Minnow Environmental Inc

Minnow Environmental Inc

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 Details

Year Established: 2000

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

Number of Employees: 8

Company Information

Pierre Stecko
Title: Aquatic Scientist / Principal
Telephone: (905) 565-1550
Fax: (905) 565-0955
Email: Click Here

Cynthia Russel
Title: President
Telephone: (905) 567-8771
Fax: (905) 567-6805
Email: Click Here

Services

Environmental Consulting