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abstracts for
Island Copper Mine fonds

abstracts for University Reports

Bird, D.A., W.B. Lyons and G.C. Miller. 1994. An Assessment of Hydrogeochemical Computer Codes Applied to Modeling Post-Mining Pit Water Geochemistry. Tailings and Mine Waste '94, Balkema, Rotterdam, pp. 31-40. BOX 10.

Abstract:

A technique that matches inverse and forward modeling results, combined with speciation modeling, successfully predicts the pit water geochemistry of the Cortez Mine within acceptable error. Each software package used in the study is applicable to a subset of the overall pit water modeling problem. The forward modeling approach developed can be applied to prediction of pit water geochemistry at future open pit mine sites.

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deVries, G.A. 1992. The Effects of Acid Mine Drainage From the Mines Pit Wall Faces. Work Term Report, Performed at BHP- Minerals Canada Ltd. (Port Hardy, BC). 32 pp. BOX 10.

Executive Summary:

The Pit Wall Washing project was authorized by Ian Horne, head of the environmental lab at BHP-Minerals Canada Ltd in Port Hardy. The project was designed to obtain knowledge of the effects of acid mine drainage and metal leaching abilities of the open pit during pit decommissioning when the pit will be flooded with sea water. Tests for metal leaching from the exposed rock surfaces and pH to determine the alkalinity or acidity of the water washings will give some incite of what will occur when the open pit is flooded. The project team consisted of Andy Hanke, Ranbir Thandi and Gary deVries all of who work in the environmental lab. The tests run on the wall washings were done during the period from June 30/92 to August 12/92 and data will continue to be collected after this time period to see what the effects of the wet season will have on the pit walls.The main objective of this report is to observe the effects of pit wall washings and how they relate to metal leaching and overall pH and from these findings to be able to predict the outcome of pit decommissioning when the open pit is flooded with sea water.

The outcome of the project has shown that there should not be a problem with acid mine drainage or metal leaching from the open pit, but these primary results should not be taken as final since further study during the wet season should be done to obtain more concrete results.

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Drinkwater, K.F. and T.R. Osborn. 1975. The Role of Tidal Mixing in Rupert and Holberg Inlets, Vancouver Island. Limnology and Oceanography Vol. 20(4), pp. 518-529. BOX 10.

Abstract:

Analysis of monthly observations of temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen content in the basin formed by Rupert and Holberg Inlets reveals greater vertical mixing than in most British Columbia inlets. The water temperature correlates with solar radiation while the salinity changes follow river runoff, in turn controlled by precipitation. The variation in dissolved oxygen appears due to a combination of biological influences and the influence of water. A model has been developed which ascribes the monthly fluctuations and vertical homogeneity to an accumulation of irregular mixing events associated with the tidal flow through Quatsino Narrows, a narrow connecting channel.

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Ellis, D.V. 1972. Interpretation and Evaluation of Transmissometer Surveys Undertaken by Dobrocky Seatech Ltd. on Behalf of Utah Construction and Mining Co. Ltd. in the Area Adjacent to Island Copper Mine. Report to Island Copper Mine. 61 pp. BOX 10.

Abstract:

The transmissometer surveys have located the main tailings field from Island Copper Mine's submerged outfall and indexed its depth to an accuracy presently estimated as 30 feet, but possibly better. The surveys have also located other low transmissibility layers.Within Rupert Inlet the main tailings field lay below depths from 120-200 feet, tending to be deeper towards both east and west extremities of the Inlet. However, at the junction of Rupert and Holberg Inlets, the field appears to disperse at least partially into lower turbidity clouds extending to within 30-50 feet of the surface. (Figures 3 (p.l0) and 11 (p.23)).

Within the main tailings field, transmissibilities reduce with depth (i.e. turbidities increase with depth). It is possible that the depths quoted above as the shallowest indications of the main field give a substantial safety margin before the depth of biologically significant turbidities is reached.

In Rupert Inlet in winter, there is a surface low transmissibility layer which probably comprises surface run-off water. There is also an intermediate layer of low transmissibility clouds, which particle size analyses (two samples only) indicate contain similar size particles to the main tailings field.

Transmissibilities can be converted satisfactorily into Jackson Turbidity Units, thus permitting integration of existing extensive discrete turbidity data with the transmissometer surveys.

The transmissometer available from Dobrocky Seatech Ltd. is both qualitatively and quantitatively useful in tailings field delimitation at low field densities. It may also be a useful quantitative measuring system at high field densities by appropriate use of the 10cm cell, but this use still needs testing.

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Ellis, D.V. 1977. Effectiveness of Existing Pollution Controls as Shown by Four Case-Histories; and Recommendations for Future Control. Submission to the Public Inquiry into Pollution Control Objectives for the Mining, Mine-Milling and Smelting Industries. 23 pp. BOX 10.

Abstract:

Four case-histories of mine wastes discharged to the sea are reviewed. These are Anaconda Britannia, Jordan River, Island Copper and Climax Molybdenum. Existing provincial pollution controls on effluents and out falls appear effective in preventing persisting metal contamination of marine organisms at least under short-term discharges of 2-5 years. Other environmental disturbances are caused by mine wastes but there is some evidence for reversal or natural rehabilitation over periods from a few days to a few years.

It is recommended that the Inquiry consider the following points in appraising the existing objectives and suggested changes.

  1. Obtaining adequate scientific justification for changes to the existing Objectives.
  2. Reducing overlapping pollution control authority.
  3. Establishing single monitoring agencies in multiple discharge receiving areas.
  4. Clarifying need for monitoring programs during and following accidents to a discharge system.
  5. Establishment of rehabilitative capacity at underwater disposal sites.
  6. Publication of environmental assessment guidelines.
  7. Public dissemination of pollution data.
  8. Costs of Inquiry Submissions.

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Ellis, D.V. 1983. Submersible Surveys in the Tailings Receiving Area for Island Copper Mine. University of Victoria Cruise Report. 23 pp. BOX 10.

Abstract:

Dives in Rupert Inlet adjacent to the tailings outfall demonstrated the presence of three visibly different layers in the water column. There was a 5-15 metre brackish water surface layer, a 15-50 metre "curtain" turbidity layer, and an underlying layer to seabed of "cloud" turbidity. The brackish water layer is a normal response to river input. The "curtain" turbidity layer has clearer water than the brackish layer according to transmissometer profiles but contains some highly reflective particles generating the "curtain" effect under floodlights. The cloud turbidity layer is believed to be from dilute suspensions of tailing slimes. All layers contained abundant plankton. The seabed in the curtain turbidity layer contained abundant benthos, and prior records show that the seabed within the cloud turbidity layer supports benthos.

Dives in the adjacent Holberg Inlet did not show the same turbidity layers, but instead revealed the presence of a 1 m thick yellow turbidity layer, apparently arising from a resuspended interface organic floc. Tailings were not visible.

A dive plan for further investigations in the receiving area is given, and also recommendations for a programme leading towards improved quantitative assessment of soft bottom benthos from a submersible. A reliable stereophotographic system is needed, backed up by appropriate modifications of wildlife biologists' strip-transect methods.

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Ellis, D.V. 1989. Supplementary Benthos Report 1988. BOX 10.

Abstract:

During the 1988 reporting year all biological, chemical and physical parameters of mill effluent (Waste Management Permit PE-379, Appendix 01) met permit requirements with one exception. The weekly mean pH for July 24-30, 1988, was reported as pH 11.6. The permitted maximum was pH 11.5. Pit dewatering (Appendix 02) remained in compliance with Permit PE-379. Pit dewatering is currently being combined with several mine drainages and discharged into a filtration pond on the beach dump. The water quality in this pond met all requirements of Appendix 02, Permit PE-379.

The freshwater monitoring program has increased ten fold to monitor the development of acid mine drainage. This increased workload will continue until the nature and extent of the acid mine drainage is understood. Records of flow rates in several drainages were kept, in addition to monitoring water quality. Only two areas appear to have developed classic acid seeps. Both these flows are diluted in alkaline streams with the combined flows being discharged into the same exfiltration pond receiving pit dewatering.

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Ellis, D.V. 1996. Development of a Criteria-Based Shoreline Recovery Assessment Procedure at Island Copper Mine. Draft of Report to Island Copper Mine. BOX 10.

Abstract:

A simplified procedure for assessing the biological recovery of the rocky shore embayments along the seaward face of the beach dump at Island Copper Mine has been developed. The procedure is based on monitoring the presence or absence of organisms essential for ecological succession to a sustainable climax community of organisms. Presence of these essential species in abundance or their absence provides a set of operational criteria by which the state of succession can be documented.

Bays 7-5, constructed in April-May 1996, had started the process of succession 4 months later with abundant barnacles, widespread discolouration of rocks by brown filamentous microphytic algae, patches of green algae, and occasional small crustacea (isopods and amphipods). Some of the latter probably represent feedstock for juvenile salmon.

Bays 4, 2 and 1 were constructed in April-May 1994. They show abundant growth of most of the criteria species, and cannot be distinguished by the presence or absence of these criteria species from Bay 2 (built in April-May 1992), or the Reference Site immediately west of the mine's boat wharf. Bays 4-1 have reached the stage of sustainability (after 2 years) and can be expected to show shoreline biodiversity within the normal range for the region from now on. Observations along the beach dump face from Bay 7 to Bay 1 showed that the climax community pattern was continuous from just east of Bay 4 to Bay 1. This section of the beach dump face (Bays 4-1) showed an expected variation in species abundance along its length due to patchy settlement and growth, but can be considered recovered in the sense of now supporting a sustainable but variable rocky shore climax community, similar to that found widely throughout western Canada.

The initial list of criteria species developed from the literature, needed to be modified for use at Island Copper Mine on the basis of species present or absent at the reclaimed and Reference sites. It is to be expected that this recovery assessment system using Successional Criteria species can be modified for use at other intertidal sites. The procedure as implemented at Island Copper Mine required 2 person days of field surveys. Repeat surveys if needed should require the same level of effort.

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Ellis, D.V. 1997. Year 1 Appraisal of Shoreline Biodiversity on the Beach Dump Face at Island Copper Mine. Report to Island Copper Mine. BOX 10.

Summary:

The Beach Dump face is colonizing with shoreline organisms throughout its length. Colonization has proceeded farthest between the west end and the centre (east of Bay 4) as these areas were shaped in 1994 or earlier. This west/central section has the sustainable biodiversity and intertidal vertical zonation patterns characteristic of rocky/stony shores of the Pacific coast. The fauna and flora of these bays, based on the presence or absence of 14 types of indicator organisms (eg. barnacles, mussels, rockweed), is indistinguishable from the Reference station west of the beach dump.

Further east colonization and succession has continued since 1996. The area eastward (including Bays 5 and 6) to the western edge of Bay 7 (almost at the eastern edge of the Beach Dump) has much of the expected biodiversity, but can still be distinguished from the western/central areas by some of the indicator species (especially rockweed and mussels) being present in lesser abundance than at the western/central sites. The predominant BFM (Brown Filamentous Microphytic algae) in 1998 have almost disappeared, and rockweeds (genus Fucus) have grown in a characteristic band from mid- to low-tide. The community present in 1997 should be sustainable.

The colonization of Bay 7 has substantially lagged behind the rest of the beach dump. It lies at the edge of upland and marine log sorting areas, and contains much log debris from those operations. There is one boom anchoring point just east of the bay, and three anchoring hawsers have been dug in to the shore west of Bay 7. The latter when used will bring Bay 1 into the marine log sort area. The biodiversity here may not be able to proceed through further colonization and succession to a sustainable normal shoreline biodiversity. This area may remain at its present early successional stage, or may even revert to less biodiversity depending on the amount of log debris that settles from time to time on the dump face or in Bay 7.

