Company Overview

BASELINE STUDIES

Minnow scientists have conducted baseline studies in support of greenfield development, expansions, decommissioning and closure planning. Descriptions of representative projects that were managed by our staff are provided below:

Pipeline Crossing (Minera Alumbrera, Argentina). Baseline conditions were evaluated at the location of various stream crossings of a concentrate pipeline along a 200-km route. Water, sediment, benthic invertebrates and fish were evaluated. The field program was also used as an opportunity to train mine staff in sample collection methods.

Mine Closure (East Kemptville Tin Mine, Yarmouth, NS). The study involved the design and implementation of a field program to characterize the conditions in the downstream environment since closure and included water and sediment chemistry, sediment toxicity, benthic and fish community assessment. The findings of the study were documented in an Environmental Baseline Report and presented to the DFO, Environment Canada, provincial and representatives of a local public monitoring committee.

New Mine (Noranda, Half Mile Lakes, NB). Environmental implications associated with developing a base metal mine site in Northern New Brunswick was evaluated as part of the overall feasibility assessment. A study was undertaken to characterize the baseline condition of the aquatic and terrestrial environments and to assess impacts associated with mine development.

Concentrate Handling Facility (Noranda, Belledune, NB). Water, soils and air were sampled as part of an impact assessment of a proposed concentrate handling facility. The project required presentations in Fredericton to the DOE. An Environmental Impact Report was prepared, the project was approved, and a Certificate of Approval issued.

New Mines (Kinross Gold Corporation, Timmins, ON). The existing water quality monitoring program was modified to improve baseline information for properties that will potentially be developed, thus allowing for greater flexibility in future decision-making.

REGULATORY APPROVALS, PERMITS AND AUTHORIZATIONS

Our knowledge of the rules, the technical issues, and our credibility with regulators benefits clients by minimizing the schedule delays and costs that often accompany regulatory approval processes. Examples of projects managed by Minnow scientists are listed below.

Fisheries Act Authorization (FAA) for Mine Site Decommissioning and Watercourse Diversion (Billiton Base Metals, formerly Rio Algom Limited, Elliot Lake, ON). The mine Decommissioning Plan was conducted under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) with the CNSC (formerly AECB) and DFO as joint responsible authorities. The project involved removal of dams in a 10-lake watercourse diversion system and an FAA was required based on concerns about potential habitat loss. Minnow staff reasoned that system productivity after dam removal would be equal to or greater than prior to dam removal. The process was successfully modified to allow removal of dams over a 10-year period without triggering CEAA for each removal.

C-of-A Amendment for Operating Mine (Agrium Phosphate Mine, Kapuskasing, ON). A study was designed and implemented to assess the effects of mine effluent discharges and associated phosphorus loadings on the Lost River system. The project involved water and sediment sampling, benthic invertebrate community and fish assessments, preparation of an interpretive report, and extensive negotiations with MOE at the district, regional and branch offices.

Environmental Assessment (EA) for Hydroelectric Facility (McGarth Energy, NS). The project included adherence to federal Fisheries Act and Provincial Environmental Assessment (EA) regulatory processes. Consequently, the project involved development and implementation of a comprehensive public consultation and communication program to meet federal and provincial legislative requirements. Hydrology and limnology of an upstream lake were key issues in this project.

C-of-A Amendments at Co-Generation Facility (Tractebels West Windsor Power Plant, ON). The project ranged from the initial Phase I Environmental Site Assessment through to the completion of supporting environmental studies, including regulatory and public consultation activities, overseeing the completion of each respective permit application, conducting the detailed financing and associated due diligence reviews, preparation of C- of-A amendments to reflect modifications during construction and Equipment Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor support.

Fisheries Act Authorization and Compensation for River Diversion (Agrium Phosphate Mine, Kapuskasing, ON). A study was designed and implemented to assess the pre- and post-diversion productive capacity of a 1500 metre section of river to be diverted for an open pit expansion. Productivity was determined through the evaluation of fish and benthic macroinvertebrate communities, aquatic habitat and sediment quality. An interpretive report was submitted to DFO in fulfillment of the FAA.

Studies and Stakeholder Consultation to Support Development of Co-Generation Facility (Tractebel Inc. s proposed facility at a pulp and paper mill in Thunder Bay, ON). The scope of the project included a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment and compilation of an air inventory to meet the air permitting requirements associated with facility development. Additional responsibilities included development and implementation of a comprehensive public consultation program and extensive regulatory agency (i. e., local MOE and OMNR representatives) liaison.

Studies to Secure World Bank Funding (Confidential Mine in South America). An environmental study was completed that showed low dissolved oxygen, not elevated metal concentrations, was responsible for impacts downstream of a South American mining operation. An assimilative capacity model was developed to optimize BOD treatment. Identification and resolution of the cause of observed biological impacts downstream of the site resulted in approval of continued funding.

