noront resources ltd. eagle’s nest...

NORONT RESOURCES LTD.

EAGLE’S NEST PROJECT

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ASSESSMENT i of iii NB102-390/1-35 Rev A December 20, 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................ I

TABLE OF CONTENTS ......................................................................................................................... i

1 – INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 PROJECT OVERVIEW ......................................................................................................... 1 1.2 PROJECT COMPONENTS .................................................................................................. 3

1.2.4 Project Schedule and Phases .................................................................................. 4

2 – APPROACH .................................................................................................................................... 8 2.1 GENERAL ............................................................................................................................. 8 2.2 APPLICABLE GUIDANCE .................................................................................................... 8 2.3 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................ 8

2.3.1 Assessment framework ............................................................................................ 8 2.3.2 Identification of other Actions That May Affect the Same VEC ............................... 9 2.3.3 Interaction with other Projects and Activities ......................................................... 11

3 – SCOPE 13 3.1 IDENTIFIED VECS ............................................................................................................. 13 3.2 SPATIAL BOUNDARIES .................................................................................................... 13 3.3 TEMPORAL BOUNDARIES ............................................................................................... 13 3.4 OTHER PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES OF CONSIDERATION ......................................... 19

3.6.1 Summary of Cumulative Effects VECS .................................................................. 26

4 – ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS ...................................................................................................... 32

5 – SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................ 35

6 – REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................. 36

7 – CERTIFICATION ........................................................................................................................... 37



CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ASSESSMENT ii of iii NB102-390/1-35 Rev A December 20, 2013

TABLES

Table 2.1 Example Cumulative Effects Interaction Matrix ............................................................ 12 Table 3.1 Summary of Residual Effects ....................................................................................... 14 Table 3.2 Summary of Other Projects and Activities .................................................................... 21 Table 3.3 Interactions Matrix ........................................................................................................ 25 Table 3.4 Potential Cumulative Effects ........................................................................................ 27

FIGURES

Figure 1.1 Location of Project Activities .......................................................................................... 2 Figure 1.2 Mine Site Development Area .......................................................................................... 5 Figure 1.3 Transportation Corridor .................................................................................................. 6 Figure 1.4 Trans-Load Facility ......................................................................................................... 7 Figure 2.1 Cumulative Effects Assessment Framework ................................................................ 10 Figure 3.1 Cumulative Effects Study Area ..................................................................................... 18



CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ASSESSMENT iii of iii NB102-390/1-35 Rev A December 20, 2013

ABBREVIATIONS

*** Project ............................................................................................... the Eagle’s Nest project CEA ........................................................................................... Cumulative Effects Assessment CEAA ........................................................................ Canadian Environmental Assessment Act CEA Agency ....................................................... Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency EA ..................................................................................................... environmental assessment EIS ............................................................................................ environmental impact statement FMU ..................................................................................................... Forest Management Unit Noront ...................................................................................................... Noront Resources Ltd. VEC .............................................................................................. valued ecosystem component



CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ASSESSMENT 1 of 37 NB102-390/1-35 Rev A December 20, 2013

1 – INTRODUCTION

This cumulative effects assessment (CEA) has been developed as a stand-alone document to support the environmental impact statement/environment assessment report (EIS/EA report) for Noront Resources Ltd.’s (Noront’s) Eagle’s Nest Project (the Project). The report has been prepared to fulfill the assessment requirements outlined in the Project’s Draft Terms of Reference (Draft ToR) prepared by Noront (Knight Piésold, 2012). This report also addresses the aquatic assessment requirements outlined in the Environmental Impact Statement Guidelines (EIS Guidelines; CEA Agency, 2012) and the Addendum to the EIS Guidelines (CEA Agency, 2013) prepared for the Project by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEA Agency).

1.1 PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Eagle’s Nest Project is a proposed nickel, copper and platinum group deposit in the Ring of Fire region of northern Ontario (52˚ 44’ 29” N latitude and 86˚ 17’ 45” W longitude; Figure 1.1). The Project proponent is Noront, a Canadian mining company focused on mineral development in the Ring of Fire.

Eagle's Nest deposit is a vertically-oriented ore body containing mineable quantities of nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), platinum (Pt), and palladium (Pd). The deposit contains approximately 11.1 million tonnes (Mt) of proven and probable reserves and nearly 9 Mt of inferred resources. The Project involves the construction, operation and closure of a proposed underground mine, processing facility and associated ore transportation and handling infrastructure.

Based on the current Proven and Probable ore reserves, the proposed mine and associated infrastructure will operate for 11 years at an ore production rate of 2,960 tonnes per day (t/d). The processing facilities at the mine will produce a nickel-copper-platinum-palladium concentrate at a rate of 420 t/d. Tailings from the processing will be stored underground as cemented and un-cemented paste backfill. The concentrate will be transported by truck from the mine site to a rail transfer facility (trans-load facility) located near the community of Savant Lake, a distance of approximately 550 km. At the trans-load facility, the ore will be offloaded from the trucks and loaded onto rail cars for shipment to existing smelting/processing facilities located in eastern Canada via the existing Canadian National Railway (CNR). In addition to the 2,960 t/d of ore, the mine will produce 1,349 t/d of aggregate which will be used for mine site road construction and maintenance, as well as other infrastructure.

The Project includes the following components (Figure 1.1):

• A mine site • A transportation corridor • A trans-load facility

O N T A R I O

_̂

_̂

WEENUSKFIRST NATION

WAPEKEKAFIRST NATION

LAC SEULFIRST NATION

CAT LAKEFIRST NATION

PEAWANUKFIRST NATION

WEBEQUIEFIRST NATION

NIBINAMIKFIRST NATION

AROLAND FIRST NATION

MOOSE CREEFIRST NATION

GULL RIVERFIRST NATION

KINGFISHERFIRST NATION

KASABONIKAFIRST NATION

KEY-WAY-WINFIRST NATION

MUSKRAT DAMFIRST NATION WAWAKAPEWIN

FIRST NATION

SLATE FALLSFIRST NATION

GINOOGAMINGFIRST NATION

KASHECHEWANFIRST NATION

FORT ALBANYFIRST NATION

OJIBWAY NATIONOF SAUGEEN

LAKE NIPIGONFIRST NATION

ATTAWAPISKATFIRST NATION

MARTEN FALLSFIRST NATION

BEARSKIN LAKEFIRST NATION

WUNNUMIN LAKEFIRST NATION

SACHIGO LAKE FIRST NATION

CONSTANCE LAKEFIRST NATION

FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION

MISHKEEGOGAMANGFIRST NATION

LONG LAKE #58 FIRST NATION

NORTH CARIBOU LAKEFIRST NATION

KITCHENUHMAYKOOSIBFIRST NATION

EABAMETOONG (FORT HOPE)FIRST NATION

NESKANTAGA (LANSDOWNE HOUSE)FIRST NATION

ENGLISH RIVERFIRST NATION

VICTORDIAMOND MINE

MUSSELWHITEGOLD MINE

Nakina

Hearst

MoosoneeRed Lake

Cochrane

Geraldton

Pickle Lake

Savant Lake

Kapuskasing

Fort Frances

Sioux Lookout

Smooth Rock Falls

-400

249,600

499,600

749,600

999,600

5,500,000

5,750,000

6,000,000

NORONT RESOURCES LTD.EAGLE'S NEST PROJECT

LOCATION OF PROJECT ACTIVITIESP/A NO. REF NO.

