Willow Creek Final Project Report Pine Valley Coal Ltd. TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY LIST OF TABLES LIST OF FIGURES LIST OF APPENDICES 1.0 INTRODUCTION ● 1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND ● 1.2 PROPERTY LOCATION, SERVICE FEATURES AND PHYSIOGRAPHY ● 1.3 HISTORY ● 1.4 KEY PROJECT DATA ● 1.5 CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE ● 1.6 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT TERMS OF REFERENCE ● 1.7 PERMIT REQUIREMENTS ● 1.8 REPORT ORGANIZATION 2.0 PROJECT RATIONALE AND DESCRIPTION ● 2.1 GEOLOGY ● 2.1.1 Introduction ● 2.1.2 Stratigraphy ● 2.1.3 Structural Geology ● 2.1.4 Geological Interpretation ● 2.1.5 Coal Quality ● 2.2 MINING ● 2.2.1 Introduction ● 2.2.2 Mining Methodology ● 2.2.3 Production Levels and Stripping Ratios ● 2.2.4 Mine Design and Layout ● 2.2.5 Mining Sequence And Development Plan ● 2.2.6 Main Access And Haul Road Options ● 2.2.7 Rock Dumping/Backfilling ● 2.2.8 Geotechnical Criteria ● 2.2.9 Recoverable And Product Reserves ● 2.2.10 Material Balance ● 2.2.11 Mine Equipment ● 2.2.12 Mine Maintenance ● 2.2.13 Drilling and Blasting ● 2.3 COAL PROCESSING ● 2.3.1 Introduction ● 2.3.2 General Approach ● 2.3.3 Raw Coal ● 2.3.4 Coal Preparation Plant ● 2.3.5 Clean Coal Handling ● 2.3.6 Train Loadout ● 2.3.7 Plant Refuse Disposal ● 2.3.8 Coal Quality Laboratory ● 2.4 SITE INFRASTRUCTURE ● 2.4.1 Introduction ● 2.4.2 Maintenance, Warehouse & Administration Facilities ● 2.4.3 Utilities ● 2.5 SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT ● 2.6 RECLAMATION PLAN 3.0 SITE SELECTION 4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE ● 4.1 SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES ● 4.2 CLIMATE AND AIR QUALITY ● 4.2.1 Wind ● 4.2.2 Air Quality ● 4.2.3 Temperature and Precipitation ● 4.3 SURFICIAL GEOLOGY AND SOILS ● 4.4 WATER QUALITY ● 4.4.1 Scope and Objectives of Studies ● 4.4.2 Surface Water Quality ● 4.4.2.1 Weekly Variability ● 4.4.2.2 Seasonal Variability ● 4.4.2.3 Spatial Variability of Seasonal Data ● 4.4.2.4 Summary Water Quality Characteristics of Area Streams ● 4.4.2.5 QA/QC ● 4.4.2.6 Low Level Metals ● 4.4.3 Groundwater ● 4.4.4 Stream Sediments ● 4.5 HYDROLOGY ● 4.5.1 Background ● 4.5.2 Objectives and Scope of the 1996/97 Program ● 4.5.3 NDM Methods ● 4.5.4 IEC 1982 Results ● 4.5.5 B. Guy 1994 Results ● 4.5.6 NDM 1996 Results ● 4.5.7 Groundwater ● 4.6 FISHERIES ● 4.6.1 Globaltex 1994 ● 4.6.2 NDM 1996 ● 4.6.2.1 Introduction ● 4.6.2.2 Study Methods ● 4.6.2.3 Baseline Environment ● 4.7 BENTHIC INVERTEBRATES ● 4.8 PERIPHYTON ● 4.8.1 Methods ● 4.8.2 Trophic Status ● 4.8.2.1 Sampling Sites ● 4.8.2.2 Taxonomy ● 4.8.2.3 Biomass ● 4.8.2.4 Chlorophyll a Content ● 4.9 BIOTERRAIN AND SOILS ● 4.9.1 Introduction ● 4.9.2 Methods ● 4.9.2.1 Terrain Mapping and Mapping Reliability ● 4.9.2.2Soil Classification ● 4.9.3 Results ● 4.9.3.1 Physiography ● 4.9.3.2 Surficial Materials and Associated Landforms ● 4.9.3.3Active Geomorphological Processes ● 4.9.3.4 Soil Classes and Distribution ● 4.9.4 Summary ● 4.10 TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM MAPPING ● 4.10.1 Background ● 4.10.2 Objectives ● 4.10.3 Methodology ● 4.10.4 Description of Map Units ● 4.10.4.1 Ecoregions ● 4.10.4.2 Biogeoclimatic Units ● 4.10.4.3 Ecosystem Units ● 4.11 VEGETATION ● 4.11.1 Background ● 4.11.2 Methodology ● 4.11.3 Results ● 4.12 WILDLIFE ● 4.12.1 Methodology ● 4.12.3 Results ● 4.12.3.1 Birds ● 4.12.3.2 Mammals ● 4.12.3.3 Amphibians ● 4.12.3.4 Reptiles ● 4.12.3.5 Wildlife Capability Ratings ● 4.12.3.6 Valued Ecosystem Components ● 4.12.3.7 Environmentally Sensitive Areas ● 4.13 ARCHAEOLOGY/HERITAGE/TRADITIONAL USE ● 4.14 LAND USE ● 4.14.1 Agriculture ● 4.14.2 Forestry ● 4.14-3 Non-Renewable Resources ● 4.14.4 Private Land Holdings ● 4.14.5 Guiding/Hunting ● 4.14.6 Trapping ● 4.14.7 Water Licences and Wells ● 4.15 ACID ROCK DRAINAGE STUDIES ● 4.15.1 Introduction ● 4.15.2 Sampling and Analysis ● 4.15.3 Description of Results ● 4.15.3.1 Form of Sulphur ● 4.15.3.2 ABA Characteristics by Rock type ● 4.15.3.3 Seam Interburden ● 4.15.3.4 Coal ● 4.15.3.5 Coarse Plant Rejects ● 4.15.4 Interpretation of ARD Potential ● 4.15.5 Conclusions 5.0 SOCIO-ECONOMIC BASELINE ● 5.1 INTRODUCTION ● 5.2 PART A - CHETWYND PROFILE ● 5.2.1 History ● 5.2.2 Location ● 5.2.3 Area Communities ● 5.2.4 Population and Labour Force ● 5.2.5 Economic Base and Development ● 5.2.6 Community Services ● 5.3 PART B: DAWSON CREEK AREA PROFILE ● 5.3.1 History ● 5.3.2 Location ● 5.3.3 Economic Base and Development ● 5.3.4 Population and Labour Force 6.0 DIRECT AND INDIRECT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ASSESSMENT ● 6.1 INTRODUCTION ● 6.2 AIR QUALITY ● 6.2.1 Emission Sources ● 6.2.1.1 Mining ● 6.2.1.2 Coal Handling ● 6.2.1.3 Shops and Administration ● 6.2.2 Dust ● 6.2.2.1 Construction ● 6.2.2.2 Operations ● 6.2.3 Other Emissions ● 6.2.4 Distances to Nearest Residence from Mine Facilities ● 6.3 NOISE ● 6.3.1 Introduction ● 6.3.2 Mine Construction ● 6.3.3 Mine Operation ● 6.3.3.1 Excavators and Front End Loaders ● 6.3.3.2 Blasting ● 6.3.3.3 Haul Trucks ● 6.3.3.4 Private Automobiles ● 6.3.3.5 Highway Truck Traffic ● 6.3.3.6 Internal Plant Noise ● 6.3.3.7 Train Noise ● 6.4 VISUAL QUALITY ● 6.4.1 Construction ● 6.4.2 Operation ● 6.5 SURFACE WATER QUALITY ● 6.5.1 Introduction ● 6.5.2 Construction Phase ● 6.5.3 Operations Phase ● 6.5.3.1 Suspended Sediments ● 6.5.3.2 Nitrogen Compounds ● 6.5.4 Reclamation and Closure Phase ● 6.6 GROUNDWATER ● 6.7 FISH ● 6.7.1 Project Design ● 6.7.2 Project Construction ● 6.7.3 Mine Operation ● 6.7.4 Abandonment and Closure ● 6.7.5 Residual Impacts ● 6.8 ECOSYSTEM UNITS ● 6.8.1 Construction and Operational Phases ● 6.8.1.1 Loss of Ecosystem Units ● 6.8.2 Reclamation and Closure Phase ● 6.9 WILDLIFE ● 6.9.1 Habitat Alteration ● 6.9.1.1 Grizzly Bear ● 6.9.1.2 Elk ● 6.9.1.3 Moose ● 6.9.1.4 Mule Deer and White-tailed Deer ● 6.9.1.5 Marten ● 6.9.1.6 Fisher ● 6.9.1.7 Northern Goshawk ● 6.9.1.8 Broad-winged Hawk ● 6.9.1.9 Black-throated Green Warbler ● 6.9.1.10 Connecticut Warbler ● 6.9.1.11 Bay-breasted Warbler ● 6.9.1.12 Cape May Warbler ● 6.9.1.13 Canada Warbler ● 6.9.1.14 Philadelphia Vireo ● 6.9.1.15 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher ● 6.9.1.16 Woodland Caribou ● 6.9.1.17 Trumpeter Swans ● 6.9.2 Reduced Habitat Effectiveness ● 6.9.3 Blockage of Wildlife Movement ● 6.9.4 Habitat Fragmentation ● 6.9.5 Project Related Wildlife Mortalities 7.0 MITIGATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ● 7.1 CONCEPTUAL RECLAMATION PLAN ● 7.1.1 Introduction ● 7.1.2 Land and Resource Use ● 7.1.3 Reclamation Objectives ● 7.1.4 Post-Mining Landscape Units ● 7.1.4.1 External Rock Dumps ● 7.1.4.2 Pits ● 7.1.4.3 Sedimentation Ponds ● 7.1.4.4 Roads ● 7.1.4.5 Plant Facilities ● 7.1.5 Site Preparation ● 7.1.5.1 Soil Stockpiling ● 7.1.5.2 Rock Dumps ● 7.1.5.3 Pit Preparation ● 7.1.5.4 Decommissioning of Roads, and Plant Site ● 7.1.6 Re-vegetation ● 7.1.6.2 Re-vegetation of Rock Dumps/Backfill ● 7.1.6.3 Selection of Vegetation ● 7.1.7 Monitoring and Research ● 7.2 CONCEPTUAL WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN ● 7.2.1 Construction Phase ● 7.2.2 Operations Phase ● 7.2.2.1 Overburden and Rock ● 7.2.2.2 Tailings ● 7.2.2.3 Coarse Plant Rejects ● 7.2.2.4 Domestic Sewage ● 7.2.2.5 Refuse Management ● 7.2.3 Closure Phase ● 7.3 CONCEPTUAL WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN ● 7.3.1 Site Description and Drainage ● 7.3.2 Sediment and Water Control During Construction ● 7.3.3 Sedimentation and Diversion Requirements ● 7.3.4 Sedimentation Pond Phasing and Sizing ● 7.3.4.1 Conceptual Phasing and Design Criteria ● 7.3.4.2 Preliminary Estimate of Pond Inflows ● 7.3.4.3 Pond Sizing ● 7.3.5 Sedimentation Pond and Ditch Design ● 7.3.6 Wash Plant Water Balance ● 7.4 FISHERIES ● 7.4.1 Mitigation ● 7.4.2 Compensation ● 7.5 WILDLIFE HABITAT PROTECTION PLAN ● 7.5.1 Reduction Of Habitat Alteration ● 7.5.2 Improve Habitat Effectiveness ● 7.5.3 Minimize Blockage Of Wildlife Movement ● 7.5.4 Decrease Habitat Fragmentation ● 7.5.5 Reduce Project Related Wildlife Mortalities ● 7.6 NOISE ● 7.7 DUST ● 7.8 VISUAL QUALITY 8.0 DIRECT AND INDIRECT SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS ● 8.1 GENERAL ● 8.2 INDICATORS OF ECONOMIC BENEFITS ● 8.2.1 Assessment of Impact on Economic Variables ● 8.2.2 Summary of Economic Study Results ● 8.2.3 Aggregate Economic Impacts ● 8.2.4 Government Revenues ● 8.3 DISTRICT OF CHETWYND ● 8.4 WILLOW FLATS AND COMMUNITY ● 8.5 PROCUREMENT AND HUMAN RESOURCE POLICIES 9.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES ● 9.1 INTRODUCTION ● 9.2 PLANT LOCATION ALTERNATIVES ● 9.3 MAIN HAUL ROAD ALTERNATIVES ● 9.4 TAILINGS POND ● 9.5 REJECT DISPOSAL 10.0 ASSESSMENT OF ALTERNATIVES EFFECTS 11.0 POTENTIAL EFFECTS ON ABORIGINAL TRADITIONAL USE 12.0 SAFETY AND CONTINGENCY RESPONSE ● 12.1 SCOPE AND PURPOSE ● 12.1 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ● 12.2 CHEMICAL STORAGE AND HANDLING ● 12.2.1 Chemicals List ● 12.2.2 Flocculants ● 12.2.3 Lime ● 12.2.4 Petroleum Products ● 12.2.4 Other Chemicals ● 12.3 SAFETY ● 12.4 EMERGENCY RESPONSE ● 12.5 ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES ● 12.5.1 Responsibilities of the Person Discovering the Spill ● 12.5.2 Responsibilities of the General Manager and Mine or Wash Plant Superintendent ● 12.5.3 Responsibilities of the On-Scene Work Crew ● 12.5.4 Responsibilities of the Site Crew ● 12.5.5 Duties of the Safety and Environment Manager Not Related to the Spill Event ● 12.6 GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE ● 12.6.1 Minesite Spills ● 12.6.2 Transport Spills ● 12.7 SUPPLIES AND RESOURCES ● 12.7.1 Explosives Manufacturers and Suppliers ● 12.7.2 Canadian Transport Emergency Centre (CANUTEC) ● 12.7.3 Chemical Waste Disposal Contractors ● 12.7.4 Suppliers and Dealers ● 12.7.5 Other 13.0 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ASSESSMENT ● 13.1 DIRECT IMPACTS FROM THE PROJECT ● 13.2 FISHERIES ● 13.3 ECOSYSTEM UNITS/VEGETATION ● 13.4 WILDLIFE ● 13.4.1 Cumulative Effects ● 13.4.3.1 Grizzly Bear ● 13.4.3.2 Elk ● 13.4.3.3 Moose ● 13.4.3.4