MARY RIVER PROJECT BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS MONITORING FRAMEWORK

Contents APPROACH AND PRINCIPLES PURPOSE AND TYPES CRITERIA AND PROTOCOLS EEM PROGRAM STRUCTURE EEM DESIGN AND CONTENT CANDIDATES FOR 2012

Approach It is the intention of Baffinland to establish cooperative environmental arrangements between the company, the QIA (Qikiktani Inuit Association) and the Inuit of Northern Baffin Island to protect both the environment as well as the traditional relationship of the Inuit peoples with the natural environment.

Principles A Comprehensive and Integrated Program Ecosystem-based approach Meet Regulatory requirements Participation by Inuit Integrate IQ Coordinate Efforts Report on Results

Purpose 1.Verify effects predictions; 2.Evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation; 3.Identify unforeseen environmental effects; 4.Provide an early warning ; 5.Understand cause-and-effect 6.Identify target species and linkages ; 7.Provide baseline for planning;

Types Monitoring – address and quantify cause and effect linkages – design criteria apply Surveillance – Pattern of occurrence of target species Research – background studies /monitoring targets.

Criteria – A Credible Cause and Effect relationship; – Potentially Adverse Effect : – Significant Effect ; – High or Moderate Likelihood; – Sustained Interaction – A Credible, Unplanned Event; and – Low level of Confidence in the Prediction

Data Evaluation Protocols Establish Exceedance Thresholds : – Percentage of background or baseline; – “no observable effects concentration”; – “meaningful change” criteria; – “statistically significant”; – Levels known to cause an environmental effect.

EEM Designs Gradient to Background Before-After Control- Exposure

Design Structure (1 of 2) 1.Project Interaction 2.Hypothesis Formation 3.Monitoring Target 4.DesignType (Gradient, Before-After, Control-Exposure) 5.Parameters and Endpoints 6.Testable Hypothesis

Design Structure (2 of 2) 7Sample Size Requirements 8Sampling Frequency, Location,Timing 9.Data Collection Methods 10QA/QC Sampling and Requirements 11Sample Handling and Analysis 12Data Interpretation and Reporting 13Triggering Levels

Research Candidates Walrus densities and distribution –Foxe Basin Whale densities and distribution Hudson Strait Walrus behaviour and vessel passages Nesting eider surveys? Marine bird surveys?