October 2017October 2017Environmental Update Environmental Update

f SLEMA B df SLEMA B dfor SLEMA Boardfor SLEMA BoardZhong LiuZhong LiuZhong LiuZhong Liu

October 31, 2017October 31, 2017

OutlineOutlineOutlineOutline1.1. Mine UpdateMine Update2.2. Inspection UpdateInspection Update3.3. Regulators’ UpdateRegulators’ Update3.3. Regulators UpdateRegulators Update4.4. Aboriginal UpdateAboriginal Update55 Stakeholders’ UpdateStakeholders’ Update5.5. Stakeholders’ UpdateStakeholders’ Update6.6. Agency’s ActivitiesAgency’s Activities7.7. SLEMA ReviewsSLEMA Reviews

AcronymsAcronyms AEMPAEMP Aquatic Effects Monitoring ProgramAquatic Effects Monitoring Program AEMP AEMP –– Aquatic Effects Monitoring ProgramAquatic Effects Monitoring Program ARD ARD –– Acid Rock DrainageAcid Rock Drainage DFO DFO –– Fisheries and Oceans CanadaFisheries and Oceans Canada ECCCECCC –– Environment and Climate Change CanadaEnvironment and Climate Change Canada ECCC ECCC Environment and Climate Change CanadaEnvironment and Climate Change Canada ECM ECM –– Extended Care and MaintenanceExtended Care and Maintenance ENR ENR –– Department of Environment and Natural Resources, GNWTDepartment of Environment and Natural Resources, GNWT EQC EQC –– Effluent Quality CriterionEffluent Quality Criterionyy GNWT GNWT –– Government of the Northwest TerritoriesGovernment of the Northwest Territories INAC INAC –– Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (formerly Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (formerly

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada [AANDC]) Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada [AANDC]) MVEIRBMVEIRB M k i V ll E i t l I t R i B dM k i V ll E i t l I t R i B d MVEIRB MVEIRB –– Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review BoardMackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board MVLWB MVLWB –– Mackenzie Valley Land and Water BoardMackenzie Valley Land and Water Board PK PK –– Processed Processed KimberliteKimberlite SLEMASLEMA –– Snap Lake Environmental Monitoring AgencySnap Lake Environmental Monitoring Agency SLEMA SLEMA –– Snap Lake Environmental Monitoring AgencySnap Lake Environmental Monitoring Agency SNP SNP –– Surveillance Network ProgramSurveillance Network Program SSWQO SSWQO –– SiteSite--Specific Water Quality ObjectiveSpecific Water Quality Objective TDSTDS –– Total Dissolved SolidsTotal Dissolved Solids TDS TDS Total Dissolved SolidsTotal Dissolved Solids WEMP WEMP –– Wildlife Effects Monitoring ProgramWildlife Effects Monitoring Program WTP WTP –– Water Treatment PlantWater Treatment Plant WMP WMP –– Water Management PondWater Management Pond

1.1 Mine Update1.1 Mine Update –– September 2017September 20171.1 Mine Update 1.1 Mine Update September 2017September 2017 The Snap Lake Mine remained in suspended The Snap Lake Mine remained in suspended

operations (Extended Care and Maintenance)operations (Extended Care and Maintenance) 1,441 m1,441 m33 of water withdrawn from Snap Lakeof water withdrawn from Snap Lake

N t t d t di h d i t S L kN t t d t di h d i t S L k No treated water discharged into Snap LakeNo treated water discharged into Snap Lake No reportable spillsNo reportable spills W t l d i 5 it i t tiW t l d i 5 it i t ti Water sampled in 5 monitoring stations Water sampled in 5 monitoring stations

SNP 02SNP 02--02, SNP 0202, SNP 02--03, SNP 0203, SNP 02--15, SNP 0215, SNP 02--16i, 16i, SNP 02SNP 02--2020

2 Inspection Update2 Inspection Update2. Inspection Update 2. Inspection Update

Inspector Inspector –– Tracy CoveyTracy Coveypp y yy yWater Water LicenceLicence InspectionsInspections

Inspection report dated October 6 2017Inspection report dated October 6 2017 Inspection report dated October 6, 2017Inspection report dated October 6, 2017 Inspection report dated October 24, 2017Inspection report dated October 24, 2017

