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abstracts for
Island Copper Mine fonds

abstracts for Annual Environmental Reports

1971-1972. University of British Columbia. Appendices No.1 and 2, to Accompany Summary Report: Initial Production Year, October 1971- September 1972. Submitted to the Environmental Control Program, Island Copper Mine. 24+ pp. BOX 1.

Abstract:

The Island Copper Mine, operated by Utah Mines Ltd., is located on the northern shore of Rupert Inlet, Vancouver Island, BC, approximately nine air-miles southerly from the village of Port Hardy. Flotation mill process water make up is drawn from the Marble River, a natural stream discharging into Rupert Inlet. Following a predischarge mixing with sea water, the unrecovered mill process water and tailing effluent is discharged at depth into Rupert Inlet. The liquid portion of the effluent contains dissolved heavy metals which, at times, exceeds the concentration of dissolved metals observed in natural streams reporting to Rupert Inlet. Mine effluent and natural streams are periodically sampled and analysed for their dissolved metal contents. By using rainfall data to approximate the flow rates of the streams reporting to Rupert Inlet, the dissolved metal inflow by natural means can be compared to the inflow caused by the operation of the Island Copper Mine.

The computations made indicate that during the initial production year, October 7l- September 72, inflow due to mining operations of all metals other than molybdenum constituted less than 17% of the inflow from natural streams, whereas non-natural inflow of molybdenum was approximately 5O% of the natural inflow value. Under present operating conditions, whereby the Island Copper mill throughput is approximately ten thousand tons of ore per day, the relative magnitudes of supernatant mine effluent flow rate to natural stream discharge rate to sea water exchange rate in Rupert Inlet is 1:200:4,000.

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1971-1972. University of British Columbia. Appendix No.3, to Accompany Summary Report: Initial Production Year, October 1971- September 1972: Island Copper Mine Monitoring Program, Annual Review 1972: Biological Parameters. Submitted to the Environmental Control Program, Island Copper Mine. 226 pp. BOX 1.

Abstract:

Procedures have been scrutinised on-site and in laboratory during the year and modifications made where required by demands of the data analysis.

Check analyses of metal levels in biological tissues show adequate correspondence between Island Copper and T.W. Beak determinations of copper, cadmium and zinc. Arsenic results obtained by the Island Copper Mine environmental laboratory show good agreement with values reported by two independent agencies. Inter-laboratory agreement in values for mercury is poor.

Arsenic levels in crabs and some fish have on occasion been higher than permitted by the Food and Drug Act, but the effect appears not to be derived from mine operations. Copper levels rose in animals tested in March 1972. This increase was detected by three data evaluators working independently and demonstrates the efficacy of the monitoring program, although there is need to increase the rapidity of data processing, if the monitoring program is to serve an as effluent quality control system. Retesting of specimens did not support a widespread increase in copper levels. However copper and molybdenum levels in intertidal fish, and molybdenum levels in zooplankton, show slight increases to September 1972 particularly at stations nearest the outfall. These three combinations of metal/organism tests are the only possibly mine-derived metal concentration effects indicated to date and 1973 data should be analysed using appropriate statistical tests. It should be noted that several non-mine-derived factors may be affecting metal levels in organisms and a comprehensive data processing and statistical evaluation system is urgently needed to ensure correct interpretation of a large and complex set of data. A recommendation to develop and implement a computerised data processing and analytical system has been made to Island Copper Mine.

Monitoring of tailing deposition by corer and benthic animals have demonstrated obliteration of animals close to the outfall under tailing layers greater than about 50 cms. There is a broad fringe area extending 5 miles from the outfall into Holberg Inlet where light tailings are deposited but benthic animals have survived. The existing monitoring program appears inadequate to demonstrate sub-obliterative effects on benthos of these light tailings, and a new program is under development.

Intertidal plates receiving settling larvae demonstrate the extent of marine secondary production near surface. Between March and October in 1971 (pre-discharge) and 1972 (post-discharge) approximately equal rates of volatile organic matter were settled i.e. 123 and 128 mg/m2/day respectively. There was considerable variation between stations and time of year in which maximum settling rates occurred but no discernable relationship to mine operation.

Chlorophyll sampling at monthly intervals has demonstrated a longer period of summer-increasing values in 1972 (after discharge started) than in 1971. This extends throughout the monitored area and is hence probably due to natural causes.

Zooplankton sampling has demonstrated the most abundant species, Microcalanus pygmaeus pusillus, Pseudocalanus minutus and Oithona helgolandica, provided estimates of standing crop and number of species. Post-discharge sampling provides no conclusive evidence that mine operations have affected these statistics.

Effective biological components of the monitoring program to date consist of metal determinations in a range of biological tissues, measurement of benthic populations to determine the extent of obliteration by depositing tailings, measurement of secondary production by volatile organic fractions settling into intertidal plates, zooplankton species diversity and standing crops, and chlorophyll-a measures. The first two sets of parameters are regarded as primary, with results potentially available within a few days of sampling and thus able to serve as an effluent quality control system. Computerised data processing is however needed to fulfill this potential. The remaining parameters measure possible long-term receiving-area degradation.

A number of implemented procedures appear not to be effective monitors at the Island Copper receiving area to date, and have been terminated. In some cases e.g. benthos, where there is potential for further developments to make the procedures effective, sampling is being maintained for long-term storage of specimens.

To date the only clear effect of the mill discharge on the biology of the receiving area is the obliteration of benthos by deposited tailings in Rupert Inlet close to the outfall. It should be noted that Rupert Inlet had a sparse benthic fauna in the area prior to tailing deposition.

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1972-1973. University of British Columbia. Appendix No.1, to Accompany Summary Report: Second Production Year, October 1972- September 1973. Dispersal of Recent Sediments and Mine Tailing in a Shallow- Silled Fjord, Rupert Inlet, British Columbia. Submitted as a thesis to the Environmental Control Program, Island Copper Mine, by R.D. Johnson. 181 pp. BOX 1.

Abstract:

Rupert Inlet (fjord) is the site of large-scale sub-marine disposal of mine tailing and waste rock. This thesis considers the pre-operational condition and the initial two years of operation. Repetitive seismic surveys, grain size analysis from cores and samples, bottom current measurements together with geologic, topographic and oceanographic considerations are used to establish the natural erosional-depositional pattern and its effect on tailing distribution.

Connection of Quatsino Sound to the Holberg-Rupert basin via Quatsino Narrows is a post-glacial feature which initiated the present sedimentation regime. Prior deposits, flat-lying clayey silt, were eroded by bottom currents originating at the Narrows, moved up inlet then re-deposited, generally in Holberg Inlet above Coal Harbour and in Rupert Inlet off the present Mine site.

Bottom currents result from the incursion of flood tide water through Quatsino Narrows into the basin. Density dictates the intrusion level into the indigenous water column, while tide height and range contribute to the velocity of resulting currents. Water above the intrusion level moves headward, while water below that level forms counter-currents in Rupert and Holberg inlets which are convergent below the Narrows. Release of pressures built up during flood tide causes strong up-inlet bottom currents on early ebb tide. Maximum bottom currents are theorized as occurring when the flood tide water is denser than all the basin water. Currents are more persistent up inlet, but both up and down inlet commonly exceed 50 cm/sec and occasionally 100 cm/sec. The theoretical maximum up-inlet current may approach 300 cm/sec. Sediment grain size and sorting indicate that maximum currents below the Quatsino Narrows extend more strongly up Rupert Inlet.

While tailing deposition is widespread throughout the basin and occasionally observed being entrained out Quatsino Narrows on ebb tide, greater than 90% is restricted to Rupert Inlet. Below the outfall pipe tailing have caused slides damaging the bottom of the inlet and usefully ponding tailing. Tailing are at uniform grade from the fan to Quatsino Narrows, with maximum winnowing by currents in the lower reach.

Natural sedimentation attempts to confine the tailing to Rupert Inlet. This desired effect is thwarted by too much fine tailing being allowed to enter the water column. Further study of current structure of the water column and of density relationship on either side of the sill is necessary. Modification of engineering design may accomplish lower turbidity levels.

The monitoring program has provided the type of multi-disciplinary data required for environmental evaluation of inlets.

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1973-1974. University of British Columbia. Appendix No. 1, to Accompany Summary Report: Third Production Year, October 1973- September 1974. Submitted to the Environmental Control Program, Island Copper Mine. BOX 1.

Abstract:

Some preliminary attempts have been made to evaluate the significance of suspected turbidity increases in the mine's receiving area. Suspended solid loads at turbidity levels occurring prior to discharge;(O.2- 0.7 JTUs) were apparently of the order 1 - 8 ppm. The relationship between turbidities and suspended solids appears to be such that any detectable turbidity increase above pre-discharge levels would involve extra suspended solids loads of an order known to have some biological consequences i.e. 0.1 ppm. It is recommended that turbidity data processing be completed as soon as possible, that the balance of suspended solids data be correlated with available turbidity data, and that a special project be run to correlate suspended solids and turbidity data from discrete water samples taken from suspected tailing layers and surface clouds.

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1974-1975. University of British Columbia. Appendix No. 3, to Accompany Summary Report: Fourth Production Year, October 1974- September 1975. A Report to the UBC Independent Monitoring Group for the Island Copper Mine. BOX 1.

Abstract:

There are five salmon spawning streams draining to Rupert Inlet, twelve to Holberg Inlet and one to Quatsino Narrows. In Rupert Inlet, the Marble River supports all five salmon species but only cohos in large numbers, i.e. up to 20,000 fish. Waukwaas Creek may support in the even years i.e. 1972, 1974 etc, up to 50,000 pink salmon. Of the other spawning streams only the Goodspeed River draining to the head of Holberg Inlet supports a large salmon population, i.e. up to 10,000 chums.

In Rupert Inlet, there may be up to 100,000 salmon pass from sea to spawning stream in any one year between the month of June and December. Numbers will be at this level only during the even years when there are large scale pink runs to Waukwaas Creek. In the spring of the following odd years, pink salmon fry on their way to sea may bring numbers of juvenile salmon in Rupert Inlet up to the order of 71/2 million. These numbers indicate the presence of moderate sized salmon stocks within the mine's tailing receiving area, but the stocks are not outstanding by BC standards.

Salmon would appear to be liable to contact mine-derived turbidities during both adult and juvenile migrations. Adults probably will not be affected to any great extent since they do not feed at this migration stage. Juveniles, especially pink fry from Waukwaas Creek may encounter the waste-rock-derived shoreline turbidity which could disrupt their activities, and they may suffer if there is any turbidity-derived general decline in primary production.It is recommended that a preliminary sonic survey of salmonid stocks and distribution be made during the pink fry run in spring 1975 and the adult pink salmon run in summer 1976.

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1974-1975. University of British Columbia. Appendix No. 4, to Accompany Summary Report: Fourth Production Year, October 1974- September 1975. Submitted to the Environmental Control Program, Island Copper Mine. 42 pp. BOX 1.

Abstract:

The RAMIS data-processing system, and the SPX adjunct system, has the capability to meet the needs of Island Copper Mine's environmental monitoring program. A number of recommendations are made here, following a meeting at the mine on May 14-15 1975. These recommendations if implemented would provide a data processing system capable of meeting needs identified to date, with flexibility to accommodate certain future extensions or changes. Recommendations are needed from other members of the monitoring group.

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1977. Island Copper Environmental Staff. Sixth Production Year: October 1976- September 1977: Environmental Control Program, Island Copper Mine (Rupert Inlet, BC), Vol. 2. 654 pp. BOX 1.

Abstract:

In accordance with Pollution Control Permit No. P.E. 379 Utah Mines Ltd. conducted monthly, quarterly and annual surveys of the receiving area for the mine's effluent. The monitoring program carried out during October 1976 to September 1977 is outlined in Table 1 of this report on pages 15 - 17.

Maps showing the location of the different stations precede each section of the report dealing with that data.

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1977. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 1. 92 pp. and Appendix. BOX 1.

Abstract:

The purpose of this summary is to present an overview of the major findings of the 1977 impact assessment, thereby facilitating a better understanding of both the intention of the environmental monitoring program and the content of this report.

Island Copper Mine's Pollution Control Board discharge permit places limits of acceptability on a number of the physical and chemical properties of the mill effluent discharged into Rupert Inlet: An allowable pH range and maximum permissible levels of total solids, mercury, and cyanide; as well as maximum permissible levels of dissolved copper, molybdenum, arsenic, zinc, manganese, lead, iron, nickel, cobalt, chromium and cadmium. An analysis of the sixth production year data for the aforementioned parameters showed that the effluent met all permit requirements. Furthermore, monthly bio-assays on mill effluent, performed on behalf of Island Copper by BC Research, detected no toxicity in the effluent. Every test resulted in the 100% survival rate of juvenile coho salmon test fish.

Deep water tailings accumulation, water-column turbidity and associated sedimentation are parameters by which the direct physical impact of tailings discharge on the inlet system can be measured. Data indicated that after six years of mine operation, shallow-water turbidity at depths less than 100 feet showed no statistical difference between any stations. Although no time series analysis was conducted during the six years of mine production, an analysis of pre-operational data demonstrated the same shallow-water turbidity relationship between stations. In an analysis the total water column turbidity between stations during the sixth production year, station A closest to the mill tailings discharge point was shown to have higher deep-water turbidity than the other stations. A time series analysis revealed that all stations with the exception of station C had increased in deep water turbidity over their pre-operational levels. Extinction coefficient and transmissibility data demonstrated a strong seasonal component to shallow water turbidity levels. Sedimentation consequences in the littoral regions of the inlet system appeared localized, with sedimentation trap data showing elevated levels at the Hankin Point sampling station only. Echo-soundings and continuous seismic profiling of the sub-littoral substrate indicated an average increase of one-half foot per month in tailings thickness in the trough of Rupert Inlet during the sixth production year. Gravity core surveying delineated deposits of visible amounts of tailings extending about 8 kilometers up Rupert Inlet and 11.3 kilometers up Holberg Inlet (measured from Hankin Point) with no encroachment of visible amounts of tailings into Quatsino Sound.

The biological ramifications of turbidity as well as littoral and sub-littoral tailings accumulation effects of mine operations on the marine environment were assessed by means of a zooplankton and deep benthos sampling program, water-column productivity and standing crop study, and an intertidal-plate growth experiment. The localized near surface turbidity did not appear to have affected standing crop or productivity (with no statistical differences observed between stations) either preoperationally or during the sixth production year. Further-more, a comparison of chlorophyll 'a' and primary productivity levels in the inlet system with values typical in other geographical areas, found Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet and Quatsino Sound estimates to compare favourably with these levels. Zooplankton diversity, often used as a measure of environmental stress (greater diversity implying less stress) had increased in Rupert Inlet and Quatsino Sound from preoperational levels. Settling plate data demonstrated an increase in the non-volatile component of accumulated material from preoperational levels, although the volatile component did not appear to have been affected. Deep-water benthos analysis showed an increase in the number of animals at each station over fifth production year levels. Generally, the data suggested that benthic fauna suppression was related in some degree to bottom stability and not just the presence or absence of significant amounts of tailings.

The direct effects of mining activity on the seawater chemistry of the inlet system were assessed. By the end of the sixth production year, slight increases in particulate copper, dissolved and particulate manganese, particulate iron and total arsenic could be noted. However, preliminary regression analysis of these increases suggested that they wereasymptotic.The bio-accumulation of heavy-metals in the food web was assessed by monitoring the tissue metal levels of selected invertebrates. Since the start of operations zooplankton metal content has not shown a trend except for repeated summer high levels and winterlows. Analysis suggests that these fluctuations were related more to species competition of the sample than to possible mine influences. A detailed delineation of this relationship awaits further study. Copper levels were elevated in the soft-shell clam and Dungeness crab in Rupert Inlet by the end of the sixth production year. However, regression analysis showed no consistent trend over time, as much of the increase occurred during the June 1977 sampling period. Furthermore, data collected subsequentto the sixth production year, but not included in this analysis, showed levels near the pre-1977 levels.

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1977. University of British Columbia. Appendix No. 3: Summary of Environmental Appraisals during the Fifth Operating Year, Vol. 2. Report to UBC Independent Monitoring Group for Island Copper Mine. 49 pp. BOX 1.

Executive Summary:

Tailing deposition remains primarily within the Rupert-Holberg deep troughs although with inconsistencies in the recent data meriting exploration. Benthic numbers are presently within a low stage, and if there is not a good recruitment in September l976, the existing population lows may persist or even accentuate for a year or more.

Settling plate levels overwinter and to May 1976 demonstrate normal biological settling and growth.

Special projects on the shallow water ecosystems support previous conclusions of no generalised effects of mine activities. However localised effects under "worst possible conditions" need monitoring.

