B.1 - 868-102-16 (Courageous Lake 2011 Visual Quality Baseline

Transcription

May 15, 2012
Mackenzie ~talley Land
Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board
7th Floor, 4922 48th St, PO Box 2130
Yellowknife, NT XlA 2P6
ph 867.669.0506
fax 867.873.6610
Attention: Tyree Mullaney, Regulatory Officer
& Water Board
MAY 16 2012
Application
Copied To
_.......,.-.l...,.i~-.l...,.i-
Dear: Tyree Mullaney
RE:
2011 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE COURAGEOUS LAKE EXPLORATION
PROPERTY
Seabridge Gold Inc is pleased to provide you with the 2011 Environmental Baseline reports for the
Courageous Lake exploration property. We enclose a DVD containing baseline reports for the
following disciplines:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Aquatic Resources: Surface Water and Sediment Quality
Aquatic Resources: Aquatic Biology
Fish and Fish Habitat
Archaeology
Wildlife
Terrain and Soils
Vegetation
Wetlands
Hydrology
Noise
Air Quality
Meteorology
Visual Quality
This information has also been distributed to the YKDFN (Randy Freeman), LKDFN (Ray
Griffith), NSMA (Sheryl Grieve), NWTMN (Chris Heron), Tli Cho Government (Joline Huskey),
Akaitcho IMA Office (Stephanie Poole) and the Denendeh National Office (Sheila Reindeer).
106 Front Street East, Suite 400, Toronto, Ontario, Canada MSA lE.l
Telephone: (416) 367-9292
Facsimile: (416) 367-2711
[email protected]
2
We thank you for your interest and involvement in the environmental programs.
Yours truly,
Stephanie Autut
Manager, Environmental Affairs NT
cc:
Lynn Boettger, MVLWB
Jonathon Michel, ARI
Shelly Acton, ENR
Jody Snortland, WRRB
Seabridge Gold Inc.
COURAGEOUS LAKE PROJECT
Visual Quality Baseline Report
Rescan™ Environmental Services Ltd.
Suite 908-5201 50th Avenue
Yellowknife, NT Canada X1A 3S9
Tel: (867) 920-2090 Fax: (867) 920-2015
April 2012
VISUAL QUALITY BASELINE REPORT
April 2012
Project #0868-102-16
Citation:
Rescan. 2012. Courageous Lake Project: Visual Quality Baseline Report. Prepared for Seabridge Gold Inc. by Rescan
Environmental Services Ltd.: Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
Prepared for:
Seabridge Gold Inc.
Prepared by:
Rescan™ Environmental Services Ltd.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................... i
List of Figures ..................................................................................................... i
List of Plates ..................................................................................................... ii
Acronyms and Abbreviations ............................................................................................ v
1.
Introduction ....................................................................................................1-1
2.
Project Description............................................................................................2-1
2.1
3.
Property Description and Location ...............................................................2-1
Background Information ......................................................................................3-1
3.1
Applicable Legislation and Guidelines ...........................................................3-1
3.2
Literature Review ...................................................................................3-1
4.
Objectives ......................................................................................................4-1
5.
Study Area ......................................................................................................5-1
6.
Methodology ....................................................................................................6-1
7.
6.1
Planning and Pre-field Trip Preparation .........................................................6-1
6.2
Conducting Fieldwork ...............................................................................6-2
Results ...........................................................................................................7-1
7.1
7.2
Planning and Pre-field Trip Preparation .........................................................7-1
7.1.1
Literature Review and GIS Data Collection ...........................................7-1
7.1.2
Viewshed Analysis .........................................................................7-2
Conducting Field Work .............................................................................7-2
7.2.1
8.
Study Area ..................................................................................7-5
Conclusion ......................................................................................................8-1
References ............................................................................................................... R-1
List of Figures
FIGURE
PAGE
Figure 2.1-1. Regional Location of the Courageous Lake Property ............................................2-2
SEABRIDGE GOLD INC.
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Figure 2.1-2. Courageous Lake Project: General Area ...........................................................2-3
Figure 7.1-1. Courageous Lake Project Visual Quality Study Area and Viewpoints, 2011 .................7-3
List of Plates
PLATE
PAGE
Plate 7.2-1a. Winter View – Viewpoint 1 - looking south from the north shore of Courageous
Lake, May 5, 2011. ............................................................................................7-6
Plate 7.2-1b. Summer View – Viewpoint 1 - looking south from the north shore of Courageous
Lake, August 4, 2011..........................................................................................7-6
Plate 7.2-1c. Viewpoint 1 - location and bearing of viewpoint from the north shore of Courageous
Lake. .............................................................................................................7-6
Plate 7.2-2a. Winter View – Viewpoint 2 - looking south from the south shore of Courageous
Lake, May 5, 2011. ............................................................................................7-6
Plate 7.2-2b. Summer View – Viewpoint 2 - looking south from the south shore of Courageous
Lake, August 4, 2011..........................................................................................7-6
Plate 7.2-2c. Viewpoint 2 - location and bearing of viewpoint from the south shore of
Courageous Lake. ..............................................................................................7-6
Plate 7.2-3a. Winter View – Viewpoint 3 - looking west from land east of the Project, May 5, 2011. ....7-7
Plate 7.2-3b. Summer View - Viewpoint 3 - looking west from land east of the Project,
August 04, 2011. ...............................................................................................7-7
Plate 7.2-3c. Viewpoint 3 - location and bearing of viewpoint east of the Project. .......................7-7
Plate 7.2-4a. Winter View – Viewpoint 4 - looking north from the eastern shore of Matthews Lake,
May 5, 2011. ....................................................................................................7-8
