Science Response 2015/031

Review of proposed Intra-basin Transfers as part of the Environmental Impact Statement for the Blackwater Mine project

Context

New Gold Inc. (Proponent) is proposing a new open pit gold and silver mine (Blackwater Mine) in British Columbia, located 110 km southwest of Vanderhoof.  As part of their project, the Proponent has proposed to conduct transfers of water and associated aquatic organisms within the Project Area to two other systems within the same basin.  The proposed transfers are within the Nechako River Basin, and include both the diversion of the Davidson Creek headwaters to the Fawnie Creek watershed and pumping of Tatelkuz Lake water to Davidson Creek (both within the Chedakuz Creek watershed). Currently, there is little scientific information available for regulators to advise Proponents on the potential risks or impacts of intra-basin transfers or manipulations within a watershed, nor is there documented guidance for Proponents in the preparation of their proposals. 

The Blackwater Mine project is currently undergoing a federal Environmental Assessment (EA) in accordance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA 2012).  Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Fisheries Protection Program (FPP) has requested that DFO Science  assess the sufficiency of the Proponent’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) with respect to the potential effects of proposed intra-basin transfers and provide advice regarding the data requirements, potential risks, and impacts associated with the proposed transfers to fish and fish habitat. 

The purpose of this Science Response (SR) is to review information provided by the Proponent in the Environmental Impact Statement to address the specific objectives outlined below:

1. Assess whether the proposal accurately characterizes the changes to fish and fish habitat, and the potential risks, impacts and uncertainties associated with:
1. flow augmentation from Tatelkuz Lake to Davidson Creek; and, 
2. diversion of Lake 1682 (Chedakuz Creek watershed) to Lake 1538 UEUT (Fawnie Creek watershed)
2. If not, assess the risk to fish and fish habitat, and comment on uncertainties related to potential impacts associated with the proposed intra-basin transfers, including but not limited to:
1. change in water temperature, chemistry and flow regime in Davidson Creek;
2. loss of gravel recruitment, instream habitat and riparian value in Davidson Creek;
3. disruption of homing instincts and changes in habitat that may lead to loss in fisheries production in Davidson Creek;
4. potential introduction of Rainbow Trout from Chedakuz Creek watershed to the Fawnie Creek watershed;
5. effects on genetic diversity; and,
6. introduction of aquatic invasive species and/or pathogens.  
3. Provide advice on additional data or information that would be required to adequately assess the risks of intra-basin transfers for this project and, if possible, future projects.

The advice arising from this Canadian Science Advice Secretariat (CSAS) Science Response will assist in DFO FPP’s participation in the EA and submission of advice to the CEA Agency and subsequent regulatory requirements of Section 35(2)(b) of the Fisheries Act, if applicable. The assessment and advice provided by DFO Science in review of the Proponent’s EIS may also be used to provide guidance for similar projects in the future.

This Science Response Report results from the Science Response Process of March 27, 2015 on the Review of proposed Intra-basin Transfers as part of the Environmental Impact Statement for the Blackwater Mine project.

Complete document (PDF, 656 KB)

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