Metal levels in organisms remain substantially below levels restrained by the Food and Drug Act for marine food products, and usually below signal levels set in-house.

The computerised data processing system is now functional to the level of collating accumulated data for marine parameters. There are theoretical grounds for expecting that sophisticated statistical tests for detecting very early stages of undesirable trends in tissue metals may not be applicable in the mine's receiving area. Elevations over present levels should give adequate warning of pollutional problems if they arise.

The following reviews utilising the new computerised data processing system should be undertaken at this time: metals in biological tissues and the concept of signal levels, water turbidity and suspended solids levels in relation to levels affecting marine organisms, and metal levels in sediments in relation to levels affecting marine organisms.

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1978. Utah Mines Limited, Environmental Quality Department. Island Copper Mine: Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 1. 103 pp. BOX 2.

Abstract:

Public concern for the discharge of 1.5 x l07 tons of mill tailings per year into the Rupert-Holberg Basin has been based on a number of assumptions which are not supported by the results of environmental monitoring. Some of the more common misconceptions are:

  1. The turbidity originating from the submarine discharge of mill tailings affects widespread areas of Rupert and Holberg Inlets as well as Quatsino Sound, resulting in an unacceptable reduction in the health of resident plankton.
  2. The increase in surface turbidity has caused widespread deposition of tailings into shallow waters which is biologically harmful to the inter-tidal areas of the inlet system.
  3. The deposition of large amounts of tailings in the deep water regions of the Rupert-Holberg Basin results in the general destruction of bottom-dwelling plants and animals.
  4. The pulverized nature of tailings gives rise to the extensive leaching of heavy metals not extracted during the milling process. This results in harmful levels of heavy metal ions being concentrated in marine life.
  5. The intake of tailings particulates and the absorption of dissolved heavy metals, coupled with the cumulative effect in the food chain, results in harmful heavy metal levels in the tissues of higher level animals.

Although seven years of environmental monitoring have not been able to address definitively every potential environmental concern expressed in these five general statements, there is reason to believe that the initial apprehension over a marine tailings disposal system was illfounded.

An analysis of the turbidity data collected routinely at seven standard sampling stations throughout the inlet system indicated a perceptible increase in near-surface turbidity at most stations within the first year of mine production (Section 5.3.1.2). However, there was no evidence of a significant decrease in water clarity anywhere in the discharge area after 1972. Rather, the analysis indicated a subsequent increase in near-surface water clarity in 1978. In many areas levels approached pre-operational conditions. Similar conditions were found in 1979. Although these decreases in turbidity have not been explained to date, they suggest a high degree of complexity in the interaction between submarine discharge of tailings and the oceanography of the inlet system.

After seven years of tailings discharge, there has been no alarming increase in turbidity as had been predicted by some, but water clarity has been reduced in varying degrees over limited regions of the discharge area (notably Hankin Point and parts of Rupert Inlet and Quatsino Sound proximal to it). However, based on an analysis of phytoplankton, photosynthetic activity in Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet and Quatsino Sound has not been detectably affected. Similarly, an analysis of zooplankton density and community diversity in areas with higher turbidity (Section 7.3) did not suggest any significant changes that could be attributed to tailings in the water column.

An analysis of the in situ sedimentation data (Section 5.3.2) indicated that tailings sedimentation at depths ranging from 10 meters to 20 meters below sea level was by and large restricted to the Hankin Point area. By comparison, the intertidal data demonstrated a more widespread increase in tailings sedimentation (Section 7.3). However, if the amount of organic matter present can be accepted as a reasonable indicator, then inter-tidal marine life has not been adversely affected.Analysis of the data on deep water organisms (Section 7.5) indicated that deep water tailings presence per se was not detrimental to the well-being of these organisms. What appeared more significant in this regard was the physical process of deposition, slumping and bottom scouring. Based on relative abundances for a number of native species as well as on over-all species diversity, regions of the basin where tailings deposits did not exceed 30 cm demonstrated healthy marine communities. By comparison, in regions where deposits exceeded 60 cm, this vitality was somewhat reduced. In other words, it was the role of deposition and not the physical or chemical properties of tailings that was germane to the impact tailings discharge had on the deep water organisms. However, even extreme rates of tailings accumulation did not preclude the presence of bottom-dwelling marine organisms. A significant presence, albeit somewhat reduced in numbers and diversity, was detected at most of the sampling points in the high deposition region of Rupert Inlet. Reductions in numbers appeared to be associated only with those stations where the rate of deposition and subsequent slumping and scouring of deposited tailings prevented the formation of a stable bottom amenable to colonization. Furthermore, since this unstable regime appeared to affect a relatively small portion of the total tailings discharge basin at any one time, any scenario suggesting the general obliteration of the deep water organisms in Rupert Inlet is considered untenable.Analysis of the seawater dissolved heavy metal data for copper, molybdenum and manganese demonstrated that increases in these metals were generally limited to the first few years of mine operation. There were no substantive increases in the last few years (Section 4.3). Furthermore, according to evidence in scientific literature relating dissolved metal levels to toxic effects in marine organisms and man, the increases that have occurred were of minor significance to the resident marine life and of no significance to human health.

The analysis for heavy metals in plant and animal tissue was restricted for this report to copper, zinc and arsenic (Section 6). This analysis of rockweed and two species of clams indicated that arsenic levels have remained constant over the seven year monitoring period. Copper and, to a lesser extent, zinc have reached slightly elevated levels in the tissues of specimens located close to mining operations compared to those more distant. Increased levels in bivalves occurred intermittently with no consistent trend over time. A trend assessment was not possible for rockweed due to the relatively short time span of the data collected to date. In both cases, however, there was evidence to suggest that increases were at least partly due to the adhesion of tailings particulates to the outer surface of the organism. Since exposure to this extraneous material decreases with increasing distance from mine operations this contamination would exaggerate any real differences in heavy metal accumulations in the tissues of geographically separated individuals. Nevertheless, the observed metal levels in the tissues of monitored bivalves and rockweed, be they fact or artifact, are below maximal levels reported in the literature to have no adverse consequences toward the well-being of the affected organisms or toward the organisms preying upon them (i.e. man).

Heavy metal analysis of the tissues of commercially valuable Dungeness crab did not suggest any abnormalities in zinc or arsenic levels that could be attributed to mining activity (Section 6.4). However, the analysis did suggest a perceptible trend to increased copper levels for specimens collected throughout the inlet system. This trend was not consistent over the seven year monitoring period, however, as general reductions in copper levels were observed in 1978. Preliminary analysis has suggested that this reducing trend also was present in 1979. For the present it can be stated that levels observed in the inlet system are below those reported in the literature to have no adverse consequences toward the well-being of the affected specimens.

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1979. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 1. 87 pp. BOX 2.

Abstract:

This report details the results of the 1978-1979 monitoring year. The report is divided into six major sections covering each of the aspects of measurements in the program: physical and chemical composition of the effluent, chemical monitoring of the marine environment, physical monitoring of the marine environment, tissue metal monitoring of marine biota, biological monitoring of marine biota and chemical monitoring of freshwater sources in and near the Island Copper Mine Site.

Results of effluent measurements showed Island Copper's discharge to be within Waste Management Branch permit requirements, (or provincial guidelines for those parameters measured, but not specified by permit), with the exception of some toxicity problems in mid-1979. The exact cause of the toxicity is as yet undetermined. In any event, the problem has now ceased and no mortalities have occurred in bioassay tests since the summer of 1979.

Chemical monitoring of seawater has shown no substantial difference in pH, alkalinity or dissolved oxygen levels over previous years. Mine operations continue to have minimal, if any influence on these parameters. Considering metals, only dissolved manganese shows evidence of an increasing trend. Other metals such as copper, which increased after initiation of mill operations, have stabilized.

Physical monitoring studies have shown that turbidity was not substantially different from last year's results. The 1977-1978 turbidity results were significantly lower than those of years before. Shallow water sedimentation rates were consistent with those measured in previous years. Stations showed little seasonal variability except at Hankin Point. Hankin Point is subject to strong tidal influence. Deep water measurements (coring, echo-sounding and chemical analysis of sediment) have shown a continued increase in the size of the bottom area subject to tailings deposition.

Chemical analysis of tissues of rockweed and eelgrass have shown copper increases in those stations heavily affected by tailing deposition. Rockweed copper levels have also shown an increase over time. Eelgrass analyses have been of too short a duration to show a trend over time. Clam tissue analysis generally show no increase, with levels in mussels at the Utah dock remaining higher than in other areas sampled, but lower than literature values for some industrial areas and below levels cited as having an effect on the health of the mussel. Metal levels in Dungeness crab tissue remain relatively low, and show no signs of increase.

Biological monitoring programs have shown no reductions in phytoplankton and zooplankton standing crops, or primary productivity as a result of mine activities. Diversity of deep water benthos has decreased only at those sites subject to heavy tailing deposition. At sites with light to medium deposition, even those comprised solely of tailing substrates, there has been no change in numbers or diversity. For that matter, those sites with heavy deposition showed a slight increase in numbers and biomass. There were no indications of trends in catch success or size of dungeness crabs in relation to the proximity to mining activities.Freshwater monitoring has shown only slight effects at those streams closest to the property. The effect on the marine environment is likely negligible as pit de-watering is directed to a sedimentation pond prior to release and the total inflow is an extremely small fraction compared to the input of the entire watershed.

Overall, the mine operations have had a measureable, but minimal effect on the marine receiving environment. The implications of this effect are small in that:

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1979. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 2. 540 pp. and Appendix. BOX 2.

Abstract:

In accordance with pollution Control permit No. P.E. 379 Utah Mines Ltd. conducted monthly, quarterly and annual surveys of the receiving area for the mine's effluent. The monitoring program carried out during October 1978 to September 1979 is outlined in Section I of this report on pages 1 to 5.

Maps showing the location of the different stations precede each section of the report dealing with that data.

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1980. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 1. 97 pp. BOX 2.

Executive Summary:

This report details the results of the October 1979 through September 1980 monitoring year. The report is divided into sections covering each of the major facets of the monitoring program:

Physical monitoring studies have shown a continued decrease in turbidity compared to mid-l970s values. The 1980 turbidity levels measured as a part of the primary productivity studies were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those measured last year. Shallow water sedimentation rates were consistent with those measured in previous years. Deep water measurements have shown the extent of tailing distribution to be substantially the same as last year.

Chemical analyses of rockweed and eelgrass tissue metal content have shown increases in those stations closest to the mine's dock and waste rock dump. The trend of increasing copper levels in rockweed has now ended and there was no trend evident in eelgrass metal levels. No significant difference could be determined for metal levels in zooplankton (including shrimp) between areas. Metal levels in Dungeness crab tissue have remained relatively low, not differing substantially from last year. The only bivalve species showing a consistent pattern of elevated metal tissue concentration in relation to mine activities has been the blue mussel. Since one collection site is the actual concentrate loading wharf, it is probable that the increase was a result of loading operations and not due to mill discharge. Further, while a spatial pattern exists, there is no temporal pattern of regular increase and present mean levels are lower than those of some preceeding years suggesting better materials handling practices now than in the past. There were no consistent spatial patterns of metal concentrations in the fish species collected. Temporally, only zinc showed an increasing trend in some species; however, this increase was not related consistently with area and it is unlikely that it is associated with mine operations.

Biological monitoring programs have shown no reductions in plankton standing crops or productivity attributable to mining activities. Analyses of benthic data have shown that tailings per se, did not affect numbers, biomass or diversity. Further, the existence of a channelized flow system has increased substrate stability in many areas which are now apparently being heavily colonized. Crab catch success and body size (both carapace width and weight) results did not indicate any changes attributable to mill effluent discharge or proximity to mining operations. Fish sampling results (both catch success and sizes) have also shown no relationship to mine activities.

Freshwater monitoring has shown only slight effects on those streams closest to mine operations. Compared to control areas, the pit dewatering runoff shows the greatest increases; none the less, levels are all below those ranges specified by Pollution Control Objectives and other parameters are well below permit requirements. The fractional fresh water input to the Rupert-Holberg basin is small in relation to other natural inputs.Overall, mine operations have had only slight effects on the marine receiving environment. Most of the mining effects have been on the benthos and, since the establishment of a channelized flow regime, even this effect has decreased over time. However, since the whole Rupert Inlet system may be subject to natural cyclical events, the evaluation of time related trends may be subject to further review.

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1980. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 2. 619 pp. and Appendix. BOX 2.

Abstract:

In accordance with Pollution Control Permit No. P.E. 379 Utah Mines Ltd. conducted monthly, quarterly and annual surveys of the receiving area for the mine's effluent. The monitoring program carried out during October 1979 to September 1980 is outlined in Section I of this report on Pages 2 to 5.

Maps showing the location of the different stations precede each section of the report dealing with that data.

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1981. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 1. 118 pp. BOX 2.

Executive Summary:

This report details the results of the October 1980 through September 1981 monitoring year. The purpose of the monitoring program is to assess the impact of mining, milling and attendant discharges on Rupert Inlet and environs. The program examines four major categories: the tailings effluent characteristics, the physical and chemical aspects of the aquatic environment, the numbers and distribution of the biota populations, and the tissue metal levels of several segments of the biota. These data, contrasted to earlier data, can chart modifications of the natural habitat should they occur. In this way, the program will provide an early indication of any potential impacts on biota populations.As in previous years, the mill tailings effluent met the required criteria detailed in the Permit Regulations (appended in Volume 2). Bioassay testing showed the effluent to be non-toxic over the testing period. The chemical and physical parameters of the effluent remained well within the pollution control requirements.

Monitoring has shown only slight effects on the fresh waters adjacent to the mine operation with pit-dewatering showing some significant increases in some parameters. These changes remain well within the range specified in the Pollution Control Objectives, 1979. Further, the pit water is not discharged directly to the marine environment but is directed to the emergency tailings pond on the seaward side of the open pit.There has been little change in physical characteristics of the water column in Rupert Inlet. Turbidity and shallow water sedimentation rates have remained consistent with the previous years. The tailings distribution on the Inlet bottom remains similar to the last few years with no significant changes.

Monitoring of the seawater chemistry has shown that mine operations continue to have no detectable effects on the pH, alkalinity and dissolved oxygen levels. With respect to metal levels, the effect of mine operations is limited to slightly increased copper levels in the vicinity of the mine. These levels, however, have not shown an increasing trend since mine operations began.

There has been no significant change in either the phytoplankton standing crop or productivity related to mine activities. Zooplankton have continued to increase in diversity indicating little or no impact. Benthic populations in areas of relatively stable tailings have remained relatively constant when compared to last year's populations. The crab catches indicate no changes attributable to either mill effluent discharge or proximity to mining operations.

Monitoring of the metal concentration of edible tissue of the various biota has not indicated any significant elevated inlet spatial patterns.

The marine flora, namely, rockweed and eelgrass have demonstrated slightly higher concentrations of copper and zinc adjacent to the mining activity in Rupert Inlet when compared to other areas monitored. Copper levels in rockweed demonstrate a slight increase over time while eelgrass has not shown an increasing trend since 1976. The elevated levels of copper and zinc have not resulted in any apparent change in the abundance or health of either species monitored.

Overall, mine operations have had only slight effects on the receiving environment. Even where measurable increases have occurred results must be viewed with caution since metal concentrations may be cyclic and have natural trends with time scales in the order of decades. Commercial fisheries have continued to operate in Rupert Inlet suggesting that the stocks of salmon and dungeness crab have not been adversely affected by the mine operation.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1981. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 2. 583 pp. and Appendix. BOX 2.

Abstract:

In accordance with Pollution Control Permit No. P.E. 379 Utah Mines Ltd. conducted monthly, quarterly and annual surveys of the receiving area for the mine's effluent. The monitoring program carried out during October 1980 to September 1981 is outlined in Section I of this report on Pages 1 to 5.

Maps showing the location of the different stations precede each section of the report dealing with that data.

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1982. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 1. 106 pp. and Appendix. BOX 2.

Executive Summary:

This report details the results of the October 1981 through September 1982 monitoring year. The purpose of the monitoring program is to assess the impact of mining, milling and attendant discharges on the Quatsino Sound system. The program examines four major categories: the tailings effluent characteristics, the physical and chemical aspects of the aquatic environment, the numbers and distribution of the biota populations and the tissue metal levels of several segments of the biota. These data, contrasted to earlier data, can chart modifications of the natural habitat should they occur. In this way, the program will provide an early indication of any potential impacts.

During the reporting year, the mill tailings effluent met the chemical and physical criteria detailed in the Permit Regulations with two exceptions. On one occasion, the daily discharge volume exceeded permit levels and, in a separate instance, an effluent bioassay test failed. With regard to the bioassay test, the unusually high conductivity of the test sample probably contributed significantly to the failure.