Above high tide level, it was noticeable in 1997 that seeded grass and clover, and planted alder seedlings, were establishing themselves and growing well.

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Ellis, D.V. 1998. The Beach Dump Face at Island Copper Mine; Intertidal Biodiversity Colonization and Sustainability 1996-1998. Draft Report for the Environmental Advisory Group Meeting, and Subsequently for Redistribution to Regulatory Agencies after any Agreed Changes. BOX 10.

Abstract:

During the extreme low tides of June 23-25,1998 a third annual survey of the intertidal biodiversity on the beach dump face at Island Copper Mine, and the engineered salmon-nursery embayments along the face was undertaken. The results confirmed the two previous surveys in 1996 and 1997 that a sustainable biodiversity had colonized. Over most of the dump face within two years following stabilization of dump face materials. The sustained biodiversity fit within the Stephensons' well-documented global pattern of rocky shore zonation and was indistinguishable from that at a reference Station.

By June 1998 the biodiversity of the easternmost salmon nursery embaynent (Bay 7) was being sustained, but only at an early successional stage. Bay 7 appeared to be in an equilibrium with the environmental parameters of an intertidal habitat being continuously impacted by wood waste from a nearby, previously existing, log-handling operation. In hindsight, it can be seen that the embaymnent was placed too near the log-handling operation. Bay 7 should not be considered a salmon nursery ground, but simply a section of the beach dump being impacted by a prior resource user.

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Ellis, D.V. 1999. Reclamation of the Beach Dump; the 1999 Biodiversity Survey of the Shoreline Face. Report to Island Copper Mine, BHP Minerals Canada, Ltd. 15 pp. BOX 10.

Executive Summary:

The annual biodiversity survey of the face of the mine's waste rock dump along the north shore of Rupert Inlet was undertaken June l3-15, 1999. As in past years, colour photographs were taken of each of the surveyed bays, i.e. the reference bay and the engineered embayments. Also, the presence-absence of selected dominant, keystone and other organisms was recorded along three transects in each bay. The organisms recorded were selected to demonstrate the presence or absence of the Stephenson characteristic biological zonation patterns on rocky shores. The zonation patterns, when in the equilibrium (the climax) state, consist of horizontal bands of particular kinds of organisms. Some species remain almost constant from year to year, others vary greatly in their abundance occasionally being absent over large areas for a year or more.

All embayments, and the face of the beach dump between the embayments, showed the equilibrium zonation patterns. These had been sustained from 1998.Variability noticed in 1999 was that some forms previously occurring only occasionally in some transects were abundant, eg isopods, cockles and fish (eelpouts). Also, the dense overgrowth of barnacles in 1998 which had reduced the availability of space to some other species had been recolonised and the barnacles displaced by other characterising forms such as rockweed and mussels.The ecological succession to the climax community has been sustained in most of the engineered bays (Bays 1-4) since the surveys were started in 1996. Bays 5-6 had reached the equilibrium state by 1997, and it has been sustained since then. It is to be expected that the equilibrium zoned state of the biodiversity will now be sustained indefinitely.

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Ellis, D.V. and C. Heim. 1984. Submersible Surveys of Benthos Above the Tailings Turbidity Cloud in Rupert Inlet. University of Victoria Cruise Report. Manuscript Report #244. 41 pp. BOX 10.

Abstract:

Seabed impacted by settling solids from a turbidity plume can be surveyed by submersible using a "bounce" technique to determine depth of the turbidity front, and hence depth above which benthos observations are practical. After depth and site selection, descent and a reconnaissance for observers to determine field species identifications were made. Then 100 x 1 sq. m transects were surveyed using a 1 sq. m quadrat attached to the submersible in view of the port-side observer. At Rupert Inlet on May 1-2, 1984, two shallow water Stations (depths 13-15 m, and 16-18 m) showing light deposits of mine tailings were seen to support epifaunal species' associations. The first was almost a single species stand of the burrowing anemone, pachycerianthus fimbriatus, at approximately 100/100 sq. m, and the second a diverse species association with several starfish and other species at 1-2/100 sq. m. Burrow holes (up to 3-5 cm diameter) of various sizes indicated other species, some being large infauna. At a deeper station (36-27 m) with heavy tailings and almost no burrow holes, a single Dungeness crab, Cancer magister, and an unidentified shrimp were seen in the 100 sq. m transect. Each dive site was inshore (shallower) from a routine mine benthos station shown repeatedly to support a burrowing benthos population in tailings. Burrow holes have the potential for determining the identity and abundance of large infaunal species present if an identification system can be developed. The quantifying transect technique by submersible now developed should be modifiable for scuba diver use. The technique of epifaunal and burrow hole surveys (by diver and submersible), combined with infaunal and sediment core surveys and contemporary theory on infaunal succession, provides the potential for a mapping procedure in Rupert Inlet, i.e. mapping the distribution in shallow water of continuing tailings impact, and areas of discontinuous (occasional) impact, with benthic recovery (succession).

"Strings" observed in the water column appear to be organic and may represent bacterial production seeded on tailings particles. They merit investigation.

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Ellis, D.V. and J.L. Littlepage. 1971. An Investigation of the Accumulated Effects of the Clover Point Sewer on the Local Marine Ecosystem; Including the Shoreline. Report on Schedule A Submitted to the Minister of Lands, Forests and Water Resources of the Province of British Columbia. BOX 10.

Summary:

The Clover Point sewage field was detectable in the receiving area by high nitrite and phosphate values, by high total and fecal coliforms in samples from both surface water and sea bed deposits, and by high turbidity levels using a towed in situ transmissometer. Extent of the sewage field was best delimited by turbidity profiling with records interpreted by water sampling for coliform analysis. This technique demonstrated drift of the particulate sewage field accompanied by high coliform levels to distances of at least l000-2000 feet from the outfall. Further testing of the newly available instrument might have demonstrated slightly more extensive drift, and provided more detailed interpretation, but time available precluded further work in 1971. Supporting data on extent of the field was obtained by sediment and surface water coliform analyses. High fecal coliform values in sediments from 2000-2500 east and west of the Clover Point sewers showing a pattern of gradual reduction with distance from the outfall, indicated accumulation on the sea bed of coliforms by deposition in some way from the dispersing field. Surface water samples gave occasional high total and fecal coliform values at distances from 2000-5000 feet. The field, when detectable, was present essentially at the surface, with a vertical extent of 6-10 feet recorded by transmissometer and divers' visual observations.

The Clover Point sewage field thus appears to disperse to levels which are not detectable by a series of routine indicators including coliforms over distances from 2000-5000 feet downcurrent from the out-fall. The actual direction is to east or west depending on tidal currents. These currents also restrict the field to dispersing relatively close to shore, i.e. 2O0-4O0 feet at Clover Point, but not always impinging on the beaches to east and west of Clover Point.

Shoreline biological surveys showed a slightly lower algal species diversity than at an Albert Head control station, but the reduction in number of species is relatively small compared to that recorded at the adjacent Macaulay point beach outfall, and may be without significance in this context. An analysis of this point is continuing. Underwater biological surveys off the outfall showed no significant biological differences from expected algal growths and macrofauna, but considerable sewage debris (papers, rags, etc.) to depths of 50 feet, approximately 2O0-40O feet offshore.

Chlorophyll standing crops tended to be high close to Clover Point relative to levels offshore but a surface chlorophyll profiling technique showed similar increases at other nearby promotories without sewage discharges. Hence the high chlorophyll levels cannot at present be directly related to the sewer. A test of C14Chlorophyll assimilation ratios suggested low production in the sewage plume close to the sewer in spite of high chlorophyll values. This test suggests a possible deleterious effect of the effluent in high concentrations.Sediment macrobenthic collections suggested a slight faunal change on approach to the sewer, but the technique cannot be properly applied to the Clover Point area in view of the strong tidal currents, steep slope to the sea bed and stony deposits preventing effective quantitative collecting with the sampler available.

The biological observations in toto indicate that the Clover Point sewage discharge has had little effect on species diversity in the area. However, the C14/Chlorophyll assimilation ratio tests suggest possible effects of the effluent on biological production in the local ecosystem. This aspect could bear further investigation.

There are considerable local small-scale variations in water mass characteristics (temperatures and salinities) in the broad area, from Esquimalt Harbour east to Trial Islands, surveyed in 1971 by the combined Macaulay Point and Clover Point investigations. Any persistent pattern of differences throughout the area, however, was not apparent from the procedures employed in 1971.

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Ellis, D.V. and J.L. Littlepage. 1972. Marine Discharge of Mine Wastes: Ecosystem Effects and Monitoring Programs. CIM Transactions: Vol. LXXV, pp.67-72. BOX 10.

Abstract:

Marine ecosystem effects arising from the discharge of man-generated wastes to the sea can be schematized as: acute poisoning, chronic poisoning, enrichment, suffocation, temperature effects, salinity effects, toxin bio-concentration, changed production rates and changed species equilibria. A professionally designed site specific monitoring program to check for such effects can not only safeguard the marine ecosystem from degradation, but it can also protect the industry involved from unanticipated remedial action after expensive construction has been undertaken.

Monitoring programs should consist of three steps. Step 1 is an ecosystem survey which should he undertaken prior to final design of the discharge system and submission of applications for permission to discharge, because there can be considerable cost savings in obtaining information at an early stage in development. Step 2 involves location of the effluent field at the time of starting discharge, and analysing its dispersal behaviour. Step 3 consists of ecosystem monitoring with sampling stations and specific tests based on the accumulated prior information.

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Ellis, D.V., T. Koessler, G. Geen and C. Pelletier. 1971-1981. Statistical Reconnaissance of Monitoring Data From a Decade of Mine- Derived Turbidity. BOX 10.

Abstract:

A threshold fjord, Rupert Inlet, in northern British Columbia has received approximately 100 million tonnes (median particle size 20 um) of potentially turbidity-causing mine-tailing since 1971. The tailing is discharged at 50 metres depth in a 2:1 seawater tailing mixture, and descends towards the deepest point of the inlet as a variable turbidity current, followed by deposition with some resuspension and upwelling.

An extensive monitoring programme of the marine receiving area was initiated in 1970 prior to discharge, and has served to demonstrate ecosystem changes and their levels. The programme has recently had a computerised data processing system introduced, and the massive data bank can be reviewed as needed.

We have undertaken a first statistical analysis (a statistical reconnaissance) of turbidity and other data to indicate whether changes in the ecosystem have occurred which might be of biological significance. Turbidity levels have increased through the water column from 0.4 JTUs to approximately 0.8 JTUs near surface, but greater at depth, by the sill and by a shoreline waste rock dump. There appears to be no derived impact on biological production: as indexed by chlorophyll A profiles, primary production (C14) profiles, and assimilation ratios. There is some manganese leaching from deposited tailing, but no evidence for metal leaching to the water column from the tailing while in suspension.

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Evans, J.B., D.V. Ellis, J.Leja, G.W. Poling and C.A. Pelletier. 1979. Environmental Monitoring of Porphyry Copper Tailing Discharged into a Marine Environment. Paper in Presentation at the XIIIth International Mineral Processing Congress, Warsaw, Poland, pp. 650-660. 39 pp. BOX 10.

Abstract:

An ongoing, comprehensive environmental monitoring program is reviewed. This program concerns the tailing discharge of a 40,000 tonnes per day capacity porphyry copper mine-mill complex, the Island Copper Mine, situated on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. At this operation, open-pit waste rock amounting to 160,000 tonnes per day is placed as a foreshore dump, and flotation plant tailing slurry is discharged into a fjord. Continuous monitoring of the receiving marine environment, initiated before mining commenced, has been maintained as an integral phase of mine operations for the past seven years. An independent group of university faculty members directs and reviews the monitoring program. The monitoring consists of sampling and assessing pertinent physical, chemical and biological parameters. The paper outlines the techniques employed, presents the results of evaluations, and describes changes observed in a marine system which to date has received more than 80 million tonnes of finely divided tailing solids.

