CONSTRUCTION OF THE NORMAN WELLS TO CANYON CREEK ACCESS ROAD OCTOBER 2015 | ISSUED FOR USE
APPENDIX J ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW
LUP and WL Application Docs NW to CC
APPENDIX J – ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW OCTOBER 2015 | ISSUED FOR USE
APPENDIX J – ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW TABLE OF CONTENTS
J-1.0 CLIMATE...... 1 J-1.1 Air Temperature...... 3 J-1.2 Precipitation...... 3 J-1.3 Wind Speed and Direction ...... 3 J-1.4 Air Quality...... 6 J-1.5 Climate Change...... 7
J-2.0 TERRAIN AND TOPOGRAPHY...... 9 J-2.1 General Topography and Geology ...... 10 J-2.2 Surficial Geology ...... 10 J-2.2.1 Terrain Unit 1 ...... 11 J-2.2.2 Terrain Unit 2 ...... 11 J-2.3 Permafrost...... 12 J-2.4 Geohazards...... 12 J-2.4.1 Massive Ground Ice ...... 13 J-2.4.2 Retrogressive Thaw Flows ...... 13 J-2.4.3 Peatland Terrain...... 13 J-2.4.4 Thermokarst...... 13
J-3.0 VEGETATION...... 14 J-3.1 General ...... 14 J-3.1.1 Taiga Plains and Taiga Plains Low Subarctic Ecoregions ...... 14 J-3.2 Vegetation Communities...... 15 J-3.2.1 Open Black Spruce ...... 16 J-3.2.2 Bryoids ...... 16 J-3.2.3 Upland Mixed Forest ...... 19 J-3.2.4 Wetland Shrub ...... 19 J-3.2.5 Low Shrub...... 19 J-3.2.6 Open Deciduous Forest...... 19 J-3.2.7 Exposed Land...... 19 J-3.3 Rare Plants...... 19
J-4.0 WILDLIFE...... 20 J-4.1 General ...... 20 J-4.2 Mammals...... 26 J-4.2.1 Caribou...... 26 J-4.2.2 Moose ...... 28 J-4.2.3 Muskox ...... 29 J-4.2.4 Grizzly Bear ...... 29 J-4.2.5 American Black Bear...... 30 J-4.2.6 Grey Wolf...... 31
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Appendix J - Environmental Overview APPENDIX J – ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW OCTOBER 2015 | ISSUED FOR USE
J-4.2.7 Red Fox...... 31 J-4.2.8 Wolverine...... 32 J-4.2.9 American Marten...... 32 J-4.2.10 Beaver and Muskrat...... 33 J-4.3 Birds ...... 33 J-4.3.1 Waterfowl (Swans, Geese, Loons, and Ducks) ...... 34 J-4.3.2 Raptors...... 35 J-4.3.3 Upland Birds ...... 36 J-4.4 Amphibians and Reptiles ...... 38 J-4.4.1 Wood Frog...... 38
J-5.0 FISH AND FISH HABITAT...... 39
J-6.0 COMMUNITIES AND DEMOGRAPHICS...... 39 J-6.1 Norman Wells Community Profile...... 39 J-6.1.1 Background...... 39 J-6.1.2 Population...... 41 J-6.1.3 Employment ...... 42 J-6.1.4 Education...... 43 J-6.1.5 Business Services...... 44 J-6.2 Tulita Community Profile...... 45 J-6.2.1 Background...... 45 J-6.2.2 Population...... 46 J-6.2.3 Employment ...... 47 J-6.2.4 Education...... 48 J-6.2.5 Business Services...... 49
J-7.0 OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA...... 49 J-7.1 Mackenzie Valley Winter Road ...... 49 J-7.2 Enbridge Oil Pipeline ...... 50 J-7.3 Norman Wells Oilfield ...... 50 J-7.4 Current Exploration Leases and Significant Discovery Leases...... 51 J-7.5 Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link Project...... 51
J-8.0 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ASSESSMENT...... 51
REFERENCES...... 54
LIST OF TABLES IN TEXT
Table APP J-1: Climate Normals: Norman Wells, NT (1981–2010)...... 1 Table APP J-2: Summary of Air Temperatures – Norman Wells...... 3 Table APP J-3: Summary of Annual Precipitation – Norman Wells ...... 3 Table APP J-4: Summary of Hourly Wind Observations (Norman Wells) (2006 – 2014) ...... 3 Table APP J-5: Norman Wells Ambient Air Quality (2008 - 2013) ...... 6
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Appendix J - Environmental Overview APPENDIX J – ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW OCTOBER 2015 | ISSUED FOR USE
Table APP J-6: 1945 - 2014 Climate Change Trends – Norman Wells ...... 7 Table APP J-7: Climate Change Scenarios for Southern Mackenzie Valley...... 8 Table APP J-8: Terrain Conditions along the Proposed Access Road...... 9 Table APP J-9: Terrain Types Along the Proposed Access Road ...... 11 Table APP J-10: Rare Plants Documented by Imperial Oil (2004) in the North Taiga Plains Ecological Zone ...... 20 Table APP J-11: Wildlife Species Occurring or Potentially Occurring within the Study Area ...... 21 Table APP J-12: Wildlife Species of Special Conservation Status...... 25 Table APP J-13: Norman Wells Population by Gender and Ethnicity, 2012 ...... 42 Table APP J-14: Business Services in Norman Wells, NT ...... 44 Table APP J-15: Businesses in Norman Wells, NT...... 44 Table APP J-16: Tulita Population by Gender and Ethnicity, 2012...... 47 Table APP J-17: Business Services in Tulita, NT...... 49 Table APP J-18: Businesses in Tulita, NT...... 49 Table APP J-19: Summary of Significance for Cumulative Effects of Past, Current and Reasonably Foreseeable Land Uses ...... 52
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure APP J-1: Meteorological Stations ...... 2 Figure APP J-2: Norman Wells A Winds (2006 – October 2012)...... 4 Figure APP J-3: Norman Wells Winds (October 2012 – 2014)...... 5 Figure APP J-4: Last Day of Snow on Ground, Norman Wells (1955 – 2015) ...... 9 Figure APP J-5: Ecoregion Schematics...... 14 Figure APP J-6: Vegetation Communities ...... 17 Figure APP J-7: Communities in the Vicinity...... 41 Figure APP J-8: Norman Wells Historical Population, 2001 – 2012...... 42 Figure APP J-9: Norman Wells Population by Age Group, 2012 ...... 43 Figure APP J-10: Norman Wells Employment and Unemployment Rates, 1986 – 2009...... 44 Figure APP J-11: Norman Wells Educational Levels, 1986 – 2009...... 44 Figure APP J-12: Tulita Historical Population, 2001 – 2012...... 47 Figure APP J-13: Tulita Population by Age Group, 2012 ...... 48 Figure APP J-14: Tulita Employment and Unemployment Rates, 1986 – 2009...... 49 Figure APP J-15: Tulita Educational Levels, 1986 – 2009 ...... 49
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APPENDIX J – ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW OCTOBER 2015 | ISSUED FOR USE
J-1.0 CLIMATE
The general climate of the Central Mackenzie Valley is subarctic, characterized by long, cold winters, and short, mild summers with extreme seasonal temperature variations. The Mackenzie Valley overall has a somewhat milder climate than adjacent areas to the east and west, while cooler temperatures remain longer over the more mountainous areas (Kokelj 2001). The average annual temperature is below zero with a very short frost-free season and insufficient summer warmth to melt prevalent permafrost areas. Snow and ice cover typically persist between October and May. Annual precipitation is typically low, but sufficient for tree growth, and occurs more frequently in the warmer summer months than during the winter. A large portion of the annual precipitation is stored for several months in the form of snow and therefore snowmelt runoff in the spring is a dominant feature of regional stream hydrographs.
The climate in the vicinity of the proposed Access Road is best described with meteorological data recorded by Environment Canada’s stations at Norman Wells A [1953 – 2012] (65°16'57" N, 126°48.01' W; elevation: 72.5 m; Climate ID: 2202800), and Norman Wells A [2012 – 2014] (65°16'53" N, 126°47.55' W; elevation: 72.5 m; Climate ID: 2202801) (Figure APP J-1).
The data record of daily synoptic observations at Norman Wells meets World Meteorological Organization standards for completeness and describes 30-year regional climate normals for the period 1981 to 2010, summarized in Table APP J-1.
Table APP J-1: Climate Normals: Norman Wells, NT (1981–2010) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual Temperature Daily Maximum (°C) -22.2 -19.5 -12.5 1.0 12.1 20.7 22.5 19.0 11.0 -1.6 -15.2 -19.6 -0.4 Daily Average (°C) -26.1 -24.0 -18.4 -5.1 6.4 15.0 17.1 13.8 6.6 -4.7 -18.7 -23.4 -5.1 Daily Minimum (°C) -29.9 -28.4 -24.2 -11.1 0.6 9.3 11.5 8.4 2.0 -7.7 -22.2 -27.1 -9.9 Extreme Period Maximum (°C) 12.4 7.9 9.2 20.0 31.3 33.5 35.0 32.4 27.1 21.0 8.4 5.7 35.0 Extreme Period Minimum (°C) -48.6 -48.2 -42.8 -33.7 -17.8 -0.1 1.5 -4.5 -15.7 -29.6 -40.6 -44.4 -48.6 Historical Maximum (°C) 12.4 7.9 11.1 20.0 31.3 33.5 35.0 32.4 27.1 21.0 13.3 5.7 35.0 Historical Minimum (°C) -52.2 -54.4 -46.1 -37.2 -17.8 -2.8 -1.1 -6.1 -15.7 -31.7 -42.8 -47.8 -52.2 Precipitation Mean Total Precipitation (mm) 15.6 14.9 10.7 11.1 19.0 42.7 41.8 41.8 33.1 26.7 18.7 18.2 294.4 Mean Snowfall (cm) 21.1 19.9 14.4 12.8 6.4 0.4 0.0 0.7 6.9 27.3 26.0 25.9 161.5 Mean Rainfall (mm) 0.2 0.0 0.1 1.2 13.3 42.4 41.8 41.1 26.7 4.6 0.0 0.2 171.7 Extreme Daily Precipitation (mm) 24.6 20.6 9.6 10.6 19.6 45.1 31.2 37.2 50.8 21.8 10.2 8.8 50.8 Extreme Daily Snowfall (cm) 23.1 27.0 13.0 14.6 19.0 4.6 0.0 7.6 10.1 18.8 16.8 14.8 27.0 Extreme Daily Rainfall (mm) 3.0 0.9 1.8 8.6 19.6 45.1 31.2 37.2 42.8 21.4 0.6 2.0 45.1 Historical Extreme Daily Precip (mm) 24.6 20.6 9.6 26.7 20.6 45.1 49.3 48.5 50.8 21.8 16.5 17.0 50.8 Historical Extreme Daily Snowfall (cm) 23.1 27.0 13.0 28.4 20.6 15.0 2.0 7.6 16.8 18.8 16.8 17.0 28.4 Historical Extreme Daily Rainfall (mm) 3.0 0.9 5.6 12.4 19.6 45.1 49.3 48.5 42.8 21.4 5.8 2.0 49.3 Average Snow Depth (cm) 27 30 30 18 1 0 0 0 0 5 14 22 12 Snow Depth at Month End (cm) 28 30 27 5 0 0 0 0 1 10 18 25 12 Source: Environment Canada, 2015 - NORMAN WELLS A Station: 65°16'57" N, 126°48.1' W; Elevation: 72.5 m; Climate Station ID: 2202800. Monthly data meets WMO completeness requirements for describing climate normals with the exception of the period December 1992 - December 1993 which was omitted.
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J-1.1 Air Temperature
Mean annual, winter and summer temperatures along the proposed Access Road based on the data described in Table APP J-1 is summarized in Table APP J-2.
Table APP J-2: Summary of Air Temperatures – Norman Wells Mean Annual Mean Winter (DJF) Mean Summer (JJA) Latitude Temperature (°C) Temperature (°C) Temperature (°C) Norman Wells 65.28° -5.1 -24.5 15.4 Source: Environment Canada
The annual temperature distribution is typical for mid- to high-latitudes in the northern hemisphere with July as the warmest month and January as the coldest. Temperatures are typically below zero between October and April. The historical high and low temperature extremes at Norman Wells are 35°C (July 1989) and -54.4°C (February 1947) respectively (Environment Canada 2015).
J-1.2 Precipitation
Mean annual precipitation in the vicinity of the proposed Access Road is summarized in Table APP J-3.
Table APP J-3: Summary of Annual Precipitation – Norman Wells Total Precipitation Rainfall Snowfall Average March Latitude (mm) mm Pct. cm Pct. Snow Depth (cm) Norman Wells 65.28° 294.4 171.7 58% 161.5 42% 30 Source: Environment Canada
The largest one-day precipitation event over the thirty-year period was 50.8 mm in Norman Wells on September 6, 1988 which also represents the historical daily maximum.
J-1.3 Wind Speed and Direction
Hourly wind observations from Norman Wells for the period of 2006 to 2014 have been summarized in Table APP J-4. A new meteorological station was established at Norman Wells in October 2012 and recorded winds over the period October 2012 to 2014 are slightly higher due likely to better siting and recording equipment.
Average wind speeds at Norman Wells 9.1 km/hr (Table APP J-4). Wind speeds in the vicinity of the proposed Access Road are typically higher on average during the summer months, although the highest hourly average wind speeds have been observed in December in Norman Wells (56 km/hr).
The prevalent wind direction along the Mackenzie River tends to follow the orientation of the valley, with a general northwest/southeast to west/east component as the river meanders. Wind roses for Norman Wells are summarized by month on Figure APP J-2 and Figure APP J-3.
Table APP J-4: Summary of HourlyWind Observations (Norman Wells) (2006 – 2014) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual Norman Wells (January 2006 – September 2012) Average HourlySpeed (km/hr) 7.2 8.0 8.9 10.9 10.7 10.9 9.4 10.1 9.9 9.0 7.9 7.4 9.2 Maximum HourlyAverage (km/hr) 52 70 48 50 50 46 48 46 46 56 41 56 70 Source: Environment Canada, 2015. NORMAN WELLS AStation: 65°16'57" N, 126°48.01' W; Elevation: 72.5 m; Climate Station ID: 2202800. HourlyData (January2006 – October 2012). Norman Wells (October 2012 – December 2014) Average HourlySpeed (km/hr) 11.6 10.0 12.1 14.7 14.9 14.3 12.8 11.9 12.5 12.7 10.7 8.6 12.2 Maximum HourlyAverage (km/hr) 49 42 44 48 54 48 42 44 45 43 55 42 55 Source: Environment Canada, 2015. NORMAN WELLS AStation: 65°16'53" N, 126°47.55' W; Elevation: 72.5 m; Climate Station ID: 2202801. HourlyData (October 2012 – December 2014).
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J-1.4 Air Quality
Ambient air quality is monitored in the Sahtu Settlement Area at the Northwest Territories ENR station at Norman Wells. Results from the 2008 through 2013 Northwest Territories Air Quality Report are presented in Table APP J-5 along with current Northwest Territories air quality standards.
Table APP J-5: Norman Wells Ambient Air Quality(2008 - 2013) NWT Standards Maximum Level Recorded (with # of Exceedances in Brackets) *Adopted from NAQQO Species **Adopted from BC or Alberta 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Maximum Averaging Period
450 μg/m3 (172 ppb) 1 hr 5 μg/m 3 8 μg/m 3 5 μg/m 3 5 μg/m 3 4.7ppb 2.1ppb
SO2 150 μg/m3 (57 ppb) 24-hr n/a 5 μg/m 3 5 μg/m 3 3 μg/m 3 2.2ppb 1.5ppb 30 μg/m3 (11 ppb) Annual <2 μg/m 3 <3 μg/m 3 <3 μg/m 3 <2 μg/m 3 <1 ppb <1 ppb 400 μg/m3 (213 ppb) 1-hr 29 μg/m3 73 μg/m3 31 μg/m3 42 μg/m3 42.9ppb 33.0ppb
NO2 200 μg/m3 (106 ppb) 24-hr n/a 10 μg/m3 11 μg/m3 13 μg/m3 10.5ppb 12.7ppb
60 μg/m3 (32 ppb) Annual 2 μg/m 3 2 μg/m 3 2 μg/m 3 2 μg/m 3 1.5ppb 2.0ppb *15 mg/ m3 1-hr n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a CO *6 mg/m3 8-hr n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
PM2.5 30 μg/m3 24-hr 23 μg/m3 32 μg/m3 (1) 23 μg/m3 22 μg/m3 35 μg/m3 (1) 17 μg/m3
PM10 **50 μg/m3 24-hr n/a n/a 15 μg/m3 80 μg/m3 (11) 61 μg/m3 (2) 46 μg/m3 ground *160 μg/m3 (82 ppb) 1-hr 105 μg/m3 108 μg/m3 108 μg/m3 110 μg/m3 53.0ppb 55.9ppb
level O3 130 μg/m3 (65 ppb) 8-hr n/a 100 μg/m3 104 μg/m3 106 μg/m3 50.8ppb 54.7ppb *Northwest Territories Air Quality Report, Northwest Territories Environment and Natural Resources (ENR), 2008 through 2013
SO2 concentrations are consistently very low at Norman Wells. Since industrial processes are a major contributor to SO2, baseline levels throughout the Tulita District would be highest near Norman Wells, near negligible at smaller communities like Tulita, and negligible in pristine areas.