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EXISTING ALL-SEASON ROAD

COMMUNITY

WATER

FIRST NATIONS RESERVEPARK

RAILWAY

_̂

PROPOSED ALL-SEASON TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR

MINE SITE AND TRANS-LOAD FACILITY

MINE SITE

TRANS-LOADFACILITY

UVHWY599

UVHWY17

NOTES:1. BASE MAP: © HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHTS OF CANADA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (2009). ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.2. COORDINATE GRID IS IN METRES. COORDINATE SYSTEM: NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 16N.3. PROPOSED ALL-SEASON TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR PROVIDED BY NORONT RESOURCES LTD. (MAY 30, 2013).4. ACTIVE CLAIM BOUNDARIES WERE PROVIDED BY NORONT RESOURCES LTD. (MAY 23, 2013).5. ACTIVE CLAIM BOUNDARIES PROVIDED BY MINISTRY OF NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT AND MINES (AUGUST 2012).

MINING PROJECTOTHER CLAIM AREANORONT RESOURCES LTD. CLAIM AREA

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1.2 PROJECT COMPONENTS

1.2.1 Mine Site

The mine site will consist of the following components (Figure 1.2):

• Underground mine, processing facility, and tailings management and storage • Surface concentrate storage and transfer facilities • Surface supporting infrastructure • Diesel power generation facilities • Fuel storage areas • Waste and water management facilities • Explosives handling and storage facilities • Site roads

Noront has elected to locate several key mine site components underground, including the processing facility and permanent disposal areas for waste rock and tailings. This will minimize the Project’s environmental footprint, as well as reduce the aggregate requirements and the cost associated with establishing surface infrastructure on the poor ground conditions associated with the wetland terrain at the mine site.

1.2.2 Transportation Corridor

Access to the Project site will be developed to transport concentrate to market and to supply the equipment and materials required to build and operate the mine. The transportation corridor will consist of the following (Figure 1.3):

• The construction and operation of a new 106 km winter road connecting the mine site to the existing winter road network south of the First Nation community of Webequie. This road will be used to support mine construction.

• Upgrading of this 106 km winter road to an all-season road for the transport of concentrate, equipment, and consumables to the mine site

• Construction and operation of an all-season road from the new 106 km road to the Pickle Lake North Road (formerly Highway 808) north of Pickle Lake. This road will primarily follow the existing 213 km winter road alignment.

• Use of the existing Pickle Lake North Road and Highway 599 to connect the new all-season road to the proposed trans-load facility located near the community of Savant Lake. This segment of the proposed corridor will be approximately 231 km.

1.2.3 Trans-load Facility

The trans-load facility will be located approximately 5 km east of the community of Savant Lake on the CNR mainline. The facility will utilize a brownfield site that was formerly a rail siding used by the forestry industry. The trans-load facility will consist of the following (Figure 1.4):

• Concentrate handling, storage and transfer facilities • Administration and security buildings • Power transmission lines • Fuel storage areas




• Backup diesel power generation facilities • Equipment storage and maintenance facilities • Waste and water management facilities

1.2.4 Project Schedule and Phases

The Project will comprise the following four phases and approximate timelines:

• Construction (3 years) • Operation (11 years) • Closure (2 years) • Post-closure (a minimum of 5 years)

The currently expected Project life inclusive of the construction, operation, and closure phases is 16 years. This will be followed by a post-closure monitoring phase that is expected to be 5 years, or until mine closure objectives are achieved.

WASTE FACILITYWITH INCINERATOR

PROPOSED AIRSTRIPTO BE BUILT BY OTHERS

PROPOSED ALL-SEASONTRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR

MUKE

TEI RIVER

170

165

160

167.5

172.5

162.5

175

157.5

177.5

180

155

182.5

185

190

175

175

172.5

172.5

180

172.5

175

175

175

175

170

180

175

157.5

175

177.5

172.5

170

175

175

180

175

175

162.5

177.5

175

172.5

175

175

170

175

180

177.5

175

175

175

175

177.5

177.5175

170

177.5

175

175

167.5

172.5

175

175

162.5

175

172.5

175

177.5

175

175

177.5

170

167.5

165

175

175

165

175

175

175

175

175

175

167.5

157.5

177.5

177.5

160

175

175

167.5

177.5

170175

172.5

175

170

175

167.5

175

177.5

175

172.5

175

177.5

175

175

157.5

167.5

177.5

175

165

175

175175

175

175

165

162.5

177.5

175

165

170

167.5

172.5

175

180 175

175

177.5

172.5

170

172.5

160

175

175

177.5

172.5

172.5

175

175

167.5

544,500

546,000

547,500

549,000

5,841,000

5,842,500

5,844,000

5,845,500

5,847,000


MINE SITE DEVELOPMENT AREA

P/A NO. REF NO.

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NOTES:1. BASE MAP PROVIDED BY SNC-LAVALIN GROUP INC. (2010).2. COORDINATE GRID IS IN METRES. COORDINATE SYSTEM: NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 16N.3. CONTOUR INTERVAL IS 2.5 METRES.4. INFRASTRUCTURE INFORMATION AND PROPOSED ALL-SEASON TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR PROVIDED BY NORONT RESOURCES LTD. (MAY 30, 2013). LOCATIONS ARE APPROXIMATE.

WATERWETLAND

PROPOSED INFRASTRUCTURE

PROPOSED ALL-SEASONTRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR

CONTOUR

LAYDOWN AREA

PORTAL

AGGREGATESTOCKPILE AREA

CONSTRUCTION PHASEEXPLOSIVES FACILITY

FUEL STORAGE

ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES

CROWN PILLAR

SEWAGETREATMENT PLANT

SURFACE WATERCOLLECTION PONDCONCENTRATE DRYING

AND LOADING FACILITY

CROWN PILLAREXCAVATION STOCKPILE

CROWN PILLARLAYDOWN AREA

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_̂

_̂

MUSSELWHITEGOLD MINE









NESKANTAGA (LANSDOWNE HOUSE)FIRST NATION

Nakina

Pickle Lake

Savant LakeSioux Lookout

200,000

300,000

400,000

500,000

600,000

5,600,000

5,700,000

5,800,000


TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORP/A NO. REF NO.

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COMMUNITY

WATER

FIRST NATIONS RESERVEPARK

RAILWAY

_̂

PROPOSED ALL-SEASON TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR

PROJECT LOCATION

MINE SITE

TRANS-LOAD FACILITY

UVHWY599

NOTES:1. BASE MAP: © HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHTS OF CANADA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (2009). ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.2. COORDINATE GRID IS IN METRES. COORDINATE SYSTEM: NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 16N.3. PROPOSED ALL-SEASON TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR PROVIDED BY NORONT RESOURCES LTD. (MAY 30, 2013).4. EXISTING WINTER ROAD NETWORK CREATED FROM DATA PROVIDED BY SNC- LAVALIN GROUP INC. (MARCH 24, 2011) AND DATA FROM THE OMNR LIO DATABASE (2009).

MUSSELWHITE MINE

CONCENTRATE HAUL ROUTE

STREAM/RIVER/DRAINAGEEXISTING WINTER ROAD

INITIALLY A NEW WINTER ROADFOLLOWED BY AN ALL-SEASON ROAD

(106 KM)

EXISTING ALL-SEASON ROAD(231 KM)

NEW ALL-SEASON ROADWITHIN EXISTING WINTER

ROAD CORRIDOR(191 KM)

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241,000

241,200

241,400

241,600

5,570,600

5,570,800

5,571,000


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DRAFTHWY 5

99

SAVANT LAKE TRANS-LOADFACILITY

SURFACE WATERCONTAINMENT AREA

TRAILERSPARKING LOT

OFFICETRUCK AND

EQUIPMENT WASH

CONCENTRATE LOAD-OUTAND STORAGE BUILDING

FORESTED AREA

LEGEND:

RIVER/STREAM/DRAINAGEWATER

EXISTING ALL-SEASON ROADRAILWAY

COMMUNITY

PROPOSED HYDRO CORRIDORPROPOSED INFRASTRUCTURE

WETLAND

SURFACE WATER COLLECTION POND

SURFACE WATERCOLLECTION POND

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2 – APPROACH

2.1 GENERAL

This cumulative effects assessment (CEA) identifies the residual effects of the Project and the potential for these residual effects to interact with other projects or activities, which may result in a greater effect to a Valued Ecosystem Component (VEC).

