CONTAMINATION THAT IS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL
Bedrock at the mine site contains silica (SIO2), and the process of crushing, handling and moving the rock is likely to release this carcinogenic substance. If it’s not released during these steps, it will still end up in the sedimentation basins with the other residues and additives used during the treatment. In addition, during the concentration process, as the chemical properties of the extracted materials are being modified, there is a real potential for acidification of the remaining liquids. In fact, the tailings disposal site and the adjacent sedimentation ponds are probably the most difficult sources of latent contamination to control. The reasons are quite obvious: this site is exposed to the elements and climate variations that act on a porous surface; and this setting represents by far the largest volume of toxic materials of all the operations carried out.
In short, here are some of the adverse effects that are likely to affect the environment and the population:
dust
Caused by blasting, trucking, crushing and the mining pits’ chimney effect;
noise
Caused by blasting, trucking and crushing.
toxicity
Caused by silica and graphite dust, and chemical additives;
AN IMPORTANT RISK
A significant amount of dust will be produced on the mine site and carried by the prevailing winds from the west and northwest. This dust will fall mainly in the Lac-des-Plages watershed, and could have negative impacts on wildlife, as well as on the population.
NOISE AND VIBRATION POLLUTION
The intensity of noise generated by blasting, construction and trucking creates a level of stress that is harmful to humans and wildlife. Living beings, accustomed to calm, have chosen to live in a sound environment mainly orchestrated by the song of nature. However, this industrial disturbance also has harmful effects on the health and quality of life of the populations living in the surrounding area.
According to a study commissioned by the European Union in 2000, vibrations caused mainly by blasting, affects the stability of infrastructure and buildings, to the detriment of people living near the site of these large open-pit mines.
Consult the reference document
SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER POLLUTION
The likelihood of human error is very real; accidents do happen, as can negligence in the maintenance of mining infrastructure. Water runoff, aggravated by heavy rains or rapid snowmelt, is also a possible cause of water pollution.
Waste from tailings sites and sedimentation ponds could release potentially toxic materials such as: diesel, hydrochloric (or sulfuric) acid, iron sulphide, etc. into stormwater. These waters can in turn flow towards lakes and watercourses towards Lac-des-Plages, to the east, and also towards Lac Doré and Lac Simon, to the west.
Keep in mind that in most cases, it is the companies themselves that must disclose their own breaches of government standards and not an independent inspection body. This principle of self-regulation in the mining industry is not reassuring.
A watershed map clearly illustrates the natural drainage network.
DESCRIPTION OF THE WATERSHEDS ILLUSTRATED ON THE MAP ABOVE
There are 2 watersheds directly impacted by the La Loutre project: Ruisseau Doré watershed, to the west, and Lac-des-Plages watershed, to the east. Surprisingly, the line that separates them is right in the heart of the “open-pit” mine.
There are 2 watersheds directly impacted by the La Loutre project: Ruisseau Doré watershed, to the west, and Lac-des-Plages watershed, to the east. Surprisingly, the line that separates them is right in the heart of the “open-pit” mine.
The flow of water from the Lac-des-Plages watershed is directed like a funnel towards Lac-des-Plages. In this section, we find part of the “ open pit ”, the sedimentation ponds (chemicals) and the mountains of mining residues or tailings.
CONTAMINATED
RAINWATER AT
LAC-DES-ÎLES
In 2012, at the Lac-des-Îles’ graphite mine (located south of Mont-Laurier) the poorly maintained tailings pond leaked contaminated rainwater. This runoff lasted an eternity of 10 months! In addition to this infraction, the mining company was the subject of numerous other regulatory violations and as a result, has received multiple fines from the Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (MELCC).
Read the article info on La Lièvre
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You will find the most frequently asked questions and answers by the citizens of La Petite-Nation.