Ambient concentrations of NO2 are well below air quality objectives. NO2 concentrations are much higher in the winter months as winter inversions, characterized by very low wind speeds and a stable atmosphere, are very common in the region resulting in a diminished ability for dispersion of pollutants (ENR 2014). Baseline NO2 would likely be lower in more remote areas due to less sources of combustion (automobiles, butane stoves/heaters, industry).
Particulate matter is typically higher on average during summer months at Norman Wells due to short-duration elevated readings from forest fire smoke (particularly PM2.5) and snow-free sources of wind blown dust (gravel roads, construction, etc.). Throughout the region, day-to-day PM2.5 would be quite variable during the summer as a result of prevalence and proximity of forest fires and the migration of smoke from other regions such as Yukon or Alaska.
Ground level ozone at Norman Wells (O3) exhibits a historical spring-time maximum, typical for remote locations in the Northern Hemisphere. Monthly average levels at Norman Wells typically exceed 50 ppb in April and May compared to the annual average of between 20 ppb and 25 ppb. Similar levels would be expected throughout the district. Elevations in ground level O3 through the region would be nearly entirely related to natural mechanisms.
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The monitoring station at Norman Wells does not monitor carbon monoxide (CO); however, 2013 data recorded at Yellowknife shows a peak 1-hour maximum concentration of 2.49 ppm, well below air quality standards (ENR 2014). In Yellowknife, CO is generally attributed to mobile sources; however, in small northern communities, the major contributor to CO production is individual-dwelling wood burning, so peak values would tend to occur during the winter months at Norman Wells and be worsened by inversion. CO is also temporarily elevated by forest fire smoke.
The 12-year trend for PM2.5, NO2 and ground level ozone at Norman Wells shows year-to-year variability, particularly with particulate matter due to variability in forest fire seasons, with no degradation of air quality (ENR 2014).
J-1.5 Climate Change
The proposed Access Road is more sensitive to changes in temperature than in precipitation. Changes in mean annual temperature would most certainly affect the distribution of permafrost and thermokarst processes in the region (Lawford 1989). Late fall precipitation can contribute significant latent heat to soils, which in areas of warm permafrost can inhibit fall freezeback. Winter water flow and icings can also be related to increasing late summer and fall moisture. A general warming and a snow cover of shorter duration would disrupt the thermal stability of the permafrost which is sensitive to minor changes in heat transfer at the ground surface, initiating thaw and decreasing the overall stability of the ground (TAC 2010). Stability of the permafrost depends on maintaining ground temperatures to minimize the thickness of the active layer and to impede thaw (TAC 2010).
During the design stage, a more detailed investigation into summer rainfall trends and then designing drainage systems to accommodate will be necessary. As well, winter maintenance activities may include monitoring for and removal of surface icings.
Climate trends with respect to air temperature and precipitation were determined for Norman Wells for the period 1945 – 2014 based on Environment Canada data. The trends are summarized in Table APP J-6.
Table APP J-6: 1945 - 2014 Climate Change Trends – Norman Wells Mean Annual Mean Winter (DJF) Mean Summer (JJA) Annual Precipitation Temperature Change Temperature Change Temperature Change Change °C/year mm/year Norman Wells +0.034 +0.066 +0.023 -0.72
Historical data shows a warming trend in the region. Warming has been occurring at a faster rate, on average, during the winter than in the summer. Trends in annual precipitation are more variable.
Due to the uncertainty of climate change, it is no longer an accepted procedure to only adopt historic trends as design parameters in regions of permafrost (TAC 2010). General circulation models (GCM) in combination with various population and economic growth scenarios provide simulations of future climate change.
The Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium (PCIC) offers historical and predictive outputs from various Intergovernmental Panel on Planetary Change (IPCC)-approved GCMs for all of Canada for the time period 1950-2100. The outputs are downscaled from global models using a variety of statistical techniques; the ‘BCSD’ downscaling method was selected here. PCIC suggests an ensemble of 12 specific models as representative of the future climate of the Mackenzie Valley, within the ‘ALA’ region. The target time period for describing climate change effects on the Access Road is fifty years in the future, or 2065. The climatology representing 2065 is the 30-year period 2050-2079. The datasets for each scenario were retrieved from PCIC at the coordinates of Norman Wells for the time period 1950-2080. Some of the 12 recommended models were not available for all Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs), reducing the number of models per RCP to a consistent 8. Each scenario consists
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of daily maximumand daily minimum temperature, and precipitation time series. The daily maximum and minimum temperatures were averaged to estimate a daily mean.
The models scenarios are driven by three RCPs which assume different concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which in turn depend strongly on how successfully world-wide consumption of fossil fuels is brought under control. In RCP2.6, concentrations stabilize in 2020 and decrease gradually. Concentrations of RCP4.5 stabilize in 2080, whereas in RCP8.5 concentrations of greenhouse gasses continually increase over the next hundred years. These three concentration pathways are used to represent Low, Medium, and High estimates of future air temperature and precipitation.
Upper and lower estimates (calculated as the ensemble mean of the RCP8.5 and RCP2.6 scenarios, respectively) and the mean projection scenarios (mean of the RCP4.5 ensemble) are summarized in Table APP J-7 for mean annual temperature, mean winter temperature and annual precipitation for the Southern Mackenzie Valley represented by Norman Wells. The 65-year historic trends at Norman Wells are also provided as a comparison. The climate change projections are represented as the change in degrees relative to the modelled baseline time frame of 1981-2010, and as a percentage change in annual precipitation.
Table APP J-7: Climate Change Scenarios for Southern Mackenzie Valley 11961-1990 1981 – 2010 2050 – 2079 Climate Change 1945 – 2010 Climate Climate Projections Trend Normals Normals RCP2.6 RCP4.5 RCP8.5 (Norman Wells) (Norman Wells) (Norman Wells) (Low) (Med) (High) Mean Annual Temperature (ºC) -6.0 ºC -5.2 ºC +0.034 ºC/yr +1.77 +2.78 +4.15 2Mean Winter Temperature (ºC) -26.3 ºC -24.5 ºC +0.064 ºC/yr +2.39 +3.88 +5.82 Annual Precipitation (mm) 317 mm 296 mm -0.7 mm/yr +5% +11% +18% Source: PCIC (2014) 1 Source: Environment Canada: Norman Wells 1961-1990 Climate Normals. 2 Mean winter temperature is calculated as the mean of December, January and February temperatures.
Global climate models (Table APP J-7) predict a general warming trend for the region, with mean annual temperatures potentially increasing to -1°C from the 1981-2010 normals of -5.2°C by 2065. The lowest predicted annual mean increase is similar in magnitude to the observed warming trend at Norman Wells over the past 65 years. The predicted rates of winter temperature increase are similar to the observed historical trend, with only the RCP8.5 scenario warming at a faster rate in the winter.
Warmer winters would lead to a shortened snow season. The historical (1955 to 2014) regional trend is illustrated in Figure APP J-4 as a plot of the final day of snow on ground at Norman Wells. The plot, although highly variable year to year, shows a general trend towards an earlier melt and more snow-free days which would continue at the expected rate of winter warming.
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Figure APP J-4: Last Day of Snow on Ground, Norman Wells, (1955 – 2015)
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110 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
Over the next 50 years, annual air temperatures will be increasing on average in the region, decreasing the duration of continuous snow cover and sub-zero temperatures for the region of permafrost. Natural year-to-year variability will be superimposed on the climate change trend.
Although climate models predict that an increase in precipitation at high latitudes is very likely, the effects of climate change on regional precipitation patterns are uncertain as they will be significantly influenced by changes in global circulation patterns (Hengeveld 1997). For the Middle and Upper Mackenzie Valley, the GCM projected increase in precipitation over the next 30 years is between 5% and 18% over the 1981 to 2010 baseline (296 mmfor Norman Wells). The 65-year historical trend of annual precipitation at Norman Wells; however, is a decrease of about 6%, or 0.7 mm per year. Climate models have tended to produce mixed results in terms of precipitation projections and have often over-predicted historical precipitation (Burn 2003). J-2.0 TERRAIN AND TOPOGRAPHY
Table APP J-8 below, provides a summary of terrain conditions along the proposed Access Road. This summary incorporates observations made during the 2010 field program for the proposed Mackenzie Valley Highway and information available in published documents.
Table APP J-8: Terrain Conditions along the Proposed Access Road General Description of Route and Terrain Conditions . From northeast of the Norman Wells Airport, the proposed Access Road crosses a till plain within the Mackenzie Plain physiographic subdivision that gently slopes to the southwest towards the Mackenzie River. Bedrock comprising predominately shales, sandstones and carbonates underlies the till. . Elevation (topographic relief) along this section of the proposed Access Road changes from approximately 144 m a.s.l. at the intersection with Quarry Road to approximately 85 m a.s.l. east of Canyon Creek Bridge. The source of these elevations is the LiDAR data collected by Lidar Services International Inc. in 2010, which is integrated to NAD83. . The Mackenzie Plain is primarily covered by glacial tills and glaciolacustrine and glaciofluvial deposits. Glaciation resulted in a generally flat to gently rolling and sloping topography. The till deposits have been surficially reworked by meltwaters and at lower elevations were subsequently covered with glaciolacustrine silts, clays and fine sands.
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Table APP J-8: Terrain Conditions along the Proposed Access Road General Description of Route and Terrain Conditions . At higher elevations the till is at surface but covered by an organic mat. The till is a mix of silt and clay with some sand, cobbles and boulders are disseminated throughout. The till plain extends to the lower elevations, but as noted above is overlain by a veneer of glaciofluvial and glaciolacustrine sediments below about 140 m. . The plain is generally poorly to moderately well-drained with overland and subsurface downslope seepage in shallow sub- parallel runnels perpendicular to most of the proposed road alignment. . Permafrost is widespread along the proposed alignment and excessive ground ice is common in the till and overlying soils. Permafrost conditions are characterized by the occurrence of discontinuous lenses of segregated ice in the upper 2 m to 3 m. . Larger discrete bodies of ground ice can occur at depth. Although likely, they have been encountered in previous investigations. Permafrost features include thermokarst lakes and depressions indicative of the ice-rich condition of the underlying till. . North of Canyon Creek there are two options. Option A takes the higher ground broadly following the 1974 PWC alignment, but intersects the base of the rock quarry rather than following the 1974 PWC alignment and going above. Option B follows the existing winter road and passes closer to the Town of Norman Wells. These options were considered in the preliminary design; however, the existing winter road alignment is subject to natural ground that has lesser stability due to moisture and thawing of permafrost. The proposed Access Road would pass through the base of the rock quarry which avoids the unstable ground along the existing winter road.
J-2.1 General Topography and Geology
The proposed Access Road is located within the Mackenzie Plain physiographic region which encompasses both sides of the Mackenzie River and extends beyond the project area. On the east side of the river the Plain is narrow relative to its counterpart west of the river. The Franklin Mountain physiographic subdivision borders the Mackenzie Plain on its northeast side (Bostock, H.S. 2014). The Franklin Mountains physiographic unit is represented by the rugged Discovery Ridge of the Norman Range. The Kee Escarpment is located on the front range of the Discovery Ridge. The existing Norman Wells quarry is situated on the south part of the Kee Escarpment and has been widely used by the Town of Norman Wells and for various construction purposes around town.
The Mackenzie Plain is covered by moraine till and lesser overlying glaciofluvial and glaciolacustrine deposits. Glaciation has resulted in a generally smooth to gently rolling and sloping topography. In general, segments covered with glaciolacustrine deposits are deficient in granular materials, while thin glaciofluvial deposits (containing irregularly alternating sand and gravel strata with variable silt content) present some prospects for construction materials, but are limited and discontinuous.
The bedrock in the area comprises predominately shales, sandstones and carbonates and is exposed in escarpments along the northeast margin on the Mackenzie Plain (PEMCAN 1972). The Franklin Mountains unit is represented by the rugged Discovery Ridge of the Norman Wells Range Numerous exposures of Devoian limestone form steep walls with talus accumulations of broken and eroded material at the base (PEMCAN 1972). The Devonian limestone is suitable for manufacturing construction aggregate. The Norman Wells quarry is partly in a limestone outcrop and partly in less competent shales and sedimentary rocks.
J-2.2 Surficial Geology
The surficial deposits along the proposed Access Road are glacial and post-glacial (Holocene) in age. Surficial geology mapping for the Norman Wells District prepared by the Geological Survey of Canada (Duk-Rodkin 2002; Chatwin, Hanley, Hughes and Pilon 1975), provides an overview of the terrain conditions in this area.
Glacial till, with lesser proportions of glaciolacustrine, glaciofluvial and thick organic deposits exist along the proposed Norman Wells to Canyon Creek Access Road. The selection of the route broadly follows the PWC 1975
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According to Alysworth et al 2000, glaciolacustrine deposits typify much of the central axis of the Mackenzie Valley. They mark the position of temporary, large lake basins formed during deglaciation due to the combined effect of isostatic depression of the surface and the damming of drainage behind retreating ice margins. These fine-grained sediments are particularly susceptible to the formation of ground ice and are thaw sensitive and potentially erodible when disturbed. Thermokarst features are indicative in these deposits. The lower elevations of the access road travelling towards Canyon Creek comprise fine grained lacustrine clay and silt lacustrine materials, and recent fluvial sediments form the present day Canyon Creek stream channel.
Organic deposits overlie the till, glaciolacustrine and glaciofluvial materials. They are wet and range from relatively thin to moderately thick. The thick organic and lacustrine deposits around the shallow depressions and the thermokarst terrain have been avoided.
The following provides a summary of the terrain types along the proposed route based on mapping by Duk-Rodkin (2002) and Chatwin, Hanley, Hughes and Pilon (1975). The generalized terrain types are presented in Table APP J-9. This classification is based on observations from the 2010 field investigation for the proposed Mackenzie Valley Highway, a review of orthophotographs, LIDAR topographic survey data along the proposed Highway, and the above mentioned surficial geology mapping of the area.
Table APP J-9: Terrain Types Along the Proposed Access Road Approximate Percent Terrain Terrain Description Distribution Along Type the Access Road 1 Till Deposits – deposited directly, or with minor reworking by glacier ice. >85 (relatively stable, overlain by an organic cover) 2 Glaciolacustrine or Glaciofluvial Deposits – deposited in proglacial or glacially dammed <15 environments, and recent lacustrine deposits. (generally wet, silt and clay, fine sand and organic sediments, moderate to thick organic cover)
J-2.2.1 Terrain Unit 1
Moraine till is the dominate material along the proposed alignment. Moraine till deposits generally consist of well-compacted, heterogeneous materials with a varying mixture of particle sizes set in a matrix of clay, silt and sand and are deposited directly by and underneath a glacier. Till covers greater than 85% of the Access Road route based on mapping by Chatwin, Hanley, Hughes and Pilon (1975). These deposits are generally moderately- well-drained and form smooth to rolling topography. During deglaciation the surface of the moraine till deposits were modified by water and wind erosion and the subsequent deposition of glaciolacustrine and glaciofluvial deposits.
Till deposits provide suitable foundation conditions for construction of the Access Road. They present few limitations to construction except in areas where drainage is poor and subsurface conditions are ice-rich.
J-2.2.2 Terrain Unit 2
For this project, soils deposited on the glacial ground moraine during deglaciation are grouped into Terrain Unit 2. Glaciolacustrine, deposits typically include silt, clay and fine sand. They formed in pond/lake bottom settings due to settling of fine particles from suspension, and occasionally by underwater gravity flows in bodies of standing fresh
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water and glacial lakes. These units are found in low-lying, wet lowland terrain and old lakebed locations. Well defined glaciolacustrine deposits have been avoided for the most part but discontinuous layers of fine grained soils are found within the lower elevations near Canyon Creek and have been estimated to be found along about 15% of the Access Road route. In general, this terrain is poorly drained and often contains standing water. It is commonly overlain by moderate to thick organic over. Permafrost is present under this terrain unit. Because of the fine textured nature of these sediments, and the imperfectly to poorly drained conditions, these sediments are ice-rich and highly susceptible to compaction and rutting. High ice contents are common in glaciolacustrine deposits, especially if they are insulated by an organic cover and are poorly drained.
