The Angry Beavers

Pembina River Coal CompanyProposed DevelopmentConsultation Performed by:

Jeff Greene (Historical Operations Consultant)Adam Washenfelder (Wildlife Monitoring Specialist)Mark Mcknight (Air and Water Quality Specialist) Sheldon Miller (Botanical Specialist)1

AgendaJeff Greene Background information and screeningHistorical mining operations in AlbertaMark McKnightAbiotic factors to be considered in EIA processInclusion and exclusion listAdam WashenfelderBiotic factors (fauna) to be considered in EIA processInclusion and exclusion listShelly MillerBiotic factors (flora) to be considered in EIA processInclusion and exclusion list2IntroductionBackground informationSurface Coal mineOver 45, 000 tonne annual yield Operating life of 20 to 25 yearsArea= 83.5 km (23km long X 3.5 km wide) Located approximately 50 km east of Jasper National Park, just northwest of Robb, AlbertaSimilar mine also owned and operated by PRC 20km south of proposed development

- The Pembina River Coal Company would like to place an 83.5km2 coal mine west along Jasper National Park, in yellow head county. Because this type of mine falls under Schedule 1 of the Environmental Assessment Regulation 111/93 (Environment, Alberta, 2009), an EIA must be completed. The company already has another mine 20 km south which is running smoothly. A proper EIA was already done for this mine and satisfied the government and local communities. Using information from the previous EIA and newly acquired information for the proposed site, this operation could be set up with minimal disruption to the environment while at the same time provide many opportunities to the local community.

3Proposed Area

Historical Project ReferencesGrande Cache Coal Corporation (GCC)

Located in Grande Cache, AB

Operating since 2004

Environmentally friendly and sustainable operations

Wildlife monitoring programs

Reclamation security

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Gregg River mine (GRM)

Located southwest of Hinton, AB

Operation from 1983-2000

GRM Reclamation largely completed (2000-2004)

Predator species returning

Historical Project References6Abiotic ConsiderationsAcid Mine DrainageSoil Erosion

Team effort between the Pembina River Coal Company and the Angry Beavers Consulting Team:Air PollutionNoise Pollution7

Included Abiotic FactorsAcid Mine DrainageHarmful if it is not properly controlled and treatedCauses deleterious affects on man made structuresCan eliminate drinking water sources if it infiltrates groundwater system.Northern communities could be influenced the most

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Proposed minePRC Mine is located within the Arctic Ocean Drainage Basin regionImages from The Atlas of Canada: Drainage Basins9

Included Abiotic FactorsAcid Mine DrainageAcidic mixture of dissolved metal sulfides in waterCorrosiveCauses deleterious affects on man made structuresCan eliminate drinking water sourcesNorthern regions could be affected from this mine siteSoil ErosionBare soils are vulnerable to abrasive wind Could affect replanting process for future land uses because eroded soils inability to support plant life

10Excluded Abiotic FactorsAir Pollution10Kg of particulates for every tonne of coal extracted if preventative methods are NOT usedModern equipment can decrease air emission by up to 99%

Noise PollutionAffects of noise pollution on employees are minimalLoss of habitat for and reduced reproductive success for animals due to avoidance is not proven

11List of Biotic FactorsVegetationLimber Pine, Mountain Hemlock, White Park Pine, Columbine, Douglas Fir, Engelmann Spruce, Trembling Aspen, Brown Eyed Suzans, Arnica, Paintbrushs, Crocus, Yellow Lady Slipper, Wild Rose, Wild Strawberry, Alpine Fir, Buffaloberry, Crowberry, Gooseberry, and Heather Subalpine Fir

WildlifeGround Squirrel, Hairy Marmot, Porcupine, Beavers, Pika, Deer (white tailed, Mule, Brown tailed), Bear (grizzly, Brown), Wolves, Cougars, Coyotes, Weasels, Mountain goats, Big Horned Sheep, Caribou, Elk, Grey Owl, Great Horned Owl, Lynx, Deer Mouse, Squirrel, Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Osprey, Falcon, Ptarmigan, Grouse, Jays, and Hummingbirds

12Included Biotic FactorsWildlife (fauna)Grizzly BearLatest population study shows it to be 580Estimated 18 for every 1000km (need large range)Dwindling populationsBald EagleFickle lake is an important nesting areaPrefer to nest in low density areasClassified as sensitive species

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Included Biotic FactorsWalleye/Northern PikePopulations are dropping in Fickle Lake Angling has doubled in 10 yearsFish are being caught before they can breedLake and population should be considered a collapsing environmentWoodland CaribouEndangered species by COSEWIC and given the At Risk by SRDLoss of Habitat major reason for thisNoise pollution has effect on their behavior

14Included Biotic FactorsVegetation (flora)Engelmann spruceThe Engelmann spruce makes up the majority of the small amount of old growth forest left in the area, due to previous clear cuts.Douglas FirIs a keystone species of vegetation in regards to the local ecosystem.Douglas Fir will be the species most effected by the mining development.

15Included Biotic FactorsLimber PineSpecies is listed At Risk according to Alberta sustainable resource department.This Species has been experiencing wide spread disease to the white pine blister.Company is committed the preservation of this species.

16Excluded Biotic FactorsWildlife (fauna)-Grey Wolf-Moose-Yellow PerchAll have very strong populations in the area and surrounding areas. All are legally hunted, are not in danger or classified as sensitive.

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Excluded Biotic FactorsVegetation (flora)-Wild RoseOne of the most common types of wild flowers in the area.Very persistent species that can survive in a number of living conditions.No foreseen problems that species will not be able to return to the area.

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Conclusions and Recommendations An EIA will be required according to regulation 111/93 under AEPEAFocus was given to specific area of operations in which the greatest environmental impacts would most likely occur.Gained knowledge from the GRC mine and the GCCC in order to predict environmental impactsConsideration was given to all species found in our report especially top predators.

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