects in the region. Raised areas and areas of low-lying terrain connecting larger lakes and rivers also hold the potential for winter trails and trap lines.
Today, many waterways in the Sahtu are used for recreational purposes. As interest in development in the region is increasing, residents have expressed concern that the tranquility experienced at cabins located along the Mackenzie River might be disrupted because of the proposed increase in traffic. Residents are further concerned about the possible negative impacts development and increased traffic will have on the fishery and other resources in the area.
2.2.1 Water Quality Water quality is very important to the Dene and Métis in the Sahtu and access to clean water is needed to maintain healthy populations of people, fish and animals. Small creeks and streams feed into the larger rivers and lakes in the Sahtu and local communities believe that water quality monitoring should be carried out in all areas, including the smallest of streams. Because the local populations are most familiar with their environment, communities have recommended that water quality monitoring programs be carried out from within the communities.
Though many small creeks are not actively used by many people, they are still considered sources of good, drinkable water where impacts should be minimized. Oscar Creek and Billy Creek (Figure 2-2 and Table 2-1), for example, have been identified as small creeks in which sulphur is sometimes detected but which maintain a quality deemed good enough to drink.
Spring snowmelt in the Sahtu is the main source of water for most streams, which means that highest flows are usually during the spring. Streams and rivers flowing into the Dǝo also increase in flow during rainfall in the summer. Water levels in streams and rivers are lowest in the fall, and freezing occurs in October and November.
2.2.2 Climate The effects of climate change are apparent in the Sahtu region. One of the most obvious changes is the melting ice patches in the Mackenzie Mountains, known as the Caribou Flats. In 1964, community members also reported a glacier that remained year-round on the north side of Great Bear Lake that has since disappeared.
Freeze-up in the past started as early as September but residents have noted that it is beginning to occur later in the fall. The process of freeze-up is taking longer and the ice is “not freezing as hard” which can lead to dangerous conditions. Ice thickness is important for travel during the winter months.
2.2.3 Groundwater In 2003, community engagement sessions were carried out in the Sahtu region to identify concerns related to the technical, environmental, social and economic effects of the construction of the Mackenzie Gas Project.
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CENTRAL MACKENZIE SURFACE WATER AND GROUNDWATER BASELINE ASSESSMENT - PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY
Increased oil and gas and mineral developments are affecting surface water and groundwater in Canada. During dry seasons, many streams are fed by groundwater. Disturbing groundwater might threaten aquatic ecosystems, including fish. Access to clean water is needed for the maintenance of healthy populations of people, fish and animals.
2.3 Permafrost Traditionally, permafrost has been used as a freezer for storing and keeping cool harvested meat. In the Sucker Creek area, for example, dugouts in the permafrost were traditionally used to store excess game. Knowledge about permafrost in the Sahtu area has been collected largely in relation to oil and gas exploration projects and road construction projects, particularly bridges. Wherever there is moss away from the creeks there is permafrost; and wherever a forest fire has burned all the permafrost will be disturbed for about 10 to 15 years until the moss is able to grow back. Without the moss, the permafrost is not well insulated.
Elders indicate that each year the permafrost is slowly melting away. Each spring, they have noticed that melt water is draining into the soil too fast and thawing out the permafrost below. Decreased permafrost thickness has resulted in problems with slumping and erosion along the banks of many water bodies in the Sahtu. At Bracket Lake and Kelly Lake, for example, islands have been slumping as a result of melting permafrost. The shoreline of K'áalǫ Túé (Willow Lake) is eroding and cabins in the area have had to be relocated to Loche Lake.
2.4 Published Knowledge The Sahtu Atlas: Maps and Stories from the Sahtu Settlement Area in Canada’s Northwest Territories (Auld and Kershaw 2005) was put together by three groups:
1) Sahtu Land Use Planning Board (SLUPB);
2) Sahtu Renewable Resources Board (SRRB); and
3) Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development (RWED).
This Atlas is a collection of knowledge about the Sahtu region, including information about traditional land use, land features, wildlife, and developments.
An overview of surface water is shown in Figure 2-2, and shows how water in the Study Area is known to flow in four main directions:
1) Water in the West Mackenzie Region flows east from the Mackenzie Mountains;
2) Water in the East Mackenzie Region flows into the Mackenzie River from the east;
3) Water in the Arctic Region flows north, directly into the Arctic Ocean;
4) Water in the Great Bear Region flows into Great Bear Lake before emptying into the Mackenzie River.
Figure 2-2 also presents information about where water flow and weather are recorded, to be discussed in Section 3.
Traditional, historic, and current place names, including traditional use information and traditional knowledge, were compiled and are presented in Figures 2-3 and 2-4, and Table 2-1. Many other sources of information have been used, and these are described with full references in the accompanying Technical Report.
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CENTRAL MACKENZIE SURFACE WATER AND GROUNDWATER BASELINE ASSESSMENT - PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY
Existing sources of TK were sought for this report, however many TK reports are held by communities. The communities’ assistance is required for the appropriate interpretation, distribution and use of local TK sources. The TK-related information in this report was drawn primarily from publically available secondary sources with validation done in two community consultation visits. The first of these was a cross cultural research camp at Stewart Lake in July 2014. The second was at the Sahtu Research Results workshop in January 2015.
Some TK has been captured in the Sahtu land use planning processes and protected areas initiatives. Reports such as Places We Take Care Of, the Sahtu Land Use Plan, and the Sahtu Atlas hold considerable information providing evidence on the use and importance of water in the region.
Though it is not likely that all the water bodies used and valued by the communities are accurately or equally represented, this section does identify a large amount of the traditional use and knowledge held in relation to local surface waters by communities.
2.5 What are we still missing? No specific information was found on the observed effects of recent developments or oil and gas exploration on groundwater quality, quantity or flow in the Sahtu region. Concerns relating to potential changes, however, have been expressed during community meetings with the communities of Colville Lake, Fort Good Hope, Norman Wells, Tulı t’á and Délı ̨ ne. Additional work could be done to seek information on changes in groundwater quality, quantity or flow that have already been observed (if any) and to document the traditional, historic, cultural and present use and values and anecdotal references of groundwater in the area.
Aboriginal communities in the CMV have been aware of, and have traditionally used permafrost but very few sources documented in this literature review discussed the traditional use of permafrost. Additionally, no sources of TK on permafrost encountered in the literature review documented traditional stories about the location, use, or knowledge of permafrost in the region. Additional work could be done to document the traditional, historic, cultural and present use and values and anecdotal references of groundwater in the area.
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*# ´ Carnwath River Colville Lake Onhda Lake ³ *# ! River Anderson Tadek Manuel Lake Lake Gossage River Yeltea Lac Lake Rorey Belot *# Lake Lac des Marion Tweed Bois Lake Lake Katseyedie River
Kilekale Tchaneta River Lake
Bluefish River
Loon Lake
Ontaratue River $1
Hare Indian River $1
Tunago Lake Great Bear Lake !
$1 *#*#*#
Lac à Jacques Tsintu River ´ $1 Ramparts River
*#
$1Chick White Lake Turton Water Donnelly River Lake Lily Lake
$1
Hume River *# Whitefish River Moon Lake Mahony ´ Lake $1 Kelly Lake Mackenzie River Arctic Red River $1 *# $1 # *# $1 *#!*#*#*# *#! $1 *# *# Brackett Great Bear Lake $1 $1*# Lake $1 Three Day Gayna River Lake Great Bear PorcupineRiver River $1 $1 St. Charles Creek Imperial River Carcajou River $1 *#!
$1 *#
Little Bear River ´ Big Smith Creek Carcajou Lake Little Keele River $1
Tate Cache Creek Lake
Mountain River Stewart Lake
Keele River
Nainlin Brook $1
Blackwater River *# Redstone River $1
$1
Wrigley Twitya River Lake
Ekwi River Dahadinni River
Rogue River Moose Horn River Hess River Johnson River
*# !
*# # *# * Natla River
Ravens Throat River Wrigley River
Silverberry River
Root River
South Macmillan River Broken Skull River Landry Creek
Ross River
South Nahanni River
´ *# $1 ! $1
Carnwath River ! Colville Onhda GWICH'IN SETTLEMENT AREA Lake Lake !
)" River Anderson ! Tadek! Colville Lake Lake Manuel Lake !
Gossage River ! ! ! ! ! Lac des Yeltea Rorey ! Lac Bois ! Lake Lake Belot ! ! ! Tweed Marion Lake Katseyedie River Lake ! Kilekale ! Tchaneta River Lake Bluefish River ! ³ ! ! ! Loon Lake !
Ontaratue River
Hare Indian River ! ! Tunago! Lake Great Bear ! Lake
Fort Good Hope ! )" Lac à ! Jacques ! ! Tsintu River !
Ramparts River !
!
! ! !
Chick Lake! White Turton Water Lake ! Lily Lake Donnelly River ! Hume River
! ! Whitefish River Moon Lake GWICH'IN ! SETTLEMENT Mahony AREA Lake ! ! ! !
Kelly ! Lake ! Arctic Red River Mackenzie River ! ! ! ! ! Brackett ! ! Lake ! SAHTU SETTLEMENT AREA ! Three ! ! Day Lake ! Great Bear River Gayna River ! Porcupine River ! ! ! ! ! St. Charles Creek Imperial River Carcajou River ! ! ! !! Tulita ! ! ! ! !
! ! ! ! ! !
Little Bear River Big Smith Creek ! ! Carcajou ! ! ! Lake Little Keele River !
! ! Tate ! Lake Cache Creek ! ! ! ! Mountain River ! ! Stewart Lake ! ! ! ! ! Keele River ! ! !
! ! ! ! ! ! Nainlin Brook !! ! !
Blackwater River !
! Redstone River ! Wrigley ! ! Twitya River ! ! ! Lake FIRST NATION OF NA-CHO NYAK DUN ! ! Ekwi River ! ! Dahadinni River
Rogue River !
N o r t h w e s t Territories ! Moose Horn River Hess River Johnson River
!
Y u k o n
DEH CHO REGION
Natla River
Ravens Throat River Wrigley River
Silverberry River
Root River
South Macmillan River Broken Skull River Landry Creek
Ross River
South Nahanni River
LEGEND ! TRADITIONAL PLACES ! )" TRADITIONAL NAMES
REFERENCE FIGURE: 2-3 I:\2014\1401835\Mapping\MXD\TradLandUse\1401835_Fig2_4_Traditional_Land_Use_overview_Task8_20150420_FINAL.mxd
400000 500000 600000 700000
Carnwath River
Colville Onhda GWICH'IN SETTLEMENT AREA Lake Lake
Colville Lake River Anderson ! Tadek 41 Lake 1 Manuel Lake
Gossage River Lac Yeltea Rorey 39 Belot Lake Lake Lac des Marion 48 44 Tweed Bois Lake Lake Katseyedie River 24
Kilekale 59 Tchaneta River Lake Bluefish River
7400000 34 ³ 7400000
46 Loon 35 Lake 49
Ontaratue River
45 Hare Indian River
Tunago Lake Great Bear 2 Lake Fort Good Hope 27 !
7 Lac à Jacques Tsintu River
Ramparts River
26 42 SAHTU DENE
K'ASHO
GOTINE Chick 51 White Lake Water Turton Lily Lake Donnelly River Lake 7300000 7300000
Hume River 50 58 53
Whitefish River Moon Lake GWICH'IN SETTLEMENT 57 AREA Mahony 11 Lake
Kelly Lake Arctic Red River 12
Mackenzie River5 Norman Wells ! Brackett 43 Lake
SAHTU SETTLEMENT AREA 17 9 Three Day Lake 23 Great Bear River Gayna River Porcupine River 13
36 St. Charles Creek
Imperial River 4 Carcajou River Tulita 6 !