As outlined in the EIS guidelines and the ToR, cumulative environmental effects (or cumulative effects) are factors that need to be considered in the environmental assessment. Cumulative effects resulting from the Project contribute to the Ministers’ overall decision on the Project.

Cumulative effects are defined by the CEA Agency (1999) as “changes to the environment that are caused by an action in combination with other past, present and reasonably foreseeable future human actions”.

The effects assessment for the Project was conducted on a defined list of VECs (Volume 2, Section 6 and 7), which were selected for the Project. As such, the CEA is also focused on determining whether cumulative effects will result from the Project on those VECs.

The Project may cause a cumulative effect on a VEC if the following occur within the same spatial and temporal boundaries, which will be defined in Section 4:

• Residual effects on VECs occur as a result of the Project • Those VECs are affected by other actions (i.e., other projects or activities)

2.2 APPLICABLE GUIDANCE

The CEA has been developed based on the requirements of the EIS guidelines and the ToR, as well as the following guidance materials:

• Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEA, Agency). 1999. Cumulative Effects Assessment Practitioners Guide. Prepared by: The Cumulative Effects Assessment Working Group and AXYS Environmental Consulting Ltd.

• Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEA Agency). 2007. Operational Policy Statement: Addressing Cumulative Environmental Effects under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.

• Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEA Agency). 1994. Reference Guide: Addressing Cumulative Environmental Effects.

2.3 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

2.3.1 Assessment framework

This CEA was conducted based on the following framework presented by the CEA Agency (1999) and illustrated in Figure 2.1:

• Scoping: o Identify regional issues of concern o Identify spatial and temporal boundaries o Identify other actions that may affect the same VECs o Identify potential impacts due to the actions and possible effects




• Analysis of Effects: o Complete the collection of regional baseline data o Assess effects of the Project on selected VECs o Assess the effects of all selected actions on selected VECs

• Identification of mitigation measures

• Evaluation of significance: o Evaluate the significance of residual cumulative effects o Compare results against thresholds or land use objectives or trends

• Follow-up: recommend regional monitoring and effect management

2.3.2 Identification of other Actions That May Affect the Same VEC

For each VEC, the CEA will identify other past, present and reasonably foreseeable projects and human activities that have caused, or may cause, effects and that could interact with the residual effects of the Project on each VEC being assessed.

In general, other actions:

• Are past, present and reasonably foreseeable future projects that have entered into a formal project approval or permitting process

• Have been specified through discussion with regulators, Aboriginal groups and/or other stakeholders

• Possess sufficient project information to inform a CEA

Past actions contribute to baseline conditions. For the purpose of the Project effects assessment, effects from historical projects or activities will be included in the baseline conditions. While effects from current (present) actions may also be influencing baseline conditions, they will be considered in the CEA on a VEC-specific basis, since effects may continue into the future.




Figure 2.1 Cumulative Effects Assessment Framework




The CEA projects and activities inclusion list for one VEC may differ from the inclusion list for another VEC due to different mechanisms of interaction. The following information sources were reviewed or consulted to prepare a preliminary list of projects and activities:

• Government websites (CEAA, MOE, MNR, MNDM) • Discussions with regulators, First Nations, and/or other stakeholders • Professional judgement

Information will be qualitative or quantitative. Where there are numerous actions in the same category that may cause similar types of effects (sector, industry type, etc.), the effects of the actions on the VEC will be assessed collectively (CEA Agency, 1999b). Projects and activities that do not possess sufficient information to inform a CEA will not be carried forward in the assessment. As outlined in the CEA Agency guide (1999b), some or all of the following information may be required to adequately assess an action’s effects:

• Location, physical size and spatial distribution of components • Components (e.g., main plant, access roads, waste disposal site) and supporting infrastructure

(e.g., waste treatment, transmission line) • Expected life or period of activity (including start date) and phasing involved (e.g., exploration,

construction, decommissioning and abandonment) • Variations in seasonal operation (e.g., winter closures) • Number of permanent and temporary employees • Frequency of use (for intermittent activities, e.g., helicopter use) • Transportation routes and mode of transport (e.g., roads, railways, shipping lanes) • Processes used • Approvals received (e.g., permit and license conditions in effect)

The level of detail for each action will differ for the CEA of each VEC (e.g., the CEA for an economic VEC may not require detailed information about project components and infrastructure).

2.3.3 Interaction with other Projects and Activities

A residual effects interaction matrix will be completed to identify potential cumulative effects of the Project and the residual effects of other projects and activities on each VEC carried forward into the CEA. An example of a residual effects interaction matrix for a VEC is shown in Table 3.1. As previously noted, matrices are used to summarize the conclusions made about interactions. A detailed explanation will be provided in the text to outline how the interactions were derived.




Table 2.1 Example Cumulative Effects Interaction Matrix

Other Projects / Residual Effects

Residual Effect 1

Residual Effect 2

Residual Effect 3

Residual Effect 4

Project/Activity 1 Y

Project/Activity 2 Y Y

Project/Activity 3 Y Y

Project/Activity 4 Y

2.3.4 Proposed Mitigation Measures

As noted by the CEA Agency (1999), mitigating a local residual effect as much as possible is the best way to reduce cumulative effects. Mitigation measures applied or recommended for cumulative effects may be considerably different than those applied to Project effects. These additional mitigation measures may require regional stakeholder involvement.

2.3.5 Evaluation of Significance of Residual Cumulative Effect

To assess the significance of cumulative effects will requires an understanding for whether further effects can be sustained by a VEC without irreversible effects (CEA Agency, 1999). Each residual cumulative effect is classified as either significant or not significant based on the available data. The significance of residual cumulative effects is characterized in accordance with the criteria outlined in Volume 2, Section 2 for the assessment of Project residual effects. The characterization of significance of any residual cumulative effects will further consider other factors noted in federal guidance documents, including:

• Exceedance of a threshold or magnitude of change relative to natural background variability • Size of study area • Relative contribution of effects from the Project under review and other projects • Relative rarity of species • Degree of existing disturbance

Professional judgement is required to determine which factors will be considered in the evaluation of significance for cumulative effects. Factors are clearly stated in the methodology so that the assessment is rigorous and objective. Where possible, evaluation of the significance of any residual cumulative effects is discussed in relation to any regional thresholds. These thresholds could include regional planning objectives, or standards and guidelines (e.g., federal drinking water guidelines for human health). Where no defined thresholds exist, professional judgement is relied upon to evaluate the overall significance of a cumulative effect.




3 – SCOPE

3.1 IDENTIFIED VECS

Only those VECs identified as having a residual effect (Volume 2, Section 6 and 7) were carried forward into this CEA. Table 3.1 summarizes the residual effects of the Project on the selected VECs. Where mitigation measures were identified as not being sufficient to eliminate the potential effects, the residual effects were identified.

3.2 SPATIAL BOUNDARIES

A cumulative effects assessment scoping study area was adopted for initial consideration of other projects and activities that could potentially interact with the Project’s residual effects (See Figure 3.1). The scoping study area encompasses all of the Project’s components and associated alternatives:

• Mine site • Transportation corridor • Trans-load facility

3.3 TEMPORAL BOUNDARIES

The temporal boundaries for the assessment are defined based on the timing and duration of the Project activities that could induce effects on the aquatic resources. Long-term effects can be detected in some of the fish species and aquatic resources in the Project area, as they are long-lived. As such, the purpose of a temporal boundary is to identify when an effect may occur in relation to specific Project phases and activities. Effects will be identified with reference to activities occurring in one or more of the Project phases:

• Construction (3 years) • Operation (11 years) • Closure (2 years) • Post-closure (a minimum of 5 years)

The current expected Project life is 16 years, inclusive of the construction, operation, and closure phases.