Clarification regarding Extended Care andClarification regarding Extended Care andClarification regarding Extended Care and Clarification regarding Extended Care and Maintenance requirements for the Maintenance requirements for the forthcoming 2017/18 winter seasonforthcoming 2017/18 winter seasonforthcoming 2017/18 winter seasonforthcoming 2017/18 winter season Letter dated October 20, 2017Letter dated October 20, 2017

2 1 Water2 1 Water LicenceLicence Inspection (I)Inspection (I)2.1 Water 2.1 Water LicenceLicence Inspection (I) Inspection (I) Inspected on September 27 and 28, 2017, Inspected on September 27 and 28, 2017,

and reported on October 6and reported on October 6and reported on October 6and reported on October 6 North Pile, Sumps, surface collection ditches, North Pile, Sumps, surface collection ditches,

waste transfer area and incinerators Dam 1waste transfer area and incinerators Dam 1waste transfer area and incinerators, Dam 1, waste transfer area and incinerators, Dam 1, Water Treatment PlantWater Treatment Plant

Two administrative compliance issuesTwo administrative compliance issues Two administrative compliance issuesTwo administrative compliance issues•• A final Closure and Reclamation Plan is due A final Closure and Reclamation Plan is due on on

before December 5, 2017before December 5, 2017•• The MVLWB requires a reThe MVLWB requires a re--submission for approval submission for approval

of any changes or updates to the Extended Care of any changes or updates to the Extended Care and Maintenance Plan (ECM); a shift towardsand Maintenance Plan (ECM); a shift towardsand Maintenance Plan (ECM); a shift towards and Maintenance Plan (ECM); a shift towards remoteremote--monitoring would also require an update to monitoring would also require an update to the ECM and approval by the MVLWBthe ECM and approval by the MVLWB

New Potable Water Treatment PlantNew Potable Water Treatment PlantNew Potable Water Treatment PlantNew Potable Water Treatment Plant

The Permanent Water Treatment The Permanent Water Treatment Pl i l ffPl i l ff liliPlant is currently offPlant is currently off--lineline

Chemicals currently staged in the Chemicals currently staged in the P t W t T t t Pl t B ildiP t W t T t t Pl t B ildiPermanent Water Treatment Plant BuildingPermanent Water Treatment Plant Building

Geotechnical Instrumentation Geotechnical Instrumentation I t ll ti i th E t C llI t ll ti i th E t C llInstallation in the East CellInstallation in the East Cell

The Inspector recommended that water be removed from The Inspector recommended that water be removed from the Perimeter Sump #2 prior to freezethe Perimeter Sump #2 prior to freeze--up so that maximum up so that maximum p pp p pp

retention capacity for freshet/runoff would be availableretention capacity for freshet/runoff would be available

Pile of sediment/material dredged from the Water Pile of sediment/material dredged from the Water M t P dM t P dManagement PondManagement Pond

Access to the underground via the Main Portal was Access to the underground via the Main Portal was bl k d ff ith l kbl k d ff ith l kblocked off with clean rockblocked off with clean rock

Extra fencing was added to the ConveyorExtra fencing was added to the Conveyor--belt belt P t l t t hi dP t l t t hi d hhPortal to prevent or hinder Portal to prevent or hinder human accesshuman access

2 2 Water2 2 Water LicenceLicence Inspection (II)Inspection (II)2.2 Water 2.2 Water LicenceLicence Inspection (II) Inspection (II) Inspected on October 18, 2017, and Inspected on October 18, 2017, and

reported on October 24reported on October 24reported on October 24reported on October 24 North Pile, Sumps, surface collection ditches, North Pile, Sumps, surface collection ditches,

waste transfer area and incinerators Dam 1waste transfer area and incinerators Dam 1waste transfer area and incinerators, Dam 1, waste transfer area and incinerators, Dam 1, Water Treatment PlantWater Treatment Plant

No environmental concerns were noted withNo environmental concerns were noted with No environmental concerns were noted with No environmental concerns were noted with regards to water supply and waste disposalregards to water supply and waste disposal

Two administrative compliance issues reTwo administrative compliance issues re-- Two administrative compliance issues reTwo administrative compliance issues reemphasizedemphasized

The 3 prisms on the embankment allow De Beers The 3 prisms on the embankment allow De Beers to monitoring bulging or slumping of the walls ofto monitoring bulging or slumping of the walls ofto monitoring bulging or slumping of the walls of to monitoring bulging or slumping of the walls of

the Starter Cellthe Starter Cell

Recently reRecently re--graded Cell 2 of the East Cell (as per graded Cell 2 of the East Cell (as per G t h i l I ti i t t i ki )G t h i l I ti i t t i ki )Geotechnical Inspection requirement to repair cracking)Geotechnical Inspection requirement to repair cracking)

