Environmental Baseline Study
In preparation for mine permitting at the Back Forty Project, Aquila Resources implemented an environmental baseline study (EBS) in 2007. Environmental Resource Management (ERM) was contracted to conduct the EBS.
The survey is designed to meet Michigan’s Part 632 Permit to Mine time-critical baseline studies (e.g., two-year data requirements for certain resources), support mine planning and design activities, address key issues raised by stakeholders, and integrate with engineering design.
The EBS plan includes:
- Ground and surface water hydrogeology testing to support future modeling
- Wetland characterization
- Air quality and meteorological studies
- Flora and fauna surveys, including threatened and endangered species
- Cultural resources
- Pre-permitting consultation with regulatory agencies
The following have been completed:
- 18 glacial overburden groundwater monitor wells, 9 bedrock monitor wells, and 9 piezometers have been installed over a 6 square mile area around the project
- Surface water quality monitoring stations have been established on several rivers, streams and lakes near the project area
- Monitor wells and surface water stations have been sampled on a quarterly basis
- An additional 11 staff gauges have been installed over 20 square miles
- Complete meteorological and air quality monitoring station erected Fall 2007 with continuous on-site data collection
- Phase 1 biological studies (aquatics, wildlife and flora) complete and phase 2 studies in progress or scheduled
- Cultural studies initiated
In addition to the environmental baseline study, Aquila Resources has acted in cooperation with the local township on a drinking water survey. At the request of Lake Township, where the Back Forty Project is located, a third party environmental consulting firm, Foth Infrastructure and Environment of Green Bay, was contracted to design and implement a water quality study of residential water wells.