Plate 7.2-4b. Summer View – Viewpoint 4 - looking north from the eastern shore of Matthews Lake,
August 4, 2011. .................................................................................................7-8
Plate 7.2-4c. Summer View – Viewpoint 4 - Looking northwest from the eastern shore of Matthews
Lake, August 4, 2011. .........................................................................................7-8
Plate 7.2-4d. Viewpoint 4 - Location and bearing of viewpoint on the eastern shore of Matthews
Lake. .............................................................................................................7-8
Plate 7.2-5a. Winter View – Viewpoint 5 - looking northeast from the western shore of Matthews
Lake, May 5, 2011. ............................................................................................7-9
Plate 7.2-5b. Summer View – Viewpoint 5 - looking northeast from the western shore of
Matthews Lake, August 4, 2011. ............................................................................7-9
Plate 7.2-5c. Winter View – Viewpoint 5 - looking west from the western shore of Matthews Lake,
April 28, 2011. .................................................................................................7-9
ii
RESCAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD. (PROJ#0868-102-16/REV B.1) APRIL 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Plate 7.2-5d. Viewpoint 5 - location and bearing of viewpoint on the western shore of Matthews
Lake. .............................................................................................................7-9
Plate 7.2-6a. Winter View – Viewpoint 6 - looking east from land to the west of the Project,
May 05, 2011. ................................................................................................ 7-10
Plate 7.2-6b. Summer View – Viewpoint 6 - looking east from land to the west of the Project,
August 04, 2011. ............................................................................................. 7-10
Plate 7.2-6c. Winter View – Viewpoint 6 - looking south from land to the west of the Project,
May 05, 2011. ................................................................................................ 7-10
Plate 7.2-6d. Summer View – Viewpoint 6 - looking south from land to the west of the Project,
August 04, 2011. ............................................................................................. 7-10
Plate 7.2-6e. Viewpoint 6 - location and bearing of viewpoint on land to the west of the Project. .. 7-10
Plate 7.2-7a. Winter View – Viewpoint 7 - looking east from land to the west of the Project,
May 05, 2011. ................................................................................................ 7-11
Plate 7.2-7b. Summer View – Viewpoint 7 - looking east from land to the west of the Project,
August 04, 2011. ............................................................................................. 7-11
Plate 7.2-7c. Viewpoint 7 - location and bearing of viewpoint to the west of the Project. ............ 7-11
Plate 7.2-8a. Winter View – Viewpoint 8 - looking northeast from land to the southwest of the
Project, May 05, 2011. ..................................................................................... 7-11
Plate 7.2-8b. Summer View – Viewpoint 8 - looking northeast from land to the southwest of the
Project, August 04, 2011. .................................................................................. 7-11
Plate 7.2-8c. Viewpoint 8 - location and bearing of viewpoint to the southwest of the Project. ..... 7-11
Plate 7.2-9a. Winter View – Viewpoint 9 - looking northeast from land to the southwest of the
Project, near the shore of MacKay Lake, May 05, 2011. ............................................. 7-12
Plate 7.2-9b. Summer View – Viewpoint 9 - looking northeast from land to the southwest of the
Project, near the shore of MacKay Lake, August 04, 2011. .......................................... 7-12
Plate 7.2-9c. Viewpoint 9 - location and bearing of viewpoint near the shore of MacKay Lake, to
the southwest of the Project. ............................................................................. 7-12
Plate 7.2-10a. Winter View – Viewpoint 10 - looking southeast from land to the northwest of the
Project on the shore of Courageous Lake, May 05, 2011. ............................................... 7-12
Plate 7.2-10b. Summer View – Viewpoint 10 - looking southeast from land to the northwest of
the Project on the shore of Courageous Lake, August 04, 2011. ................................... 7-12
Plate 7.2-10c. Viewpoint 10 - location and bearing of viewpoint to the northwest of the Project. .. 7-12
Plate 7.2-11a. Winter View – Viewpoint 11 - looking southeast from land to the northwest of the
Project on the shore of Courageous Lake, May 05, 2011. ............................................ 7-14
Plate 7.2-11b. Summer View – Viewpoint 11 - looking southeast from land to the northwest of
the Project on the shore of Courageous Lake, August 04, 2011. ................................... 7-14
SEABRIDGE GOLD INC.
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Plate 7.2-11c. Winter View – Viewpoint 11 - looking south from land to the northwest of the
Project on the shore of Courageous Lake, May 05, 2011. ............................................ 7-14
Plate 7.2-11d. Summer View - Viewpoint 11 - looking south from land to the northwest of the
Project on the shore of Courageous Lake, August 04, 2011. ........................................ 7-14
Plate 7.2-11e. Viewpoint 11 - location and bearing of viewpoint to the northeast of the Project. ....... 7-14
Plate 7.2-12a. Winter View – Viewpoint 12 - looking west from land to the east of the project,
May 05, 2011. ................................................................................................ 7-15
Plate 7.2-12b. Summer View – Viewpoint 12 - looking west from land to the east of the project,
August 04, 2011. ............................................................................................. 7-15
Plate 7.2-12c. Viewpoint 12 - location and bearing of viewpoint to the east of the project
infrastructure. ............................................................................................... 7-15
Plate 7.2-13a. Winter View – Viewpoint 13 - looking north from land to the south of the Project,
April 28, 2011. ............................................................................................... 7-15
Plate 7.2-13b. Summer View – Viewpoint 13 - looking north from land to the south of the
Project, August 04, 2011. .................................................................................. 7-15
Plate 7.2-13c. Viewpoint 13 – location and bearing from land to the south of the project. ............ 7-15
iv
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Acronyms and Abbreviations
BC
British Columbia
DEM
Digital elevation model
FAT
Felsic Ash Tuff
GIS
Geographic Information System
GPS
Global positioning system
MoFR
Ministry of Forests and Range
Rescan
Rescan Environmental Services Ltd.