7200000 29 19 7200000 38 22 37 54 Little Bear River 52 20 Big Smith Creek 14 Carcajou 10 Lake Little Keele River 56 18 55 Tate Lake Cache Creek
Mountain River Stewart 25 Lake
Keele River 33 SHUTA 47 GOTINE
Nainlin Brook 32 31 16 15
Blackwater River 7100000 7100000 Redstone River 30
Twitya River Wrigley FIRST NATION OF Lake NA-CHO NYAK DUN
Ekwi River Dahadinni River
Rogue River N o r t h w e s t Territories Moose Horn River Hess River Johnson River
Y u k o n
DEH CHO REGION
Natla River
Ravens Throat River Wrigley River
7000000 8 7000000
Silverberry River
Root River
South Macmillan River Broken Skull River Landry Creek
Ross River
South Nahanni River
400000 500000 600000 700000 40 0 40 LEGEND ! POPULATED PLACE CULTURAL REGIONS OF THE SAHTU PERENNIAL STREAM / UNDERGROUND FLOW SCALE 1:700,000 KILOMETRES PRIMARY HIGHWAY TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE DATA SACRED / SPIRITUAL SITE
LOCAL ROAD ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE SACRED / SPIRITUAL SITE / TLU PROJECT WATERCOURSE PERENNIAL STREAM / TLU SETTLEMENT CENTRAL MACKENZIE SURFACE WATER AND SETTLEMENT AREA OR REGION SACRED / SPIRITUAL SITE SETTLEMENT / TLU GROUNDWATER BASELINE ASSESSMENT STUDY AREA TLU TLU TITLE TERRITORIAL BOUNDARY TRAVEL ROUTE TRAVEL ROUTE WATERBODY TRAVEL ROUTE / PERENNIAL STREAM TRAVEL ROUTE / TLU UNDERGROUND FLOW UNDERGROUND FLOW TRADITIONAL LAND USE OVERVIEW WATERBODY UNDERGROUND FLOW / TLU PERENNIAL STREAM WATERBODY REFERENCE PROJECT 1401835 FINAL FILE No. DESIGN TE 05 Mar. 2015 SCALE AS SHOWN REV. 0 POPULATED PLACES, TERRITORIAL BOUNDARIES, SETTLEMENT AREAS OR REGIONS AND HYDROGRAPHY OBTAINED FROM GEOGRATIS, © DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES CANADA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ROADS OBTAINED FROM GEOBASE®. TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE GIS UW 06 Mar. 2015 DATA PROVIDED BY GOLDER, 2014. CHECK SA 15 Apr. 2015 FIGURE: 2-4 DATUM: NAD83 PROJECTION: UTM ZONE 9N REVIEW NS 29 Apr. 2015 CENTRAL MACKENZIE SURFACE WATER AND GROUNDWATER BASELINE ASSESSMENT - PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY
Table 2-1: Traditional Place Names Shown on Figure 2-3
Number on Traditional Alternate Map Place Name Name(s) Meaning Name(s) Notes The traditional name for Colville Lake refers to the traditional method of trapping ptarmigan that "Ptarmigan Net gather among the willows bordering K’ahbamı ̨ ́ Túé (Colville Lake). The Duhtá Got’ı ̨ ne (among Lake" or the islands people) of the Behdzi Ahda First Nation use this lake as an important fishing and 1 Colville Lake K’ahbamı ̨ Túé ́ "Ptarmigan Net trapping area (Auld and Kershaw 2005: 17). It was originally an outpost camp, used mainly Place" throughout the winter (September to June). It is home to the Behdzi Ahda First Nation and continues to be an important fishing and trapping area (SLUPB 2010). "Home at the The traditional name for Fort Good Hope refers to its location below Fee Yee (the Ramparts 2 Fort Good Hope Rádeyı ̨ lı ̨ kóé Rapids " or Rapids) which is an ancient fishery and spiritual site (SLUPB 2010). "Rapıds Place" "Where the The current location of Délı ̨ ne was established around Prophet Ayha’s residence, a well -known water flows" or and well-respected man whose prophecies are largely regarded as being realized in the 3 Déline Délı ̨ ne "Moving or present day. Délı ̨ ne is the only community on Sahtú Deh (Great Bear Lake) which has flowing water" sustained the Sahtú ̨ Got’ı ne since time immemorial (SLUPB 2010). The traditional name for Tulít’a refers to meeting of Sahtú Deh (Great Bear River) with the "Where the 4 Tulít’a Tulít’a Fort Norman Dehcho/Dǝo (Mackenzie River). Traditionally, people camped at Tulı t’a to hunt for caribou and waters meet" ́ more rarely, muskoxen (Auld and Kershaw 2005). The existence of oil seepages at Norman Wells has long been known to the Dene passing Tłego ̨ htı ̨ or Le "Where the oil through the area, In the 18th century, explorer Alexander Mackenzie noted the presence of oil 5 Norman Wells ́ Gohłını is" and the first well was drilled in 1919. Tłego ̨ ́ htı ̨ or Le Gohłını (Norman Wells) is the largest and least traditional community of the Sahtu (SLUPB 2010). Kwetenɂıá or Petenɂıa is a huge outcrop of limestone near Tulít’a. It is a traditional hunting, trapping and camping area and an important site in Dene lore including the story of Yamǫga: Kwetenɂıá or Sahtú Dǝh (the Great Bear River) used to be shallow, but the action of the three giant beavers 6 Bear Rock Petenɂıa created a channel which is still used today. Yamǫga eventually killed three of the giant beavers at Kwetenɂıá/Petenɂıa (Bear Rock). The site is a symbol of cultural and political unity of the Dene Nation (JWG 2000). Fee Yee is home to an ancient fishery and spiritual site. Located at the head of the Rampart, it The Ramparts 7 Fee Yee was used as a refuge by local people to defend agaınst Inuit travelling from the Arctic Coast Rapids (JWG 2000). Begadeé Nı ̨ lı ̨ é is a main tributary of the Dǝo (Mackenzie River) with peak flows in June and August (SLUPB 2010). It is also part of a traditional travel route of the late-contact Shúhta Got'ı ̨ ne from Tulít’a to the Mackenzie Mountains (JWG 2000): “The Mountain Indians have 8 Keele River Begadeé Nı ̨ lı ̨ é Gravel River hunted the Gravel (Keele) River for a long time; there are meat drying racks everywhere along the stream banks. Some of their signs are very old, showing evidence of stone implements” (Keele 1910:11,12 in Gillespie 1981: 326-327). Brackett River is home of the K’áalǫ Got'ı ̨ ne – . There are 2 rivers of different temperatures that 9 Brackett River meet here, and numerous wetlands, sloughs, ponds, lakes that provide good habitat for waterfowl and aquatic mammals (Golder 1997).
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Table 2-1: Traditional Place Names Shown on Figure 2-3
Number on Traditional Alternate Map Place Name Name(s) Meaning Name(s) Notes Little Bear River is part of a traditional camping, fishing and travel route (Golder 1998; Auld and Kershaw 2005). Traditional trails are identified on the north side of Little Bear River and 20 Mile 10 Little Bear River Island Lake. There is known permafrost and soft muskeg in the area. By September, water flow is reduced to a trickle and there is no water flow in the winter (Husky Oil 2011). Permafrost is present and ice dams develop in the Oscar, Elliot and Hanna Creeks in winter Oscar, Elliot and 11 and spring resulting in high water. In the summer, the water can smell sulphuric (GNWT Hanna Creeks 2003a,b). Permafrost pockets are found in the muskeg around Billy Creek but the ice road is making the land in the area wetter and the dısturbance of the permafrost has resulted in sink holes and 12 Billy Creek erosion. In the summer (GNWT 2003b; Husky Oil 2011), the water can smell sulphuric (GNWT 2003b). The Sahtú Dǝh is a main tributary of the Dǝo (Mackenzie River). It is Associated with the story of Yamǫga and other stories about travel in different areas such as Clearwater Bay, Deerpass Bay, Russell Bay, St. Charles Rapids and Kwetenɂıá (Bear Rock). Many places along the rıver 13 Great Bear River Sahtú Dǝh provide access to hunting and fishing areas, used routinely by families for travel. It has also been used to transport supplies between Tulít’a and Délı ̨ ne (JWG 2000). Recently melting permafrost and erosion have been identified along the banks (AMEC 2003). The Carcajou River is a main tributary of the Dǝo (Mackenzie River) and an important fishing 14 Carcajou River area (TRRC 2012). Pool of water swirling around 15 Toochingkla River Tuchı ̨ı ̨tł'á Nı ̨lı ̨ ne the base of a Example of story-telling within a place name (Andrews et al. 2012). sharp bend in the river 16 Choodoó Nı ̨ lı ̨ ne Choodoó Nı ̨ lı ̨ ne Huge rainy river Example of story-telling within a place name (Andrews et al. 2012). Dehdéleı ̨ ǫ Tué (Three Day Lake or Sucker Lake) is a very spiritual area with at least one known burial for a great Sahtu Dene ancestor. It is part of the ‘chain of fish lakes’ also called Łue Tue Gon’z I’za and a traditional trail to the mountains through Sucker Creek, Two Twin 17 Three Day Lake Dehdéleı ̨ ǫ Tué Sucker Lake Lake and Two Mile Island (Husky Oil 2011). This area should be avoided by development because of its shallow waters, good fishery and ability to provide good, clean water (Harnum and Associates and SENES Consultants 2014). These chain of lakes provide good sources of drinking water (Northrock 1999a), good Fall Stone Lake, traditional hunting, fishing and trapping and are part of traditional travel routes from Tulít’a to Yellow Lake, Stewart Lake, Begadeé Nı ̨ lı ̨ é (Keele River) (TRRC 2012), Moose Nest Pa ss and Moose Prairie. 18 Rusty Lake, Tate Communities request that developers avoid this area because the lakes have a slow replenish Lake, and Stewart rate. Underground springs discharge from the Mackay Range Mountains into lakes including Lake Yellow Lake and Fall Stone Lake (MGM 2011).
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Table 2-1: Traditional Place Names Shown on Figure 2-3
Number on Traditional Alternate Map Place Name Name(s) Meaning Name(s) Notes Jackfish Lake/Creek has very high quality water and is an important spawning area. Despite Jackfish the large areas of muskeg in the surrounding area, recharge rates are low so it is important to 19 Lake/Creek maintain flow. Jackfish Lake is consıdered a pre-historic lake wıth a living giant spirit. Not long system ago Dene elders reported seeing the living object in the lake. There are also underground springs discharging from the Mackay Range Mountains into Jackfish Lake (MGM 2011). Mackay River is a traditional hunting, fishing and trapping location (Northrock 1999a), and part of traditional travel route to Fall Stone Lake, Diaper Moss Place Lake and into the mountains (Husky Oil 2011). The northeast side of the river is a wetland which takes longer to freeze. This 20 Mackay Creek Mackay River area has a lot of beaver habitat and fish-bearing water bodies (MGM 2011). Erosion and landslides have been documented at Mackay River due to melting permafrost (MGM 2011; AMEC 2003). Canyon Creek is a trıbutary of the Dǝo (Mackenzie River) where flood conditions can occur due to ice jams or heavy rain (MRBB 2004). Spring thaw begins around the first week in April reaching the high water mark in early May. The creek will typically flow all summer, but will seep into the gravel about 3 to 5 hundred yards before reaching the Dǝo (Mackenzie River). In 21 Canyon Creek the fall it rises slightly due to unstable weather, slowing again in the winter until freezing solid by the middle of November (Golder 1998). Canyon Creek is a traditional camping area (Imperial Oil et al. 2005).and springs that flow year-round have been investigated here (Golder 1997). Big Smith Creek has high spring flows that drain out in the fall. In the winter, parts of the creek remain open year round. Even where the surface does freeze, water can be found running 22 Big Smith Creek under the ice. There are old trails leading to lakes and trap lines at Big Smith Creek (GNWT 2005). Prohibition Creek, This area is a traditional camping location. Year round water flow has been investigated at Vermilion Creek, Vermilion Creek, Nota Creek, Jungle Ridge Creek, and where Prohibition Creek leaves 23 Nota Creek and Vermilion Ridge. This can produce aufeis deposits (a layered ice feature) under frozen Jungle Ridge conditions (Environment Protection Board 1974; Hughes et al. 1973 in Golder 1997). Creek Sıhonılıne ɂehtene is a traditionally significant trail system that was traveled by foot in summer Loon River to Fort and dog team in winter. It leads into the barrenlands is used for summer and fall caribou 24 Sıhonılıne ɂehtene Anderson Trail hunting. In 1860 it was used to establish the Fort Anderson trading post. . There is also a trail from Loon River to McBride River. (JWG 2000).
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Table 2-1: Traditional Place Names Shown on Figure 2-3
Number on Traditional Alternate Map Place Name Name(s) Meaning Name(s) Notes Faɂfa Nı ̨ lı ̨ ne is a main tributary of the Dǝo (Mackenzie River) with peak flows in June and August. The trail is home to many camping, hunting and fishing locations that have names and stories recounting the challenges of mooseskin boat travelers attempting to navigate the river. Mountain River Mooseskin boats were used to float down the river in spring but there are many dangerous 25 Faɂfa Nı ̨ lı ̨ ne (Trail) canyons where women and children would portage while the men led the boats through the river. Faɂfa Nı ̨ lı ̨ ne is an important moose hunting area and provides the shortest route to the highest mountains for sheep hunting. There is tourism potential here for whitewater canoeing (JWG 2000). Flowing from the foothills of the Mackenzie Mountains, these critical wetlands are important for Ramparts River Tsodehnı ̨ lı ̨ ne and hunting, trapping and fishing, especially for moose, beaver, muskrat and waterfowl. The area 26 and Wetlands Tuyát'ah has been traditionally used to teach youth how to hunt. Tsodehnı ̨ lı ̨ ne and Tuyá t'ah encompasses ɂıdıtué Dáyı ̨ dá (Thunderbird Place), a spiritual location (JWG 2000). Koıgojeré Du provides a source of firewood and small game hunting and former location of 27 Manitou Island Koıgojeré Du HBC post which operated on the island until 1836 (JWG 2000). Traditional territory of the Shígágó Got'íne with a historic connection to the Klondike (JWG 28 Little Chicago Shígágó 2000). Windy Island is part of traditional travel routes to the mountains from across Windy Island, 29 Windy Island Bluefish Lake, Yellow Lake and Redstone River (Husky Oil 2011); it provides access to Sheldon Island (JWG 2000) and is part of a traditional fishery (TRRC 2012). Wrigley Lake is a traditional camping location (Gillespie 1981) and part of travel route to the mountains. The Tulı t’a ́ to Wrigley Lake Trail provides year -round access by foot or dog team to the Wrigley Lake area, including the Middle Creek trap line (Mackay Range Development Wrigley Lake Corporation 2007). It is said that a giant sheep lives in Wrigley Lake and that travellers must 30 Drum Lake (Trail) cross the Lake only at specific locations. If the travellers cross the lake at different locations, the giant sheep might be disturbed and could rise from the lake creating a whirlpool that is dangerous for travellers. Similar places are found throughout Sahtu Dene and Métis lands (JWG 2000; SLUPB 2010). 31 Middle Creek Contains traditional trap line (Mackay Range Development Corporation 2007). Moose Nest Creek/Pass is a prairie area and part of a traditional travel route from Tulít’a Moose Nest 32 through Stewart Lake, Begadeé Nı ̨ lı ̨ é (Keele River), Moose Nest Pass and Moose Prairie Creek/Pass (Husky Oil 2011).