Inert waste (scrap metal) segregated from the Inert waste (scrap metal) segregated from the burnable material at the Burn Pit. Once full, thisburnable material at the Burn Pit. Once full, thisburnable material at the Burn Pit. Once full, this burnable material at the Burn Pit. Once full, this

material is hauled to the Landfillmaterial is hauled to the Landfill

Waste segregation occurring in the Maintenance Waste segregation occurring in the Maintenance Shop, and safe storage of chemicals inside theShop, and safe storage of chemicals inside theShop, and safe storage of chemicals inside the Shop, and safe storage of chemicals inside the

yellow locker yellow locker

Dam 1 is essentially snowDam 1 is essentially snow--free. The Engineer in Charge of free. The Engineer in Charge of this facility recommended this facility be kept snow free this facility recommended this facility be kept snow free

throughout the winter (to enhance the penetration of coldthroughout the winter (to enhance the penetration of coldthroughout the winter (to enhance the penetration of cold throughout the winter (to enhance the penetration of cold onto the depths of the dam and minimize onto the depths of the dam and minimize insulativeinsulative effects effects of snow), but snow be retained on the dam in the spring (to of snow), but snow be retained on the dam in the spring (to

i l t th f h ibl )i l t th f h ibl )insulate the frozen core as much as possible)insulate the frozen core as much as possible)

Water level Water level in in Sump 2 was much lower Sump 2 was much lower th th t d i th i i tith th t d i th i i tithan that during the previous inspectionthan that during the previous inspection

The Survey Station on Sump 1 could provide accurate The Survey Station on Sump 1 could provide accurate water level information to De Beers’ technician via laser water level information to De Beers’ technician via laser

beam to the pond areabeam to the pond area

The Inspector recommended that all sumps, including Temporary The Inspector recommended that all sumps, including Temporary Sump 4 below, be closely monitored for Sump 4 below, be closely monitored for glaciationglaciation of seepage from the of seepage from the North Pile Snow blow may also become an issue reducing capacity asNorth Pile Snow blow may also become an issue reducing capacity asNorth Pile. Snow blow may also become an issue reducing capacity as North Pile. Snow blow may also become an issue reducing capacity as winds create an eddy which can accumulate blowing snow into sumpswinds create an eddy which can accumulate blowing snow into sumps

A pump in the pumpA pump in the pump--house on the left rehouse on the left re--circulates water of circulates water of Sump 4 towards Sump 3 and the Water Management Sump 4 towards Sump 3 and the Water Management p p gp p g

Pond. Such pumping currently happens every 2Pond. Such pumping currently happens every 2--3 days3 days

2.3 Clarification regarding Extended Care 2.3 Clarification regarding Extended Care and Maintenance requirements for theand Maintenance requirements for theand Maintenance requirements for the and Maintenance requirements for the

forthcoming 2017/18 winter seasonforthcoming 2017/18 winter season The Inspector sent out the clarification letter onThe Inspector sent out the clarification letter on The Inspector sent out the clarification letter on The Inspector sent out the clarification letter on

October 20, 2017October 20, 2017 Followed by De Beers response letter dated October Followed by De Beers response letter dated October y py p

24, 201724, 2017 The MVLWB clarified the June 22, 2016 The MVLWB clarified the June 22, 2016

approval letter and the June 30, 2016 approval letter and the June 30, 2016 confirmation letter, on October 25, 2017confirmation letter, on October 25, 2017

St ff ti b t D B d th MVLWBSt ff ti b t D B d th MVLWB Staff meeting between De Beers and the MVLWB Staff meeting between De Beers and the MVLWB held on October 26, 2017held on October 26, 2017

De Beers followed up in a letter on October, 30, 2017De Beers followed up in a letter on October, 30, 2017e ee s o o ed up a e e o Oc obe , 30, 0e ee s o o ed up a e e o Oc obe , 30, 0

2.3.1 Clarification regarding Extended Care 2.3.1 Clarification regarding Extended Care and Maintenance requirements for theand Maintenance requirements for theand Maintenance requirements for the and Maintenance requirements for the forthcoming 2017/18 winter season (I)forthcoming 2017/18 winter season (I)

