KITSAULT MINE PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Section 6.7 Freshwater Aquatic Resources VE51988 KITSAULT MINE PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FRESHWATER AQUATIC RESOURCES TABLE OF CONTENTS 6.7  Freshwater Aquatic Resources .............................................................................. 6.7-1  6.7.1  Valued Component Selection Rationale.................................................... 6.7-2  6.7.1.1  Valued Component / Issue Identification and Scoping ........... 6.7-3  6.7.1.2  Valued Component / Issues Confirmation ............................ 6.7-24  6.7.2  Dolly Varden ............................................................................................ 6.7-29  6.7.2.1  Introduction ............................................................................ 6.7-29  6.7.2.2  Relevant Legislation and Legal Framework .......................... 6.7-29  6.7.2.2.1  Federal ............................................................. 6.7-29  6.7.2.2.2  Provincial .......................................................... 6.7-30  6.7.2.2.3  Nisga’a Lisims Government ............................. 6.7-31  6.7.2.3  Spatial Boundaries ................................................................ 6.7-31  6.7.2.3.1  Local Study Area .............................................. 6.7-32  6.7.2.3.2  Regional Study Area ........................................ 6.7-34  6.7.2.3.3  Cumulative Effects Study Area......................... 6.7-34  6.7.2.4  Temporal Boundaries ............................................................ 6.7-38  6.7.2.5  Information Source and Methods .......................................... 6.7-38  6.7.2.5.1  Field Studies ..................................................... 6.7-38  6.7.2.5.2  Regional Baseline ............................................ 6.7-41  6.7.2.6  Detailed Baseline for Dolly Varden ....................................... 6.7-41  6.7.2.6.1  Genetics ........................................................... 6.7-41  6.7.2.6.2  Distribution and Catch-Per-Unit-Effort .............. 6.7-41  6.7.2.6.3  Length, Weight, and Condition ......................... 6.7-44  6.7.2.6.4  Age, Growth, and Maturity ................................ 6.7-46  6.7.2.6.5  Diet ................................................................... 6.7-50  6.7.2.6.6  Energy Storage and Energy Use ..................... 6.7-53  6.7.2.6.7  Life History........................................................ 6.7-56  6.7.2.6.8  Tissue Residual Metals .................................... 6.7-56  6.7.2.7  Cultural, Ecological or Community Knowledge ..................... 6.7-61  6.7.2.8  Past, Present or Future Projects / Activities .......................... 6.7-62  6.7.2.9  Potential Effects of the Proposed Project and Proposed Mitigation ............................................................................... 6.7-69  6.7.2.9.1  Identification and Analysis of Potential Project Effects ............................................................... 6.7-69  6.7.2.9.2  Mitigation Measures ......................................... 6.7-83  6.7.2.10  Potential Residual Effects and their Significance ................ 6.7-128  6.7.2.10.1  Potential Residual Effects after Mitigation ...... 6.7-128  6.7.2.10.2  Change in Stream Flows in Lime Creek ......... 6.7-160  6.7.2.10.3  Change in Water Temperatures in Lime Creek .............................................................. 6.7-172  6.7.2.10.4  Change in Benthic Macro-Invertebrate Community in Lime Creek .............................. 6.7-175  6.7.2.10.5  Summary of Potential Residual Effects after Mitigation ........................................................ 6.7-176  6.7.2.10.6  Significance of Potential Residual Effects ...... 6.7-176  6.7.2.11  Cumulative Effects Assessment .......................................... 6.7-179  6.7.2.11.1  Rationalisation for Carrying Forward Project Related Residual Effects Into the Cumulative Effects Assessment ........................................ 6.7-179  6.7.2.11.2  Interaction Between Dolly Varden and Other Past, Present or Future Projects / Activities ... 6.7-180  6.7.2.11.3  Mitigation Measures ....................................... 6.7-185  Version 1.0 VE51988 – Section 6.7 December 2011 TOC 6.7-i KITSAULT MINE PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FRESHWATER AQUATIC RESOURCES 6.7.2.11.4  Potential Residual Cumulative Effects and Their Significance ........................................... 6.7-185  6.7.2.12  Limitations ........................................................................... 6.7-188  6.7.2.13  Conclusion ........................................................................... 6.7-189  6.7.3  Coho salmon ......................................................................................... 6.7-190  6.7.3.1  Introduction .......................................................................... 6.7-190  6.7.3.2  Relevant Legislation and Legal Framework ........................ 6.7-191  6.7.3.2.1  Federal ........................................................... 6.7-191  6.7.3.2.2  Provincial ........................................................ 6.7-193  6.7.3.2.3  Nisga’a Lisims Government ........................... 6.7-193  6.7.3.3  Spatial Boundaries .............................................................. 