Chapter 7 - Environmental Assessment Methods

7. Environmental Assessment Methods

The environmental assessment of the Project has been undertaken in a holistic manner, but it is nevertheless focussed on Valued Environmental Components (VECs). VECs have been identified to focus the environmental assessment on particular issues, as identified by participants during public consultation and issues scoping (Chapters 5 and 6). Each VEC is presented and analyzed in its own chapter. Specific details on methods, analytical techniques, and results of field and other technical studies are contained in Technical Data Reports and other studies (Chapter 1, Appendix 1A).

Each VEC chapter consists of three major sections. The general outline of each VEC chapter is shown in Table 7.1. The first section, of each chapter (Existing Environment), presents information on the existing conditions relating to the VEC. It begins with an introduction to the regional ecological and sociocultural context of the VEC. Specific "boundaries" or "limits" on the environmental assessment studies are addressed. These boundaries are tailored to each particular VEC.

Study methods are briefly summarized; they are explained in greater detail in specific technical reports. Existing conditions are discussed through a review of relevant literature and the results of field studies, which are further described in technical reports. Likely future conditions of the VEC without the Project, including climate change, during the anticipated lifespan of the Project, are discussed.

The second section, of each chapter (Environmental Effects Assessment), provides information relevant to the evaluation of potential environmental effects related to Project development. Cumulative environmental effects are also considered in the analysis. Environmental design, mitigation and optimization initiatives specific to the VEC (described in Chapter 4) are briefly highlighted.

The final section, of each chapter (Residual Environmental Effects), is a summary of the residual environmental effects remaining after mitigation and optimization of potential environmental effects. This section presents the results of the environmental effects analysis in terms of significance. A detailed discussion of the content and methods, the core of the assessment analysis and predictions, is in Sections 7.7 and 7.8. Follow-up programs are described in Chapter 4.

Three terms are commonly used throughout the EIS, depending on the context, to discuss spatial boundaries of the assessment:

VBNC Claim Block (defined in Appendix 1A) and vicinity refers to where the majority of detailed baseline studies were conducted;
Landscape Region refers to a large region (defined in Chapter 2) within which the larger scale ecological context of project interactions occur or are considered; and
the assessment area is different for each valued environmental component and is the region within which environmental effects are experienced and assessed.

Table 7.1 General Outline of VEC Chapters

Section	Contents
(VEC Title)	- introduction
Existing Environment
Environmental Assessment Boundaries	- description of environmental assessment boundaries reflecting Project, ecological and/or socioeconomic boundaries where relevant
Administrative Boundaries	- description of management jurisdictions (governments, LIA, Innu) and/or relevant legislation
Technical Boundaries	- description of any substantive constraints on baseline collection/presentation or environmental effects predictions
Methods	- description of data collection methods
Existing Conditions	- explanation of sources of information and/or overall statement of general conditions
(subsections)	- presentation of literature, field study results, and any environmental effects experienced already due to VBNC exploration
Likely Future Conditions	- discussion of likely condition of environment within expected lifespan of Project if the Project is not approved
Environmental Effects Assessment
(subsections)	- presentation of environmental effects
Cumulative Environmental Effects	- discussion of cumulative environmental effects
Environmental Design, Mitigation and Optimization	- summary of environmental management initiatives
Residual Environmental Effects
(subsections)	- residual environmental effects significance by project phase
Follow-up Program	- cross reference to Chapter 4

7.1 Aboriginal Knowledge

VBNC has made best efforts to incorporate Aboriginal knowledge into its planning process and into this EIS. VBNC will also facilitate the presentation of Aboriginal knowledge directly to the Panel.

As recognized by the Panel in its EIS Guidelines, "Aboriginal knowledge and expertise is evolving with new experience and understanding". There are no standards, guidelines, regulations or CEAA specifications on how to incorporate Aboriginal knowledge into an EIS. However, VBNC has followed the EIS Guidelines and fully considered local Aboriginal knowledge and expertise in preparing this EIS.

Aboriginal knowledge has been incorporated into the environmental assessment and this EIS since the early stages of the assessment process. The identification of issues and concerns from participants at open houses, workshops, and scoping meetings has assisted in the establishment of the boundaries and content of baseline studies, effects analysis, mitigation, environmental management plans, environmental effects significance predictions, and monitoring programs. Documents already published by or pertaining to Aboriginal organizations were identified in a literature review. Examples of these documents include "Land Use and Occupancy Among the Innu of Utshimassits and Sheshatshit" (Armitage 1990) and "Our Footprints are Everywhere" (Brice-Bennett 1977).