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Fisher, T. 2000. Island Copper Thermistor Project. Interim Report. 27 pp. and Appendices. BOX 10.

Executive Summary:

The Environmental Fluid Mechanics group of UBC with sponsorship from BHP is investigating the Island Copper pit lake. The pit lake is being used as a passive treatment system for acid rock drainage (ARD). Physical mixing processes within the stratified lake are the focus of the study, as these are critical to the success of the passive treatment system. An improved understanding will help BHP to manage the pit lake for effective ARD treatment and alternative uses e.g. aquaculture.

This interim report presents new CTD results and thermistor data. The general properties and upper interface position records have been updated with three new conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) casts on the 6th December 1999, 31st January 2000 and 13th March 2000. Two thermistor chains and a meteorological station have been installed and are performing successfully- Meteorological conditions and pit lake water temperatures at 49 locations in the water column have been collected for the periods 8th December 1999 to 31 January 2000 and 3rd February 2000 to 13th March.

The general trends in upper, intermediate and lower layer salinity and temperature remain unchanged. The mid-point of the upper interface position was at 8.25 m on 13th March 2000. This represents a rise of 2.2 m since March 1999. The rate of rise of the upper interface has decreased with time (July 1997 - March 2000). This partially reflects that the 1999/2000 winter was drier than previous years.

Despite the reduced flow in the 1999/2000 winter, a basic mass balance indicates that the upper layer mixing processes are beginning to exert some downward pressure, and that eventually an equilibrium upper interface depth may be achieved. In previous winters the interface rise had exceeded that predicted by injection system flows, but during the 1999/2000 winter, the interface rise was less than predicted. This indicates the increased influence of upper layer mixing processes.

The thermistor data shows gradual seasonal changes in temperature for the upper and intermediate layers, whereas in the upper interface the temperature is highly variable. Within this activity is well organized internal wave structures, and these are observed even during good weather. During high wind and injection system flow events the activity at the upper interface increases dramatically - the spectral density (a measure of variance) increases by 10-100 times.

The spectral analysis reveals the presence of wind driven internal waves. The longest internal wave period is 166 minutes and this is assumed to be the fundamental internal wave period. Higher mode internal waves were also observed and are in good agreement with predictions.

The upper interface over the south injection system is higher, thinner and considerably more active than at the central mooring. As well. it exhibits more medium-high frequency activity. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that the injection system plumes cause increased mixing at the upper interface.

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Jones, A.A. 1975. The Role of Biologists in Pollution Control Branch Decision-Making, With Particular Reference to the Ganges Harbour and the Utah Mines Case. Report submitted to the University of Victoria School of Public Administration. 73 pp. BOX 11.

Abstract:

Preliminary studies of the administrative organization of the Pollution Control Branch indicated possible inadequate utilization of qualified professional Biologists to administer the Pollution Control Act. Two cases, Ganges Harbour and Utah Mines Limited, were studied by review of the Pollution Control Branch files, to specifically determine the role of Biologists in the administration of such permits.

The review of the files tentatively confirmed the preliminary studies and showed a number of similarities between both cases, namely, that the permits were granted despite strong objections by interest groups and possibly in light of insufficient information on the characteristics of the receiving area.

Recommendations arising from the review include:

  1. Review of other cases to see if the preliminary conclusions from these two cases are valid.
  2. Implementation of pre-design and if necessary pre-discharge programs to be completed prior to granting permit.
  3. Inclusion of biologists within the Branch in senior capacities with adequate staff of junior biologists to handle the requirements of receiving environment quality.
  4. Implementation of a multi-disciplinary team approach to granting permits.
  5. Implementation of a more formal permit and monitoring program review procedure with personnel accountability for specific programs.
  6. Implementation by the Branch of some form of accreditation for consulting personnel to try and minimize professional judgment errors similar to those which occurred in the Utah case.

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Lister, D., G.W. Poling, I.A. Horne and M.G. Li. 1999. Prediction and Reality: Static Analyses Versus Actual Rock Weathering in Waste Dumps at Island Copper Mine, Port Hardy, BC BOX 11.

Abstract:

Island Copper Mine (ICM) owned by BHP Minerals Canada Ltd is one of Canada's largest open pit jaw-grade copper mines and is located at the north end of Vancouver Island, British Columbia.Acid rock drainage (ARD) was first detected in the open pit area in 1982 and from the on-land waste rock dumps in1985. All drainage from the mine area is directed to a water management pond for recycling in the concentrator and discharge when all provincial effluent standards are met.

Island Copper is a calc-alkaline copper-molybdenum-gold porphyry deposit. Rock units have been both metasomatically (contact metamorphism) and hydrothermally altered. Minerals relevant to ARD-generatng potential include pyrite, feldspar minerals calcite, sericite and pyrophyllite.

Data analysis of 214 acid-base accounting (ABA) results indicate that most ICM waste rock has a net neutralization potential (NNP) of less than +20 kg H2SO4/tonne and an acid consuming to acid producing (ACP:A PP) ratio of less than 3:1.

Detailed study of eight weathered samples from ICM waste rock dumps indicate that type and intensity of alteration coupled with total sulphur content may be the primary ARD controls at the site. Two of the six samples (both weakly altered volcanic) predicted by ABA analysis to generate net acidity have yet to do so despite up to 12 years of weathering on the waste rock dumps.

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Lyons, W.B, G.A. Doyle, R.C. Petersen and E.E. Swanson. 1994. The Limnology of Future Pit Lakes in Nevada: The Importance of Shape. Tailings and Mine Waste '94, Balkema, Rotterdam, p. 245-Incomplete. BOX 11.

Abstract:

Within the next twenty years between twenty to forty open pit mines will be completed in Nevada which will intercept the groundwater table. These "pit lakes" will contain in total over a million acre feet of water. One of the most important aspects of predicting the water quality that will develop within these pit lakes will be the relative shapes or dimensions of these water bodies. One of the measures of shape is the ratio of surface area to depth or what we term the Petersen Scaling parameter of PSP. In this paper we review the PSP of a number of types of natural lakes and lake types and relate these to what is predicted for PSP in the pit lakes in Nevada. Our review suggests that with the possible exception or a few volcanic crater lakes no natural systems resemble these future pit lakes. The unusual shape of these pit lakes will have a profound effect on their physical limnology and hence their biogeochemical dynamics.

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Poling, G.W. 1973. Sedimentation of Mill Tailings in Fresh Water and in Sea Water. 12+ pp. BOX 11.

Abstract:

Mill tailings are sometimes disposed of underwater in both inland and coastal waterways. Too little is currently known of the sedimentation and chemical characteristics of these materials to be sure of their "inertness" or to predict their potential hazard to these aquatic environments. Lack of knowledge appears to be particularly acute when considering tailing disposal in seawater. This paper presents results of preliminary studies of actual mill tailings sedimentation in sea water compared to fresh water and to fresh water containing small amounts of sea water as coagulant. Effects of: 1) increasing salinity or increasing conductivity; 2) percentage solids content; 3)mineralogical composition of the tailings on their settling rates and on the clarity of the supernatant liquid are demonstrated both graphically and photographically.

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Santos, R.D.R. 1995. Electrical Conductivity of Acid Rock Drainage. Report for UBC Directed Graduate Course. 40 pp. BOX 11.

Abstract:

Acid drainage monitoring involves geochemical analyses for base metals, acidity, alkalinity, total dissolved solids, pH, turbidity and total suspended solids. Field measured values of electrical conductivity are not always reported due to lack of appreciation of its importance. Mining companies who monitor acid mine drainage in their mine sites do not all report complete geochemical analyses nor report on the same set of parameters, but often choose a set of parameters which they deem able to characterize acid drainage at their site. Using Canada-wide survey data compiled by Wilson (1994) and data made available by some mining companies, some characteristics of acid drainage are elucidated. Moreover, a method for estimating electrical conductivity of acid drainage is proposed. This method can be used to verify and calibrate a mathematical geochemical model used for predicting and monitoring acid rock drainage by comparing computed electrical conductivities based on the model with field measured values.

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Wilton, M.J. and G.A. Lawrence. 1998. Evolution of the Island Copper Mine Pit Lake. CWRA 51st Annual Conference Proceedings, Victoria, BC, pp. 411- 418. BOX 11.

Abstract:

The seawater flooded open pit at the Island Copper Mine near Port Hardy is used as a passive treatment system for acid rock drainage (ARD). The pit lake has evolved into three distinct layers: a brackish upper layer, a well mixed intermediate layer extending down to the depth of the ARD discharge, and a quiescent lower layer. Temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen profiles have been measured and a layered model developed to predict the long term evolution of the pit lake and the wind speed required to cause upwelling of the intermediate layer.

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abstracts for Consultants' Reports

Beak Consultants Limited. 1971. Biological Survey of Rupert Inlet and Adjacent Waters, June, 1971. Report to Utah Construction and Mining Company, Vancouver, BC 75+ pp. BOX 11.

Abstract:

T.W. Beak Consultants Limited conducted a biological and chemical survey of Rupert Inlet and adjacent waters on June 7-15, 1971 to document the pre-operational conditions for Utah Construction and Mining Company Ltd. Existing Biological conditions were determined by sampling the bottom-dwelling invertebrates, intertidal flora and fauna, resident crabs, fish and zooplankton. Metal analysis for arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), Molybdenum (Mo), and Zinc (Zn) were determined on samples of the above organisms. This report presents the methods and results of the survey and is submitted for evaluation by those agencies concerned with Rupert Inlet.

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Beak Consultants Limited. 1971. Biological Survey of Rupert Inlet and Adjacent Waters, September,1971. Report to Utah International Inc., Vancouver, BC 75+ pp. BOX 11.

Abstract:

T.W. Beak Consultants Limited conducted a biological and chemical survey of Rupert Inlet and adjacent waters on June 7-16, 1971 to further document the pre-operational conditions in these waters on behalf of Utah International Ltd. Existing biological conditions were determined by sampling the bottom-dwelling invertebrates, intertidal flora and fauna, resident crabs, fish and zooplankton. Metal analysis for Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and Zinc (Zn) were determined on samples of the above organisms. This report presents the methods and results of the survey and is submitted for evaluation by those agencies concerned with Rupert Inlet.

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Beak Consultants Limited. 1971. Pre- Operational Survey of Rupert Inlet, March, 1971. Report to Utah Construction and Mining Company Ltd., Vancouver, BC 32+ pp. BOX 11.

Abstract:

T.W. Beak Consultants Limited conducted a biological survey of Rupert Inlet and adjacent waters in March, 1971 to document the pre-operational conditions for Utah Construction and Mining Company Ltd. Existing biological conditions were determined by sampling the bottom-dwelling invertebrates, intertidal flora and fauna, resident crabs, bottom fish and zooplankton. Water transparency and Chlorophyll a data were included as part of the routine 197l monitoring program.

This quarterly report presents the data for the biological survey conducted on March 8 - 15, 1971. The methods and results are presented as a reference, but with the intention of a more complete evaluation after the termination of the pre-operational surveys. Evaluation of the quarterly report by those agencies concerned will enable T. W. Beak Consultants Limited to conduct an acceptable monitoring program for Utah Construction and Mining Company Ltd. and their comments will be greatly appreciated.

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Beak Consultants Limited. 1971. Pre- Operational Survey of Rupert Inlet, October, 1970. Report to Utah Construction and Mining Company Ltd., Vancouver, BC 33+ pp. BOX 11.