6.7-193  6.7.3.3.1  Local Study Area ............................................ 6.7-193  6.7.3.3.2  Regional Study Area ...................................... 6.7-194  6.7.3.3.3  Cumulative Effects Study Area....................... 6.7-194  6.7.3.4  Temporal Boundaries .......................................................... 6.7-195  6.7.3.5  Information Source and Methods ........................................ 6.7-195  6.7.3.5.1  Field Studies ................................................... 6.7-195  6.7.3.5.2  Regional Baseline .......................................... 6.7-196  6.7.3.6  Detailed Baseline for Coho Salmon .................................... 6.7-197  6.7.3.6.1  Distribution and Catch .................................... 6.7-197  6.7.3.6.2  Length, Weight, and Condition ....................... 6.7-197  6.7.3.6.3  Life History...................................................... 6.7-198  6.7.3.6.4  Diet ................................................................. 6.7-199  6.7.3.6.5  Habitat ............................................................ 6.7-199  6.7.3.7  Cultural Ecological or Community Knowledge .................... 6.7-199  6.7.3.7.1  Nisga’a Nation ................................................ 6.7-199  6.7.3.7.2  Aboriginal Groups ........................................... 6.7-200  6.7.3.8  Past, Present or Future Projects / Activities ........................ 6.7-201  6.7.3.9  Potential Effects of the Proposed Project and Proposed Mitigation ............................................................................. 6.7-207  6.7.3.9.1  Identification and Analysis of Potential Project Effects ................................................ 6.7-207  6.7.3.9.2  Mitigation Measures ....................................... 6.7-219  6.7.3.10  Potential Residual Effects and Their Significance .............. 6.7-231  6.7.3.10.1  Potential Residual Effects After Mitigation ..... 6.7-231  6.7.3.10.2  Significance of Potential Residual Effects ...... 6.7-237  6.7.3.11  Cumulative Effects Assessment .......................................... 6.7-240  6.7.3.11.1  Rationalisation for Carrying Forward Project Related Residual Effects Into the Cumulative Effects Assessment ..................... 6.7-240  6.7.3.11.2  Interaction Between Coho Salmon and Other Past, Present or Future Projects / Activities ......................................................... 6.7-240  6.7.3.11.3  Mitigation Measures ....................................... 6.7-244  6.7.3.11.4  Potential Residual Cumulative Effects and Their Significance ........................................... 6.7-245  6.7.3.12  Limitations ........................................................................... 6.7-245  6.7.3.13  Conclusion ........................................................................... 6.7-247  6.7.4  Rainbow Trout ....................................................................................... 6.7-247  6.7.4.1  Introduction .......................................................................... 6.7-247  6.7.4.2  Relevant Legislation and Legal Framework ........................ 6.7-248  6.7.4.2.1  Federal ........................................................... 6.7-248  6.7.4.2.2  Provincial ........................................................ 6.7-249  6.7.4.2.3  Nisga’a Lisims Government ........................... 6.7-250  Version 1.0 VE51988 – Section 6.7 December 2011 TOC 6.7-ii KITSAULT MINE PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FRESHWATER AQUATIC RESOURCES 6.7.4.3  Spatial Boundaries .............................................................. 6.7-250  6.7.4.3.1  Local Study Area ............................................ 6.7-251  6.7.4.3.2  Regional Study Area ...................................... 6.7-253  6.7.4.3.3  Cumulative Effects Study Area....................... 6.7-253  6.7.4.4  Temporal Boundaries .......................................................... 6.7-253  6.7.4.5  Information Source and Methods ........................................ 6.7-254  6.7.4.5.1  2010 Field studies .......................................... 6.7-254  6.7.4.5.2  2011 Field Studies .......................................... 6.7-256  6.7.4.6  Detailed Baseline for Rainbow trout .................................... 6.7-259  6.7.4.6.1  Species Composition and Relative Abundance ..................................................... 6.7-259  6.7.4.6.2  Catch Per-Unit-Effort in Lakes........................ 6.7-259  6.7.4.6.3  Length, Weight, and Condition ....................... 6.7-260  6.7.4.6.4  Age, Growth, and Maturity .............................. 6.7-262  6.7.4.6.5  Diet ................................................................. 6.7-265  6.7.4.6.6  Tissue Metal Residues ................................... 6.7-266  6.7.4.6.7  Lake 901 Inlet Tributaries ............................... 6.7-268  6.7.4.7  Cultural Ecological or Community Knowledge .................... 6.7-274  6.7.4.8  Past, Present or Future Projects / Activities ........................ 6.7-274  6.7.4.9  Potential Effects of the Proposed Project and Proposed Mitigation ............................................................................. 6.7-279  6.7.4.9.1  Identification and Analysis of Potential Project Effects ................................................ 6.7-279  6.7.4.9.2  Mitigation Measures ....................................... 