Early discussions regarding Aboriginal knowledge began in the spring of 1995 when IBA negotiations were first initiated with LIA and the Innu Nation. The Innu Nation and LIA requested that an issues scoping study be conducted prior to initiation of any community-based information collection. Agreement was reached in late 1995 and consultants were retained by the Innu Nation and LIA to complete issues scoping. Issues scoping exercises, and the subsequent LIA-sponsored Inuit environmental knowledge study and the Innu Nation socioeconomic studies have been funded by VBNC.

7.1.1 Studies by Innu Nation

"The Innu Nation decided that this time, the ones who know the people and their communities best should do the research. It is time that this kind of research is done by the Innu for the benefit of the Innu." (Our News - Our Way 1997:1)

Following the issues scoping work completed by the Taiga Institute, described in Section 6.1, a joint committee was established by the Innu Nation and VBNC. This committee held a series of meetings to develop detailed Terms of Reference for six studies: community profiles, Innu society and culture, subsistence and knowledge, land use, healing, and Innu ways of life and livelihood. In addition, study teams were selected by the Innu Nation to focus on socioeconomic baseline studies and the collection of Aboriginal knowledge. The study teams were then brought together with community representatives in a project initiation and coordination workshop funded by VBNC and held in Sheshatshiu in May 1996. Following this workshop, the Innu Nation decided not to proceed with this initiative and advised VBNC that a proposal for a broader scope and more costly effort would be developed and presented.

Innu Nation submitted a proposal to undertake socioeconomic studies in the fall of 1996. The proposal formed the basis of contract negotiations which culminated in an agreement between VBNC and the Innu Nation for the funding of socioeconomic studies in February 1997.

A series of discussions took place to continue the process of integrating Aboriginal knowledge into project planning. Although some of these efforts were cancelled by the Innu Nation, cooperative efforts did continue and included a series of workshops on translation in Utshimassits and Sheshatshiu in 1997.

7.1.2 Studies by LIA

LIA decided to define the spatial and temporal boundaries for the impact area in terms of how Inuit use and understand the area. (LIA 1997:10)

As a consequence of the scoping exercises described in Section 6.1, and at the request of VBNC, LIA submitted a proposal for a study of Inuit environmental knowledge to VBNC in January 1997. An agreement for VBNC funding of this study was signed in February 1997. The final report was submitted to VBNC in September, 1997: "From Sina to Sikujâ luk: Our Footprint - Mapping Inuit Environmental Knowledge In The Nain District of Northern Labrador" (Williamson 1997). Taped interviews and map biographies from 47 adults from Nain were compiled in 1997 and provide recent Aboriginal knowledge on the Nain District. Information from the report has been integrated and fully considered in this EIS and, particularly, in the VEC chapters.

7.1.3 Other VBNC Initiatives

A number of additional initiatives have been undertaken by VBNC to facilitate the integration of Aboriginal knowledge into the environmental assessment process and ongoing Project operations. Some of these efforts by VBNC include the following:

A statement of principles for the conduct of research studies was developed;
A literature review of secondary sources of traditional ecological knowledge was compiled;
A special edition of "Them Days" magazine was funded which focused on the Voisey's Bay area and presents the history of occupation and resource use over the last 200 years;
Two workshops on shipping were sponsored in Nain (November 1996 and January 1997). Inuit knowledge and experience with ice conditions and shipping were discussed. Aboriginal knowledge regarding shipping has been considered in the EIS. VBNC offered to hold similar workshops on shipping in Utshimassits and/or Sheshatshiu; however, Innu Nation decided not to participate;
A workshop on black bear management was held at the Voisey's Bay site in March 1997. Innu knowledge and experience with black bears were discussed. Ongoing exploration and future operations will seek to integrate Aboriginal knowledge into bear management practices and other ongoing environmental activities; and
Workshops regarding the process for Innu-aimun translation of documents were held during March and October 1997.

Where possible, VBNC will integrate the available results of the Innu Nation and LIA studies into its ongoing Project planning and decision-making process. VBNC will also facilitate the collection of Aboriginal knowledge and its presentation to the Panel by Aboriginal peoples as part of the environmental assessment process.

7.1.4 Other Aboriginal Knowledge

The following other Aboriginal organizations made presentations and submissions to the Panel regarding Aboriginal land use and their interest in the Project: the Labrador Metis Association, the Makivik Corporation, the Naskapi Band of Quebec, and the Schefferfville Indian Council of Montagnais. Each group was contacted in writing during September 1997 and was asked to provide information on Aboriginal knowledge. As of October 31, 1997 no response was received from any of these organizations.