“Discussion with De Beers staff for several“Discussion with De Beers staff for several Discussion with De Beers staff for several Discussion with De Beers staff for several months has indicated an intention to enter some months has indicated an intention to enter some sort of zerosort of zero--occupancy version of Extended occupancy version of Extended p yp yCare and Maintenance sometime in the fall of Care and Maintenance sometime in the fall of 2017. No official notice has been submitted to 2017. No official notice has been submitted to d t d d t t th i ti ( d)d t d d t t th i ti ( d)date, and no update to the existing (approved) date, and no update to the existing (approved) Extended Care and Maintenance Plan (ECMP, Extended Care and Maintenance Plan (ECMP, v 1 1) authorizing any proposed changes hasv 1 1) authorizing any proposed changes hasv.1.1) authorizing any proposed changes has v.1.1) authorizing any proposed changes has been submitted to the MVLWB.”been submitted to the MVLWB.”

2.3.1 Clarification regarding Extended Care 2.3.1 Clarification regarding Extended Care and Maintenance requirements for theand Maintenance requirements for theand Maintenance requirements for the and Maintenance requirements for the forthcoming 2017/18 winter season (II)forthcoming 2017/18 winter season (II)

“To be clear should De Beers wish to“To be clear should De Beers wish to To be clear, should De Beers wish to To be clear, should De Beers wish to change from a camp with a continuous change from a camp with a continuous staff presence towards one where thestaff presence towards one where thestaff presence towards one where the staff presence towards one where the minesiteminesite is vacant, it cannot do so without is vacant, it cannot do so without an approved (updated) ECMP in placean approved (updated) ECMP in placean approved (updated) ECMP in place. an approved (updated) ECMP in place. Specific requirements of that updated Specific requirements of that updated ECMP should be discussed with theECMP should be discussed with theECMP should be discussed with the ECMP should be discussed with the MVLWB through the usual approval MVLWB through the usual approval process ”process ”process.process.

2 3 2 De Beers’ Responses (I)2 3 2 De Beers’ Responses (I)2.3.2 De Beers Responses (I)2.3.2 De Beers Responses (I)

Dated October 24 2017Dated October 24 2017 Dated October 24, 2017Dated October 24, 2017 The ECMP was developed in April 2016 (Version 1), The ECMP was developed in April 2016 (Version 1),

and the MVLWB approved it as an interim plan on and the MVLWB approved it as an interim plan on June 22, 2016June 22, 2016

Then the ECMP was updated by De Beers (Version Then the ECMP was updated by De Beers (Version 1 1) and provided to the MVLWB on June 29 20161 1) and provided to the MVLWB on June 29 20161.1), and provided to the MVLWB on June 29, 2016 1.1), and provided to the MVLWB on June 29, 2016 and the ECMP was subsequently approved by the and the ECMP was subsequently approved by the MVLWB on June 30, 2016 MVLWB on June 30, 2016

•• “This letter hereby confirms that the changes requested in “This letter hereby confirms that the changes requested in the June 22, 2016 letter have all been addressed, and the the June 22, 2016 letter have all been addressed, and the Extended Care and Maintenance Plan is therefore Extended Care and Maintenance Plan is therefore

id d d ”id d d ”considered approved.”considered approved.”

2 3 2 De Beers’ Responses (II)2 3 2 De Beers’ Responses (II)2.3.2 De Beers Responses (II)2.3.2 De Beers Responses (II)

The June 30 2016 MVLWB approval letter doesThe June 30 2016 MVLWB approval letter does The June 30, 2016 MVLWB approval letter does The June 30, 2016 MVLWB approval letter does not place any stipulations on remote monitoringnot place any stipulations on remote monitoring

De Beers is not proposing any changes to theDe Beers is not proposing any changes to the De Beers is not proposing any changes to the De Beers is not proposing any changes to the currently approved ECMP currently approved ECMP

De Beers intends on De Beers intends on vacating the site on vacating the site on ggMonday, October 30, 2017Monday, October 30, 2017, and , and will be relying will be relying on the remote monitoring program to achieve on the remote monitoring program to achieve compliancecompliance beyond that date, beyond that date, with a minimum with a minimum of monthly inspectionsof monthly inspections

2.3.3 Clarification from the MVLWB (I)2.3.3 Clarification from the MVLWB (I)Dated October 25, 2017Dated October 25, 2017

The first part of theThe first part of the June 22 2016June 22 2016 letter fromletter from The first part of the The first part of the June 22, 2016June 22, 2016 letter from letter from the the BoardBoard required De Beers to update the required De Beers to update the ECM Plan to include additional information ECM Plan to include additional information that was provided by De Beers in their that was provided by De Beers in their responses to reviewer commentsresponses to reviewer comments