MVEIRB
Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board
MVRB
Mackenzie Valley Review Board
NWT
Northwest Territories
WMO
World Meteorological Organization
SEABRIDGE GOLD INC.
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1. Introduction
1.
Introduction
This report presents the results of the Visual Quality Baseline Study for the proposed Courageous Lake
Project (Project) undertaken in 2011. The purpose of the study was to collect information on the visual
quality of the broader Project study area that will be used to assess potential effects of the Project.
The field program was conducted by Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. (Rescan), a company with
extensive experience completing environmental impact assessments for mining projects in Canadian
jurisdictions and with an office in Yellowknife.
SEABRIDGE GOLD INC.
1-1
2. Project Description
2.
Project Description
2.1
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION
The proposed Project is located south of Courageous Lake at Latitude 64° 05′ North and Longitude 111°
15′ West about 240 km northeast of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (NWT) (Figure 2.1-1).
The Courageous Lake property consists of 33,030 hectares (81,618 acres) covering 53 kilometres
(33 miles) containing a large, undeveloped gold resource hosted in Archean-aged metavolcanic and
metasedimentary rocks within the Slave Greenstone Belt (EBA Engineering Consultants Ltd. (EBA) et al.
2008). The property includes the two kilometre long Felsic Ash Tuff (FAT) deposit (Figure 2.1-2).
The FAT deposit, on which the Project is centred, lays between the southern shore of Courageous Lake
and the northern end of Matthews Lake (Figure 2.1-2). Matthews Creek flows over the FAT deposit from
Matthews Lake into Courageous Lake. The site is north of the tree line in the zone of continuous
permafrost. A number of eskers occur throughout the area which is characterized by undulating hills of
tundra vegetation and exposed bedrock.
SEABRIDGE GOLD INC.
2-1
PROJECT # 0868-100-01
GIS # CL-15-008
December 21, 2010
125°0'0"W
120°0'0"W
115°0'0"W
±
110°0'0"W
Courageous Lake
Property
[
70°0'0"N
CANADA
USA
Kugluktuk
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(
Cor on ation G ulf
Omingmaktok
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(
65°0'0"N
Great Bear Lake
Kingaok
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Lupin Mine
+
$
Ç
Contwoyto Lake
Ekati Diamond Mine
+
$
(
!
+
$
Project Location
65°0'0"N
Ç
Wekweti
Diavik Diamond Mine
Ç
[
Behchoko
(
!
Yellowknife
(
!
Lutsel K'e
(
!
60°0'0"N
Winter Spur Road
Slave Geologic
Province
1:5,000,000
0
50
100
Great Slave Lake
Hay River
!
(
Tibbitt to Contwoyto
Winter Road
Fort Resolution
(
!
Kilometres
Projection: Lambert Conformal Conic
© 2009 ESRI, i-cubed, GeoEye
115°0'0"W
110°0'0"W
Regional Location of the
Courageous Lake Property
105°0'0"W
Figure 2.1-1
PROJECT #0868-100-01
GIS # CL-15-023
February 07 2012
485000
490000
±
7110000
7105000
7105000
7110000
Courageous Lake
7100000
7100000
Matthews Lake
FAT Deposit
Existing Road
MacKay Lake
Existing Airstrip
>>>>>
Esker
0
1:75,000
1
10 m contour
2
Kilometers
Projection: UTM12N, NAD83
485000
490000
Figure 2.1-2
Courageous Lake Project: General Area
3. Background Information
3.
Background Information
3.1
APPLICABLE LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES
Environmental Assessment in the Northwest Territories (NWT) is required in terms of the Mackenzie
Valley Resource Management Act (MVRMA, 1998, c. 25). The process is administered by the Mackenzie
Valley Environmental Impact Review Board’s (MVEIRB) who have published Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) and Socio-Economic Impact Assessment (SEIA) Guidelines (MVEIRB 2004). The EIA
guideline states that the social and cultural environment and heritage resources must be considered in
assessments and considered when scoping Valued Environmental Components.
The Socio-Economic Impact Assessment (SEIA) Guideline outlines MVEIRB’s expectations for assessing
socio-economic and cultural impacts (MVEIRB 2007). The SEIA Guidelines include aesthetic qualities and
resources as socio-economic information. The information that is required includes:
3.2
o
any particular landforms, locations of special interest, or other unique environments that merit
special attention;
o
assessment of the potential aesthetic impacts of the proposed development, in combination
with other developments; and
o
users who will be adversely affected by lost or altered aesthetic qualities (MVEIRB 2007).
LITERATURE REVIEW
Courageous Lake Project Land and Resource Use Baseline Report (Rescan 2012a), Courageous Lake
Project Wildlife Baseline Report (Rescan 2012d) and Courageous Lake Archaeology Baseline Report
(Rescan 2012b) were all reviewed to determine how the project area is used. Visual and aesthetic
resource assessments for the Gahcho Kue (De Beers 2010) and Thor Lake (Avalon 2011) Projects that
were recently undertaken in the NWT were also reviewed.
SEABRIDGE GOLD INC.
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4. Objectives
4.
Objectives
The overall objective of the visual quality study was to document current conditions and provide a
baseline for assessing potential changes in visual quality related to the proposed Project. Data obtained
from the study can also be used to support socioeconomic and land use studies of the area.
The main objectives of the baseline study were to:
o
review NWT Mackenzie Valley Review Board (MVRB) guidelines and relevant literature;
o
review and describe previously established visual quality objectives near the Project study area;
o
identify existing landscapes and visual resources in the study area that may be sensitive to
visual disturbance, accounting for terrain, vegetation, and other natural features that may act
as visual obstructions.