TABLE 3.1

NORONT RESOURCES LTD. EAGLE’S NEST PROJECT

SUMMARY OF RESIDUAL EFFECTS

VEC LOCATION

(LSA/RSA/COUNTRY)/ (MS, TC, TLF)

PREDICTED DEGREE OF EFFECT AFTER MITIGATION MEASURES

SIGNIFICANCE OF RESIDUAL EFFECT

DIRECTION MAGNITUDE GEOGRAPHIC EXTENT DURATION FREQUENCY REVERSIBILITY CONTEXT PROBABILITY OF

OCCURRENCE

Ambient Air Quality

Ambient air quality effects and dust deposition

MS, TC, TLF Adverse Medium Local Long Term Infrequent Reversible Low Resilience Moderate Not Significant

Climate Change

Climate Change MS, TC, TLF Adverse Low Widespread Long Term Frequent Reversible Low Resilience Low Not Significant

Noise

Increased noise levels from regular activities such as equipment use and power generation

MS, TLF Adverse Medium Local Medium

Term Frequent Reversible

High Resilience

High Not Significant

Surface Water Quantity

Construction and use of roads and infrastructure at the mine site

MS Adverse Medium Local Long Term Frequent Irreversible High Resilience High Not Significant

Construction and use of the all-season road

TC Adverse Medium Local Long Term Frequent Irreversible High Resilience High Not Significant

Groundwater Quantity

Change in groundwater level at mine affecting surface water

MS Adverse Medium Local Medium

Term Frequent Reversible

High Resilience


Fish and Fish Habitat

Increased dust emissions, erosion and sedimentation resulting in fish habitat loss and/or alteration

TC Adverse Low Local Short Term Infrequent Reversible High Resilience High Not Significant

In-stream construction activities resulting in fish habitat loss and/or alteration

TC, MS Adverse Medium Local Short Term Infrequent Reversible High Resilience High Not Significant

14 of 37

TABLE 3.1



VEC LOCATION





OCCURRENCE

Change in habitat productivity resulting in fish habitat loss and/or alteration

TC Adverse Low Local Short Term Infrequent Reversible High Resilience Moderate Not Significant

Riparian habitat loss and alteration at crown pillar resulting in fish habitat loss and/or alteration

MS Adverse Low Local Long Term Frequent Irreversible High Resilience Low Not Significant

Increased dust emissions, erosion and sedimentation resulting in sub-lethal effects to fish

TC Adverse Low Local Short Term Infrequent Reversible High Resilience High Not Significant

Vegetation

Physical loss or alteration MS, TC Adverse Medium Local Long Term Infrequent Reversible High Resilience High Not Significant

Wildlife

Removal of Vegetation for Project Development (Wolverine, Woodland Caribou)

MS, TC Adverse Medium Local Medium Term Infrequent Reversible Low Resilience High Not Significant

Dust Emissions (Degradation) (Wolverine, Woodland Caribou)

MS, TC Adverse Medium Local Medium Term Infrequent Reversible Low Resilience High Not Significant

Predator-Prey Relationship (Carnivores, Moose)

TC Adverse Medium Local Long Term Infrequent Irreversible High

Resilience High Not Significant

Predator-Prey Relationship (Wolverine, Woodland Caribou)

TC Adverse Medium Local Long Term Infrequent Irreversible Low Resilience High Not Significant

Noise and Light (Wolverine, Woodland Caribou)

MS, TC Adverse Medium Local Medium Term Frequent Reversible Low Resilience High Not Significant

Vehicle-wildlife interactions (Carnivores, Moose)

MS, TC Adverse Medium Local Medium Term Infrequent Reversible High


Increased access for harvesting activities (Waterfowl, Furbearers, Moose, Wolverine, Woodland Caribou)

MS, TC Adverse Medium Local Medium Term Infrequent Irreversible High


15 of 37

TABLE 3.1



VEC LOCATION





OCCURRENCE

Community Dynamics

Out-migration Local Adverse Medium Local Medium

Term Infrequent Reversible High High Not Significant

Competition for Skilled Workers Local Adverse Low Local Short Term Infrequent Reversible High High Not Significant

Human Health and Well Being

Substance Abuse Local Adverse Medium Local Medium

Term Infrequent Reversible High High Not Significant

Change in Perception to Substance Abuse

Local Beneficial Medium Regional Long Term Frequent Reversible High High Significant - benefit

Adverse Parenting Change Local Adverse Low Regional Long Term Infrequent Reversible High High Not Significant

Beneficial Parenting Change Local Beneficial Medium Regional Long Term Frequent Irreversible High High Significant benefit

Training, Employment and Income

Employment Local Beneficial High LSA Medium

Term Frequent Reversible High High Significant - beneficial

Educational attainment Local Beneficial High LSA Long Term Frequent Irreversible High High Not significant - beneficial

Change in Income Local Beneficial High Local Medium

Term Frequent Reversible High High Significant beneficial

Local and Regional Economy

Government Revenues LSA/RSA/Country Beneficial Medium Country Medium


16 of 37

TABLE 3.1



VEC LOCATION





OCCURRENCE

Business Opportunities LSA/RSA Beneficial Medium Regional Medium


Cultural Resources

Potential loss or alteration of cultural or spiritual sites

LSA Adverse Low Local Long Term Infrequent Irreversible Low Low Not Significant

Aboriginal Resources and Land Use

Fishing Opportunities LSA Adverse Low Local Short Term Infrequent Reversible High

Resilience Low Not Significant

Hunting Opportunities LSA Adverse Low Local Short Term Infrequent Reversible High


Plant Harvesting Opportunities LSA Adverse Low Local Long Term Frequent Irreversible Low


Travel Routes LSA Adverse Low Local Long Term Frequent Irreversible Low


Navigable Waters

Loss of Navigability LSA Adverse High Local Long Term Infrequent Irreversible Low Resilience Low Not Significant

