3.0 Initial Environmental Evaluation Geotechnical Investigations Davis Aerodrome Project (Project 5097) and Davis Station Infrastructure Project (Project 5135) 2021-2022 Field Activities V3.0 – 30 March 2021 INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EVAULATION 2021-2022 FIELD SEASONS Contents 1 Non-Technical Summary ..................................................................................................................... 5 1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 5 1.2 Description of the Proposed Activity .......................................................................................... 5 1.3 Alternatives to the Proposed Activities ....................................................................................... 5 1.4 Impact Assessment ..................................................................................................................... 5 1.5 Mitigation Measures ................................................................................................................... 6 1.6 Environmental Monitoring and Management ............................................................................ 7 1.7 Conclusion .................................................................................................................................. 7 2 Introduction and Scope ...................................................................................................................... 8 2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 8 2.2 Davis Aerodrome Project Background ........................................................................................ 8 2.3 Davis Station Infrastructure Project Background ...................................................................... 10 2.4 Statutory Requirements ........................................................................................................... 10 2.5 Purpose and Scope of the Document ....................................................................................... 10 2.6 Previous Assessments and Obligations ..................................................................................... 11 3 Description of the Proposed Activity ................................................................................................ 12 3.1 Aims and Objectives ................................................................................................................. 12 3.2 Overview of Proposed Activities .............................................................................................. 12 3.2.1 2020-21 Summer Program ............................................................................................... 12 3.2.2 2021 Winter Program ....................................................................................................... 12 3.2.3 2021-22 Summer Program ............................................................................................... 12 3.3 Location of the Proposed Activity ............................................................................................. 13 3.4 Nominal Sequence of Season Activities .................................................................................... 15 3.5 Site Access and Preparation ...................................................................................................... 15 3.6 Geotechnical Investigations ...................................................................................................... 16 3.6.1 Borehole Drilling ............................................................................................................... 16 3.6.2 Borehole Instrumentation Installation and Monitoring ................................................... 23 3.6.3 Downhole Instrumentation Quantum .............................................................................. 25 3.6.4 Test Pit Excavation ............................................................................................................ 26 3.6.5 Dynamic Cone Penetrometer testing ................................................................................ 31 3.6.6 Geological Mapping and Geotechnical Visual Observations ............................................. 31 3.6.7 Geophysical Survey ........................................................................................................... 32 3.6.8 Near-surface Water Flow Investigations .......................................................................... 33 3.6.9 Lake and Waterbody Depth Monitoring ........................................................................... 33 MARCH 2021 2 INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EVAULATION 2021-2022 FIELD SEASONS 3.7 Surveys ..................................................................................................................................... 34 3.7.1 Terrestrial Survey ............................................................................................................. 34 3.7.2 Hydrographic Survey ........................................................................................................ 34 3.8 Equipment, Logistics and Methods of Proposed Activities....................................................... 34 3.8.1 Site Access and Preparation ............................................................................................. 34 3.8.2 Geotechnical Borehole Drilling ......................................................................................... 35 3.8.3 Supply of Drilling Fluid ...................................................................................................... 36 3.8.4 Downhole Instrumentation Monitoring ........................................................................... 36 3.8.5 Temporary Mobile Weather Shelter Provisions ............................................................... 37 3.8.6 Hand-Augered Boreholes. ................................................................................................ 37 3.8.7 Test Pit Excavation ............................................................................................................ 38 3.8.8 Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Testing. .............................................................................. 41 3.8.9 Geological Mapping. ......................................................................................................... 41 3.8.10 Geophysical Survey ........................................................................................................... 42 3.8.11 Re-establishment of Existing and/or New Temporary Access Tracks. .............................. 43 3.8.12 Near-surface Water Flow Monitoring. .............................................................................. 43 3.8.13 Lake and Waterbody Level Monitoring. ........................................................................... 44 3.8.14 Survey ............................................................................................................................... 45 3.8.15 Samples Collection ............................................................................................................ 46 4 Alternatives to the Proposed Activity ............................................................................................... 47 4.1 Do Nothing ................................................................................................................................ 47 4.2 Alternate Locations and Timing ................................................................................................ 47 4.3 Alternate Methods and Technologies ...................................................................................... 47 5 Description of the Environment........................................................................................................ 48 5.1 Physical Characteristics of the Vestfold Hills ............................................................................. 48 5.1.1 Biota ................................................................................................................................. 50 5.1.2 Birds.................................................................................................................................. 50 5.1.3 Seals ................................................................................................................................. 51 5.1.4 Terrestrial Microbiota ....................................................................................................... 51 5.1.5 Flora ................................................................................................................................. 51 5.1.6 Marine Benthic (Seabed) Biota ......................................................................................... 51 5.1.7 Meteorology and Climate ................................................................................................. 52 5.1.8 Human Presence ............................................................................................................... 52 5.1.9 Scientific Values ................................................................................................................ 53 5.1.10 Wilderness and Aesthetic Values ...................................................................................... 54 5.1.11 Cultural Heritage Values and Historic Importance