Glaciolacustrine sediments present limitations for road construction and maintenance due to their fine-grained nature. Their limitations are due to their wetness (relatively high ground ice content), high settlement potential and erodibility. Glaciolacustrine deposits are highly susceptible to gullying even on gentle slopes, following removal of vegetation. Deposit thicknesses are typically greatest in areas of lacustrine sediments and thick organic terrain.
Retrogressive thaw flow slides, active layer detachment and rotational failures can develop in this unit following disturbance of vegetation and thermal disturbance, but no failures were noted within the project area and proximity of the proposed Access Road.
Glaciofluvial deposits contain more sand and gravel size particles which are interbedded and irregular. The coarser texture of these materials provide for a better terrain to cross, but the unit is not well shown on the historic 1:125,000 and 1:250,000 scale maps (Duk-Rodkin 2002; Hanley, P.T and Chatwin, S.C 1975).
J-2.3 Permafrost
Permafrost, or perennially frozen ground, is defined as soil or rock having temperatures below 0˚C over at least two consecutive winters and the intervening summer (R.J.E. Brown and Kupsch, 1974). Permafrost is defined as a ground thermal condition without consideration of the presence of ground ice. However, it is the amount of ground ice in the frozen ground that determines its physical-mechanical properties and the resulting stability of the foundation soils.
Permafrost is present in the fine-grained materials along the proposed Access Road and likely occurs at variable depths and thicknesses. Active layers in the Norman Wells area range from <1.0 m to <1.5 m for undisturbed forested soil to >1.5 m for sites disturbed through clearing and >3 m for cleared and filled sites (Robinson, S; Couture, R; Burgess, M, 2001). However, it should be noted that active layer thicknesses can be highly variable and are dependent on many variables including soil type, thickness of organic cover, exposure, etc.
Thawing of permafrost can result in substantial thaw settlement, the loss of the soil’s structural integrity, and can thus ultimately adversely affect the stability of the Access Road. Minimizing disturbance to permafrost and avoiding ice-rich sensitive terrain are important and key routing considerations.
Frozen ground can contain excess ice, where the amount of water contained in the soil matrix in a frozen state is higher than would be retained in the soil in an unfrozen state. The excess ice can be found mixed (disseminated, non-visible) within the soil matrix, or can be in the form of pure ice, ice lenses or ice wedges. These ice-rich soils are sensitive to thermal disturbance and can result in significant thaw settlement and instability if disturbed. The importance of these ice inclusions is the susceptibility of these materials to melt, the resultant ground disturbance, and the suitability for use as construction material.
J-2.4 Geohazards
Geohazards are defined as natural, existing or potential, geomorphic and geologic processes and formations that could lead to damage to engineering structures. No geohazards were specifically identified along the proposed J - 12
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Access Road during the 2010 field program that posed a clear and present risk to the project. However, possible hazards that in the future could impact the road include various forms of landslides and debris flows, or a remote scenario of a significant earthquake (seismicity),
Relevant hazards and vulnerabilities to the proposed Access Road are directly related to working in a permafrost environment on permafrost terrain are categorized as permafrost-related conditions. The significance of potential impacts to the project are described below.
These include near-surface occurrences of ice-rich ground, as indicated by thermokarst features and ice-rich, thaw-sensitive peatland terrain. Associated long-term thaw settlement along the Access Road is considered a vulnerability and project risk.
J-2.4.1 Massive Ground Ice
Features indicating massive ground ice deposits that are readily identifiable on aerial photographs and fromthe air, such as ice wedges and polygonal patterned ground were not identified in the project area. Other types of massive ground ice, such as massive ice lenses, are not necessarily directly revealed by the present-day surface features, and their occurrences are suggested by indirect geomorphic indicators or by identification through drilling boreholes. Massive ground ice conditions are more common in elevated, undulating terrain, but relic ice lenses can also exist around low-lying depressions such as thermokarst lakes.
J-2.4.2 Retrogressive Thaw Flows
According to Aylsworth et al. (2000), landslides in permafrost terrain are characterized by two distinct classes (flows and slides) based on mechanism of failure and morphology. Several different types of landslides make up each of these two major classes. Flows can be further subdivided into shallow active layer detachments (or skin flows), deeper retrogressive thaw flows, and rapid debris flows. Slides are subdivided into rotational slides and translational slides.
No landslide activity was identified along the proposed Access Road.
J-2.4.3 Peatland Terrain
Peatlands are areas where the soils consist of partially decomposed organic materials, dominates by mosses and sedges and, to a lesser degree, shrubs and trees. The Mackenzie Valley is characterized by vast peatlands across both the continuous and discontinuous permafrost zones (Aylsworth, J.M. and Kettles, I.M. 2000). Along the proposed Access Road, organic deposits that comprise peatlands are commonly found in the low-lying areas within undulating glaciolacustrine or till plains, and as a cover over recent Holocene deposits.
Although there are many classes of peatland, bog and fen are the two main classes that are found along the proposed Access Road. Each of these peatland types has distinctive vegetation assemblages (bogs consist of Sphagnum and dwarf shrubs with a few stunted trees, whereas fens are dominated by grassy species, shrubs and scattered trees), morphologies, water regimes, and thermal conditions. Soils and organic deposits underlying the bog area are typically frozen (and ice-rich), while soils underlying fen deposits are typically unfrozen. Polygonal patterned ground and underlying wedge ice can be common occurrences in peatlands in the sub-arctic forest.
J-2.4.4 Thermokarst
The melting of discrete bodies of massive ground ice and the thawing of ice-rich perennially frozen fine-grained soils produce a conspicuous irregular surface relief comprising isolated depressions and mounds known as
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thermokarst terrain. The presence of thermokarst terrain was identified near the Access Road and has been avoided by traversing above the terrain onto higher elevations. J-3.0 VEGETATION
This section describes the vegetation communities and habitats that are present along the proposed Access Road.
J-3.1 General
Across North America, ecosystems are classified into multi-levelled units based on similar climate, physiography, and vegetation communities. This continental ecosystem classification approach identifies Level I ecoregions based on influences at the broadest national level to Level II, Level III and Level IV based on successively finer geographic locations. In the Northwest Territories, three Level 1 Ecoregions are recognized: 1) Tundra; 2) Taiga; and, 3) Northwestern Forested Mountains.
The proposed Access Road is located within the Taiga Level 1 Ecoregion, which is further subdivided into the Taiga Plains (Level II), Taiga Plains Low Subarctic (Level III) and the North Mackenzie Plain Subarctic (Level IV) ecoregions dominated by Canada's largest river, the Mackenzie, and its tributaries.
• Level I Taiga Ecoregion • Broad continent scale
Taiga Plains • Level II Ecoregion • Broad national scale
Taiga Plains Low • Level III Subarctic • Regional climate scale Ecoregion
North Mackenzie • Level IV • Distinctive regional scale Plain Low based on local climate, Subarctic physiography, vegetation, soil, Ecoregion water, and wildlife
Figure APP J-5: Ecoregion Schematics
J-3.1.1 Taiga Plains and Taiga Plains Low Subarctic Ecoregions
The Taiga Plains Ecoregion (Level II) occurs mainly within the Northwest Territories and northern Alberta. In the Northwest Territories, it extends north from the 60th parallel, lying south of the treeline, west of the Canadian Shield and east of the mountain ranges; covering 480,493 km2. It is characterized by level to gently undulating relief with a few significant hill systems and long, cold winters and short cool summers, which contributes to widespread permafrost and limits tree and plant growth. The Ecosystem Classification Group (2007) describes characteristics specific to the Taiga Plains Ecoregion.
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Water covers approximately 18% of the Taiga Plains present in the Northwest Territories, and includes the Mackenzie River and its tributaries and most of the Mackenzie Delta, Great Slave Lake and Great Bear Lake, along with an extensive number of smaller lakes and ponds (Ecosystem Classification Group 2007).
In the lowlands, peatlands are extensive, and cover nearly half of the total area. Upland areas are predominantly level to undulating variable-textured and often bouldery till plains derived from the last major glaciation (Ecosystem Classification Group 2007). Remnants from the post-glacial lake, Glacial Lake McConnell, persist as extensive lacustrine deposits, bedrock escarpments and beach ridges in the lowlands (Ecosystem Classification Group 2007).
Within the Taiga Plains Ecoregion, the proposed Access Road lies within the Taiga Plains Low Subarctic (LS) Ecoregion (Level III), which is dominated by closed to open canopied white (Picea glauca) and black (Picea mariana) spruce forests with lichen and low shrub understories, and black spruce dominated wetlands (Ecosystem Classification Group 2007).
At a finer scale, the proposed Access Road lies within the North Mackenzie Plain Low Subarctic Ecoregion (Level IV).
North Mackenzie Plain Low Subarctic Ecoregion
This Level IV ecoregion is an extensive level to gently undulating area with extensive imperfectly- to poorly-drained areas that have developed into wetlands. Its distinguishing features include glacial till deposits (lacustrine deposits from Glacial Lake McConnell, and fluvial and glaciofluvial deposits along the Mackenzie River and its major tributaries) dominating across a level to gently undulating plain, covered by low-canopy mixed coniferous forests with an understory of shrubs, lichen and moss in the uplands and peat plateaus throughout the lowlands (Ecosystem Classification Group 2007). The Ecosystem Classification Group (2007) describes characteristics specific to this ecoregion.
Closed to open mixed spruce-shrub-moss-lichen stands are common in unburned areas. However, recent fires in this area have had a major influence on the vegetation communities. Till uplands previously burnt are regenerating shrublands dominated by dwarf birch (Betula nana), green alder (Alnus viridis) and Alaska paper birch, or mixed spruce – Alaska paper birch communities. Alaska paper birch is the most common deciduous tree species; but, trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) also occur on south-facing slopes and are at their northerly limit near the Great Bear River gap. Peat plateaus are also scattered throughout the Ecoregion; however, they are concentrated mainly in the north (Ecosystem Classification Group 2007). Runnel permafrost patterns, evidence of active permafrost processes, are common and form on gentle slopes mainly in the north and south of the ecoregion.
Major watercourses in this Ecoregion are the Mackenzie, Great Bear, Carcajou, Mountain and Hare Indian Rivers (Ecosystem Classification Group 2007). Three main landform types exist in this Ecoregion. Fluvial or glaciofluvial terraces parallel the Mackenzie River and its tributaries, medium to course textured lacustrine plains occupy narrow discontinuous bands along the river and undulating to hummocky till veneers lie in higher terrain. Bedrock is also exposed in some areas (Ecosystem Classification Group 2007).
The vegetation communities of this Level IV ecoregion are described in further detail below.
J-3.2 Vegetation Communities
The descriptions of the vegetation communities found along and in the vicinity of the proposed Access Road were derived from the results of an aerial reconnaissance assessment of routes which was completed between September 6 and September 10, 2010 (EBA 2011). Results from the aerial reconnaissance were then compared with the Earth Observation for Sustainable Development (EOSD) mapping for the region and vegetation
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communities described within the Mackenzie Gas Project (MGP) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) (Imperial Oil 2004).
In general, the area is dominated by level, or rolling, topography characterized by open black spruce forests and shrub meadows with isolated patches of mixedwood forests.
Seven broad vegetation communities were identified that are present within approximately 500 m of the proposed Access Road and associated footprints:
. Open black spruce;
. Byroids;
. Upland mixed forest;
. Wetland shrub
. Low shrub;
. Open deciduous forest; and
. Exposed land.
These broad vegetation communities also generally encompass the community types described previously by the MGP EIS, using satellite imagery and detailed ground surveys (Imperial Oil 2004). However, the MGP EIS does not provide spatial locations of these community types and thus, they may or may not occur within the vicinity of the proposed Access Road.
Based on the Fire History map (1965 to 2014) (ENR 2014) no forest fires have been documented along the proposed Access Road. No regenerating communities post-fire are expected.
J-3.2.1 Open Black Spruce
Open black spruce communities occur along the majority of the proposed Access Road (approximately 90%), and is the most common vegetation community in the area (mapped as “Coniferous-open and Coniferous-sparse” communities on Figure App J-6). The canopy cover, dominated by black spruce and some tamarack, ranges from approximately 5% to 20%. Understory vegetation includes black spruce, labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum), willow (Salix spp.), dwarf birch, bog bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum), and variable cover of mosses and lichens. The ground cover is dominated either by lichen and/or moss. This broad community type is associated with both upland and lowland terrain and is similar to the black spruce/ground birch, black spruce-tamarack, upland black spruce/lichen, and black spruce-labrador tea/mountain cranberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) communities described within the MGP EIS (Imperial Oil 2004).
J-3.2.2 Bryoids
Bryoid vegetation communities are associated with greater than 20% ground moss/lichen coverage or those with moss/lichen species representative of approximately 30% of the total vegetation cover. This community type exists within the local area (Figure App J-6), but is not known to exist within the project footprint. This community may exist as isolated patches within open black spruce communities, and generally encompasses the upland black spruce/lichen community described in the MGP EIS.
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J-3.2.3 Upland Mixed Forest
Forest mixed with white and black spruce and Alaska birch/trembling aspen occur on middle slopes to crest positions in the local study area, including at the proposed granular source site (mapped as “Mixedwood-open” communities on Figure App J-6). Approximately 5% of the proposed footprint is located within upland mixed forests. This community includes an open canopy of spruce and deciduous trees. The understory is dominated by Alaska birch, willow, alder, and Labrador tea, moss, and lichens. This upland mixed forest broad community type generally encompasses the upland Alaska birch-spruce and upland white spruce-Alaska birch communities described in the MGP EIS.
J-3.2.4 Wetland Shrub
This community type is found on depressional or level topography and is dominated by shrubs including dwarf birch, willow, and sweet gale (Myrica gale). In the local study area, shrub wetlands primarily occur near the proposed quarry, but no known disturbance to this community type is expected. This broad community type may be most representative of the ground birch-water sedge wetland described in the MGP EIS.
J-3.2.5 Low Shrub
Along the proposed Access Road, low shrub communities exist along the fire breaks as a result of disturbance. This community is dominated by shrubs on average 2 m (or less) in height and regenerating deciduous and coniferous tress on upland or level topography. Approximately 3% of the proposed footprint is located within a low shrub community. This community type is most representative of the regenerating forest communities described in the MGP EIS.
J-3.2.6 Open Deciduous Forest
This community type was mapped in the EOSD as forest patches dominated by broadleaf trees (covering at least 75% or more of the total basal area) occurring chiefly north of the town quarry and extending northwest of Norman Wells. This community type was unconfirmed during the reconnaissance field survey, and is present across less than 1% of the project footprint. Open deciduous forests may be representative of the upland trembling aspen/prickly rose community described in the MGP EIS or may be coniferous forests (with a sparse canopy) dominated by tall shrubs.
J-3.2.7 Exposed Land
Within the local study area, exposed land exists at the town quarry, near the proposed quarry, and along Canyon Creek. Approximately 3% of the proposed Access Road footprint is located on exposed land available at the town quarry.
J-3.3 Rare Plants
Rare plant surveys were conducted as part of the work completed for the MGP (Imperial Oil 2004). During these surveys, six rare plants species were documented in the North Taiga Plains Ecological Zone (i.e., north portion of the Taiga Plains Ecoregion), which includes the area to be traversed by the proposed Access Road. None of these species are listed under the Species at Risk (Northwest Territories) Act or the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA).
Four rare plant species documented for the MGP were associated with wet habitat types, including marshes, lakeshores and springs. For design purposes, the proposed road alignment traverses across upland habitat types, as much as possible. The six rare plant species reported to occur in this ecoregion are listed in Table APP J-10.
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Table APP J-10: Rare Plants Documented by Imperial Oil (2004) in the North Taiga Plains Ecological Zone Expected on or Common Northwest COSEWIC Habitat Association Immediately Near Name Territories Proposed Access Road? Prairie Sensitive Not Assessed Esker material within common No; suitable habitat not Gentian juniper/common bearberry expected (Gentiana community type near the Hare Indian affinis) River and at the edge of a river south of Yeltea Lake (both North of Fort Good Hope). Moor Rush Sensitive Not Assessed Bog rosemary/cotton-grass-peat No; suitable habitat not (Juncus moss community type found in expected stygius) organic terrain created by thermokarst subsidence (i.e., collapse scars in peat plateaus). Poverty Oat Sensitive Not Assessed White Spruce-Black Spruce-Shrubby No; suitable habitat not Grass Cinquefoil community located in a expected (Danthonia low river terrace north of Tulita. spicata) Northern Undetermined Not Assessed Marsh adjacent to an undocumented No; suitable habitat not bugleweed lake northwest of Tulita. expected (Lycopus uniflorus) Rolland’s May Be At Risk Not Assessed Calcareous spring. No; suitable habitat not bulrush expected (Scirpus rollandii) Red goosefoot May Be At Risk Not Assessed Exposed mudflat along an No; suitable habitat not (Chenopodium undocumented lake south of the expected rubrum) Gwich’in and Sahtu border.