6.7-292  6.7.4.10  Potential Residual Effects and their Significance ................ 6.7-320  6.7.4.10.1  Potential Residual Effects after Mitigation ...... 6.7-320  6.7.4.10.2  Significance of Potential Residual Effects ...... 6.7-382  6.7.4.11  Cumulative Effects Assessment .......................................... 6.7-393  6.7.4.11.1  Rationalisation for Carrying Forward Project Related Residual Effects Into the Cumulative Effects Assessment ........................................ 6.7-393  6.7.4.11.2  Interaction Between Rainbow trout and Other Past, Present or Future Projects / Activities ... 6.7-395  6.7.4.11.3  Mitigation Measures ....................................... 6.7-400  6.7.4.11.4  Potential Residual Cumulative Effects and Their Significance ........................................... 6.7-401  6.7.4.12  Limitations ........................................................................... 6.7-402  6.7.4.13  Conclusion ........................................................................... 6.7-403  6.7.5  Benthic Macro-Invertebrates ................................................................. 6.7-404  6.7.5.1  Introduction .......................................................................... 6.7-404  6.7.5.2  Relevant Legislation and Legal Framework ........................ 6.7-405  6.7.5.2.1  Federal ........................................................... 6.7-405  6.7.5.2.2  Provincial ........................................................ 6.7-406  6.7.5.2.3  Nisga’a Lisims Government ........................... 6.7-406  6.7.5.3  Spatial Boundaries .............................................................. 6.7-406  6.7.5.3.1  Local Study Area ............................................ 6.7-406  6.7.5.3.2  Regional Study Area ...................................... 6.7-409  6.7.5.3.3  Cumulative Effects Study Area....................... 6.7-409  6.7.5.4  Temporal Boundaries .......................................................... 6.7-409  6.7.5.5  Information Source and Methods ........................................ 6.7-410  6.7.5.5.1  BMI Field Methods in 2009 ............................. 6.7-410  6.7.5.5.2  BMI Field Methods in 2010 ............................. 6.7-411  6.7.5.5.3  Fish Diet Analysis in 2009 and 2010 .............. 6.7-411  6.7.5.5.4  Laboratory Methods and Data Analysis ......... 6.7-412  Version 1.0 VE51988 – Section 6.7 December 2011 TOC 6.7-iii KITSAULT MINE PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FRESHWATER AQUATIC RESOURCES 6.7.5.6  Detailed Baseline for Benthic Macro-Invertebrates ............. 6.7-412  6.7.5.6.1  Density and Relative Abundance in Streams . 6.7-412  6.7.5.6.2  Richness and Diversity Indices for Streams ... 6.7-414  6.7.5.6.3  Density and Relative Abundance in Lakes ..... 6.7-415  6.7.5.6.4  Richness and Diversity Indices for Lakes ...... 6.7-415  6.7.5.6.5  BMI Composition in Fish Diets ....................... 6.7-416  6.7.5.7  Cultural Ecological or Community Knowledge .................... 6.7-417  6.7.5.8  Past, Present or Future Projects / Activities ........................ 6.7-418  6.7.5.9  Potential Effects of the Proposed Project and Proposed Mitigation ............................................................................. 6.7-421  6.7.5.9.1  Identification and Analysis of Potential Project Effects ............................................................. 6.7-421  6.7.5.9.2  Mitigation Measures ....................................... 6.7-432  6.7.5.10  Potential Residual Effects and Their Significance .............. 6.7-462  6.7.5.10.1  Potential Residual Effects after Mitigation ...... 6.7-462  6.7.5.10.2  Significance of Potential Residual Effects ...... 6.7-483  6.7.5.11  Cumulative Effects Assessment .......................................... 6.7-485  6.7.5.11.1  Rationalisation for Carrying Forward Project Related Residual Effects Into the Cumulative Effects Assessment ........................................ 6.7-485  6.7.5.11.2  Interaction Between Benthic Macro- Invertebrates and Other Past, Present or Future Projects / Activities .............................. 6.7-487  6.7.5.11.3  Mitigation Measures ....................................... 6.7-489  6.7.5.11.4  Potential Residual Cumulative Effects and Their Significance ........................................... 6.7-490  6.7.5.12  Limitations ........................................................................... 6.7-494  6.7.5.13  Conclusion ........................................................................... 6.7-495  List of Tables Table 6.7.1-1:  Issues Raised or Identified for Freshwater Aquatic Resources by the Nisga’a Nation, Aboriginal Groups, the Public, and Federal and Provincial Regulators During Pre-Application Consultations .................................................. 6.7-4  Table 6.7.1-2:  Valued Component / Issue Interaction Matrix for Freshwater Aquatic Resources .............................................................................................................. 6.7-9  Table 6.7.1-3:  Potential Issues by Project Component for Freshwater Aquatic Resources – Construction Phase .............................................................................................. 6.7-12  Table 6.7.1-4:  Potential Issues by Project Component for Freshwater Aquatic Resources – Operations Phase ................................................................................................. 