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

Gold Canyon Resources Inc: Final Environmental Study Report Review
March 30, 2013
Aside from using flawed fieldwork methodology to assess terrestrial baseline parameters,
the study did not take into consideration amphibians, reptiles, mosses and insects. The
below table summarizes field study information, highlighting how little fieldwork was
actually conducted: estimate 6.5 days for total terrestrial fieldwork . For all terrestrial
baseline studies no statistical analysis was conducted, and in most cases only a single
sampling was collected through fieldwork.
Table 2. GCU Terrestrial Baseline Study Report fieldwork dates and duration of data
collection.
Technical Report Date Area Type Duration
Terrestrial
- Lg. Mammals
-
- Sm. Mammals
Feb 5, 2011
June 23 & 24,
2011
81 km 2
8 days
The ESR made the following statement regarding environmental affects resulting from the
eastern corridor: “Based on the information provided in this report and taking into account
the proposed mitigation measures, the proposed project is not likely to result in any
significant adverse environmental effects on the terrestrial environment (ESR page 3-2).”
5.3.1 Large Mammal Survey Deficiencies
The large mammal survey was conducted to determine baseline levels of moose, woodland
caribou, wolverine and other large mammals in the Springpole study area. The study was
conducted over 81 km 2 on February 5, 2011, through a single aerial survey at 300 m above
ground.
The aerial survey was conducted in a region that was non-specific for the intended eastern
corridor, and focused on lands immediately around the western, northern and upper east
portions of Springpole Lake. For the large mammal survey there is little empirical evidence
used to draw study conclusions and conduct statistical analysis of findings.
20