SEABRIDGE GOLD INC.
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5. Study Area
5.
Study Area
The study area was determined by considering access limitations, valued traditional harvesting and
traditional trails as well as tourism and other land uses near the Project. A potential Project
infrastructure area was defined centred on the FAT deposit to include adjacent land where
infrastructure may be located.
A radius of 17.5 km around the the potential Project infrastructure area was used as a visual
assessment study area boundary. This distance was determined from the fact that an object must be at
least 0.5 degrees in size relative to the viewer to be seen, and also stand out from its surroundings
(WMO 2003). For the purposes of calculating the viewshed for the Project infrastructure a height of
150 m was used. At this height the boundary of the viewshed calculated to 17.5 km. This implies that
from a distance of 17.5 km, an object must be at least 150 m high to be visible. The study area also
encompassed areas with ‘high recreational/aesthetic values,’ as defined in the SEIA Guidelines (MVEIRB
2007) and determined during early consultation efforts and the Land Use baseline study. The aesthetic
value of place (MVEIRB 2007) was also considered in relation to sites of historic or current socioeconomic and cultural significance.
Most of the study area must be considered as having potential for human use. Several wildlife species
utilized by aboriginal groups, travel or den in the Project area. The Archaeological Baseline Study
found evidence that people utilized elevated landforms, such as eskers and bedrock ridges or knolls,
and the shores of the larger lakes, including Mackay, Courageous and Matthews lakes for hunting and
other activities in the past. Any elevated landforms near smaller lakes could also be used for these
activities, especially the nearest height of land from the shore.
SEABRIDGE GOLD INC.
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6. Methodology
6.
Methodology
In the absence of procedures for visual assessment in the Northwest Territories the study will follow
visual impact process set out in the BC Ministry of Forest and Range Visual Impact Assessment
Guidebook (BC MOF 2001). The first two steps of the above process were addressed in the present
baseline report. These steps are:
1. Planning and pre-field trip preparation.
2. Conducting fieldwork.
3. Developing design options and preparing visual simulations.
4. Assessing visual simulations.
5. Preparing a visual impact assessment report.
To complete the first step in this procedure, baseline information was gathered by reviewing relevant
literature and GIS data sources including:
o
Courageous Lake Project Land Use Baseline (Rescan 2012a);
o
Courageous Lake Project Wildlife Baseline Report (Rescan 2012d);
o
Socio-Economic Impact Assessment (SEIA) Guidelines (MVEIRB 2007);
o
Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines (MVEIRB 2004);
o
Project Description of a Proposed Exploration Drilling Program Courageous Lake, NT NTS 76D
Seabridge Gold Inc. (EBA 2003); and
o
Courageous Lake Preliminary Economic Assessment (Wardrop 2011).
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software was used to delineate and record the information.
Using ArcGIS software and the data collected, potentially sensitive areas were identified through a
viewshed analysis. The second step was completed based on the results of the viewshed analysis, which
determined the potentially sensitive locations where field investigations were required.
6.1
PLANNING AND PRE-FIELD TRIP PREPARATION
The purpose of the planning and pre-field trip preparation step is to gather and transfer all known
information onto maps before performing fieldwork (BC MOF 2001).This step involved conducting a
review of existing literature and GIS data. Literature reviewed included relevant MVEIRB sources and
the Courageous Lake Land Use and 2011 Wildlife Baselines. Data layers collected included wildlife
study data.
A viewshed analysis was then used to identify key areas within the study area from which the Project
infrastructure could potentially be seen. ArcGIS Viewshed analysis tools are used to assess which
objects might be visible from different significant and/or sensitive locations. The analysis was
performed in ESRI ArcView 9.3.1 Spatial Analyst using the viewshed analysis tool. The analysis did not
take into account vegetation or atmospheric conditions.
SEABRIDGE GOLD INC.
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Data used for the analysis included:
o
The assumed height of proposed infrastructure; and
o
a digital elevation model that was created by the Centre for Topographic Information,
Geomatics Canada, a branch of Natural Resources Canada with an approximate resolution of
20 metres.
6.2
CONDUCTING FIELDWORK
Fieldwork was undertaken to familiarize the team with the visual perspectives of the study area (BC
MOFR 2001). As suggested by the BC MOFR (2001), pre-selected viewpoints were determined based on
professional interpretation of the viewshed analysis output. These specific viewpoints were visited and
data were gathered. The area is used at various times throughout the year, so a series of photos were
taken for different seasonal conditions.
The winter/spring field information was collected during site visits undertaken on April 28, 2011, and
May 5, 2011. The summer field information was collected during site visits undertaken on
August 4, 2011 and August 5, 2011. For each viewpoint, information gathered consisted of:
o
GPS coordinates for the viewpoint (using a Garmin 60CX - Accuracy 3-5 metres 95% typical –
Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) accuracy in North America or <10 metres 95% typical
where WAAS not available);
o
current weather conditions;
o
photographs from each viewpoint in the direction of proposed Project; and
o
compass bearing of the direction in which the photograph was taken.
The sample photographs were taken from ground positions using a digital camera with a 70 mm lens.
Access to viewpoints was gained by helicopter. The helicopter landed at the closest safe landing area
to the viewpoint, which was then accessed by foot. On the ground, the viewpoint was adjusted slightly
to ensure it was sampled as close as possible to potential human activity. (e.g., for activities on lakes a
location close to the water was chosen).
6-2
7. Results
7.