7.2 Environmental Baseline Studies

Environmental baseline studies were conducted to determine existing environmental conditions. Aboriginal knowledge and scientific field work provided most of the site-specific information used in this EIS. Existing information from the scientific literature (both published and unpublished), engineering studies and test work results, technical reports, and community socioeconomic studies were used wherever available. Regional studies were used to validate baseline information. Engineering, biological, and economic modelling were undertaken to determine potential environmental effects.

Baseline field studies were initiated in 1995. Biophysical field work was undertaken using standard accepted methods for data collection and, in some cases, innovative but proven technology (such as bear collaring and radio telemetry). Scientific authorities reviewed study plans and results.

Extensive fieldwork was conducted during the summers of 1996 and 1997 to provide site-specific data to support the preparation of this EIS. Innu and Inuit researchers participated in VBNC field studies. Studies conducted during 1995, 1996, and 1997 are summarized in a series of technical data reports which are publicly available. These reports are cited throughout this EIS.

One of the most substantial fieldwork programs was the historic resources program. Archaeological fieldwork was initiated by VBNC in 1995 and continued cooperatively in 1996 by VBNC, the Mushuau Innu Band Council, and the Torngâsok Cultural Centre (LIA). Following two two-week intensive training programs delivered to LIA and Innu Nation participants, archaeological fieldwork was undertaken by three professional archaeologists and 16 archaeological field assistants. All of the field assistants were LIA and Innu Nation members who had completed training programs or had previous experience in archaeological surveying.

Socioeconomic baseline studies consisted largely of the evaluation of semi-structured interviews, government statistics, and information obtained from various reports. Socioeconomic studies were initiated in 1995 to determine the characteristics of the human environment that could be affected by the Project. Previously documented information such as federal, provincial, and community statistics provided the basis for much of the information on baseline socioeconomic conditions. The Innu Nation and LIA provided information on community infrastructure and services and previously published reports were used to summarize various community matters.

VBNC initiated a community household survey in the five LIA communities along the North Coast during the summer of 1997. Information from the surveys has been integrated into this EIS.

The Innu Nation is undertaking socioeconomic studies using video technology. The study is scheduled for completion by the end of December 1997. VBNC will facilitate the presentation of this information from the Innu Nation to the Panel.

Representatives of the federal and provincial governments, the Innu Nation, and LIA provided input on VBNC baseline studies. Representatives received study plans in advance of the 1996 field studies, and participated in issues scoping workshops in St. John's and Happy Valley-Goose Bay prior to fieldwork conducted in 1996 and 1997.

7.3 Mapping

Several map scales are used in this EIS to efficiently show relevant data with the detail required within appropriate geographic boundaries. Information displayed in this EIS has also been prepared on two base map scales:

1:250,000 for the area roughly defined by the geographic boundaries of the Quebec/Labrador border (west), Mistastin Lake (south), Kiglapait Mountains (north) and Humbys Island (east); and
1:50,000 for the area roughly defined by the geographic boundaries of Lake Makheniveh to the southwest and south Tabor Island in the northeast.

7.4 Holistic Approach and Landscape Ecology

Landscape ecology is generally considered to be the study of interactions and relationships among people, climate, land, water, ice, vegetation and animals. It is based on the assumption that a landscape is comprised of several ecosystems.

Innu Nation representatives presented landscape ecology as an important means of undertaking a holistic approach to environmental assessment during a workshop on VBNC environmental baseline studies in May 1996. With reference to the principles of landscape ecology, the Innu Nation emphasized that baseline studies should extend over a region and should not be limited to the area in the immediate vicinity of Project activities. Patterns and movements of people and animals within a regional context were discussed by the Innu Nation and LIA participants at the workshop. Similar spatial and temporal boundaries of perceived Project effects within a regional context were also documented by Williamson (1997).

"Our challenge is to find ways to re-orient our analysis�so that the holistic level of description� are somehow preserved in the EIS. One way of doing this, and approach that we have taken in our work with the Innu Nation, is to begin at the landscape scale." (Hammond and Innes, Innu Nation Advisors 1997)

In response to the discussion of landscape ecology and the need for a regional context, this EIS has taken a holistic approach to environmental assessment through the use of principles of landscape ecology (Forman and Godron 1986; Naveh and Lieberman 1994). The field of landscape ecology has been useful in establishing the ecological and regional context of the Project and the boundaries of the Landscape Region (Chapter 2), which provides an important frame of reference for many elements of the environmental assessment.