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS MONITORING (EEM)

Minnow scientists are intimately familiar with the requirements of the federal EEM programs under the Fisheries Act as a result of:

preparing Environment Canadas technical guidance manual for conducting pulp and paper EEMs;

participation in various EEM technical working groups for pulp and paper and mining EEMs;

participation in EEM studies at 25 pulp and paper mills in Cycle 1 and 2;

presenting a summary of 25 First Cycle EEM study results at Ontario and Maritime pulp and paper industry association meetings;

managing EEM studies at numerous pulp and paper mills, including Thunder Bay ON, Dryden ON, Espanola ON, Marathon ON, Sault Ste. Marie ON, Dalhousie NB, and East River NS;

managing a multi-mine, watershed-wide EEM study associated with closed mines in Elliot Lake ON; and designing and managing EEMs at mines in Williams Lake BC, Kapuskasing ON and Argentina South America. We are particularly proud of the quality of our EEM work. Projects managed by Minnow scientists have been well received by our clients and their stakeholders (shareholders and general public). In addition, our contribution to individual EEM projects and our participation in national workshops and seminars has provided us with an excellent reputation with industry and regulators across Canada. Our knowledge of the rules, the technical issues, and our credibility with regulators minimizes the time and effort associated with study design approval. Our study reports are clear, concise and technically sound.

MONITORING DESIGN AND GUIDELINE DEVELOPMENT

The expertise and experience of Minnow scientists are sought by both private sector and government clients to design monitoring programs, develop assessment methods, derive generic and site- specific environmental criteria, and develop technical guidance documents. Past project experiences of our staff are briefly described below.

Streamlining Aquatic Monitoring Requirements (Rio Algom Limited and Denison Mines Limited, Elliot Lake, ON). Monitoring requirements associated with 11 closed uranium mines were substantially modified to reduce the emphasis on water quality monitoring and include biological and sediment monitoring on a five-year cycle. Total annual monitoring costs were reduced by half, with triggers for future reductions as environmental improvements are demonstrated.

Monitoring Program Re-Design (Agrium, Kapuskasing, ON). Monitoring requirements associated with a Fisheries Act Authorization and Certificate of Approval are being harmonized and streamlined to improve overall cost-effectiveness of receiving environment monitoring.

Technical Support related to finalizing the updated Metal Mining Effluent Regulations of the federal Fisheries Act. (Environment Canada, Ottawa, ON).

Technical Guidance Manuals

for conducting EEM studies at Canadian pulp and paper mills according to updated requirements of the federal Fisheries Act (Environment Canada, Ottawa, ON). for controlling toxicity test precision in laboratory toxicity tests using reference toxicants (Environment Canada, Ottawa, ON). Criteria Development

Water Quality Objectives Literature review and data summaries for various organic and inorganic substances (Ontario Ministry of Environment). Canadian Water Quality Guidelines - Literature review and data summaries for various organic substances (Environment Canada). Canadian Sediment Quality Guidelines Preparation of supporting documents for various pesticides and metals (Environment Canada and Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment). Review of International Quality Criteria for Marine and Freshwater Sediments (British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks). Site-Specific Water Quality Guideline for arsenic (Cogema Resources Inc., Saskatchewan).

IMPACT AND RISK ASSESSMENTS

It has become increasingly important for companies to quantify and understand the environmental risks associated with current and future operations. Some of the projects managed by Minnow scientists in the past are described below.

The risks and liabilities associated with a fuel processing plant operating in a dense residential area were evaluated. The project scope included assessment of raw material and finished product transportation practices as well as facility operations.

An impact assessment of an ore concentrate handling facility identified that accumulated ore concentrates in an estuarine harbour were largely in an inert, non-biologically available form using benthic community evaluation, toxicity tests and sequential extraction analyses. Impairment was shown to be minimal and localized indicating that harbour dredging would be unnecessary.

A risk assessment of a landslide in South America involved evaluation of the extent of ecological impacts, identification of probable recovery processes and estimation of the rate of ecological recovery.

A risk assessment associated with a metal concentrate pipeline spill involved evaluation of water and sediment quality, hydrology, benthic invertebrate ecology and resident fisheries.

Assessment of contaminant impacts associated with the proposed Voiseys Bay Nickel mine development in Newfoundland involved spatial and temporal modeling of metal contaminant behaviour and cumulative impacts among valued ecosystem components (VECs). The project was completed in support of a Joint Federal CEAA and Provincial EA panel. Results were well received at hearings and approved by the panel.

SPECIES INVENTORY AND HABITAT EVALUATIONS

Minnow scientists have completed numerous habitat classifications and species inventories as part of Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) studies conducted in marine and freshwater environments in accordance with Fisheries Act requirements. Some examples of projects that were led by our staff include:

Species at Risk and Fish Habitat Screening Assessments (Williams Operating Corporation, Marathon, ON). The project was undertaken to support decision-making regarding potential mine expansion. The project also involved consideration of key stakeholders. A study was subsequently undertaken to collect baseline data that would support acquisition of environmental approvals.