6.7-15  Table 6.7.1-5:  Potential Issues by Project Component for Freshwater Aquatic Resources – Closure and Decommissioning Phase ................................................................. 6.7-19  Table 6.7.1-6:  Potential Issues by Project Component for Freshwater Aquatic Resources – Post-Closure ......................................................................................................... 6.7-22  Table 6.7.1-7:  Freshwater Aquatic Resources Valued Component Selection Rationale ............ 6.7-25  Table 6.7.2-1:  Summary of Fish Captured and Average Catch-Per-Unit-Effort, By Season and Gear Type, in Lime and Patsy Creeks in 2009 ............................................. 6.7-42  Table 6.7.2-2:  Summary of Fish Captured and Catch-Per-Unit-Effort, by Season, Reach, and Gear Type, in Lower Lime Creek in 2010...................................................... 6.7-43  Table 6.7.2-3:  Average Length, Weight, and Condition Factor for Dolly Varden Captured in Lime Creek in 2009 and 2010 .......................................................................... 6.7-44  Table 6.7.2-4:  Percent Maturity, by Age, for Female and Male Dolly Varden Captured in Lime Creek in Fall 2009 ........................................................................................ 6.7-49  Version 1.0 VE51988 – Section 6.7 December 2011 TOC 6.7-iv KITSAULT MINE PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FRESHWATER AQUATIC RESOURCES Table 6.7.2-5:  Average Length, Weight, and Condition Factor at Age for Dolly Varden Captured in Lime Creek in 2009 and 2010 ........................................................... 6.7-49  Table 6.7.2-6:  Mean Hepatosomatic Indices for Dolly Varden Captured in Lime Creek in 2009 and 2010 ...................................................................................................... 6.7-54  Table 6.7.2-7:  Mean Gonadosomatic Indices, by Sex, for Dolly Varden Captured in Lime Creek in 2009 and 2010 .............................................................................. 6.7-55  Table 6.7.2-8:  Metal Concentrations in Juvenile Dolly Varden Muscle Tissue ............................ 6.7-58  Table 6.7.2-9:  Metal Concentrations in Adult Dolly Varden Muscle Tissue ................................. 6.7-59  Table 6.7.2-10: Test for Significance Differences in Mean Metal Concentrations between Adult and Juvenile Dolly Varden Muscle Tissue in Lower Lime Creek ................ 6.7-60  Table 6.7.2-11: Historical Land Use Activities in Biophysical Cumulative Effects Assessment Study Area ....................................................................................... 6.7-62  Table 6.7.2-12: Present Land Use Activities in Biophysical Cumulative Effects Assessment Study Area ....................................................................................... 6.7-65  Table 6.7.2-13: Reasonably Foreseeable Projects in Biophysical Cumulative Effects Assessment Study Area ....................................................................................... 6.7-67  Table 6.7.2-14: Assessment of Linkages between Other Projects, Human Activities and Reasonable Foreseeable Projects with Dolly Varden ................................... 6.7-68  Table 6.7.2-15: Potential Direct Project Effects on Dolly Varden .................................................. 6.7-70  Table 6.7.2-16: Potential Indirect Project Effects on Dolly Varden ................................................ 6.7-72  Table 6.7.2-17: Potential Combined Project Effects by Project Phase on Dolly Varden ............... 6.7-76  Table 6.7.2-18: Potential Indirect Project Effects on Other Valued Components .......................... 6.7-79  Table 6.7.2-19: Summary of Potential Interaction Between Project Effects on Dolly Varden and Other Valued Components ............................................................... 6.7-81  Table 6.7.2-20: Summary of Potential Project Effects to be Carried Forward Into the Assessment for Dolly Varden ............................................................................... 6.7-83  Table 6.7.2-21: Potential Indirect Project Effects on Dolly Varden through Changes in Surface Water Quality and Mitigation Measures During Construction Phase .................................................................................................................... 6.7-87  Table 6.7.2-22: Potential Indirect Project Effects on Dolly Varden through Changes in Surface Water Quality and Mitigation Measures During Operations Phase ........ 6.7-90  Table 6.7.2-23: Potential Indirect Project Effects on Dolly Varden Through Changes in Surface Water Quality and Mitigation Measures During Closure / Decommissioning Phase ...................................................................................... 6.7-94  Table 6.7.2-24: Potential Indirect Project Effects on Dolly Varden Through Changes in Surface Water Quality and Mitigation Measures During Post-closure Phase ...... 6.7-97  Table 6.7.2-25: Summary of Provincial and Federal Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Life in Lower Lime Creek .............................. 6.7-100  Table 6.7.2-26: Summary of Predicted Exceedences of Provincial and Federal Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Life in Lower Lime Creek ......................................................................................................... 