Summary:

T. W. Beak Consultants Limited conducted a biological survey of Rupert Inlet and adjacent waters in October, 1970 to document the pre-operational conditions for Utah Construction and Mining Company Ltd. Existing biological conditions were established for benthic invertebrates, intertidal flora and fauna, resident crab species and zooplankton. Transparency data was determined for future reference. These results were compared to a previous survey conducted in January, 1970.

Productivity in Rupert Inlet is not considered similar to Holberg Inlet, or even similar to different areas within Rupert Inlet. Benthic sampling revealed approximately similar numbers and taxonomic groups of organisms present between the two inlets, while intensive sampling in the proposed discharge point indicated numbers of invertebrates lower than the overall average. Shallow peripheral areas are considered more productive than the greater depths of the basin. The zooplankton survey has revealed a higher productivity for Holberg Inlet. Routine sampling of the intertidal areas, and test fishing for crabs and fish, will also establish the productivity of these marine waters.

A more intensive and routine sampling program is recommended for monitoring the environment before discharging a mine effluent into the receiving waters. Biological sampling has documented existing organisms but further sampling is necessary to determine natural population fluctuations. Physical and chemical data indicate normal levels for uncontaminated marine waters. Analysis for those metals pertinent to the mine tailings should be conducted on algae, fish, invertebrates and zooplankton to establish normal background levels.

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Beak Consultants Limited. 1972. Biological Survey of Rupert Inlet and Adjacent Waters, December, 1971. Report to Utah International Inc., Vancouver, BC 86+ pp. BOX 11.

Abstract:

Utah International Inc. retained T. W. Beak Consultants Ltd. to conduct biological surveys of Rupert Inlet and adjacent waters in conjunction with their comprehensive environmental monitoring program. The survey reported here was conducted between November 20 and December 13, 1971, and represents the first survey following the commencement of milling operations and the discharge of tailings material into Rupert Inlet. Sampling was done of benthic invertebrates, intertidal invertebrates, intertidal fish, resident crabs, local fish and zooplankton. Representative samples of animals from each phase of this program were analyzed for arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, molybdenum and zinc. In addition, quantitative samples of benthic invertebrates, intertidal organisms and zooplankton were collected, sorted, counted, and identified to specific taxonomic categories for comparison with similar pre-operational data. Biomass of benthic polychaete worms was determined on samples from five stations selected for similar analysis in the previous survey. The methods employed in the field survey and in the laboratory analysis are presented with the results. This report of the data is presented to Utah International Inc. and to the independent agency for evaluation of the possible biological effects of mine tailings being discharged in Rupert Inlet.

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Beak Consultants Limited. 1972. Biological Survey of Rupert Inlet and Adjacent Waters, June, 1972. Report to Utah Mines Ltd., Vancouver, BC 42+ pp. BOX 11.

Abstract:

T.W. Beak Consultants Limited conducted a biological survey during June, 1972 in conjunction with the Utah Mines Ltd. environmental monitoring program for Rupert Inlet. The biological phase of the program conducted by Beak consisted of sampling the benthic invertebrates, intertidal clams, resident crabs and local fish. Quantitative samples of benthic invertebrates were collected, sorted, counted and identified to major taxonomic categories. One sample of invertebrates from each of the 23 benthic Stations was identified to the most specific taxonomic category feasible. Specific identification and size data are presented for the crab collection and test fishing. Representative specimens of the intertidal clams, crabs and fish will be analyzed for selected heavy metals by the Utah Environmental Control Laboratory and presented in their June, 1972 quarterly report.

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Beak Consultants Limited. 1973. Biological Survey of Rupert Inlet and Adjacent Waters, December, 1972. Report for Utah Mines Ltd, Port Hardy, BC 62+ pp. BOX 11.

Abstract:

T.W. Beak Consultants Limited assisted Utah Mines Ltd. in conducting the December, 1972 quarterly monitoring program. The chemical and biological survey involved field collection and subsequent laboratory analysis of samples in order to provide data on which to base objective evaluation of the effects of discharging mine tailings into Rupert Inlet. The biological phase of the program involved routine sampling of the benthic invertebrates, intertidal clams and sculpins, Dungeness crabs, resident marine fish and zooplankton. This report presents the data for the benthic invertebrates, a list of the intertidal clams and sculpins, data from the Dungeness crab collection and a list of the fishes with their corresponding size measurements. Additional data are presented on the specific identification and enumeration of the benthic invertebrates and zooplankton. Field samples of clams, sculpins, crabs, fish and zooplankton were supplied to the Utah Environmental Control Laboratory for metal analysis and presentation in their December, 1972 chemical sampling and analysis report.

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BHP- Utah Mines Ltd. and Rescan Environmental Services. 1988. South Wall Pushback: Description of Project and Related Environmental Issues. Prepared for Vancouver Island Regional Reclamation Advisory Committee. BOX 11.

Executive Summary:

Island Copper Mine, which is owned by BHP-Utah Mines Ltd commenced production in 1971. Under the current mine plan, sufficient reserves are in place or in stockpiles to continue operations until the end of calendar year 1992. Development of ore reserves on the south wall of the open pit by the proposed South Wall Pushback will further extend the life of the mine by approximately four years. Significant benefits will be realized by the federal government, the Province of British Columbia and the local community if the project proceeds. These benefits include:

The recovery of the south wall reserves is technically feasible by placement of a seepage barrier between tile open pit and Rupert Inlet. The seepage barrier is presently under design and the preferred option is a slurry wall. Details of the slurry wall and pit slope design will be submitted separately to the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources for approval.

An evaluation has been made of the incremental impacts to the environment in connection with additional waste disposal from the South Wall Pushback. There will be no further disturbance of the shoreline as a result of waste dumping. While operations continue, the marine habitat including a small area of the ocean floor covered by tailings and waste rock will be impacted for an additional four years. Recovery of these areas should occur soon after operations cease. The productive benthic habitat at the head of Rupert Inlet will not be significantly impacted. The spread of tailings further out in Quatsino Sound will be detectable in the marine sediments only by analytical methods. Properly managed, the south wall waste disposal will not increase the present level of acid mine drainage. As a result of prolonging the mine's life, several of the land and mineral leases will require extension of their terms. An expansion of the foreshore lease (Lot 295) boundary will also be required to accommodate marine disposal of potentially acid generating waste rock.BHP-Utah Mines Ltd. is committed to:

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Cameron, A. 1999. Terrestrial Risk Assessment for Molybdenum at BHP Minerals Island Copper Mine Plant Site. Keystone Environmental BOX11.

Abstract:

The BHP Minerals Island Copper Mine on Vancouver Island's Rupert Inlet in British Columbia, operated for twenty-five years. An iterative weight-of-evidence approach was used to assess the risks constituents in the soil, water, and sediment present to three mammalian wildlife species (deer mouse [Peromyscus maniculatus], raccoon [Procyon lotor], and black tail deer [Odocoileus hemions columbianus]) that live and/or forage at the BHP Island Copper Mine Plant Site. The Concentration of constituents in on-site soils and surface water was screened against regulatory standards and copper and molybdenum in soil were found to be in excess of regulatory limits. This paper discusses the assessment of risks for terrestrial mammalian wildlife from exposures to molybdenum. Co-located earthworm and soil samples and plant (alfalfa and salal) and soil samples were collected from 16 locations and analyzed for molybdenum. Soil to soil invertebrate and soil to plant uptake factors, respectively, were generated from these data and used to estimate molybdenum concentrations in the soil invertebrates and plants at 18 habitat patches. Deer mice were caught at the Plant Site, and at a distant off-site location. The concentration of molybdenum in the organs (kidney, liver, and muscle) of deer mice caught on-site was not significantly greater than the off-site derived tissue organ concentrations. Additional available data consisted of a field survey and literature-derived no-observed-adverse-effect-levels (NOAELs) and lowest-observed-adverse-effect-levels (LOAELs). Exposures to molybdenum were estimated using Monte Carlo methods, first at individual locations, then over relevant spatial scales. These exposure distributions were compared to concentrations that have an effect on 20% of the population (EC20s). The estimated exposures for molybdenum for the deer mouse, raccoon, and the blacktail deer did not present an unacceptable risk. The weight of evidence indicates that molybdenum at and from the Plant Site does not present an unacceptable risk to the deer mouse, raccoon, and the black deer.

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Keystone Environmental Ltd. 1997. Environmental Site Assessment: BHP Island Copper Mine, Port Hardy, BC, Vol. 1. Report Prepared for BHP Island Copper Mine. BOX 11.

Executive Summary:

This environmental site assessment was conducted by Keystone Environmental Ltd (Keystone), at the request of BHP Minerals (BHP) to assist in the assessment and documentation of areas of potential concern at the Island Copper Mine Site. The purpose of the assessment was to assemble site information, to document areas of potential concern that required additional investigation or remediation as well as areas which are not considered to be of concern, and to document remedial action taken by BHP to meet regulatory requirements or protect human health and the environment.

The Island Copper Mine Site is located on the north shore of Rupert Inlet, approximately 16 kilometres south of Port Hardy near the northern end of Vancouver Island. The mine operated for 25 years and production was terminated in December, 1995. A review of the mine history indicates that the following constituents of potential environmental concern have been used or were produced on the mine site:

The mine site was divided into areas considered to have issues of potential environmental concern based on a review of mine operations and practices, previous investigations, a reconnaissance inspection conducted by Keystone and BHP personnel, and interviews with mine staff. Twenty three areas were identified as having issues of potential environmental concern.

As the majority of the areas of potential concern had been previously identified and investigated on a preliminary basis, a summary of investigative work conducted to date was performed for each area. The investigation summaries indicate that a number of areas of potential concern were identified as having elevated concentrations of constituents of concern.

BHP had conducted remedial activities on a number of the areas identified with potentialconstituents of concern prior to the reconnaissance inspection. A summary of the remedial work performed and a qualitative risk evaluation for each area indicated that a number of the identified areas had potential risks associated with them. BHP developedremediation plans with Keystone to address the majority of the identified issues of environmental concern. Recommendations were presented for each area of potential concern, regarding the need for further investigation and remediation. Additional work was recommended for the following areas of potential concern:

Remedial actions were conducted for the areas listed above. All identified hydrocarbon issues have been addressed such that soils remaining on the sale area of the site meet the Contaminated Sites Regulation (CSR) Standards for industrial land use (IL) with respect to hydrocarbons, with the exception of shallow soils beneath the Lube Shop/Cat Shop foundation, and deep soils (8 to 9 metres deep) between the Tank Farm and the GasolineFill Station. Hydrocarbon impacted drainage from this area is being managed such that discharge water meets CSR AW standards. Soils identified as containing ore concentrate, based on indicator metals and anomalous copper and molybdenum concentrations, have been excavated and disposed of in the open pit, under water. Metal concentrations in soils remaining on the sale area site are in a range that generally exceed CSR IL standards with respect to copper, molybdenum and occasionally other metals. Static acid generation potential predictive tests (Acid Base Accounting, Sobek method) indicate that there is a potential for some of these soils to generate acid, however some native soils have acid neutralizing potential. BHP has taken measures to reduce the risk of acid generation by excavating soils with the highest concentrations of copper (and consequently sulphur) and disposing of them in the open pit, under water, covering much of the remaining soil with acid consuming till, and planting grass in the till cover. BHP intends to monitor water discharging from the site to determine if acid generation and metal leaching is occurring or may occur in the future. Contingency plans have been considered should metal concentrations in discharge waters approach CSR AW standards.

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Keystone Environmental Ltd. 1998. Supplemental Investigation and Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment Vol.1: Report. BHP Island Copper Mine, Port Hardy, BC Report Prepared for BHP Island Copper Mine. BOX 11.

