Ministry of Mines
The Long Lake Gold Mine (LLGM), operational from 1908 to 1939, left migrating tailings that harmed Luke Creek and Long Lake.
Although the mine is closed, ongoing environmental impacts necessitate monitoring to prepare for rehabilitation. The Ministry of Mines engaged BESTECH for environmental monitoring as a temporary measure before comprehensive rehabilitation.
SCOPE
This involved routine monitoring of surface water and groundwater to assess environmental impacts and ensure compliance with the Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA). The project included sampling at seven groundwater monitoring wells in spring, summer, and fall, and 22 surface water locations throughout the year. This monitoring schedule aimed to provide continuous data to support rehabilitation efforts based on accurate environmental information.
OUTCOME
This monitoring initiative enabled stakeholders to understand the site’s environmental conditions and manage the impacts of historic mining activities. BESTECH’s consistent data collection offered valuable insights for a targeted rehabilitation strategy. Additionally, the project ensured compliance with ECA requirements related to water management and dust control, protecting surrounding ecosystems until full rehabilitation begins. The data also contributed to a strong framework for future rehabilitation efforts.