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

Gold Canyon Resources Inc.
Springpole Gold Access Corridor Project
Final Environmental Study Report
4.4 Ground Water
The hydrogeology of the region is predominantly controlled by the exposed bedrock or the overlying
cover of native clay soil. Shallow ground water flow is assumed to be similar to surface drainage,
primarily originating at the heights of land and flowing radially downslope.
4.5 Soils
Soils for the Project area are described in several Ontario Geological Survey publications and
Northern Ontario Engineering Terrain studies.
Based on Ministry of Northern Development and Mines Quaternary Geology of Ontario,
West Central Sheet, Map 2554 (Scale 1:1,000,000), subsurface conditions in the region
consist of undifferentiated till of predominantly sand to silty sand.
Based on Ministry of Northern Development and Mines Bedrock Geology of Ontario,
West Central Sheet, Map 2542 (Scale 1:1,000,000), bedrock geology at the site consists
of mafic metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks and minor iron formation.
There is generally low to moderate relief in the vicinity of the Springpole Gold Project, with generally
dry uplands and poorly-drained lowland valleys with thick accumulations of organic soils. In this
region, soils are predominately grey wooded and podsols on well-drained sites as well as peats and
gleysols in poorly-drained areas.
4.6 Terrestrial Plant and Animal Life
The Property is part of the Lac Seul Upland, which extends eastward from Lake Winnipeg in
Manitoba to the Albany River in northwestern Ontario. Forest composition in the Property is typical of
the Lac Seul Upland. Predominant tree species are trembling aspen, black spruce, with some white
birch, balsam fir, and white spruce. Understory ground cover species composition and abundance is
typical of mesic mixedwood boreal sites, and lacks microhabitats likely to harbor rare vascular plant
species. A variety of common, early successional, graminoids and herbaceous ground cover plants
are prevalent on areas of the Property where mature timber has been removed or where the canopy
is open and the ground is exposed to light. Natural re-vegetation and succession has been observed
to be rapid at the Property in areas of historical exploration.
DST has been conducting baseline environmental work at the Springpole Gold Project area since
2011. Draft factual reports have been prepared and engagement with the Aboriginal communities is
anticipated prior to finalizing these reports.
With respect the proposed Project, DST has prepared a biological constraints report to compare the
effects associated with the two (2) corridor alternatives. A draft of this report is provided in Appendix
4. A supplemental letter report from DST is provided in Appendix 5 to present the results of a winter
2013 aerial survey. During this aerial survey no caribou were observed in the vicinity of the Project.
Commencing in 2012, supplemental field studies have been conducted with input from MNR to
ensure adherence to the provincial Endangered Species Act. If any habitat use by SAR is identified
during 2012 field surveys, MNR will be consulted to identify any required mitigation measures. If
required, mitigation measures that may be employed may include, but are not limited to, those that
are listed in the bullets below.
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