The The June 30, 2016 letterJune 30, 2016 letter from from Board staffBoard staff is is simply a confirmation that those requested simply a confirmation that those requested i f ti it h d b dd d t th ECMi f ti it h d b dd d t th ECMinformation items had been added to the ECM information items had been added to the ECM Plan Plan

•• It does not remove or replace the Board’s directionIt does not remove or replace the Board’s direction•• It does not remove or replace the Board s direction It does not remove or replace the Board s direction to De Beers from the second part of the June 22, to De Beers from the second part of the June 22, 2016 letter issued by the Board 2016 letter issued by the Board

2.3.3 Clarification from the MVLWB (II)2.3.3 Clarification from the MVLWB (II)2.3.3 Clarification from the MVLWB (II)2.3.3 Clarification from the MVLWB (II)

The second part of the June 22 2016 letterThe second part of the June 22 2016 letter The second part of the June 22, 2016 letter The second part of the June 22, 2016 letter from the Board stated the following: from the Board stated the following:

•• The Board reminds De Beers that any changes or The Board reminds De Beers that any changes or y gy gupdates to the Plan must be resubmitted to the updates to the Plan must be resubmitted to the Board for approvalBoard for approvalThe Board reminds De Beers that alternateThe Board reminds De Beers that alternate•• The Board reminds De Beers that alternate The Board reminds De Beers that alternate treatment methods, such as the proposed passive treatment methods, such as the proposed passive treatment being investigated, along with treatment being investigated, along with a shift a shift towards remotetowards remote--monitoring would require an monitoring would require an update to the Extended Care and Maintenance update to the Extended Care and Maintenance Plan and approval by the BoardPlan and approval by the BoardPlan and approval by the BoardPlan and approval by the Board

2.3.3 Clarification from the MVLWB (III)2.3.3 Clarification from the MVLWB (III)2.3.3 Clarification from the MVLWB (III)2.3.3 Clarification from the MVLWB (III)

As there were many reviewerAs there were many reviewer concerns relatedconcerns related As there were many reviewer As there were many reviewer concerns related concerns related to remote monitoringto remote monitoring during the review of the during the review of the ECM Plan (April to June 2016), the Board ECM Plan (April to June 2016), the Board ( p )( p )decided to require an update to the ECM Plan decided to require an update to the ECM Plan with more specific information prior to the with more specific information prior to the i l t ti f t it i t Si l t ti f t it i t Simplementation of remote monitoring at Snap implementation of remote monitoring at Snap Lake. The direction given by the Board in the Lake. The direction given by the Board in the June 22 2016 letter was intended to addressJune 22 2016 letter was intended to addressJune 22, 2016 letter was intended to address June 22, 2016 letter was intended to address these concerns identified throughout the review these concerns identified throughout the review process process by requiring an updated ECM Plan that by requiring an updated ECM Plan that pp y q g py q g pwould be would be publicly reviewedpublicly reviewed and considered by and considered by the Boardthe Board

2 3 4 De Beers’ Follow2 3 4 De Beers’ Follow--up Letterup Letter2.3.4 De Beers Follow2.3.4 De Beers Follow up Letterup Letter Dated October 30, 2017Dated October 30, 2017

De Beers De Beers will update the Extended Care and will update the Extended Care and Maintenance PlanMaintenance Plan to address stakeholders; concerns to address stakeholders; concerns on remote monitoring, including the Emergency on remote monitoring, including the Emergency g, g g yg, g g yResponse PlanResponse Plan

De Beers would De Beers would no longer vacate staff from the site no longer vacate staff from the site O t b 30O t b 30 d i t d k ll itd i t d k ll iton October, 30on October, 30 and instead, keep a small crew on site and instead, keep a small crew on site

initially demonstrate the effectiveness of the remote initially demonstrate the effectiveness of the remote monitoring plan until approval for remote monitoring is monitoring plan until approval for remote monitoring is granted by the MVLWB granted by the MVLWB

De Beers just announced the finalization of a De Beers just announced the finalization of a Det’onDet’onChoCho three year partnership to maintain and operatethree year partnership to maintain and operateCho Cho three year partnership to maintain and operate three year partnership to maintain and operate Snap Lake MineSnap Lake Mine, along with a dedicated De Beers , along with a dedicated De Beers owners teamowners team

