An application for a proposed mining operation near Haines Junction should not go ahead, the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board has recommended.
Numerous area residents had expressed concerns about the mining plan’s potential impacts on the quality of their drinking water.
According to the information provided by the board, the project is a class 4 placer mine on 11 claims along Stony Creek in the Yukon River Drainage Area.
The board report states the project falls within the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and the Kwanlin Dün First Nation traditional territories.
In its recommendation, the board wrote, “Based on comments received and other considerations, the Haines Junction Designated Office identified the following valued environmental and socio-economic components that will be affected by the Project: Aquatic Resources, Land Use, Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat, Heritage Resources, and Personal Safety.
“The Designated Office determined that the Project will result in, or is likely to result in, significant adverse effects to Aquatic Resources, Land Use, Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat, and Heritage Resources.
“The Designated Office further determined that significant adverse socio-economic effects to Aquatic Resources cannot be mitigated. Specifically, the project as proposed will have significant adverse effects to water quality and quantity for fish, fish habitat, human consumption and cultural water uses that cannot be mitigated. This determination has led the Designated Office to recommend that the Project not proceed.”
Many people had registered objections to the plan.
Guenther Mueller wrote, “Notwithstanding any water quality standards set by Health Canada, or any other act or regulation governing water quality, existing Stony Creek water users will NOT accept ANY levels of deleterious substances added to the creek by this proposed or any mining activity. This includes sediments, algae from settlement ponds, or camp detritus from 12 or more persons and equipment camping above stream from our drinking water source.”
An anonymous person also commented on the application.
“Approving this large scale mining project proposed for Stony Creek, would negatively impact important wildlife habitat.
“I recently had my well water tested by Cathway Water Resources. I have good clean potable water supplied by my well, it needs no treatment. I’m concerned about contamination by mining activity, plus it’s expensive to drill a well.
“Since my well is in the Stony Creek aquifer, it’s strong evidence how clean the water is from Stony Creek.
I understand the public comment period is closed, I thought this information is important regarding the decision about the mining project proposed for the creek.”
The Champagne and Aishihik First Nation (CAFN) presented comments as well.
“CAFN has heard a number of concerns from citizens with respect to the potential impacts to the water quality. Stony Creek has been a source of drinking water for local residents of both Champagne and Mendenhall,” the First Nation wrote.
“Although the proponent has plans to construct a local access to gather water from Stony Creek, this is a temporary solution to ensure an accessible water source is available. Once the proponent commences temporary and permanent diversion of Stony Creek, the ability for locals to access the drinking water may be sporadically available.
“CAFN requests more information related to how the proponent intends to maintain good quality drinking water when project related activities occur.”
The board’s decision still needs to be finalized in an upcoming session during a formal board meeting.