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Table 2-1: Traditional Place Names Shown on Figure 2-3
Number on Traditional Alternate Map Place Name Name(s) Meaning Name(s) Notes Tlı Dehdele Dı ̨ dlǫ is a large mountain located on Begadeé Nı ̨ lı ̨ é (the Keele River), and is considered a sacred site and gift offering place by the Mountain Dene. Long ago travellers never passed the mountain on the river because the Red Dog would take and eat them, now you have to show respect every time you pass the mountain by leaving an offering (JWG 2000). It is also a place of warning - One time long ago when people were passing by Red Dog 33 Red Dog Mountain Tlı Dehdele Dı ̨ dlǫ Mountain, the spring that pours from the face of the mountain into the river whistled and spurted water like steam. They did not know what it meant at the time, but that year the first tuberculosis epidemic occurred. The elders knew that it was a sign that something was wrong. A few years later it whistled ... and ... spit out water again before sickness again struck the people (Auld and Kershaw 2005: 22). Shalee Tué is located at a junction of trails and is an important meeting place for people 34 Kilekale Lake Shalee Tué travelling to trap and hunt caribou in the barrenlands. The area is home to many camps and the setting to many traditional stories (JWG 2000). Loon Lake is a traditional fishing area (TRRC 2012) and part of traditional travel routes to Fort 35 Loon Lake Fishing Anderson and the McBride River (JWG 2000). Bluefish Bluefish Creek/Lake is a traditional camping, hunting, trapping and fishing location (MGM 2011 36 Creek/Lake and TRRC 2012) and part of traditional travel routes (Husky Oil 2011). The East Little Bear River is a wide, fast-flowing rıver, wıth substrate dominated by cobble, East Little Bear gravel and silt. Local land users have indicated that this river is reduced to a trickle by 37 River September and that there is no flow in the winter (Golder 1999). It is also a traditional fishing area (Auld and Kershaw 2005). 38 Mirror Lake Mirror Lake is a traditional fishing area (TRRC 2012). Tashín Tué is the home territory of the T’ashin Got’ine, known for hunting, trapping and quality whitefish where families could stock up on fish, especially during the fall run, for the winter. It is located on the caribou migration route and provided a good location for families to camp while 39 Lac des Bois Tashín Tué men were away hunting or trapping on the barrenlands. Ancient caribou fences and many burials have been documented at Lac des Bois. Local people continue to camp and use the area (JWG 2000). Specifically, T'agan is a narrowing at the Anderson River, known for its richness in fish where 40 Anderson River T'agan families could camp and stock supplies for the winter while the men were away hunting. It is used especially by the T'ashin Got'ı ̨ne (JWG 2000). Lugéwa Tué is the home territory of the T’ashin Got’ine. This area is found within the caribou migration route and is known as a major camping area for caribou hunting with many burials. It 41 Whitefish Lake Lugéwa Tué is the headwaters of the Anderson River where good quality whitefish can be gathered for the winter (JWG 2000).
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Table 2-1: Traditional Place Names Shown on Figure 2-3
Number on Traditional Alternate Map Place Name Name(s) Meaning Name(s) Notes ɂıdıtué Dáyı ̨ dá is a dangerous place located on a sharp bend ın the Tsodehnı ̨lı ̨ne (Ramparts River). There is a story about a giant thunderbird who lived there and would kill travelers, until 42 Thunderbird Place ɂıdıtué Dáyı ̨ dá an elder killed the thunderbird wıth his powerful medicine (JWG 2000; Auld and Kershaw 2005: 20). K'áalǫ Túé is the home of K'ááló Got'ı ̨ ne, and there is a small community of several cabins located there. It is the location of an important seasonal camp for hunting, fishing and trapping. The lake and wetlands nearby support large populations of animals, especially waterfowl. K'áalǫ Túé is a feature in the story of Yamǫga as a place of refuge where he created the 43 Willow Lake K'áalǫ Túé Brackett Lake fishery. According to the story, water in K'áalǫ Túé is always low in the fall (JWG 2000 and Auld and Kershaw 2005). Today, the shoreline of K'áalǫ Túé is eroding resulting in some cabins in the area having to be relocated to Loche Lake. The erosion has also been identified as potentially affecting fish passage from K'áalǫ Túé to Kelly Lake (Simmons, pers. comm. 2014). An underground river flows 20 km from Odarah Tué (Lac Belot) to springs on the north bank of 44 Lac Belot Odarah Tué Belot Lake Xaıstá Nılı ̨ né (Hare Indian River) (SRRB 2013). An underground river flows 20 km from Odarah Tué (Lac Belot) to springs on the north bank of 45 Hare Indian River Xaıstá Nılı ̨ né Xaıstá Nılı ̨ né (Hare Indian River) (SRRB 2013). Neyádalı n ́ is an underground river between Odarah Tué (Lac Belot) and Xaıstá Nılı ̨né (Hare Indian River) (SRRB 2013).There is a story about two brothers who went through it chasing a chick from a creek off Odarah Tué (Lac Belot): The creek became very swift as the older Underground brother shot through it. As he went thrashing around in the underground creek he came upon a 46 Neyádalı n River ́ giant pike. He went into his mouth and passed right through it. Next he came upon a giant Loche that he also passed through. On and on he went until he saw a small light...Then suddenly he came shooting out from the side of a cliff where the creek was gushing out. His whole canoe flew in the air, and then landed on Xaıstá Nılı ̨ né (Hare Indian River) (JWG 2000). There is a spring located close to Tlı Dehdele Dı ̨dlǫ (Red Dog Mountain) on the Redstone River- identified by residents of the Sahtu as a sacred place, traditional camping (Gillespie 47 Redstone River 1981) and travel area that must not be impacted by ongoing or proposed development in the region (Mackay Range Development Corporation 2007). K'abamı ̨ Tué Eht’ene is a traditional trail used pre-and post-contact. In the summer, people K'abamı ̨ Tué 48 Colville Lake Trail from K’ahbamı ̨ Túé (Colville Lake) would travel with their dogs to trade furs at Rádeyı ̨ lı ̨ kóé (Fort Eht'ene ́ Good Hope) between June and August (JWG 2000). Nǫfee Kǫselee is the site of tragic drowning in the 1920s after a family fell though the ice in the 49 Little Loche Lake Nǫfee Kǫselee winter. It tells lesson of safe winter travel and lake crossing (JWG 2000). Shit'a Got'ı ̨ ne Eht'ene is a traditional trail from Rádeyı ̨ lı ̨ kóé (Fort Good Hope) to the headwaters Trail to the Shit'a Got'ı ̨ ne of the Arctic Red River in the Mackenzie Mountains used in the fall and winter to access 50 Mountains Eht'ene moose, caribou and sheep hunting grounds. Faɂfa Nı ̨ lı ̨ ne (Mountain River) is the return route, traditionally using mooseskin boats in the spring (JWG 2000).
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Table 2-1: Traditional Place Names Shown on Figure 2-3
Number on Traditional Alternate Map Place Name Name(s) Meaning Name(s) Notes Yamǫga Fee is a large bedrock ridge. It is the location of the battle between Yamǫga and his 51 Yamǫga Rock Yamǫga Fee enemy Konadí and an important sacred site (JWG 2000). The ‘chain of fish lakes’ are part of an important traditional fishing area (TRRC 2012) from Three Day Lake to Stewart Lake that sustains healthy populations of fish and wildlife. Beginning about 13 km above Dehdelejo Tue (Sucker Lake), the ‘chain of fish lakes’ runs into Chain of Fish Łue Tue Gon’z Dehdelejo Tue, Sucker Creek, and on into the Mackenzie River. Creeks connecting the chain 52 Lakes I’za were once navigable by canoe but are now interrupted by deadfall and built up silt through lack of use (ConocoPhillips 2012). Because of the importance of the ‘chain of fish lakes,’ communities have requested that developments avoid this area (Harnum and Associates and SENES Consulting 2014). Etírato is an important whitefish spawning and fishing area which was also used for hunting 53 Whitefish River Etírato and trapping. It is home to many traditional place names and stories and is home to a hill used for scouting (JWG 2000). Old Fort Old Fort Point is the location of the trading post near Fort Norman between 1844 and 1851 54 Old Fort Point Nacha?da Norman (JWG 2000). 55 Fort Castor Potential location of Fort Castor (JWG 2000). Shuht'a Got'íne Eht'ene crosses the Mackenzie lowlands towards Stewart and Tate lakes, across the Keele drainage to Drum Lake in the Mackenzie Mountains where it meets other Mountain Dene Tulít’a to Shuht'a Got'íne mountain trails. The trail was traditionally used in the fall to access winter hunting grounds in 56 Trail to the Wrigley Lake Eht'ene the mountains travelling back in mooseskin canoes in the spring to trade at Fort Norman. The Mountains Trail Tulít’a to Wrigley Lake Trail provides year-round access by foot or dog team to the Wrigley Lake area, including the Middle Creek Trap line (JWG 2000). Tuwí Tué is the location of a fight between three HBC employees and a Dene family resulting 57 Mahony Lake Tuwí Tué in the death of eleven Dene men, women and children (JWG 2000). Sans Sault Rapids are associated with an important Sahtu Dene culture-hero (JWG 2000). Development ın the regıon has raised concerns about the need to dredge the Dǝo (Mackenzie 58 Sans Sault Rapids River) and how it might negatively affect the area past Sans Sault Rapids. Because water levels in the Dǝo (Mackenzie River) are too low, dredging to facilitate barge traffic might be necessary (AMEC 2004b). Tieda River is part of a traditional travel route (Jackson 2006) north to Thunder River (JWG 59 Tieda River 2000). Traditional home and fishing location, currently subject to fish consumption advisories due to 60 Lac Ste. Therese Shelter Lake high levels of mercury (Montgomery 2015).
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3.0 SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE
3.1 Surface Water Quantity (Hydrology) Measurements of the amount of water flowing down streams and rivers were taken at 20 Water Survey of Canada stations in the Study Area. This flow information was used to estimate the amount of flow at other streams and rivers, which means that even for streams that weren’t measured, some characteristics were predicted. The important features of surface water are described in the following sections.
3.1.1 Climate Climate refers to the weather, such as rain, snow, wind, and temperature, over a long period of time. The climate in the Study Area is known as ‘subarctic’, because it is close to the arctic region of Canada. The average temperature in the Study Area for the year is below freezing. Figure 3-1 shows climate normal precipitation (the total of rainfall and snowfall, expressed as if it were all rain), and air temperature in Norman Wells.
Below the surface, permafrost (frozen ground) is found in many Climate is weather such as rain, snow, parts of the Study Area. In some parts of the Study Area, wind and temperature, viewed over a permafrost is found everywhere below the surface. In other parts long period of time. While weather can of the Study Area, there is not as much permafrost and only half change several times over the course the ground may have it. of one day, climate changes much Rainfall and snowfall are measured to find out how much water is more slowly, and regions can have the running off the land and into the streams. Where there is more same climate for many years. rainfall, and more snowfall to melt in the spring, rivers will have more water to carry and will be bigger. Rainfall is measured in millimetres, and one thousand millimetres makes one metre. Snowfall is measured by finding out how much liquid water the snow would create when it melts. For example, if snow was one metre thick on the land, it might create only 0.1 metres (or 100 millimetres) of water when it melts and flows into a stream.
The amount of precipitation varies through the Study Area. Some areas in the mountains can receive 700 millimetres of rain (0.7 metres) per year, which is about two or three times as much as the rest of the Northwest Territories. Some areas in the northeast of the Study Area can receive as little as 200 millimetres, which is lower than in most of the Northwest Territories.
Evaporation is the amount of water that leaves a water surface and enters the air. Evaporation is what creates clouds, and it depends on the temperature, sunlight, dryness of the air, wind and other factors. During very hot, dry years, the amount of evaporation can be higher than the amount of rain and snow, and the result can be a low water year. In the Study Area, the average evaporation is about 200 to 300 millimetres per year.
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Figure 3-1: Climate Normal Air Temperature (T) and Total Precipitation (P) for Norman Wells, 1981 to 2010
3.1.2 Runoff When rain falls onto the land, or snow melts in the spring, the water that travels to the streams, rivers, and lakes is called ‘runoff’. Usually, the highest runoff comes in the spring when all the snow melts in a short time known as ‘freshet’. However, large rainstorms can cause the streams and rivers to fill up with water, especially in the mountains. Some streams can increase in depth by 10 metres during strong rainstorms.
Not all water that falls as rain or snow becomes runoff. Some Runoff refers to the water that falls as water enters the ground and becomes groundwater (discussed rain, or melts as snow, and then flows later). In the Mackenzie Mountains, most rain and snow becomes downhill to collect in streams, rivers runoff. In the area around Great Bear Lake, the land is flatter and and lakes. Not all rain and snowmelt is a lot of the rain and snow can sink into the ground and become runoff: some evaporates or enters the groundwater. ground to become groundwater.
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3.1.3 Surface Water Zones There are three general surface water zones in the Study Area:
1) Taiga Cordillera Ecozone: this is generally west of the Mackenzie River, and is steep and mountainous, with narrow valleys. There is a lot of rain and snowfall, and because it’s in the mountains, snow melts through the summer which keeps the rivers flowing in July and August. The main rivers in this zone are the Little Bear, Redstone, Keele, Mountain, Carcajou, Ramparts and Ontaratue. 2) Taiga Plain Ecozone: this is east and a bit northeast of the Mackenzie River, and is a flat or slightly rolling landscape rather than a mountainous one. There are a lot of lakes, and rainfall and snowfall collect in the lakes and evaporate more than in the mountains, which means there is less water flowing in the streams and rivers. Rivers that start forming in this zone are the Blackwater, Great Bear, and Hare Indian. 3) Southern Arctic Ecozone: this is similar to the Taiga Plain Ecozone, but can have even less rainfall and snowfall. It is located in the far northern part of the Study Area.