17 of 37

_̂

_̂

WEENUSKFIRST NATION

WAPEKEKAFIRST NATION

LAC SEULFIRST NATION

CAT LAK EFIRST NATION

PEAWANUKFIRST NATION




MOOSE CREEFIRST NATION

GULL RIVERFIRST NATION

KINGFISHERFIRST NATION

KASABONIKAFIRST NATION

KEY-WAY-WINFIRST NATION

MUSKRAT DAMFIRST NATION

WAWAKAPEWINFIRST NATION


GINOOGAMINGFIRST NATION

KASHECHEWANFIRST NATION

FORT ALBANYFIRST NATION


LAKE NIPIGONFIRST NATION

ATTAWAPISKATFIRST NATION


BEARSKIN LAKEFIRST NATION

WUNNUMIN LAKEFIRST NATION

SACHIGO LAKE F IRST NATION

CONSTANCE LAKEFIRST NATION


LONG LAKE #58 FIRST NATION

NORTH CARIBOU LAKEFIRST NATION

KITCHENUHMAYKOOSIBFIRST NATION


NESKANTAG A (LANSDOWNE HOUSE)FIRST NATION

ENGLISH RIVERFIRST NATION

JASON

POWELL

TB720

MCINTYRE

LAKE-OSURICHELIEUNORTH BAY

MACDONELL

CROWSHORE

KING-DODDS

FOSTER LAKE

GOLDEN HOPE

LINGMAN LAKE

BERENS RIVER

ALBANY RIVER

MCREA-SIMMONS

RICHARDSON LAKE

ANACONDA IRON 1

BERENS RIVER ZONE 3

BUCKSAW'SST. ANTHONYDAWSON-WHITEDAVIDSON CARR

OUILETTE LAKE

SHAWEOGAMA LAKE

EAST OF BUCKSAW'S

WEST COUTURE LAKENORTH COUTURE LAKE

CENTRAL PATRICIA #2PICKLE CROW SHAFT NO.3

MANITOBA

QUEBEC

HUDSON BAY

JAMES BAY

VICTORDIAMOND MINE

VICTOR MINEEXTENSION PROJECT

CLIFFS CHROMITE PROJECTMUSSEL WHITE

GOLD MINE

FRESHWATER RSA

CARIBOU RSF

CUMULATIVE EFFECTSSTUDY AREA

NakinaKenora

Hearst

Moosonee

Red Lake

Geraldton

Pickle Lake

Fort Severn

KapuskasingSmooth Rock Falls

WINISK

SEVERN

EKWAN

ENGLISH

KENOGAMI

UPPER ALBANY

ATTAWAPISKAT

ABITIBI

HAYES

LOWER ALBANY

MOOSE

MISSINAIBI - MATTAGAMI

EASTERN WINNIPEG

UPPER WINNIPEG

CENTRAL HUDSON BAY

HARRICANAW

NIPIGON AND NORTHWESTERN LAKE SUPERIOR

NORTHEASTERN LAKE SUPERIOR

NOTTAWAY

MINE SITE

0 300,000

600,000

900,000

5,700,000

6,000,000


EAGLE'S NEST PROJECT

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS STUDY AREA

P/A NO. REF NO.

REV

NB102-390/1 35

AFIGURE 3.1DATEREV

20DEC'13DESIGNED DRAWN CHK'D APP'D

JSP AS SRA RAMDESCRIPTION

ISSUED WITH REPORTA

SAV

ED

: I:\1

\02\

0039

0\01

\A\G

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A44

9_rA

.mxd

; Dec

20,

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3 11

:20

PM

; asi

mps

on

ò" >N

LEGEND:

CARIBOU FOREST MANAGEMENT UNIT

0 50 100 150 200 250 30025 km

SCALE

NOTES:1. BASE MAP: © HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHTS OF CANADA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (2009). ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.2. COORDINATE GRID IS IN METRES. COORDINATE SYSTEM: NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 16N.3. PROPOSED ALL-SEASON TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR PROVIDED BY NORONT RESOURCES LTD. (MAY 30, 2013). 4. MAJOR WATERSHED DATA PROVIDED BY: NATURAL RESOURCES CANADA.5. BASE MAP IMAGERY PROVIDED BY ESRI GIS ONLINE(HTTP://WWW.ARCGIS.COM).6. NEW TRANSMISSION LINE TO PICKLE LAKE OBTAINED FROM GOLDER ASSOCIATES FIGURE MAY 3, 2013.7. FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING AREA OBTAINED FROM MNR, APRIL 2013.

COMMUNITY

MINE SITE AND TRANS-LOAD FACILITY

!(

PROPOSED ALL-SEASON TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORATLANTIC OCEAN - HUDSON BAY DRAINAGE DIVIDEMAJOR WATERSHED DIVIDE

ONTARIO

_̂MINE DEVELOPMENT

PROVINCIAL BORDER


DRAFT

RING OF FIRE CLAIM AREANEW TRANSMISSION LINE TO PICKLE LAKE PROJECT

CUMMULATIVE EFFECTS STUDY AREA

CARIBOU RSA

FRESHWATER RSA

ENGLISH RIVER FOREST MANAGEMENT UNIT

MINERAL CLAIMS HELD BY OTHERS

MID CANADA LINE RADAR STATIONS

ABANDONED MINE LOCATION

18 of 37




The starting point for defining study areas was the delineation of the physical extent of the Project’s activities. Spatial boundaries for the effects assessment were determined individually for each VEC based on the following considerations:

• The anticipated zone of influence of project effects • Traditional and local knowledge • Current and proposed land use by Aboriginal groups • Ecological, socio-economic and cultural considerations

Regional study areas (RSAs) and local study areas (LSAs) have been identified by VEC or VEC groupings. The LSA and RSA boundaries for each VEC are described within the respective impact assessments in Sections 6, 7 and 8.

The temporal boundaries for the assessment are defined based on the timing and duration of Project activities that could induce environmental, economic, social, heritage and health effects. The purpose of a temporal boundary is to identify when an effect may occur in relation to specific Project phases and activities. Effects will be identified with reference to activities occurring in one or more of the Project phases:

• Construction (3 years) • Operation (11 years) • Closure (2 years) • Post-closure (approximately 5 years)

The current expected Project life is 16 years, inclusive of the construction, operation, and closure phases. If any or all of the existing inferred resources (approximately 9 Mt) can be converted to proven or probable reserves the mine life will increase appropriately. This will be followed by a post-closure monitoring phase that is expected to be approximately 5 years, during which it will be confirmed that mine closure objectives have been achieved.

3.4 OTHER PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES OF CONSIDERATION

Other projects were identified as being certain, reasonably foreseeable or hypothetical based on the following definitions (CEEA, 1999):

• Certain - Either the project or activity exists already or there is a high probability that it will proceed. This includes past and ongoing projects and activities as evidenced by existing disturbance areas and facilities, current land use tenures and activities, and documented land use.

• Reasonably foreseeable - There is some uncertainty about whether the action or project may proceed.

• Hypothetical - There is considerable uncertainty whether the action will ever proceed. There is not enough information available to determine otherwise.

As indicated in Section 2.3.2 and recommended in CEAA (1999), only past, present and reasonably foreseeable future projects and activities are considered. Projects and activities located within the CEA scoping area are shown on Figure 3.1. Hypothetical projects are identified in Table 4.2 but will not be carried forward into the effects assessment.




Obtaining sufficient data for meaningful analysis is a challenge in evaluating the interactions of reasonably foreseeable projects and activities, since reasonably foreseeable projects and activities are sometimes only conceptual without formalized development plans. Potential effects of some projects may not able to be accurately determined.

Projects and activities that were considered within the CEA include:

• Mineral exploration activities within the study area • Operating mines • Proposed mines • Closed/Abandoned Mines • Induced mining projects • Hydroelectric facilities • Infrastructure development • Air Transport • Forestry • Communities • Mid Canada Line Decommissioning • Induced road developments • Traditional and recreational hunting, fishing and foraging • Tourism and commercial recreational activities

Table 4.2 provides a summary of the projects and activities that were considered in the CEA. The location of these activities/projects is shown on Figure 3.1. Where there was a high degree of confidence that the other project or activity would not interact with any residual effects of the Project, it was removed from further consideration. These projects and activities were identified through desktop research and discussions with governments and stakeholders.




Table 3.2 Summary of Other Projects and Activities

Project/Activity Project Status/Evidence

Certain Project/Activities

Musselwhite Mine Operating

Victor Mine Operating

Mining and Mineral Exploration Activities

Current mineral claim maps

Abandoned Mines Abandoned with remaining mine related hazards

Mid Canada Line Radar Station Decommissioning

Decommissioning commenced in 2011 by Ministry of Natural Resources

Traditional and Recreational Hunting, Fishing and Foraging Activities

Past, present and certain activity (based on current understanding of traditional land use)

Tourism and Commercial Recreational Activities

Past, present and certain activity

Air Transport Past, present and certain activity

Forestry activity in the Caribou Forest Management Unit

Approved harvest plan 2008 to 2018 and Phase II Term Plan scheduled for implementation in 2016

Forestry activity in the English River Forest Management Unit

Approved harvest plan 2009 to 2019 and Phase II Term Plan scheduled for implementation in 2014

Reasonably Foreseeable Projects/Activities

Victor Mine Extension Project

Notice of commencement of an Environmental Assessment, June 4, 2013

Marten Falls Logistics Airstrip Class EA approval - the airstrip will be constructed to support regional mining development. Not expected to move forward until EA approval is received and plans for construction are underway for a mining project in the Ring-of-Fire




3.5 PROJECTS/ACTIVITIES TO BE ASSESSED

3.5.1 Description of Certain Projects/Activities • Musselwhite Mine - The Musselwhite Mine is a fly-in/fly-out gold mine located on Opapamiskan

Lake approximately 130 km north of Pickle Lake. The mine is accessible via the Pickle Lake North Road and air. The underground gold mine has an estimated mine life of 13 years based

Project/Activity Project Status/Evidence

The New Transmission Line to Pickle Lake Project

Terms of Reference submitted May 3, 2013

Hypothetical Projects/Activities

Electrical transmission line to Ring of Fire

Induced Project - a First Nations consortium has announced intent to pursue this project, which is dependent on the New Transmission Line to Pickle Lake Project.