3 Regulators’ Update3 Regulators’ Update –– MVLWB (I)MVLWB (I)3. Regulators Update 3. Regulators Update MVLWB (I) MVLWB (I)

Approved on September 28 2017 the 2017Approved on September 28 2017 the 2017 Approved, on September 28, 2017, the 2017 Approved, on September 28, 2017, the 2017 Downstream Watercourses Special Study Downstream Watercourses Special Study Report, as an interim approval, and requires an Report, as an interim approval, and requires an p pp qp pp qupdated Report to be submitted by November 1, updated Report to be submitted by November 1, 2017, to include: 2017, to include: Update to Table 5Update to Table 5--2 to replace ‘geodetic’ with ‘local’2 to replace ‘geodetic’ with ‘local’ The additional information provided in De Beers’ The additional information provided in De Beers’

response to GNWTresponse to GNWT--ENR comment IDENR comment ID--77response to GNWTresponse to GNWT--ENR comment IDENR comment ID--77 The 2017 Downstream Watercourses Special The 2017 Downstream Watercourses Special

Study Report will be considered approved uponStudy Report will be considered approved uponStudy Report will be considered approved upon Study Report will be considered approved upon confirmation of conformity by Board staff confirmation of conformity by Board staff

3. Regulators’ Update3. Regulators’ Update –– MVLWB (II)MVLWB (II)3. Regulators Update 3. Regulators Update MVLWB (II) MVLWB (II)

Type A Land Use Permit MV2017D0032Type A Land Use Permit MV2017D0032 Type A Land Use Permit MV2017D0032 Type A Land Use Permit MV2017D0032 was granted on October 12, 2017was granted on October 12, 2017

The Application is exempt from preliminaryThe Application is exempt from preliminary The Application is exempt from preliminary The Application is exempt from preliminary screening screening

The LUP has been approved for a period ofThe LUP has been approved for a period of The LUP has been approved for a period of The LUP has been approved for a period of five years commencing October 12, 2017 and five years commencing October 12, 2017 and expiring October 11, 2022 expiring October 11, 2022 p g ,p g ,

Security Security deposit: deposit: $21,035,671.00 $21,035,671.00

4 Aboriginal Update4 Aboriginal Update4. Aboriginal Update4. Aboriginal Update

No comments received in October 2017No comments received in October 2017No comments received in October 2017No comments received in October 2017

5 Stakeholders’ Update5 Stakeholders’ Update5. Stakeholders Update5. Stakeholders Update

No comments received in October 2017No comments received in October 2017No comments received in October 2017No comments received in October 2017

6 Agency’s Activities6 Agency’s Activities6. Agency s Activities6. Agency s Activities SLEMA had an executive meeting in September SLEMA had an executive meeting in September

22 201722 201722, 201722, 2017 SLEMA 2016SLEMA 2016--2017 Annual Report was drafted 2017 Annual Report was drafted

and being finalized in October 2017and being finalized in October 2017and being finalized in October 2017 and being finalized in October 2017 SLEMA’s concern on remote monitoring at the SLEMA’s concern on remote monitoring at the

Mine site was addressed in the LUP issuanceMine site was addressed in the LUP issuanceMine site was addressed in the LUP issuance Mine site was addressed in the LUP issuance letter dated October 12, 2017letter dated October 12, 2017 The Board reminds De Beers that as per the Board’sThe Board reminds De Beers that as per the Board’s The Board reminds De Beers that as per the Board s The Board reminds De Beers that as per the Board s

June 22, 2016 Extended Care and Maintenance Plan June 22, 2016 Extended Care and Maintenance Plan (ECM Plan) (ECM Plan) -- Interim Approval Letter, the Board Interim Approval Letter, the Board requires therequires the ECM Plan to be resubmitted forECM Plan to be resubmitted forrequires the requires the ECM Plan to be resubmitted, for ECM Plan to be resubmitted, for approval, prior to any changes or updates; this approval, prior to any changes or updates; this includes includes shifts towards remote monitoringshifts towards remote monitoring

6.1 Photos of Site Visit on July 6.1 Photos of Site Visit on July 11, 2017 11, 2017

7 SLEMA Reviews7 SLEMA Reviews7. SLEMA Reviews7. SLEMA ReviewsData Analysis for Data Analysis for SulphateSulphate in Snap Lake in Snap Lake SLEMA Modeling Update for SLEMA Modeling Update for SulphateSulphate

