Yes indeed they approved the Final AIR Guidelines and those Guidelines also included limited aquifer mapping (detailed in the 2nd part of the guidelines) and will also have monitoring.
However, this is not the full picture that the Regional Districts and stakeholders have asked for. We will see what the AIR/EIS provides in terms of data, but in terms of what they set out it focuses mainly on only the very localized affects on groundwater and not on the wider affects on groundwater from the entire footprint of the mine above and below ground and not only relying on previous work and documentation but doing new work specific to the mine and its affects.
The data obtained from the hydraulic testing, groundwater elevation measurements, and long-term groundwater pressure monitoring will provide support for numerical model development required for both engineering studies and the EA. Results of the information review and field investigations will allow for:
x Characterization of aquifers and aquitards, including aerial extent, thickness and continuity, hydraulic properties, and the degree of aquifer confinement;
x Identification of natural discharges (spring, seeps, streams);
x Identification of groundwater recharge zones; and
x The relationship and connectivity of groundwater aquifers in the HSA to aquifers in surrounding areas.
Hydrogeology Spatial Boundaries
The hydrogeology study area (HSA) was determined by potential project effects on groundwater, including regional aquifers and is shown on Figure 5.3-1. For the purpose of this section, the LSA and the RSA were combined as the HSA. The HSA will be expanded if modelling indicates potential impacts beyond this boundary.
Detailed Hydrogeology Baseline
The hydrogeology baseline characterization will consist of a review and analysis of available geology and hydrogeological information. This will include: regional published reports and maps (including existing BC MOE aquifer maps); published reports of hydrogeological studies of coal deposits in other regions with similar geology; a search and analysis of local (on-site and nearby) water well stratigraphy and production information; and relevant data collected during the proposed Raven Project’s resource exploration activities. A list of current and predicted future groundwater users in the immediate area and region, including Aboriginal users, would be provided, and potential groundwater conflicts will be identified.
5.3.2.2 Potential Effects of the Proposed Project and Proposed Mitigation
The Application / EIS will identify potential effects on groundwater levels and the quantity available for stream base flow. Effect conclusions will be based on predicted mine water discharge volumes due to seepage from underground mine workings and the effect this would have on local and regional groundwater flow. The assessment will consider:
x Water handling procedures;
x Water balance predictions;
x Contingencies for potential inflows that are higher than expected; x Potential effects of mine-related groundwater pumping;
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RAVEN UNDERGROUND COAL PROJECT
x Potential effects of underground mining (i.e., rock fracturing, joint dilation or bedding plane separation) resulting in potential changes to strata permeability and storage capacity, groundwater flow directions, groundwater chemistry, groundwater levels, and groundwater-surface water interactions;
x Potential effects on groundwater recharge (surficial and bedrock aquifers);
z
EMP will provide monitoring and management practices for the groundwater monitoring program to protect potentially affected aquifers. This program will be developed in consultation with VIHA, BC MFLNRO and BC MOE, and will be based on scientific information collected during the pre-application and application stage of the proposed Raven Project