Compliance Energy Corp CPYCF

Protecting Baynes Sound Shellfish

[str8tgoods]

I beileve Compliance is working with the EAO to see that the shellfish industry is not effected in a negative way by mining Raven.  I would hope that if there is anything negative in the studies that it will be addressed responsibly and within EA guidelines. 

 

https://www.theravenproject.ca/baynes-sound-baseline-study-released/

 

Scientists study shellfish in Baynes Sound

Independent baseline studies are underway in Baynes Sound, gathering information about the existing pre-project environment in the nearshore area of Fanny Bay. The Raven Underground Coal Project will use these scientific studies to design measures to protect the marine environment.

Baseline Research Summary

 

Discipline:	Marine Environment: Baynes Sound
Purpose:	The purpose of the marine research program is to describe existing conditions of the Baynes Sound marine environment, including marine water quality, marine sediment quality, shellfish, marine fish, marine mammals, and marine birds.The data gathered will be used to: Predict potential project effects on marine water quality, sediment quality and marine species Establish baseline conditions to which future monitoring will be compared Assist in project design to avoid potential adverse effects on the marine environment
Study area:	The local study area (LSA) is defined as the nearshore intertidal and subtidal area of Fanny Bay, into which Cowie Creek flows.The regional study area (RSA) is defined as the nearshore intertidal and subtidal area extending from just north of the Tsable River southward to the southern edge of Deep Bay.
Approach:	Scientists will review existing information on marine resources from sources including studies conducted by local, provincial and federal agencies, academic institutions and from peer-reviewed scientific literature.In addition, a field sampling program was designed with input from regulators, local First Nations and other interested parties such as the BC Shellfish Grower’s Association. The field program will involve characterizing existing water quality, sediment quality and shellfish tissue quality within the LSA and RSA. Marine scientists from the Deep Bay Marine Field Station Centre for Shellfish Research (Vancouver Island University) will implement the marine monitoring program.
Methods:	Standard oceanographic and sediment sampling and biomonitoring techniques will be used to: Characterize water quality, sediment quality, and shellfish tissue quality at three sites: Fanny Bay (a site downstream of the of proposed Project), Tsable River (a site influenced by historical mining activities), and Deep Bay (a reference site of similar character where no historical mining has occurred) Monitor water temperature, salinity, specific conductance, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) every two months (except for PAHs which will be sampled once per year during the period of lowest flow) Characterize sediment quality including grain size, metals, and PAHs twice a year, during the period of lowest flow (summer) and that of highest runoff (winter) Sample Pacific oyster and Manila clam tissue to determine natural background concentrations of metals and PAHs in local shellfish every two months; Pacific oysters and Manila clams were chosen because they are sessile (immobile), are recreationally and commercially harvested and are filter feeders exposed to water and sediment Water and sediment samples will be collected following sampling methodologies outlined in the British Columbia Field Sampling Manual (BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection). Shellfish monitoring techniques will be based on sampling recommendations outlined in the “Standard Guide for Conducting In-situ Field Bioassays with Marine, Esturarine and Freshwater Bivalves.”
Findings:	Preliminary results show: Fieldwork started in May 2012 Juvenile oysters were deployed in the field for biomonitoring The first complete data set (water, sediment and shellfish tissue) will be collected in July 2012
Application:	The data collected will be used to assess potential effects (if any) of the project on the Baynes Sound marine environment including: Potential changes in surface and groundwater quality (if any) within the Cowie Creek watershed on marine water quality and marine organisms Potential changes to the timing or amount of freshwater discharge to the marine environment Potential changes to the timing, amounts or particle characteristics of sediment transported to the marine environment The data will also be used to identify opportunities to avoid and mitigate potential effects.
Next Steps:	Once the marine environment data is gathered and analyzed it will be used to: Assess potential effects (if any) of the proposed project on the marine environment Develop mitigation measures for the mine design to protect marine habitats and species Develop a marine environmental management plan Set a baseline to monitor marine habitats and species throughout the life of the project The Application Information Requirements (BC Environmental Assessment Act) and Environmental Impact Statement Guidelines (Canadian Environmental Assessment Act) document will be integrated into the marine environment EA.