7.1 Data Analysis for 7.1 Data Analysis for SulphateSulphatein Snap Lakein Snap Lake

ENR raised a concern on the elevatedENR raised a concern on the elevated ENR raised a concern on the elevated ENR raised a concern on the elevated sulphatesulphate concentrations at SNP 02concentrations at SNP 02--02 02 (North Pile runoff) in the comment letter(North Pile runoff) in the comment letter(North Pile runoff), in the comment letter (North Pile runoff), in the comment letter for the 2016 Water for the 2016 Water LicenceLicence Annual Report, Annual Report, dated May 3 2017dated May 3 2017dated May 3, 2017dated May 3, 2017 This increase is not predicted by the 2013 This increase is not predicted by the 2013

modelmodelmodelmodel•• Model predictions suggested that Model predictions suggested that sulphatesulphate should should

decrease to about 75 mg/L in 2012, and then decrease to about 75 mg/L in 2012, and then remain steady at this concentrationremain steady at this concentration

SulphateSulphate Concentrations in SNP 02Concentrations in SNP 02--02 02 (N th Pil ) V 2013 M d li P di ti(N th Pil ) V 2013 M d li P di ti(North Pile) Vs. 2013 Modeling Prediction(North Pile) Vs. 2013 Modeling Prediction

SulphateSulphate Concentrations in SNP 02Concentrations in SNP 02--02 02 (N th Pil ) d SNP 02(N th Pil ) d SNP 02 17 (WTP Effl t)17 (WTP Effl t)(North Pile) and SNP 02(North Pile) and SNP 02--17 (WTP Effluent)17 (WTP Effluent)

Comments from the Comments from the Environmental Analyst (I)Environmental Analyst (I)

SulphateSulphate concentrations at SNP 02concentrations at SNP 02--02 fluctuate02 fluctuate SulphateSulphate concentrations at SNP 02concentrations at SNP 02 02 fluctuate 02 fluctuate seasonally, and 600 mg/L has been the peak seasonally, and 600 mg/L has been the peak concentration for the past few yearsconcentration for the past few yearsp yp y

The runoff amount ranges from 2 to 6% of the The runoff amount ranges from 2 to 6% of the total discharge to Snap Lake, and the impacts of total discharge to Snap Lake, and the impacts of the North Pile runoff on the overall water quality the North Pile runoff on the overall water quality of the WTP effluent appear to be limitedof the WTP effluent appear to be limited

SS ffff SulphateSulphate levels in the WTP effluent levels in the WTP effluent had had been below been below 75 mg/L (Effluent Quality Criterion for 75 mg/L (Effluent Quality Criterion for SulphateSulphate of the of the previous Water previous Water LicenceLicence) from 2011 to 2016) from 2011 to 2016pp ))

The high concentrations in May and June 2017 The high concentrations in May and June 2017 occurred during freshet period with limited flowsoccurred during freshet period with limited flows

Sulphate Concentrations at SNP 02-17 (WTP Effluent)

140

160Effluent)

Effluent Quality Criterion for Sulphatein the previous

100

120

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for Sulphatein the previous Water Licence, 75 mg/L

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Apr-01 Jan-04 Oct-06 Jul-09 Apr-12 Dec-14 Sep-17 Jun-20Date

Comments from the Comments from the Environmental Analyst (II)Environmental Analyst (II)

Part of the North Pile runoff flows to thePart of the North Pile runoff flows to the Part of the North Pile runoff flows to the Part of the North Pile runoff flows to the Permanent Sumps 3 to 5. If the water levels in Permanent Sumps 3 to 5. If the water levels in these sumps are not well managed, there may these sumps are not well managed, there may p g yp g ybe risk of spill to the Northwest Arm of Snap be risk of spill to the Northwest Arm of Snap LakeLake Peak Peak sulphatesulphate concentration is 600 mg/Lconcentration is 600 mg/L

•• SuphateSuphate levels range from 17 to 29 mg/L in the Northwest levels range from 17 to 29 mg/L in the Northwest ArmArm

•• AEMP benchmark is around 90 mg/L (Site Specific Water AEMP benchmark is around 90 mg/L (Site Specific Water Quality Objective for Quality Objective for SulphateSulphate))

Appropriate sump water level managementAppropriate sump water level management Appropriate sump water level management Appropriate sump water level management should should be warrantedbe warranted