Executive Summary:

This report has been prepared to supplement the Environmental Site Assessment BHP Island Copper Port Hardy, BC (ESA) report, dated October 1997. It is provided to the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks (BCE) to complete the requirements for an application by BHP Minerals Canada Ltd (BHP) for a Conditional Certificate of Compliance (CCOC) for a portion of the mine site known as the Plant Site. This includes the portion of the Plant Site that is for sale. Upon review of the ESA report, BCE required further work to obtain a CCOC for the Plant Site including additional investigation and the completion of a Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment (HHERA). The additional investigation and HHERA were conducted by Keystone Environmental Ltd. (Keystone), at the request of BHP.

The human health risk assessment evaluates the potential human health risk to the future worker due to exposure to constituents at the Plant Site, and to off-site residents due to ingestion of game that has been exposed to constituents from the Plant Site.

The potential noncarcinogenic hazard index (HI) to the Plant Site worker and the off-site resident due to exposures to constituents from the Plant Site, is 0.051 and 1.9 x 10-6 respectively. The hunter who is also a Plant Site worker would be exposed to a hazard quotient (HQ) of .051.

The constituents in the groundwater, surface water, soil, and game associated with the Plant Site, for the described exposure scenarios, are within acceptable regulatory limits.Adverse health effects to the worker and off-site resident are not anticipated at the predicted intake levels.

An ecological risk assessment was also performed for the Plant Site. Exposure point modelling for the mouse, raccoon and black-tail deer indicate that Plant Site soils pose a low risk to these terrestrial species. Minimal effects on these species are anticipated from constituents on the Plant Site. These species may be exposed to constituent concentrations that exceed regulatory standards, however, most of the contamination is present on the nonvegetated areas of the Plant Site.

Worms sampled at the Plant Site had low levels of copper and molybdenum in their tissues, indicating that these metals are not very bioavailable. The lack of worms in nonvegetated areas of the site is representative of the low worm habitat quality in these areas.

Salal is a thriving species in vegetated areas of the Plant Site. It's presence is reflective of the mature Douglas fir forest in the area. The concentration of copper detected in the leaves of salal are within the normal range (5 mg/kg - 30 mg/kg) for most plant species (Jones, C. E.).

Copper, iron, manganese, and zinc in the surface water and manganese and selenium in the groundwater on the Plant Site are reaching Rupert Inlet at concentrations in excess of the regulatory standards or criteria. However, a corresponding effect on the aquatic community was not observed. On the contrary, there is evidence that the aquatic community has become richer since mine operations ceased. Dungeness crab in Rupert inlet have continued to thrive throughout the period during and after Plant Site operations. A crab fishery which continued throughout the operation of the mine remains active today. Similar observations apply to the molluscs community. The benthic invertebrate community off shore from the site has returned to pre-mine levels of diversity and abundance.

Based on the results of the Plant Site human health and ecological risk assessments, it is concluded that site constituents present a low potential risk to the surrounding environment.

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Pelletier, C.A. and G.W. Poling. Rescan Environmental Services, Ltd. 2000. Closure Successes at Island Copper Mine. BOX 12.

Abstract:

Mine production ceased in August 1995 and processing of ore was completed in December 1995 at BHP's Island Copper Mine at the northern end of Vancouver Island, BC Thus ended over 24 years of continuous open pit copper-molybdenum-gold mining at this site. During operation this mine employed underwater placement of over 400 million tonnes of tailing solids in the bottom of adjoining Rupert Inlet. Detailed monitoring of this submarine disposal technology over the life of the mine clearly demonstrated minimal real environmental impact on the marine ecosystem. Now, two and one half years after closure, continued monitoring demonstrates near complete rehabilitation of even the bottom sediments by marine benthos.

Low level acid generation from weathering of on-land waste piles is being treated in a novel, near passive, flooded pit underwater injection system. The mined out open pit was initially flooded with sea water to within 16 meters of the overflow mark and then capped with freshwater to form a stable pycnomeromictic lake. Acidic seepages from on-land waste piles, collected via drainage ditches, are being injected via gravity into this pit lake at a depth of 200 meters. Periodic fertilizations of the lake waters are used to accelerate the development of anoxicity in the pit bottom via the actions of sulphate-reducing bacteria. Monitoring of the pit lake water column shows development of a sharp oxycline below the 200 meter injection depth. Recently hydrosulphide ion has also been detected near the pit bottom at the 345 meter depth. These hydrosulphide ions will precipitate most metal ions in the injected ARD as metal sulphide particles which will then settle out on the bottom of the pit. All monitoring conducted to date points to a highly successful near-passive treatment system for the acid drainage problem at this mine site.

Other closure activities include recontouring and seeding of all disturbed lands and waste piles to produce effective wildlife habitat. This includes removal of most buildings at the site. Part of the site is currently destined to become a lumber mill under Aboriginal ownership.

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Rescan Consultants Ltd. 1992. Island Copper Mine Decommissioning and Closure Plan: Hydrological and Metal Loadings Study Phase 1 Report. Submitted to BHP Minerals Canada Ltd., Port Hardy, BC BOX 12.

Executive Summary:

The present study is a continuation of an ongoing program of monitoring runoff water from the waste dumps and the pit at Island Copper Mine (ICM), Port Hardy, BC With a view towards refining the Decommissioning and Closure Plan, ICM made a decision in early 1991 to embark upon a more intensive sampling program of both the hydrology (runoff), and the metal loading in selected ditches. The present document reports on the initial findings from the monitoring period of October 1991 to March 1992.

Water samples were collected automatically at three stations (TED, EDD and WME) and manually at the remaining five stations (EDT, EMO, PDW, NWD, and NDD). These samples were analysed for various chemical parameters and metal concentrations, most importantly copper and zinc. Flow gauging to measure water discharge for the monitoring period was achieved by employing dataloggers and transducers at six sites (TED, EDT, EMO, EDD, WME and PDW) and by recording manual readings at the two other sites (NWD and NDD). Water surface elevations were recorded and subsequently converted to water discharges using the appropriate formulae. Statistical comparisons were made between instantaneous and daily average flows. Graphical comparisons were made between hourly average and daily average flows for all stations having automatically recorded data. Mass loadings for copper and zinc were calculated by multiplying metal concentration by water flow. Rainfall data were also collected from a rain gauge at Station WME. The most important results from this initial phase of the program are summarized below.

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Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. 1994. Island Copper Mine Closure Plan: Preliminary Design of a Meromictic Lake in the Flooded Pit: A Passive Sulphide Precipitation System for ARD. Submitted to BHP Minerals Canada Ltd., Vancouver, BC BOX 12.

Executive Summary:

It is feasible to create and maintain hydrogen sulphide-rich conditions below approximately ten metres depth in the Island Copper Mine pit after it is flooded with seawater. No tidal exchange between the flooded pit and Rupert Inlet would be allowed. A ten metre thick fresh surface layer will form and remain oxygenated due to wind mixing and the dissolved oxygen content of the runoff.

Flooding of the pit can be accomplished most economically by excavation of a channel from Rupert Inlet. The necessary channel cross section is dependent only upon the allowable time to fill the pit which is, in turn, dependent upon pit wall stability.

Initial establishment of anoxic conditions dictates the requirements for addition of organic carbon. It is estimated that thirty nine thousand tonnes of fish waste may be required at start-up but that little if any further nutrient addition will be necessary.

Rock dump effluent (or acid rock drainage) should be added near the bottom of the pit so that the buoyant effluent reacts with soluble sulphides originating on the benches distributed throughout the depth of the pit. Addition should be through a high density polyethylene pipeline and a simple diffuser which will optimize mixing.

It is estimated that the cost of flooding the pit and establishing favourable conditions for passive treatment of ARD will be approximately $2.7 million. Procurement and testing of suitable fish wastes should begin one year before flooding is planned.

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Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. 1999. Island Copper Mine: Tracer and Biochemical Studies to Determine the Status of Meromictic Conditions in the Flooded Island Copper Pit. Final Report Prepared for BHP Minerals Canada Ltd., Vancouver, BC BOX 12.

Executive Summary:

The lake is stratified into surface (< 10 m), intermediate (10 to 200 m) and lower layers (> 200 m), each with distinct physiochemical properties. Drainage from waste dumps at the Island Copper site is injected into Pit Lake at 200 m depth. The rationale for drainage discharge to this system is the removal of metals via redox-controlled precipitation, which is expected to occur as conditions become sufficiently reducing in intermediate waters. To this end, oxygen concentrations are progressively declining in intermediate and deep waters, as generally predicted prior to flooding of the pit. In order to assess the progression of the lake towards anoxic conditions, ongoing monitoring continues under the direction of BHP Minerals Canada Ltd.

This report constitutes a summary and interpretation of data collected at the Island Copper Fit Lake by Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. (Rescan) from October 5 to 10, 1998. Specifically, the focus of this study is to provide 1) detailed bathymetry of the lake; and 2) a preliminary evaluation of processes in the lake controlling oxygen and dissolved metal concentrations. Based on this information, cursory predictions are made with respect to the evolution of physical properties and dissolved oxygen.

Bathymetric profiling shows that less than 10% of the lake volume is contained at depths greater than 200 m, and less than 0.4% resides at greater than 300 m. A detailed bathymetric map is appended to the back of this report. Volume and surface area estimates calculated from this bathymetry were utilized in numerical modeling to predict the evolution of water column stratification and dissolved oxygen concentrations.

Physical profiling data display sharp pycnoclines at 5 to 10 m and between 208 and 218 m depth; ie, at the upper and lower boundaries of the intermediate layer. Fluorescent dye released from the ARD injection system was contained within this layer, and was detected between depths of about 90 and 220 m and up to a distance of 160 m from the outfall following 8 hours of discharge. Above the outfall, the plume appeared to rise almost vertically, spreading laterally near its apparent trapping depth at 90 m where a dilution of at least 5000 times was achieved. Adjacent to the outfall, dilutions of 50 times were achieved within about 5 to lO m from the diffuser.

A distinct dissolved oxygen (DO) gradient is apparent in the transition from surface waters to intermediate waters. Dissolved oxygen concentrations remained relatively constant at 3.5 mg/L in the intermediate layer; note that DO levels have dropped steadily to this value from > 9 mg/L immediately on flooding. A marked decrease was evident at 200 m depth, with DO levels declining to less than 1 mg/L in deeper waters. High resolution sampling in near-bottom waters indicates that a general drawdown in DO occurs in near-bottom waters (1 to 2 metres above bottom). This trend suggests that oxygen consumption is enhanced near the sediment-water interface.

The development of anaerobic conditions in the lower water column has apparently not yet progressed to the point where dissolved metal concentrations are limited by sulphide precipitation. Numerical modeling, based on measured data collected in this and other studies (inclusive of in situ BOD), indicates that the bottom layer (i.e., depths greater than ARD discharge) will become essentially anoxic by about April of 1999 and remain in this condition in virtual perpetuity (> 200 years). Intermediate layer DO concentrations are predicted to decline progressively, such that anoxia is reached in 2007. The development of anoxic conditions should result in decreased ambient metal concentrations due to increasing sulphide and bicarbonate production and the attendant formation of insoluble precipitates.

On the inception of anoxic conditions, intermediate water will cycle seasonally between anoxic summer conditions and low-level DO (< 0.2 mg/L) in winter months. Dissolved oxygen levels in the intermediate layer will generally remain highest at depths near the bottom of the injection pipes (160 to 200 m). Seasonal increases in DO can be attributed to the influence of relatively high outfall flows (and associated DO input) coupled with low HOD during the winter months. Such seasonal increases in DO could affect the removal of metals from intermediate waters. However, any inventory of dissolved metals developed during the winter should be reduced with the onset of spring anoxia.