J-4.0 WILDLIFE
J-4.1 General
The distribution and abundance of wildlife species in the vicinity of the proposed Access Road will vary with season, life history stage, habitat availability, and hunting and trapping pressures. This section summarizes known and expected wildlife use in the vicinity of the proposed Access Road based on available literature [predominantly from the MGP EIS (Imperial Oil 2004)] and reconnaissance aerial survey fieldwork conducted for the proposed Mackenzie Valley Highway (EBA 2011) from September 6 to 10, 2010 and specific to this proposed Access Road on June 1, 2015.
The local study area encompasses 500 mon either side of the proposed project footprint, which includes any direct habitat loss as well as possible indirect effects to wildlife and wildlife habitats (e.g., visual and auditory disturbances). The regional study area encompasses a maximum of 30 km (on either side) from the proposed project footprint, which is the same wildlife regional study area considered for the Mackenzie Gas Project (Imperial Oil 2004). The
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Appendix J - Environmental Overview APPENDIX J – ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW OCTOBER 2015 | ISSUED FOR USE use of the same regional study area facilitates application of this previous knowledge into this PDR, and is also of sufficient size to incorporate the median boreal caribou home range size (Nagy et al. 2003).
The proposed Access Road is 14 km long and 60 m wide (total approximately 84.62 ha), and traverses 11.32 ha of previously disturbed habitat (i.e., town quarry, winter road). The extent of the proposed quarry and its haul road is 23.34 ha, of which, 5.11 ha extends over previously disturbed habitat. In total, the project is proposed to directly affect approximately 91.53 ha of previously undisturbed habitat.
The North Mackenzie Plain Low Subarctic Ecoregion was selected to provide a regional context to the baseline wildlife conditions since baseline wildlife occurrence information and available habitat mapping is based primarily on literature reviews.
This section has been divided into mammals, birds and amphibians to address the large and diverse group of species that may use the regional area, or may be present in the vicinity of the proposed Access Road from time to time. A total of 33 species of mammals, 130 species birds and 2 species of amphibian occur, or have the potential to occur in the regional area (Centre for Geomatics 2015; eBird 2012; ENR 2005;Kays and Wilson 2002; Sale 2006; Sibley 2003). These species are listed below.
Table APP J-11: Wildlife Species Occurring or Potentially Occurring within the Study Area Conservation Status Common Name Scientific Name Northwest SARA COSEWIC Territories Birds Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons Secure - Not Assessed SnowGoose Chen caerulescens Secure - Not Assessed CanadaGoose Branta canadensis Secure - Not Assessed Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus Secure - Not Assessed American Wigeon Anas americana Secure - Not Assessed Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Secure - Not Assessed Blue-winged Teal Anas discors Secure - NotAssessed Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata Secure - Not Assessed Northern Pintail Anas acuta Sensitive - Not Assessed Green-winged Teal Anas crecca Secure - Not Assessed Canvasback Aythya valisineria Secure - Not Assessed Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris Secure - Not Assessed Greater Scaup Aythya marila Secure - Not Assessed LesserScaup Aythya affinis Sensitive - Not Assessed Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata Sensitive - Not Assessed White-winged Scoter Melanitta fusca Sensitive - Not Assessed Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis Sensitive - Not Assessed Bufflehead Bucephala albeola Secure - NotAssessed CommonGoldeneye Bucephala clangula Secure - Not Assessed Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator Secure - Not Assessed Ruffed Grouse Bonasa umbellus Secure - Not Assessed Spruce Grouse Falcipennis canadensis Secure - Not Assessed Willow Ptarmigan Lagopus lagopus Secure - Not Assessed
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Table APP J-11: Wildlife Species Occurring or Potentially Occurring within the Study Area Conservation Status Common Name Scientific Name Northwest SARA COSEWIC Territories Rock Ptarmigan Lagopus muta Secure - Not Assessed Sharp-tailed Grouse Tympanuchus phasianellus Secure - Not Assessed Red-throated Loon Gavia stellata Secure - Not Assessed Pacific Loon Gavia pacifica Secure - Not Assessed CommonLoon Gavia immer Secure - Not At Risk Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus Secure Under Consideration Special Concern Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena Secure - Not At Risk Osprey Pandion haliaetus Secure - Not Assessed Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Secure - Not At Risk Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus Secure - Not At Risk Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus Secure - Not At Risk Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Secure - Not At Risk Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis Secure - Not At Risk Rough-legged Hawk Buteo lagopus Secure - Not At Risk Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos Secure - Not At Risk Merlin Falco columbarius Secure - Not At Risk Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus Secure - Not At Risk Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Sensitive Special Concern Special Concern Sandhill Crane Grusanatum/tundrius canadensis Secure - Not Assessed Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola Sensitive - Not Assessed American Golden-Plover Pluvialis dominica Sensitive - Not Assessed Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus Secure - Not Assessed Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Secure - Not Assessed Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Sensitive - Not Assessed Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria Undetermined - Not Assessed Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius Secure - Not Assessed Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Sensitive - Not Assessed Hudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica Sensitive - Not Assessed Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla Sensitive - Not Assessed Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla Sensitive - Not Assessed Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii Secure - Not Assessed Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos Secure - Not Assessed Stilt Sandpiper Calidris himantopus Undetermined - Not Assessed Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus Sensitive - Not Assessed Wilson’s Snipe Gallinago delicata Undetermined - Not Assessed Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus Sensitive Under Consideration Special Concern Bonaparte’s Gull Larus philadelphia Secure - Not Assessed Mew Gull Larus canus Secure - Not Assessed Herring Gull Larus argentatus Secure - Not Assessed Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea Secure - Not Assessed
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Table APP J-11: Wildlife Species Occurring or Potentially Occurring within the Study Area Conservation Status Common Name Scientific Name Northwest SARA COSEWIC Territories Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus Secure - Not Assessed Snowy Owl Bubo scandiacus Secure - Not At Risk Northern Hawk Owl Surnia ulula Secure - Not At Risk Great Grey Owl Strix nebulosa Secure - Not At Risk Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus Sensitive Special Concern Special Concern Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor At Risk Threatened Threatened Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon Secure - Not Assessed Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius Secure - Not Assessed Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens Secure - Not Assessed Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus Secure - Not Assessed American Three-toed Picoides dorsalis Secure - Not Assessed Black-backed Woodpecker Picoides arcticus Secure - Not Assessed Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus Secure - Not Assessed Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi At Risk Threatened Threatened Alder Flycatcher Empidonax alnorum Secure - Not Assessed Least Flycatcher Empidonax minimus Secure - Not Assessed Eastern Phoebe Sayornis phoebe Secure - Not Assessed Say’s Phoebe Sayornis saya Undetermined - Not Assessed Northern Shrike Lanius excubitor Secure - Not Assessed Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus Secure - Not Assessed Gray Jay Perisoreus canadensis Secure - Not Assessed Common Raven Corvus corax Secure - Not Assessed Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris Secure - Not Assessed Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor Secure - Not Assessed Bank Swallow Riparia riparia Secure Under Consideration Threatened Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon (Hirundo) Secure - Not Assessed Barn Swallow Hirundophyrrhon rusticaota Sensitive Under Consideration Threatened Boreal Chickadee Poecile hudsonica Sensitive - Not Assessed Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula Secure - Not Assessed Townsend’s Solitaire Myadestes townsendi Secure - Not Assessed Gray-cheeked Thrush Catharus minimus Secure - Not Assessed Swainson’s Thrush Catharus ustulatus Secure - Not Assessed Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus Secure - Not Assessed American Robin Turdus migratorius Secure - Not Assessed Varied Thrush Ixoreus naevius Undetermined - Not Assessed American Pipit Anthus rubescens Sensitive - Not Assessed Bohemian Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus Secure - Not Assessed Tennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrina Secure - Not Assessed Orange-crowned Warbler Vermivora celata Secure - Not Assessed Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia Secure - Not Assessed
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Table APP J-11: Wildlife Species Occurring or Potentially Occurring within the Study Area Conservation Status Common Name Scientific Name Northwest SARA COSEWIC Territories Magnolia Warbler Dendroica magnolia Secure - Not Assessed Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata Secure - Not Assessed Palm Warbler Dendroica palmarum Secure - Not Assessed Blackpoll Warbler Dendroica striata Sensitive - Not Assessed Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis Secure - Not Assessed Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas Secure - Not Assessed Wilson’s Warbler Wilsonia pusilla Secure - Not Assessed American Tree Sparrow Spizella arborea Sensitive - Not Assessed Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina Secure - Not Assessed Clay-colored Sparrow Spizella pallida Secure - Not Assessed Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis Secure - Not Assessed Fox Sparrow Passerella ilia Secure - Not Assessed Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia Undetermined - Not Assessed Lincoln’s Sparrow Melospiza lincolnii Secure - Not Assessed White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis Sensitive - Not Assessed Harris’s Sparrow Zonotrichia querula Sensitive - Not Assessed White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys Secure - Not Assessed Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis Secure - Not Assessed Lapland Longspur Calcarius lapponicus Secure - Not Assessed Smith’s Longspur Calcarius pictus Undetermined - Not Assessed Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis Secure - Not Assessed Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Secure - Not Assessed Rusty Blackbird Euphagus carolinus Sensitive Special Concern Special Concern Pine Grosbeak Pinicola enucleator Secure - Not Assessed White-winged Crossbill Loxia leucoptera Secure - Not Assessed Common Redpoll Carduelis flammea Secure - Not Assessed Hoary Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni Undetermined - Not Assessed Amphibians Boreal Chorus Frog Pseudacris maculate Secure - Not Assessed Wood Frog Lithobates sylvatica Secure - Not Assessed Mammals Arctic Shrew Sorex arcticus Secure - Not Assessed Dusky (Montane) Shrew Sorex monticolus Secure - Not Assessed Cinereus Shrew Sorex cinereus Secure - Not Assessed Beaver Castor canadensis Secure - Not Assessed Arctic Ground Squirrel Spermophilus parryii Secure - NotAssessed Red Squirrel Tamiasciurus hudsonicus Secure - Not Assessed North American Deer Mouse Peromyscus maniculatus Secure - Not Assessed Muskrat Ondatra zibethicus Secure - Not Assessed Neoarctic Brown Lemming Lemmus trimucronatus Secure - Not Assessed
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Table APP J-11: Wildlife Species Occurring or Potentially Occurring within the Study Area Conservation Status Common Name Scientific Name Northwest SARA COSEWIC Territories Northern Bog Lemming Synaptomys borealis Secure - Not Assessed MeadowVole Microtus pennsylvanicus Secure - Not Assessed Northern Red-backed Vole Myodes rutilus Secure - Not Assessed Root (Tundra) Vole Microtus oeconomus Secure - Not Assessed Taiga (Chestnut-cheeked) Vole Microtus xanthognathus Secure - Not Assessed North American Porcupine Erethizon dorsata Secure - Not Assessed Snowshoe Hare Lepus americanus Secure - Not Assessed Moose Alces americanus Secure - Not Assessed Barren-ground Caribou Rangifer tarandus Sensitive - Not Assessed Woodland Caribou (Boreal) Rangifergroenlandicus tarandus caribou Threatened Threatened (Schedule Threatened Muskox Ovibos moschatus Secure1) - NotAssessed Coyote Canis latrans Secure - Not Assessed Gray W olf Canis lupus Secure - NotAtRisk Arctic Fox Vulpes lagopus Secure - Not Assessed Red Fox Vulpes vulpes Secure - Not Assessed Grizzly Bear Ursus arctos Sensitive Under Consideration Special Concern American Black Bear Ursus americanus Secure - NotAtRisk Canada Lynx Lynx canadensis Secure - NotAtRisk LeastWeasel Mustela nivalis Secure - Not Assessed Ermine Mustela erminea Secure - Not Assessed American Mink Neovison vison Secure - Not Assessed American Marten Martes americana Secure - Not Assessed Wolverine Gulo gulo Not At Risk Under Consideration Special Concern North American River Otter Lontra canadensis Secure - Not Assessed (Centre for Geomatics 2015; COSEWIC 2015; eBird 2012; ENR 2005; 2012; 2015; Government of Canada 2015; Kays and Wilson 2002; Sale 2006; Sibley 2003) Twelve species are designated as having special conservation status (Table APP J-12) (ENR 2012; 2015; Government of Canada 2015; COSEWIC 2015). Special conservation status includes those species listed under the Species at Risk (Northwest Territories) Act, federal SARA, and/or assessed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) to be endangered, threatened, or special concern.
Table APP J-12: Wildlife Species of Special Conservation Status Conservation Status Common Name Scientific Name Northwest SARA COSEWIC Territories Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus Sensitive Under Consideration Special Concern Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus anatum/tundrius Sensitive Special Concern Special Concern
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus Sensitive Under Consideration Special Concern Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus Sensitive Special Concern Special Concern
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Table APP J-12: Wildlife Species of Special Conservation Status Conservation Status Common Name Scientific Name Northwest SARA COSEWIC Territories Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor At Risk Threatened Threatened Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi At Risk Threatened Threatened
Bank Swallow Riparia riparia Secure Under Consideration Threatened Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Sensitive Under Consideration Threatened
Rusty Blackbird Euphagus carolinus Sensitive Special Concern Special Concern
Woodland Caribou (Boreal) Rangifer tarandus caribou Threatened Threatened Threatened
Grizzly Bear Ursus arctos Sensitive Under Consideration Special Concern
Wolverine Gulo gulo Sensitive Under Consideration Special Concern
J-4.2 Mammals
Species that are considered to be of economic and/or social importance to area residents, have special conservation status or legislated protection, and occupy common habitats in the regional area are described in further detail below. The extensive and detailed wildlife data collected for the MGP is the most current, publicly available information that is specific to the area and has been referred to in the development of this project.
J-4.2.1 Caribou
Two subspecies of caribou may occur within the vicinity of the proposed Access Road. Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) remain in the region throughout the year, whereas barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) are known to infrequently use the area in winter.
Woodland Caribou, Boreal Population
Woodland caribou, boreal population (herein referred to as boreal caribou) are listed as Threatened under the Species at Risk (Northwest Territories) Act and the federal SARA. By definition, this species will likely become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed. Habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation are driving factors leading to a declining population. In the Northwest Territories, the boreal caribou population is estimated to be between 6,000 to 7,000 animals, with densities in the western Sahtu estimated at 1 caribou per 100 km2 (ENR 2012; 2015). Boreal caribou are considered common near Norman Wells and their populations are thought to be increasing due to low incidents of disturbance from fire and lower harvest rates (Auld and Kershaw 2005).
Boreal Caribou are managed as a single population across the Northwest Territories, as further information is required to determine discrete units (Species at Risk Committee 2012; Environment Canada 2012). This single population is reported to be self-sustaining (Environment Canada 2012). Environment Canada (2012) predicts a minimum threshold of 65% undisturbed habitat (or a maximum 35% disturbed habitat at any given time) is required to support a self-sustaining population (60% probability to be self-sustaining). In 2012, a total of 69% undisturbed habitat was available within boreal caribou range (Environment Canada 2012). However, for the purposes of assessing habitat availability, the Species at Risk Committee (2012) divides the Northwest Territories into a northern and southern range. The northern range, which includes the local and regional study areas, consists of approximately 31% disturbed habitat, including 18% that have been disturbed by fire and 13% from land J - 26
Appendix J - Environmental Overview APPENDIX J – ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW OCTOBER 2015 | ISSUED FOR USE development (Species at Risk Committee 2012). An estimate of Project-related changes to undisturbed caribou habitat in the Northwest Territories is presented in Section 6.4.1.1.
Boreal caribou occur year round in the vicinity of the proposed Access Road. Boreal caribou may occur in all forested habitats in the vicinity of the proposed Access Road. They require expansive tracts of undisturbed habitat, principally mature or old growth coniferous forests (greater than 100 years old) associated with peatland complexes, lakes, and ponds and uplands with an abundance of ground and tree lichens and few predators (Species at Risk Committee 2012; Environment Canada 2008). Traditional knowledge also describes ridges and high hills in the Sahtu Settlement Area important for boreal caribou in the summer and fall, as well as muskeg, areas of dense vegetation including old growth forests, and shorelines (Species at Risk Committee 2012; Environment Canada 2012). All habitat types traversed by the proposed Access Road are considered boreal caribou habitat, except the existing disturbed areas (e.g., town quarry, winter road).
Cows widely disperse during the calving season (late May to mid-June) and are typically found in groups of one to two animals (Nagy et al. 2003; Environment Canada 2008). Cows show a high fidelity to calving sites and return in subsequent years (Environment Canada 2008; Environment Canada 2012). During calving season, treed islands and dense shrub thickets close to open water in peatlands, lakes, and ponds are favoured to minimize predation risks, even if these islands provide sub-optimal forage resources (Environment Canada 2008; Environment Canada 2012). The proposed Access Road is routed to avoid large open water peatlands and lakes, as much as possible, and remain at least 700 m distance away. Nagy et al. (2003) also reported two collared cows calving in open black spruce and black spruce-paper birch dominated habitat types that consist of 20% to 30% crown closure, 10% to 15% shrub cover (dominated by willows and scrub birch), and moss and lichen groundcover. These habitats may be common in the local study area.