One of the fundamental efforts to examine ecosystems and landscapes was the classification of land types. Ecological land classification was undertaken at two scales to classify land and ecosystem types. This enabled examination of ecosystem structure and spatial relationships, general patterns and flows, as well as ecosystem change and stability. Ecological processes and ecosystem functioning are described. Movements of species and people and patterns of resource use are mapped and evaluated.

7.5 Environmental Effects Modelling

Some biophysical environmental effects were simulated through computer modelling to improve the accuracy of the prediction of environmental effects. The following modelling studies were undertaken and incorporated into this EIS:

noise (land-based project activities and shipping);
air quality;
bioaccumulation of metals (in representative species);
accidental spills; and
dispersion of the discharge of treated enfluent into the marine environment.

Socioeconomic environmental effects were partly based on the results of economic modelling to predict factors such as cash flow and direct and indirect employment.

Modelling results are described in the appropriate chapters.

7.6 Gender Issues

This EIS has considered gender. A literature review was undertaken to identify feminist research, issues related to gender and resource development, and women's connection with the land. The information from this review and submissions to the Panel's scoping meetings were analyzed to identify gender issues.

A broad range of feminist research has been consulted and used to identify and understand issues related to the Project. This research has been used particularly for the socioeconomic VECs (Chapters 20-24). Baseline data have been differentiated by gender. Environmental effects analysis and predictions have considered how the Project will affect women differently from men and mitigation measures have been suggested to address environmental effects by gender where relevant. The follow-up program will consider input from women.

7.7 Environmental Effects Methods

Potential environmental effects are identified at the beginning of each environmental effects section, (Environmental Effects Assessment). The significance of environmental effects is analyzed using the criteria specified in the Guidelines: magnitude; geographic extent; timing, duration and frequency; reversibility; ecological and socio/cultural context; probability of occurrence; and the capacity of renewable resources to meet the needs of the present and those of the future. The definitions established for the ratings applied to "magnitude" and "reversibility" are outlined in Table 7.2. Positive environmental effects are also explained. Tables analyzing potentiel environmental effects using these criteria are included as an appendix at the end of each VEC chapter.

Table 7.2 Definitions for Magnitude and Reversibility of Effects

Rating	Magnitude*	Reversibility
High	an environmental effect affecting a whole stock, population or definable group of people, or where a specific parameter is outside the range of natural variability determined from local knowledge over many seasons	previous research/experience indicates the environmental effect is reversible
Medium	an environmental effect affecting a portion of a population, or one or two generations, or where there are rapid and unpredictable changes in a specific parameter so that it is temporarily outside the range of natural variability determined from local knowledge over many seasons	previous research/experience indicates the environmental effect may be reversible
Low	an environmental effect affecting a specific group of individuals in a population in a localized area, one generation or less, or where there are distinguishable changes in a specific parameter; however, the parameter is within the range of natural variability determined from local knowledge over many seasons	previous research/experience indicates that there is a small likelihood that the environmental effect is reversible
Nil	no environmental effect	previous research/experience indicates the environmental effect is non-reversible
Unknown	an environmental effect affecting an unknown portion of a population or group or where the changes in a specific parameter are unknown	there is insufficient research/experience to indicate whether the environmental effect is reversible
*Note: definitions of magnitude for air quality, water and ice are specific and defined in chapters 8, 9 and 10, respectively.

Cumulative environmental effects are addressed in each VEC chapter. The projects and activities considered are those which are ongoing or likely to proceed, and have therefore been issued permits, licenses, leases, or some other form of approval, as specified by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) in the "Reference Guide: Addressing Cumulative Effects" included in the "Responsible Authority's Guide" (CEAA 1994:153). Where insufficient information on other projects or activities was available to assess their cumulative environmental effects with the project being proposed, best professional judgement is used (CEAA 1994:138). The projects that may contribute to cumulative environmental effects that are being considered in this EIS are described in Section 3.13 (Other Projects).

7.8 Residual Effects Methods - Determination of Significance

Residual effects are those environmental effects predicted to remain after the application of mitigation outlined in this EIS. Residual environmental effects and their significance are presented in the "Residual Environmental Effects" section of each VEC chapter. Following the conclusions reached in the "Environmental Effects Assessment" section of each chapter, the significance of environmental effects, including cumulative effects, for a particular VEC is determined for each Project phase (construction, operation, decommissioning, and post-decommissioning). In addition, residual environmental effects are also described for potential accidental events.