In addition to these zones, there is one large lake (Great Bear Lake) and two large rivers (Great Bear River and Mackenzie River). Because Great Bear Lake is so large, Great Bear River has water flowing down it throughout the year, and it doesn’t drop as much as other rivers. Similarly, the Mackenzie River is fed by Great Slave Lake and a lot of other streams and rivers, so flows are high throughout the year. All the other streams and rivers in the Study Area have flows that change more, depending on the time of year and rainfall and snowmelt.
On the Mackenzie River there are regular ice jams in spring, which can cause flooding.
What are the different surface water regions in the Study Area? To simplify the Study Area, each drainage basin was then put into one of four groups:
Hydrological Region 1: Large Mountainous Streams and Rivers; A drainage basin is all the land area Hydrological Region 2: Small Mackenzie Valley Streams and that flows into a particular stream, Rivers; river or lake. For example, all of Hydrological Region 3: Small Mackenzie Valley Streams and the water in the Great Bear Lake Rivers with less forest, and less rainfall and snowfall than Region drainage basin flows into Great 2; and Bear Lake. Hydrological Region 4: Large Plains Streams and Rivers.
The usual stream and river flows for each Hydrological Region were A hydrograph is a diagram (graph) calculated and are presented in a visual format known as a showing how water (hydro) moves. ‘hydrograph’, shown as Figure 3-2. This shows how much of the flow Hydrographs are useful for of a river comes during each month of the year, given as a percentage showing how much water moves, of the average flow. For example, if a river flows at 10 cubic metres for instance, down a given stream per second on average, during January it might only flow at 1 cubic over the course of a year. metre per second, but in June it might flow at 50 cubic metres per second. Each line on the hydrograph represents one of the Hydrological Regions described above.
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Figure 3-2: Annual Distribution of Mean Monthly Streamflow as a Percentage of Annual Mean Streamflow
3.2 Surface Water Quality In addition to studying how much water is flowing, it is important to study the quality of the water, including what chemicals are present in it. Studies of water chemistry are being conducted by:
1) Environment Canada;
2) Northwest Territories Cumulative Impact Monitoring Program (CIMP);
3) Industry, such as mining and oil and gas companies; and
4) Community-based monitoring programs supported by the Government of the Northwest Territories through Northern Voices, Northern Waters: NWT Water Stewardship Strategy.
These agencies and programs operate in cooperation, and a summary of the programs is available in Northwest Territories Water Monitoring Inventory.
There are seven recent water chemistry studies:
1) Bosworth Creek water chemistry conducted by the Cumulative Impacts Monitoring Program (CIMP);
2) Great Bear River at Outlet of Great Bear Lake conducted by Environment Canada;
3) Approximately 40 sites in the CMV monitored by Husky Energy since 2012;
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4) Mackenzie River at Norman Wells conducted by Environment Canada;
5) 11 sites in the CMV conducted by CIMP in 2013;
6) 28 sites in the CMV conducted by CIMP in 2014;
7) 26 rivers and streams entering the Mackenzie River, presented by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in 2011; and
8) Six sites in 2012 and 15 sites in 2013 under the Community-Based Monitoring program of NWT Water Stewardship.
3.3 Permafrost Permafrost is soil, rock, or sediment that remains at or below zero degrees Celsius (0°C) for at least two years in a row. Investigations of permafrost in the Study Area have been done mostly by government agencies, university researchers, and as part of exploration programs by industry.
3.3.1 Where is Permafrost Found? Within the Study Area, permafrost is continuous (occurring beneath 90% to 100% of the land surface) in the Mackenzie Mountains, and discontinuous (occurring beneath 50% to 90% of the land surface) in the CMV (including the Mackenzie Plain), Franklin Mountains, and Great Bear Plain.
In the northern half of the Study Area, permafrost occurs beneath 48% to 75% of the land surface. Permafrost in the southern half of the Study Area occurs beneath approximately 18% to 83% of land. The boundary between these two zones is located approximately at Tulita.
Trenching records from the Norman Wells pipeline show that in A talik is where permafrost is thinner. the early 1980s, permafrost was usually found within 1.2 metres Taliks are often present beneath lakes of the ground surface. because of the heat from the water. A Permafrost is usually not found under large bodies of water such through-talik means that there is no as the Mackenzie River and large lakes. The word used to permafrost beneath a lake or other describe these ‘holes’ in the permafrost is ‘taliks’. Below smaller surface feature (the ground is above lakes, there can be taliks that don’t go completely through the 0°C). Water can flow through these permafrost, but are areas where the permafrost is thinner than the ‘holes’ in permafrost between surface permafrost beside the lakes. water and groundwater.
Permafrost is also more present in areas that have less snow in the winter, because thick snow cover acts as an insulator. Under The active layer is the part of the thick snow cover, the ground does not get as cold as under thin ground that is frozen during the winter snow cover. but thaws during the summer. It is The ground above permafrost that thaws in the summer is called found above the permafrost. the ‘active layer’.
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3.3.2 What Do We Know About Permafrost in the Study Area? During the 1980s, permafrost thickness in the Norman Wells area was approximately 45 metres. The active layer, which thaws during the summer, was about 1 to 3 metres thick. The temperature of permafrost in the Study Area is about -0.5 to -3.3°C.
Ice wedges are bodies of ice that extend downwards into the ground, and are formed when water enters cracks below the ground. These may occur in places within the Study Area.
3.4 Geology Geology is the study of unconsolidated sediments and rocks, bedrock, and other solid features at or below the earth’s surface. As water flows over these rocks or unconsolidated sediments, chemicals from the substrates can enter the water. This can happen on the earth’s surface, such as rivers flowing over rocks, or below the earth’s surface, such as groundwater flowing through cracks in bedrock. Geology is important when studying water because the types of unconsolidated rocks and sediments or the types of bedrock in an area have an impact on what chemicals are present in the water.
3.4.1 Geology Near the Earth’s Surface (Surface Geology) Surface geology refers to the unconsolidated rocks and sediments lying on the bedrock. These sediments are sometimes absent; especially on topographic highs (areas that are higher than most surrounding land) and can reach thicknesses of up to 30 metres in the Study Area. The surface geology of the Study Area is divided into the western region, known as the Canadian Cordillera, and the eastern region, known as the Interior Plains.
The Canadian Cordillera to the west generally has loose sediment near the land surface that was washed downhill by rainfall and Colluvial refers to sediments that have snowmelt runoff. This type of sediment is known as ‘colluvial’. been washed downhill by rainfall and snowmelt runoff. Lacustrine refers to The Interior Plains to the east generally have sediments that were sediments that have been deposited by deposited by melting glaciers. This type of sediment is known as melting glaciers. ‘glacial lacustrine’.
The types of materials found on the ground as the unconsolidated rocks and sediments include: Peat, which is loose, decaying plant matter, usually found in bogs; Clay, which is very fine particles that stick together; Silt, which is fine particles that may contain some decaying plant matter; Sand, which is larger sized particles; and Gravel, which is small pieces of rock.
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3.4.2 Geology Below the Earth’s Surface (Bedrock Geology) Bedrock geology refers to the consolidated rocks that form the main body of the earth. The nature of the bedrock below the earth’s surface in the Study Area is also divided into two different regions.
The Northern Foreland Belt region is located in the southwest, and includes the mountainous areas where the land has been folded and pushed upwards over time. This folding has caused mountains to form, and has also caused cracks known as ‘faults’ in the bedrock.
The northeast region is known as the Interior Plains, which is the same region described for surface geology above. The Interior Faults are cracks in bedrock that form Plains region has not been pushed upward to form mountains, from ground moving over time. Faults and it is generally flat. The bedrock types in this region close to can be sources of spring water that the earth surface are more consistent than in the mountains appears on the ground surface. because deeper rocks have not been pushed to the surface by mountain forming.
3.5 Aquifers An aquifer is an underground area that contains water. Aquifers can be found in areas of bedrock (e.g., between fractures in rocks) as well as in areas of unconsolidated rocks and sediments. Many people think that aquifers are like underground lakes in giant caverns below the earth’s surface, but this isn’t generally true. Most aquifers are basically rocks, or sediments that are completely soaked with water. When wells are drilled into aquifers for drinking water, there is usually a screen at the bottom of the well that keeps the fine particles, while letting water into the well.
Ten main regional bedrock aquifers have been identified in the Aquifers are underground areas that Study Area, as presented below from the oldest to the youngest. contain water. They can be fresh or They are referred to as ‘formations’ or ‘groups’ in the science of salty, and can contain many different geology, since they have formed over time to contain different chemicals that enter the water from the types of rocks and chemicals in the water. rocks, sands and sediments Mount Cap Formation surrounding it. This formation is estimated to be a maximum of 150 metres thick and is found in the northeast and southwest of the Study Area, in the Franklin and Mackenzie Mountain areas.
Saline River Formation This formation is also found at surface in the Franklin and Mackenzie Mountain areas, and is most likely the result of water from an ancient saltwater sea.
Franklin Mountain Formation This formation is found in the Franklin Mountains, and is about 300 metres thick in the Study Area.
Mount Kindle Formation This formation is about 500 metres thick, and contains old sedimentary rocks containing fossils from an ancient seabed.
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Bear Rock Group This group contains three similar formations: the Arnica, the Landry, and the Fort Norman Formations. These formations were created by ancient oceans, and have thicknesses of approximately 25 metres to 50 metres.
Hume Formation This formation contains limestone and shale. The thickness of this formation is about 300 metres.
Kee Scarp-Ramparts Formation This formation is about 200 metres thick, and is found in the Ramparts area of the Mackenzie River. It contains limestones and corals from the ancient sea that was found in the Study Area.
Basal Cretaceous The Basal Cretaceous groups are about 100 metres thick and contain siltstones and sandstones, which were formed over time from the consolidation of silty and sandy material.
Little Bear Formation The Little Bear Formation is up to 560 metres thick, and contains siltstone, sandstone, as well as mudstone, which forms over time from the consolidation of silt and mud.
Summit Creek Formation The Summit Creek Formation is up to 490 metres thick, and contains sandstone and some coal.
3.5.1 What Do We Know About Aquifers in the Study Area? There have been some studies conducted into the aquifers in the Study Area, but much of the information about them has yet to be known. One important piece of information about aquifers is known as the hydraulic conductivity, which is a term that describes how quickly water can flow through the geological formations.
For example, if a well were drilled into a formation with high Hydraulic conductivity is a term used hydraulic conductivity, it would be possible to pump water out of to describe how quickly water moves the well at a high rate. If it were good quality water for drinking, it through the ground. Areas that have could be used as a potable water source for a community. On the fine particles like clay generally have other hand, if a well were drilled into a formation with low low hydraulic conductivity, while areas hydraulic conductivity, water would enter the well slowly and it that have larger particles like sand wouldn’t be possible to pump water out of the well at a high generally have high hydraulic enough rate to be used as a drinking water source. Hydraulic conductivity. conductivity depends on what types of rock and sediment are in the aquifer: clays generally have a lower hydraulic conductivity since they are small particles, but sands generally have higher hydraulic conductivity since they are larger particles. For bedrock aquifers, higher hydraulic conductivities are observed when groundwater circulates through openings such as fractures or faults.
A technical description of the hydraulic conductivities of the formations described above is presented in the Technical Report.
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3.5.2 Groundwater Quality Historical and recent oil and gas exploration and groundwater monitoring have provided water chemistry information for the groundwater in the Study Area. In addition, these programs have collected information on how quickly groundwater moves through aquifers in the Study Area.
Although permafrost can be a barrier to surface water entering the ground and becoming groundwater, water can enter the Karst refers to limestone features that groundwater system through features such as sinkholes, which are broken apart, and allow water to have been observed in the Study Area. Also, features known as flow through them. These are ‘karst’, which can be thought of as holes in bedrock such as important sources of groundwater and limestone, allow water to flow downwards to become surface water interacting. groundwater. Studies have shown that a large part of the water entering the groundwater system is snowmelt.
Groundwater flow generally follows the slope of the surface, and so if groundwater is moving, it is usually towards and into the bottom of the Mackenzie River. Groundwater also enters streams and rivers that flow into the Mackenzie River, and this is known because some chemicals naturally present in groundwater have been found in streams and rivers in the Study Area. Groundwater also returns to the surface through the many springs that have been observed in the Study Area. Some streams in the Study Area may be mostly fed by groundwater, rather that surface runoff.
It generally takes about five to fifteen years for water in the Study Area to reach surface again once it has entered the groundwater system. However, some aquifers are very slow moving (due to low hydraulic conductivity), and water can remain underground for thousands of years.
Faults in the rocks of different geological formations can cause natural springs to form, and these springs can generally be found along a straight line following these faults.
In the southwest of the Study Area, several hot and warm springs have been identified. Hot springs with temperatures of 33°C have been found, and many of these hot springs contain sulphur. These springs are thought to come from deep below the ground surface.
The chemistry of groundwater varies between formations, from salty to mostly fresh. In the Study Area, fresh water reflects relatively young water mainly travelling to the near earth surface and being discharged in the surface water bodies. Salty waters reflect much older waters that travelled through deeper geological formations and are mostly observed from groundwater samples collected during oil and gas exploration drilling programs. Much of the groundwater also contains sulphur that is picked up when water travels through deeper rocks. The technical chemistry of groundwater is described in detail in the Technical Report.
3.5.3 How Do Surface Water and Groundwater Interact? Surface water and groundwater interact with each other in various ways, as described in earlier sections of this report. The recharge rate of groundwater (how quickly the groundwater is replaced when it flows out of the ground and into streams, rivers and lakes) is limited by how much rainfall and snowmelt occurs. In the Study Area, the groundwater recharge and flows are also affected by the presence of permafrost. Interactions between surface water and groundwater, including springs, are shown in Figure 1-2.