6.7-102  Table 6.7.2-27: Potential Indirect Project Effects on Dolly Varden through Changes in Hydrology in Lower Lime Creek and Mitigation Measures During Construction Phase ............................................................................................ 6.7-107  Table 6.7.2-28: Potential Indirect Project Effects on Dolly Varden through Changes in Hydrology in Lower Lime Creek and Mitigation Measures During Operations Phase ............................................................................................... 6.7-110  Table 6.7.2-29: Potential Indirect Project Effects on Dolly Varden through Changes in Hydrology in Lower Lime Creek and Mitigation Measures During Closure / Decommissioning Phase .................................................................................... 6.7-113  Table 6.7.2-30: Potential Indirect Project Effects on Dolly Varden Through Changes in Hydrology of Lime Creek and Mitigation Measures During Post-closure Phase .................................................................................................................. 6.7-115  Version 1.0 VE51988 – Section 6.7 December 2011 TOC 6.7-v KITSAULT MINE PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FRESHWATER AQUATIC RESOURCES Table 6.7.2-31: Baseline and Predicted Mean, Minimum, and Maximum Monthly and Annual Discharge in Lower Lime Creek During Construction, Operations, Closure, and Post-Closure Phases of the Project .............................................. 6.7-120  Table 6.7.2-32: Optimal and Maximum Tolerance Water Temperature Ranges for Different Dolly Varden Life stages ...................................................................... 6.7-125  Table 6.7.2-33: Recommended Site-Specific Acute and Chronic Aluminum Guideline Criteria for the Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Life in Lower Lime Creek ...... 6.7-137  Table 6.7.2-34: Comparison of Median and 95 percentile Dissolved Aluminum Concentrations to Alternative Site-Specific Acute and Chronic Aluminum Guideline Criteria for Lower Lime Creek ............................................................ 6.7-137  Table 6.7.2-35: Daily Discharges and Percent of Mean Annual Discharge in Lower Lime Creek During Data Collection Periods for Development of Hydraulic Relationships at Riffle Crests and Pool Tail-Outs, 2010 .................................... 6.7-161  Table 6.7.2-36: Comparison of Predicted Water Depths and Water Velocities at Pool Tail-outs and Riffle Crest Mesohabitats in Lower Lime Creek During the Dolly Varden Spawning Period (September and October) Under Average and Low Flow Conditions During Pre-Mine, Construction (Stage 2 & 3), and Operations (Year 15) Phases of the Project ....................................................... 6.7-167  Table 6.7.2-37: Comparison of Predicted Water Depths and Water Velocities at Pool Tail-Outs and Riffle Crest Mesohabitats in Lower Lime Creek During the Dolly Varden Egg Incubation Period (November to March) Under Average and Low Flow Conditions During Pre-Mine, Construction (Stage 2 & 3), and Operations (Year 15) Phases of the Project ............................................... 6.7-170  Table 6.7.2-38: Summary of Residual Effects for Dolly Varden .................................................. 6.7-176  Table 6.7.2-39: Residual Effects Assessment by Project Development Phase for Dolly Varden ....................................................................................................... 6.7-177  Table 6.7.2-40: Project Related Residual Effects - Rationale for Carrying Forward Into the Cumulative Effects Assessment ................................................................... 6.7-180  Table 6.7.2-41: Assessment of Interaction between Other Projects, Human Activities and Reasonable Foreseeable Projects with Dolly Varden ................................. 6.7-182  Table 6.7.2-42: Assessment of Spatial and Temporal Overlap Between the Project and Other Projects and Human Actions with Dolly Varden ....................................... 6.7-183  Table 6.7.2-43: Potential Cumulative Effect by Project Phase on Dolly Varden and Mitigation Measures ........................................................................................... 6.7-185  Table 6.7.2-44: Summary of Residual Cumulative Effects for Dolly Varden ............................... 6.7-186  Table 6.7.2-45: Residual Cumulative Effects Assessment on Dolly Varden by Project Development Phase ........................................................................................... 6.7-187  Table 6.7.3-1:  Historical Land Use Activities in Biophysical Cumulative Effects Assessment Study Area ..................................................................................... 6.7-201  Table 6.7.3-2:  Present Land Use Activities in Biophysical Cumulative Effects Assessment Study Area ..................................................................................... 6.7-204  Table 6.7.3-3:  Reasonably Foreseeable Projects in Biophysical Cumulative Effects Assessment Study Area ..................................................................................... 6.7-205  Table 6.7.3-4  Assessment of Linkages Between Other Projects, Human Activities and Reasonable Foreseeable Projects with Coho Salmon ................................ 