SulphateSulphate Levels in Snap LakeLevels in Snap LakeSulphateSulphate Levels in Snap LakeLevels in Snap Lake

Suphate levels range from 30 to 38 mg/L in the

Suphate levels range from 17 to 29 mg/L in the N th t A

main body of Snap Lake

Northwest Arm

7.2 SLEMA Modeling Update for 7.2 SLEMA Modeling Update for SulphateSulphate

SLEMA model was updated forSLEMA model was updated for SulphateSulphate toto SLEMA model was updated for SLEMA model was updated for SulphateSulphate to to reflect the flooding scenario during the period of reflect the flooding scenario during the period of Extended Care and Maintenance (ECM)Extended Care and Maintenance (ECM)( )( )

The model was calibrated with data up The model was calibrated with data up to to AugustAugust20120177 Correlation coCorrelation co--efficient: efficient: 0.9790.979 The model is capable of predicting whole lake of The model is capable of predicting whole lake of

t ti ft ti f S l h tS l h t i S L ki S L kaverage concentrations of average concentrations of SulphateSulphate in Snap Lake in Snap Lake

Simulation of Sulphate Concentrations in Snap Lake

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Correlation coefficient of the two data sets is 0.982

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Apr-1

0Se

p-10

Feb-

11Ju

l-11

Dec

-11

May

-12

Oct

-12

Mar

-13

Aug-

13Ja

n-14

Jun-

14N

ov-1

4Ap

r-15

Sep-

15Fe

b-16

Jul-1

6

J N A S F D M O M A J J N A S F D M O M A J J N A S F

Month

Prediction of Sulphate Concentrations in Snap Lake -

50

60

L

Extended Care and Maintenance

Observed Value

40

50

ratio

n, m

g/ SLEMA Model

20

30

e C

once

ntr

10

20

Sulp

hate

Assumed zero discharge to Snap Lake from January 2017

0

Jun-

04Ju

n-05

Jun-

06Ju

n-07

Jun-

08Ju

n-09

Jun-

10Ju

n-11

Jun-

12Ju

n-13

Jun-

14Ju

n-15

Jun-

16Ju

n-17

Jun-

18Ju

n-19

Jun-

20Ju

n-21

Jun-

22Ju

n-23

Jun-

24Ju

n-25

Jun-

26Ju

n-27

Jun-

28

ssu ed e o d sc a ge to S ap a e o Ja ua y 0

J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J

Month

Modeling ResultsModeling ResultsModeling ResultsModeling Results

De Beers began flooding the undergroundDe Beers began flooding the undergroundDe Beers began flooding the underground De Beers began flooding the underground workings in January 2017, then the workings in January 2017, then the discharge to Snap Lake will be minimaldischarge to Snap Lake will be minimaldischarge to Snap Lake will be minimal. discharge to Snap Lake will be minimal. As a result, zero discharge is assumed in As a result, zero discharge is assumed in the modeling effortsthe modeling effortsthe modeling effortsthe modeling efforts

Modeling results show that Modeling results show that SulphateSulphateconcentrations in Snap Lake will reach theconcentrations in Snap Lake will reach theconcentrations in Snap Lake will reach the concentrations in Snap Lake will reach the peak in 2017 and then decrease during peak in 2017 and then decrease during the ECM period (11 years assumed)the ECM period (11 years assumed)the ECM period (11 years assumed)the ECM period (11 years assumed)

Comments from the Comments from the Environmental AnalystEnvironmental Analyst

SulphateSulphate concentrations in Snap Lake willconcentrations in Snap Lake will SulphateSulphate concentrations in Snap Lake will concentrations in Snap Lake will be a down trend due to the suspended be a down trend due to the suspended operations and underground flooding theoperations and underground flooding theoperations and underground flooding, the operations and underground flooding, the impacts on aquatic life will be much less impacts on aquatic life will be much less than normal operationsthan normal operationsthan normal operationsthan normal operations SulphateSulphate levels in Snap Lake will remain levels in Snap Lake will remain

below the AEMP benchmark (~90 mg/L Sitebelow the AEMP benchmark (~90 mg/L Sitebelow the AEMP benchmark ( 90 mg/L, Site below the AEMP benchmark ( 90 mg/L, Site Specific Water Quality Objective for Specific Water Quality Objective for SulphateSulphate) ) during the Extended Care and Maintenance during the Extended Care and Maintenance ggPeriodPeriod