Results
7.1
PLANNING AND PRE-FIELD TRIP PREPARATION
As described above, planning and pre-field trip preparation involved gathering information and GIS data
related to the study area, and completing a viewshed analysis to identify key areas that are potentially
sensitive to development.
7.1.1
Literature Review and GIS Data Collection
The information from the following sources was considered, and where possible, recorded and
delineated using GIS software.
Courageous Lake Project Land Use Baseline (Rescan 2012a);
Current land use activities that occur within the study area include hunting (resident and guide
outfitting), trapping, fishing, commercial recreation and mineral exploration and development.
Three licensed guide outfitters and three commercial angling licenses are located within the study
area. Recreational activities for both residents and non-residents include wildlife and aurora viewing.
There are two licensed tourism operators.
Aboriginal and First Nations who use the area are: Tlicho Nation; Yellowknives Dene First Nation; Łutselk’e
Dene First Nation; and North Slave Métis Alliance. The traditional Aboriginal activities within the study
area include subsistence hunting, fishing, trapping and the procurement of vegetative resources.
In January 2010, the Government of NWT cancelled all hunting tags for Bathurst Herd Caribou for guide
outfitters due to the need to manage herd population. In terms of the NWT Barren-ground Caribou
Management Strategy 2011 – 2015 (GNWT ENR 2011) no hunting license will be issued to outfitters. Given
the precipitous decline of caribou over the past ten years the non-aboriginal hunting ban is expected to
remain in effect indefinitely until the herd has regained its size. Consequently existing outfitter
operations have closed.
In the recent past Caribou Pass Outfitters Ltd. operated guided hunts out of Courageous Lake Caribou
Lodge. Courageous Caribou Camp is located 6.5 km north of the project site, across Courageous Lake.
True North Safaris hunted out of MacKay Lake Lodge and Warburton Bay Lodge. Barren ground Caribou
hunts were also conducted from Camp Ekwo. Mackay Lake Lodge is located 44 km southeast of the
Project. Camp Ekwo and Warburton Bay Lodge are located across MacKay Lake about 14.5 km and
25 km south of the Project, respectively. These lodges also operated as staging areas for sport fishing
and commercial tourism activities (Rescan 2012a).
Courageous Lake Project Wildlife Baseline Report (Rescan 2012d)
The Wildlife Baseline Report has identified the Project area as a traditionally important migratory
corridor for caribou in spring and fall. Nodinka Narrows to the south of Matthews Lake is one of the
narrows along MacKay Lake that provides a crossing for caribou on their annual migration.
Archaeological studies have identified Caribou crossings as locations where the aboriginal land users
(hunters) commonly wait for the herds to congregate (Rescan 2012d).
SEABRIDGE GOLD INC.
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Courageous Lake Preliminary Economic Asessment (Wardrop 2011)
The abandoned Salmita and Tundra Mines are located to the southwest of the Project. The abandoned
Noranda shaft and waste rock dumps are located within the FAT deposit. A camp, formerly the Treeline
Lodge operated by Bathurst Inlet Lodge, is also located in the project area on the northshore of
Matthews Lake. It was purchased by Seabridge Gold Inc. in 2010 to serve as its exploration camp.
A landing strip is located about 5 km to the southeast of the FAT deposit and is linked to the camp, the
FAT deposit and the abandoned mines by existing gravel roads (Figure 2.1-2).
7.1.2
Viewshed Analysis
The viewshed analysis is based on the assumption that observers that can be seen from the Project
infrastructure area, can also view the Project infrastructure. A provisional height of 150 m (Wardrop
2011) over the FAT deposit was used as the viewing location for calculating the viewshed. The model
output represents locations with a potential view of Project infrastructure (Figure 7.1-1).
The completed analysis identified several locations from which the future Project infrastructure could
potentially be seen. These visually sensitive areas formed a basis for subsequent field investigations.
The change in visual sensitivity caused by changes in distance of the observer to the object was taken
into consideration after the viewshed analysis. In the Visual Landscape Inventory Manual (MoF 1997)
viewing distance is listed as an important measure of a viewing condition. As distance increases from
an object ‘the detail and thus, sensitivity, decreases (MoF 1997).’ The viewing distance rating is:
o
High (foreground): 0 to 1.0 km from viewer; maximum discernment of detail, texture and
contrast; and
o
Moderate (midground): 1.0 to 8.0 km from viewer; emergence of overall shapes and patterns,
with some texture and color still evident; and
o
Low (background): more than 8.0 km from viewer; outlines of general shape and patterns, with
little discernible texture and color, and strong sense of overall perspective (MoF 1997).
The results of the analysis indicated that there was a high likelihood that the Project could be seen
from several areas surrounding the Project. Within the project area there are three key areas:
o
Courageous Lake area;
o
Matthews Lake area; and
o
MacKay Lake area.
7.2
CONDUCTING FIELD WORK
Viewpoints within the study area were determined based on professional interpretation of the output
of the viewshed analysis (Figure 7.1-1) and the locations of human activities identified in the literature
review. Viewpoints with a high likelihood of having an unobstructed view towards the Project
infrastructure were selected for fieldwork. Viewpoints were chosen in viewing distances rated as
midground or as background.
Photographs were taken from multiple viewpoints (Figure 7.1-1) around the study area and within each
of these three key areas identified as potentially sensitive:
o
7-2
Courageous Lake area;
PROJECT # 0868-102-09
GIS # CL-21-007
460000
470000
480000
490000
500000
510000
520000
7130000
450000
7120000
±
7120000
7130000
440000
December 16 2011
10
Courageous Caribou Camp
1
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33
Ö!5
×
!
5
11
!
5
Jolly
Lake
2
!
5
3
Noranda Shaft
$
+
7
6
!
5
!