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During winter, much of the flow in some streams actually comes Recharge rate refers to how quickly from groundwater, which can keep streams flowing throughout water flows into an aquifer from the winter. outside, including from rainfall that The Hare Indian River formation has been found to be a source of enters the ground. Generally, areas groundwater recharge, and contains sinkholes and small lakes that have high hydraulic conductivity that drain directly downwards into the groundwater system. (lots of water flowing through the ground) also have high recharge rates (water entering the ground). 3.6 Summary Scientific knowledge of surface water, groundwater, geology, and permafrost in the Study Area has been gathered for decades by university researchers, government agencies, and by projects that have been associated with the resource development industry. The most insightful science is often a product of collaborations between holders of Traditional Knowledge and other researchers.
4.0 WATER USE The purpose of this section is to estimate the amount of surface water and groundwater presently being used in the Study Area, and to make projections (predictions) of future water use. Estimates and predictions of water use were made by considering the needs of municipalities, public sector projects such as construction and maintenance of the winter roads, oil and gas activities, other developments such as mineral resource exploration, and traditional usage.
4.1 How Were Water Use Estimates and Predictions Made? The estimates of current and future water use are made using information in Water Licences (WLs) and WL applications. The Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley regulate the use of land and water, and the deposit of waste, by issuing and managing Land Use Permits (LUP) and WLs. When it comes to water use, all industrial, mining and milling activities using more than 100 cubic metres per day and all municipal and camp usages beyond 50 cubic metres per day require proper authorization through a WL. For some projects without a water licence, water use has been estimated as the maximum volume before the WL application triggers. The methods for estimating current and future water use by sector are described in the following sections.
4.1.1 Current Water Use Information on current water use throughout the Study Area was collected from active (as of January 2014) WLs, LUPs and Annual Reports of water use under each WL as of October 2014. These annual reports are submitted to the Sahtu Land and Water Board (SLWB) or to the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board (MVLWB) for any transboundary projects. The estimated current water use in the Study Area is based on historic trends and most recent information on the Boards' online registries, because 2014 Annual Reports were not available at the time of preparing this report. It was broken down into the following sectors.
Municipal Sector Current water use allocations for each community are provided in existing WLs and actual water use volumes have been reported for Tulita and Norman Wells. The future population of each community was predicted from
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2011 to 2031 using population predictions available from the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) Bureau of Statistics (GNWT 2014). Based on the reported water use for Tulita and Norman Wells, “per inhabitant” water consumption was estimated. Because the population and economy of Fort Good Hope is similar to that of Tulita, it was assumed that the water use requirements per inhabitant in these communities were the same.
Public Sector Active LUPs, WLs and associated Annual Reports, where available, were used to determine the current water use for ongoing public sector activities. Public sector activities include annual construction and maintenance of the Mackenzie Valley Winter Road, occasional bridge replacement activities, hauling activity between a quarry and a gravel stockpile, and the construction of a proposed fibre optic network. Where annual reports are not available to provide annual water use, the maximum allowable volumes in the WL were assumed to ensure that the estimate of water use wasn’t too low. In the presence of a LUP and absence of a WL, the 100 cubic metres per day trigger for the need of a WL was used as a maximum-case scenario.
Oil and Gas Activities The Sahtu Land and Water Board has made WLs, WL Applications, Project Descriptions and Annual Reports on all oil and gas exploration activities available to the public. The reports discuss developments by ConocoPhillips Corporation (ConocoPhillips), Husky Energy (Husky), Imperial Oil Limited (Imperial Oil) and the MGM Energy Corporation (MGM). The SLWB provided the documents above, and also a draft summary of current water use for active oil and gas projects in the Sahtu region, for use in this report. The water is being used for exploration wells, delineation wells, production wells, drinking, and the construction of pipelines, construction camps, ice roads and well pads (SLWB 2014).
Other Developments Active developments that were considered included projects that focused on mineral exploration, seismic testing activities, quarry development, remediation projects, a communications tower construction project, and a transboundary pipeline construction project. The majority of projects in this category require only a LUP. Water use volumes associated with these projects were assumed to be either 0 cubic metres per day or 100 cubic metres per day, depending on the project description.
Traditional Use Traditional and recreational water uses do not require a WL from the SLWB or the MVLWB.
4.1.2 Expected Future Water Use Projections of future water use were based on expected changes in populations and economic activity. These economic forecasts came from government agencies and the private sector. To be as accurate as possible, projections were made only until 2021. The end date of 2021 was selected because projections for oil and gas exploration are only available until 2021.
Other than the Mackenzie Valley Winter Road WL and municipal WLs, there are no assumptions that current WLs and LUPs will be extended. In many cases, the maximum allowable water uses in active municipal and winter road licences were assumed to be the same, in order to reduce the risk of underestimating water use.
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Like current water use, water use projections were identified and separated by sector (municipal, public, oil and gas activities, other developments, and traditional use), as outlined below.
Municipal Sector A “per inhabitant” water use average was calculated for each community based on the current population and actual water use trends. This “per inhabitant” volume was multiplied by the predicted population growth rate for each community to estimate the high projections (highest water use) and low projections (smallest water use) water use scenarios.
Public Sector Projected water use for the public sector includes an extension of the existing public works for winter road maintenance programs and the development of the proposed Mackenzie Valley Highway and fibre optic line. Information on projected water use requirements for the newly proposed public projects were obtained from WL and LUP applications and project descriptions submitted to the MVLWB by the GNWT Department of Transportation (DOT) and Department of Finance.
Oil and Gas Exploration Projected water use for the oil and gas sector was estimated using existing WLs and any data made available from industry on future development plans. At this time, MGM has withdrawn interest in oil and gas exploration within the Sahtu Region, leaving ConocoPhillips, Husky and Imperial oil having active claims. Only ConocoPhillips has disclosed any plans for next steps. It is assumed that each company will fully use its WL and withdraw the maximum allowable amount due to the lack of future annual water withdrawal amounts. This establishes a maximum-case scenario.
Other Developments Projections of water use for other developments in the Study Area were based on the continuation of the existing programs described in the current water use assessment. There are no assumptions that extensions or renewals to current WLs and LUPs will be applied for. Therefore, no projections beyond the existing WLs and LUPs have been considered.
Traditional Use Projected water uses for traditional and recreational activities in the Study Area were based on the continuation of the ongoing traditional use activities described in the Sections 2 and 4.
4.2 Results The current and projected maximum water use (surface water and groundwater combined) in the Study Area and estimates for each sector are presented in this section.
Figure 4-1 presents the locations of the known 2014 water withdrawal locations within the Study Area. In many cases, the Mackenzie River was identified as a withdrawal location, but the WL or Annual Reports did not provide geographic coordinates for the specific withdrawal location. Therefore, these locations are not included in Figure 4-1.
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(!
Carnwath River (! (! Colville Onhda GWICH'IN SETTLEMENT AREA (! Lake Lake
(!(! Colville Lake River Anderson (! ! (! Tadek (! Lake Manuel Lake Gossage River Yeltea (!(! Lac (! Lake Rorey (! Belot Lake (! (! Lac des Bois Marion Tweed Lake Lake Katseyedie River (!(! (! (! (! (! (! Kilekale Tchaneta River Lake
Bluefish River
³ (! Loon (! Lake (! (! (!
Ontaratue River (! (! Hare Indian River (! )"
! ( (! Tunago Lake Great Bear Lake (! (! Fort Good Hope ! #* (! (! (! Lac à (! (! Jacques Tsintu River (!
Ramparts River
^_ (! (! (!(! (!Chick White Lake Water (! Turton Lily Lake Donnelly River Lake
(!
Hume River (! (! (! Whitefish River Moon (! Lake GWICH'IN SETTLEMENT (! AREA Mahony Lake (! (!(! (! (! Kelly (!! Lake Arctic Red River ( (! (! (! (!(! Norman Wells #*^_! )" (! Brackett Mackenzie River Lake ^_ ^_ SAHTU SETTLEMENT AREA ^_ (! )" (! ^_ Three Day Lake Great Bear River Gayna River ^_ Porcupine River ^_ ^_ (! ^_ ^_ ^_ ^_ (! ^_ ^_ ^_ St. Charles Creek ^_ ^_ ^_ (! ^_ ^_ (! )" ^_ ^_ ^_ Imperial River ^_ Carcajou River ^_ Tulita ^_ ! (! #* (! (!
^_ ^_ (!
(! (! Little Bear River Big Smith Creek
(! Carcajou Lake Little Keele River (!
Tate Lake Cache Creek (!
Mountain River Stewart Lake (! (!
Keele River (!
Nainlin Brook
Blackwater River Redstone River
Twitya River Wrigley FIRST NATION OF Lake NA-CHO NYAK DUN
Ekwi River Dahadinni River
Rogue River N o r t h w e s t Territories Moose Horn River Hess River Johnson River
Y u k o n
DEH CHO REGION
Natla River
Ravens Throat River Wrigley River
Silverberry River
Root River
South Macmillan River Broken Skull River Landry Creek
Ross River
South Nahanni River
LEGEND ! WATER USE BASED ON SECTOR #* ELEVATION (m) (! )" ^_ ^_
NOTE LOCATION FOR 2014 SURFACE WATER AND GROUNDWATER USE
REFERENCE FIGURE: 4-1 CENTRAL MACKENZIE SURFACE WATER AND GROUNDWATER BASELINE ASSESSMENT - PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY
4.2.1 Municipal Sector Projected water use for each municipality in the Study Area was based on population growth projections provided by the NWT Bureau of Statistics from 2011 to 2021 (GNWT 2014) and the estimated average amount of water used per inhabitant each year.
Norman Wells Currently, the Town of Norman Wells is licenced to use up to 250,000 cubic metres of water per year from the Mackenzie River. The average volume of water consumption calculated per person in Norman Wells ranges from 126 cubic metres to 172 cubic metres per year. Projected future water use for low and high population growths in Norman Wells are shown in Figure 4-2.
Figure 4-2: Projected future Water Use for Norman Wells 2014-2021
Tulita Currently, the Hamlet of Tulita is licenced to use up to 21,300 cubic metres of water per year from the Great Bear River. The average volume of water consumption calculated per person in Tulita ranges from 27 cubic metres to 33 cubic metres per year. Projected future water use for low and high population growths in Tulita are shown in Figure 4-3.
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Figure 4-3: Projected future Water Use for Tulita 2014-2021
Fort Good Hope The Community of Fort Good Hope is licenced to use up to 31,500 cubic metres of water per year from the Mackenzie River. No WL Annual Reports on actual water use were available. Because the population and economy of Fort Good Hope is comparable to that of Tulita, it was assumed that the water use requirements per person in each community will be the same, at 27 cubic metres to 33 cubic metres per year.
Figure 4-4: Projected future Water Use for Fort Good Hope 2014-2021
The total amount of water licenced for municipal use in the Study Area is currently 302,800 cubic metres per year. The total amount of water actually used, however, is in the range of approximately 135,000 cubic metres per year (low projected water use in 2014) to 188,000 cubic metres per year (high projected water use for 2021).
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4.2.2 Public Sector The total amount of water licenced for public sector use in the Study Area is currently 58,700 cubic metres per year. The total amount of water actually used, however, can be as low as 0 cubic metres per year.
Projected water use for each public sector project in the Study Area was based on the maximum amount of water allocated in existing WLs and the requested volumes of water identified in applications currently under review. The estimated current and projected water use for the public sector are outlined in the following project- specific subheadings.
Fibre Optic Project (GNWT – Department of Finance) The GNWT Department of Finance recently applied for the construction, operation and maintenance of a buried fibre optic cable system running from a site located approximately 24 km southeast of the junction of Highway 1 and Highway 7 to the Town of Inuvik. With only 25% of the fibre optic line being located within the Study Area, the predicted water usage for the construction and drilling is estimated to be 31,340 cubic metres per year for the Study Area and work is predicted to be initiated in 2016.
Mackenzie Valley Highway Project (GNWT Department of Transportation) The GNWT Department of Transportation (DOT) recently applied for work associated with the Mackenzie Valley Highway construction including road construction in the Tulita and Kasho Go'tine District. To be able to complete road construction and operate construction camps, a conservative water use estimate is 558,450 cubic metres per year. Work is expected to begin in 2016.
Bridge Replacements (GNWT DOT) Bridge replacement projects at Four Mile creek and Prohibition Creek currently have WLs for pre-construction work to occur during the 2012-2013 winter road season and actual bridge construction to occur during the 2013- 2014 winter road season. It is anticipated that water intake from surface water bodies for this project is to be 10,000 cubic metres per year for each project This means a total of 20,000 cubic metres per year for cumulative bridge replacements in the Study Area.
Quarry and gravel haul road on Little Bear River (GNWT Department of Transportation) The GNWT DOT holds a LUP dated 2004 to 2014 for the excavation and haul of approximately 22,000 cubic metres of material from the existing Little Bear River Pit to be stockpiled at the Tulita Airport. Based on the information provided in the LUP application document, it is assumed that no water intake is required for this project.
Construction and Maintenance of the Mackenzie Valley Winter Road and the Colville Lake Winter Road through the K'asho Got'ine District (GNWT-DOT) The GNWT DOT holds a WL dated 2004 to 2014 to construct and maintain the Mackenzie Valley Winter Road and the Colville Lake Winter Road through the K'asho Got'ine District within the Sahtu Settlement Area. There is no WL application for the 2015/2016 and subsequent winter road seasons on the SLWB online registry (SLWB 2014) for this work. However, it was assumed that this project will be continued in the future and associated water use will be required. The future water use projection was calculated as an average of the water volumes provided in the five Annual Reports for a yearly average of 3,117 cubic metres.