Concurrent with the DO depletion at 200 m, nitrate concentration decreased whereas alkalinity, ammonia and nitrite values showed a marked increase. This indicates the development of suboxic conditions and attendant nitrate reduction in deep waters. Silicate concentration values remained constant in intermediate waters, increasing at depths greater than 200 m. This apparent Si release in deep waters may reflect remineralization of organic matter and/or release via weathering of soluble minerals on exposed pit wall rocks. In contrast, a progressive decrease was observed in dissolved aluminum concentrations through the intermediate layer, reaching undetectable levels at depths > 250 m. This suggests that aluminum is scavenged by particulate phases through the water column.

Redox cycling of manganese is evident at 200 m depth as a large increase in dissolved Mn concentrations, concurrent with the depletion in dissolved oxygen. Cadmium, cobalt and copper all increase concomitantly with dissolved Mn suggesting that their release occurs via Mn oxide dissolution. The release noted for other transition metals in association with increased dissolved Mn is not evident in the Zn profile. This is probably the result of Zn loading to intermediate waters from drainage input, which acts to obscure any changes in concentration resulting from redox cycling. Dissolved nickel and molybdenum profiles show no clear vertical trends between intermediate and deep waters. Increased Co, Zn and Ni concentrations are apparent at depths > 300 m, suggesting that remobilization of these elements is enhanced in near-bottom waters.

In addition to Mn-redox cycling, metal concentrations in deep waters (> 200 m) could be influenced by their release from the pit walls and floor, due to the dissolution of soluble minerals and concurrent mobilization of associated trace metals. This process is likely to contribute to elevated dissolved metal concentrations at depth (largely via diffusion) and is probably a function of the high wall to floor surface area relative to water volume at depth and/or the presence of reactive waste rock on the pit bottom.

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RescanTm Environmental Services Ltd. 1999. Island Copper Mine: Dye Dispersion Study of Injection Plume in Pit Lake, March, 1999. Prepared for BHP Minerals Canada Ltd., Vancouver, BC BOX 12.

Executive Summary:

A dye dispersion study was conducted in Pit Lake from March 2 to March 5, 1999. Dye was injected into the southeast injection pipe system, and the resulting dyed plume was monitored within the lake over a two day period. Physical limnological measurements were also performed.Results from the physical limnological measurements indicated that Pit Lake was layered into three discrete water columns in March of 1999 (<10 m, 10 to 227 m, > 227 m). Two sharp thermoclines were present in the lake, the upper thermocline occurred at approximately 10 meters depth and the lower one at 227 meters depth. Surface water temperatures were approximately 5 0C, intermediate water temperatures 12.0 to 12.2 0C, and bottom water temperatures were approximately l2.8 0C.

A very sharp halocline was present at 10 m depth, which separated the upper brackish water layer (salinity of 3.25 PSU) with the intermediate water layer (salinity of 26.9 to 27.2 PSU). Another halocline was present below the intermediate layer at depths of approximately 223 to 227 m. Salinity values below this lower halocline were approximately 28.5 PSU. The upper halocline at 10 m depth was horizontally continuous throughout Pit Lake.

The plume originating from the southeast injection system in March of 1999 behaved very differently from the plume originating from the northeast injection system in October of 1998 (Rescan 1999). Mean pipe flow rates during the March 1999 survey were nearly nine times greater than flows occurring during the October 1998 survey.

Results from the dye injection and dispersion study demonstrated that the plume from the southeast diffuser rapidly rose to the upper halocline (within minutes) and immediately started to spread laterally. The plume spread within the upper 80 m of the water column (from 10 m to 90 m), and remained within the upper 120 m of the water column (from 10 m to 120 m) throughout the duration of this study (up to 48 hours after dye injection).

The plume spread laterally across the entire lake, and reached the pit wall at 10 m depth within 24 hours after dye injection. The lateral rate of movement of the plume over the initial 6 hours after dye injection was estimated to be 0.023 m/S or approximately 2,000 m/day.

Despite the high flow rates through the southeast injection system in March of 1999, the plume never breached the upper halocline during this study. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of the freshwater covering layer in preventing the plumes from reaching surface waters.

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SENES Consultants Limited. 1992. Waste Rock Sampling Manual. Prepared for Energy Mines and Resources CANMET- MSL Division. BOX 12.

Abstract:

This report represents the product of the Phase I component for the Waste Rock Sampling Manual. The manual provides guidance to a broad spectrum of concerned parties as to the available sampling techniques and suggested methodologies to apply during the various stages of a mine development. The objective is to ensure that adequate data are collected during all stages of the mine development to ensure the database exists to evaluate the acid generating potential of the waste. The evaluation would normally include Acid Rock modelling using both empirical and computer based models. For demonstration of how these techniques have been applied, the final chapter also provides an actual example of how data were collected and utilized to assess ARD potential at a site in Canada.

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Weston, S. Agriculture Consultants. 1970. Report on Developments and Progress in Reclaiming Waste Dumps and Tailing Ponds. Reprint of Paper Presented to the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Kamloops, BC 15+ pp. BOX 12.

Abstract:

Experience to date indicates that the reclamation of mine tailings ponds is possible at a lower cost than that previously reported from other parts of Canada. Special techniques which are not normally associated with the agricultural approach to the establishment of vegetative cover are used.

Seeding and fertilization operations should be done with aircraft where it is feasible to do so. Timing of seeding and fertilizer applications is stressed as being of critical importance.

Detailed examination and testing of any specific area is essential for success. Leaching of some material may be necessary to establish suitable conditions for seeding and specific environmental factors dictate special seed and fertilizer usage.

The use of mulch, topsoil and mechanical or chemical stabilizing agents is not recommended. "Free seeding" of specially selected planting material, coupled with the controlled use of balanced chemical fertilizers is out-lined, and the functions of plants, fertilizers and microbiological additions are given.

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abstracts for Government Reports

BC Research. 1970. The Disposal of Mining and Milling Wastes With Particular Reference to Underwater Disposal. Report Prepared for the Department of Lands, Forests, and Water Resources, Water Resources Service, the Government of the Province of British Columbia. 42+ pp. BOX 12.

Summary:

The literature with regard to the effect of mining and milling wastes on the environment was surveyed in detail back to 1950. This survey covered the methods of disposal of stripping waste and tailings, the solubility and toxicity of various components of these wastes, as well as the physical damage done by the solid components of the waste. The study also touched on the reclamation and reuse of mining wastes after active mining ceased.

Recommendations are made as to the most acceptable procedures for waste disposal from an environmental point of view. No attempt has been made to assess these recommendations from an economic standpoint.

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Broughton, L.M. and K.D. Ferguson. 1990. The Geochemistry of Westmin Resources Ltd. Myra Creek Mine Tailings After Thirty Months Exposure of Subaerial Tailings. Environmental Protection Branch, Pacific and Yukon Region, Regional Program Report 90-04. 89 pp. BOX 12.

Executive Summary:

Westmin Resources Ltd. operate a 3000 tpd copper-lead-zinc mine 93 km by highway south-southwest of Campbell River in Strathcona Provincial Park. The mine began operations in 1966. Tailings were initially deposited in Buttle Lake; a practice which continued until June 1984 when an on-land tailings disposal facility was commissioned. Mining is primarily from a large sulphide rich orebody and testwork has indicated a significant acid producing potential in the tailings material. Tailings are deposited in the impoundment using the subaerial deposition method; a procedure designed to produce an unsaturated, high density tailings mass with low horizontal and very low vertical permeability.

Environment Canada, Environmental Protection (EP) has conducted a series of studies to evaluate the potential for, and progression of acid generation and contaminant migration in the subaerial tailings mass. Knight and Piesold Ltd. have also conducted studies, primarily to evaluate the structural integrity of the facility. This report describes the detailed study conducted by EP in 1988 after thirty months exposure of the subaerial tailings, summarizes the previous studies of the impoundment, and makes recommendations for future studies.

Initial studies revealed high sulphide contents in the tailings with some segregation of sulphide minerals from acid neutralizing carbonate minerals. Oxidation of the upper 6 cm of the tailings was evident within eighteen months of exposure with low pH and depleted neutralization potentials over much of the surface. There were still however isolated areas of neutral pH on the tailings surface. The degree of oxidation, as indicated by past pH values was shown to relate to oxygen diffusion coefficients, and in turn to the moisture content of the tailings material.

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Burd, B.J. Ecostat Research Ltd. 1997. Changes in Marine Benthic Community Structure in Alice Arm (1977 to 1995) After Ceasing Molybdenum Mine Tailings Discharge. Report Prepared for Environment Canada, Environmental Protection Branch. North Vancouver, BC 30+ pp. BOX 12.

Summary:

Submarine molybdenum mine tailings discharge to Alice Arm occurred from April, 1981 to November, 1982. Tailings discharges from the previous mine operation occurred via Lime Creek from 1968 to 1972. The recovery process in Alice Arm can be inferred from sediment and biological data collected from 1977 to 1995. All of the factors discussed in this report suggest an increasing stabilization of the benthic fauna in Alice Arm. The only indication of continuing change is the increasing dominance by large fauna. This may be a residual effect of disturbance over a long period after the impact. The 1995 data illustrates the longest period of recovery from mining disturbance in Alice Arm since these mining events.

In general, samples were collected from a fairly homogeneous substrate and depth type. The amount of natural sediments which have settled over the tailings should be in the order of 10 cm, and descriptions of grab sample residue confirm the presence of considerable organic debris. Sediment metal levels of Mo, Pb, Zn, Cd were particularly elevated over background levels in the tailings. Values found in 1995 suggest that the levels of metals in sediments in Alice Arm have declined notably since 1981-82. But, a declining gradient in most of these metals and some nutrients away from the outfall suggest that there are still traces of the tailings affecting sediments.

The abundance and taxa patterns suggest a classic pollution recovery response in Alice Arm, with the initial impact in the nearby stations evident in 1982, then the remaining stations later in 1983 as tailings sifted down-inlet. By 1986, a distinct increase occurred in both abundance and diversity, with many small, opportunistic fauna mixed with a few large taxa. By 1989, the abundance and taxa levels declined with the disappearance of many of the colonizers and increase in dominance by the larger fauna, and remained consistent through to 1995. In contrast, biomass has generally shown a slow increase from the beginning of the study in 1982, with biomass levels higher 13 years after mining than they were before mining or in the less impacted Stations (E) in 1982. Dominant taxa have not changed much over the study period, except that larger taxa are increasing in importance over time.

The gradient in sediment metals and nutrients away from the outfall in 1995 is reflected in the significant gradient evident in cluster analyses of abundance composition for 1995. As well, similarity/gradient analyses of abundance data for all 5 sample years indicates that faunal similarity declines with distance from the outfall. This pattern is consistent with the theory that in a low-energy, poorly mixed fjord, there will be a geographic "drift" in faunal composition with distance away from any reference point, due to differential settlement and limited lateral mixing of larval forms in the water column. However, the biomass analyses show that larger fauna are much more homogeneously distributed throughout Alice Arm. This result is consistent with findings for a wide variety of BC benthic habitats, that large fauna tend to be more ubiquitously distributed in coastal waters than small fauna. It is this consistency which allows researchers to "type" communities based on sediment and depth characteristics, by the presence of ubiquitous large and long-lived taxa (Thorson's 1957 parallel community theory).

The second feature that the similarity/gradient analyses confirm is that the faunal composition is stabilizing over time in Alice Arm. The similarity/gradient analyses for both abundance and biomass data indicate that overall faunal similarity (or homogeneity) increased considerably in the system between 1983 and 1986 then remained fairly consistent up to 1995.

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Goyette, D. and H. Nelson, 1977. Marine Environmental Assessment of Mine Waste Disposal into Rupert Inlet, British Columbia. Environmental Protection Service, Pacific Region, Surveillance Report EPS PR-77-11. 93+ pp. BOX 12.