Transmission Line Development into First Nation Communities

Induced Project - a First Nations consortium has announced intent to pursue this project

Induced Mining Projects Development of a mine including an all-season road, given the mineral potential of the Ring of Fire, is expected to support additional mineral exploration and induce further mine development.

Cliffs Chromite Project.1

Notice of Commencement of an Environmental Assessment, June 28, 2012. (EA suspended indefinitely).

Noront’s development of other identified mineral deposits

Induced Project - if the currently proposed Project is developed, there is a possibility that other identified deposits could be developed.

Induced Road Development into First Nation Communities

Induced project - if an east-west road was built into the Ring of Fire there is a possibility that spur roads would be constructed into the local First Nation communities

Induced Road Development into Mining and Mineral Exploration Projects

Induced Project - road development would support the induced mineral exploration and mine development

Hydroelectric Projects (Attawapiskat and Winisk Rivers)

Development of the hydro potential on the Northern Rivers has been identified in the Ontario Power Authority’s long term power plan. A regulatory filing or feasibility study has not been completed.




on the current production rate and gold reserves. Musselwhite mine uses the Pickle Lake North Road to transport equipment and supplies to the mine site (Goldcorp, 2013).

• Victor Mine - The Victor Mine is a fly-in/fly-out diamond mine located on the Attawapiskat River approximately 160 km downstream from the Eagle’s Nest Project. Construction of the open pit mine and ancillary infrastructure began in 2006; the mine went into commercial production in 2008. The estimated mine life is 10+ years based on the estimated reserves and production rate. (De Beers, 2013)

• Mining and Mineral Exploration Activities - Since the original discovery of the Ring of Fire region there have been over 30,000 claims staked by approximately 35 companies. Prospecting and exploration activities are often intermittent and unpredictable. Claims may be visited one year and then not again for several years. The active claims are illustrated on Figure 3.1. Exploration in this region by Noront, as well as others, has taken place and can be expected to continue into the future.

• Abandoned Mines – There are many abandoned mine properties located within the CEA study area. The abandoned mine sites all have mine related hazards remaining. The hazards are either related to physical or chemical instabilities. The closest abandoned mines to the Project include the Albany River, Crowshore, Central Patricia and Central Patricia #2, as well as the Pickle Crow Gold Mine, which are all located off of Hwy. 599.

• Mid Canada Line Decommissioning - The Mid Canada Line was a series of early detection radars that ran along the 55th parallel and have now been abandoned. The Winisk Site was situated within the RCAF Winisk military base within the community of Winisk. The community relocated upstream after a major flood and is now referred to as Peawanuk (Weenusk). Clean up of the abandoned site began in 2011. Contaminates of concern included asbestos and PCBs, among others.

• Traditional and Recreational Hunting, Fishing and Foraging Activities - Communities have a terrestrial footprint and represent a human presence in the region. Additionally, on-going traditional sustenance and recreational (sport) hunting, fishing and foraging activities occur in the terrestrial and aquatic environments, concentrated mainly concentric to the communities, but also extending outward hundreds of kilometres, primarily targeting game species.

• Tourism and Commercial Recreational Activities - Tourism and commercial recreational activities in the region include the following: o Fishing and hunting are the main commercial recreational activities in the region. Fly-in

fishing camps are scattered throughout the Attawapiskat and Winisk watersheds. Tourism activity is generally limited to the summer and fall months.

o Adventure tourism: travelling the Attawapiskat, Winisk and Ekwan Rivers during the summer months. Canoeists and rafters use the provincial parks to experience what Ontario’s Far North has to offer.




• Air Transport – Air transport is the lifeline of the local First Nation communities and regular scheduled flights transport people, perishable items and other goods. Fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters are used for access and exploration of resource projects in the region. Most active mines and exploration projects in the area use fixed-wing aircraft to transport shift workers. At present, exploration activities rely heavily on helicopters due to the lack of an all-season road or an all-season airstrip. Development of the Project would likely reduce the region`s reliance on helicopters. o First Nations also rely on fixed wing aircraft to bring them to and from hunting grounds. o Commercial tourist outfits rely on fixed wing aircraft to transport guests to and from the

fishing and hunting camps. • Marten Falls Logistics Airstrip – Marten Falls Logistics submitted an application to the MNR in

2011 for the construction of a 3,000 m airstrip and ancillary infrastructure. The proposed airstrip is located on the east bank of the Muketei River adjacent to Noront’s Eagle’s Nest Project and Cliffs’ proposed Chromite Project. The proposed airstrip will service regional mining and mineral exploration companies. Construction of the airstrip will be induced by regional mine construction. The construction of the airstrip was originally proposed to support the development of Noront’s Eagle’s Nest Project and Cliff’s Chromite Project.

• Caribou Forest Management Unit – The east-west transportation corridor passes through the Caribou Forest Management Unit. The forest management plan outlines the activities which will take place within the unit from 2008 to 2018 and the Phase II Term Plan is scheduled for implementation in 2016.

• English River Forest Management Unit – The east-west transportation corridor passes through the English River Forest Management Unit. The forest management plan outlines the activities which will take place within the unit from 2009 to 2019 and the Phase II Term Plan is scheduled for implementation in 2014.

3.5.2 Description of Reasonably Foreseeable Projects/Activities

• Victor Mine Extension Project - The Victor Mine Extension Project is located adjacent to the existing Victor Mine. The extension project will involve the development, operation and closure of a satellite open pit, which will extend the life of the Victor Mine. The open pit will have a surface area of approximately 36 ha and will be mined at a rate of 3 million tonnes per year, with an estimated mine life of 7 years (De Beers, 2013).

• The New Transmission Line to Pickle Lake Project - Wataynikaneyap Power is proposing the development of a 230 kV alternating current transmission line from Dinorwic to Pickle Lake. The 300 km transmission line would be constructed in a 40 m wide new right-of-way alignment, within a 2 km wide corridor (Wataynikaneyap Power, 2013). The project is being developed in support of Ontario’s Long Term Energy Plan (Government of Ontario, 2010). The transmission line will improve the existing power supply in the Pickle Lake region and potentially allow for future connects to remote First Nation communities.

3.6 INTERACTION ASSESSMENT

A summary of the potential interactions between the VECs identified and the other projects and activities are summarized in Table 4.3.