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Maintenance of the Mackenzie Valley Winter Road and the Deline Winter Road through the Tulita District (GNWT-DOT) The GNWT DOT holds a WL dated 2004 to 2014 to construct and maintain the Mackenzie Valley Winter Road and the Deline Winter Road through the Tulita District within the Sahtu Settlement Area. Like the Colville Lake Winter Road WL, there is no WL application for the 2015/2016 and subsequent winter road seasons. It is assumed that this project will be continued in the future and associated water use will be required. The future water use projection was calculated as an average of the water volumes available in the four Annual Reports for a yearly average of 2,966 cubic metres.
4.2.3 Oil and Gas Activities The SLWB has compiled and supplied the current water use information from Annual Reports for each active oil and gas exploration licence in the Sahtu Region. Using these data along with water use allocations outlined in WLs and project descriptions available on the SLWB public registry, estimates of future water use requirements have been made.
MGM MGM withdrew its exploration interest on its Exploration Licenses (ELs) in April, 2014. It is assumed that no water will be withdrawn, and MGM has been removed from current and future water use predictions.
Imperial Oil Annual Reports from Imperial’s WL provided annual withdrawal volumes from 2009 to 2013, resulting in a 5 year average water use of 2,680,607 cubic metres per year. With no other available information, it was assumed that this trend will continue until 2021.
Husky Although Husky anticipates developing two wells over the next five years resulting in the use of 4,000 cubic metres, its WL allows for a volume of 11,300 cubic metres from three surface water bodies to be used between 2013 and 2018. Therefore, as a maximum-case scenario, the WL water use has been used for projection purposes.
Moving forward, Husky has submitted (and since withdrawn) a WL application for the development of two wells, with up to 4 horizontal wells being drilled from each of these two wells. This would require 14,620 cubic metres of water for each well. On May 22, 2014, Husky withdrew its application, deferring plans for drilling until 2016/2017. It was assumed, as maximum-case scenario, that this program will be reapplied for in 2016 and WL would be issued by 2017. It was also assumed that one well would be drilled per year for an annual water use of 14,620 cubic metres, which would see water being sourced from surface water from the Mackenzie River and groundwater sources.
ConocoPhillips In 2014, ConocoPhillips consolidated several active WLs into a single WL, known as the 2014-2019 Multi-well Exploration Program. This WL covers all water withdrawals that ConocoPhillips anticipates for oil and gas exploration activities from the Mackenzie River and other surface and groundwater sources in the Study Area until 2019. The WL has an annual maximum water use allocation of 348,490 cubic metres. With the anticipated
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years for peak operation not being provided in the Project Description, the maximum water use amount allocated in the WL has been assumed for future water use projections to 2019.
In 2012, ConocoPhillips provided a ‘base case’ forecast for oil and gas exploration in the Sahtu Settlement Region in a report called The Canol Shale Play: Possible Outcomes of Early Stage Unconventional Resource Exploration. Development predictions in this report extend into 2021 and include ongoing development by ConocoPhillips. Although speculative, it provided a reference for regional Oil and Gas forecasting until 2021.
4.2.4 Other Developments The total amount of water licensed for other developmental use in the Study Area, including projects that use water under the WL threshold, is estimated at approximately 195,000 cubic metres per year. With the majority of projects in this category requiring only a LUP, the water use volumes associated with these projects were assumed to be either 0 cubic metres per day or 100 cubic metres per day, depending on the project description. WLs and LUPs expiring before January 2014, and for which no extension (renewal) have been requested, were not included in the estimated current water use estimates. Additionally, there are no assumptions that extensions or renewals to current WLs and LUPs will be applied for since speculation on new allocations cannot be projected. The following six companies have current LUPs or WLs registered with the SLWB.
Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. Eagle Plains Resources explores areas under its Prospecting Permits and Mineral Claims in the Tulita District. Its LUP indicated that 73,000 cubic metres of water will be used in 2014, with no future predicted water usage required in subsequent years.
Explor Geophysical Ltd. A volume of 36,500 cubic metres is expected to be used in 2014 based on this company’s LUP. No water usage is expected in subsequent years.
HRN Contracting Ltd. For quarry development and winter access road construction, HRN Contracting has a current WL that allocates 36,500 cubic metres of water usage each year from 2014 to 2019.
Mackenzie Valley Environmental Contractors Ltd. For the construction of a waste treatment facility, a WL is active for the period of 2014 to 2018. No water use is predicted to be required.
Northwestel Inc. For the installation of a communications tower, a LUP is active allowing for a maximum water use of 36,500 cubic metres for the years 2014 to 2018.
Enbridge Pipelines Inc. The Enbridge Pipeline (Norman Wells to the Alberta border) is considered a transboundary project because it crosses through several regulatory jurisdictions in the Mackenzie Valley. This file is managed by the MVLWB and includes project work associated with activities for the operation and maintenance of potential pipelines in
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the Norman Wells area. This project does not meet the triggers that require a WL, so actual water use by region has not been reported by Enbridge.
4.2.5 Overall Water Use As presented in Table 4-1, the greatest water use is projected to occur in 2017 (4,004,937 cubic metres). This is because of increased exploration well drilling in the oil and gas activities sector, and a peak in public and municipal project work. After 2017, oil and gas activities are predicted to gradually decrease. Due to uncertainty in ongoing roadway construction, fibre optic, and pipeline projects, a decrease in water use is expected in 2020 and 2021. Municipal use is projected to remain fairly constant due to the slight increase in the region’s population.
Table 4-1: Water Use Projections using High Population Growth Projections, 2014 to 2021
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Sector (cubic metres (cubic metres (cubic metres (cubic metres (cubic metres (cubic metres (cubic metres (cubic metres per year) per year) per year) per year) per year) per year) per year) per year) municipal 183,944 183,507 183,824 184,691 185,558 186,426 187,293 188,161 public 26,083 6,083 595,873 595,873 564,533 564,533 6,083 6,083 other 176,750 67,250 67,250 67,250 67,250 36,500 0 0 oil and gas 3,050,899 3,127,882 3,127,882 3,157,122 3,157,122 3,058,337 3,058,337 3,058,337 exploration TOTAL 3,437,676 3,384,722 3,974,829 4,004,937 3,974,464 3,845,796 3,251,714 3,252,581 (per year)
As presented in Table 4-2, the current and projected annual minimum amount of water (surface water and groundwater combined) to be withdrawn from the Study Area is between 3,204,390 cubic metres and 3,958,291 cubic metres when combining all sectors and considering the low population growth estimate. Similar to Table 4-1, a decrease in the other and oil and gas activities sector’s water use is projected in 2018. A decrease in public sector use is expected in 2020. The municipal use is similar to the high population growth projections.
Table 4-2: Water Use Projections using Low Population Growth Projections, 2014 to 2021
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Sector (cubic metres (cubic metres (cubic metres (cubic metres (cubic metres (cubic metres (cubic metres (cubic metres per year) per year) per year) per year) per year) per year) per year) per year) municipal 136,922 137,163 137,404 138,046 138,687 139,328 139,970 140,611 public 16,083 6,083 595,873 595,873 564,533 564,533 6,083 6,083 other 176,750 67,250 67,250 67,250 67,250 36,500 0 0 oil and gas 3,050,899 3,127,882 3,127,882 3,157,122 3,157,122 3,058,337 3,058,337 3,058,337 exploration TOTAL 3,390,654 3,338,378 3,928,410 3,958,291 3,927,592 3,798,699 3,204,390 3,205,031 (per year)
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4.2.6 Traditional Use Like much of Northern Canada, the Sahtu and its communities are isolated and have experienced minimal development. The communities cannot be accessed by roads in the summer and therefore rely on year-round air transport, summer river barge service and winter ice roads. Today, many waterways in the Sahtu are used for recreational purposes by residents and non-residents alike. As interest in development and tourism continue to increase, community members are becoming increasingly concerned for the preservation of the tranquility and quality of their water bodies, the health of aquatic species in those water bodies, and the year around feasibility of transportation on those water bodies.
4.3 Conclusion Using population growth projections, water use is expected to increase to approximately 4,004,937 cubic metres in 2017. After 2017, a decrease in exploration drilling is projected because of lack of information in regards to oil and gas future exploration projects. Water use is affected by oil and gas activities more than any other sector. Over the period of 2018 to 2021, a decrease in water use is also predicted in the public sector and other sectors. This is due to the expiry of current WLs for all-season roads, ice roads, fibre optic lines, and pipeline projects. Water use is expected to be much less for the municipal, public and other sectors because small populations, minimal infrastructure development, and limited mining exploration are expected in the Study Area.
5.0 INSTREAM FLOW NEEDS
5.1 What is Environmental Flow? Environmental flow is the water flow needed by ecosystems and the people who depend on those ecosystems for their livelihoods and well-being. Streams and rivers supply water for these ecological needs and also for human consumption (for example, for industrial use). Water supply, ecological needs and human demand differ from place to place and vary seasonally and from year to year.
Ecosystem needs and human demand for water can conflict. When demand is low and water supply is high, the flow in rivers and streams can meet both ecosystem needs and human demand most or all of the time. However, if human demand increases or water supply is low, river and stream flow may not be enough to meet both requirements. As demand for water use increases, there will likely be a point when the objectives of all interested parties cannot be met and trade-offs amongst water uses will have to be made.
An environmental flow target for a river or stream is used to manage water consumption while still leaving enough water in the river or stream to meet specific goals (for example, to support navigation or to provide suitable fish habitat). Once the amount of water that needs to remain in the river is determined, the amount of water available for consumption becomes known.
5.2 What are the water management goals? The two main water management goals are to provide flows to sustain healthy aquatic ecosystems and to provide flows to support Aboriginal and local land user values. These valued features and uses for streams and rivers were identified in the traditional knowledge summary: maintain natural streamflow patterns;
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provide water for drinking and cooking; provide conditions to support food such as fish, waterfowl and aquatic mammals; provide conditions to support edible and medicinal plants; and provide conditions for travel on major travel routes by canoe in the spring, summer and fall, and by foot or dog team in the winter.
Most of these Aboriginal and local land use values would be met by providing environmental flows that sustain healthy aquatic ecosystems. Fishing, for example, is one of the most important cultural and social activities for the people of the Sahtu.
5.3 How Was Water Supply Determined? Hydrologic data from stream gauges provide information about annual flows, flood flows, low flows, and seasonal variation for 30 of the 52 drainage basins in the Study Area. Drainage basins without gauges were compared to their gauged neighbours so that flows could be estimated based on physical and climate characteristics that affect streamflow.
5.4 What Methods Were Evaluated to Determine Environmental Flows? If environmental flow targets are too conservative, ecosystem and human needs are more likely to conflict and not all needs would be met. In such cases, more work would be needed on a case-by-case basis to assess the potential risk to the ecosystem of allowing withdrawals. This would add to the cost and time to establish an accepted environmental flow recommendation.
Many jurisdictions in Canada start with a general-purpose method that requires minimal data and effort, and then use site-specific methods for managing complex water use situations. A similar approach is recommended for the Northwest Territories because no single method can satisfy the requirements of all water management situations.
The most appropriate method for determining environmental flows depends on the type of data available. For an environmental flow assessment across gauged and ungauged basins at the scale of the Study Area, the evaluated methods were limited to those based on hydrologic data.
Environmental flow can be defined as a percentage of the mean annual flow. This method can be modified to provide some seasonal variation but not year-to-year variation. Other hydrologic methods provide variation by using more complex flow statistics calculated from long-term daily flow records, but such records are scarce within the Study Area.
Seasonal and year-to-year variation can be provided by using a “percent-of-flow” method. With this method, a water withdrawal limit is set as a percent of the natural flow occurring at the time in question (the “instantaneous flow”). This percent-of-flow method can be combined with other rules. For example, different percentages can be used at different times of the year, or a low-flow limit (or “threshold”) can be set below which no withdrawals are permitted.
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The percent-of-flow methods can be used to calculate allowable total annual withdrawals for both gauged and ungauged locations, based on mean annual flow. However, percent-of-flow withdrawal rates based on instantaneous flows can only be calculated for sites that have a gauge. Also, without daily flow records that are long enough to allow predictions for future flows (which is the case for most of the drainage basins), a percent- of-flow method cannot be used for planning or assessment purposes.
At locations where a higher degree of ecosystem protection is needed or where consumption demands would exceed a percent-of-flow limit, a more detailed approach is appropriate. Detailed approaches are based on site- specific conditions and can evaluate trade-offs amongst uses so that water can be effectively managed and decisions can be made based on the best available information. The method to be used is typically chosen on a case-by-case basis.
5.5 What Method is Recommended? A percent-of-flow method can achieve a high level of ecosystem protection and provide conditions that support the desired condition and values identified in the Traditional Knowledge summary (Section 2).
The recommended method follows Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s framework for environmental flows. The withdrawal rule would be a maximum 10% of natural flows. Flows below 30% of the average flow, either seasonally or from year-to-year, should be used as a threshold to identify areas where water availability is likely to be naturally limited at certain times of the year. Additional precautions or additional study may be needed in these areas. Over time as more baseline data are collected, more refined methods could be adopted.
As described in Section 3, the drainage basins in the Study Area are roughly grouped into four hydrologic regions based on basin land cover, area, basin shape, slope and precipitation:
Hydrological Region 1: Large Mountainous Tributaries - mostly mountainous drainage basins west of the Mackenzie River in the southwest corner of the Study Area; Hydrological Regions 2 and 3: Small Mackenzie Valley Tributaries - drainage basins along the central Mackenzie River (Region 2 has more evergreen forest, lakes and rivers, and annual precipitation than Region 3); and Hydrological Region 4: Large Plains Tributaries - drainage basins east of the Mackenzie River
A different percent-of-flow target could be chosen for each hydrologic region and the target could be adjusted to match management objectives for a specific river or for a group of rivers within a hydrologic region.