6.7-206  Table 6.7.3-5:  Potential Direct Project Effects on Coho Salmon ............................................... 6.7-208  Table 6.7.3-6  Potential Indirect Project Effects on Coho Salmon ............................................ 6.7-209  Table 6.7.3-7:  Potential Combined Project Effects by Project Phase on Coho Salmon ........... 6.7-214  Table 6.7.3-8:  Potential Indirect Project Effects on Other Valued Components ........................ 6.7-216  Table 6.7.3-9:  Summary of Potential Interaction Between Project Effects on Coho Salmon and Other Valued Components ............................................................. 6.7-217  Table 6.7.3-10: Summary of Potential Project Effects to be Carried Forward Into the Assessment for Coho Salmon ............................................................................ 6.7-219  Version 1.0 VE51988 – Section 6.7 December 2011 TOC 6.7-vi KITSAULT MINE PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FRESHWATER AQUATIC RESOURCES Table 6.7.3-11: Summary of Provincial and Federal Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Life in Lower Lime Creek .............................. 6.7-221  Table 6.7.3-12: Summary of Predicted Exceedences of Provincial and Federal Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Life in Lower Lime Creek ................................................................................................... 6.7-6.7-223  Table 6.7.3-13: Summary of Residual Effects for Coho Salmon ................................................. 6.7-237  Table 6.7.3-14: Residual Effects Assessment by Project Development Phase for Coho Salmon ................................................................................................................ 6.7-238  Table 6.7.3-15: Project Related Residual Effects - Rationale for Carrying Forward Into the Cumulative Effects Assessment ................................................................... 6.7-240  Table 6.7.3-16: Assessment of Interaction Between Other Projects, Human Activities and Reasonable Foreseeable Projects with Coho Salmon ................................ 6.7-242  Table 6.7.3-17: Assessment of Spatial and Temporal Overlap Between the Project and Other Projects and Human Actions with Coho Salmon ............................... 6.7-242  Table 6.7.3-18: Potential Cumulative Effect by Project Phase on Coho Salmon and Mitigation Measures ........................................................................................... 6.7-244  Table 6.7.3-19: Summary of Residual Cumulative Effects for Coho Salmon .............................. 6.7-245  Table 6.7.4-1:  Summary of Fish Sampling Effort in Stream 76800 and ILP 887 Watersheds in June and July, 2011 ................................................................... 6.7-258  Table 6.7.4-2:  Summary of Known Rainbow Trout Stocking in Killam Lake by the BC MOE .............................................................................................................. 6.7-259  Table 6.7.4-3:  Average Length, Weight, and Condition Factor of Rainbow Trout Captured in Clary Lake and Lake 901 Creek in 2010 ........................................ 6.7-261  Table 6.7.4-4:  Weight-Length Relationship for Rainbow Trout Captured in Clary Lake and Lake 901 in 2010 ......................................................................................... 6.7-261  Table 6.7.4-5:  Average Length, Weight, and Condition Factor at Age for Rainbow Trout Captured in Clary Lake in 2010 ................................................................ 6.7-264  Table 6.7.4-6:  Length and Age of Mature Female and Male Rainbow Trout Captured in the Clary Lake Inlet (910-929800-05800-76800) in Spring 2010 ................... 6.7-264  Table 6.7.4-7:  Metal Concentrations in Rainbow Trout Muscle Tissue from Clary Lake .......... 6.7-267  Table 6.7.4-8:  Summary of Fish Captured in Lake 901 Inlets in Summer, 2010....................... 6.7-268  Table 6.7.4-9  Summary of Fish Captured in Stream 76800 and ILP 887 Watersheds in June and July, 2011 ........................................................................................ 6.7-269  Table 6.7.4-10: Historical Land Use Activities in Biophysical Cumulative Effects Assessment Study Area ..................................................................................... 6.7-275  Table 6.7.4-11: Present Land Use Activities in Biophysical Cumulative Effects Assessment Study Area ..................................................................................... 6.7-276  Table 6.7.4-12: Reasonably Foreseeable Projects in Biophysical Cumulative Effects Assessment Study Area ..................................................................................... 6.7-277  Table 6.7.4-13  Assessment of Linkages Between Other Projects, Human Activities and Reasonable Foreseeable Projects with Rainbow Trout .............................. 6.7-278  Table 6.7.4-14: Potential Direct Project Effects on Rainbow trout .............................................. 6.7-280  Table 6.7.4-15  Potential Indirect Project Effects on Rainbow Trout ........................................... 6.7-283  Table 6.7.4-16: Potential Combined Project Effects by Project Phase on Rainbow Trout .......... 6.7-286  Table 6.7.4-17: Potential Indirect Project Effects on Other Valued Components ........................ 