Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Prairie Creek (Nov 15/02) - A report released last month blames Prairie Creek mine for elevated metals and ammonia levels in Harrison and Prairie creeks.

The report is based on a study commissioned by the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs (DIAND) in July 2002.

Consultant Roxanne Beavers determined that zinc levels in particular are "significantly higher," downstream from the mine's water discharge point than readings from upstream.

Elevated levels of cadmium, copper, lead, mercury and ammonia were also found at one of the mine's portal drainage sites, which drains into a settling pond.

Although contaminant levels decrease at the final discharge point into Harrison Creek, violations of metal limits under a 1980s water licence were still detected, the report indicates.

Beavers concludes that water discharge from the mine, located 14 km from Nahanni National Park, should be treated to meet more acceptable contaminants standards. She also recommends that water sampling be carried out at least three times per year, and ground-water and aquatic life in the area should be analyzed for effects.

Malcolm Swallow, president and CEO of mine-owner Canadian Zinc, said he doesn't quibble with the statistical data in the report but he vehemently objects to the deduction that his mine is to blame.

"Some of the conclusions that are drawn have nothing to do with what's in the report ... right now we don't exceed those (metals) limits," Swallow said. "(The report) really just demonstrates the fact that the mine has absolutely no effect whatsoever."

Disputes findings

Swallow argued that the Nahanni River, which Prairie Creek empties into, has even higher metals levels than Prairie Creek does.

He also noted that baseline data are very sketchy at best. Indeed, the Beavers' report acknowledges that too little monitoring had taken place in the past, in some cases there were no baseline data at all.

"The changing methods of analysis, infrequent data collection and inconsistent sampling of all sites resulted in significant uncertainties and possible errors in interpretation," Beavers wrote in her conclusion.

The Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board is currently conducting an environmental assessment on Canadian Zinc's application to begin pilot plant and decline work.

Louie Azzolini, an environmental assessment officer with the board, said the DIAND water quality study is one of many factors that the board will consider in making its decision, expected in early in 2003.

Swallow noted that Canadian Zinc has already proposed to treat the discharged water from the mine site "as necessary" once the pilot plant and decline work commences.

The Drum's calls to DIAND's office in Yellowknife were not returned prior to press deadline.