The freshwater monitoring program was expanded this year to better characterize the waste rock dump drainage. As in past years, some effects were noted in the freshwaters at the mine site. The pit dewatering was again the most affected. A major concern related to sulphide mineral mines is the potential acid generation capabilities of the waste rock. The monitoring data of the waters emanating from the pit and waste dumps demonstrates that any mineral oxidation occurring has not resulted in the production of acid mine drainage. The open pit and waste dump drainages are not discharged directly to the environment but are directed to settling ponds on the seaward side of the pit. The single exception is the drainage from the north waste dump which is discharged to the Bay Lake watershed. The harmful contaminant levels in these waters were within Canadian drinking water standards.

There has been little change in the physical characteristics of the water column in Rupert Inlet. Transmissibility, transparency and turbidity levels remained within historic levels. The suspended solid levels were lower than previous years reflecting the improvement in water column sediment boding. The sedimentation rate at Hankin Point, although noticeably higher this year, still followed the cyclic pattern seen in previous years. While the distribution of the major tailings deposits in the inlet system remained unchanged, the distribution of the tailings chemical traces was extended.

Monitoring of the seawater chemistry has shown that mine operations continue to have no detectable effects on the pH, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen levels or dissolved trace metal levels in the Quatsino Sound system.

There has been no significant change in either the phytoplankton standing crop or productivity related to mining operations. During 1982, Rupert Inlet had the highest levels of chlorophyll-a and productivity (as expressed by carbon fixation). Zooplankton densities again followed a seasonal pattern and were not noticeably different from previous years. Zooplankton diversities between station and depth showed frequent differences however these were not attributable to mining activities. Benthos for the most part remained unaffected except in areas having high rates of deposition and unstable tailings deposits. The impacts noted were not due to the presence of tailings themselves but rather to substrate disruptions. These impacts will be naturally mitigated upon cessation of discharge. Noticeable this year was a decreasing trend in the crab catch throughout the Quatsino Sound system over the past few years. As this trend is consistent with apparently natural crab population fluctuations observed on the western coast of North America, the change is not attributed to mining activities.

As in past years, tissue metal monitoring demonstrated that mine operations have generally had no appreciable affect on the tissue metal levels of the species examined. Possible exceptions include rockweed and eelgrass which had noticeably higher levels of copper and zinc in areas subject to mine derived sedimentation. Whether these differences represent bioaccumulation or simply particle associations is unclear. Some minor tissue level and areas subject to mine derived sedimentation. These differences were small and pose no concern for human consumption. The remaining eight species in the tissue program show no relation between mining activities and tissue metal levels.With the exception of physical impacts from tailings and waste rock deposition, the monitoring program has identified no major effects arising from twelve years of discharge of mining wastes into the Quatsino Sound system. Minor changes in the system have been observed. It is unclear whether these represent natural trends with time scales in orders of decades or result from limitations of the available monitoring technology. Species diversities and abundance in the system remain unchanged and successful salmon and dungeness crab fisheries continue to operate.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1983. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 1. 152 pp. and Appendices. BOX 3.

Executive Summary:

This report presents and evaluates the results of the 1983 Environmental monitoring program conducted by Utah's Island Copper Mine. Island Copper Mine is a large open pit, low grade copper mining and milling operation situated on the north shore of Rupert Inlet located on the northwestern end of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The mill tailings are discharged into Rupert Inlet through a submarine outfall. In conjunction with the on-going operations, a comprehensive environmental program is administered. This program was initiated prior to start-up in 1970 and has been in operation ever since. The monitoring was designed to ascertain whether biological responses were resulting from mine operations and to determine the extent and potential implications of such responses.

The environmental program is divided into seven components. These components involve the monitoring of the mill effluent, the open pit dewatering, terrestrial surface waters, marine physical environment, marine chemistry, marine biota including intertidal, deep benthic and pelagic organisms, and tissue metal concentrations in a number of species from a variety of habitats. The program study area encompasses the interconnected marine system of Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet and Quatsino Sound.

The environmental monitoring program is conducted under the guidance of an independent scientific review committee comprised of specialists from the three universities in British Columbia and an independent consulting firm.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1983. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 2. 602 pp. and Appendix. BOX 3.

Abstract:

Under Pollution Control Permit No. P.E. 379, Utah Mines Ltd. conducts monthly, quarterly and annual monitoring surveys of the surrounding environment.Utah is required to submit an annual report detailing all monitoring results from October I to September 30 of each operating year. The data is presented in two volumes. Volume I is a summary report presenting data and interpretation. This volume, Volume II, contains all pertinent data collected during the 1982-83 monitoring year. A general outline of the 1982-83 environmental monitoring program is presented at the beginning of this volume.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1984. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 1. 218 pp. and Appendix. BOX 3.

Executive Summary:

Utah Mines Ltd. owns and operates the Island Copper Mine located on the north shore of Rupert Inlet on the north end of Vancouver Island.

Mining at Island Copper uses a conventional truck and shovel operation. During the 1984 calendar year, an average of 151,300 tonnes of ore and waste rock were moved per day. Roughly 33% (49,500 tonnes) of this material was ore for processing through the concentrator; the remaining material being waste rock which was disposed of on waste dumps. The mill tailings remaining after the concentrating process was thickened and discharged through a submarine outfall into Rupert Inlet. From October 1971, through September 1984, 167 million tonnes of tailings were discharged.

This report presents and evaluates the results of the 1984 Environmental Monitoring Program conducted by Utah Mines Ltd., Island Copper Mine, in compliance with Pollution Control Permit PE-379.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1984. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 2. 576 pp. BOX 3.

Abstract:

Under Pollution Control Permit No. P.E. 379, Utah Mines Ltd. conducts monthly, quarterly and annual monitoring surveys of the surrounding environment.

Utah is required to submit an annual report detailing all monitoring results from October 1 to September 30 of each operating year. The data is presented in two volumes. Volume I is a summary report presenting data and interpretation. This volume, Volume II, contains all pertinent data collected during the 1983-84 monitoring year. A general outline of the 1983-84 environmental monitoring program is presented at the beginning of this volume.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1985. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 1. 230 pp. and Appendices. BOX 3.

Executive Summary:

Utah Mines Ltd. owns and operates the Island Copper Mine located on the north shore of Rupert Inlet on the north end of Vancouver Island.

Mining at Island Copper uses a conventional truck and shovel operation with ore delivered to an in-pit crusher/conveyor. During the 1985 calendar year, an average of 147,800 tons of ore and waste rock were moved per day. Roughly 34% (50,000 tons) of this material was ore which was processed through the concentrator. The remaining waste rock was disposed of on dumps. The mill tailing derived from the concentrating process was thickened and discharged through a submarine outfall into Rupert Inlet. From October 1971, through September 1985, 185 million tons of tailings were discharged.

This report presents and evaluates the results of the 1985 Environmental Monitoring Program conducted by Utah Mines Ltd., Island Copper Mine, in compliance with Pollution Control Permit P.E.-379.

The permit required Island Copper to monitor an extensive number of parameters in the mill effluent, open pit water, other terrestrial surface waters and the marine environment. The program study area includes the land disturbed by mining activity and the interconnected marine system of Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet and Quatsino Sound.

The project was managed by R.J. Hillis, Chief of Environmental Control (Utah), supervised by I.A. Horne, Environmental Supervisor (Utah), under the guidance of a scientific advisory committee consisting of Dr. D.V. Ellis (U. Vic.), Dr. G.H. Geen (S.F.U.), Dr. J.W. Murray (U.BC), Dr. T.R. Parsons (U.BC), Mr. C.A. Pelletier (Rescan), and Dr. G.W. Poling (U.BC).

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1985. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 2. 566 pp. BOX 3.

Abstract:

Under Pollution Control Permit No. PE 379, Utah Mines Ltd. conducts monthly, quarterly and annual monitoring surveys of the surrounding environment.

Utah is required to submit an annual report detailing all monitoring results from October 1 to September 30 of each operating year. The data is presented in two volumes. Volume I is a summary report presenting data and interpretation. This volume, Volume II, contains all pertinent data collected during the 1984-85 monitoring year. A general outline of the 1984-85 environmental monitoring program is presented at the beginning of this volume.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1986. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Appendix 1. The Benthos Survey: A Report on the University of Victoria Research Contract with Island Copper Mine. 246 pp. BOX 3.

Abstract:

The 1986 benthos survey shows that three stations closest to the tailing outfall have a greatly reduced biological population. Other stations with heavy tailings, support what appears to be a "peak of opportunist" successional stage in seabed colonisation. Stations with light tailings have biological populations grading to those at stations without visible tailings. A visual analysis of the type undertaken with the 1986 data cannot cost-effectively reveal more detail, in view of the enormous database now available, and the need for station-by-station, year-by-year and species-by-species comparison requiring complex statistical procedures.

A preliminary species identification quality assurance review shows that the opportunist successional species indexing tailings colonisation previously identified as Nephtys cornuta franciscana should be routinely identified in future as Nephtys cornuta. The species currently identified as Cossura soyeri may consist of several species. Further review of this genus is needed to determine if one or more species occurs in the surveys, and whether C. soyeri is properly named C. longocirrata. Other species from the monitoring programme need taxonomic reviews similar to these.

Development of a data-base management programme using microcomputer has proceeded to a point where Annual Review station printouts can be generated, as well as station-by-station comparative summaries. Further development is needed to produce year-by-year summary printouts, species distribution printouts, and to process selected data to statistical packages in order to obtain detailed analysis of impact and recovery inherent in the enormous data-bank now available.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1986. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 1. 153 pp. and Appendices. BOX 3.

Executive Summary:

Utah Mines Ltd. owns and operates the Island Copper Mine located on the north shore of Rupert Inlet on the northern end of Vancouver Island (Plate 1).

Mining at Island Copper consists of a conventional truck and shovel operation with ore delivered to an in-pit crusher/conveyor. During the 1986 calendar year, an average of 155,500 tons of ore and waste rock were excavated and moved per day. Approximately 34% (53,000 tons) of this material was ore which was processed through the concentrator. The mill tailing derived from the concentrating process was thickened and discharged through a submarine outfall into Rupert Inlet. From October 1971 through September 1986, 204 million tons of tailings were discharged.

This report presents and evaluates the results of the 1986 Environmental Monitoring program conducted by Utah Mines Ltd. in compliance with Pollution control Permit PE-379. This permit was amended in 1985 and the changes were implemented in December, 1985.

The permit requires Island Copper to monitor an extensive number of parameters in the mill effluent, open pit water, other terrestrial surface waters and the marine environment. The program study area includes the land disturbed by mining activity, and the interconnected marine system of Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet, and Quatsino Sound.

In 1986 the project was managed by R. J. Hillis, Chief of Environmental Control(Utah), and supervised by I. A. Horne, Environmental Supervisor (Utah), underthe guidance of a scientific advisory committee consisting of Dr. D. V. Ellis (UVic), Dr. G. H. Geen (SFU), Dr. J. W. Murray (UBC), Dr. T. R. Parsons (UBC), Mr. C. A.Pelletier (Rescan), and Dr. G. W. Poling (UBC).

During the 1986 reporting year, all chemical, biological and physical parameters of the mill effluent remained in compliance with the requirements of permit PE- 379.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1986. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 2. 469 pp. BOX 3.

Abstract:

Under Waste Management Permit No. PE 379, Utah Mines Limited conducts monthly, quarterly and annual monitoring surveys of the surrounding environment.

Utah is required to submit an annual report detailing all monitoring results from October 1 to September 30 of each operating year. The data is presented in two volumes. Volume I is a summary report presenting data and interpretation. This volume, Volume II, contains all pertinent data collected during the 1985-86 monitoring year. A general outline of the 1985-86 environmental monitoring program is presented at the beginning of this volume.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1987. Island Copper Mine, BHP- Utah Mines Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 1. BOX 4.

Executive Summary:

BHP-Utah Mines Ltd. owns and operates the Island Copper Mine located on the north shore of Rupert Inlet at the northern end of Vancouver Island (Plate 1).

Mining at Island Copper is by conventional truck and shovel operation with ore delivered to an in-pit crusher/conveyor. During the 1987 calendar year, an average of 130,000 tons of ore and waste rock was excavated and moved per day. Approximately 40% (52,000 tons) of this material was ore which was processed through the concentrator. The mill tailing derived from the concentrating process was thickened and discharged through a submarine outfall into Rupert Inlet. Since the start of operations in October 1971 through September 1987 some 223 million tons of tailings were discharged.

This report outlines the results of the 1987 environmental monitoring program conducted by BHP-Utah Mines Ltd. in compliance with Pollution Control Permit PE-379. This permit was last amended in December 1985 and the changes were implemented in January 1986.

The permit requires Island Copper to monitor an extensive number of parameters in the mill effluent, open pit water, other terrestrial surface waters and the marine environment. The program study area includes the land disturbed by mining activity and the interconnected marine fjord system of Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet and Quatsino Sound.

In 1987 the project was managed by R.J. Hillis, Chief of Environmental Control (BHP-Utah) and supervised by l.A. Horne, Environmental Supervisor (BHP-Utah) under the guidance of a scientific advisory committee consisting of Dr. D.V. Ellis (UVic), Dr. J.W. Murray (UBC), Dr. T.R. Parsons (UBC), Mr. C.A. Pelletier (Rescan), and Dr. G.W. Poling (UBC). Dr. G. Geen has had to withdraw from the committee due to illness.

During the 1987 reporting year all chemical, biological and physical parameters of the mill effluent (Appendix 01) and pit dewatering (Appendix 02) remained in compliance with the requirements of Permit PE-379.

Tailings have shown a continuous movement from Rupert Inlet into Holberg Inlet, accumulating at 2.4 meters per year. Movement into Quatsino Sound has been due to resuspension of tailings near Hankin Point and is estimated from chemical analysis of core sections at < 1 cm per year of mixed tailings and natural sediments.

Dissolved oxygen, alkalinity and pH of seawater remained within historical levels in 1987. With the development of acid drainage at Island Copper, more emphasis has been placed on heavy metals in seawater. No increasing trends were seen at Station A in Rupert Inlet, which was statistically undifferentiated from the other three stations.

Phytoplankton were sampled weekly from April through October 1987. Chlorophyll -a levels were within historical limits. Unidentified flagellates were the dominant group in the spring and fall while diatoms were prominent in June, July and August.

Zooplankton were sampled in March and September. The overwintering stock was dominated by Pseudocalanus minutus while the summer population was composed largely of nauplii and copepodites. Dominant adult species were Oithona helgolandica, P. minutus and Oikopleura dioica.

Benthic infauna have shown some changes in density and diversity due to unstable tailings beds, near the outfall and at Station B. Five taxa have been subjected to identification quality controls at the University of Victoria.

Dungeness crab catch success increased in Rupert Inlet and Quatsino Sound and remained constant in Holberg Inlet. Size frequency analysis of crabs show the 14 cm group doubling in Holberg Inlet and becoming the prominent group in Rupert Inlet and Quatsino Sound.

Tissue metal levels in Fucus, eelgrass, zooplankton, shrimp, edible crabs and clams generally remained at background levels in 1987. Zinc in Fucus and eelgrass continued to show higher levels at stations moderately and heavily influenced by tailings. Copper levels in crab tissue were at a fourteen-year low and appear to show a cyclic trend unrelated to mining activity. Mussels at Island Copper dock showed an increased zinc level, though copper decreased. Butter clams showed a reduction in copper from 1986, in Rupert Inlet.

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1987. Island Copper Mine, BHP- Utah Mines Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 2. 510 pp. BOX 4.

Abstract:

Under Waste Management Permit No. PE 379, BHP Utah Mines Limited conducts monthly, quarterly and annual monitoring surveys of the surrounding environment.

BHP-Utah Mines Limited is required to submit an annual report detailing all monitoring results from October 1 to September 30 of each operating year. The data is presented in two volumes. Volume I is a summary report presenting data and interpretation. This volume, Volume II, contains all pertinent data collected during the 1986-87 monitoring year. A general outline of the 1986-87 environmental monitoring program is presented at the beginning of this volume.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1988. Island Copper Mine, BHP- Utah Mines Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 1. BOX 4.

Executive Summary:

BHP-Utah Mines Ltd. owns and operates the Island Copper Mine located on the north shore of Rupert Inlet at the northern end of Vancouver Island.