The proposed environmental flows are shown in Table 5-1 for gauged basins and in Table 5-2 for ungauged and poorly gauged basins. The gauged basins where monthly flows fall below the 30% threshold and for which additional flow restrictions may be needed are shown in Table 5-3. Monthly flows below the 30% threshold for ungauged and poorly gauged basins are represented by hydrological region in Table 5-4.
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Table 5-1: Withdrawal Limits for Gauged Basins
Mean Instantaneous Station Withdrawal Limit Station Name Number (cubic metres per second) Keele River above Twitya River 10HA004 13.8 Redstone River 63 km above the Mouth 10HB005 17.7 Big Smith Creek near Hwy No.1 10HC003 0.59 Blackwater River at Outlet of Blackwater Lake 10HC006 4.6 Johnny Hoe River above Lac Ste. Therese 10JB001 4.0 Great Bear River at the Outlet of Great Bear Lake 10JC003 54.1 Whitefish River near the Mouth 10JD002 1.4 Mackenzie River at Norman Wells 10KA001 857 Bosworth Creek at Norman Wells 10KA003 0.06 Seepage Creek at Norman Wells 10KA005 0.01 Jungle Ridge Creek near the Mouth 10KA006 0.04 Bosworth Creek near Norman Wells 10KA007 0.06 Oscar Creek near Norman Wells 10KA008 0.37 Canyon Creek at Pipeline Crossing 10KA009 0.03 Carcajou River below Imperial River 10KB001 7.1 Mountain River below Cambrian Creek 10KC001 12.3 Ramparts River near Fort Good Hope 10KD004 4.4 Loon River near the Arctic Circle 10LB004 0.8 Jackfish Creek near Fort Good Hope 10LD002 0.02 Hare Indian River near Fort Good Hope 10LD004 4.9
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Table 5-2: Withdrawal Limits for Ungauged or Poorly Gauged Basins
Mean Instantaneous Hydrological Withdrawal Limit (cubic Drainage Basin Region metres per second) Redstone River 1 18.8 Keele River 1 31.4 Carcajou River 1 8.6 Mountain River 1 16.5 Ramparts River 1 4.4 Hume River 1 2.0 Little Bear River 2 2.7 Loon Creek 2 0.14 Stewart Creek 2 0.13 Devo Creek 2 0.07 Prohibition Creek 2 0.06 Saline Creek 2 0.17 Little Smith Creek 2 0.23 Big Smith Creek 2 0.64 Hanna River 2 0.37 Chick Creek 2 0.99 Snafu Creek 2 0.56 Tsintu River 2 0.46 Billy Creek 2 0.06 Slater River 2 0.15 Bogg Creek 2 0.08 Ray Creek 2 0.04 Mackay Creek 2 0.3 Trapper Creek 3 0.02 Jungle Ridge Creek 3 0.05 Vermilion Creek 3 0.1 Bluefish Creek 3 0.07 Ontaratue River 4 1.9 Hare Indian River 4 5.0 Loon River 4 0.83 Blackwater River 4 5.4 Dahadinni River 4 1.8
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Table 5-3: Monthly Flows Below the 30% Threshold for Gauged Basins
Percentage of Mean Annual Flow Station Shaded cells indicate months where the mean monthly flow is less than 30% of the mean Station Name Number annual flow and limitations on water withdrawals may be warranted. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Keele River above Twitya River 10HA004 19 16 14 17 194 357 207 171 130 73 30 23 Redstone River 63 km above the Mouth 10HB005 20 16 16 16 159 273 272 201 133 73 28 18 Big Smith Creek near Hwy No.1 10HC003 5 4 3 7 524 263 82 102 118 48 17 8 Blackwater River at Outlet of Blackwater Lake 10HC006 8 6 5 8 304 364 188 88 84 59 26 15 Johnny Hoe River above Lac Ste. Therese 10JB001 16 12 10 13 390 316 156 88 80 58 34 22 Great Bear River at the Outlet of Great Bear Lake 10JC003 96 95 93 92 95 103 107 109 108 105 99 98 Whitefish River near the Mouth 10JD002 3 1 0 0 384 512 109 30 72 42 17 8 Mackenzie River at Norman Wells 10KA001 52 46 43 46 161 199 176 141 118 101 66 55 Bosworth Creek at Norman Wells 10KA003 ------Seepage Creek at Norman Wells 10KA005 0 0 0 13 805 111 28 167 38 0 0 0 Jungle Ridge Creek near the Mouth 10KA006 0 0 0 8 623 232 67 80 79 45 10 2 Bosworth Creek near Norman Wells 10KA007 32 28 22 50 485 169 91 72 91 70 47 38 Oscar Creek near Norman Wells 10KA008 4 2 2 12 540 252 173 77 80 61 21 8 Canyon Creek at Pipeline Crossing 10KA009 23 23 11 31 427 105 134 84 127 83 62 58 Carcajou River below Imperial River 10KB001 16 14 12 20 255 248 198 193 137 71 32 22 Mountain River below Cambrian Creek 10KC001 14 11 10 12 141 335 248 208 120 53 25 18 Ramparts River near Fort Good Hope 10KD004 6 4 3 3 432 358 122 128 138 61 20 10 Loon River near the Arctic Circle 10LB004 13 9 7 9 184 288 264 119 114 92 50 36 Jackfish Creek near Fort Good Hope 10LD002 0 0 0 0 508 329 67 75 141 62 2 0 Hare Indian River near Fort Good Hope 10LD004 32 29 29 44 369 264 141 87 105 87 54 42 No analysis was completed for 10KA003 due to the short data record.
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Table 5-4: Monthly Flows Below the 30% Threshold for Ungauged and Poorly Gauged Basins
Percentage of Mean Annual Flow Shaded cells indicate months where the mean monthly flow is less than 30% of the mean annual flow and limitations Hydrological Region on water withdrawals may be warranted.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 15% 12% 11% 13% 236% 314% 209% 180% 132% 66% 27% 18% 2 12% 11% 9% 19% 506% 254% 80% 83% 117% 60% 22% 15% 3 9% 8% 4% 17% 530% 196% 125% 80% 96% 63% 31% 22% 4 14% 12% 10% 15% 326% 349% 172% 82% 91% 68% 36% 25%
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5.6 Summary Stream and river flow supplies the water needed by ecosystems and the people who depend on those ecosystems. This flow also supplies water for human consumption. As demand for water use increases, it may not always be possible to meet the objectives of all interested parties, and trade-offs amongst water uses will have to be made.
A rule that would limit stream and river withdrawals to 10% of natural flows would achieve a high level of ecosystem protection. Over time as more baseline data are collected, more refined methods could be adopted.
Areas where water availability is likely to fall below 30% of the average flow, either seasonally or from year-to- year, can be identified for additional precautions. Additional study may be needed in these areas.
6.0 MISSING KNOWLEDGE This section describes the traditional and scientific knowledge gaps that have been identified through the assessments in this report. These gaps are rated to help identify what new knowledge would be most important in helping to plan sustainable use and management of surface water and groundwater resources in the Study Area.
6.1 Methodology Information collected for this report was analyzed to identify and organize the existing data gaps in the technical record, in Traditional Knowledge documentation, and in the knowledge of traditional, historic and current land uses and values.
6.1.1 Traditional Knowledge The technical version of this plain language report discussed surface water, groundwater and permafrost interactions; regional surface and groundwater resources; and current and projected surface and groundwater use. Published Traditional Knowledge sources were consulted to gain an appreciation of the available information pertinent to surface water and groundwater. Further information was also identified through internet searches and personal communications.
Results of the literature review associated with the preliminary baseline were presented to representatives of Sahtu communities during a Cross-Cultural Research Camp held at Stewart Lake in July 2014 and during the Research Results Workshop held in Tulı ́ t’a in January 2015.
The gaps identified through the literature review and through feedback and comments from the community representatives are prioritized on a scale of 1 to 3, where the level of priority is the highest at 1 and the geographic scale of the missing information is the most valuable criteria: Rating of 1: Gap is present at the regional scale, the level of effort to obtain the required information is exhaustive (e.g., documentation through literature, through communications with boards, councils, and corporations of multiple organizations, and through community and group meetings) and filling this gap is essential for completing the state of knowledge and for water and groundwater flow prediction purposes.
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Rating of 2: Gap is present at a local scale within the Study Area, the level of effort to obtain the required information is exhaustive but limited regionally (e.g., communications limited to a couple of boards (2 to 3), corporations, and specifically identified community members) and filling this gap is beneficial to enhance the current state of knowledge and for water and groundwater flow prediction purposes. Rating of 3: Gap is present at sporadic locations within the Study Area, the level of effort to obtain the required information is limited (e.g., communications limited to previously identified community members and elders, and mainly in the form of anecdotes) and filling this gap is perceived to be of value in addition to the current state of knowledge and for water and groundwater flow prediction purposes.
6.1.2 Scientific Knowledge The scientific knowledge data gaps identified in the technical version of this report were grouped based on the three main scientific components (hydrology, hydrogeology and permafrost). The scientific knowledge gaps are also prioritized using a scale of 1 to 3, where the level of priority is the highest at 1 and the geographic scale of the missing information is the most valuable criteria: Rating of 1: Gap is present at the regional scale and limits the scientific knowledge within the Study Area. This rating can involve one or more scientific components (e.g., both groundwater and permafrost interaction), and filling this gap is essential for completing the state of knowledge and for water and groundwater flow prediction purposes. Rating of 2: Gap is present at a regional to a local scale within the Study Area. This rating can involve one or many scientific components (e.g., groundwater and permafrost interaction), and filling this gap is beneficial to enhance the current state of knowledge and for water and groundwater flow prediction purposes. Rating of 3: Gap is present at a local or sporadic scale within the Study Area. This rating involves one scientific component, and filling this gap is perceived to be of value in addition to the current state of knowledge and for water and groundwater flow prediction purposes.
Gaps in the knowledge of surface water hydrology in the Study Area were identified through the analysis of streamflow data, physio-climatic variables, hydrological summary reports and hydrological investigations by researchers.
Gaps in the knowledge of groundwater conditions in the Study Area were identified through the review of regional groundwater quality assessment studies, data sets collected by industry during resource exploration, and LUP and WL applications from municipalities, the public and developers.
Gaps in the knowledge of permafrost conditions in the Study Area were identified through the review of data sets collected by industry during resource exploration, and investigations of active layer and ground thermal regime by researchers.
6.2 Results The traditional knowledge gaps are compiled in Table 6-1 and scientific knowledge gaps are compiled in Table 6-2. For each gap, these tables identify the source of the available information or data, summarize the uncertainty and limitation, and attribute a 1 to 3 rating.
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6.2.1 Traditional Knowledge Gaps identified through the baseline literature review and by community members are identified in Table 6-1.
Table 6-1: Traditional Knowledge Gaps
Gap Description Rating TK studies for the region have been done largely in relation to specific projects, addressing site-specific details that do not provide holistic views on regional surface water and groundwater regimes, uses and values to the people of the Regional scale TK Sahtu. regarding water resources, 1 interactions, and uses Communities have expressed their desire for a regional TK study. This study should include sharing information directly with community members using the baseline information and maps produced to date so that all the elders can look at them and discuss them together. According to the JWG, one of the most important themes in understanding Sahtu Dene and Métis history is the relationship between culture and landscape. Virtually all of Sahtu Dene and Métis history is written on the land. Traditional land use patterns and traditional names for the land and waters are of particular importance in transmitting knowledge from one generation to the next. Some potential challenges include the various dialects used in the Sahtu and the changes in names, pronunciations, and associated meanings that have developed as a result. Traditional place names 1 The true meanings of some place names have been lost and may only be re- defined through a collaborative process between communities (including the T ł ı ̨c h ǫ ). In some cases, it will be necessary to go out on the land to re-define the place name. The land names themselves and the words will have more meaning when they are put into context rather than through a straight translation. There may also be some errors represented in the place names identified in the Sahtu Atlas (Auld and Kershaw 2005) as a result of a Geographic Information System (GIS) error. In the Sahtu region, TK documentation is required to accompany Land Use Permit or Water Licence applications to the Sahtu Land and Water Board. This knowledge has largely been gathered through community consultations conducted by developers. These sources of TK are often held within communities Existing TK Studies 1 and are not publicly available (i.e., References to TK Studies for the Mackenzie Gas Project were identified but are not publicly available). Local communities members’ input is required for the appropriate interpretation, distribution and use of local TK. Concerns for groundwater quality, quantity and flow have been expressed; however, the lack of historical information on the matter limits the comparison and the associated potential impact of the oil and gas activities on groundwater. Gathering information, observations, and anecdotal references is required to TK input on the effect of the document the potential traditional, historic, and cultural changes on groundwater recent developments in oil in the area. and gas exploration on 2 karst systems and Community members are concerned about the impacts of development in areas groundwater with karst development. Surface water and groundwater interactions are frequent in these areas. Also, there may be many unmapped springs known only to community members who use the land. It is not known or understood how potential contaminants resulting from the oil and gas industry activities can migrate through the karst systems and therefore impact the groundwater.