TABLE 3.3


INTERACTIONS MATRIX

VEC

MU

SSEL

WH

ITE

MIN

E

VIC

TOR

MIN

E

MIN

ING

AN

D M

INER

AL

EXPL

OR

ATI

ON

A

CTI

VITI

ES

AB

AN

DO

NED

MIN

ES

MID

CA

NA

DA

LIN

E R

AD

AR

STA

TIO

N

DEC

OM

MIS

SIO

NIN

G

TRA

DIT

ION

AL

AN

D

REC

REA

TIO

NA

L H

UN

TIN

G, F

ISH

ING

AN

D

FOR

AG

ING

AC

TIVI

TIES

TOU

RIS

M A

ND

C

OM

MER

CIA

L R

ECR

EATI

ON

AL

AC

TIVI

TIES

AIR

TR

AN

SPO

RT

FOR

ESTR

Y A

CTI

VITY

C

AR

IBO

U F

MU

FOR

ESTR

Y A

CTI

VITY

EN

GLI

SH R

IVER

FM

U

VIC

TOR

MIN

E EX

TEN

SIO

N P

RO

JEC

T

MA

RTE

N F

ALL

S LO

GIS

TIC

S A

IRST

RIP

NEW

TR

AN

SMIS

SIO

N

LIN

E TO

PIC

KLE

LA

KE

PRO

JEC

T

Ambient Air Quality

Ambient air quality effects and dust deposition YES NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

Climate Change

Climate Change YES YES YES NO NO NO NO YES YES YES YES YES NO

Noise

Increased noise levels from regular activities such as equipment use and power generation NO NO NO NO NO NO NO YES NO NO NO YES NO

Surface Water Quantity

Construction and use of roads and infrastructure at the mine site NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

Construction and use of the all-season road NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

Groundwater Quantity

Change in groundwater level at mine affecting surface water NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

Fish and Fish Habitat

Increased dust emissions, erosion and sedimentation resulting in fish habitat loss and/or alteration NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

In-stream construction activities resulting in fish habitat loss and/or alteration NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

Change in habitat productivity resulting in fish habitat loss and/or alteration NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

Riparian habitat loss and alteration at crown pillar resulting in fish habitat loss and/or alteration NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

Increased dust emissions, erosion and sedimentation resulting in sub-lethal effects to fish NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

Vegetation

Physical loss or alteration YES YES YES NO NO NO NO NO NO NO YES YES NO

Wildlife

Removal of Vegetation for Project Development (Wolverine, Woodland Caribou) YES YES YES NO NO NO NO NO YES NO YES YES YES


YES NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO YES NO

Predator-Prey Relationship (Carnivores, Moose)

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

Predator-Prey Relationship (Wolverine, Woodland Caribou)

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO


YES YES YES NO YES YES YES NO YES YES YES YES NO


YES NO YES NO NO YES YES NO YES YES NO NO NO


YES YES NO NO NO YES YES NO YES YES YES NO NO

25 of 37

TABLE 3.3


INTERACTIONS MATRIX

VEC

MU

SSEL

WH

ITE

MIN

E

VIC

TOR

MIN

E

MIN

ING

AN

D M

INER

AL

EXPL

OR

ATI

ON

A

CTI

VITI

ES

AB

AN

DO

NED

MIN

ES

MID

CA

NA

DA

LIN

E R

AD

AR

STA

TIO

N

DEC

OM

MIS

SIO

NIN

G

TRA

DIT

ION

AL

AN

D

REC

REA

TIO

NA

L H

UN

TIN

G, F

ISH

ING

AN

D

FOR

AG

ING

AC

TIVI

TIES

TOU

RIS

M A

ND

C

OM

MER

CIA

L R

ECR

EATI

ON

AL

AC

TIVI

TIES

AIR

TR

AN

SPO

RT

FOR

ESTR

Y A

CTI

VITY

C

AR

IBO

U F

MU

FOR

ESTR

Y A

CTI

VITY

EN

GLI

SH R

IVER

FM

U

VIC

TOR

MIN

E EX

TEN

SIO

N P

RO

JEC

T

MA

RTE

N F

ALL

S LO

GIS

TIC

S A

IRST

RIP

NEW

TR

AN

SMIS

SIO

N

LIN

E TO

PIC

KLE

LA

KE

PRO

JEC

T

Community Dynamics

Out-migration NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

Competition for Skilled Workers YES YES YES NO NO NO NO NO YES YES YES NO YES

Human Health and Well Being

Substance Abuse YES YES YES NO NO NO NO NO YES YES YES NO NO

Change in Perception to Substance Abuse YES YES YES NO NO NO NO NO YES YES YES NO NO

Adverse Parenting Change YES YES YES NO NO NO NO NO YES YES YES NO NO

Beneficial Parenting Change YES YES YES NO NO NO NO NO YES YES YES NO NO

Training, Employment and Income

Employment YES YES YES NO YES NO YES NO YES YES YES YES YES

Educational attainment YES YES YES NO YES NO YES NO YES YES YES YES YES

Change in Income YES YES YES NO YES NO YES NO YES YES YES YES YES

Local and Regional Economy

Government Revenues YES YES YES NO YES NO YES NO YES YES YES YES YES

Business Opportunities YES YES YES NO YES NO YES NO YES YES YES YES YES

Cultural Resources

Potential loss or alteration of cultural or spiritual sites NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

Aboriginal Resources and Land Use

Fishing Opportunities YES NO NO NO NO YES YES NO YES YES NO NO NO

Hunting Opportunities YES NO NO NO NO YES YES NO YES YES NO NO NO

Plant Harvesting Opportunities YES NO NO NO NO YES YES NO YES YES NO NO NO

Travel Routes NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

Navigable Waters

Loss of Navigability NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

NOTES:

1. YES IS USED TO INDICATE WHERE A RESIDUAL EFFECT OF THE NORONT PROJECT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO OVERLAP SPATIALLY AND TEMPORAL WITH AN ASSUMED RESIDUAL EFFECTS OF OTHER PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES.

26 of 37




3.6.1 Summary of Cumulative Effects VECS

Residual effects that interacted both spatially and temporally with other projects and activities have been carried forward into the CEA as potential cumulative effects and are summarized with potential mitigation measures in Table 3.4.

Table 3.4 Potential Cumulative Effects

Noront Project Residual Effect Project or Activity Mitigation Measures

Ambient Air Quality Effects and Dust Deposition • Musselwhite

• Mitigation measures outlined in Section 6.1 of the EIS/EA Report will be applied

Climate Change

• Musselwhite Mine • Victor Mine • Mining and Mineral Exploration • Air transportation • Forestry (Caribou and English

River FMU) • Victor Mine Extension • Marten falls Logistics Airstrip

• Mitigation strategies outlined in Section 6.2 of the EIS/EA Report will be applied to reduce GHG emissions

• Progressive reclamation will replace lost boreal forest vegetation

Increased Noise Levels (Equipment Use and Generators)

• Air Transportation • Marten falls Logistics Airstrip

• Mitigation measures outlined in Section 6.4 of the EIS/EA Report will be applied to reduce noise emission

Physical Loss or alteration of Vegetation

• Musselwhite Mine • Victor Mine • Mining and Mineral Exploration • Victor Mine Extension • Marten falls Logistics Airstrip

• Mitigation measures outlined in Section 6.7 will be applied to reduce the loss or alteration of vegetation


• Musselwhite Mine • Victor Mine • Mining and Mineral Exploration • Forestry (Caribou and English

River FMU) • Victor Mine Extension • Marten falls Logistics Airstrip • New transmission line to Pickle

Lake Project

• Mitigation measures outlined in Section 6.7 of the EIS/EA Report will be applied to minimize the removal of vegetation during Project Development


• Musselwhite Mine • Marten falls Logistics Airstrip

• Mitigation measures outlined in Section 6.1 of the EIS/EA Report will be applied to reduce dust emissions






• Musselwhite Mine • Victor Mine • Mining and Mineral Exploration • Mid-Canada Line Radar Station

Decommissioning • Traditional, recreational, tourism,

hunting, fishing and foraging • Tourism and commercial

recreational activities • Forestry (Caribou and English

River FMU)

• Mitigation measures outlined in Section 6.3 of the EIS/EA Report will be applied to reduce noise and light emission.