Mining at Island Copper is by conventional truck and shovel operation with ore delivered to an in-pit crusher/conveyor. During the 1988 calendar year, an average of 92,400 tons of ore and waste rock was excavated and moved per day. Approximately 53% (49,000 tons) of this material was ore which was processed through the concentrator. The tailing resulting from the concentrating process was thickened and discharged through a submarine outfall into Rupert Inlet. Since the start of operations in October 1971 through September 1988 some 241 million tons of tailings were discharged.

This report outlines the results of the 1988 environmental monitoring program conducted by BHP-Utah Mines Ltd. in compliance with Waste Management PermitPE-379.

The permit requires Island Copper to monitor an extensive number of parameters in the mill effluent, open pit water, other terrestrial surface waters and the marine environment. The program study area includes the land disturbed by mining activity and the interconnected marine fjord system of Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet and Quatsino Sound.

In 1988 the project was managed by R.J. Hillis, Chief of Environmental Control (BHP-Utah) and supervised by I.A. Horne, Environmental Supervisor (BHP-Utah) under the guidance of a scientific advisory committee consisting of Dr. D.V. Ellis (UVic), Dr. J.W. Murray (UBC), Dr. T.R. Parsons (UBC), Mr. C.A. Pelletier (Rescan), and Dr. G.W. Poling (UBC).

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1988. Island Copper Mine, BHP- Utah Mines Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 2. 529 pp. BOX 4.

Abstract:

Under Waste Management Permit No. PE 379, BHP-Utah Mines Limited conducts monthly, quarterly and annual monitoring surveys of the surrounding environment.

BHP-Utah Mines Limited is required to submit an annual report detailing all monitoring results from October 1 to September 30 of each operating year. The data is presented in two volumes. Volume I is a summary report presenting data and interpretation. This volume, Volume II, contains all pertinent data collected during the 1987-88 monitoring year. A general outline of the 1987-88 environmental monitoring program is presented at the beginning of this volume.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1989. Island Copper Mine, BHP- Utah Mines Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 1. BOX 4.

Executive Summary:

BHP-Utah Mines Ltd. owns and operates the Island Copper Mine located on the north shore of Rupert Inlet at the northern end of Vancouver Island.

Mining at Island Copper is by conventional truck and shovel operation with ore delivered to an in-pit crusher/conveyor. During the 1989 calendar year, an average of 103,000 tons of ore and waste rock was excavated and moved each day. Approximately 53,500 tons (52%) of this material was ore which was processed through the concentrator. The tailing resulting from the concentrating process was thickened and discharged through a submarine outfall into Rupert Inlet. Since the start of operations in October 1971 through September 1989 some 260 million tons of tailings were discharged.

This report outlines the results of the 1989 environmental monitoring program conducted by BHP-Utah Mines Ltd. in compliance with Waste Management Permit PE-379.The permit requires Island Copper to monitor an extensive number of parameters in the mill effluent, open pit water, other terrestrial surface waters and the marine environment. The program study area includes the land disturbed by mining activity and the interconnected marine fjord system of Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet and Quatsino Sound.

In 1989 the project was managed by R.J. Hillis, Chief of Environmental Control (BHP-Utah) and supervised by I.A. Horne, Environmental Supervisor (BHP-Utah) under the guidance of a scientific advisory committee consisting of Dr. D.V. Ellis (UVic), Dr. J.W. Murray (UBC), Dr. T.R. Parsons (UBC), Mr. C.A. Pelletier (Rescan), and Dr. G.W. Poling (UBC).

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1989. Island Copper Mine, BHP- Utah Mines Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 2. 487 pp. BOX 4.

Abstract:

Under Waste Management Permit No. PE 379, BHP-UTAH Mines Limited conducts monthly, quarterly and annual monitoring surveys of the surrounding environment.

BHP-Utah Mines Limited is required to submit an annual report detailing all monitoring results from October 1 to September 30 of each operating year. The data is presented in two volumes. Volume I is a summary report presenting data and interpretation. This volume, Volume II, contains all pertinent data collected during the 1988 - 89 monitoring year. A general outline of the 1988 - 89 environmental monitoring program is presented at the beginning of this volume.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1990. Island Copper Mine, BHP- Utah Mines Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 1. BOX 4.

Executive Summary:

BHP-Utah Mines Ltd. owns and operates the Island Copper Mine located on the north shore of Rupert Inlet at the northern end of Vancouver Island.

Mining at Island Copper is a conventional truck and shovel operation with ore delivered to an in-pit crusher/conveyor system. During the 1990 calendar year, an average of 128,000 tons of ore and waste rock were excavated and moved each day. Approximately 55,700 tons (43%) of this material was ore which was then processed through the concentrator. The tailings resulting from the concentrating process are thickened and discharged through a submarine outfall into Rupert Inlet. Since the start of operations in October 1971 through September 1990, some 280 million tons of tailings have been discharged.

This report outlines the results of the 1990 environmental monitoring program conducted by Island Copper Mine in compliance with Waste Management Permit PE-379 (Appendix 1, Volume II).

The permit requires Island Copper to monitor a number of parameters in the mill effluent, open pit water, other terrestrial surface waters and the marine environment. The program study area includes the land disturbed by mining activity and the interconnected marine fjord system of Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet and Quatsino Sound.

In 1990 the project was managed by R.J. Hillis, Chief of Environmental Control, and supervised by I.A. Horne, Environmental Supervisor, under the guidance of a scientific advisory committee consisting of Dr. D.V. Ellis (UVic), Dr. J.W. Murray (UBC), Dr. T.R. Parsons (UBC), Mr. C.A. Pelletier (Rescan), and Dr. G.W. Poling (UBC).

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1990. Island Copper Mine, BHP- Utah Mines Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 2. 506 pp. BOX 4.

Abstract:

Under Waste Management Permit No. PE 379, BHP-UTAH Mines Limitedconducts monthly, quarterly and annual monitoring surveys of the surrounding environment.

BHP-Utah Mines Limited is required to submit an annual report detailing all monitoring results from October 1 to September 30 of each operating year. The data is presented in two volumes. Volume 1 is a summary report presenting data and interpretation. This volume, Volume II, contains all pertinent data collected during the 1989 - 90 monitoring year. A general outline of the 1989 - 90 environmental monitoring program is presented at the beginning of this volume.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1991. Island Copper Mine, BHP- Utah Mines Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 1. BOX 4.

Executive Summary:

BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. (formerly BHP-Utah Mines Ltd.) owns and operates the Island Copper Mine located on the north shore of Rupert Inlet, at the northern end of Vancouver Island. Revenue producing metals associated with the deposit include copper, molybdenum, gold, silver and rhenium.

Mining at Island Copper is a conventional truck and shovel operation with ore delivered to an in-pit crusher/conveyor system. During the 1991 calendar year, an average of 131,000 tons of ore and waste rock were excavated and moved each day. Approximately 54,800 tons (42%) of this material was ore processed through the concentrator. The tailings resulting from the concentrating process were thickened and discharged through a submarine outfall into Rupert Inlet. Since the start of operations in October 1971 through September 1991, some 300 million tons of tailings have been discharged.

This report outlines the results of the 1991 environmental monitoring program conducted by Island Copper Mine in compliance with Waste Management Permit PE-379 (Appendix 1, Volume II). The permit requires Island Copper to monitor a number of physical, chemical and biological parameters in the mill effluent, open pit water, other terrestrial surface waters and the marine environment. The program study area includes the land disturbed by mining activity and the interconnected marine fjord system of Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet and Quatsino Sound. This report is the latest of an annual series and presents monitoring data collected from October 1990 through September 1991.

In 1991 the project was managed by I.A. Horne, Chief of Environmental Control, and supervised by M. Said, Environmental Supervisor, under the guidance of a scientific advisory committee consisting of Dr. D.V. Ellis (UVic) Dr. J.W. Murray (UBC) Dr. T.R. Parsons (UBC), Mr. C.A. Pelletier (Rescan), and Dr. G.W. Poling (UBC).

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1991. Island Copper Mine, BHP- Utah Mines Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 2. 540 pp. BOX 4.

Abstract:

Under Waste Management Permit No. PE 379, BHP-UTAH Mines Limitedconducts monthly, quarterly and annual monitoring surveys of the surrounding environment.

BHP-Utah Mines Limited is required to submit an annual report detailing all monitoring results from October 1 to September 30 of each operating year. The data is presented in two volumes. Volume 1 is a summary report presenting data and interpretation. This volume, Volume II, contains all pertinent data collected during the 1990 - 91 monitoring year. A general outline of the 1990 - 91 environmental monitoring program is presented at the beginning of this volume.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1992. Island Copper Mine, BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 1. BOX 5.

Executive Summary:

BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. (formerly BHP-Utah Mines Ltd.) owns and operates the Island Copper Mine located on the north shore of Rupert Inlet, at the northern end of Vancouver Island. Revenue producing metals associated with the deposit include copper, molybdenum, gold, silver and rhenium.

Mining at Island Copper is a conventional truck and shovel operation with ore delivered to an in-pit crusher/conveyor system. During the 1992 calendar year, an average of 127,000 tons of ore and waste rock were excavated and moved each day. Approximately 59,000 tons (46%) of this material was ore processed through the concentrator. The tailings resulting from the concentrating process were thickened and discharged through a submarine outfall into Rupert Inlet. Since the start of operations in October 1971 through December 1992, some 327 million tons of tailings have been discharged.

This report outlines the results of the 1992 environmental monitoring program conducted by Island Copper Mine in compliance with Waste Management Permit PE-379, which was amended in June 1993 (Appendix A). The permit requires Island Copper to monitor a number of physical, chemical and biological parameters in the mill effluent, open pit water, other terrestrial surface waters and the marine environment. The program study area includes the land disturbed by mining activity and the interconnected marine fjord system of Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet and Quatsino Sound.

In 1992 the project was managed by I.A. Horne, Chief of Environmental Control, and supervised by M. Said, Environmental Supervisor, under the guidance of a scientific advisory committee consisting of Dr. D.V. Ellis (UVic), Dr. J.W. Murray (UBC), Dr. T.R. Parsons (UBC), Mr. C.A. Pelletier (Rescan) and Dr. G.W. Poling (UBC).

The 1992 Annual Environmental Assessment Report is the latest of an annual series and is divided into two volumes. Volume I contains data analysis and interpretation and Volume II presents detailed tabulations of data collected. The June 1993 permit amendment modified the reporting period from September through October to a calendar year (January through December) and some adjustments have been made in the 1992 report to reflect this. Volume I has largely been written to cover the period from October 1991 through December 1992. Data reported in Volume II covers only the period from October 1991 through September 1992 as it was produced before the June 1993 amendment. The data tables for the October to December 1992 period will be included in Volume II of the 1993 report.

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1992. Island Copper Mine, BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 2. 482 pp. BOX 5.

Abstract:

Under Waste Management Permit No. PE 379, BHP Minerals Canada Limited conducts monthly, quarterly and annual monitoring surveys of the surrounding environment.

BHP Minerals Canada Limited is required to submit an annual report detailing all monitoring results from October 1 to September 30 of each operating year. The data is presented in two volumes. Volume 1 is a summary report presenting data and interpretation. This volume, Volume II, contains all pertinent data collected during the 1991 - 1992 monitoring year. A general outline of the 1991 - 1992 environmental monitoring program is presented at the beginning of this volume.

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1993. Island Copper Mine, BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 1. BOX 5.

Executive Summary:

BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. (formerly BHP-Utah Mines Ltd.) owns and operates the Island Copper Mine located on the north shore of Rupert Inlet, at the northern end of Vancouver Island. Revenue producing metals associated with the deposit include copper, molybdenum, gold, silver and rhenium.

Mining at Island Copper is a conventional truck and shovel operation with ore delivered to an in-pit crusher/conveyor system. During the 1993 calendar year, an average of 109,000 tons of ore and waste rock were excavated and moved each day. Approximately 55,000 tons (50%) of this material was ore processed through the concentrator. The tailings resulting from the concentrating process were thickened and discharged through a submarine outfall into Rupert Inlet. Since the start of operations in October 1971 through December 1993, some 347 million tons of tailings have been discharged.

This report outlines the results of the 1993 environmental monitoring program conducted by Island Copper Mine in compliance with Waste Management Permit PE-379, which was amended in June 1993 (Appendix A). The permit requires Island Copper to monitor a number of physical, chemical and biological parameters in the mill effluent, open pit water, other terrestrial surface waters and the marine environment. The program study area includes the land disturbed by mining activity and the interconnected marine fjord system of Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet and Quatsino Sound.

In 1993 the program was managed by I.A. Horne and Maged Said under the guidance of a scientific advisory committee consisting of Dr. D.V. Ellis (UVic), Dr. J.W. Murray (UBC), Dr. T.R. Parsons (UBC), Mr. C.A. Pelletier (Rescan), and Dr. G.W. Poling (UBC).

The 1993 Annual Environmental Assessment Report is the latest of an annual series and is divided into two volumes. Volume I contains data analysis and interpretation and Volume II presents detailed tabulations of data collected. The June 1993 permit amendment modified the reporting period from September through October to a calendar year (January through December) and some adjustments have been made in the 1993 report to reflect this. Volume I has been written to cover the period from January through December 1993. Data reported in Volume 2 covers the period from October 1992 through December 1993 as it was produced before the June 1993 amendment. Two reviews of Island Copper Mine monitoring data from 1970 to 1992 commenced in 1992 and will be completed by 1994. The first, conducted by Zeng/ Parsons, will review marine physical, chemical and phytoplankton data. The second, conducted by Burd/Ellis, will review Benthos data.

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1993. Island Copper Mine, BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 2. 576 pp. BOX 5.

Abstract:

Under Waste Management Permit No. PE 379, BHP Minerals Canada Limited conducts monthly, quarterly and annual monitoring surveys of the surrounding environment.

BHP Minerals Canada Limited is required to submit an annual report detailing all monitoring results from January 1 to December 31 of each operating year. The data is presented in two volumes. Volume I is a summary report presenting data and interpretation. This volume, Volume II, contains all pertinent data collected during the 1992 - 1993 monitoring year. Since 1993 was the transition to calendar year reporting, this report contains information collected during the period of October 1992 to December 1993. A general outline of the 1992 - 1993 environmental monitoring program is presented at the beginning of this volume.

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1994. Island Copper Mine, BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 1. BOX 5.

Executive Summary:

BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. (formerly BHP-Utah Mines Ltd.) owns and operates the Island Copper Mine located on the north shore of Rupert Inlet, at the northern end of Vancouver Island. Revenue producing metals associated with the deposit include copper, molybdenum, gold, silver and rhenium.

Mining at Island Copper is a conventional truck and shovel operation with ore delivered to an in-pit crusher/conveyor system. During the 1994 calendar year, an average of 77,300 tons of ore and waste rock were excavated and moved each day. Approximately 54,400 tons (70%) of this material was ore processed through the crusher. The tailings resulting from the concentrating process were thickened and discharged through a submarine outfall into Rupert Inlet. Since the start of operations in October 1971 through December 1994, some 367 million tons of tailings have been discharged.

This report outlines the results of the 1994 environmental monitoring program conducted by Island Copper Mine in compliance with Waste Management Permit PE-379 (see Volume II). The permit requires Island Copper to monitor a number of physical, chemical and biological parameters in the mill effluent, open pit water, other terrestrial surface waters and the marine environment. The program study area includes the land disturbed by mining activity and the interconnected marine fjord system of Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet and Quatsino Sound.

In 1994 the program was managed by I.A. Horne and Maged Said under the guidance of a scientific advisory committee consisting of Dr. D.V. Ellis (UVic), Dr. J.W. Murray (UBC), Dr. T.R. Parsons (UBC), Mr. C.A. Pelletier (Rescan), and Dr. G.W. Poling (UBC).

The 1994 Annual Environmental Assessment Report is the latest of an annual series and is divided into two volumes. Volume I contains data analysis and interpretation and Volume II presents detailed tabulations of data collected. The Waste Management Permit was amended in June 1993 resulting in a change in the reporting period from September through October to a calendar year (January through December). Both Volumes I and II have been written to cover the period from January through December 1994.

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1994. Island Copper Mine, BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 2. BOX 5.

Abstract:

Under Waste Management Permit No. PE 379, BHP Minerals Canada Limited conducts monthly, quarterly and annual monitoring surveys of the surrounding environment.

BHP Minerals Canada Limited is required to submit an annual report detailing all monitoring results from January 1 to December 31 of each year. The data is presented in two volumes. Volume I is a summary report presenting data and interpretation. This volume, Volume II, contains all pertinent data collected during the 1994 monitoring year. A general outline of the 1994 environmental monitoring program is presented at the beginning of this volume.

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1995. Island Copper Mine, BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 1. BOX 5.

Executive Summary:

BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. owns and operates the Island Copper Mine located on the north shore of Rupert Inlet, at the northern end of Vancouver Island. Revenue producing metals associated with the deposit include copper, molybdenum, gold, silver and rhenium.