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Table 6-1: Traditional Knowledge Gaps
Gap Description Rating Concerns for surface water quality, quantity and flow have been expressed, however the lack of historical information on the matter limits the comparison and the associated potential impact of the oil and gas activities on surface waters. TK input on the effect of the Gathering information, observations, and anecdotal references is required to recent developments in oil document the potential traditional, historic, and cultural changes on surface water 2 and gas exploration on in the area. surface water Community members are concerned about the impacts of development in areas with low recharge rates and possible contaminant migration from impacted groundwater resurging into surface water bodies. Traditional, historical, Aboriginal communities in the CMV have been aware of, and have traditionally cultural, and present use used, permafrost, but very few sources documented in the literature review 2 and values for permafrost discussed the traditional use of permafrost. No specific information was found on the observed effects of recent Traditional, historical, developments or oil and gas exploration on groundwater quality, quantity or flow cultural, and present use 2 in the Sahtu region. There is limited documentation of the traditional, historic, and values for groundwater cultural and present use and values of groundwater in the area. Very little traditional or local knowledge regarding the interactions between Traditional, historical, surface waters and groundwater was represented during the literature review. No cultural, and present use specific information was found on the observed effects of recent developments or and values descriptions for oil and gas exploration on water interactions in the Sahtu region. There is limited 2 surface and groundwater documentation on changes in water interactions that have already been observed interactions (if any) and on the traditional, historic, cultural and present use and values of water interactions. No sources of TK on permafrost encountered in the course of the literature review Anecdotal references for documented traditional stories about the location, use, or knowledge of 3 permafrost permafrost in the Study Area. Anecdotal references for There is limited documentation of anecdotal references of groundwater in the 3 groundwater Study Area. Anecdotal references for There is limited documentation of anecdotal references of surface waters and surface water and 3 groundwater interactions in the Study Area. groundwater interactions TK = Traditional knowledge; JWG = Sahtu Heritage Place and Sites Joint Working Group; GIS = Geographic Information System; CMV = Central Mackenzie Valley.
To address these gaps, community representatives recommended that additional sources of traditional knowledge, including records collected as part of the Dene Mapping Project in the 1970s, be accessed. Further to acquiring additional, existing sources of traditional knowledge information, community representatives identified the need to take the information back to the communities so that it can be discussed with elders and land users. Finally, the need to better document and research traditional place names and their meanings, including the changing meanings associated with place names as a result of dialect differences and mispronunciations over time, was also identified. Community representatives have suggested that, in some instances, the only way to fully understand place names and discuss water resources would be to visit the sites directly so that the context of the names and the water features themselves can be considered.
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6.2.2 Scientific Knowledge Gaps from the hydrology, hydrogeology, and permafrost scientific investigations are compiled in Table 6-2. One gap can be associated with multiple categories.
Table 6-2: Scientific Knowledge Gaps
Gap Uncertainty and Limitation Rating Continuous observation over a period long enough to capture climatic variability is necessary to characterize hydrological regimes. Several Period of record for hydrometric hydrometric stations have only recently been installed. In addition, data from 1 gauges six hydrometric stations that were closed in the Study Area during the 1990s are losing relevance with time. Hydrometric gauges are not plentiful within the Study Area and do not provide Number of hydrometric gauges sufficient data to characterize streamflow regime variables for small drainage 2 on small drainage basins basins. Data from aquifer tests conducted in wells completed in surficial sediments are reliable, but are insufficient. Additional overburden properties are required for a regional characterization. The restricted availability for overburden properties limits: Aquifer properties defining the availability of fresh groundwater in the overburden; 1 defining its interaction with permafrost; defining its potential connection with the deeper groundwater aquifer systems. Hydrogeological characteristics are often derived from industry investigations that mostly target specific geological formations. Investigations could be Interaction between the different extended to pumping tests performed over a few days and that may have a 1 bedrock aquifers scale of influence of up to hundreds of metres to several kilometres from the wellbore. Hydrogeological testing would provide key regional information on the interaction of the different geological formations. The literature review did not reveal the existence of water quality data for the following identified regional aquifers: Groundwater quality data for geological formations older than Mount Cap 1 the early Devonian-aged Bear Saline River Rock Group Franklin Mountain Mount Kindle Permafrost active layer thickness Active layer thickness and temperature data are less abundant at greater 1 and temperature distances from the Mackenzie River and areas of resource exploration. The depth and form of taliks, and the dependence of their geometry on surface Talik geometry features, have not been investigated in the Study Area to the same extent as 1 elsewhere (e.g., the Mackenzie Delta). The use of average precipitation from 1961 to 1990 is coincident with the Gridded mean annual records for most of the hydrometric stations used in the analysis, but is 2 precipitation different from the period of record for hydrometric gauges in the small basins that have recently been established. Geological information is available throughout the Study Area, but hydrogeological data are limited to the vicinity of the Mackenzie River and to Hydrogeological data are sparse younger (shallower) geological formations. Accessibility for the Mackenzie at greater distances from the 2 Mountain region and the fact that the older formations subcropping in this Mackenzie River region are found at great depth along the Mackenzie River are identified as limiting factors for conducting a hydrogeological assessment.
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Table 6-2: Scientific Knowledge Gaps
Gap Uncertainty and Limitation Rating Studies associated with the impact of permafrost on groundwater movement Permafrost and groundwater are very limited in the Study Area. This limits the regional understanding of 2 interactions groundwater infiltration and circulation through permafrost grounds. Permafrost thickness is not well documented in typical geological Permafrost thickness 2 investigations by industry because boreholes rarely have sufficient depth. Limited information is publicly available in the mid-term to estimate the projected groundwater use associated with the oil and gas industry activities. Considering that industry accounts for 85% of groundwater and surface water Predictions of groundwater and use, this limits predictions on future surface water and groundwater demand. 3 surface water use In addition, there are uncertainties associated with the continuation of some current construction projects and potential upcoming projects in the Study Area. It is therefore difficult to predict the impact of construction activities and associated stress on surface water and groundwater quality and quantity. Notes: % = percent; EFA = Environmental Flow Assessment; CMV = Central Mackenzie Valley
Uncertainties and limitations in the hydrology, groundwater, and permafrost data are largely associated with the spatial variability, scarcity, and temporal variation in the available data records. Hydrogeological conditions are based on the bedrock physical properties which are less susceptible to change over time, however changes in permafrost would likely affect the groundwater conditions.
Available groundwater and permafrost data become sparser with greater distance from the Mackenzie River, and with greater depth. The investigation zone is limited to the most superficial bedrock units and therefore cannot be used to characterize the deeper regional aquifers and the total extent of permafrost. Additional data from the deeper systems would serve to better describe the groundwater quality and regional flow regimes in the older geological units and how permafrost affects these systems. The gap associated with accuracy and availability of hydrogeological investigations data also limits the groundwater flow movement characterization as groundwater is a component of the water courses flow. Also, there are insufficient investigation data associated with the surficial geology to characterize the surficial aquifer systems and their potential connections with the underlying aquifer systems. An enhanced understanding of the regional hydrogeological conditions would be beneficial to adequately predict the impact of future demand on the quality and reserves of the groundwater resource.
The publicly operated hydrometric network in the Study Area provides the continuity required to describe baseline surface water hydrology and support the observation of future changes. The network should be supported to build a period of record long enough to describe streamflow response to climatic variability throughout the Study Area. In its current state, however, the publicly operated hydrometric network has an insufficient number of stations. There would be additional value in re-activating some or all of the six hydrometric stations in the Study Area that were discontinued in the 1990s.
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6.3 Summary The traditional and scientific information and data available for the Study Area were collected from literature reviews, baseline assessments, and community meeting and validation exercises. The gaps in available data and information, along with their associated uncertainties and limitations, were compiled separately for the traditional and the scientific knowledge components.
The most recurrent gap from both sources is the regional distribution for the available data and information. In general, data gaps increase with distance from the Mackenzie River. This is mainly explained by industry historical activities being focused along the Mackenzie River corridor and by records of Traditional Knowledge being required as part of the associated Land Use Permit and Water Licence applications. The community validation exercises concluded that elders and communities members could provide input into the scientific knowledge gaps on a regional scale. Additional collaborations and data compilation between communities and scientists would likely enhance the knowledge on surface water, groundwater, and permafrost within the Study Area.
The identified gaps limit the mid-term and long-term predictions for water use on the surface water and groundwater flow regimes and quality and their sustainability. These regimes are also subject to permafrost influences that require periodic monitoring because they may vary through time. The traditional and local knowledge combined with the scientific assessment enhances our understanding of the current conditions within the Study Area, can suggest methods for better addressing some of the remaining gaps, and supports future predictions of water use and their impacts on the ecosystem and the communities.
7.0 CONCLUSION This assessment of knowledge about surface water, groundwater, permafrost, and water needs has used as many sources of Traditional Knowledge, scientific research, and other information as possible. Its purpose was to identify where we need more knowledge in order to make well-informed decisions about resource development in the Study Area.
People in communities have recommended that a regional perspective be used when planning studies to learn more about water. This ‘big picture’ approach would help ensure that the environment is studied as one big system. It has also been recommended that the meaning of place names be better understood, and that it might be important to visit these places to be certain that we know what their names mean. A third important recommendation from people in communities is that information learned in studies like this should be shared with them so that they can contribute. These recommendations would provide the kind of information that was found to be limited (representing a gap) in current published Traditional Knowledge literature.
Scientific information tends to be short-term. More records of water flow in rivers, and longer records (such as many decades) would be very valuable in helping to understand the behaviour and quantity of water in the Study Area. Scientific information about regions, instead of smaller areas, would also help researchers and others understand water as a larger system.
Water use in the Study Area is expected to increase until 2017. It may then decrease because of less expected demand by resource exploration. This estimate of future water use will become more accurate as plans for water use by industry become more certain.
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Stream and river flow supplies the water needed by ecosystems and the people who depend on those ecosystems. A rule that would limit stream and river withdrawals to 10% of natural flows would achieve a high level of ecosystem protection. Areas where water availability is likely to fall below 30% of the average flow, either seasonally or from year-to-year, can be identified for additional precautions.
This review is intended to combine Traditional Knowledge and scientific knowledge to summarize what we know about water in the Study Area. It is also intended to provide a useful list of information sources, and names, to help people learn more about water in the Study Area and communicate with each other.
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8.0 CLOSURE We would like to thank the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the opportunity to prepare this report. The holders of Traditional, scientific, and technical knowledge who contributed to all aspects are gratefully acknowledged.
Sincerely,
GOLDER ASSOCIATES LTD.
Prepared by:
Shannon Allerston, M.A., M.Sc. Kent Bretzlaff, B. Eng. Environmental Assessment Specialist / Archaeologist Water Resources Engineer-in-Training
Susan Lorimer, M.Sc. Anne Croteau, P.Eng., ing., M.Sc. Technical Writer Environmental Engineer / Hydrogeologist
Robin Bourke, B.Sc. Eng., P.Eng Tim Ensom, M.Sc., EPt Water Resources Engineer Hydrologist
Reviewed by:
Nathan Schmidt, Ph.D., P.Eng. Principal, Senior Water Resources Engineer
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9.0 GLOSSARY
active layer the layer of ground above permafrost that freezes and thaws annually (IPA 2014) aquatic relating to water, living in or near water, or taking place in water aquifer a geological formation, made of granular or fractured rock, that contains water and can provide significant quantities of water to wells and springs (NRCan 2014) archaeology the study of past human activity aufeis ice that forms on a frozen surface (ground or existing ice) when water flows over it bedrock hard, solid rock beneath surface materials such as soil and gravel (National Geographic 2015a) clay very fine particles, between 1/500 and 1/5000 of a millimetre (AAFC 2013) climate average weather for a location or region colluvial sediments that have been washed downhill by rainfall and snowmelt runoff coral a hard material formed on the bottom of the ocean by the skeletons of organisms cubic metre a common unit for measuring volumes of water; a cubic metre has a width, height, and length of one metre and is equal to a thousand litres delineation well a well that is drilled to help determine the boundary of an oil, gas, or other reservoir ecosystem a limited space where living beings interact with nonliving matter at a high level of interdependence to form an environmental unit exploration well same as delineation well fault a crack in bedrock that forms from movement over time formation a rock unit that is distinctive enough that a geologic mapper can tell it apart from surrounding rock layers (UGS 2001) fossil the remains or shape of an ancient organism preserved in petrified form or in rock geology the study of planet Earth that considers the physical forces that act on it, the chemistry of its materials, and the biology of its past inhabitants gravel small pieces of rock groundwater water present underground that comes from infiltration through spaces in soil and rock (NRCan 2014) hydrograph a plot showing flow in a river or stream over a period of time (NOAA 2003)
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ice wedge a large mass of foliated (layered) ground ice in permafrost, often beneath a crack in the ground surface (Péwé 1963) karst limestone features that are broken apart and allow water to flow through them lacustrine sediments that have been deposited by melting glaciers limestone sedimentary rock mainly or entirely composed of calcium carbonate maximum-case the potential outcome with the greatest amount of foreseeable water consumption scenario mudstone very fine-grained sedimentary rock made of clay and silt particles peat loose and decaying plant matter usually found in bogs permafrost ground that is at or below a temperature of 0°C for a minimum of two years production well a well that is designed to produce oil, gas, or sometimes water projection an estimate of future conditions based on particular trends and assumptions recharge the process by which groundwater supplies are replenished from surface water runoff the movement of water downhill over the ground surface sand particles ranging from approximately 2 millimetres to 1/20 of a millimetre in size (AAFC 2013) sandstone sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized particles sediment solid material, consisting of rocks and minerals or the remains of plants and animals, that is moved and deposited in a new location (National Geographic 2015b) shale sedimentary rock made of flakes of clay minerals and fragments of other minerals silt fine particles, with diameters between 1/20 of a millimetre and 1/500 of a millimetre, that may contain some decaying plant matter (AAFC 2013) siltstone sedimentary rock composed of grains in the silt size range spring a location where groundwater naturally emerges from the ground substrate material that rests on the bottom of a stream, river, or lake talik an area where permafrost is thinner, often caused by lakes or other surface features unconsolidated loosely arranged, layered, or not solid
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Golder Associates Ltd. 9, 4905 - 48 Street Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, X1A 3S3 Canada T: +1 (867) 873 6319