2006Cumulative Effects Assessment

2006CEA Definition

Potential for residual project-specific effects associated with Meadowbank project in combination with residual effects of other projects and activities to affect valued components of the biophysical environment and the human environment

2006CEA Scope

Cumulative effects were only assessed if:1. Residual project-specific effect on a Valued Environmental

Component (VEC) or Valued Socioeconomic Component (VESC) will have a measurable effect or may occur

2. Residual project-specific effect on that component does, or is likely to, act in a cumulative fashion with the effects of other past, present or reasonably-foreseeable future projects and activities

2006VECs and VSECs Assessed

Air Quality Water Quality Aquatic Ecosystems Wildlife

caribou grizzly bear wolverine beluga whale

Socio-economic Aspects

2006VECs Not Assessed Noise Hydrogeology Hydrology Terrain and soils Vegetation Small mammals and avifauna

Rationale: considered to have negligible

project effects no overlap in zones of influence

Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, 2002 and Courtesy of Natural Resources Canada, Geological Survey of Canada, photo # 2001-050C.

2006Study Area Boundaries

Regional Study Area Specific for each VEC & VSC

Actions List 73 different projects and land

use activities were identified Included active and inactive

mines, mine exploration, municipal areas, tourism venues, recreational activities and traditional use

Most point sources

2006Cumulative Effects on Biophysical Components

Could occur as a result of:• Overlaps between the zones of influence for residual

project-specific effects for the Meadowbank Project and the zones of influence for other projects or activities in the region; and/or

• Linking of non-overlapping zones of influence as the result of the movement of valued ecosystem components through the region (e.g., water, fish, caribou, grizzly bear, wolverine, marine mammals).

2006Air Quality

Issues Emissions from the mine facility Fugitive dust emissions Greenhouse gases

Conclusions Given zone of influence of

issues, cumulative effects on air quality and greenhouse gases are not significant

2006Water Quality

Issues Re-flooding of the Goose Island Pit and effects on water quality in Third Portage Lake Effects of vehicular traffic on the all-weather road on water quality 9 actions could overlap with project effects

Conclusions Heavy metals from mine operations – no overlap Road runoff effects localized No significant cumulative effects

2006Aquatic Ecosystems

Issues Changes in habitat availability Activities associated with construction

and the use of the all-weather road 9 actions overlap with project effects

Conclusions No significant cumulative effects on

Fish or Fish Habitat due to limited movements of fish within the drainage sub-basin

A monitoring program with emphasis on water quality will be undertaken

2006Barren-ground Caribou

Issues Temporary loss of habitat Alteration to movement patterns and

energetics Mortality risk 72 actions overlap with project effects (31

industrial, 25 tourism)

Conclusions Alternations to movement patterns and

associated changes in energetics was of greatest concern

Given mitigation, cumulative effect and contribution by Project considered to be not significant

Regional monitoring recommended

2006Grizzly Bear & Wolverine

Issues Changes in habitat availability Habitat alienation and alterations to

movements Mortality risk 10 actions overlap with project effects (4

industry, 3 recreation)

Conclusions Mortality risks to grizzly bear and wolverine

were considered significant as mortality of one or several animals could affect regional population

Cumberland will implement monitoring programs, with a focus on mortality risks

Regional monitoring program on mortality and potential population effects

2006Marine Mammals

Issues Collisions with barges Alteration of movement patterns and

distributions due to disturbances by barges and ships

Increased potential for exposure to contaminants as a result of spills

Changes in abundances

Conclusions Given mitigation and monitoring,

cumulative effects will be not significant

2006Socio-economic Effects Degree of effects depends on interactions

among: Meadowbank Project and other existing or

foreseeable projects and activities in the region

Suite of mitigation measures that will be implemented by Cumberland Resources, as well as measures that have been or will be implemented by other projects and the territorial and Federal governments

Decisions made by individuals and communities with regard to the Meadowbank Project, as well as events and situations that are unrelated to the project.

2006Socio-economic Effects Net positive effects

employment &training business opportunities infrastructure social services

Effects on traditional use and wellness will depends on: how individuals communities respond to

various projects and activities types of choices that are made

If negative cumulative effects – predict low magnitude

Heritage sites -- unavoidable loss of some sites and artifacts

2006Overall Conclusions

Most potential cumulative effects are not significant; can be managed at project level

Possible concern of cumulative effects on grizzly bear and wolverine mortality, depending on success of mitigation program