Mining at Island Copper is a conventional truck and shovel operation with ore delivered to an in-pit crusher/conveyor system. During the 1995 calendar year, an average of 58,900 tons of ore and waste rock were excavated and moved each day. Approximately 50,400 tons (86%) of this material was ore processed through the crusher. The tailings resulting from the concentrating process were thickened and discharged through a submarine outfall into Rupert Inlet. Since the start of operations in October 1971 through December 1995, some 385 million tons of tailings have been discharged. Island Copper closed permanently in December 1995, pit mining ceased on August 2,1995 and milling ceased December 28, 1995.

This report outlines the results of the 1995 environmental monitoring program conducted by Island Copper Mine in compliance with Waste Management Permit PE-379 (see Volume II). The permit requires Island Copper to monitor a number of physical, chemical and biological parameters in the mill effluent, open pit water, other terrestrial surface waters and the marine environment. The program study area includes the land disturbed by mining activity and the interconnected marine fjord system of Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet and Quatsino Sound.

In 1995 the program was managed by I.A. Horne under the guidance of a scientific advisory committee consisting of Dr. D.V. Ellis (UVic), Dr. J.W. Murray (U.of A.), Dr. T.R. Parsons (UBC), Mr. C.A. Pelletier (Rescan), and Dr. G.W. Poling (UBC).

The 1995 Annual Environmental Assessment Report is the latest of an annual series and is divided into two volumes. Volume I contains data analysis and interpretation and Volume II presents detailed tabulations of data collected. The Waste Management Permit was amended in June 1993 resulting in a change in the reporting period from September through October to a calendar year (January through December). Both Volumes 1 and II have been written to cover the period from January through December 1995.

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1995. Island Copper Mine, BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 2. BOX 5.

Abstract:

Under Waste Management Permit No. PE 379, BHP Minerals Canada Limited conducts monthly, quarterly and annual monitoring surveys of the surrounding environment.

BHP Mineral Canada Limited is required to submit an annual report detailing all monitoring results from January 1 to December 31 of each year. The data is presented in two volumes. Volume I is a summary report presenting data and interpretation. This volume, Volume II, contains all pertinent data collected during the 1995 monitoring year. A general outline of the 1995 environmental monitoring program is presented at the beginning of this volume.

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1996. Island Copper Mine, BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 1. BOX 5.

Executive Summary:

BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. owns and operates the Island Copper Mine located on the north shore of Rupert Inlet, at the northern end of Vancouver Island. Mining production began in October 1971 and operated continuously until December 1995. Mine operations ceased August 1995, and processing of ore was completed in December 1995. Post-production activities have included ongoing minesite revegetation, flooding of the pit, establishment of a passive acid drainage treatment, decommissioning of physical facilities, and monitoring of these activities. Substantial progress has been made on all aspects of closure, such as site decontamination, restoration of disturbed land to forest and wildlife habitat, recovery of the inlet, and development of a meromictic pit lake.

This report presents results of the 1996 environmental monitoring program, which includes data collected in the first year since completion of all production activities. The Island Copper monitoring program is conducted in compliance with Waste Management Permit PE-379 (see Volume II). The permit requires Island Copper to monitor a number of physical, chemical and biological parameters in the marine environment, terrestrial surface waters, and the open pit water. The program study area includes the land disturbed by mining activity and the interconnected marine fjord system of Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet and Quatsino Sound.

From January through October 1996 the environmental program was managed by Mr. l.A. Home. Following the October 1996 resignation of Mr. Horne, the program has been managed by Mr. B. Welchman (BHP Copper) and E. Schwamberger (BHP Copper), with the continued guidance of a scientific advisory committee consisting of Dr. D.V. Ellis (UVic), Dr. J.W. Murray (U. of Alberta), Dr. T.R. Parsons (UBC), Mr. C.A. Pelletier (Rescan), and Dr. G.W. Poling (UBC). With mine closure the routine monitoring previously carried out by mine employees has been contracted to BCL Biotechnologies LTD of Port McNeill, BC

The 1996 Annual Environmental Assessment Report is the latest of a series of annual reports and is divided into two volumes. Volume I presents and discusses summarised data, and Volume II presents detailed tabulations of data collected.The Waste Management Permit was amended in June 1993 resulting in a change in the reporting period from September through October to a calendar year (January through December), so that Volumes I and II include data collected from January 1996 through December 1996.It is anticipated that this Environment Annual Report, together with the Closure Plan, will be reviewed with the objective of amending Permit M-9 and accepting the Closure Plan as submitted by Island Copper.

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1996. Island Copper Mine, BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 2. BOX 5.

Abstract:

Under Waste Management Permit No PE 379, BHP Minerals Canada Limited conducts monthly, quarterly and annual monitoring surveys of the surrounding environment.

BHP Minerals Canada Limited is required to submit an annual report detailing all monitoring results from January 1 to December 31 of each operating year. The data is presented in two volumes. Volume 1 is a summary report presenting data and interpretation. This volume, Volume II, contains all pertinent data collected during the 1995 - 1996 monitoring year. A general outline of the 1995 - 1996 environmental monitoring program is presented at the beginning of this volume.

Section I, Mill Effluent Data has been deleted this year as the mill terminated active discharge in December 1995. There were no effluents released in the 1996 calendar year.

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1996. Island Copper Mine, BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 3: Benthos. BOX 6.

Executive Summary:

In September 1996, deposits of tailings in Rupert Inlet and Holberg Inlet, 9 months after mine closure, were sustaining a biodiversity at levels coded as Low, Moderate and High (the coding system is explained in the report). The lowest biodiversity levels remained at sampling stations by the tailings outfall. However, a preliminary analysis in September 1997 (of the 1997 surveys) subsequently showed that the biodiversity by the outfall had increased by then to Moderate levels.

In the central basin of Rupert and Holberg Inlets the tailings deposits were changing to include a greater coarse (sand) fraction. This corresponded with the addition of sand bottom indicator species to the fjord trough biodiversity.

In shallow water, less than about 50 m depth, and in Quatsino Sound at all depths biodiversity levels were Moderate to High. In shallow water the benthos at previously affected sampling stations (with reduced biodiversity) could no longer be distinguished from the benthos at unaffected stations.

In 1996 juvenile specimens had doubled in numbers over 1995 indicating a widespread successful colonization throughout the area, including the tailings deposits.

In 1996 the survey procedures included development of a rapid assessment protocol to demonstrate biodiversity levels during the time of the surveys. The final data now presented show that the rapid assessment gives reliable information provided all three replicate samples from a sampling station are processed.

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1997. Island Copper Mine, BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 1. BOX 6.

Executive Summary:

BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. owns and operated the Island Copper Mine located on the north shore of Rupert Inlet, at the northern end of Vancouver Island. Mining production began in October 1971 and operated continuously until December 1995. Mine operations ceased August 1995, and processing of ore was completed in December 1995. Post-production activities have included ongoing minesite revegetation, flooding of the pit, establishment of a passive acid drainage treatment, decommissioning of physical facilities, and monitoring of these activities. Substantial progress has been made on all aspects of closure, such as site decontamination, restoration of disturbed land to forest and wildlife habitat, recovery of the inlet, and development of a meromictic pit lake.

This report presents results of the 1997 environmental monitoring program, which includes data collected in the second year since completion of all production activities. The Island Copper monitoring program is conducted in compliance with Waste Management Permit PE-379 (see Volume II). The permit requires Island Copper to monitor a number of physical, chemical and biological parameters in the marine environment, terrestrial surface waters, and the open pit water. The program study area includes the land disturbed by mining activity and the interconnected marine fjord system of Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet and Quatsino Sound.

In 1997 the environmental program was managed by Mr. B. Welchman (BHP Copper) and Dr. E.C. Schwamberger (BHP Copper), with the continued guidance of a scientific advisory committee consisting of Dr. D.V. Ellis (University of Victoria), Dr. J.W. Murray (University of Alberta), Dr. T.R. Parsons (University of British Columbia), Mr. C.A. Pelletier (Rescan), and Dr. G.W. Poling (Rescan). With mine closure, the routine monitoring previously carried out by mine employees has been contracted to BCL Biotechnologies LTD of Port McNeill, BC

The 1997 Annual Environmental Assessment Report is the latest of a series of annual reports and is divided into two volumes. Volume I presents and discusses summarised data, and Volume II presents detailed tabulations of data collected. The Waste Management Permit was amended in June 1993 resulting in a change in the reporting period from September through October to a calendar year (January through December), so that Volumes I and II include data collected from January 1997 through December 1997.

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1997. Island Copper Mine, BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 2. BOX 6.

Abstract:

Under Waste Management Permit No PE 379, BHP Minerals Canada Limited conducts monthly, quarterly and annual monitoring surveys of the surrounding environment.

BHP Minerals Canada Limited is required to submit an annual report detailing all monitoring results from January 1 to December 31 of each operating year. The data is presented in two volumes. Volume I is a summary report presenting data and interpretation. This volume, Volume II, contains all pertinent data collected during the 1997 monitoring year. A general outline of the 1997 environmental monitoring program is presented at the beginning of this volume.

Section I, Mill Effluent Data has been deleted this reporting year (1997) as the mill terminated active discharge in December 1995. There were no effluents released in the 1996 or 1997 calendar years.

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1997. Island Copper Mine, BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 3: Presentation and Interpretation of the 1997 Benthos Data and Post-Mining Recovery of Infaunal Benthos in Rupert Inlet. BOX 6.

Executive Summary:

The 1997 benthos surveys followed the usual procedures, with two exceptions. (1) The Rapid Assessment Protocol developed in 1996 to process selected samples during the time of the surveys was applied to only two previously impacted areas: Stns 15 and 16 (the two stations closest to the tailings discharge point, and subjected to deposition of large amounts of tailings during mine operations). (2) The station similarity analysis using the federal government SIGTREE software was conducted on mainframe computer due to the large increase in number of species stretching the microcomputer version developed in 1986 to the limits of its utility.

In 1997, all sampling stations, including those subjected to much tailings deposition during mine operations, had biodiversity levels (No. Species, and No. Organisms) coding as Moderate or High, continuing levels seen in 1996. Stations subjected to much tailings deposition were sustaining large numbers of a suite of species previously shown as primary or secondary opportunist colonisers settling within one or two years after seabed deposits stabilise physically. The ecological succession previously initiated was sustained into 1997, and should continue on to eventual equilibrium (=climax) communities. A few echinoderms (later colonists) have appeared at some of the tailings stations.The SIGTREE similarity analysis showed separation of sampling stations into two major groups. Group I consisted of an undifferentiated mixture of areas previously with little or no tailings. Group 2 consisted of stations subjected to much tailings deposition. The most impacted stations nearest the outfall were mixed together with other nearby, less impacted, stations.

The Preliminary Rapid Assessment Protocol, for the two selected stations, was reconfirmed as an effective technique (following the previous 1996 verification). Preliminary and final results gave almost identical species separation and numbers.

The sample processing consultants have given considerable effort in the past few years to assessing numbers of juvenile and immature specimens as indicators of recent colonisation, and of the presence of small, young, forms of large benthos, the adults of which are too large or live too deeply in the sediments to be collected by the sampler. Juveniles are defined as forms less than a third the size of normal gravid specimens and lacking gametes. Immatures are defined as less than one eighth the size of normal adults. These latter are collected inaccurately due to their being approximately the size passing through the separation screen. The numbers of juveniles and immatures collected indicate high rates of colonisation in 1996 and 1997, with considerable variation from year to year and station to station, especially with the immatures.Length measures of bivalve molluscs show that specimens up to at least 25 mm length are collected by the sampler used. Thus the presence of shallow burrowing immatures and juveniles of large species, which burrow deeply as adults (such as the geoduck (Panope generosa) and horse clam (Tresus capax)), is being monitored. Neither of these were present at either reference or previously impacted stations in 1997, and previous years' records should be reviewed in this context.

Volumes of sediment taken by the benthic sampler are presented for 1997 and 1996. They indicate that the sampler penetrates maximally about 12 cms into the sediments where deposits are softest, but at some previously impacted stations, now developing more sand fraction or apparently current-compacted clays, penetration may be as little as 1 cm, barely scraping the surface of the sediment. Species counts under such shallow penetration will under-represent the biodiversity present.

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1998. Island Copper Mine, BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 1: Text. BOX 6.

Executive Summary:

BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. owns and operated the Island Copper Mine located on the north shore of Rupert Inlet, at the northern end of Vancouver Island. Mine production began in October 1971 and the mine operated continuously until mine operations ceased in August 1995, and processing of ore was completed on December 28, 1995. Post-production activities have included ongoing minesite revegetation, flooding of the pit, establishment of a passive acid drainage treatment, decommissioning of physical facilities, and monitoring of these activities. Substantial progress has been made on all aspects of closure, such as site decontamination, restoration of disturbed land to forest and wildlife habitat, recovery of the inlet, and development of a meromictic pit lake.

This report presents the 1998 results of the environmental monitoring program, and includes data collected in the third year since completion of all production activities. The Island Copper monitoring program is conducted in compliance with Waste Management Permit PE-379 (see Volume II). The permit requires Island Copper to monitor a number of physical, chemical and biological parameters in the marine environment, terrestrial surface waters, and the open pit water. The program study area includes the land disturbed by mining activity and the interconnected marine fjord system of Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet and Quatsino Sound. The Waste Management Permit PE-379 was amended in June 1993 resulting in a change in the reporting period from September through October to a calendar year (January through December), so that Volumes I and II include data collected from January 1998 through December 1998. An exception occurs in that data from pit lake samples collected through September 1999 is also presented in Chapter 2.

In 1998 the environmental program was managed by Mr. B. Welchman (BHP Minerals) and Dr. E.C. Schwamberger (BHP Minerals), with the continued guidance of a scientific advisory committee consisting of Dr. D.V. Ellis (University of Victoria), Dr. J.W. Murray (University of Alberta), Dr. T.R. Parsons (University of British Columbia), Mr. C.A. Pelletier (Rescan), and Dr. G.W. Poling (Rescan). With mine closure, the routine monitoring previously carried out by mine employees has been contracted to Mr. Steve Lacasse of BCL Biotechnologies LTD of Port McNeill, BC

The 1998 Annual Environmental Assessment Report is the latest of a series of annual reports and is divided into three volumes. Volume I presents results and discussion of summarised data, and Volume II presents detailed tabulations of monitoring data collected. Volume III is specific for data and discussion of the benthic infauna monitoring program.

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1998. Island Copper Mine, BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 2: Data. BOX 6.

Abstract:

Under Waste Management Permit No PE 379, BHP Minerals Canada Limited conducts monthly, quarterly and annual monitoring surveys of the surrounding environment.

BHP Minerals Canada Limited is required to submit an annual report detailing all monitoring results from January 1 to December 31 of each year. The data is presented in three volumes. Volume 1 is a summary report presenting data and interpretation. This volume, Volume II, contains all pertinent data collected during the 1997 monitoring year. A general outline of the 1997 environmental monitoring program is presented at the beginning of this volume. Volume III contains data and discussion specific for benthic organism monitoring.

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1998. Island Copper Mine, BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. Annual Environmental Assessment Report, Vol. 3: Benthos. 1998 Review; Supplement to the 1996 Review; Time Series Summary Data 1970-1998; Particle Size Analyses 1997 and 1998. BOX 6.

Executive Summary:

The 1998 marine benthic surveys encompassed the usual 26 sampling stations. Five stations were processed using the previously developed rapid assessment protocol. The remainder were preserved unsorted. Four of the five processed stations had received thick tailings during mine operations, and one was a reference station. All 26 samples have been deposited with the Royal BC Museum, Victoria, for later full assessment if required.

The four thick tailings stations all reconfirmed prior results in 1997 that recovery of the biodiversity was to levels in numbers of species and numbers of organisms within the range found at the reference stations. The recovery in these parameters has been sustained since 1996, and in 1998 appeared to be in equilibrium with the habitat characteristics. The two thick tailings stations close to the outfall clustered by similarity analysis with the reference station.

Many of the primary opportunist species remain in the fauna, but additional species continue to appear.

The two thick tailings stations in and nearest the deepest pit in the fjord system have shown progressive changes in 1997 and 1998 to increasing numbers of sand bottom species. Particle size analysis in the area has shown a progressive coarsening of the sediments from fine and very fine silts to fine sands, apparently due to scouring. It is to be expected that the biodiversity in this area will progressively show more changes from that on the finer grained sediments (natural and tailings) elsewhere. As the habitat coarsens, or the coarser deposits spread, corresponding species changes maintaining equilibrium with the habitat will continue.