Abstract:

In 1968 plans were announced to construct a 33,000 T.P.D. open pit copper-molybdenum mining complex on the north shore of Rupert Inlet, British Columbia. Coincident with this proposal was the necessity to develop a mill tailings and waste rock disposal system which was environmentally acceptable to existing regulatory agencies.

Land disposal of the mine wastes was one of the alternatives considered during pre-operational studies but was rejected in preference to a marine tailings disposal system. Characteristics of the ore indicated that the tailings if stored on land, could be subject to bacteriological leaching.

The mining company predicted that tailings solids discharged directly into Rupert Inlet would generally remain below 100 metres and would flow as a density current down the sloping bed of the inlet to settle in the deeper portions. It was also predicted that high current velocities in the area would remain above 60 metres and would not influence tailings deposits on the floor of the inlet. These predictions were presented by the proponent in a brief to the British Columbia Pollution Control Branch in 1971. A permit was subsequently issued for marine disposal, including a provision for an environmental monitoring program to be carried out under the direction of an independent agency.

During the initial years of mine production, the Environmental Protection Service conducted a surveillance and monitoring program to assess the behaviour of the wastes in relation to the mining company's pre-operational predictions.

Present studies have shown that the waste discharge from the copper mine has resulted in the anticipated obliterative effects on deep benthos and an unpredicted widespread deposition of tailings which has affected the shallower, highly productive regions of the system. Strong tidal currents along the floor of Rupert Inlet are believed to be the major cause of the unpredicted spread of tailings. In a number of areas, this deposition has resulted in a permanent alteration of the native habitat and the smothering of resident benthic biota. Both surface and subsurface turbidity levels have also greatly increased.

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Harding, L. 1983. Use of Fjords for Disposal of Mine Tailing. Reprinted from the Proceedings of the Third Symposium on Coastal and Ocean Management ASCE, San Diego, California, pp. 32- 51. BOX 12.

Abstract:

Recent findings of environmental surveys at three active base metal mines in British Columbia, Canada which currently discharge tailing directly to the sea through subsea outfall pipes, are given. Performance of disposal systems in meeting design objectives and intent of environmental controls, is discussed.

Surveys by Environmental Protection Service during 1981-1982 examined movement of tailing in the water column; deposition in fjord systems and accumulation of trace metals in animal tissues. Distribution of mine tailing in the water column ranged from approximately 2 kilometres to 24 kilometres. In no case was the disposal system entirely adequate to meet design objectives. Accumulation of of tailing trace metals in animal tissues was confined to areas of high exposure such as loading docks, and was much less than the amount which would threaten human health or fishery resources. Biomagnification of trace metals in the food chain was not encountered. Implications for future marine disposal proposals are discussed.

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Howes, D.E. 1981. Terrain Inventory and Geological Hazards: Northern Vancouver Island. BC Ministry of Environment Assessment and Planning Division Bulletin 5. 105+ pp. BOX 12.

Abstract:

This report describes the character and distribution of surficial materials that occur on northern Vancouver Island. Colluvium and till are widespread, accounting for over 70% of the surficial cover. The rest of the study area consists of fluvial and fluvioglacial deposits distributed in valley bottoms, bedrock outcrops concentrated in alpine areas, organic materials scattered throughout the region, and minor amounts of marine, glaciolacustrine and eolian sediments in localized pockets. The distribution of these materials has been mapped at 1:50 000 and 1:250 000.

A variety of geological processes currently operate in the region, including mass movements (land-slides), snow avalanches, gully erosion, floods, solution of limestone, and earthquakes. The identification causative factors and land use implications of these processes are reviewed. Guidelines are presented for the preparation of a geological hazard map.

Debris avalanches and debris flows are the most common mass movements in the study area. Three zones of abundance (quantity per unit area) are identified and bear a close relationship to annual precipitation zones. Analyses of this distribution pattern and local geological site characteristics tentatively suggest that severe climatic conditions (e.g. intense precipitation, high incidence of storm activity) and steep slopes are primary conditions for debris avalanche and debris flow movements. Geological site factors, such as texture of unconsolidated materials, underlying bedrock structure, orientation of slopes and subsurface drainage conditions however, may influence the number of local mass movements. Earthquake activity is also considered to be an important triggering mechanism.

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Kuyucak, N. and P. St-Germain. 1993. MEND Program Project: "Passive Treatment Project at Heath Steele Mines". Final Research Report, Funded by New Brunswick and CANMET (via NBMDA). BOX 13.

Executive Summary:

Noranda Technology Centre has conducted bench evaluations of various passive techniques developed by other institutions and of novel ideas to develop practical processes for treatment of seepages in situ. This work was jointly funded by Noranda and New Brunswick Mineral Development Agreement, as part of the MEND program at a total cost of $90K ($60K from Noranda and $30K from New Brunswick)

In Phase I, the bench-scale tests were conducted to evaluate the capabilities and potential drawbacks associated with operation and design of each method. The passive methods assessed included anoxic lime drain (ALD), limestone-organic mixture (LOM), biosorbent (BIOS) and biotrench (BT). The results suggested that the best process can be obtained by using combinations of the first three methods.

Further laboratory tests are recommended to determine the best combination(s) and operation parameters to provide a basis for the design of the field tests in Phase II.

The results of the Phase II work indicated that a LOM connected to a smaller size ALS bed in series would be the best combination for treating AMD. Pilot tests are recommended to demonstrate the efficiency of the system for removing metals and increasing pH under field conditions (eg Heath Steele Mines). In addition, further evaluation of a BIOS/ALS combination in the field, for selectively removing Cu and Cd and increasing pH, is suggested.

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Lang, B. 1996. Acid Mine Drainage Neutralization With Pulp Mill Combustion Ash. Final Report Submitted by Ground Control Engineering Ltd. to Environment Canada, Environmental Protection Branch. North Vancouver, BC 46+ pp. BOX 13.

Abstract:

In February and March, 1996, the authors used combustion ash from three local pulp mills as reagents in neutralizing acidic drainage from the Britannia Mine, near Vancouver, British Columbia. Preliminary results show this ash makes a competitive alternative to lime used in conventional treatment plants. Sludge volumes are much larger than for lime, but ash disposal costs at pulp mills may encourage replacement of lime. The method deserves further testing in a pilot plant.

Pulp mills produce different forms of ash in their power generation and reagent recovery boilers. Nine ash samples from three pulp mills were used as reagents to neutralize acidic, metals-laden waters draining from the abandoned Britannia Mine. Target concentrations of dissolved heavy metals were attained at a lower pH than for lime, suggesting some metals adsorption onto carbon in the ash, as well as the expected metals hydroxide precipitation.

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Petrie, L. and N. Holman. 1983. PISCES IV Submersible Dives 1973- 1982. Department of Environment: Environmental Protection Service, Pacific Region: Regional Programme Report: 83- 20. 314+ pp. BOX 13.

Abstract:

The Environmental Protection Service has employed the PISCES IV three-man submersible since 1973 to visually determine the condition of the benthic habitat in the coastal waters of British Columbia affected by some of the major industry sectors (ie. Pulp mills, municipal discharge areas, mine and quarrie sites, and ocean dump-sites).

This report catalogues all the existing information obtained on 128 dives (ie. observations, photographs, film clips, etc.) up to 1982.

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Sullivan, D.L. 1979. The Effects of Marine Disposal of Mine Tailings on Phytoplankton Productivity in Rupert Inlet, BC, 1974-1976. Department of Environment: Environmental Protection Service Regional Program Report: 79- 16. 140 pp. BOX 13.

Abstract:

During 1974-1976, the Environmental Protection Service initiated a series of surveys to examine the effects of the surface turbidity resulting from marine disposal of mine tailings on phytoplankton productivity in Rupert Inlet BC It appears from the data collected during the three year period that the surface turbidity from mine tailings and waste rock disposal had a limited impact on phytoplankton productivity. Because of its more persistent nature, the turbidity field originating from the waste rock disposal area was determined to be considerably more significant in terms of effect on phytoplankton productivity than was the turbidity field generated near the mouth of Rupert Inlet due to the upwelling of benthic tailings deposits. In spite of the apparent minimal effect, the possibility of more subtle or long-term effects on phytoplankton must still be considered.

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Venables, W.N. and E.E. Pearlman. 1970. Public Inquiry Into the Application From the Utah Construction and Mining Company, Vol. 1. BC Department of Lands, Forests, and Water Resources: Water Resources Service, Pollution Control Branch Report. 288 pp. BOX 13.

Summary:

Utah Construction & Mining Co. commenced investigations in April 1968 of the feasibility of disposing of tailings from its Island Copper milling Operation into Rupert Inlet. The work included surveys to determine the depth of Rupert Inlet, studies of the settling characteristics of the tailings, evaluation of oceanographic data in Rupert and Holberg Inlets compiled by the Federal Department of Fisheries, bioassay tests of effluent from a pilot plant operation, design and engineering considerations relating to the disposal system, consideration of effects of tailings disposal on aquatic life in the inlet, and inspection of several mining operations disposing of tailings in a similar manner.

On the basis of these data, it was concluded that marine disposal of tailings was an acceptable method from an environmental standpoint, and indeed by far the preferable method at this location. Accordingly an application for a permit under the Pollution Control Act (1967) was posted and filed on October 2nd, 1969. Subsequently, additional studies have been carried out including biological surveys of the inlet, current surveys, temperature and salinity measurements and sampling of the bottom sediments. These surveys have reinforced the company's earlier view that marine disposal was a safe and acceptable system. Most importantly these surveys and proposed continuation thereof, will provide a baseline reference point against which post operational data can be compared should a permit be granted.

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Waldichuk, M. 1979. Mine Waste Disposal into the Sea and Impact of Metals on the Biota: A Comparison of Two Situations. Paper Prepared for the International Workshop on the Transfer of Pollutants in Two Southern Hemispheric Ocean Systems, Plettenberg Bay, Republic of South Africa, 23-25 April, 1979. 28 pp. BOX 13.

Abstract:

The effects of disposal of 38,000 tonnes per day of tailings from a copper-molybdenum mine into Rupert Inlet, on the northwest side of Vancouver Island on the Pacific Coast of Canada are compared with those of discharge of 1,500 tonnes per day of tailings from a zinc-lead mine into Agfardlikavsa fjord on the central west coast of Greenland. Both bodies of water are quite well oxygenated from top to bottom. They differ somewhat in salinity and temperature, Agfardlikavsa fjord having a higher salinity and lower temperature, being frozen over for at least half the year. There has been generally an increase in dissolved Zn, Pb, and Cd in the water of Agfardlikavsa, with a corresponding increase of these metals in fish, mussels and seaweeds. No similar increase in dissolved heavy metals has been found in the water of Rupert Inlet. Only a slight increase in the copper content of certain invertebrates has been noted in areas of Rupert Inlet where the impact of the mine tailings has been greatest. The various characteristics of the mine waste and of the receiving waters, which may have an effect on release of metals from the tailings into the water, are discussed.

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Waldichuk, M. and R.J. Buchanan. 1980. Significance of Environmental Changes Due to Mine Waste Disposal into Rupert Inlet. Fisheries and Oceans Canada and BC Ministry of Environment Review of the Mine Waste Disposal Problem in Rupert Inlet, BC 56 pp. BOX 13.