5
12
!
5
Ç
7110000
7110000
Courageous Lake
!
5
Whale
Tail
Lake
5
!
5
$
+
Ç
Salmita
5
Matthews !
Lake
8
!
5
Sn
ak
4
eL
ak
e
7100000
7100000
Tundra
Dumbell
Lake
Camp Ekwo
3333 3 33
33
Ö
×
9
!
5
13
!
5
MacKay Lake
!
5
Foreground (0 - 1.0 km)
Closed Mine
Midground (1.0 - 8.0 km )
Lake
Background (8.0 - 17.5 km)
Potential Project
Infrastructure Area
Viewshed
Ç
0
7090000
3333 333
Lodge
$
+
7090000
33
Ö
×
Viewing Distance
Viewpoint
FAT Deposit
1:225,000
5
10
Kilometres
Ö
×
Warburton Bay Lodge
3333 3 33
33
Projection: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 12N
440000
450000
460000
470000
480000
490000
500000
510000
520000
Figure 7.1-1
Courageous Lake Project Visual Quality
Study Area and Viewpoints
RESULTS
o
Matthews Lake area; and
o
MacKay Lake area.
7.2.1
Study Area
Almost a quarter of the LSA consists of lakes. The land is dominated by undulating landscapes, defined
as a sequence of smooth, non-linear rises and hollows, and rolling topography (similarly smooth, but
linear sequences of elongated rises and valleys that repeat in a wave-like pattern across the
landscape). Together these two landforms comprise about 56% of the land area. Plains are most typical
of the northern portion of the LSA and occupy 28% of the land. Slopes, ridges, and hummocky terrain
are found on 16% of the land area. The maximum difference between the highest (450 masl) and the
lowest (410 masl) terrain positions is 40 m (Rescan 2012c).
The undulating landscape around the project area and the esker complexes on the northshore of
Matthews Lake create numerous potential vantage points. The tundra vegetation and exposed rock cause
minimal obstruction to views. The property is located near the northernmost boundary of the treeline.
The treeline boundary represents the northern extent where patches of trees are observed. Trees are
sparse in the area and only affect views in limited areas.
The area surrounding the Project is inhabited during the year by several wildlife species that are
subject to traditional, or guided hunting and trapping. The animals’ use of the area year to year and
between seasons will cover much of the study area. To ensure best coverage of the area for this study,
several sites were visited around the study area. The sites were chosen at locations that had a higher
likelihood of seeing proposed Project infrastructure.
Courageous Lake and MacKay Lake are large lakes that are traditionally important to Aboriginal
communities. Traditional camps are located on Courageous Lake and Mackay Lake, where fishing, trapping
and hunting takes place (Rescan 2012a). The lakes are part of an area that has historically served as
traditional hunting territories for caribou, muskoxen and arctic fox. Hunters use trails that connect the
Yellowknife River to several lakes, including MacKay and Courageous Lakes (Rescan 2012d). Nodinka
Narrows in the middle of MacKay Lake and to the south of Matthews Lake is a key crossing point for caribou
on their annual migration. This area is referred to as “Poke-the-water” by aboriginals (pers. comm. Chief
Sangris, Yellowknives Dene) due to the historic practice of spearing caribou from canoes as they swam
across the narrows. Caribou crossings are important areas of archaeological interest because aboriginal
land users historically hunted in areas where the herds were concentrated by geographical features.
Photographs were taken at several locations around the study area on April 28, May 5 and
August 4, 2011. Visibility was limited on April 28, 2011. The weather was overcast and the ground was
covered with snow. The visibility on May 5, 2011 was good, with sunshine and only sporadic clouds; the
ground was covered with snow. The visibility on August 4, 2011 was good, with sunshine and only
sporadic clouds. The ground was clear of snow. A series of photographs were taken from near the shore
or on high ground around the lakes at locations close to where people may travel.
Plates 7.2-1a and 7.2-1b show Winter and Summer Views looking south from Viewpoint 1 located on the
north shore of Courageous Lake, approximately 7 km from the FAT deposit (Plate 7.2-1c). The view towards
the proposed Project was not restricted and no pre-existing development could be seen from this location.
Plates 7.2-2a and 7.2-2b show Winter and Summer Views looking south from Viewpoint 2 located on the
south shore of Courageous Lake, approximately 3.4 km from the FAT deposit (Plate 7.2-2c). The view
towards the proposed Project was partially restricted by distant topography, but was not restricted by
vegetation along the lake shore. No pre-existing development could be seen from this location.
SEABRIDGE GOLD INC.
7-5
Plate 7.2-1a. Winter View – Viewpoint 1 - looking
south from the north shore of Courageous Lake,
May 5, 2011.
Plate 7.2-1b. Summer View – Viewpoint 1 looking south from the north shore of Courageous
Lake, August 4, 2011.
Plate 7.2-1c. Viewpoint 1 - location and bearing
of viewpoint from the north shore of Courageous
Lake.
south from the south shore of Courageous Lake,
May 5, 2011.
Plate 7.2-2b. Summer View – Viewpoint 2 looking south from the south shore of Courageous
of viewpoint from the south shore of Courageous
Lake.
7-6
RESULTS
Plates 7.2-3a and 7.2-3b show Winter and Summer Views looking west from Viewpoint 3 located to the south
of Courageous Lake, approximately 7.4 km from the FAT deposit (Plate 7.2-3c). The view towards the
proposed Project was not restricted and no pre-existing development could be seen from this location.
west from land east of the Project, May 5, 2011.
Plate 7.2-3b. Summer View - Viewpoint 3 looking west from land east of the Project,
August 04, 2011.
of viewpoint east of the Project.
