Water Resources Division

Qimugjuk Building

P.O. Box 2200

Iqaluit, Nunavut
X0A 0H0	Your file - Votre référence

Tel: (867) 975-4548	NWB1BOS9801

Our file - Notre référence

July 17, 2001

Andrea Carter

A/Licensing Administrator

Nunavut Water Board

P.O. Box 119

Gjoa Haven, Nunavut

X0B 1J0

Dear Ms. Carter:

Re: Hope Bay Joint Venture - Renewal

The Water Resources Division has reviewed the renewal application for water licence NWB1BOS9801 and have attached a written submission dealing with:

•	General Conditions

•	Conditions Applying to Waste Disposal

•	Conditions Applying to Studies

•	Abandonment and Reclamation

•	Security Deposit

The submission contains several recommendations which are a combination of those made in the Rescan reports and others made by Peri Mehling , an independent consultant that was contracted by the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development for the purposes of this review. Ms. Mehling 's report is appended to the submission.

In summary, the main issues at this site are the lack of understanding of the acid rock drainage ( ARD ) potential of the material stored on surface and the evident metal leaching. The amount of material considered potentially problematic may increase as further analysis of the existing data, and further monitoring of surface runoff and leachate are conducted. Data at the site suggests that the stored rock is leaching metals, possibly in neutral conditions. It is essential that the Licensee take measures to fully understand the long term ARD potential at this site and develop methods to mitigate the impacts of this and metal leaching. Therefore, DIAND is recommending further anaylsis to ensure adequate knowledge is available to evaluate the conditions of this site and develop effective monitoring and site management plans.

Should you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me at the number above or by e-mail at johnsonmi @ inac.gc.ca .

Sincerely,

Michelle Johnson

Kivalliq / Kitikmeot Regional Coordinator