Executive Summary:

Island Copper Mine has been operating an open-pit mine, mainly for copper and molybdenum-bearing minerals, on the north-central shore of Rupert Inlet since October 1971. The ore body is estimated to contain 250 million tons of open-pit ore, giving the mining operation a life of 20 years. Starting production in 1971 with 33,000 tons of ore per day, the mine now (1980) processes daily 41,000 tons of ore, containing on the average 0.52% copper and 0.015% molybdenum. The tailings from this operation, consisting mainly of finely pulverized rock, 65-75% of which is less than 74 um in diameter, are discharged through a high density polyethylene pipeline of 0.85 m diameter and approximately 1 km in length to a seawater mix-tank chamber. An underwater polyurethane-lined steel pipe of 1.05 m diameter discharges the tailings, premixed with seawater in a ratio of 1.1, through an outfall 250 m off the north shore of Rupert Inlet at a depth of 50 m. Waste rock from the mine at 120,000 tons per day, generally containing less than 0.30% copper, is dumped in the northern foreshore area of Rupert Inlet from 0.5 km east of the Island Copper Mine wharf and planned to extend eventually to a point about 1.5 km from the head of the inlet.

On leaving the outfall, the tailings with a specific gravity of 1.2 to 1.4 compared to 1.03 for seawater, flow down the north slope of Rupert Inlet to the bottom (at about 100 m depth) or the momentum of the flow may carry them for a distance up the opposite slope. They then slide down the inlet trench and flow westward in a sinuous path along the axis of the inlet to the deepest part of the Holberg-Rupert system, past the entrance of Quatsino Narrows. The particulate material may settle from the tailings into sediment banks near the outfall and along the route of the flow. Levees are formed on either side of the tailings channel. As these banks grow, they become unstable, slough off and form submarine "mud slides" with associated swift turbidity currents carrying tailings in suspension to the deepest part of the inlet system. The levees appear to be highly transient features, sometimes changing location and height during successive traverses by a vessel taking soundings for profiles of the bottom. The suspended materials may be carried to the surface by the strong upwelling that occurs near Quatsino Narrows during large tides under certain conditions. Resuspension of some of the deposited material occurs under the turbulent conditions associated with large tides. It is believed that a certain proportion of the suspended material in the water between Hankin Point and the entrance to Quatsino Narrows nay be due also to the uplift by upwelling and vertical stirring by tidal turbulence of the tailings carried in suspension by the turbidity currents.

The suspended tailings can be clearly seen as a cloud at the surface, and deposits of this material have been noted to a depth of 10-25 cm in the intertidal zone at Hankin Point. Observations in Quatsino Narrows over several tidal cycles indicate that a net seaward flow of about 50 tonnes (1 tonne = 1000 kg) of tailings occurs during a 25-hour period. Deposition of these tailing in layers of a few millimeters thickness has been recorded in the intertidal and subtidal areas of Quatsino Sound proper.

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abstracts for Other Reports

Allen, S.E. 1991. Chemocline Erosion in Proposed Island Copper Mine Lake. 10 pp. BOX 13.

Abstract:

This report addresses the following questions:

In summary, the major findings are:

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Allen, S.E. 1992. Chemocline Erosion in Proposed Island Copper Mine Lake, Part 2. 13 pp. BOX 13.

Abstract:

The two layer box model has been extended to a three layer model so that the effects of seasonal heating variations can be incorporated. The wind mixing algorithm has been modified so that the mixing efficiency decreases with depth.

A series of sensitivity studies have been performed and their results illustrate particular sensitivity to the salinity of the acid mine drainage. A salinity of 0.5 ppt. ensures that the lake will stay meriomictic for at least 1000 years under the currently assumed environmental parameters.

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Aspinall, C. 1995. The Story of Island Copper. Book Written for BHP Minerals Canada Ltd. 184 pp. BOX 13.

Abstract:

It took 120 years from the arrival of the first European prospectors and miners on Northern Vancouver Island to find the copper orebody which became the Island Copper Mine and transformed Port Hardy from a tiny fishing and logging village to a bustling town of more than 5,000 people.

The Story of Island Copper records the early exploration years and the accomplishments of the hundreds of men and women who worked the mine for 25 years, and touches on contributions to the community of the miners and their families.

It is primarily a chronological history of an open pit copper mine and mill which utilized the ingenuity and skills of its people to ensure the mine's survival in the face of the challenges of a rugged environment, a low grade orebody and economic recession. But it also tells a more personal story through photographs and anecdotes from the mine's veterans, many of whom have taken the lessons learned at Island Copper to other mining operations around the world where they are known affectionately as the 'Island Copper Mafia'.

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Gallinger, R., L. Gormely, R. Kistritz and A. Sobolewski. ND. Constructed Wetland Experiment for Treating AMD at Bell Copper. pp. 276- 288. BOX 13.

Abstract:

Constructed wetlands have been used to remove iron from coal mine acid mine drainage and have been proposed for removal of other heavy metals and acid. The authors are conducting a constructed wetland experiment to treat AMD seepage at Bell Mine. Feed copper concentration and flow rate can be varied, and effects on the disposition of deposited metals will be measured, statistically evaluated, and related to season and meteorology. Vegetation metal uptake and sulphate reducing bacterial activity in the sediments will be assessed for a four year period. The results should enable the mining industry to better assess the role for constructed and natural wetlands in AMD treatment.

Sedge and cat-tail have been transplanted from nearby Newman Lake into test ponds, and baseline evaluation work is in progress. Loading of the ponds with AMD is expected in mid-1991. The paper will present a status report on progress of the experiment at Bell Mine.

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Hay, A.E., R.W. Burling and J.W. Murray. 1982. Remote Acoustic Detection of a Turbidity Current Surge. Science 217: 833-835. BOX 13.

Abstract:

A turbidity current surge has been detected in a leveed submarine channel in Rupert Inlet, British Columbia, with the use of acoustic sounders operating at 42.5, 107, and 200 kilohertz.

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Lawrence, R.W., G.M. Ritcey, G.W. Poling and P.B. Marchant. 1983. Strategies for the Prediction of Acid Mine Drainage. BOX 13.

Abstract:

A comprehensive 1 year study has been carried out to evaluate and compare methods to predict the formation of acid mine drainage (AMD) and to make recommendations on the methods most suitable for laboratory and field use. This paper presents the findings of this study and includes a brief description of methods evaluated, a summary of the test results, and a discussion on the ability of the methods to accurately predict field behaviour. A principal conclusion made from the results of the study is that accurate and confident prediction of AMD is not likely to be achieved in a single test. Factors affecting the choice of test procedures to be used for a given tailing or waste rock are discussed on the basis of simplicity, time, equipment, cost, ease of interpretation, and correlation with field data. In addition, approaches to be used in the selection of AMD prediction methods for site specific applications involving either land-based or sub-aqueous waste deposition are outlined.

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Morin, K.A. 1994. Prediction of Water Chemistry in Open Pits During Operation and After Closure. Morwijk Enterprises Report, pp. 72- 86. BOX 13.

Abstract:

Environmental monitoring at minesites often focuses on tailings impoundments and mine-rock piles. While these components may produce the greatest impacts on water chemistry at a minesite, the mine itself, consisting of an open pit or underground workings, can also affect water chemistry if the walls of the mine expose rock that releases metals, nonmetals, and acidity.

During mining of an open pit or underground workings, all water is typically pumped or drained from the mine to maintain optimum and safe working conditions. After closure, a mine is usually allowed to fill through time to its equilibrium level, or it may be flooded by directing water into it. The ability to predict the chemistry of the minewater during these phases of operation and closure can be valuable for potential treatment costs, engineering design, and closure bonding.

In order to predict minewater chemistry, conceptual models have been developed to address water movement to and from mines during operation and closure. The relevant geochemical aspects of unit rock-surface reaction rates and total amount of reactive rock surface in a mine are then addressed. The compilation of these models and factors forms the basis of the MINEWALL computer program, which is currently being revised, expanded, and tested as Version 2.0. MINEWALL shows that a key factor in predicting minewater chemistry is the estimation of percentages of reactive surface that are flushed regularly, once a year, or nor during operation. However, direct measurement of these percentages is not currently possible. Consequently, MINEWALL can be first calibrated to operational data to obtain the percentages and then used in predictive mode for the remainder of operation and subsequent closure.

Data from three mines in British Columbia show, for example, that (I) total reactive surface areas can range from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of square meters, (2) the percentage of these surfaces not flushed during operation range from 70 to 90%, and (3) Unit-area leaching rates of copper range from 0.014 to 2.35 mg Cu/m2/wk.

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Morin, K.A., I.A. Horne and D. Flather. 1993. The Appropriate Geochemical Monitoring of Toe Seepage from a Mine- Rock Dump. Preprint: 17 Annual Mine Reclamation Symposium, Port Hardy, BC BOX 13.

Abstract:

Water passing through minerock dumps either enters the underlying groundwater system or exits at the toe. For the case of toe seepage, the water is often collected in ditches and diverted out of the area. In light of the variability in flow and chemistry expected in toe seepage, questions arise as to the appropriate monitoring program including, for example, the importance of variable sampling frequency. Alternatively, for many mines in British Columbia, the more important question is "Are we missing anything important by sampling on a routine basis such as monthly?". Rather than answering the question based on theory, this paper answers with actual data from a minesite in British Columbia.At the Island Copper Minesite on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, an ambitious monitoring program of toe seepage took place over a six-month period. Eight stations were monitored basically either (1) once daily for flow and chemistry or (2) hourly for flow and every four hours for chemistry. Based on statistical analyses of data from selected Stations, answers are provided for important technical questions, such as monitoring frequency, and for regulatory questions, such as permit limits. In essence, water chemistry can be viewed like hydrology where, for example, yearly concentrations of a 1-hour duration can be determined. This concept is expanded further in an accompanying paper at this symposium using standard monitoring data.

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Perry, K.A. 1993. Island Copper Mine Open Pit Conversion to Meromictic Lake. Prepared for BHP- Utah Mines Ltd., Island Copper Mine. 22 pp. BOX 13.

Abstract:

The feasibility of converting the open pit at the lsland Copper Mine to a meromictic lake is considered. By partially filling the pit with seawater, a stratified lake with anoxic bottom waters rich in sulphide will eventually result. Acid rock drainage would then be added to the anoxic layer so that the acidity of the drainage could be neutralized by the relatively alkaline seawater, and Zn, Cu and Cd could be permanently removed via sulphide precipitation. Rough calculations indicate that sufficient sulphate is present to quantitatively remove the levels of metal present. Sulphide is generated by sulphate-producing bacteria (SPB), an environmentally versatile group of microorganisms. The primary inhibition to the onset of anoxia and the proliferation of SPB will be the lack of organic carbon used as a substrate by aerobic, fermentative and sulphate-reducing bacteria. The development of anoxia and formation of sulphide could be facilitated by enhancing the input of organic carbon to the system, either by fertilizing the lake, or by adding an organic-rich substrate such as sewage sludge to the sediments.

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Stucchi, D. and D.M. Farmer. 1976. Deep Water Exchange in Rupert- Holberg Inlet. Pacific Marine Science Report 76- 10. 32 pp. BOX 13.

Abstract:

This report summarizes a series of oceanographic observations taken in the Quatsino Sound-Rupert-Holberg Inlet system on Vancouver Island. The observations included current meter records and salinity and temperature measurements. The water exchange occurring between Quatsino Sound and Rupert-Holberg Inlet is shown to be sensitively determined by the relative densities of water inside and outside Quatsino Narrows. During late spring and summer more saline water flows through the narrows forming a turbulent density current that runs along the floor of the Rupert-Holberg basin with speeds of up to 3 knots. The concept of deep water exchange and also the corresponding surface exchange occurring at other times of the year provides a framework for the interpretation of long term salinity and temperature time series taken with recording instruments. Descriptive models are proposed for the different types of exchange process. Attention is directed to the implications of suspended solids in the water namely, the effects upon salinity measurements, and the possible influence on the structure of the exchange process itself. These effects have important application to the disposal of mine tailings from the copper-molybdenum mine on Rupert Inlet.

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