In the summer, caribou feed mainly on the fresh green growth of flowering plants, sedges, grasses, and horsetail found in open coniferous forests, low shrub, riparian, sparsely vegetated, and recently burned habitats (Nagy et al. 2003; Nagy et al. 2006). Their winter diet consists of up to 80% ground and tree lichens; however, the remaining diet is supplemented by evergreen shrubs, grasses, sedges, and other vascular plants found under the snow. In winter, boreal caribou tend to favour open coniferous forests with an abundance of lichen, with only a minor selection of open mixed forests and riparian areas (Nagy et al. 2006). Suitable wintering habitat exists along the length of the proposed Access Road.
Boreal caribou can be expected to use all available habitat types found along the proposed Access Road. Traditional knowledge indicates boreal caribou use the Mackenzie River (Deh Cho) Special Management Zone (SLUPB 2010).
Barren-ground Caribou (Bluenose West Herd)
Barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) are ranked by ENR as Sensitive under the general status program, but are not listed under the Species at Risk (Northwest Territories) Act and SARA.
Based on caribou collaring data, the proposed Access Road lies well outside the annual range of barren-ground caribou; however, satellite collared cow data from 1985 to 2007 provides evidence of a collared individual from the Bluenose-West herd overwintering further south than its known annual range (west of Norman Wells nearer to Great Bear Lake) (ACCWM 2014a; ENR 2012). Although, Norman Wells is considered south of the main annual range, a few individuals may infrequently overwinter near the proposed Access Road.
Traditional knowledge indicates that caribou distribution and abundances cycle in response to feeding conditions, weather, and human activities (ACCWM 2014a; 2014b). During community meetings for the Cape Bathurst,
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Bluenose-West, and Bluenose East Barren-ground Caribou Herds Management Plan (ACCWM 2014b), a participant from Norman Wells reported “one year the Bluenose-West herd came right to Norman Wells”.
The 2013 population estimate for the Bluenose West herd was 20,000 animals, and the population is likely stable (ENR 2012).
Caribou from the Bluenose West herd may occasionally be present in the vicinity of the proposed Access Road during winter months (November to May). The Bluenose West herd calves and summers on the tundra and ruts in the fall near the tree line. By November, the herd begins migrating south to its winter range within the taiga forest, and remain there until spring migration (November to May). Occupied winter ranges are known to vary annually in response to food availability, snow depth, and predator abundance.
Winter is a critical period for caribou populations. Caribou dig craters in the snow and graze on the exposed vegetation, principally ground lichens. Habitats that provide winter foraging habitat include open, mature spruce forests with an abundance of lichen, and areas with low snow depths (e.g., hills and ridgelines). Lichens are an important food for caribou all year, but especially during the winter. Sedges and evergreen leaves are also eaten during the winter. During times with low snowfall, caribou will also feed in richer valleys and low lying lakeshores and wetlands. Carruthers et al. (1986) reported overwintering Bluenose caribou use open coniferous habitats in proportion to the habitat available in the landscape; whereas, all other habitat types, particularly fire regenerating habitats are used less. Suitable overwintering habitat is available throughout the proposed Access Road.
Caribou seek security from predators and travel in open habitats such as frozen lakes where wind action has hardened the snow and predators are easily visible (Carruthers et al. 1986). Carruthers et al. (1986) reported Bluenose caribou use lakes and open wetlands four times more often than their availability on the landscape. Suitable security habitat is available at least 700 m distance from the proposed Access Road route, and approximately 250 m from the proposed quarry.
During the September 2010 and June 2015 field programs, no caribou or caribou sign (i.e., antler sheds) were observed.
J-4.2.2 Moose
Moose (Alces americanus) do not have any special conservation status but are considered to be a valued resource to the people in the SSA, including Norman Wells and Tulita.
In the Northwest Territories, the moose population is estimated between 20,000 to 40,000 (ENR 2015), and are considered common along the Mackenzie River and near Norman Wells (Auld and Kershaw 2005; ENR 2015). In 1995, moose surveys west of Norman Wells reported 0.17 moose/km2, which represented a population size of approximately 497 ± 490 (90% confidence interval) (Veitch et al. 1995). Early winter moose surveys conducted by McLean (1994) in the Kelly Lake area and the Keele and Redstone River area reported that moose densities ranged from 0.06 moose/km2 to 0.19 moose/km2, with an average of 0.08 moose/km2. Although moose are considered common now (Auld and Kershaw 2005), their densities have been reportedly low. A story presented by Auld and Kershaw (2005) indicated that moose were once “very scarce” along the Mackenzie River during the trading post times.
The proposed Access Road lies adjacent to an Important Wildlife Area for moose, which incorporates the shorelines and islands of the Mackenzie River (Centre for Geomatics 2015). Moose are generally non-migratory and may occupy all habitats within the vicinity of the proposed Access Road throughout the year. Moose prefer semi-open early successional habitats, such as floodplains along the Mackenzie River, riparian areas, lakeshores, regenerating burns (approximately 15 to 30 years following the fire), and disturbance areas that have an abundance
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Appendix J - Environmental Overview APPENDIX J – ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW OCTOBER 2015 | ISSUED FOR USE of willow and young deciduous trees/shrubs. Preferred habitats, particularly during the fall and winter are those dominated by shrubs and deciduous trees; most conifer dominated habitats provide sub-optimal moose feeding habitat but provide thermal cover. During the spring and summer when forbs, grasses, and aquatic plants are available the use of browse material declines. The use of wet and aquatic habitats for food commonly occur during all non-winter months, but tend to peak during late June to early August when plant nutrition and digestibility and insect harassment are highest (Peek 1998).
Moose also seek forests or tall shrub stands to reduce detection from bears and wolves, their primary predators. Shorelines and islands are also used to reduce predator encounters, particularly during calving (late May to early June).
Winter moose surveys conducted in the Sahtu have identified high moose densities within the riparian areas along the Mackenzie River and its tributaries. Winter track surveys conducted by Imperial Oil (2004) noted high moose use in recent burn areas in the Northern Taiga Ecological Zone and in mixed wood forests and black spruce-tamarack (i.e., open coniferous) and shrub habitats in the South Taiga Ecological Zone.
A total of 37 moose were observed throughout the Tulita District during the September 2010 reconnaissance field program (EBA 2011). Of those, ten moose observations (including incidents of visuals and sign) were near the proposed Access Road. Areas dominated by shrubs, including the fire breaks and shrub wetlands located near the proposed quarry, along the Mackenzie River, and in between the chain of lakes north of the proposed route provide high quality, year round moose habitat.
J-4.2.3 Muskox
Muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) are ranked by ENR as Secure under the general status program, and have not been assessed by COSEWIC. In the Northwest Territories, the estimated population is approximately 105,000, with the majority of the population occurring on Banks and northwest Victoria islands (ENR 2012).
On the mainland Northwest Territories their population is growing, and they are recolonizing former ranges, which involves a southwestward movement towards the Norman Wells area (ENR 2012; Veitch 1997). They occur in small herds, and during an aerial survey in 1997, 20 muskoxen were detected in March, less than 30 km north of Norman Wells (Veitch 1997). During this winter survey, muskoxen were most commonly observed occupying open spruce and alpine tundra habitats north of Great Bear Lake (Veitch 1997).
Their diet includes willows, sedges, grasses, and herbs in the summer, and primarily willows and graminoids in the winter (Auld and Kershaw 2005; ENR 2012). Wilson and Haas (2012) report important muskox areas exist along the Norman Range, including near Kelly Lake (northeast of Norman Wells) and forests near the proposed Access Road. Muskoxen may be expected to occur year round along the proposed Access Road, particularly along the fire breaks, winter road corridor, and neighbouring wetlands.
Female muskox remain with the herd to calve, and calves are born mid-April to June (Lent 1988).
In the June 2015 meetings, the Norman Wells Renewable Resources Council noted that muskoxen are in the area of the proposed new quarry. As well, muskoxen were observed in the same area during the June 1 field investigation.
J-4.2.4 Grizzly Bear
Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) (northern interior population) may be present in the area of the proposed Access Road from time to time. Grizzly Bears are assessed by COSEWIC as Special Concern (as of May 2002), but have no status under SARA. In the Northwest Territories, grizzly bears are ranked by ENR as Sensitive under the general
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status program, and may require special attention or protection to prevent their population from becoming at risk in the future. Local threats to their population includes over hunting, defense kills, and disturbance from land developments (ENR 2012).
In the Northwest Territories, the estimated grizzly bear population is approximately 5,100 (ENR 2012). In the SSA, grizzly bears are most common in the Mackenzie Mountains west of Norman Wells; however, a few are expected to occasionally occur in the taiga forest near the proposed Access Road (Auld and Kershaw 2005). Both grizzly and black bears use similar habitat types and their distributions may overlap. Bears require extensive home ranges (on average, male ranges extend over 2,000 km2) with a variety of landforms and plant types to adequately provide food and cover.
Bears are omnivores and feed on a variety of plant material, small and large mammals, birds, fish, and insects. In the spring, bears gravitate towards areas with early-emerging vegetation such as roadsides and wetlands, as well as areas with winter-killed wildlife. Moose and caribou calves are also preyed upon opportunistically during this time. In summer, insect activity peaks and bears feed heavily on colonies of ants, bees, and wasps. By fall time, their diet shifts as berries become ripe and available. Forests regenerating from fires (at least 20 years prior) commonly provide summer and fall feeding habitat for bears as berry producing plants regenerate and ants invade downed and burned trees (Laviviere 2001; Snyder 1991).
Grizzly bears typically begin denning in September to early October with the first frosts and emerge from their dens beginning in April (Miller et al. 1982). Bears typically dig dens in till material available on mountain slopes, eskers, drumlins, stream banks, or in natural cavities.
During the September 2010 and June 2015 field programs, no grizzly bears were observed in the area of the project.
J-4.2.5 American Black Bear
American black bears (Ursus americanus) are the most common bear species present in the area of the proposed Access Road (Auld and Kershaw 2005), and they are ranked by ENR as Secure under the general status program.
In the Northwest Territories, black bear densities are estimated at 10 bears/100 km2 (ENR 2012). There have been no formal attempts to estimate black bear densities in the area; however, a black bear collaring program was undertaken for problem bears active at the Norman Wells solid waste facility in 1985-1988 (Clarkson 1993).
Black bears were most abundant in Clarkson’s (1993) Norman Wells problem bear study; however, a couple of grizzly bears were also detected during this time. Both grizzly and black bears use similar habitat types and their distributions may overlap.
Bears require extensive home ranges with a variety of landforms and plant types to adequately provide food and cover. Black bear diets are similar to grizzly bears. They too are omnivores and feed on a variety of plant material, small and large mammals and birds, fish, and insects (Laviviere 2001; Snyder 1991).
Based on local black bear collaring data, black bears entered their dens in early to mid-October and emerged in late April to late May (Clarkson 1993). Bears typically dig dens in till material available on eskers, drumlins, stream banks, or in natural cavities. From the collaring data, black bears dens were excavated principally in sandy soil found in upland mixed spruce forests, and were located in a variety of landforms ranging from lowlands near the Mackenzie River to rock outcrops (Clarkson 1993). The majority of the dens were found on south facing slopes (Clarkson 1993). The den sites of three collared bears were found over two years. In subsequent years, all three bears were found to den in the same local area (ranging from approximately 12 to 28 km apart), but not the same den (Clarkson 1993). Suitable black bear denning habitat occurs throughout the proposed Access Road local study area, particularly near the quarry sites. J - 30
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During the September 2010 field program, one black bear was observed in the vicinity of the proposed Access Road (EBA 2011). During the same field program, one bear den was documented in an esker proximal to the town quarry (approximately KM 14.0 of the proposed Access Road) but in an area beyond the direct project footprint. Although the black bear collaring data suggests bears near Norman Wells do no reuse the same den in subsequent years (note this den was observed five years ago)(Clarkson 1993), the Town Quarry area is known to provide suitable denning habitat and thus denning bears may interact with the proposed Access Road during winter construction. Refer to Section 6.4 for the black bear effects assessment and disturbance mitigation.
J-4.2.6 Grey Wolf
The grey wolf (Canis lupus) is assessed by COSEWIC as Not at Risk, and is ranked by ENR as Secure under the general status program. The density of wolves in the northern Northwest Territories is estimated at 1 wolf/944 km2 (ENR 2012). During a muskox aerial survey across much of northern SSA, wolves were incidentally reported and their density was estimated at 1 wolf/1,000 km2 (Veitch 1997).
Two different groups of grey wolves may occur in the vicinity of the proposed Access Road from time to time: migratory and resident. Migratory grey wolves (also known as tundra wolves) follow the barren-ground caribou herds and would infrequently occupy the area in the winter when barren-ground caribou are present. Resident wolves, also known as timber or boreal wolves, remain below the tree line year round and would be present throughout the proposed Access Road route year round. These timber grey wolves depend on non-migratory prey such as moose, and their population densities cycle with prey abundance. Timber wolves maintain regular territories, which also vary in size depending on prey densities. Besides moose, wolf diets also include boreal caribou, snowshoe hares, small rodents, beaver, muskrat, birds, fish, eggs, and even small quantities of grass and other vegetable matter.
Wolf dens are traditional and may be used for many years; however, some wolves may have several dens in the territory and may relocate litters to another den if one is disturbed. Wolf dens are constructed in esker material, within a rock crevice, or along creeks or riverbanks. Suitable denning habitat likely occurs throughout the length of the proposed Access Road. Dens are commonly constructed near water or heights of land. The denning period typically begins in early May, and litters are born inside the den in late May or early June.
No wolves were observed in the vicinity of the proposed Access Road during the September 2010 and June 2015 field programs. However, during a June 2015 meeting, the Norman Wells Renewable Resources Council noted that wolves may be inthe area of the haul roadto the proposed new quarry, and a den may exist. Refer to Section 6.4 for the wolf effects assessment and disturbance mitigation.
J-4.2.7 Red Fox
The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) has not been assessed by COSEWIC, and is ranked by ENR as Secure under the general status program. The population estimate for red fox in the Northwest Territories is unknown, but the population of red fox is considered Secure (ENR 2012).
Red foxes are considered common in across the SSA, including the area of the proposed Access Road (Auld and Kershaw 2005).
Red fox population numbers fluctuate every eight to ten years in response to their food abundance (ENR 2012). Fox diets include a variety of small mammals and birds including mice, voles, lemmings, muskrats, squirrels, snowshoe hares, grouse/ptarmigan, waterfowl, eggs, carrion, and plant materials.
Foxes require suitable substrate to establish their dens, and commonly reuse den sites in consecutive years. Fox dens are commonly found on eskers, riverbanks, and other areas with glaciofluvial materials. Red fox pups are
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born between March and May. Family groups focus much of their activity around the dens until midsummer, and juvenile foxes disperse in the fall or winter.
One red fox was observed near the Town of Norman Wells during the September 2010 field program (EBA 2011).
J-4.2.8 Wolverine
Wolverines (Gulo gulo) are assessed by COSEWIC as Special Concern and ranked by ENR as Sensitive under the general status program; however, they have not been listed by SARA. In the boreal forests of the Northwest Territories, wolverine densities are unknown. The population of mature individuals across the Northwest Territories are estimated between 3,000 to 6,000, and the population is considered to be stable (ENR 2012; Species at Risk Committee 2014). Threats to their population include oil and gas exploration, reduced prey abundance, and mortality of problem individuals and harvesting pressure (ENR 2012). The Sahtu Harvest Study (1999 to 2001) reported annual harvest rates between five and twelve wolverine per year (Bayha, pers. comm. as cited in COSEWIC 2003).
Wolverines live at low densities even under optimal conditions (Banci 1994; Species at Risk Committee 2014). They are opportunistic hunters and travel extensively in search of food. Their diet includes carrion, moose and caribou, small mammals, birds, fish, beaver, berries (Banci 1994; ENR 2012; Pasitschniak-Arts et al. 1995). Wolverines occupy multiple habitat types provided sufficient food resources are present, and require extensive ecologically intact areas (Species at Risk Committee 2014).
Although active year round, wolverines will construct snow dens to escape predators, cache food, and raise their young. Traditional Knowledge indicates kits (young) are born in June or July in a shallow pit dug in the ground, and scientific knowledge indicates kits are born between January and April within a constructed snow den (Species at Risk Committee 2014; Species at Risk Secretariat 2015). Nonetheless, natal dens have also been documented in abandoned beaver lodges and bear dens, in upturned roots and fallen logs, or rocks crevices (Banci 1994). Suitable year-round wolverine habitat exists throughout the proposed Access Road.
