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

Gold Canyon Resources Inc.
Springpole Gold Access Corridor Project
Final Environmental Study Report
Screening Criteria
Noise levels X
Views or aesthetics X
Or be a pre-condition or
justification for
implementing another
project
Adjacent or nearby uses,
persons or property
Social, Cultural and Economic Considerations
Net Effect
Negative (1) Positive (1)
Nil Unk
High Med Low Low Med High
X
X
Comments and Rationale
Noise impacts will be highest during the construction phase, which is planned during winter months to avoid active period of tourism
operators, caribou calving window and breeding bird nesting period.
Bridge over Birch River would be visible to local boaters during extreme high water periods when rapids are navigable. Refer to Section
6.3 for further discussion regarding this mitigation measure and Photograph 6-1 in Section 6.3.
This Project is a stand-alone subset of the on-going Springpole Gold Project. The other aspects of the Springpole Gold Project are not
included in the scope of this Class EA.
Project maintains a reasonably large setback from remote tourism operators and private landowners, similar to setbacks elsewhere in
the SFL.
Cultural heritage
resources-including
archaeological sites, built
heritage and cultural
heritage landscapes
Or displace people,
businesses, institutions
or public facilities
Community character,
enjoyment of property or
local amenities
X
X
Based on desktop analysis by licensed professional archaeologist, there is a reduced potential for archaeological values along this
corridor. Extensive field work in 2012 identified archaeological values so that these can be avoided by the access corridor. GCU will
implement a Chance Find Procedure (refer to Definition of Terms and Acronyms) to further protect archaeological values.
X Project would not create displacements.
On-going engagement with tourism operators and private landowners planned. As indicated in Table 3-2, GCU is receptive to good
neighbour policy, Resource Stewardship Agreement and participation in a stakeholder working group. GCU notes that it has engaged
local interests as well as regional interests, as indicated in Appendix 3.
Or increase demands on
government services or
infrastructure
Public health and/or
safety
Local, regional or
provincial economies or
businesses
X
X
Project will reduce the cost for the Wenasaga Road extension by the SFL holder because GCU will install water crossings and road
base.
Safety of the public will be somewhat increased because of ability to evacuate areas year-round by a land-based corridor in case of fire,
or medical emergencies. Consistent with GCU’s track record of being helpful to other parties in the region, access will be arranged by
GCU personnel for other stakeholders in the area in the event of an emergency situation.
X Enhanced employment and contracting opportunities, procurement of goods and services, on-the-job training opportunities.
Tourism values X
Remoteness of the area marketability of tourism operators could be negatively impacted. This issue has been integrated into GCU’s
issues management matrix in Table 3-2. Refer to Table 3-2 for management strategy and mitigation measures, as well as Section 6.
Increased access to lakes could be a positive effect if there are lodge owners seeking to convert to a drive-in mode of operation.
Unlike the western corridor alternative, the eastern corridor maintains a robust setback from Birch Lake, a valued tourist lake. This
ranking is assigned with the knowledge that the FMP Approved Road will be built regardless of GCU’s activities. There are more tourism
operators on Birch Lake who expressed concerns compared to Springpole Lake.
July 2013 Page 16