6.7-288  Table 6.7.4-18: Summary of Potential Interaction Between Project Effects on Rainbow Trout and Other Valued Components ................................................................ 6.7-290  Table 6.7.4-19: Summary of Potential Project Effects to be Carried Forward Into the Assessment for Rainbow trout ........................................................................... 6.7-291  Table 6.7.4-20: Potential Project Effects on Rainbow Trout and Mitigation Measures ............... 6.7-293  Table 6.7.4-21: Upstream Watershed Areas at the Lake 901 Outlet and the Clary Lake Outlet During Pre-Mine and Construction, Operation, and Closure / Post-Closure Phases of the Project ................................................................... 6.7-307  Version 1.0 VE51988 – Section 6.7 December 2011 TOC 6.7-vii KITSAULT MINE PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FRESHWATER AQUATIC RESOURCES Table 6.7.4-22: Predicted Average Monthly Flow Reductions in Lake 901 Due to Construction of the Northeast Embankment of the Tailings Management Facility ................................................................................................................. 6.7-308  Table 6.7.4-23: Predicted Average Lake Level Change in Clary Lake From Baseline, by Depth and by Percentage, during Construction, Operations, and Closure / Post-Closure Phases of the Project ................................................................... 6.7-311  Table 6.7.4-24  Percentage Change in Average Monthly and Average Annual Flows at Different Locations in the Clary Creek Watershed During Construction, Operations, Closure, and Post-Closure Phases ................................................ 6.7-314  Table 6.7.4-25: Summary of Provincial and Federal Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Life in Lake 901 and Clary Lake ................... 6.7-316  Table 6.7.4-26: Summary of Predicted Exceedences of Provincial and Federal Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Life in Lake 901 ............................................................................................................. 6.7-319  Table 6.7.4-27: Summary of Predicted Exceedences of Provincial and Federal Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Life in Clary Lake .......................................................................................................... 6.7-319  Table 6.7.4-28: Summary of Habitat, by Reach and Tributary, in the Stream 76800 Watershed .......................................................................................................... 6.7-323  Table 6.7.4-29: Summary of Habitat, by Reach and Tributary, in the ILP 887 Watershed ......... 6.7-325  Table 6.7.4-30: Summary of Habitat Area, by Habitat Type, in the Two Lake 901 Inlet Tributaries Affected by the Construction and Operation of the Tailings Management Facility .......................................................................................... 6.7-325  Table 6.7.4-31: Predicted Percent Change in Littoral Area of Clary Lake from Baseline, during Construction, Operations, and Closure / Post-Closure Phases of the Project ...................................................................................................... 6.7-327  Table 6.7.4-32: Predicted Average Monthly and Annual Flow Reductions in the Lake 493 Outlet Due to Water Diversions to Lake 901 Through the Diversion ................. 6.7-333  Table 6.7.4-33: Habitat Suitability Criteria for Rainbow Trout ..................................................... 6.7-334  Table 6.7.4-34: Predicted Wetted Perimeter, Water Depth, and Water Velocity in the Lake 493 Outlet During May and August during Pre-Mine Baseline Conditions and During Construction / Operations and Closure / Post-Closure Phases of the Project ................................................................... 6.7-336  Table 6.7.4-35: Trigger Ranges for Total Dissolved Phosphorus Concentrations in Freshwater Lakes and Streams in Canada (CCME 2004) ................................. 6.7-351  Table 6.7.4-36: Baseline Trophic Parameter Values for Clary Lake and Lake 901 .................... 6.7-351  Table 6.7.4-37: Trophic State Index Ranges for Freshwater Lakes (from Carlson and Simpson (1996)) ................................................................................................. 6.7-352  Table 6.7.4-38: Predicted Nitrogen / Phosphorus Ratios for Lake 901 During the Construction, Operations, Closure, and Post-Closure Phases of the Project ................................................................................................................. 6.7-353  Table 6.7.4-39: Trophic State Index (TSI) Values for Lake 901 Based on Predicted Total Nitrogen Concentrations During Construction, Operations, Closure, and Post-Closure Phases of the Project .............................................. 6.7-353  Table 6.7.4-40: Summary of Water Quality Predictions .............................................................. 6.7-371  Table 6.7.4-41: Summary of Residual Effects for Rainbow Trout ............................................... 6.7-382  Table 6.7.4-42: Residual Effects Assessment of Loss of Fish Habitat Under and Downstream of the Tailings Management Facility on Rainbow Trout ................ 6.7-383  Table 6.7.4-43: Residual Effects Assessment of Change in Fish Passage at Stream Crossings Along the Kitsault Road on Rainbow Trout ....................................... 