No wolverines were documented during the September 2010 and June 2015 field programs.
J-4.2.9 American Marten
The American marten (Martes americana) (marten) is not assessed by COSEWIC, but is ranked by ENR as Secure under the general status program. Although population densities are unknown across the Northwest Territories, martens occur at 0.5 animals/km2 in the southern Northwest Territories with smaller densities further north (ENR 2012). Auld and Kershaw (2005) reported marten were common east of the Mackenzie Mountains, including the area near the proposed Access Road. However, populations are known to fluctuate in direct association with prey cycles (ENR 2012).
Marten prefer mature spruce forests, particularly those with a complex understory structure and 30% to 50% crown closure (Clark et al. 1987), but will also use other forest types including sparse open forests, riparian areas, and forest edges if sufficient prey and cover exist (Clark et al. 1987; ENR 2012). Large burned areas typically provide little habitat for martens for approximately 15 years, unless a complex of unburned patches and significant deadfall remain as cover (Clark et al. 1987; Winbourne 2004; ENR 2012).
They are opportunistic foragers, and will feed on voles, mice, snowshoe hare, squirrels, birds, eggs, insects, berries, and carrion (ENR 2012; Buskirk and Ruggiero 1994). In March or April, litters are born in dens located in rock piles, tree roots, deadfall, peat banks, usually in mature forests. These dens, as well as red squirrel middens may also be used in the winter during inclement weather (Clark et al. 1987).
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Habitat suitability modeling results within a 40 km buffer along the MGP indicated there is 74% effective marten habitat in the North Taiga Plains ecological zone (Imperial Oil 2004). Winter track surveys conducted in 2002 and 2003 for the MGP indicated marten were common throughout the area, particularly in the black spruce-tamarack/shrub, medium shrub, treed bog, sedge-peat moss, and burn habitat types (Imperial Oil 2004). Densities within these habitat types range from 2.33 marten/km/day to 17.33 marten/km/day (Imperial Oil 2004).
No martens were documented during the September 2010 and June 2015 field programs.
J-4.2.10 Beaver andMuskrat
Beaver (Ondatra zibethicus) and muskrat (Castor canadensis) are ranked by ENR as Secure, and are not assessed by COSEWIC.
Beavers and muskrats are common throughout the regional study area wherever appropriate aquatic habitat is found, such as lakes, ponds, wetlands, and slow-moving watercourses. Beaver and muskrat densities are highly variable and are dependent on habitat quality. Across the Northwest Territories, the beaver population size is unknown but estimated at over 10,000 (ENR 2012). The muskrat population size unknown; however, their populations fluctuate in approximately 10 year cycles (ENR 2012).
Aerial surveys for beaver lodges were conducted in 2001 in three areas within the SSA (Popko et al. 2002). Although these survey blocks were not located along the proposed Access Road, they provide regional context. During the surveys, 130 active lodges and 82 inactive lodges were observed. The average density was 48 active lodges per 100 km2. For comparison, surveys conducted in these same blocks in 1989 and 1997 averaged 58 active lodges per 100 km2 and 43 active lodges per 100 km2, respectively.
Both beavers and muskrats cache food under the water for winter use. Beaver’s main diet includes twigs, leaves and buds, and soft inner back of willow, alder, and dwarf birch, as well as roots and stems of various aquatic plants (Environment Yukon 2010; Jenkins and Busher 1979). Muskrat diets include roots, stems, and leaves of aquatic plants including pondweeds, water milfoils, and burreed, and horsetails along the shoreline (Environment Yukon 2010).
Incidental beaver sign was recorded in medium shrub, treed bog, water, mixed wood forest, riparian shrub, black spruce-tamarack/shrub, sedge-peat moss, and burn habitat types adjacent to aquatic habitat along the MGP (Imperial Oil 2004). Beaver and muskrat habitat near the proposed Access Road is primarily restricted to wetlands, lakes, ponds, and slow-moving creeks and within 100 m of the water edge (Boyle and Owens 2007). Between Norman Wells and Canyon Creek the proposed Access Road traverses a minimum of 250 m from small ponds and approaches the east-west chain of lakes by approximately 850 m.
During the September 2010 and June 2015 field programs, beavers or their sign (e.g., lodges, dams) were observed in the regional study area, but not in the vicinity of the proposed Access Road. No muskrats or their sign were documented during the field programs.
J-4.3 Birds
The Mackenzie River acts as a major flyway for Arctic breeding birds during spring and fall migrations. Numerous bird species, including waterfowl and waterbirds, raptors, and other upland birds use the Mackenzie River during migrations and disband along the route to appropriate breeding habitat. As with breeding territories, the migration routes between wintering and breeding grounds are traditional and are used each year. Migration is influenced and governed by weather (Terres 1982). Birds advance northward as the weather warms and return south when the weather cools. The speed of migration varies among species and is influenced by the annual prevailing weather patterns.
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J-4.3.1 Waterfowl (Swans, Geese, Loons, and Ducks)
The term waterfowl is typically used in the context of swans, geese and ducks; however, for this PDR it also includes loons and grebes. Furthermore, the term waterbird includes cranes, shorebirds, gulls, and terns.
A total of 47 species of waterfowl and waterbirds occur, or have the potential to occur in the area of the proposed Access Road, principally in the spring, summer, and fall (principally from mid-April to late September). Many of these species migrate to the area for breeding and summer feeding, and some use the area for staging before continuing on with migration. The Mackenzie River and its islands (a minimum of 1 km from the proposed project), are identified as a key migratory bird terrestrial site, and are important waterfowl spring stopover sites (particularly in May) (Latour et al. 2008). Within the vicinity of the proposed Access Road, waterfowl and waterbirds breed in varying densities, and can be expected to breed near open water wetlands, ponds, and lakes (note, the proposed project remains at least 250 m from open water habitat).
Waterfowl, as a group, principally use aquatic habitats and nearby terrestrial habitats for nesting and feeding. The diets of waterfowl consist primarily of aquatic vegetation; however, aquatic invertebrates and small fish are also eaten. In general, the majority of waterfowl exploit food resources found in the shallow waters of lakes, ponds, marshes, sedge meadows, and bogs. Shallow bays containing emergent and submerged vegetation are also important feeding areas and provide appropriate cover for their young. The proposed Access Road and associated footprints are located at least 250 m from lake, pond, and open water wetland habitats.
Waterbirds, as a group, use a variety of habitats for nesting and feeding, including shorelines of wetlands, ponds, and lakes, dry uplands, sandy ridges, and disturbed areas, depending upon the species. Their diet ranges widely and may include aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, seeds, berries, small fish, and frogs. Gulls are opportunistic feeders and will also feed on carrion, small mammals, and eggs.
Although no formal waterfowl/waterbird surveys were conducted during the September 2010 and June 2015 field programs, waterfowl and waterbird species were not observed along the proposed Access Road, but ducks and swans were detected in the chain of ponds northwest of Norman Wells and approximately 9 km from the proposed Access Road (EBA 2011).
Horned Grebe
The horned grebe has been assessed by COSEWIC as Special Concern. This conservation status is imparted upon species whose inherent characteristics (e.g., low reproductive rates) make them sensitive to human activities or natural events. To date, the horned grebe is ranked by ENR as Sensitive and is not listed by SARA. Population estimates for horned grebes in the Northwest Territories are unknown.
Horned grebes occupy small ponds, wetlands, shallow lakeshores and protected bays, and other natural or man- made permanent or semi-permanent waterbodies (ENR 2012; 2014b). Their diet consists of aquatic insects, fish, frogs, and crustaceans. In the Yellowknife area, horned grebes were found to prefer lakes less than 1 hectare (ha) in size, although breeding also occurred on larger lakes as well (Fournier and Hines 1999). Favourable breeding ponds include areas of open water and emergent vegetation. The proposed Access Road is located at least 250 m distance from the nearest pond or potential horned grebe habitat.
Horned grebes are expected to arrive in the area in mid-May and depart by September (Bromley and Trauger ND; ENR 2014b). Adults are known to leave the young well before they’ve fledged (Fournier and Hines 1999). These adults may remain at larger waterbodies immediately prior to fall migration (Fournier and Hines 1999).
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(suitable habitat at least 250 m away). None were documented during the September 2010 and June 2015 aerial field reconnaissance programs.
Red-necked Phalarope
The red-necked phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus) has been assessed by COSEWIC as Special Concern, since large population declines are evident at key fall staging areas (COSEWIC 2015). In the Northwest Territories, they are ranked by ENR as Sensitive, and are not listed by SARA. Its population size is relatively unknown in the Northwest Territories and SSA; however, a conservative estimate of approximately 417,000 is reported (ENR 2012).
As a long distant migrant, the red-necked phalarope migrates to wetlands, lakes, and ponds across the Northwest Territories to breed; arriving in the region by late May to early June (Bromley and Trauger ND; ENR 2014b). They spend much of their time in aquatic habitats, feeding from the surface in shallow waters on insects. Nests are simple scrapes on the ground in low vegetative cover (e.g., grass, sedge) close to the waters’ edge. The Access Road route is proposed well away from potential red-necked phalarope breeding habitat.
Several observations of red-necked phalaropes occupying small ponds and larger lakes have been reported in the area of Norman Wells (Sullivan et al. 2009). None were documented during the September 2010 and June 2015 aerial field reconnaissance programs; however, they likely occur in open water habitats near the proposed Access Road (suitable habitat at least 250 m away).
J-4.3.2 Raptors
Raptors make up a small but important group of birds frequenting the area of the proposed Access Road from time to time. Although this group covers a small number of species, it is diverse and includes hawks, eagles and osprey, falcons, and owls.
Sixteen raptor species have the potential to occur in the vicinity of the proposed Access Road. The majority of these species are summer residents; however, five species (northern goshawk, gyrfalcon, northern hawk owl, great horned owl, and great grey owl) may overwinter, particularly years when prey densities are high. Little is known about the local population abundance of individual species. However, appropriate nest sites and food are the main resources that naturally limit breeding populations of peregrine falcon (Bromley 1992) and other raptors (Blood and Anweiler 1994).
Raptors breed where their habitat requirements are met. Some species nest in trees, while others nest on cliffs and on the ground. Raptors exhibit high nest site fidelity, potentially returning to the same nest or nesting area each year. Summer residents may appear within the area as early as mid-April and depart in October, while others overwinter. Other raptors are spring and/or fall migrants and may pass through enroute to and from their breeding ranges on the tundra.
A total of eighteen observations of raptors, representing six different species, were documented along the proposed route throughout the Tulita District during the September 2010 field program (EBA 2011). Of these, three great gray owls, two northern harriers, and one osprey were observed northwest of Norman Wells, outside the local study area (EBA 2011). No nests were observed within 1 km of the proposed Access Road.
Short-eared Owl
The short-eared owl is listed by SARA as Special Concern, and is ranked by ENR as Sensitive. The short-eared owl arrives in the Northwest Territories to breed by late April or May and depart by late October (ENR 2014b). Short-eared owls occur wherever an abundance of small mammals are present, particularly in large open bogs, marshes, and other non-forested areas (ENR 2014b). Preferred nesting habitat includes expansive areas of open
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grasslands or low-structured open shrublands that are dominated by grasses or sedges typically less than 50 cm in height. Suitable short-eared owl habitat may occur in the local study area along the shorelines of the small ponds and wetlands and possibly in the fire breaks. Nests are normally located on the ground in dry open sites with enough vegetation to conceal an incubating female. Nests may be re-used in consecutive years; however, this is apparently limited due to its nomadic behaviour (Wiggins et al. 2006).
The Northwest Territories population status of these owls is difficult to assess because individuals are nomadic and prone to annual fluctuations in numbers. The Northwest Territories short-eared owl population is unknown, but estimated to be between 1,000 and 10,000 individuals (ENR 2012). Sullivan et al. (2009) reported short-eared owl observations in and around the Mackenzie River and the Norman Wells airport. No observations were reported within 1 km of the proposed project.
Peregrine Falcon
The peregrine falcon has been listed by SARA as Special Concern, and are ranked by ENR as Sensitive under the Northwest Territories general status program.
Peregrine Falcons require suitable nesting habitat and a large hunting home range from which they return to in successive years. Between May and early June two to four eggs are laid in a scrap usually on cliff ledges near water. Not only is a nest site reused by a territorial pair in successive years, but the same nest site may be reused through successive generations (COSEWIC 2007a). Along the Mackenzie Valley, peregrine falcon nests are typically located on cliffs 15 mto 50 mhigh, with most facing south, southeast or southwest (Carrière and Matthews 2013). Known nesting sites exist along the Franklin Mountains and the Mackenzie River (Carrière and Matthews 2013).
Suitable cliff nesting habitat for peregrine falcons may exist within 1 km of the proposed project along Canyon Creek (from proposed Access Road km 0 to km 4.0) , and appropriate hunting habitat exists throughout the proposed Access Road route, particularly at the neighbouring small ponds and wetlands. Sullivan et al. (2009) reports several observations along the Mackenzie River, near Jackfish Lake, and Norman Wells.
Peregrines mainly hunt other birds in the air; so open habitats such as meadows, riparian areas, lakes, and also roadways are important. Suitable hunting habitat exists near the proposed Access Road.
J-4.3.3 Upland Birds
For the purposes of this PDR, the term “upland bird” refers to a group of birds that nest in upland habitats and includes perching birds, woodpeckers, kingfishers, and grouse/ptarmigan. Densities of upland birds within the SSA are unknown.
Upland birds are expected to occupy all terrestrial habitat types in the vicinity of the proposed Access Road, principally during the spring, summer, and fall. The majority of the upland bird species that have the potential to occur near the proposed Access Road are summer residents, which migrate to the area specifically to breed. Fifteen upland bird species regularly overwinter in the area, including sharp-tailed grouse, ruffed grouse, spruce grouse, willow and rock ptarmigan, gray jay, common raven, American three-toed woodpecker, downy and hairy woodpeckers, black-backed woodpecker, boreal chickadee, hoary and common redpoll, and white-winged crossbill (Sibley 2003).
During the September 2010 and June 2015 field programs, grouse were repeatedly observed on a daily basis within the regional study area (EBA 2011). Other upland birds are typically too small and/or concealed to document from the helicopter used in the field programs.
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Common Nighthawk
At Norman Wells, common nighthawks (Chordeiles minor) occur at the northern extent of their range. Across the rest of Canada, common nighthawk populations are in decline due to habitat loss and reductions in insect abundance. As a result, they have been listed as Threatened under SARA and ranked At Risk in the Northwest Territories.
Population estimates within the Northwest Territories or in the SSA are unknown; however, they are summer residents wherever suitable habitat exists, and likely occur along the proposed Access Road. Two observations of common nighthawks, one in 1973 and another in 1992 were reported in Norman Wells and in the immediate vicinity of the proposed Access Road (Sullivan et al. 2009).
They arrive in the Northwest Territories in mid-May to early June to breed, and depart by mid-August to mid- September (ENR 2014(b)). Common nighthawks nest directly on the ground with a dominance of sand, gravel, or bare rock within open forests, forest clearings, recent burn areas, rock outcrops, lakeshores, gravel areas (including gravel quarries, airstrips, and roads), and exposed land (ENR 2014(b); COSEWIC 2007a). Although common nighthawks are known to nest on human developed sites, they tend to prefer natural sites (COSEWIC 2007b). Suitable nesting habitat may exist along the fire breaks, quarry sites, and winter road corridor.
Common Nighthawks are aerial insectivores, feeding on flying insects over open forests, wetlands, marshes and open water (including lakes, rivers, and streams). Primary feeding habitat is located at least 250 m from the proposed Access Road; however, common nighthawks may also forage for insects along the road during operations.
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Olive-sided flycatcher (Contopus cooperi) populations are declining across Canada with no clear cause for decline. For this reason, the olive-sided flycatcher is listed as Threatened under SARA, and ranked At Risk in the Northwest Territories. Population estimates within the Northwest Territories or in the SSA are unknown; however, they are an expected summer resident along the proposed Access Road wherever suitable habitat exists.
Similar to other insectivores, the olive-sided flycatcher arrives in the Northwest Territories late (late May and early June) and departs early (late July and early August) in response to insect availability (ENR 2014(b)).
Feeding habitats include waterbodies, such as beaver ponds, lake edges, streams, as well as open and semi-open forests, regenerating forests, and forest edges that have a high insect density. Typical olive-sided flycatcher nesting habitat includes forest edges with large trees and standing snags (COSEWIC 2007). Nests are typically built in coniferous trees (COSEWIC 2007c). Along the proposed Access Road, olive-sided flycatchers may occur in many of the existing vegetation community types, but may favour habitat edges that occur as a result of the winter road corridor, fire breaks, and quarries (located in the immediate vicinity of the project footprint) as well as edges of open water wetlands, ponds, and lakeshores (at least 250 m from the proposed Access Road).