Juvenile and immature stages of benthos continued to show substantial colonization in 1998, and continued the previously noted trend for the settlement of young specimens of species of benthos that are too large, or burrow too deeply, for collection by the sampling device used.

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abstracts for ICM Staff Environmental Reports

1972, December Quarterly. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Marine, Freshwater, Effluent, and Meteorological Monitoring at Rupert Inlet and Adjacent Waters. 236 pp. BOX 7.

Abstract:

Utah Mines conducted monthly and quarterly surveys in April, May, and June 1972 in accordance with their pollution control permit. The monitoring program consisted of measuring the chemical, physical, and biological conditions of the marine environment. Fresh water samples were collected from twelve streams around Rupert Inlet and were then analyzed. A daily log of the chemical and physical characteristics of the mill effluent was kept. Bi-monthly samples of the effluent were sent to the Department of Environment for bio-assays.

The majority of the samplings and analyses contained in this report were done by the Utah Environmental group under the direction of the University of British Columbia. T.W. Beak Consultants Limited assisted in biological field collection and did detailed identification of the benthic invertebrates and zooplankton.

Complete chemical water quality analyses were done on seawater, freshwater, and the effluent. The biological phase of the program consisted of collecting, identifying, and analyzing organisms from the top (phytoplankton) to the bottom (benthos) of the ecological food chain. Samples of phytoplankton, zooplankton, fish, crabs, intertidal clams and fish, intertidal flora, and benthic invertebrates were collected at various stations previously located throughout Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet, and Quatsino Sound. Representative specimens from each group were analyzed for copper, molybdenum, cadmium, lead, zinc, arsenic, and mercury.

Benthic invertebrate analysis done by T.W. Beak Consultants Limited are included in this report to present a complete coverage of the data under one cover.

The meteorological conditions at the mine and in the area are included in this report to facilitate the interpretation of the data.

The field and laboratory procedures are presented, together with tabulations and graphs of the numerous parameters measured in the monitoring program, for evaluation by the independent agent.

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1972, June Quarterly. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Marine, Freshwater, Effluent, and Meteorological Monitoring at Rupert Inlet and Adjacent Waters. 191 pp. BOX 7.

Abstract:

Utah Mines conducted monthly and quarterly surveys in April, May, and June 1972 in accordance with their pollution control permit. The monitoring program consisted of measuring the chemical, physical, and biological conditions of the marine environment. Fresh water samples were collected from twelve streams around Rupert Inlet and were then analyzed. A daily log of the chemical and physical characteristics of the mill effluent was kept. Bi-monthly samples of the effluent were sent to the Department of Environment for bio-assays.

The majority of the samplings and analyses contained in this report were done by the Utah Environmental group under the direction of the University of British Columbia. T.W. Beak Consultants Limited assisted in biological field collection and did detailed identification of the benthic invertebrates and zooplankton.

Complete chemical water quality analyses were done on seawater, freshwater, and the effluent. The biological phase of the program consisted of collecting, identifying, and analyzing organisms from the top (phytoplankton) to the bottom (benthos) of the ecological food chain. Samples of phytoplankton, zooplankton, fish, crabs, intertidal clams and fish, intertidal flora, and benthic invertebrates were collected at various stations previously located throughout Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet, and Quatsino Sound. Representative specimens from each group were analyzed for copper, molybdenum, cadmium, lead, zinc, arsenic, and mercury.

Benthic invertebrate analysis done by T.W. Beak Consultants Limited are included in this report to present a complete coverage of the data under one cover.

The meteorological conditions at the mine and in the area are included in this report to facilitate the interpretation of the data.

The field and laboratory procedures are presented, together with tabulations and graphs of the numerous parameters measured in the monitoring program, for evaluation by the independent agent.

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1972, September Quarterly. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Marine, Freshwater, Effluent, and Meteorological Monitoring at Rupert Inlet and Adjacent Waters. 184 pp. BOX 7.

Abstract:

Utah Mines conducted monthly and quarterly surveys in July, August, and September 1972 in accordance with their revised pollution control permit. The monitoring consisted of measuring the chemical, physical, and biological conditions of the marine environment. Fresh water samples were collected from nine stations around Rupert Inlet and analyzed. A daily log of the chemical and physical characteristics of the mill effluent was kept. Bimonthly samples of the effluent were sent to the Department of Environment for bio-assays.

The majority of the samplings and analyses contained in this report were done by Utah under the direction of the University of British Columbia. Ken Drinkwater, graduate student from the Institute of Oceanography, U.BC, observed the water sampling procedures on behalf of the independent agent. T.W. Beak Consultants Limited did species identification of zooplankton samples.

Complete chemical water quality analyses were done on seawater, fresh water, and the effluent. The biological phase of the marine program consisted of collecting, identifying, and analyzing organisms used as marker species. Samples of phytoplankton, zooplankton, intertidal invertebrates, intertidal flora, and benthic invertebrates were collected at various stations previously located according to the monitoring program. Representative specimens of intertidal invertebrates and zooplankton were analyzed for copper, molybdenum, cadmium, lead, zinc, arsenic, and mercury.

The benthic invertebrate collection consisted of shipboard sorting and live biomass of the polychaetes and non-polychaetes.

The meteorological conditions at the mine and in the area are included in this report to facilitate the interpretation of the data.

The field and laboratory procedures are presented, together with tabulations and graphs of the numerous parameters measured in the monitoring program, for evaluation by the independent agent.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1973, December Quarterly. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Marine, Freshwater, Effluent, and Meteorological Monitoring at Rupert Inlet and Adjacent Waters. 279 pp. BOX 7.

Abstract:

Utah Mines Ltd. conducted monthly and quarterly surveys in October, November, and December 1973 in accordance with their pollution control permit. The monitoring program consisted of measuring the chemical, physical, and biological conditions of the marine environment. Fresh water samples were collected from nine streams around Rupert Inlet and were then analyzed. A daily log of the chemical and physical characteristics of the mill effluent was kept. Bi-monthly samples of the effluent were sent to the Department of Environment and BC Research Council for bio-assays.

The samplings and analyses contained in this report were done by the Island Copper Environmental group under the direction of the University of British Columbia.

T.W. Beak Consultants Limited did the identification of benthic and zooplankton samples collected by the mine personnel.

Complete chemical water quality analyses were done on seawater, freshwater, and the effluent. The biological phase of the marine program consisted of collecting, identifying, and analyzing organisms used as marker species. Samples of phytoplankton, zooplankton, fish, crabs, intertidal clams and fish, intertidal flora, and benthic invertebrates were collected at various stations previously located throughout Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet, and Quatsino Sound. Representative specimens of intertidal invertebrates and zooplankton were analyzed for copper, molybdenum, cadmium, lead, zinc, arsenic, and mercury.

The benthic invertebrate analyses done by T.W. Beak Consultants Limited are included in this report to present a complete coverage of the data under one cover.

The meteorological conditions at the mine and in the area are included in this port to facilitate the interpretation of the data.

The field and laboratory procedures are presented, together with tabulationsand graphs of the numerous parameters measured in the monitoring program, forevaluation by the independent agent.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1973, June Quarterly. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Marine, Freshwater, Effluent, and Meteorological Monitoring at Rupert Inlet and Adjacent Waters. 238 pp. BOX 7.

Abstract:

Utah Mines Ltd. conducted monthly and quarterly surveys in April, May and June 1973 in accordance with their pollution control permit. The monitoring program consisted of measuring the chemical, physical, and biological conditions of the marine environment. Fresh water samples were collected from nine streams around Rupert Inlet and were then analyzed. A daily log of the chemical and physical characteristics of the mill effluent was kept. Bi-monthly samples of the effluent were sent to the Department of Environment for bio-assays.

The samplings and analyses contained in this report were done by the Island Copper environmental group under the direction of the University of British Columbia.

T.W. Beak Consultants Limited did the detailed identification of the zooplankton samples collected by the mine personnel.

Complete chemical water quality analyses were done on seawater, freshwater, and the effluent. The biological phase of the marine program consisted of collecting, identifying, and analyzing organisms used as marker species. Samples of phytoplankton, zooplankton, fish, crabs, intertidal clams and fish, intertidal flora and benthic invertebrates were collected at various stations previously located throughout Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet, and Quatsino Sound. Representative specimens of intertidal invertebrates and zooplankton were analyzed for copper, molybdenum, cadmium, lead, zinc, arsenic, and mercury.

The benthic invertebrate analyses done by T.W. Beak Consultants Limited are included in this report to present a complete coverage of the data under one cover.

The meteorological conditions at the mine and in the area are included in this port to facilitate the interpretation of the data.

The field and laboratory procedures are presented, together with tabulations and graphs of the numerous parameters measured in the monitoring program, for evaluation by the independent agent.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1973, March Quarterly. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Marine, Freshwater, Effluent, and Meteorological Monitoring at Rupert Inlet and Adjacent Waters. 176 pp. BOX 7.

Abstract:

Utah Mines Ltd. conducted monthly and quarterly surveys in January, February, and March 1973 in accordance with their pollution control permit. The monitoring program consisted of measuring the chemical, physical, and biological conditions of the marine environment. Fresh water samples were collected from nine streams around Rupert Inlet and were then analyzed. A daily log of the chemical and physical characteristics of the mill effluent was kept. Bi-monthly samples of the effluent were sent to the Department of Environment for bio-assays.

The samplings and analyses contained in this report were done by the Island Copper Environmental group under the direction of the University of British Columbia.

T.W. Beak Consultants Limited did the detailed identification of the zooplankton samples collected by the mine personnel.

Complete chemical water quality analyses were done on seawater, freshwater, and the effluent. The biological phase of the marine program consisted of collecting, identifying, and analyzing organisms used as marker species. Samples of phytoplankton, zooplankton, intertidal clams, intertidal flora, and benthic invertebrates were collected at various stations previously located throughout Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet, and Quatsino Sound. Representative specimens of intertidal invertebrates and zooplankton were analyzed for copper, molybdenum, cadmium, lead, zinc, arsenic, and mercury.

The benthic invertebrate collection consisted of shipboard sorting and live biomass of the polychaetes and non-polychaetes.

The meteorological conditions at the mine and in the area are included in this report to facilitate the interpretation of the data.

The field and laboratory procedures are presented, together with tabulations and graphs of the numerous parameters measured in the monitoring program, for evaluation by the independent agent.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1973, September Quarterly. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Marine, Freshwater, Effluent, and Meteorological Monitoring at Rupert Inlet and Adjacent Waters. 191 pp. BOX 7.

Abstract:

Utah Mines Ltd. conducted monthly and quarterly surveys in July, August, and September 1973 in accordance with their pollution control permit. The monitoring program consisted of measuring the chemical, physical, and biological conditions of the marine environment. Fresh water samples were collected from nine streams around Rupert Inlet and were then analyzed. A daily log of the chemical and physical characteristics of the mill effluent was kept. Bi-monthly samples of the effluent were sent to BC Research Council and the Department of Environment for bio-assays.

The samplings and analyses contained in this report were done by the Island Copper Environmental group under the direction of the University of British Columbia.

T.W. Beak Consultants Limited did the detailed identification of the zooplankton samples collected by the mine personnel.

Complete chemical water quality analyses were done on seawater, freshwater, and the effluent. The biological phase of the marine program consisted of collecting, identifying, and analyzing organisms used as marker species. Samples of phytoplankton, zooplankton, intertidal clams, intertidal flora, and benthic invertebrates were collected at various stations previously located throughout Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet, and Quatsino Sound. Representative specimens of intertidal invertebrates and zooplankton were analyzed for copper, molybdenum, cadmium, lead, zinc, arsenic, and mercury.

The benthic invertebrate collection consisted of shipboard sorting and live biomass of the polychaetes and non-polychaetes.

A new control station was set in Holberg Inlet. This new sampling point was referred to as station G and is approximately 2 miles up Holberg Inlet from station C. Complete water and benthic sampling was done at this station.

The meteorological conditions at the mine and in the area are included in this report to facilitate the interpretation of the data.

The field and laboratory procedures are presented, together with tabulations and graphs of the numerous parameters measured in the monitoring program, for evaluation by the independent agent.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1974, December Quarterly. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Marine, Freshwater, Effluent, and Meteorological Monitoring at Rupert Inlet and Adjacent Waters. 190 pp. BOX 8.

Abstract:

Utah Mines conducted monthly and quarterly surveys in October, November, and December in accordance with their pollution control permit. The monitoring program consisted of measuring the chemical, physical, and biological conditions of the marine environment. Fresh water samples were collected from nine streams around Rupert Inlet and were then analyzed. A daily log of the chemical and physical characteristics of the mill effluent was kept. Bi-monthly samples of the effluent were sent to the Department of Environment and BC Research council for bio-assays.

The samplings and analyses contained in this report were done by the Island Copper Environmental group under the direction of the University of British Columbia.

T. W. Beak Consultants Limited did the identification of zooplankton samples collected by the mine personnel.

Complete chemical water quality analyses were done on seawater, fresh water and the effluent. Sediment samples were collected and analyzed for metal concentrations. The biological phase of the marine program consisted of collecting, identifying, and analyzing organisms used as marker species. Samples of phytoplankton, zooplankton, intertidal clams and fish, intertidal flora, and benthic invertebrates were collected at various stations previously located throughout Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet, and Quatsino. Special intertidal invertebrate samplings were done in Winter Harbour in Quatsino Sound and in Port Hardy in Johnston Strait. Representative specimens of intertidal invertebrates and zooplankton were analyzed for copper, molybdenum, cadmium, lead, zinc, arsenic, and mercury.

The meteorological conditions at the mine and in the area are included in this report to facilitate the interpretation of the data.

The field and laboratory procedures are presented, together with tabulations and graphs, of the numerous parameters measured in the monitoring program, for evaluation by the independent agent.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1974, June Quarterly. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Marine, Freshwater, Effluent, and Meteorological Monitoring at Rupert Inlet and Adjacent Waters. 237 pp. BOX 8.

Abstract:

Utah Mines conducted monthly and quarterly surveys in April, May and June 1974 in accordance with their pollution control permit. The monitoring program consisted of measuring the chemical, physical, and biological conditions of the marine environment. Fresh water samples were collected from nine streams around Rupert Inlet and were then analyzed. A daily log of the chemical and physical characteristics of the mill effluent was kept. Bi-monthly samples of the effluent were sent to the Department of Environment and BC Research council for bio-assays.

The samplings and analyses contained in this report were done by the Island Copper Environmental group under the direction of the University of British Columbia.

T. W. Beak Consultants Limited did the identification of zooplankton samples collected by the mine personnel.

Complete chemical water quality analyses were done on seawater, fresh water and the effluent. Sediment samples were collected and analyzed for metal concentrations. The biological phase of the marine program consisted of collecting, identifying, and analyzing organisms used as marker species. Samples of phytoplankton, zooplankton, intertidal clams and fish, intertidal flora, and benthic invertebrates were collected at various stations previously located throughout Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet, and Quatsino. Special intertidal invertebrate samplings were done in Winter Harbour in Quatsino Sound and in Port Hardy in Johnston Strait. Representative specimens of intertidal invertebrates and zooplankton were analyzed for copper, molybdenum, cadmium, lead, zinc, arsenic, and mercury.

The meteorological conditions at the mine and in the area are included in this report to facilitate the interpretation of the data.

The field and laboratory procedures are presented, together with tabulations and graphs of the numerous parameters measured in the monitoring program, for evaluation by the independent agent.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1974, March Quarterly. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Marine, Freshwater, Effluent, and Meteorological Monitoring at Rupert Inlet and Adjacent Waters. 197 pp. BOX 8.

Abstract:

Utah Mines conducted monthly and quarterly surveys in January, February and March 1974 in accordance with their pollution control permit. The monitoring program consisted of measuring the chemical, physical, and biological conditions of the marine environment. Fresh water samples were collected from nine streams around Rupert Inlet and were then analyzed. A daily log of the chemical and physical characteristics of the mill effluent was kept. Bi-monthly samples of the effluent were sent to the Department of Environment and BC Research council for bio-assays.

The samplings and analyses contained in this report were done by the Island Copper Environmental group under the direction of the University of British Columbia. T. W. Beak Consultants Limited did the identification of zooplankton samples collected by the mine personnel.

Complete chemical water quality analyses were done on seawater, fresh water and the effluent. Sediment samples were collected and analyzed for metal concentrations. The biological phase of the marine program consisted of collecting, identifying, and analyzing organisms used as marker species. Samples of phytoplankton, zooplankton, intertidal clams and fish, intertidal flora, and benthic invertebrates were collected at various stations previously located throughout Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet, and Quatsino. Special intertidal invertebrate samplings were done in Winter Harbour in Quatsino Sound and in Port Hardy in Johnston Strait. Representative specimens of intertidal invertebrates and zooplankton were analyzed for copper, molybdenum, cadmium, lead, zinc, arsenic, and mercury.