Plates 7.2-4a and 7.2-4b show Winter and Summer Views looking north and Plate 7.2-4c shows a
Summer View looking west, from Viewpoint 4 located on the east shore of Matthews Lake,
approximately 5.0 km from the FAT deposit (Plate 7.2-4d). The view towards the proposed Project was
partially restricted by topography and vegetation. The view towards the west was partially restricted
by topography and vegetation. Pre-existing Tundra Mine development could be seen from this location.
Plates 7.2-5a and 7.2-5b show Winter and Summer Views looking northwest and Plate 7.2-5c shows a
Winter View looking west, from Viewpoint 5 located on the west shore of Matthews Lake,
approximately 2.7 km from the FAT deposit (Plate 7.2-5d). The view towards the proposed Project was
partially restricted by topography and vegetation. The view towards the west was partially restricted
by topography. No pre-existing development could be seen from this location.
SEABRIDGE GOLD INC.
7-7
Plate 7.2-4a. Winter View – Viewpoint 4 - looking Plate 7.2-4b. Summer View – Viewpoint 4 - looking
north from the eastern shore of Matthews Lake, north from the eastern shore of Matthews Lake,
May 5, 2011.
August 4, 2011.
Plate 7.2-4c. Summer View – Viewpoint 4 - Looking Plate 7.2-4d. Viewpoint 4 - Location and bearing
northwest from the eastern shore of Matthews of viewpoint on the eastern shore of Matthews
Lake.
Plates 7.2-6a and 7.2-6b show Winter and Summer Views looking east and Plates 7.2-6c and 7.2-6d
show Winter and Summer Views looking south, from Viewpoint 6 located south of Courageous Lake,
approximately 3.3 km from the FAT deposit (Plate 7.2-6e). The view towards the proposed Project was
partially restricted by topography. The view towards the south was partially restricted by topography.
No pre-existing development could be seen from this location.
Plates 7.2-7a and 7.2-7b show Winter and Summer Views looking east from Viewpoint 7 located
southwest of Courageous Lake, approximately 11 km from the FAT deposit (Plate 7.2-7c). The view
towards the proposed Project was partially restricted by topography. The view towards the south was
partially restricted by topography. No pre-existing development could be seen from this location.
7-8
RESULTS
Plate 7.2-5a. Winter View – Viewpoint 5 - looking Plate 7.2-5b. Summer View – Viewpoint 5 northeast from the western shore of Matthews
looking northeast from the western shore of
Lake, May 5, 2011.
Matthews Lake, August 4, 2011.
Plate 7.2-5c. Winter View – Viewpoint 5 - looking Plate 7.2-5d. Viewpoint 5 - location and bearing
west from the western shore of Matthews Lake,
of viewpoint on the western shore of Matthews
April 28, 2011.
Lake.
Plates 7.2-8a and 7.2-8b show Winter and Summer Views looking east from Viewpoint 8 located west of
Courageous Lake, approximately 19.5 km from the FAT deposit (Plate 7.2-8c). The view towards the
proposed Project was partially restricted by distant topography. No pre-existing development could be
seen from this location.
Plates 7.2-9a and 7.2-9b show Winter and Summer Views looking northeast from Viewpoint 9 located on
the west shore of MacKay Lake, approximately 16.5 km from the FAT deposit (Plate 7.2-9c). The view
towards the proposed Project was partially restricted by distant topography. No pre-existing
development could be seen from this location.
Plates 7.2-10a and 7.2-10b show Winter and Summer Views looking southeast from Viewpoint 10
located on the west shore of Courageous Lake, approximately 13.1 km from the FAT deposit
(Plate 7.2-10c). The view towards the proposed Project was partially restricted by distant topography.
No pre-existing development could be seen from this location.
SEABRIDGE GOLD INC.
7-9
Plate 7.2-6a. Winter View – Viewpoint 6 - looking Plate 7.2-6b. Summer View – Viewpoint 6 east from land to the west of the Project,
looking east from land to the west of the Project,
May 05, 2011.
August 04, 2011.
Plate 7.2-6c. Winter View – Viewpoint 6 - looking Plate 7.2-6d. Summer View – Viewpoint 6 south from land to the west of the Project,
looking south from land to the west of the
May 05, 2011.
Project, August 04, 2011.
Plate 7.2-6e. Viewpoint 6 - location and bearing
of viewpoint on land to the west of the Project.
7-10
RESULTS
east from land to the west of the Project,
May 05, 2011.
Plate 7.2-7b. Summer View – Viewpoint 7 looking east from land to the west of the Project,
August 04, 2011.
of viewpoint to the west of the Project.
northeast from land to the southwest of the
Project, May 05, 2011.
Plate 7.2-8b. Summer View – Viewpoint 8 looking northeast from land to the southwest of
the Project, August 04, 2011.
of viewpoint to the southwest of the Project.
SEABRIDGE GOLD INC.
7-11
northeast from land to the southwest of the
Project, near the shore of MacKay Lake,
May 05, 2011.
Plate 7.2-9b. Summer View – Viewpoint 9 looking northeast from land to the southwest of
the Project, near the shore of MacKay Lake,
August 04, 2011.
of viewpoint near the shore of MacKay Lake, to
the southwest of the Project.
southeast from land to the northwest of the Project
on the shore of Courageous Lake, May 05, 2011.
Plate 7.2-10b. Summer View – Viewpoint 10 looking southeast from land to the northwest of
the Project on the shore of Courageous Lake,
August 04, 2011.
Plate 7.2-10c. Viewpoint 10 - location and
bearing of viewpoint to the northwest of the
Project.