Barn and Bank Swallows
Barn (Hirundo rustica) and bank (Riparia riparia) swallows were assessed by COSEWIC as Threatened and ranked as Secure and Sensitive in the Northwest Territories, respectively. Their population sizes’ are unknown in the Northwest Territories and the SSA.
Barn and Bank swallows may migrate together in mixed-flocks. Both are insectivores, and are expected to arrive by mid-May with the abundance of flying insects and depart late summer to early fall (Garrison 1999; Bromley and Trauger ND).
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Throughout its Canadian range, barn swallows are often associated with human settlements, preferring habitat such as fields and open meadows, wetlands, and lakes for feeding, buildings and man-made structures (including bridges and buildings) for nesting, and a waterbody near the nest site to supply the required mud for nest building (Brown and Bomberger Brown 1999). Natural nest sites, such as cliffs and caves may also be used, and old nests may be reused the following year. Favoured nesting habitat for the barn swallows may exist inside buildings present in Norman Wells and under the Canyon Creek bridge, but there will not be an activity on or to the existing bridge at Canyon Creek.
Unlike the barn swallow, the bank swallow excavates its nest by burrowing in exposed soil banks along eroded watercourses and lakeshores, but may also nest in sand and gravel pits/quarries, and road embankments that are situated near feeding habitat (COSEWIC 2013). They nest primarily in colonies, which can reach as many as thousands of individuals (Garrison 1999). Nests are re-occupied each year (COSEWIC 2013). Wetlands, open water, meadows, riparian, and shrublands are preferred feeding habitats (Garrison 1999). Preferred nesting habitat may exist wherever exposed soil banks occur, such as along Canyon Creek, the Town Quarry, and the Mackenzie River.
Rusty Blackbird
Rusty blackbirds (Euphagus carolinus) are listed by SARA as Special Concern and ranked by ENR as Sensitive. By definition this species possesses inherent characteristics (e.g., specific habitat requirements) that make them sensitive to human activities or natural events. Population densities within the Northwest Territories are unknown (ENR 2014b).
Rusty blackbirds forage primarily on the ground along the edges of ponds, wetlands, and streams for aquatic and terrestrial insects and plant materials (e.g., seeds and fruits) (Avery 1995). Typical feeding habitat consists of wet coniferous and mixed forests, such as fens, bogs, muskegs, beaver ponds, and swampy shores along lakes and streams (Avery 1995; ENR 2012). Nest sites are commonly in dense areas of vegetation, close to the water in either dead or alive trees or shrubs (Avery 1995).
Rusty blackbirds are expected to arrive in the Northwest Territories as early as late April or early May and depart by mid-October (ENR 2014b; Bromley and Trauger ND). Rusty blackbirds may occur near the proposed Access Road where suitable habitat exists, particularly adjacent to wetlands, lakes, and ponds. The proposed Access Road is situated at least 250 m from open water wetlands, lakes, and ponds.
J-4.4 Amphibians and Reptiles
The wood frog (Rana sylvatica) and boreal chorus frog (Pseudacris maculate) are the only amphibian species known to occur in the vicinity of the proposed Access Road. Both frog species are considered common to the regional study area and their populations are considered Secure in the NWT. No reptiles occur in the area.
A species account for wood frogs is provided to represent the general habitat and life history requirements for amphibians in the project area.
J-4.4.1 Wood Frog
Wood frogs occur further north than any other amphibian in North America. They are common throughout the forested regions of the Northwest Territories, from the Alberta border north to the Mackenzie Delta. This wide range of distribution in the north is due to a variety of relatively unique adaptations to the northern climate. (ENR 2012). According to the IUCN, wood frog populations are considered stable. Habitat includes a mix of forest types such
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Appendix J - Environmental Overview.docx APPENDIX J – ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW OCTOBER 2015 | ISSUED FOR USE as woodlands, grass-willow-aspen communities, ponds, streams and marshy areas. Wood frogs are often found hidden under logs, rocks or among other leaf littered areas (Hammerson 2004).
Breeding occurs in the early spring after the snow has melted (Government of Alberta 2009). Females lay their eggs in clumps attached to aquatic vegetation in ponds absent of fish (Hammerson 2004). After breeding, adult wood frogs move into damp woodland areas, staying in close proximity to pond edges throughout the summer months. In the fall, they hibernate under forest floor debris such as leaves and logs where they will spend the winter. The wood frog selects hibernacula sites under leaves and other debris on the forest floor, and depends on snow cover as protection against the extreme cold (and its ability to tolerate slight (-6°C) sub-zero temperatures) for its survival while hibernating (ENR 2012). During the summer, wood frogs sustain themselves on a diet of worms and insects (Government of Alberta 2009). J-5.0 FISH AND FISH HABITAT
There are no recognized creeks or streams crossing the proposed Access Road to be located between Norman Wells and Canyon Creek. However, there are several seasonal run-off channels that do cross the proposed Access Road. David Hodgson of HRN Contracting Ltd. (Personal Communication, Sept. 29, 2015) advised Tetra Tech EBA that there is only one run-off channel, located at about km 2.95 (km 1,012.5 of the winter road), referred to as Casey’s Gulch, that was realigned a number of years ago and resulted in the installation of a culvert. Thus, it is concluded that there are no fish-bearing streams to be crossed by the proposed Access Road other than Canyon Creek, which has an existing bridge. No works, other than typical operational and maintenance works, are expected on the existing Canyon Creek bridge. J-6.0 COMMUNITIES AND DEMOGRAPHICS
The socio-economic area for the proposed Access Road consists of those communities that are more likely to experience effects due to their relatively close proximity to the Access Road, as well as their possible contributions to the Access Road workforce. The communities of Norman Wells and Tulita are selected. The communities’ geographic locations in relation to the proposed Access Road are shown on Figure APP J-7.
Community profile information was obtained from several primary and secondary resources such as the GNWT Bureau of Statistics, Legislative Assembly of Northwest Territories, and available information from the Town and Hamlet. The statistical data used to prepare the figures and tables in this section has been obtained from public sources.
J-6.1 Norman Wells Community Profile
J-6.1.1 Background
The Town of Norman Wells is located on the north bank of the Mackenzie River, approximately 684 km northwest of Yellowknife and 80 km northwest of Tulita. It is accessible by air from Inuvik and Yellowknife year round. A winter road links the community with Tulita and Wrigley. Bulk supplies and food are barged to the community during the summer months.
Norman Wells, traditionally called “Legohli” (means “where there is oil”), was the first community in the Northwest Territories to be established entirely as a result of non-renewable resource development. Oil seepages were reported by early explorers, including Alexander Mackenzie. In 1911, J.K. Cornwall of the Northern Trading Company investigated the oil seepages. Three leases were staked in 1914 and the Northwest Company, a subsidiary of Imperial Oil Ltd., acquired the claims in 1918 and the discovery well was drilled in 1919.
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A small refinery capable of producing gasoline and diesel fuel was built in the 1920s, but a local market for the fuel was unavailable until 1933, during the development of the Port Radium mine. Industrial demand in Yellowknife prompted Imperial Oil to construct a new refinery capable of producing a wider range of petroleum products in 1939.
During the last two years of World War II, the United States government constructed the CANOL Pipeline from Norman Wells to Whitehorse due to security concerns with its supply routes to Alaska. Imperial Oil was then contracted to expand the Norman Wells oilfield from 4 to 64 producing wells. By the time the development was complete in 1944, the need for the Norman Wells fuel had passed as the Japanese threat to Alaska had been countered and alternative sources of petroleum products could be delivered more economically. The CANOL Pipeline was sold and dismantled in 1947; the road paralleling the dismantled pipeline is still used as a hiking trail and is called the Canol Heritage Trail. The completion of an oil pipeline from Norman Wells to Zama City, Alberta in the mid-1980s has resulted in increased activity in the non-renewable resource sector. This pipeline is operated by Enbridge.
Norman Wells remains the hub of transportation for the SSA and supplies fuel throughout the north. The community has a well-developed service industry and continues to rely on oil drilling and exploration for its economy (Town of Norman Wells 2010; Outcrop Ltd. 1990).
J-6.1.2 Population
The historical population for Norman Wells is provided on Figure APP J-8. Norman Wells’ population has increased from 766 to 838 between 2001 and 2012, indicating an average annual growth rate of 1.2 % since 2001 (GNWT Bureau of Statistics 2012). Between 2004 and 2006, the population decreased suddenly to a low of 805 residents, then increased past previous population levels by 2007. A future population projection was not reported by the Bureau of Statistics (2012). Approximately 38.4% of Norman Wells’ population is Aboriginal as shown in Table App J-13 (GNWT Bureau of Statistics 2012).
880 860 840 820 n
o 800 i t a l 780 u p
o 760 P 740 720 700 680 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Year
Source: GNWT Bureau of Statistics (2012) Figure APP J-8: Norman Wells Historical Population, 2001 - 2012
From 2001 to 2010, there were between 7 and 17 births each year, with an average of12.2 births per year overthe ten year period. The number of teen births (births to women aged 19 years or less) ranged between 0 and 2 during
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this time, with an average of 0.6 teen births per year. The annual death rates have fluctuated between 0 and 4 deaths reported per year between 2001 and 2010 (GNWT Bureau of Statistics 2012).
The population by age, gender, and ethnicity are presented on Figure APP J-9 and Table APP J-13, respectively. The population in Norman Wells is relatively young, with 68% of the population aged 44 or younger. There are a slightly greater number of males than females in the community (GNWT Bureau of Statistics 2011).
60 Yrs. & Older 0 - 4 Years 10% 5% 5 - 9 Years 8%
10 - 14 Years 5%
45 - 59 Years 22% 15 - 24 Years 13%
25 - 44 Years 37% Source: GNWT Bureau of Statistics (2012) Figure APP J-9: Norman Wells Population by Age Group, 2012
Table APP J-13: Norman Wells Population by Gender and Ethnicity, 2012 Gender and Ethnicity Population Percent Male 429 51.2% Female 409 48.8% Aboriginal 322 38.4% Non-Aboriginal 516 61.6% Source: GNWT Bureau of Statistics (2012)
J-6.1.3 Employment
Community employment data for Norman Wells are provided on Figure APP J-10. In 2009, 649 residents were aged 15 years and older. Employment data indicates that 521 residents were employed, 29 residents were unemployed, and 99 residents were not in the labour force. Of the 550 Norman Wells residents in the labour force, this translates into a participation rate (the percentage of persons 15 years of age and over who are in the labour force) of 84.7% and an unemployment rate of 5.3%. Since 1986, the general trend for Norman Wells indicates a relatively consistent, yet increasing, trend in unemployment and employment rates over time (GNWT Bureau of Statistics 2012).
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100 90 80 70
) 60 % (
e 50 t a
R 40 30 20 10 0
Year
Unemployment Rate Employment Rate
Source: GNWT Bureau of Statistics (2012) Figure APP J-10: Norman Wells Employment and Unemployment Rates, 1986 – 2009
J-6.1.4 Education
The percent of residents achieving a high school diploma has increased overall since 1986 (Figure APP J-11). The percentage of people achieving a high school diploma was 62.8% in 1986; this increased to 85.6% in 2001 and has since declined to 81.5% in 2009. The employment rate for those with a high school diploma or higher qualification was 89.2% in 2009, whereas the employment rate for those with less than a high school diploma was 39.5% (GNWT Bureau of Statistics 2012).
90 e r o M 85 r o
a 80 m o l p i 75 D
l o
o ) 70 h % c ( S 65 h g i H 60 h t i w
t 55 n e c r 50 e P
Year
Source: GNWT Bureau of Statistics (2012) Figure APP J-11: Norman Wells Educational Levels, 1986 - 2009
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J-6.1.5 Business Services
The Town of Norman Wells is a commercial and service hub in the SSA with more than twenty types of services offered by local businesses. The economy in Norman Wells is based primarily on oil and gas drilling and exploration. The service industry in the Town is well-developed and provides supplies for both residents and visitors to the community and employment to the local and regional population. The local District Chamber of Commerce informs the region’s business members about issues that could affect their businesses. The types of business services offered and list of businesses in Norman Wells are shown in Table APP J-14 and Table APP J-15, respectively.
Table APP J-14: Business Services in Norman Wells, NT Aboriginal Development Airline Associations and Not For Profit Automotive Service and Repair Aviation Banks Commercial Properties Computer Service and Repair Conference Facility Contactors – Industrial Contractors – Residential and Commercial Environmental Services Financial Services Government – Municipal Government – Territorial Hotel Logistics Newspaper Oil Production Pipelines Retail Sales Safety Consultants, Training & Support Seismic Truck Lines/Moving & Storage Source: Norman Wells and District Chamber of Commerce 2013.
Table APP J-15: Businesses in Norman Wells, NT . 6005 NWT Limited (Creations) . Neyo Drilling & Blasting . AECOM Canada Ltd. . Nicky Lynn Photography . Akita Sahtu Drilling . Norman Wells Claimant Corporation Ltd. . Arctic Energy Alliance . Norman Wells Historical Society (1977) . Assassin Safety Inc. . Norman Wells Land Corporation . August View Property Developments Ltd. . Norman Wells Liquor Agency Ltd. . Aurora College . Norman Wells Logistics . Aurora Technologies Ltd. . Norman Wells Transportation Ltd. . Boiler Controls & Installations Ltd. . North-Wright Airways Ltd. . Bulk Fuels Agency . Northern . Canadian Helicopters Ltd. . Northern Cartrols Ltd. . Canadian North . Northern Transportation Company Ltd. . Canoe North Adventures Ltd. . Northridge Contracting Ltd. . Canol Cleaning Services . Northwest Transport Ltd. . Canol Oilfield Services Inc. . Northwest Territories Housing Corporation . Cathy’s Kitchen . Northwest Territories Power Corporation . CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce) . NWT Visi . Clark Builders . Penaster Transportation Ltd. . Cold Canyon Foundations . Pete Rose’s Welding . ConocoPhillips Canada . Petra’s Cleaning Services . Dowell Schlumberger Canada Ltd. . Pyramid Electric Group . Elliot Creek Investments Ltd. . Rampart Rentals . Enbridge Pipelines (NW) Inc. . Rayuka Developments Ltd.
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Table APP J-15: Businesses in Norman Wells, NT . Explosives Ltd. . RDH Contracting Ltd. . Exploration Medical Services Sahtu Ltd. . Reg's Water Service . First Air . Riverview Stationery & Supplies . Flint Energy Services Ltd. . Rose Pete’s Welding . Flowers Kirsten . Royal Canadian Legion . Geokinetics Exploration Inc. . Royal Mackenzie Catering Ltd. . Global Technical Systems Ltd. . S.R.P. North Ventures Ltd. . Green Energy NWT Inc. . S.R.P. Petroleum (A division of S.R.P. North Ventures . Green Enterprises Northwest Territories Ltd.) . Habanero North Ltd. . Sahtu Building Supplies . Harold’s Construction . Sahtu Computer Services . Hay River Liquor Retailers (1992) Ltd. operating as . Sahtu Dene Inn Inc. Norman Wells Liquor Store . Sahtu Contractors Ltd. . Hodgson’s Contracting (2005) Inc. . Sahtu Dental Clinic ((994405 NWT Ltd.) . HRN Contracting Ltd. . Sahtu Helicopters (3542564 Canada Inc.) . Imperial Oil Resources (NWT) Ltd. . Schlumberger of Canada Ltd. . JFSL Field Services Ltd. . Scott's Taxi . K.B. Bookkeeping and Consulting . Shehtah Nabors . KBL Environmental Ltd. . S R P North Ventures . Lennie Custodian . Summit Helicopters . Lonkar Services Ltd. . Taiga Services . Lone Loon Fine Woodworking . Tamarack Enterprises . Lorraine Tremblay CGA and Associates . The Professionals Ltd. . LTS Infrastructure Services Limited Partnership . Trace Explorations Ltd. . MacKay Expediting & Logistics (MXL) . Tremblay Lorrain CGA . Mackenzie Mountain Outfitters . Trumpeter Camp Co. Ltd. . Mackenzie Mountain School . Tulita District Investment Corporation . Mackenzie Valley Hotel . Velocity Express Canada Ltd. . Masaya Cleaning Services . W&B Contracting Ltd. . McCoy Enterprises Ltd. . Whiponic Northern Cartrols Inc (Heritage Hotel) . Mid-Arctic Transportation Co. Ltd. (MATCO) . Whiponic Wellputer Ltd. . Mountain Dene Tulu Services . Willow Crescent Quilting . Mountain View Sales & Services . Wizard Mechanical Ltd. . Mountain River Outfitters . Yamouri Inn Ltd. . Mr. Joe’s Source: NorthwesTel (2015); NWT Business Directory (2006); Town of Norman Wells (2010(b)).
