HAPPENINGwith. in the NWT March Ongoing Land and Resource Negotiations. What s. in areas. Contaminated Site Remediation

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1 Contaminated Site Remediation What s in areas HAPPENINGwith Ongoing Land and Resource Negotiations in the NWT March 2009 The Contaminants and Remediation Directorate (CARD) of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) is actively managing over 25 contaminated sites in the NWT, at various stages of remediation. A number of the sites are located in areas where Aboriginal people are in the process of negotiating agreements with Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories. Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories are in active negotiation to resolve outstanding land and resource issues with a number of groups in the NWT, including: Akaitcho Dene First Nations, Dehcho First Nations, and the Northwest Territory Métis Nation. As is the case with contaminated site remediation projects in areas of the NWT where final land and resource agreements apply, community involvement is also important to the success of all phases of the remediation projects in areas where negotiations are on-going. Involvement of specific Aboriginal groups in developing remediation options is determined on a site-by-site basis, taking into account the asserted areas of each group. At the present time, a number of contaminated sites have been identified and prioritized in the area covered by the Tåîchô Agreement, as well as the Akaitcho and Dehcho asserted areas. Classification, assessment, remediation and monitoring of these sites is ongoing. 2 Contaminated Sites in Areas with Ongoing Negotiations 1. Discovery Mine 2. Tundra Mine 3. Hidden Lake Mine 4. Bullmoose Mine 5. Ruth Mine 6. Giant Mine 7. Axe Point 8. Checkpoint Highway Maintenance Yard

2 Discovery Mine Remediation Complete! Discovery Mine was an abandoned gold mine located on the west shore of Giauque Lake, approximately 80 km northeast of Yellowknife. The site is within the traditional territory of the Akaitcho First Nations, and also falls inside the Môwhì Gogha De Nîîtåèè boundary, within the Wek èezhìi management area of the Tåîchô settlement area. Owned by Discovery Mines Ltd., the site operated from 1949 to 1969 and during that time, was one of the most profitable gold mines in the country. At closure, approximately 1.1 million tonnes of acid-generating tailings containing mercury had been spread over 32 hectares of land and 3.7 hectares of lake sediment, above the low water level. There was also asbestos, lead-based paint, old buildings, mine structures, unsealed mine openings and soil containing spilled fuel, oil and gas on site that posed health and/or safety risks. Discovery Mine, pre-remediation The site was remediated in stages beginning in 1995, with the majority of work taking place between 2005 and The primary goal of the remediation plan was to return the site to a safe condition for hunting, trapping, and fishing, and for the protection of wildlife and the environment. In March 2008, an outflow structure from the borrow pit area was constructed, to allow clean water to flow out of the borrow pit and restore natural drainage. Discovery Mine, post-remediation Mike Francois, N dilo and Alfred Baillargeon, Dettah, touring the Discovery Mine Site Community Involvement Success of this project is due in a large part to the participation of the Yellowknives Dene and Tåîchô First Nations, throughout all stages of the project. This included evaluating remediation options, taking site tours and providing input into reports and work plans. Monitoring Now that the project is complete, a short-term monitoring plan has also been developed through consultation with communities. Monitoring will be conducted on an annual basis for at least five years to make sure that the site conditions are improving. Results of the monitoring will be presented at annual meetings with First Nations representatives. At the end of the five year period, INAC will analyze the results and provide recommendations to the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board (MVLWB) and First Nations on the type and frequency of monitoring required in the future.