7-12
RESULTS
Plates 7.2-11a and 7.2-11b show Winter and Summer Views looking southeast and Plate 7.2-11c and
Plate 7.2-11d show Winter and Summer Views looking south, from Viewpoint 11 located on the north
shore of Courageous Lake, approximately 6.3 km from the FAT deposit (Plate 7.2-11e). The view
Plates 7.2-12a and 7.2-12b show Winter and Summer Views looking west from Viewpoint 12 located on
the east shore of Courageous Lake, approximately 19 km from the FAT deposit (Plate 7.2-12c).
The view towards the proposed Project was partially restricted by distant topography. No pre-existing
Plates 7.2-13a and 7.2-13b show Winter and Summer Views looking north from Viewpoint 13 located on
the east shore of MacKay Lake, approximately 15 km from the FAT deposit (Plate 7.2-13c). The view
SEABRIDGE GOLD INC.
7-13
Plate 7.2-11a. Winter View – Viewpoint 11 looking southeast from land to the northwest of
May 05, 2011.
Plate 7.2-11b. Summer View – Viewpoint 11 looking southeast from land to the northwest of
August 04, 2011.
Plate 7.2-11c. Winter View – Viewpoint 11 looking south from land to the northwest of the
Project on the shore of Courageous Lake, May 05,
2011.
Plate 7.2-11d. Summer View - Viewpoint 11 looking south from land to the northwest of the
Project on the shore of Courageous Lake,
August 04, 2011.
Plate 7.2-11e. Viewpoint 11 - location and bearing
of viewpoint to the northeast of the Project.
7-14
RESULTS
Plate 7.2-12a. Winter View – Viewpoint 12 looking west from land to the east of the project,
May 05, 2011.
Plate 7.2-12b. Summer View – Viewpoint 12 looking west from land to the east of the project,
August 04, 2011.
Plate 7.2-12c. Viewpoint 12 - location and
bearing of viewpoint to the east of the project
infrastructure.
Plate 7.2-13a. Winter View – Viewpoint 13 looking north from land to the south of the
Project, April 28, 2011.
Plate 7.2-13b. Summer View – Viewpoint 13 looking north from land to the south of the
Project, August 04, 2011.
Plate 7.2-13c. Viewpoint 13 – location and
bearing from land to the south of the project.
SEABRIDGE GOLD INC.
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8. Conclusion
8.
Conclusion
The larger area around the proposed Project has been used in the past by both traditional and
recreational groups for activities such as hunting, fishing and tourism. MacKay Lake is an important
fishing and hunting area for Aboriginal communities. The study area has limited access but is expected
to continue to be used by most of these groups during both the winter and summer. The natural
landscape is an aspect of local recreational use. However, there has previously been mining in the area
which has an effect on the visual quality of some areas.
A viewshed analysis identified three key areas within the study area: the Courageous Lake area; the
MacKay Lake area; and the Matthews Lake area. Viewpoints were selected and visited for field data
collection. The resulting descriptions of potentially sensitive key areas in this baseline study account
for terrain, vegetation, and other natural features that may act as visual obstructions. Overall the
study area has unrestricted views of the area of potential project infrastructure.
SEABRIDGE GOLD INC.
8-1
References
References
Avalon (Avalon Rare Metals Inc.). 2011. Human Environment Assessment, Environmental Assessment of
Avalon Rare Metals Incorporated’s Thor Lake Rare Earth Element Project. May 2011.
De Beers (De Beers Canada Inc.). 2010. Gahcho Kué Project Environmental Impact Statement, SocioEconomic Impact Assessment Section. Dec 2010.
EBA (EBA Engineering Consultants Ltd.). 2003. Project Description of a Proposed Exploration Drilling
Program Courageous Lake. NT NTS 76D Seabridge Gold Inc. Dec 2003.
GNWT ENR (Government of Northwest Territories Environment and Natural Resources). 2011. A Barrenground Caribou Management Strategy for the Northwest Territories 2011-2015.
INAC (Indian and Northern Affairs Canada). 2007. The Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act.
Ottawa, Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada.
MoF (Ministry of Forests, Forest Practices Branch). 1997. Visual Inventory Procedures and Standards
Manual. Forest Practices Branch, Ministry of Forests, Victoria, B.C.
MoF (Ministry of Forests, Forest Practices Branch). 2001. Visual Impact Assessment Guidebook. 2nd ed.
Forest Practices Branch, Ministry of Forests, Victoria, B.C.
MVEIRB (Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board). 2004. Environmental Impact
Assessment Guidelines March 2004. Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board:
Yellowknife, NT.
MVLWB. 2010. "Acts and Regulations." Retrieved March, 2011, from
http://www.mvlwb.ca/ActsAndRegs/Forms/AllItems.aspx.
Rescan (Rescan Environmental Services Ltd.). 2012a. Courageous Lake Project Land and Resource Use
Baseline Report. Prepared for Seabridge Gold Inc. December 2011
Rescan (Rescan Environmental Services Ltd.). 2012b. Courageous Lake Project Archaeology Baseline
Report. Prepared for Seabridge Gold Inc. December 2011
Rescan. (Rescan Environmental Services Ltd.). 2012c. Courageous Lake Project Terrain and Soils
Baseline Report. Prepared for Seabridge Gold Inc. March 2011
Rescan. (Rescan Environmental Services Ltd.). 2012d. Courageous Lake Project Wildlife Baseline
Report. Prepared for Seabridge Gold Inc. December 2011
Wardrop. 2011. Courageous Lake Updated Preliminary Economic Assessment 2011. Wardrop, A
Tetratech Company. Vancouver, BC.
SEABRIDGE GOLD INC.
R-1

B.1 - 868-102-16 (Courageous Lake 2011 Visual Quality Baseline

Transcription

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