• Musselwhite Mine • Mining and Mineral Exploration • Traditional, recreational, tourism,



River FMU)

• Mitigation measures outlined in Section 6.8 of the EIS/EA Report will be applied to minimize the vehicle-wildlife interactions


• Musselwhite Mine • Victor Mine • Traditional, recreational, tourism,



River FMU)

• Mitigation measures outlined in Section 6.8 of the EIS/EA Report will be applied to minimize the effect of increased access for harvesting activities

Competition for Skilled Workers


River FMU) • Victor Mine Extension • New transmission line to Pickle

Lake Project

• Mitigation measures outlined in Section 7.2 of the EIS/EA Report will be applied to minimize the effect of competition for skilled workers

Substance Abuse


River FMU) • Victor Mine Extension

• Mitigation measures outlined in Section 7.3 of the EIS/EA Report will be applied to minimize the effect of substance abuse








• Mitigation measures outlined in Section 7.3 of the EIS/EA Report will be applied to maximize the effect of changing perception to substance abuse

Adverse Parenting Change



• Mitigation measures outlined in Section 7.3 of the EIS/EA Report will be applied to minimize the effect of adverse changes to parenting

Beneficial Parenting Change



• Mitigation measures outlined in Section 7.3 of the EIS/EA Report will be applied to maximize the effect of beneficial changes to parenting

Employment


Decommissioning • Forestry (Caribou and English


Lake Project •

• Mitigation measures outlined in Section 7.5 of the EIS/EA Report will be applied to maximize the effect of increased employment

Educational attainment




Lake Project

• Mitigation measures outlined in Section 7.5 of the EIS/EA Report will be applied to maximize the effect of increased educational attainment





Change in Income




Lake Project

• Mitigation measures outlined in Section 7.5 of the EIS/EA Report will be applied to maximize the effect of increases to income

Government Revenues




Lake Project

• Mitigation measures outlined in Section 7.6 of the EIS/EA Report will be applied to ensure appropriate government revenues

Business Opportunities




Lake Project

• Mitigation measures outlined in Section 7.6 of the EIS/EA Report will be applied to maximize local business opportunities

Fishing Opportunities

• Musselwhite Mine • Traditional, recreational, tourism,



River FMU)

• Mitigation measures outlined in Section 7.8 and 7.9 of the EIS/EA Report will be applied to minimize adverse impacts to recreational fishing opportunities





Hunting Opportunities




River FMU)

• Mitigation measures outlined in Section 7.8 and 7.9 of the EIS/EA Report will be applied to minimize adverse impacts to recreational hunting opportunities

Plant Harvesting Opportunities




River FMU)

• Mitigation measures outlined in Section 7.8 of the EIS/EA Report will be applied to minimize adverse impacts to plant harvesting opportunities




4 – ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS

The relative significance of residual cumulative effect was evaluated based on a suite of standardized criteria including: magnitude, geographical extent, duration, frequency, reversibility, context and likelihood of occurrence. A rating was assigned and compiled in Table 4.1 to the residual cumulative effects identified in Table 3.4.

Residual Cumulative Effect

Predicted Degree of Effect After Additional Mitigation Measure Significance of Residual Cumulative Effect

Dire

ctio

n

Mag

nitu

de

Geo

grap

hic

Exte

nt

Dur

atio

n

Freq

uenc

y

Rev

ersi

bilit

y

Con

text

Like

lihoo

d/

Prob

abili

ty o

f O

ccur

renc

e

Ambient Air Quality Effects and Dust Deposition

Adverse Low Local Medium Term

Infrequent Reversible Low Resilience

Moderate Not Significant

Climate Change

Adverse Low Widespread Long Term

Frequent Reversible Low Resilience


Increased Noise Levels (Equipment Use and Generators)


Frequent Reversible High Resilience


Physical Loss or alteration of Vegetation

Adverse Low Local Long Term

Infrequent Irreversible Low Resilience
















Infrequent Reversible High

Resilience

Low Not Significant






Dire

ctio

n

Mag

nitu

de

Geo

grap

hic

Exte

nt

Dur

atio

n

Freq

uenc

y

Rev

ersi

bilit

y

Con

text

Like

lihoo

d/

Prob

abili

ty o

f O

ccur

renc

e



Infrequent Irreversible High Resilience

Moderate Not Significant

Competition for Skilled Workers

Adverse Medium

Regional Medium Term

Frequent Reversible High Resilience


Substance Abuse


Infrequent Reversible High Resilience

Low Not Significant


Beneficial High Local Medium Term


Low Beneficial Not Significant

Adverse Parenting Change



Low Not Significant

Beneficial Parenting Change

Beneficial High Local Medium Term


Low Beneficial -Not Significant

Employment Beneficial High Regional Medium

Term Infrequent Reversible High

Resilience High Beneficial Not

Significant

Educational attainment

Beneficial High Regional Medium Term


High Beneficial Not Significant

Change in Income




Government Revenues




Business Opportunities




Fishing Opportunities

Beneficial Low Local Long Term



Hunting Opportunities

Beneficial Low Local Long Term








Dire

ctio

n

Mag

nitu

de

Geo

grap

hic

Exte

nt

Dur

atio

n

Freq

uenc

y

Rev

ersi

bilit

y

Con

text

Like

lihoo

d/

Prob

abili

ty o

f O

ccur

renc

e

Plant Harvesting Opportunities



Low Not Significant




5 – SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

The potential for beneficial cumulative socio-economic effects arising from interactions between the Project and other foreseeable projects is acknowledged. None of the cumulative effects assessed lead to significant effects. However, uncertainty related to thresholds and the direction of future development suggests that monitoring may need to take place. The socio-economic monitoring framework described in Volume 4, Section 2, addresses the need for collaboration in many areas of monitoring.




6 – REFERENCES

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEA, Agency). 1999. Cumulative Effects Assessment Practitioners Guide. Prepared by: The Cumulative Effects Assessment Working Group and AXYS Environmental Consulting Ltd.

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEA Agency). 2007. Operational Policy Statement: Addressing Cumulative Environmental Effects under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEA Agency). 1994. Reference Guide: Addressing Cumulative Environmental Effects.

Cliffs Natural Resources. 2011. Cliffs Chromite Project - Project Description Summary - Update #1. October, 2011.

De Beers Canada. 2013. Victor Mine Extension Project - Project Description. Prepared by AMEC Environment and Infrastructure (AMEC), April.

Goldcorp. 2013. Musselwhite - Overview & Permitting Highlights. Retrieved from: http://www.goldcorp.com/English/Unrivalled-Assets/Mines-and-Projects/Canada-and-US/Operations/Musselwhite/Overview-and-Operating-Highlights/default.aspx Last Accessed November, 2013.

Government of Ontario. 2010. Ontario’s Long Term Energy Plan. Queens Printer for Ontario, 2010.

Wataynikaneyap Power. 2013. Final Terms of Reference for the New Transmission Line to Pickle Lake Project Environmental Assessment. Prepared by Golder Associates, May 2013.




7 – CERTIFICATION

This report was prepared, reviewed and approved by the undersigned.

Prepared:

Jason Plamondon, B.Sc. Project Environmental Scientist

Reviewed:

Richard Cook, P.Geo. Ltd. Senior Environmental Scientist

Approved:

Robert A. Mercer, Ph.D., P.Eng. Managing Principal, North Bay

This report was prepared by Knight Piésold Ltd. for the account of NORONT RESOURCES LTD.. Report content reflects Knight Piésold’s best judgement based on the information available at the time of preparation. Any use a third party makes of this report, or any reliance on or decisions made based on it is the responsibility of such third parties. Knight Piésold Ltd. accepts no responsibility for damages, if any, suffered by any third party as a result of decisions made or actions based on this report. This numbered report is a controlled document. Any reproductions of this report are uncontrolled and might not be the most recent revision.

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