The meteorological conditions at the mine and in the area are included in this report to facilitate the interpretation of the data.

The field and laboratory procedures are presented, together with tabulations and graphs of the numerous parameters measured in the monitoring program, for evaluation by the independent agent.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1974, September Quarterly. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Marine, Freshwater, Effluent, and Meteorological Monitoring at Rupert Inlet and Adjacent Waters. 287 pp. BOX 8.

Abstract:

Utah Mines Ltd. conducted monthly and quarterly surveys in July, August, and September 1974 in accordance with their pollution control permit. The monitoring program consisted of measuring the chemical, physical, and biological conditions of the marine environment. Fresh water samples were collected from nine streams around Rupert Inlet and were subsequently analyzed. A daily log of the chemical and physical characteristics of the mill effluent was kept. Bi-monthly samples of the effluent were sent to B. C. Research for bio-assays.

The samplings and analyses contained in this report were done by the Island CopperEnvironmental Group under the direction of the University of British Columbia. BeakConsultants Limited did the identification of the benthos and the zooplankton samplescollected by the Island Copper Group.

Complete chemical water quality analyses were done in seawater, freshwater, and the effluent. The biological phase of the marine program consisted of collecting, identifying, and analyzing organisms used as marker species. Samples of phytoplankton, zooplankton, fish, crabs, intertidal invertebrates, intertidal fish, intertidal flora, and benthic invertebrates were collected at various stations previously located throughout Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet, and Quatsino Sound. Additional intertidal invertebrate samples were collected at central stations in Winter Harbour and Port Hardy. Representative specimens of the various animal forms collected were analyzed for copper, molybdenum, cadmium, lead, zinc, arsenic, and mercury.

The meteorological conditions at the mine and in the area are included in this report to facilitate the interpretation of the data.

The field and laboratory procedures are presented, together with tabulations and graphs of the numerous parameters measured in the monitoring program, for evaluation by the independent agent.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1975, December Quarterly. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Marine, Freshwater, Effluent, and Meteorological Monitoring at Rupert Inlet and Adjacent Waters. 196 pp. BOX 8.

Abstract:

Utah Mines conducted monthly and quarterly surveys in October, November, and December in accordance with their pollution control permit. The monitoring program consisted of measuring the chemical, physical, and biological conditions of the marine environment. Fresh water samples were collected from ten streams around Rupert Inlet and were then analyzed. A daily log of the chemical and physical characteristics of the mill effluent was kept. Monthly samples of the effluent were sent to B. C. Research council for bio-assays.

The samplings and analyses contained in this report were done by the Island Copper Environmental group under the direction of the University of British Columbia. T. W. Beak Consultants Limited did the identification of zooplankton samples collected by the mine personnel.

Complete chemical water quality analyses were done on seawater, fresh water and the effluent. The biological phase of the marine program consisted of collecting, identifying, and analyzing organisms used as marker species. Samples of phytoplankton, zooplankton, intertidal clams, cockles, intertidal flora, and benthic invertebrates were collected at various stations previously located throughout Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet, and Quatsino. Special intertidal invertebrate samplings were done in Winter Harbour in Quatsino Sound and in Port Hardy. Representative specimens of intertidal invertebrates and zooplankton were analyzed for copper, molybdenum, cadmium, lead, zinc, arsenic and mercury.

The meteorological conditions at the mine and in the area are included in this report to facilitate the interpretation of the data.

The field and laboratory procedures are presented, together with tabulations and graphs of the numerous parameters measured in the monitoring program, for evaluation by the independent agent.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1975, June Quarterly. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Marine, Freshwater, Effluent, and Meteorological Monitoring at Rupert Inlet and Adjacent Waters. 241 pp. BOX 8.

Abstract:

Utah Mines conducted monthly and quarterly surveys in April, May and June 1975 in accordance with their pollution control permit. The monitoring program consisted of measuring the chemical, physical, and biological conditions of the marine environment. Fresh water samples were collected from ten streams around Rupert Inlet and were then analyzed. A daily log of the chemical and physical characteristics of the mill effluent was kept. Bi-monthly samples of the effluent were sent to the Department of Environment and B. C. Research council for bio-assays.

The samplings and analyses contained in this report were done by the Island Copper Environmental group under the direction of the University of British Columbia. T. W. Beak Consultants Limited did the identification of zooplankton samples collected by the mine personnel.

Complete chemical water quality analyses were done on seawater, fresh water and the effluent. The biological phase of the marine program consisted of collecting, identifying, and analyzing organisms used as marker species. Samples of phytoplankton, zooplankton, intertidal clams and fish, intertidal flora, and benthic invertebrates were collected at various stations previously located throughout Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet, and Quatsino. Special intertidal invertebrate samplings were done in Winter Harbour in Quatsino Sound and in Port Hardy in Johnston Strait. Representative specimens of intertidal invertebrates and zooplankton were analyzed for copper, molybdenum, cadmium, lead, zinc, arsenic, and mercury.

The meteorological conditions at the mine and in the area are included in this report to facilitate the interpretation of the data.

The field and laboratory procedures are presented, together with tabulations and graphs of the numerous parameters measured in the monitoring program, for evaluation by the independent agent.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1975, March Quarterly. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Marine, Freshwater, Effluent, and Meteorological Monitoring at Rupert Inlet and Adjacent Waters. 214 pp. BOX 8.

Abstract:

Utah Mines conducted monthly and quarterly surveys in Jan., Feb., and March 1975 in accordance with their pollution control permit. The monitoring program consisted of measuring the chemical, physical, and biological conditions of the marine environment. Fresh water samples were collected from nine streams around Rupert Inlet and were then analyzed. A daily log of the chemical and physical characteristics of the mill effluent was kept. Bi-monthly samples of the effluent were sent to the Department of Environment and BC Research council for bio-assays.

The samplings and analyses contained in this report were done by the Island Copper Environmental group under the direction of the University of British Columbia.

T. W. Beak Consultants Limited did the identification of zooplankton samples collected by the mine personnel.

Complete chemical water quality analyses were done on seawater, fresh water and the effluent. Sediment samples were collected and analyzed for metal concentrations. The biological phase of the marine program consisted of collecting, identifying, and analyzing organisms used as marker species. Samples of phytoplankton, zooplankton intertidal clams and fish, intertidal flora, and benthic invertebrates were collected at various stations previously located throughout Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet, and Quatsino. Special intertidal invertebrate samplings were done in Winter Harbour in Quatsino Sound and in Port Hardy in Johnston Strait. Representative specimens of intertidal invertebrates and zooplankton were analyzed for copper, molybdenum, cadmium, lead, zinc, arsenic, and mercury.

The meteorological conditions at the mine and in the area are included in this report to facilitate the interpretation of the data.

The field and laboratory procedures are presented, together with tabulations and graphs of the numerous parameters measured in the monitoring program, for evaluation by the independent agent.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1975, September Quarterly. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Marine, Freshwater, Effluent, and Meteorological Monitoring at Rupert Inlet and Adjacent Waters. 282 pp. BOX 8.

Abstract:

Utah Mines Ltd. conducted monthly and quarterly surveys in July, August, and September 1975 in accordance with their pollution control permit. The monitoring program consisted of measuring the chemical, physical, and biological conditions of the marine environment. Fresh water samples were collected from ten streams around Rupert Inlet and were subsequently analyzed. A daily log of the chemical and physical characteristics of the mill effluent was kept. Monthly samples of the effluent were sent to B. C. Research for bio-assays.

The samplings and analyses contained in this report were done by the Island Copper Environmental Group under the direction of the University of British Columbia. Beak Consultants Limited did the identification of the benthos and the zooplankton samples collected by the Island Copper Group.

Complete chemical water quality analyses were done on seawater, freshwater, and the effluent. The biological phase of the marine program consisted of collecting, identifying, and analyzing organisms used as marker species. Samples of phytoplankton, zooplankton, fish, crabs, intertidal invertebrates, intertidal fish, intertidal flora, and benthic invertebrates were collected at various stations previously located throughout Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet, and Quatsino Sound. Additional intertidal invertebrate samples were collected at central stations in Winter Harbour and Port Hardy. Representative specimens of the various animal form collected were analyzed for copper, molybdenum, cadmium, lead, zinc, arsenic, and mercury.

The meteorological conditions at the mine and in the area are included in this report to facilitate the interpretation of the data.

The field and laboratory procedures are presented, together with tabulations and graphs of the numerous parameters measured in the monitoring program, for evaluation by the independent agent.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1976, June Quarterly. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Marine, Freshwater, Effluent, and Meteorological Monitoring at Rupert Inlet and Adjacent Waters. 232 pp. BOX 8.

Abstract:

Utah Mines conducted monthly and quarterly surveys in April, May and June, 1976 in accordance with their pollution control permit. The monitoring program consisted of measuring the chemical, physical, and biological conditions of the marine environment. Fresh water samples were collected from ten streams around Rupert Inlet and were then analyzed. A daily log of the chemical and physical characteristics of the mill effluent was kept. Monthly samples of the effluent were sent to BC Research council for bio-assays.

The samplings and analyses contained in this report were done by the Island Copper Environmental group under the direction of the University of British Columbia. T.W. Beak Consultants Limited did the identification of zooplankton samples collected by the mine personnel.

Complete chemical water quality analyses were done on seawater, fresh water and the effluent. Sediment samples were collected and analyzed for metal concentrations. The biological phase of the marine program consisted of collecting, identifying, and analyzing organisms used as marker species. Samples of phytoplankton, zooplankton, intertidal clams, intertidal flora, and benthic invertebrates were collected at various stations previously located throughout Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet, and Quatsino. Special intertidal invertebrate samplings were done in Winter Harbour in Quatsino Sound and in Port Hardy. Representative specimens of intertidal invertebrates and zooplankton were analyzed for copper, molybdenum, cadmium, lead, zinc, arsenic and mercury.

The meteorological conditions at the mine and in the area are included in this report to facilitate the interpretation of the data.

The field and laboratory procedures are presented, together with tabulations and graphs of the numerous parameters measured in the monitoring program, for evaluation by the independent agent.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1976, March Quarterly. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Marine, Freshwater, Effluent, and Meteorological Monitoring at Rupert Inlet and Adjacent Waters. 222 pp. BOX 8.

Abstract:

Utah Mines conducted monthly and quarterly surveys in Jan., Feb., and March 1976 in accordance with their pollution control permit. The monitoring program consisted of measuring the chemical, physical, and biological conditions of the marine environment. Fresh water samples were collected from ten streams around Rupert Inlet and were then analyzed. A daily log of the chemical and physical characteristics of the mill effluent was kept. Monthly samples of the effluent were sent to B. C. Research council for bio-assays.

The samplings and analyses contained in this report were done by the Island Copper Environmental group under the direction of the University of British Columbia.

T. W. Beak Consultants Limited did the identification of zooplankton samples collected by the mine personnel.

Complete chemical water quality analyses were done on seawater, fresh water and the effluent. Sediment samples were collected and analyzed for metal concentrations. The biological phase of the marine program consisted of collecting, identifying, and analyzing organisms used as marker species. Samples of phytoplankton, zooplankton, intertidal clams, intertidal flora, and benthic invertebrates were collected at various stations previously located throughout Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet, and Quatsino. Special intertidal invertebrate samplings were done in Winter Harbour in Quatsino Sound and in Port Hardy. Representative specimens of intertidal invertebrates and zooplankton were analyzed for copper, molybdenum, cadmium, lead, zinc, arsenic, and mercury.

The meteorological conditions at the mine and in the area are included in this report to facilitate the interpretation of the data.

The field and laboratory procedures are presented, together with tabulations and graphs of the numerous parameters measured in the monitoring program, for evaluation by the independent agent.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1976, September Quarterly. Island Copper Mine, Utah Mines Ltd. Marine, Freshwater, Effluent, and Meteorological Monitoring at Rupert Inlet and Adjacent Waters. 298 pp. BOX 8.

Abstract:

Utah Mines conducted monthly and quarterly surveys in July, August and September 1976 in accordance with their pollution control permit. The monitoring program consisted of measuring the chemical, physical, and biological conditions of the marine environment. Fresh water samples were collected from ten streams around Rupert Inlet and were then analyzed. A daily log of the chemical and physical characteristics of the mill effluent was kept. Monthly samples of the effluent were sent to B. C. Research council for bio-assays.

The samplings and analyses contained in this report were done by the Island Copper Environmental group under the direction of the University of British Columbia. T. W. Beak Consultants Limited did the identification of the benthos and the zooplankton samples collected by the Island Copper Group.

Complete chemical water quality analyses were done on seawater, fresh water and the effluent. Sediment samples were collected and analyzed for metal concentrations. The biological phase of the marine program consisted of collecting, identifying, and analyzing organisms used as marker species. Samples of phytoplankton, zooplankton, fish, clams, intertidal invertebrates such as intertidal fish, intertidal flora and benthic invertebrates were collected at various stations previously located throughout Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet, and Quatsino. Additional intertidal invertebrate samplings were collected at central stations in Winter Harbour and in Port Hardy. Representative specimens of intertidal invertebrates and zooplankton were analyzed for copper, molybdenum, cadmium, lead, zinc, arsenic, and mercury.

The meteorological conditions at the mine and in the area are included in this report to facilitate the interpretation of the data.

The field and laboratory procedures are presented, together with tabulations and graphs of the numerous parameters measured in the monitoring program, for evaluation by the independent agent.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1990, September. BHP-Utah Minerals International. Island Copper Mine Closure Plan. Includes Personal Correspondence from D.Ellis to I.Horne. BOX 9.

Executive Summary:

BHP-UTAH Mines Ltd. has developed a reclamation strategy designed to return disturbed areas to productive land forms, useful for wildlife habitat, recreation and forestry. The overall objective is that the site be self-maintaining after equilibrium has been achieved and the integrity of the environment assured.

Reclamation has been ongoing over the life of the mine. Of the 732.6 ha which had been disturbed to December 1989, 214.9 ha are contained in the open pit which will be flooded. This leaves a disturbed area of approximately 518 ha. At present 103 ha have been reclaimed, representing 20% of land disturbed. Plate 1 is an overall air photo of the Island Copper Mine and Plate 2 is an example of one of the land dumps that have been recontoured and vegetated. Returning disturbed areas to productive habitat has been done successfully at Island Copper and the mine has received several Provincial Awards for its efforts.

The outstanding issues to be considered on closure of the Island Copper operation include the quality of the drainages from the dumps, the habitat created by the flooding of the pit and the long term stability of dumps and pit walls.

Extensive work has been carried out over the past three years to evaluate the nature of dumps at Island Copper and to determine the long term water quality of their drainages. Individual drainages from several dumps currently exhibit low pH and elevated levels of dissolved zinc, copper and manganese. Combined drainages from the land dumps exhibit alkalinity ranging from 50 to 130 mg/l as CaCO3, depending on the season sampled. These drainages meet the British Columbia Pollution Control Objectives for the mining industry except in the autumn wet season each year. Strategies to mitigate acid drainage are currently being developed.

A model has been developed for flooding of the open pit with seawater. The results indicate that an anoxic lower layer will develop below the 100 meter depth in the pit and an oxygenated upper layer with dissolved oxygen greater than 5 mg/l will develop in the surface 25 metres. The channel connecting the pit with Rupert Inlet will be navigable by small vessels. Flooding the pit will mitigate, to some extent, habitat losses resulting from the partial filling of Rupert Inlet by the beach dump.

A plan for increasing fish habitat in Rupert Inlet has been developed through discussions with the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Beach cusps (embayments) will be created along the beach face which will increase the surface area of the productive near shore habitat.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1993, May. Island Copper Mine, BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. Prospectus: Rupert Arm Municipal Solid Waste Residual Landfill. Submitted to Mount Waddington Regional District (Port McNeill, BC). Includes Personal Correspondence from G.E. Oldham to I. Horne and from R.B. Robertson. BOX 9.