3 Tundra Mine Tundra Mine is located 240 km northeast of Yellowknife, near the north end of MacKay Lake. The former gold mine has been abandoned and is currently under the care of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). Tundra Mine is located within the Akaitcho Treaty Eight Claim, inside the Môwhì Gogha De Nîîtåèè boundary, within the Wek èezhìi management area of the Tåîchô settlement area, and the traditional lands identified by the North Slave Métis Alliance. Royal Oak used the site to process ore and to dispose of tailings from nearby Salmita Mine (remediated in the late 1980s). The main concerns are arsenic and metals, the majority of which are contained within the 62.4 hectares Tailings Containment Area (TCA). The water in the TCA has elevated levels of arsenic. Water downstream from the TCA is affected. Ongoing consultations with First Nations are an important part of this project. Various community site tours have been conducted over the past few years, which gave Elders the opportunity to ask questions and provide advice on remediation of the site with regards to wildlife safety. Representatives from the Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN), the North Slave Métis Alliance (NSMA) and the Tåîchô Government continue to meet with project team staff to discuss potential options to remediate (clean up) the site. The concerns and suggestions raised at these meetings have been used to develop the remediation plan for the site. Remediation Schedule Tundra Mine has been in care and maintenance mode since Activities carried out have included dam repairs, geotechnical inspections, securing buildings, removal of hazardous lab wastes, posting signs and baseline monitoring studies. Community tour, Tundra Mine During 2006/2007, additional site assessments were conducted, such as water quality sampling and geotechnical assessments. In 2007/2008, 39 buildings and related structures were demolished, mine openings were closed, hazardous waste was collected and moved offsite, and a nonhazardous landfill was developed. Dams, roads and the airstrip at the site were also maintained and upgraded as required. The phase II remediation plan was finalized in 2008, and is focused on closing the tailing area. The detailed design for the tailings cover is expected to be complete early in The remaining remediation activities are scheduled to begin in 2011, and will include treating water in the tailings containment area, treating hydrocarbon impacted soils, covering tailings and waste rock, and decommissioning dams. It is expected that remediation will take two to four years to complete, followed by long term monitoring of the site. Hidden Lake Mine Hidden Lake Mine is a former underground gold mine located 45 km northeast of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, within the asserted Akaitcho Dene territory, inside the Môwhì Gogha De Nîîtåèè boundary within the Wek èezhìi management area of the Tåîchô settlement area, and the traditional lands identified by the North Slave Métis Alliance. The mine operated between 1959 and Most of the mining production took place in 1968, after which milling operations ceased. Since then, there has been very limited activity at the site. In 1998, the Tibbitt Lake forest fire burned down all of the buildings and structures at the Hidden Lake site. Concerns at the site include shallow deposits of tailings with metals and hydrocarbon contamination in the mine site area, surface hydrocarbon contamination around sites of old buildings and fuel areas, and elevated levels of metals in surface water on Metal debris, Hidden Lake Mine site and in two open mine shafts. There is also a small amount of waste fuel at the site. Physical hazards include scattered metal debris and drums, sharp, angular waste rock, and buried scrap metal and submerged metal drums near the dock area.

4 Hidden Lake Mine continued Community members have been actively involved in this project. During the summer of 2007, field workers from the North Slave Métis Alliance, and the Akaitcho and Tåîchô First Nations assisted with the assessment work carried out on site. A consultation meeting was held on August 14th, 2008 to discuss the conceptual Remediation Action Plan (RAP) with representative from the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, the North Slave Métis Alliance and Tåîchô groups. The concerns and suggestions raised at this meeting will be used to develop the remediation plan for the site. Remediation Schedule Phase I, II and III environmental assessments were conducted at the site from 2006 to During the summer of 2008, fieldwork was carried out by members of INAC s Water Resources Division and the Contaminants and Remediation Directorate. During the summer of 2008, mine site openings were fenced off to reduce risk at the site. In 2009, remediation options will be developed for the site, and a preferred remediation plan created, based on consultations held in 2008 with the Tåîchô, the Yellowknife Dene First Nations and North Slave Métis Alliance. Water quality monitoring will continue. Full-scale remediation of the site is expected to begin in 2010, with mobilization to site over the historic winter road from Tibbitt Lake. Work will include closing mine openings, removing scattered debris, removing hazardous materials, and other activities as determined in the preferred remediation plan. Water quality monitoring of the site will be ongoing. Temporary barricade over mine opening, Hidden Lake Mine Bullmoose Mine Abandoned building, Bullmoose Mine Bullmoose Mine was a former gold mine located 83km east of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, within the asserted Akaitcho Dene territory, inside the Môwhì Gogha De Nîîtåèè boundary within the Wek èezhìi management area of the Tåîchô settlement area, and the traditional lands identified by the North Slave Métis Alliance. The nearest community is Dettah, approximately 70km northwest of the site. The first stake at the site was claimed in Main mining operations took place between 1981 and The site was reclaimed by industry in 1987/88, when the majority of the buildings, equipment and fuel tanks were decommissioned or removed. Since then, there has been very limited activity at the site. Phase I, II and III environmental assessments were conducted at the site between 2006 and Issues at the site include: Hydrocarbon contaminated soil (from historical fuel storage and handling) Elevated levels of metals in the tailings areas and waste rock Physical hazards, including scattered metal debris and wood, scrap machinery, building contents, and a number of unsecured mine openings In 2009, warning signs will be erected to alert potential visitors of the health and safety hazards at the site. All unsecured mine openings will be inspected and temporarily barricaded. Remediation options will be developed for the site, and a preferred remediation plan created, based on consultations with the Tåîchô, the Yellowknife Dene First Nations and North Slave Métis Alliance. Water quality monitoring will continue until the site is remediated.

