Officials complain not enough information before BHP hearing
Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (May 11/01) - Officials responsible for ensuring the impacts of mining are minimized say they are not getting information soon enough to do their jobs.
Timely access to information has emerged as the main issue going into a public hearing Monday (10 a.m. Northern United Place) on a proposed expansion of Ekati mine.
BHP has applied to amend its water licence to include another kimberlite pipe. The Fox pipe lies beneath a lake, under 29 metres of water and 15-25 metres of glacial till.
The pipe was included in the 1995-96 environmental assessment of Ekati, but not included in the mine's water licence.
The Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, Independent Environmental Monitoring Agency and Canadian Arctic Resources Committee have complained to the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board they have not been provided with key information, including what BHP plans to do with potentially acid-generating waste rock, in advance of the hearing.
"The principle is if there were a blockbuster then it's procedurally unfair to expect other participants to offer advice to the board on the spot," said IEMA vice-chair Bill Ross, a University of Calgary professor.
Ross said it's up to the board to decide what information needs to be provided in advance.
He noted BHP responded to some requests, but said the agency has yet to receive any information about what BHP plans to do with waste rock.
BHP spokesperson Graham Nicholls said the requests for additional information were made March 27 and it was not possible for the company to respond in time for the hearing.
Nicholls said detailed drawings of all construction projects at the mine must be approved by the board. In the past, these have been reviewed after the licence has been granted.
Waste rock has become an issue for some.
Levels of acidity BHP predicted five years ago have been exceeded at the Panda pit, but it is not know if kimberlite or granite is the source of the acid.
Nicholls said pH levels in waste rock drainage are comparable to natural levels in the area, noting differnt levels were set for neighbouring Diavik diamond mine.
If granite it the source of the acid "this will have very serious implications for waste rock management at Fox," wrote IEMA chair Red Pedersen in a May 3 letter to the board.
In another letter to the board, BHP stated it understood it was not required to submit any information in advance of the meeting other than what is included in its application.
Acting chair of the MVLWB Laura Johnston said the issue of how much information is required in advance of a public hearing is "at the discussion level at the board."