Executive Summary:

CORPORATE DATA
Project Name:
Rupert Arm Municipal Solid Waste Residual Landfill
Company Name and Address:
BHP Minerals Canada Ltd.
Suite 1600,
1050 West Pender Street Vancouver, BC
V6E 357
P.O. Box 370
Port Hardy, BC
VON 2P0
Company Contact: Mr. Richard Robertson, Engineering Manager Island Copper Mine Port Hardy, BC
(604) 949-6326
PROJECT DETAILS
Project Location:
Island Copper Minesite, Vancouver Island - 14 kilometres southwest of Port Hardy, BC
Landfill Design:
According to BC Landfill Criteria for Municipal Solid Waste and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Subtitle "D" regulations.
  • Open pit: 207 hectare area, 390 m depth. Pit walls in bedrock.
  • Leachate: Collected using submersible pumps and piped to treatment facility.
  • Landfill Gas: Collected using same system as leachate. Flared or used to generate energy.
Transportation:
  • Material: Sorted, compacted, containerized wastes.
  • Vessel: Roll-on Roll-off container ships and/or barge.
  • Route: Inside Passage or west coast route.
Public Process:
Three phases of public review and communications.
  1. Completed - confirmed the support of the North Island Community to proceed with a feasibility Study.
  2. Incorporate public participation in carrying out feasibility studies.
  3. Participate in the waste management planning processes for the Greater Vancouver Regional District and Mount Waddington Regional District.

(return to Island Copper Mine)

1994, December. Vancouver Island Mine Development Review Committee. Island Copper Mine Closure Plan. Submitted to BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. (Port Hardy, BC). Includes Relevant Correspondences, Notes and Faxes (9 pp.), in Separate Folder. BOX 9.

Executive Summary:

The Island Copper Mine, located at the northern end of Vancouver Island, is owned and operated by BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. (Figure i). The mine began production in October 1971 and has operated continuously during the past 23 years. Over the life of the mine, Island Copper has produced 1.1 billion kilograms of copper, 27 million kilograms of molybdenum, 28 million grams of gold and 312 million grams of silver.

The mine has created over 16,250 man-years of employment with a total payroll of over $700 million. Spending on supplies and services in British Columbia hasexceeded $1.2 billion. Out-of-province and offshore spending, for transportation and smelting of concentrates into copper metal, molybdenum, gold and silver totals $950 million. To July 1994, the total spending for Island Copper was $2.85 billion.

Environmental Issues During Mining Operation

Since the beginning of development at Island Copper, in 1969, the focus of environmental concern was on the marine environment. The company's application for a permit to discharge tailings into Rupert Inlet led to the first public inquiry of a mining proposal in British Columbia, held in December 1970. Subsequent to the inquiry, a permit was granted to discharge tailings into Rupert Inlet. The permit, issued in January 1971, set limits on the physical and chemical parameters and biological toxicity of the discharge. It also required the company to retain an independent agency to assist in establishing an environmental monitoring program and preparing annual reports for submission to the Ministry of Environment.

The monitoring program and the independent agency have evolved and changed somewhat over the years. However, the program and the committee continues to date and will do so for two years after the cessation of tailings discharge. The 25 years of marine monitoring has shown little impact beyond the predicted physical disruption of benthic organisms. This disruption was due to the rapid deposition of tailings on the bottom of Rupert Inlet. Research and monitoring has shown that the benthic organisms recolonize the tailings bed once rapid deposition ceases and the tailings bed stabilizes.

Routine monitoring of on-land rock dump drainage showed the first indication of acid rock drainage (ARD), in 1985. Over the past nine years several monitoring programs and research projects were developed and undertaken. Acid-base accounting and kinetic testing on all major rock types classified the rock according to its acid generating potential. An exhaustive water quality monitoring program has permitted the development of a water quality model for Island Copper's on-land dump drainage. ARD has been collected in the Water Management Pond and recycled through the mill as process water, since 1990. Occasionally, and only when it meets discharge compliance criteria, water from the Water Management Pond was released into an exfiltration pond on the Beach Dump. The water then slowly exfiltrated into Rupert Inlet.

Closure Plan Development

Island Copper began its formal closure planning in 1988. The initial closure plan report was submitted to the Vancouver Island Mine Development Review Committee, chaired by the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources in October 1990. This report discussed the closure strategies for the waste rock dumps, open pit, ARD and water management and the marine environment. Meetings were held with the committee in November 1990 and July 1991, to discuss the report. From these discussions it was decided that Island Copper would develop a final plan for submission by December 31, 1994. This plan considers the issues and describes closure arrangements for the following five distinct areas or zones of impact at Island Copper (Figure ii):

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1994, October. Island Copper Mine, BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. Island Copper Mine: Draft Closure Plan. BOX 9.

Executive Summary:

The Island Copper Mine, located at the northern end of Vancouver Island is owned and operated by BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. The mine began production in October 1971 and has operated continuously during the past 23 years. Over the life of the mine Island Copper has produced 2.5 billion pounds of copper metal, 60 million pounds of molybdenum, one million ounces of gold and eleven million ounces of silver.

The mine has employed over 6,500 people and paid salaries totalling $700 million.Spending on supplies and services in British Columbia has exceeded $1.2 billion.Spending for transportation and smelting of concentrates into copper metal, molybdenum, gold and silver was $950 million. The total spending for IslandCopper has been $2.85 billion.

Environmental Issues During Mine Operation

When the Island Copper mine was being developed, beginning in 1969, the focus of environmental concern was on the marine environment. The company's application for a permit to discharge tailings into Rupert Inlet was met with some public opposition. This led to the first public inquiry of a mining proposal in British Columbia. Following the December 2, 1970, public inquiry a permit was awarded to discharge tailings into Rupert Inlet. The permit set limits on the physical and chemical parameters and biological toxicology of the discharge. It also required the company retain an independent agency to assist in establishing an environmental monitoring program and preparing annual reports for submission to the Ministry of Environment. The monitoring program and the independent agency, has evolved and changed somewhat over the years. However, the program and the committee continues to date and will do so for two years after the cessation of tailings discharge. The 23 years of monitoring has shown little impact beyond the predicted disruption of benthic organisms. This was due to the rapid physical deposition of tailings on the bottom of Rupert Inlet. Research and monitoring has shown that these organisms recolonize the tailings bed once rapid deposition ceases.

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1996, March. Vancouver Island Mine Development Review Committee. Island Copper Mine Closure Plan Addendum. Submitted to BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. (Port Hardy, BC). BOX 10.

Executive Summary:

The Island Copper Mine, located at the northern end of Vancouver Island, is owned and operated by BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. The mine began production in October 1971 and operated continuously until closure in December 1995. Over the life of the mine, Island Copper produced 1.3 billion kilograms of copper, 31 million kilograms of molybdenum, 31.7 million grams of gold and 336 million grams of silver.

The mine has created over 16,250 man-years of employment with a total payroll of over $700 million. Spending on supplies and services in British Columbia has exceeded $1.2 billion. Out-of-province and offshore spending, for transportation and smelting of concentrates into copper metal, molybdenum, gold and silver exceeded $950 million. To January 1996, the total spending for Island Copper was $2.9 billion.

Environmental Issues During Mining Operation

Since the beginning of development at Island Copper, in 1969, the focus of environmental concern was on the marine environment. The company's application for a permit to discharge tailings into Rupert Inlet led to the first public inquiry of a mining proposal in British Columbia, held in December 1970. Subsequent to the inquiry, a permit was granted to discharge tailings into Rupert Inlet. The permit, issued in January 1971, set limits on the physical and chemical parameters and biological toxicity of the discharge. It also required the company to retain an independent agency to assist in establishing an environmental monitoring program and preparing annual reports for submission to the Ministry of Environment.

The monitoring program and the independent agency have evolved and changed somewhat over the years. However, the program and the committee continues to date and will do so for several years after the cessation of tailings discharge. The 25 years of marine monitoring has shown little impact beyond the predicted physical disruption of benthic organisms. This disruption was due to the rapid deposition of tailings on the bottom of Rupert Inlet. Research and monitoring has shown that the benthic organisms recolonize the tailings bed once rapid deposition ceases and the tailings bed stabilizes.

Routine monitoring of on-land rock dump drainage showed the first indication of acid rock drainage (ARD), in 1995. Over the past nine years several monitoring programs and research projects were developed and undertaken. Acid-base accounting and kinetic testing on all major rock types classified the rock according to its acid generating potential. An exhaustive water quality monitoring program has permitted the development of a water quality model for Island Copper's on-land dump drainage. ARD was collected in the Water Management Pond and recycled through the mill as process water from 1990 until closure in December 1995. Occasionally, and only when it met discharge compliance criteria, water from the Water Management Pond was released into an exfiltration pond on the Beach dump. The water then slowly exfiltrated into Rupert Inlet. The water is currently being discharged into the open pit. The pit will be flooded with seawater in the summer of 1996. Once flooding is complete a deep water ARD injection system wilt be installed. The ARD injection system will be operational by October1996.

Closure Plan Development

Island Copper began its formal closure planning in 1988. The initial closure plan report was submitted to the Vancouver Island Mine Development Review Committee, chaired by the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources in October 1990. This report discussed the closure strategies for the waste rock dumps, open pit, ARD and water management and the marine environment. Meetings were held with the committee in November 1990 and July 1991, to discuss the report. From these discussions it was decided that Island Copper would develop a final plan for submission by December 31, 1994. That plan considers the issues and describes closure arrangements for the following five distinct areas or zones of impact at Island Copper:

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1997, October. Island Copper Mine, BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. Environmental Site Assessment, Vol.2. Prepared for Meeting Between VIMDRC and BHP Copper held at Island Copper Mine Site. BOX 10.

Executive Summary:

BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. owns and operates the Island Copper Mine located on the north shore of Rupert Inlet, at the northern end of Vancouver Island. Mining production began in October 1971 and operated continuously until December 1995. Mine production ceased August 1995 and processing of ore was completed in December 1995. Post-production activities have included ongoing minesite revegetation, flooding of the pit, establishment of a passive acid drainage treatment, decommissioning of physical facilities, and monitoring of these activities. Substantial progress has been made on all aspects of closure, such as site decontamination, restoration of disturbed land to forest and wildlife habitat, recovery of the inlet, and development of a meromictic pit lake.

This report presents results of the 1996 environmental monitoring program, which includes data collected in the first year since completion of all production activities. The Island Copper monitoring program is conducted in compliance with Waste Management Permit PE-379 (see Volume II) The permit requires Island Copper to monitor a number of physical, chemical and biological parameters in the marine environment, terrestrial surface waters, and the open pit water. The program study area includes the land disturbed by mining activity and the interconnected marine fjord system of Rupert Inlet, Holberg Inlet and Quatsino Sound.

From January through October 1996 the environmental program was managed by Mr. I.A. Horne. Following the October 1996 resignation of Mr. Horne, the program has been managed by Mr. B. Welchman (BHP Copper) and E. Schwamberger (BHP Copper), with the continued guidance of a scientific advisory committee consisting of Dr. D.V. Ellis (UVic) Dr. J.W. Murray (U. of Alberta), Dr. T.R. Parsons (UBC), Mr. C.A Pelletier (Rescan), and Dr. G.W. Poling (UBC). With mine closure the routine monitoring previously carried out by mine employees has been contracted to BCL Biotechnologies LTD of Port McNeill, B.C

The 1996 Annual Environmental Assessment Report is the latest of a series of annual reports and is divided into two volumes. Volume I presents and discusses summarized data, and Volume II presents detailed tabulations of data collected. The Waste Management Permit was amended in June 1993 resulting in a change in the reporting period from September through October to a calendar year (January through December), so that Volumes I and II include data collected from January 1996 through December 1996.

It is anticipated that this Environment Annual Report, together with the Closure Plan, will be reviewed with the objective of amending Permit M-9 and accepting the Closure Plan as submitted by Island Copper.

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1999. Island Copper Mine, BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. Review of Island Copper Beach Dump Well Monitoring. BOX 10.

Summary:

The Island Copper Beach dump has developed by placement of waste rock within Rupert Inlet, adjacent to the Island Copper mine pit, from 1972 through 1995. Total land surface area created by the beach dump was 262 ha. At mine closure the beach dump was covered by glacial tills and revegetated.

In 1988 and 1989, ten monitoring wells were established within the beach dump, primarily to determine whether the pit dewatering exfiltration pond, the marginal ore stockpile, and the water management pond were influencing water quality within the beach dump. Wells were monitored for general water quality (pH, salinity, sulfate, alkalinity, conductivity) and for dissolved copper, zinc, cadmium, iron and manganese. Monitoring of beach dump wells commenced in 1988/l989 and continued on a quarterly or monthly basis through the present.

Discussions have taken place regarding the appropriateness of using the beach dump monitoring wells in tracking effects of water exfiltrating from the pit lake through the beach dump, and into Rupert Inlet. To determine whether continued beach well monitoring would be useful for this purpose, a complete review of beach dump data was conducted.

Data indicate that water within the beach dump is generally high pH, high alkalinity, with high variability in metal concentrations, high variability exists over time, along with high between-well variability, and high variability with sampling depth. Overall geochemistry is largely influenced by proximity of a well to the beach face, along with seasonal changes in rainfall. Three processes are noted as having the greatest influence on water quality within the beach dump. The one is tidal fluctuations and rainfall, both of which serve to dilute dissolved metals, and also control salinity, sulfate, and other parameters. The second process is precipitation of metal sulfides under reducing conditions. Transit time of water exfiltrating from the pit lake through the beach dump to the beach face has been calculated to be from 0.6 to 2.5 years. While in transit, water will be influenced by several processes, most importantly dilution (by tidal flux and rainfall) and precipitation of metals under reducing conditions.

Data indicate no fundamental changes in water quality within the beach dump since monitoring began in 1988/1989. There are no indications that overall changes are occurring in pH, dissolved metals, or any other parameter within the beach dump. Localized changes have occurred in Wells 1, 2, and 3, resulting from creation of the pit flooding channel close to these wells. In all wells except 1 and 2, pH remains above 7.0, and metal concentrations have not markedly changed over time.

Comparisons indicate that water quality within the beach dump is similar to water quality within the pit lake for most parameters. No parameter or suite of parameters could be identified which would be useful as an indicator to track migration of pit lake water through the beach dump.

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2000. B. Welchman and C. Aspinall. Mine Closure and Sustainable Development: Island Copper Mine: a Case History. Prepared for the World Bank; Mine Closure and Sustainable Development Workshop (Washington, D.C.). BOX 10.

Executive Summary:

The Island Copper Mine operated in British Columbia, Canada, by BHP Minerals Canada Ltd., a subsidiary of BHP International of Australia, ceased operation on December 31, 1995 on depletion of the copper-molybdenum orebody. BHP subsequently carried out a comprehensive plan to achieve an environmentally sensitive mine closure while also initiating the utilization of the site for sustainable commercial and industrial operations providing an ongoing economic benefit to the host community of Port Hardy.

From startup in 1970, Island Copper's conventional open pit truck-and-shovel mining operation and 55,000 tpd concentrator produced l,432,980 tons of copper, 34,171 tons of molybdenum, l,118,165 ounces of gold, 11,851,851 ounces of silver and 59,523 pounds of rhenium. Concentrates were sold to custom smelters or brokers in the United States, Europe, South America and Asia. The mine employed 900 people at its peak and generated a payroll of (US) $650 million and spending on supplies and services of (US) $1.5 billion over its 25 years of operation.

Mine reclamation began shortly after startup with the recontouring and replanting of waste rock deposits. Some 600,000 seedlings have been planted to date and eventually will produce a cedar-hemlock forest native to the area. The replanted areas have provided ideal habitat for deer, black bear, cougar, eagles and other wildlife throughout the mine's life. Plant facilities not purchased for other uses were dismantled, fuel and other contaminants were disposed of to regulatory standards and operating machinery and equipment was sold.

A unique feature of the closure plan was the flooding of the 1,320-foot deep open pit with seawater from adjacent Rupert Inlet to produce a near-passive receiving environment for moderate acid rock drainage from the waste rock deposits. Drainage is discharged through two pipelines at 650 feet and heavy metals are precipitated to the bottom through sulphate-reducing bacterial action.

Special features of the operation included the submarine disposal of mill tailings to the bottom of Rupert Inlet. A comprehensive marine monitoring program - overseen by an independent committee of university professors - was conducted throughout the mine's life and continued to December 1998. Benthic recolonization and diversity in the mine tailings are at pre-mining levels as are fish and shellfish populations.

Central to the company's business philosophy was the principle of close, cooperative participation in all aspects of the economic and social life of Port Hardy, a logging and fishing centre that saw its population expand to 5,300 from the 700 resident prior to the mine's arrival. Mine personnel served in a number of capacities in municipal and regional government as well as being active in community organizations and municipal councils were regularly informed of the mine's market and operating conditions.

As closure approached, the mine was instrumental in promoting the availability of the mine's physical assets - power, water, buildings, deep-sea dock and cleared land - for other commercial or industrial uses. As a result, one company purchased the plant site from the provincial government and buildings and dock facilities from BHP and established the commercial production of crayfish and sturgeon. A local fish processing company proposes to use the flooded open pit to raise Atlantic salmon smolt. An Australian company proposes to construct a (US) $80 million copper processing plant on the site.

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