Q&A
Gypsum Scaling- although gypsum is inert, it will deposit scaling on machinery, culverts, sumps and discharge pipes/hoses. What will be used to remove the scale deposits? Generally speaking, acid-based products are used for eliminating scale build up. What is the plan to eliminate scale, as whatever is used will also end up in the receiving environment?
Date Posted: November 16, 2018 3:30 PMWe do not anticipate scaling will become an issue. Scaling generally occurs as you heat water, which can eventually cause calcium sulphate to precipitate as a “scale” on plumbing and hot water tanks. There is no need to warm the water at the quarry. Instead the water will be managed at ambient temperatures, which will avoid causing scaling.
What measures will be in place to ensure no fungal or algae blooms will occur in the sump pit, (which will only be drained dry approximately once a year), and subsequently released to the environment?
Date Posted: November 16, 2018 3:30 PMAlgae is a normal component of any ecosystem, and algae was observed in WC1 and WC3 during the fish and fish habitat assessments. Given that algae are already present in the watercourses on site, it is unlikely that algae can be prevented from entering the pit. However, the pit itself will consist of barren rock with no nutrients or organic matter to promote algae or fungal growth, and since these species only grow in optimal ranges (stagnant water in the presence of nutrients and organics), the widespread presence of algae or fungal blooms in the pit sump is highly unlikely.
Is there any affiliation between the proponent and the company Rio Tinto, whose mineral claim on plot 7627, (Silver Hill area), borders on plot 8781?
Date Posted: November 16, 2018 3:30 PMNo.
Is it possible for an unbiased 3rd party, such as Hammond River Angling Association, to monitor discharge and sediment levels?
Date Posted: November 16, 2018 3:29 PMIn general, JDI has a long history of working collaboratively with environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs) on projects of mutual interest to the benefit of the environment while building capacity and sharing information, and Hammond River Holdings will be no different. Hammond River Holdings has already committed to working with the public, stakeholders, and First Nations regarding the Project, and will consider opportunities for partnering with stakeholders and community groups as they arise, including discharge monitoring.
Regarding the Hammond River Angling Association (HRAA) specifically, an initial meeting was held on Nov 12th and all discussions regarding how the relationship with HRAA may unfold will be held between the board of the association and Hammond River Holdings.
I think this is a cool idea. In Cheticamp, NS a community park with lake and trails has been made from an abandoned gypsum quarry. Would you consider something like this for Upham? https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g499215-d13153501-Reviews-G
Date Posted: November 16, 2018 1:55 PMThis is an idea that Hammond River Holdings would consider at the end of the quarry’s life.
Can JDI tell me a bit more about water management at the location? The EIA says water from the bottom of the pit will periodically be pumped to receiving waters. I assume that is a stream flowing to the river. Is that correct? It says further that in cases where suspended sediment concentrations levels are unsuitable for direct discharge "consideration will be given to directing the water to the settling pond, if feasible." (Pg 29). My question: If that is not feasible, what will happen on site?
Date Posted: November 13, 2018 1:19 PMPart of the EIA process involves the Department of Environment setting allowable limits for suspended solids. Suspended solids in this case are earth and remnants of gypsum rock which is inert. Hammond River Holdings is committed to operating within these allowable limits. A settling pond will be on site (see bottom right corner of site map) to ensure suspended solids are responsibly managed. Excess water from the site will only be pumped into two (2) nearby streams per the guidelines and the regular water testing protocol set forth by the Department of Environment. If testing of the settling pond discharge does not meet requirements as defined, processing stops and the water is stored in the pit until regulated limits are achieved.
I'm also wondering about long term plans for Gypsum mining in the Upham area, Is it the plan to move to another site where test drilling has taken place once the supply at the proposed site has been exhausted?
Date Posted: November 13, 2018 1:18 PMNo. There are no plans to develop other sites in the area where test drilling has taken place.
Re dust: I'm wondering how far from the site dust from blasting and material handing is projected to carry.
Date Posted: November 13, 2018 1:18 PMParticulate in the air is regulated and there is a limit that we must respect that will be determined by the department as a condition of any approval to operate. The site is surrounded by a buffer of trees and additional dust management techniques include:
- crushing done in the open pit
- a water bar used on the crusher if required
- water will be used as required to control dust on internal site roads as is done on many dirt roads around the province
The rock being transported will be 6-8 inch minus and is of a size that is not expected to generate any dust – on the storage pad or in transport. Sections 2.3.9 and 2.7.1 of the EIA outline dust mitigation measures.
A few weeks back there was a press release saying the project would provide 12 - 15 full time jobs, the EIA is says 5 to 10 plus explosive contractor and trucking contractor jobs. Can you be more specific? Would the maximum still be 15 jobs with blasting contractors and truckers?
Date Posted: November 13, 2018 1:18 PMThe operation on site is expected to provide 6-10 jobs, including the work of the blasting contractor. This is for quarry operations only, the subject of the EIA. Trucking will be required and is expected to create 6-10 additional new positions on top of those at the proposed quarry. These numbers do not include any hiring done on behalf of third-party contractors during the construction phase of the project. This operation is required to sustain the 105 direct jobs at the Atlantic Wallboard site in Saint John, NB.
Was there blasting undertaken by the proponents August 2-4, 2018?
Date Posted: November 13, 2018 1:18 PMNo. There was no blasting by Hammond River Holdings or Dillon Consulting.