Habitat Assessment Associated with Potential Fisheries Act Authorization (North American Palladium, Thunder Bay, Ontario). Implications of dam realignment were assessed with respect to potential effects on fish habitat, requirements for a Fisheries Act Authorization (FAA), and the potential to trigger an Environmental Assessment under CEAA.

Fisheries Act Authorization for a Sub-Watershed Habitat Restoration (Stanleigh Mine Decommissioning, Rio Algom Limited, Elliot Lake, ON). Approval was sought to remove dams that had been constructed for the management of water during uranium mine operation. An integrated approval respecting all dams was obtained, allowing the client, with the completion of rehabilitation and monitoring, to be free of environmental liability at the site. The project involved planning for dewatering, design and construction of stream channels, and the restoration or augmentation of aquatic and riparian habitat. Ecological recovery of the system is being monitored to confirm the effectiveness of ecological restoration measures.

Impact of a Landslide on Aquatic Habitat (confidential South American mine). Physical and ecological impacts associated with a landslide were assessed by comparing reference habitat and aquatic communities, located in the same river and other, similar rivers, to those in the affected area. Probable recovery processes were identified and rates of recovery were predicted.

SENIOR ADVISORY INPUT With more than 10 years experience apiece, Minnows senior scientists impart to clients the benefit of involvement in studies at multiple industrial facility types, in numerous regulatory jurisdictions, and reflecting a wide range of environment types and conditions. Examples of past projects that highlight the senior, strategic and technical input provided by Minnow scientists are briefly described below.

Contaminant Impact Assessment for Voiseys Bay Nickel Company (Newfoundland). Potential contaminant impact among various valued ecosystem components (VECs) was assessed with respect to construction, operation and decommissioning phases of the proposed development. The project included preparation for CEAA hearings (Panel Review).

Optimization of Remedial Solutions (Noranda Dalhousie, NB and confidential South American Mine). Anticipated costly engineering solutions were re-directed after further investigation of ecological communities identified that environmental impacts were due to factors other than what had been concluded in previous studies conducted at the sites. Once the causes were correctly identified, monitoring and remedial efforts were appropriately directed and significant cost savings were realized.

Streamlining Aquatic Monitoring Programs (Rio Algom Limited, Denison Mines Limited, Agrium Inc., Kinross Gold). Existing monitoring requirements have been harmonized (among regulatory agencies), optimized with respect to key issues and areas/species of concern, and resulted in better understanding of environmental conditions, while usually also reducing the overall cost and effort associated with monitoring.

Review of the Provincial Water Quality Objective for Arsenic (Ontario Mining Association). Strategic and technical advice was provided to the OMA as part of their review of proposed changes to the Provincial Water Quality Objective (Protection of Aquatic Life) for arsenic. The scientific rationale, quality of key data, and potential research needs were evaluated.

Development of EEM Technical Guidance and Participation in Expert Working Groups. The scientists at Minnow were invited (by both industry and government) to contribute to various stages of development of the EEM requirements for the pulp and paper and mining sectors.

COMMUNICATIONS AND TRAINING

Minnow scientists are adept at presenting environmental concepts and information at a level commensurate with the experience and knowledge of the target audience. We have supported clients at conferences, public consultations, regulatory negotiations, and by preparing press releases. Some examples of the past experience of our staff are presented below.

Development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) (Minera Alumbrera, Argentina). A field study conducted in the summer of 1999 was used as a training opportunity so mine environment staff could undertake monitoring in the future. SOPs were developed for each aspect of the program to be used as reference material and to ensure reproducibility and quality.

Preparation of a Quality Assurance Manual (Noranda, Belledune Smelter, NB). A QAM was developed for an environmental sampling program at the smelter. The project involved close collaboration with smelter staff and the incorporation of standard operating procedures developed by the site staff. The final document was provided to the local Department of Environment in fulfillment of a C-of-A condition.

Environmental Awareness Training (Rio Algom Limited). As part of a two-day workshop for Environmental Managers at all international operations, technical leadership was provided in sessions on environmental impact assessment and baseline studies, including effective study design, key methods, potential pitfalls, and case histories.

Preparation of Environmental Newsletters (Avenor, Ottawa, ON). Various types of environmental studies, such as fish surveys, benthic community assessments, and evaluation of lichens and mosses were outlined in sequential newsletters for distribution among pulp and paper mill employees and shareholders.

Preparation of Annual Environmental Report (Avenor, Ottawa, ON). Prepared the technical content for the annual environmental report in association with corporate staff and public relations consultants.

Development of Terms of Reference and Protocols Manuals (Mount Polley Mining Corporation, Likely, BC). Framework and implementation guidance, including measurement protocols, were developed for Mount Polley Biological Monitoring Program.

Company Information

Additional Details

Legal Name: Minnow Environmental Inc

Number of Employees: 8

Total Sales ($CDN): $100,000 - $200,000

Contacts

Services

• Environmental Consulting

Additional Information