J-6.2 Tulita Community Profile
J-6.2.1 Background
The Hamlet of Tulita is located on the northern bank of the Mackenzie River, at its junction with the east bank of the Great Bear River. Tulita is accessible year round by air from Norman Wells and bulk supplies and food are barged to the community during the summer months. The winter road connects Tulita with Norman Wells and Wrigley during the winter months.
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The confluence of the Great Bear River with the Mackenzie River was of seasonal importance to the Slavey Dene. Tulita, which means “where the waters meet”, was formerly known as Fort Norman.
The Northwest Company was active in the area in the 1700s and a post was founded at Fort Norman in 1810. The post was relocated by the Hudson’s Bay Company several times, but was moved to its first and most northerly site again in 1872. The strategic location at the junction of the two rivers made it a transportation centre from the time of Franklin’s explorations in the Great Bear region through to the pitchblende discoveries of the 1920s.
The economy is based on hunting, fishing, trapping, oil exploration, tourism, and the sale of local arts and crafts.
J-6.2.2 Population
Tulita’s historic population levels are provided on Figure APP J-12. Tulita’s population has increased from 501 to 567 between 2001 and 2012, indicating an average annual growth rate of 1.4 % since 2001. A future population projection was not reported by the Bureau of Statistics (2012). Approximately 88.4% of Tulita’s population is Aboriginal as shown in Table App J-16 (GNWT Bureau of Statistics 2012).
580
560
540 n o i t a l 520 u p o P 500
480
460 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Year
Source: GNWT Bureau of Statistics (2012) Figure APP J-12: Tulita Historical Population, 2001 – 2012
From 2001 to 2010, there were between 3 and 13 births each year, with an average of 7.5 births per year over the ten year period. The number of teen births (births to women aged 19 years or less) ranged from 0 to 2 between this time, with an average of 1.1 teen births per year. The annual death rates have fluctuated between 0 and 5 deaths reported per year between 2001 and 2010 (GNWT Bureau of Statistics 2012).
The population by age, gender, and ethnicity are presented on Figure APP J-13 and Table APP J-16, respectively. The population in Tulita is relatively young, with 71% of the population aged 44 or younger. There are a greater number of females than males in the community (GNWT Bureau of Statistics 2012).
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60 Yrs. & Older 0 - 4 Years 13% 7% 5 - 9 Years 7%
10 - 14 Years 8% 45 - 59 Years 16%
15 - 24 Years 25%
25 - 44 Years 24%
Source: GNWT Bureau of Statistics (2012) Figure APP J-13: Tulita Population by Age Group, 2012
Table APP J-16: Tulita Population by Gender and Ethnicity, 2012 Gender and Ethnicity Population Percent Male 279 49.2% Female 288 50.8% Aboriginal 501 88.4% Non-Aboriginal 66 11.6% Source: GNWT Bureau of Statistics (2012)
J-6.2.3 Employment
Community employment data for Tulita are provided on Figure APP J-14. In 2009, 410 residents were aged 15 years and older. Employment data indicates that 171 residents were employed, 46 residents were unemployed, and 193 residents were not in the labour force. Of the 171 Tulita residents in the labour force, this translates into a participation rate (the percentage of persons 15 years of age and over who are in the labour force) of 52.9% and an unemployment rate of 21.2%. Since 1986, the general trend for Tulita indicates a slight increase in employment over time, with periods of fluctuation; however, 2009 shows the lowest employment since pre-1986. The unemployment rate has also fluctuated, reaching a high of 39.8% in 1994, and has decreased since then, except in 2009 (GNWT Bureau of Statistics 2012).
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70
60
50 )
% 40 (
e t
a 30 R 20
10
0
Year
Unemployment Rate Employment Rate
Source: GNWT Bureau of Statistics (2012) Figure APP J-14: Tulita Employment and Unemployment Rates, 1986 – 2009
J-6.2.4 Education
The percent of residents achieving a high school diploma has increased since 1986 (Figure APP J-15). In 1986, 21.3% of the Tulita population had completed high school. This reached 43.9% in 1996 and then declined to 37.7% by 2006. In 2009, a high of 46.6% was obtained. The employment rate for those with a high school diploma or higher qualification was 57.6% in 2009, whereas the employment rate for those with less than a high school diploma was 26.6% (GNWT Bureau of Statistics 2012).
50 ) % (
e r
o 45 M
r o
a
m 40 o l p i D
l
o 35 o h c S
h
g 30 i H
h t i
w 25
t n e c r e
P 20
Year
Source: GNWT Bureau of Statistics (2012) Figure APP J-15: Tulita Educational Levels, 1986 - 2009
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J-6.2.5 Business Services
The local economy in Tulita is primarily based on hunting, fishing, and trapping. Oil exploration, tourism, arts and crafts are also features of the economy. The types of services and list of businesses in Tulita are shown in Table APP J-17 and Table APP J-18, respectively.
Table APP J-17: Business Services in Tulita, NT Accommodation Guiding and hunting Catering Lease and rental services Construction Retail Food sales Transportation
Table APP J-18: Businesses in Tulita, NT . Aurora College . Northwest Territories Power Corporation . Bear River Enterprises . North-Wright Airways Ltd. . BJ Services Ltd. . Red Dog Mountain Contracting . Buffalo Air . Sister Celeste Child Development Centre . Community Economic Development . Tulita Water Services Ltd. . Fort Norman Metis Land/Financial Corporation . Two River Hotel . Tulita Land and Financial Corporation . Ursus Aviation . M Y B Construction . Willow Lake Slashing . Northern Store . Wreights Convenience Store Source: NorthwesTel (2015); NWT Business Directory (2006); Tulita Land Corporation (2012).
J-7.0 OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA
Other activities in the area that are considered in this preliminary cumulative effects assessment include:
. existing winter road;
. community users of the land;
. existing Enbridge oil pipeline;
. Norman Wells oilfield;
. current exploration leases and significant discovery leases; and
. Mackenzie Valley Fibre-Link Project.
J-7.1 Mackenzie Valley Winter Road
The existing Mackenzie Valley Winter Road in the vicinity of the proposed Access Road extends from Tulita to Norman Wells. The winter road, constructed primarily of compacted snow, is built annually every winter over the land on the east side of the Mackenzie River. The winter road is typically open from December to March and includes many permanent bridges.
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J-7.2 Enbridge Oil Pipeline
During the winter seasons of 1983-84 and 1984-85, Interprovincial Pipe Line Ltd. [IPL, now Enbridge Pipelines (NW) Inc.] constructed a 324 mm diameter oil pipeline extending 869 km from the oil fields and refinery at Norman Wells, to connect with another pipeline at Zama in northern Alberta. The Norman Wells Pipeline, in operation since 1985, was and remains the only completely buried oil pipeline located in permafrost terrain in Canada.
Many unique design features and mitigative measures were adopted to minimize disturbance to the thaw sensitive permafrost terrain and to ensure pipe integrity for the Norman Wells line. The small diameter pipeline operates as an ambient temperature line; oil is chilled at the surface and the average annual temperature of the oil entering the line is near -1°C.
Since 1985, annual field monitoring of the pipeline has been conducted by IPL/Enbridge to determine the effect of the pipeline construction and operation on the environment, right-of-way and pipeline (Arctic Institute of North America 2011). The results of the ongoing monitoring have been reported annually to the National Energy Board and have been used to guide annual maintenance activities intended to ensure the integrity of the pipeline and protection of the environment.
In the vicinity of the proposed Access Road the Enbridge pipeline right-of-way extends south from Norman Wells through to and beyond Tulita and the southern boundary of the Tulita District and is situated in the proposed common transportation corridor envisioned for the proposed Access Road and other developments.
J-7.3 Norman Wells Oilfield
Norman Wells exists as a result of Canadian government encouragement of oil exploration.. Alexander Mackenzie had reported in the late 1700s that the Dene used oil seeps along the Mackenzie to waterproof their canoes. But the region was remote and there was little interest until 1911 when prospector J.K. Cornwall investigated the oil seeps and discovered they consisted of high quality crude oil. Soon, Imperial Oil obtained leases and sent a drilling crew north. In 1920 they struck oil near the current site of Norman Wells (Norman Wells Historical Society 2009).
The Norman Wells oilfield supplied regional communities and mining interests through the 1920s and 1930s. It also helped to support the development of aviation in the Mackenzie Valley with a ready supply of fuel and lubricants.
During the Second World War, the United States military built the Alaska Highway, and connected the Norman Wells oilfield, via a 4-inch diameter pipeline (Canol project), to Yukon and Alaska. Although the Canol project was shut down and abandoned a year after it opened, outside interest in Norman Wells crude oil supplies continued to grow. By 1980, plans for oilfield recovery included construction of sixartificial drilling islands in the Mackenzie River and a 12-inch pipeline to Alberta.
The construction of the Norman Wells Oilfield Expansion and Pipeline Project was undertaken during the period 1982 to 1985. The current status in the Norman Wells area includes the existing oil field facilities, the six artificial islands in the Mackenzie River, the Norman Wells airport, and the quarry developed for construction of the artificial islands.
Over the past 90 years, Esso’s Norman Wells oilfield has produced more than 226 million barrels of sweet crude oil. Since start-up of the pipeline in mid-1985, all of this production has been shipped to southern Canada (Norman Wells Historical Society 2009).
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J-7.4 Current Exploration Leases and Significant Discovery Leases
Other activities include exploration for and discovery of oil and gas, coal and other minerals. J-7.5 Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link Project
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has engaged Northern Lights Fibre (NLF), a consortium of the Ledcor Group of Companies and NorthwesTel Inc., to design, build, finance, operate, and maintain a fibre optic cable system between the McGill Lake Microwave Site, and the Town of Inuvik, Northwest Territories. The McGill Lake Microwave Site is located on the Mackenzie Highway (NWT Hwy No. 1), east of the junction with the Liard Highway (NWT Hwy No. 7).
This proposed development is called the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link (MVFL). The MVFL will be a 1,154 buried fibre optic network that will connect seven communities along the route, including the International Satellite Space Facility (ISSF) in Inuvik. Construction began in January 2015, with a completion date of July 2016. The MVFL network will then be maintained for a 20-year term by NorthwesTel. Between Norman Wells and Tulita, the MVLF will be installed within the existing winter road right-of-way. J-8.0 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ASSESSMENT
A detailed cumulative effects assessment was conducted for the MGP for the entire proposed pipeline corridor, including the area to be traversed by the proposed Access Road. As it is envisioned that all of these linear projects share a common transportation corridor, it is worthwhile to begin this assessment with a review of the MGP’s primary findings and conclusions.
The environmental impact assessment conducted for the MGP involved a comprehensive assessment of the available information, including the gathering of several years (2001-2004) of scientific field survey data, community consultations and Traditional Knowledge studies, with detailed descriptions of the importance and value of wildlife and wildlife habitat to the local residents (IOL et al. 2004).
Based on their assessment, it was determined that the MGP would likely have some minor effects on wildlife and wildlife habitat at the local level that could last throughout the life of the project, and in some cases beyond. Noise from facilities and flares might also affect wildlife during operations (IOL et al. 2004).
Their assessment determined that some local wildlife movements might be affected near the project, but no effects on the seasonal movements or migration patterns of wildlife would occur, with the possible exception of the movements of Bluenose West Caribou in fall and winter during the pipeline construction phase. No other possible effects on the seasonal distribution of barren-ground caribou were expected to occur (IOL et al. 2004).
Table APP J-19 adapted from the cumulative effects assessment for the MGP summarizes the predicted significance for cumulative effects of past, current and reasonably foreseeable land uses on all of the biophysical VCs assessed (IOL 2004).
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Table APP J-19: Summaryof Significance for Cumulative Effects of Past, Current and Reasonably Foreseeable Land Uses Cumulative Effect2 Significance Discipline Key Indicators or Valued Components Interaction1 Project Overall Project Overall Air NO2 Yes 3 3 n/s n/s SO2 Yes 3 3 n/s n/s CO Yes 3 3 n/s n/s
PM2.5 Yes 3 3 n/s n/s Benzene Yes 3 3 n/s n/s BTEX Yes 3 3 n/s n/s PAI Yes 3 3 n/s n/s Noise Sound Level No NE NE n/s n/s Groundwater Groundwater quantity and flow patterns Yes 3 3 n/s n/s Groundwater quality Yes 3 3 n/s n/s Hydrology Runoff amount and drainage patterns Yes 3 3 n/s n/s Water levels and flow velocities Yes 3 3 n/s n/s Sediment concentration Yes 3 3 n/s n/s Channel morphology Yes 3 3 Water Quality Wastewater releases Yes 3 3 n/s n/s Suspended sediments Yes 3 3 n/s n/s Fish and Fish Habitat Yes 3 3 n/s n/s Habitat Health Yes 3 3 n/s n/s Abundance and distribution Yes 3 3 n/s n/s Soils, Ground stability Yes 3 3 n/s n/s Landforms and Uncommon landforms Yes 3 3 n/s n/s Permafrost Soil quality Yes 3 3 n/s n/s Vegetation Abundance and distribution of vegetation Yes 3 3 n/s n/s species and associations Health of vegetation species Yes 3 3 n/s n/s Wildlife Habitat availability Yes 3 3 n/s n/s Movements Yes 3 3 n/s n/s Mortality Yes 3, 2 for 3 n/s n/s grizzly bear Notes: 1. YES indicates the project causes a residual effect that might interact measurably with other land uses on the same KI or VC. No indicates no cumulative effect interaction. 2. Indicates the class of the cumulative effect. Project is that project’s contribution to cumulative effects. Overall is the overall cumulative effect of and considers all past, current and reasonably foreseeable land uses. Class 1 – the predicted trend in the VC under projected levels of development could threaten its sustainability in the regional study area and should be considered a management concern. Research, monitoring and recovery initiatives should be considered under an integrated resource management framework. Class 2 – the predicted trend in the VC under projected levels of development will likely result in its decline to lower than baseline, but stable, levels or quality in the regional study area after MGP decommissioning and abandonment, and into the foreseeable future. Regional management actions such as research, monitoring and recovery might be required if additional land use activities are proposed for the study area before project closure. Class 3 – the predicted trend in the VC under projected levels of development could result in no change or could decline in the regional study area during the life of the MGP, but its level or quality should recover to baseline after decommissioning and abandonment. No immediate management initiatives, other than requirements for responsible industrial operational practices, are required NS - indicates no significant cumulative effect. 3. Conclusions for all species assessed unless indicated otherwise. 4. Source: IOL 2004 (Table 12-26).
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The key biophysical and socio-economic conclusions of the comprehensive cumulative effects assessment conducted for the MGP (IOL et al. 2004) were as follows:
. The MGP would not contribute significantly to cumulative effects.
. There were no significant overall cumulative effects.
. Based on the project footprint, the project would disturb a negligible proportion of the regional study area, and therefore, also a negligible proportion of the Northwest Territories.
. The MGP would contribute to two potential cumulative effects of management concern:
competition for qualified northern goods, services and labour, which could be addressed with diligent monitoring and management by responsible parties; and
direct grizzly bear mortality, which could be addressed with diligent monitoring and management by responsible parties.
. Demand for qualified northern content in projects is expected to use all available northern capacity, which will limit the extent of both potential increased benefit and social costs among northern residents. However, it could marginally increase the temporary attraction of speculative in-migration, and associated social costs in the regional and commercial centres of Inuvik and Norman Wells.
. The MGP might encourage other development, particularly gas exploration and production in the Northwest Territories; however, information to adequately assess potential cumulative effects contributions from such possible developments was not yet available.
. The effect of any future hydrocarbon development, such as additional production fields, on the communities would likely be similar to effects predicted for current and reasonably foreseeable land use. Those developments would be subject to their own environmental impact assessment, including cumulative effects.
These conclusions indicated that, despite the size and duration of operations, the contribution to cumulative effects by the MGP on the regions and communities of the Northwest Territories were not expected to be significant. The conclusions also meant that there was no reason to believe, based on available information and the assessment method, that in the future there would be an issue of management concern associated with cumulative effects on a particular valued component from this project. These conclusions were based on the assumption that appropriate management and monitoring programs, as outlined in the MGP EIS would be carried out (IOL et al. 2004).
Although, it remains unknown at this time whether construction of other proposed future projects, in particular, the MGP, will proceed in the foreseeable future, the discussion of cumulative effects is relevant to the proposed Access Road. Incorporation of the existing winter road bridge at Canyon Creek, and utilizing cut lines and previously disturbed rights-of-way for the proposed Access Road will minimize overall effects in the area. With the application of proposed mitigation measures, for all environmental VCs, the residual environmental effects associated with the construction and future operation of the proposed Access Road are anticipated to be low in magnitude and localized in extent.
From a socio-economic perspective, the construction of the proposed Access Road will result in local employment, training, business and other economic opportunities for the communities of Norman Wells and Tulita.
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