5 Ruth Gold Mine Ruth Gold Mine was a former gold mine located 90 km east of Yellowknife, within the asserted Akaitcho Dene territory, inside the Môwhì Gogha De Nîîtåèè boundary within the Wek èezhìi management area of the Tåîchô settlement area, and the traditional lands identified by the North Slave Métis Alliance. The nearest community is Dettah, approximately 70km northwest of the site. Results of Phase I, II and III site assessments show that the site includes approximately 12 buildings and structures beginning to deteriorate, a shaft, and two tailings disposal areas and a waste rock area. The former mining and milling operation created a variety of waste, including scrap metal, wood debris, diesel drums, old vehicles, and mine debris including tailings. The floor of the mill is contaminated with hydrocarbons and metals. There are approximately 705 tonnes of tailings at the site, containing elevated levels of metals. In 2009, remediation options will be developed for the site, and a preferred remediation plan created, based on consultations with the Tåîchô, the Yellowknife Dene First Nations and North Slave Métis Alliance. Water quality monitoring will continue on the site until the site is remediated. Giant Mine Giant Mine is currently under care and maintenance, with management of the site governed by a cooperation agreement between Indian Northern Affairs Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories. The remediation plan, which involves cleaning up the surface of the site and stabilizing and securing the underground workings, is undergoing an environmental assessment by the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board. Mine shaft, Ruth Gold Mine The Remediation Plan calls for the long-term storage and maintenance of the 237,000 tonnes of arsenic trioxide dust stored in sealed chambers and stopes underground using the Frozen Block Method. The Remediation Plan also outlines activities to demolish the more than 100 buildings and facilities on the surface of Giant Mine, and covering of the tailings ponds. For more detailed information on this project, please refer to the latest edition of What s Happening at Giant Mine? Winter 2008/09, or visit the Giant Mine Remediation Project website at Axe Point Remediation Complete! Axe Point is located on the Mackenzie River, 60 km west of Fort Providence, in the Dehcho region of the Northwest Territories. The site was in operation for several years as an airstrip, staging area and camp along the winter road to Norman Wells for the American military during World War II. The site also supported the construction of the CANOL Project, an oil pipeline between Norman Wells and Whitehorse. Remediation work at the site concluded in Activities included regulatory approval of the remediation strategy, site visits, community meetings and consultation, an archaeological study, brushing of trails used for monitoring, removal of surface and hazardous debris from the site, filling in and grading cellars, Remediation work in progress at Axe Point, summer 2007

6 Axe Point continued and water quality monitoring. The archaeological study found nothing of significant importance on the Axe Point site but classified the old village site, adjacent to the west, as a site of significant historical importance. The participation of community members was very important to the success of this project. Traditional knowledge studies provided data on the historical and traditional uses of the site, as well as information on soil and groundwater quality. Monitoring Now that the site remediation is complete, no additional site specific monitoring is required. Water, wildlife and fish will continue to be monitored through the Northern Contaminants Program. Community consultation, Axe Point Remediation Options, 2007 Checkpoint Highway Maintenance Yard The former Checkpoint Highway Maintenance Yard is located near the junction of the Mackenzie (HWY 1) and Liard (HWY 7) Highways, 63 km south of Fort Simpson, in the Northwest Territories. The site is adjacent to the Jean Marie River waterway and approximately 60 km upstream of the community of Jean Marie River. A highway maintenance camp was built on this site in the early 1970s. During its operation, waste was burned and disposed of on a portion of the site. In the early 1990s, the site was used for several years for a logging and milling operation, including the maintenance of equipment, refuelling and storage. Site assessments show that there are elevated levels of hydrocarbons and metals in groundwater at the site; however, there was no indication of contamination of Jean Marie River from these sources. There is a dump at the site, containing buried waste, crushed fuel drums, tires, wood, fibreglass insulation, metal debris, a culvert, and a vehicle. There is also surface domestic debris, including appliances, tires, empty drums and scrap building materials. A second location at the site also has two trailers and associated heating fuel tanks, pieces of heavy equipment, storage sheds and an abandoned vehicle, as well as buried waste, consisting of wood, Published under the authority of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians Ottawa, TTY only QS-Y EE-A1 ISSN: Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada Cette publication est aussi disponible en français sous le titre : Que se passe-t-il dans les régions en cours des négociations sur les terres et les ressources dans les T.N.-O.? mars 2009 plastic, concrete and metal in the form of vehicles, machinery parts and related equipment. It does not pose an immediate risk but could break down over time and potentially leach into the environment. In 2007 and 2008, a Remedial Action Plan for the site was developed, in consultation with the communities of Fort Simpson and Jean Marie River. Remediation Schedule Remediation of the site is being carried out jointly by INAC and the Government of the Northwest Territories Department of Transportation. The proposed remediation work consists of removing site debris from the surface and subsurface, transferring contaminated soil, treating hydrocarbon-contaminated soil in a land farm and final grading of the site. The remediation work has begun, and will continue until the hydrocarbon contaminated soil has been cleaned to a safe level. Water quality monitoring will continue at the site until remediation is complete. Checkpoint Highway Maintenance Yard Have you seen a suspected contaminated site? For more information contaminated sites in areas with ongoing land and resource negotiations, or to report a suspected contaminated site, contact: Contaminants and Remediation Directorate Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, NWT Region P.O. Box 1500 Yellowknife, NT X1A 2R3 Phone: Fax: ntcard@inac-ainc.gc.ca