6.7-384  Table 6.7.4-44: Residual Effects Assessment of Change in Surface Water Quality Due to Tailings Management Facility Seepage on Rainbow Trout .................... 6.7-387  Table 6.7.4-45: Residual Effects Assessment of Lake Level Changes in Clary Lake on Rainbow Trout ............................................................................................... 6.7-388  Version 1.0 VE51988 – Section 6.7 December 2011 TOC 6.7-viii KITSAULT MINE PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FRESHWATER AQUATIC RESOURCES Table 6.7.4-46  Residual Effects Assessment of Change in Stream Flows in the Clary Creek Watershed on Rainbow Trout ......................................................... 6.7-389  Table 6.7.4-47  Residual Effects Assessment of Change in Stream Flows in the Clary Creek Watershed on Rainbow Trout ......................................................... 6.7-390  Table 6.7.4-48: Residual Effects Assessment of Change in Benthic Macro- Invertebrates on Rainbow Trout ......................................................................... 6.7-392  Table 6.7.4-49: Project Related Residual Effects - Rationale for Carrying Forward Into the Cumulative Effects Assessment ............................................................ 6.7-394  Table 6.7.4-50: Assessment of Interaction Between Other Projects, Human Activities and Reasonable Foreseeable Projects with Rainbow Trout .............................. 6.7-396  Table 6.7.4-51: BC MOE Regional Fish Tissue Metal Concentration for Rainbow Trout in Pinchi Fault Lakes ................................................................................. 6.7-397  Table 6.7.4-52: Assessment of Spatial and Temporal Overlap Between the Project and Other Projects and Human Actions with Rainbow Trout ............................. 6.7-398  Table 6.7.4-53: Potential Cumulative Effect by Project Phase on Rainbow Trout and Mitigation Measures .................................................................................... 6.7-400  Table 6.7.4-54: Summary of Residual Cumulative Effects for Rainbow Trout ............................ 6.7-401  Table 6.7.4-55: Residual Cumulative Effects Assessment on Rainbow Trout by Project Development Phase ............................................................................... 6.7-402  Table 6.7.5-1:  Sampling Precision, Mean Density, And Community Metrics For Stream BMI Sites Sampled in The Lime Creek Watershed In 2009 .................. 6.7-413  Table 6.7.5-2:  Sampling Precision, Mean Density, And Mean Community Metrics For Stream BMI Sites Sampled In 2010 ............................................................. 6.7-414  Table 6.7.5-3:  Sampling Precision, Mean Density, And Community Metrics For Lake BMI Sites Sampled In 2009 And 2010....................................................... 6.7-415  Table 6.7.5-4:  Historical Land Use Activities in Biophysical Cumulative Effects Assessment Study Area ..................................................................................... 6.7-418  Table 6.7.5-5:  Present Land Use Activities in Biophysical Cumulative Effects Assessment Study Area ..................................................................................... 6.7-419  Table 6.7.5-6:  Reasonably Foreseeable Projects in Biophysical Cumulative Effects Assessment Study Area ......................................................................... 6.7-419  Table 6.7.5-7:  Assessment of Linkages Between Other Projects, Human Activities and Reasonable Foreseeable Projects With Benthic Macro-Invertebrates ....... 6.7-420  Table 6.7.5-8:  Potential Direct Project Effects on Benthic Macro-Invertebrates ....................... 6.7-421  Table 6.7.5-9:  Potential Indirect Project Effects on Benthic Macro-Invertebrates ..................... 6.7-423  Table 6.7.5-10: Potential Combined Project Effects by Project Phase on Benthic Macro-Invertebrates ........................................................................................... 6.7-426  Table 6.7.5-11: Potential Indirect Project Effects on Other Valued Components ........................ 6.7-428  Table 6.7.5-12: Summary of Potential Interaction Between Project Effects on Benthic Macro-Invertebrates and Other Valued Components ........................................ 6.7-430  Table 6.7.5-13: Summary of Potential Project Effects to be Carried Forward Into the Assessment for Benthic Macro-Invertebrates .................................................... 6.7-432  Table 6.7.5-14: Potential Project Effects by Project Phase on Benthic Macro- Invertebrates and Mitigation Measures .............................................................. 6.7-433  Table 6.7.5-15: Summary of Provincial and Federal Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Life in lower Lime Creek Watershed .......................................................................................................... 6.7-442  Table 6.7.5-16: Summary of Predicted Exceedances of Provincial and Federal Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Life in Lower Lime Creek .................................................................................... 6.7-445  Table 6.7.5-17: Summary of Predicted Exceedances of Provincial and Federal Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Life in Lake 901 in the Clary Creek watershed................................................... 6.7-446  Version 1.0 VE51988 – Section 6.7 December 2011 TOC 6.7-ix