Terms of Reference

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

Regional Science Response Process – Pacific Region

March 27, 2015
Nanaimo, British Columbia

Chairperson: Lesley MacDougall

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, south of the Nechako Reservoir and east of the Entiako River.  As part of their proposal, the Proponent has proposed to conduct transfers of water and associated aquatic organisms within the Project Area to alternate systems within the same basin.  There are two proposed transfers within the Nechako River Basin Chedakuz Creek watershed to the Fawnie Creek watershed; and Tatelkuz Lake 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).The Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Fisheries Protection Program (FPP) has been requested to provide expert advice to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEA Agency) on impacts to fish and fish habitat in order for the CEA Agency to determine significance of environmental effects.  In light of this request, FPP is seeking advice from DFO Science during the EA phase of this project to help determine associated risks to commercial, recreational and aboriginal (CRA) fisheries, associated with the two proposed intra-basin transfers. This information may also be considered during the course of the environmental assessment process and subsequent regulatory requirements of Section 35(2)(b) of the Fisheries Act, if applicable.

The "Canadian Plan to Address the Threat of Aquatic Invasive Species" provides clear direction on activities that involve inter-basin transfers by stating they should not occur, but the guidance for intra-basin transfers is less clear, stating only that caution should be exercised due to the risk of spreading invasive species or disease causing organisms. 

The proposed intra-basin transfers of water and associated aquatic organisms may have various impacts due to changes in flow regime, water chemistry or temperature, habitat conditions, as well as introduction of disease-causing organisms or aquatic invasive species and the mixing of genetically differentiated populations. 

FPP is requesting Science Branch 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 advice arising from this CSAS Science Response will assist in FPP’s participation in the EA and submission of advice to the CEA Agency.  The assessment and advice provided by Science in review of the proponent’s EIS may also be used to provide guidance for similar projects in the future.

Objectives

The following Science Response will 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 
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 from 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. introduction of aquatic invasive species and pathogens as a result of 1 a. and b.
5. potential introduction of rainbow trout from Chedakuz Creek watershed to the Fawnie Creek watershed
3. Provide advice on further data or information that would be required to adequately assess the risks of intra-basin transfers for this project and, if possible, future projects.

Expected Publication

• Science Response

Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Science Branch Pacific Region
• DFO Fisheries Protection Program, Ecosystem Management Branch Pacific Regions
• Province of BC

References

Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers, 2004. A Canadian Plan to Address the Threat of Aquatic Invasive Species.