Revised Final Environmental Study Report (24 MB) - Gold Canyon ...

Gold Canyon Resources Inc.
Springpole Gold Access Corridor Project
Final Environmental Study Report
responsible mineral development and encouraging the responsible development of new
mines, as further described in Section 1.1.
Alternatives Assessment and Selection of Preferred Alternative
GCU evaluated a western and an eastern access corridor in general accordance with Section 3 of
MNR (2003). The eastern access corridor has been selected as the preferred alternative and it is
shown on Figure 2-1. This selection has been made in general accordance with MNR (2003) and
also for the reasons listed in the bullets below.
Approximately 50% of the eastern access corridor is already approved in the 2014-2019
FMP and is within the 2011 wildfire area.
Reduced risk of impacts to archaeological values and major water crossings compared
with the western corridor, as described herein (refer to Appendix 2).
Potential synergies with future potential forestry roads planned for the region and a
potential all-weather road to Cat Lake First Nation.
Reduced potential for habitat fragmentation and cumulative effects in the region compared
to the western corridor which would be a further linear development in addition to the FMP
Approved roads in the vicinity of the eastern corridor.
Project Description
The proposed Project consists of the components listed in the bullets below.
Construction
Winter time harvesting of timber within the 10 to 15 metre wide eastern access corridor
(harvesting window of October 15 to May 15, to be confirmed with MNR during approvals
process that follows the EA process).
Establishment of winter operational road within the eastern access corridor. Timber that is
harvested would be used as corduroy for the road, with stumpage paid to the Crown.
Installation of a modern, monitored gate at the end of the FMP Approved Road (as shown
in Figure 2-1) to effectively restrict access beyond the FMP Approved Road.
Water crossings along the eastern corridor would be built to a primary road standard to
facilitate future potential upgrades of the winter operational road to an all-weather access
road at a later date (by GCU or by other proponents) and also to minimize environmental
risk associated with less robust water crossing structures.
Decommissioning of historic mineral exploration trails, as indicated in Figure 2-1.
Operation
Exclusive use of road by highway vehicles, primarily during winter months (~November 1
to ~March 15, contingent on weather conditions).
Infrequent use of road by off-road, low-ground pressure equipment to move materials
during summer months with the intent of avoiding use during caribou calving periods.
Discontinue the seasonal ice road over Birch Lake, which will reduce access to Birch Lake.
Decommissioning
Proceed with decommissioning of road beyond the FMP Approved Road, unless a
provincial EA has been initiated for the development of the Deposit during the three (3)
year period of use following the conclusion of the construction phase. The road would
continue to be used during the EA for the development of the Deposit. If the provincial EA
July 2013
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