Wherever possible, each residual environmental effects significance rating integrates the cumulative environmental effects of all activities taking place during a particular Project phase. The rationale for this method is that a VEC, such as caribou, will be affected by the presence of a mining operation as a result of a number of factors experienced simultaneously (e.g., noise, food, and habitat access). It is therefore the cumulative environmental effect of all Project activities occurring within a particular time period or Project phase that could result in an adverse environmental effect on caribou. In addition, a residual environmental effect significance rating is assigned to an accidental event scenario for a particular VEC.

Definitions of residual environmental effects significance that are relevant for each VEC are included in the "Residual Environmental Effects" section of each VEC chapter. Residual environmental effects that are moderate or major are considered to be significant. Residual environmental effects that are negligible or minor are considered to be not significant.

For each VEC where significant residual adverse environmental effects are predicted, the likelihood of occurrence is discussed in terms of both probability of occurrence and scientific uncertainty. Definitions for likelihood ratings are shown in Table 7.3. This approach is consistent with the three steps outlined for determining whether environmental effects are adverse, significant and likely, as specified in "A Reference Guide for CEAA: Determining Whether A Project is Likely to Cause Significant Adverse Environmental Effects" included within the "Responsible Authority's Guide" (CEAA 1994:187).

Table 7.3 Definitions for Likelihood and Sustainable Use of Renewable Resources as Applied to Significant Residual Environmental Effects Ratings

Rating	Likelihood	Sustainable Use of Renewable Resources
high	an environmental effect is probable and there is no uncertainty based on previous scientific research/experience	previous research/experience indicates that the environmental effect on the VEC would not reduce biodiversity or the capacity of resources to meet present and future needs
moderate	an environmental effect may occur but there is some uncertainty based on previous scientific research/experience	previous research/experience indicates that the environmental effect on the VEC may, to a certain extent, reduce biodiversity or the capacity of resources to meet present and future needs
low	an environmental effect has a small probability of occurring and there is little uncertainty based on previous scientific research/experience	previous research/experience indicates that the environmental effect on the VEC would reduce biodiversity or the capacity of resources to meet present and future needs
nil	an environmental effect has no probability of occurring and there is no uncertainty based on previous scientific research/experience	previous research/experience indicates that the environmental effect on the VEC would eliminate biodiversity or the capacity of resources to meet present and future needs
unknown	there is insufficient research, experience, aboriginal knowledge to predict the likelihood of an environmental effect occurring	there is insufficient research/experience to indicate whether the environmental effect on the VEC would reduce biodiversity or the capacity of resources to meet present and future needs

The sustainable use of resources (the capacity of an affected resource to meet present and future needs) is discussed for those renewable resources that are likely to be significantly affected. This approach is specified in the "Responsible Authority's Guide" (CEAA 1994: 84). Concepts such as ecosystem integrity, productive capacity, carrying capacity, and assimilative capacity are considered. Definitions for the sustainable use of resources are shown in Table 7.3.

7.9 References

Armitage, P. 1990. Land Use and Occupancy among Innu of Utshimassit and Sheshatshit. Innu Nation, Sheshatshit and Utshimassit, Nitassinan (Labrador-Quebec).

Brice-Bennett, C. 1977. Our Footprints Are Everywhere, Labrador Inuit Association. Nain, Labrador.

CEAA (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency). 1994. Responsible Authority's Guide.

Forman R. and M. Gordron. 1986. Landscape Ecology. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

Hammond, H. and L. Innes. 1997. Presentation to Environmental Impact Statement Scoping Hearings for Voisey's Bay Mine and Mill Project, April 10.

Innu Nation Task Force on Mining Activities 1996. Ntesinan Nteshiniminan Nteniunan - Between a Rock and a Hard Place.

LIA (Labrador Inuit Association). 1997. Presentation on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement Guidelines for the Review of the Voisey's Bay Mine and Mill Project.

Naveh, Z. and A. Lieberman. 1994. Landscape Ecology: Theory and Application. Second Edition. New York: Springer-Verlag.

Our News - Our Way (Tshinan Stipatshimunu Uaenespiniak) 1 : March 1997.

Them Days. 1997. Life in Voisey's Bay. Them Days: Stories of Early Labrador 22:2.

Taiga Institute for Land Culture and Economy. 1996. Social, Cultural and Economic Issues Scoping Research Report and Terms of Reference for a Socio-Economic Baseline Study. Prepared for Innu Nation Economic Development.

Williamson, T. 1997. From Sina to Sikujâ luk: Our Footprint. Mapping Inuit Environmental Knowledge in the Nain District of Northern Labrador. Prepared for the Labrador Inuit Association. Nain, Labrador.

Women of Labrador. 1997. Submission to the Environment Review Panel for the Voisey's Bay Project.