Faro Mine: News Archives
Interim Aquatic Ecosystem Monitoring Program
September 16, 2008
In an effort to understand the effects of mining activity on water quality and the aquatic ecosystem, Selkirk First Nation has been carrying out aquatic environmental studies around the Faro Mine Complex since 2000. The creeks surrounding the mine complex eventually drain into the Pelly River, which is an important resource for Selkirk First Nation as it flows through their traditional territory.
In 2000, Selkirk First Nation began carrying out aquatic environmental studies in their traditional territory, with the assistance of local environmental consultants. In 2004, Selkirk First Nation, in cooperation with consultants and the Faro Project Management Team, initiated Aquatic Effects Assessment Programs on Anvil Creek and Pelly River. Part of this monitoring program involved collecting data on stream water quality, metal levels in sediment, soils and fisheries in waters downstream of the Faro Mine Complex.
In 2007, the monitoring program was expanded to focus on sampling at sites both upstream and downstream of the mine. The expanded program, called the Interim Aquatic Ecosystem Monitoring Program (IAEMP) includes trainees from Ross River Dena Council and Selkirk First Nation. Access Consulting Group provides technical support to the program. Sampling at sites upstream of the mine provides background data of water quality before the mine, and sampling at sites downstream of the mine, provides comparison data and indicates the aquatic effects of mining activity.
As part of the closure planning process, a long-term environmental monitoring program will be developed. The IAEMP will provide accurate data that can be used to determine the optimum design for long-term water quality monitoring at the Faro Mine Complex.
Access Consulting provides trained personnel to assist with environmental monitoring at 19 sites on Rose Creek, Anvil Creek, Vangorda Creek and Pelly River. “The program offers an introduction to environmental monitoring to members of Selkirk First Nation and Ross River Dena Council,” said Paul Inglis, Environmental Scientist with Access Consulting.
The program is also intended to build capacity and develop local understanding of the site. “This program is a good first step in getting local people interested and involved in environmental monitoring work,” said Ellie Marcotte, Faro Mine Project Community Liaison with Selkirk First Nation. “In the future, I hope to see even more training and employment opportunities in aquatic studies and monitoring work for First Nations in Pelly.”
The IAEMP is carried out monthly and measures water quality, sediment levels, physical properties of the site and metal levels both upstream and downstream.
At the conclusion of the IAEMP in 2009, the data will be evaluated to determine the monitoring stations, parameters and sampling frequencies that should be incorporated into the long-term monitoring program.
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