Environmental Baseline Data Report Hardrock Project: 2015 Air Quality Monitoring Program

Transcription

1 Environmental Baseline Data Report Hardrock Project: 2015 Air Quality Monitoring Program Prepared for: Greenstone Gold Mines GP Inc. 365 Bay St, Suite 500 Toronto, ON M5H 2V1 Prepared by: Stantec Consulting Ltd Southgate Drive Guelph ON N1G 4P5 File No November 24, 2015

2 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... I ABBREVIATIONS... III 1.0 INTRODUCTION PROJECT OVERVIEW STUDY OBJECTIVES SPATIAL BOUNDARIES Project Development Area Local Study Area Regional Study Area INSTRUMENTATION SUMMARY MONITOR LOCATION INSTRUMENTATION Continuous Ambient Monitors Non-Continuous Ambient Monitors Meteorological Data Data Acquisition System Equipment Enclosure and Sampling Manifold INSTRUMENTATION ISSUES AND RECOVERY RATES Instrumentation Issues Data Recovery Rates MONITORING STATION INSTRUMENTATION AUDIT BASELINE AMBIENT AIR CONCENTRATIONS METEOROLOGICAL DATA CONTINUOUS MONITOR DATA TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATE AND METALS VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS BACKGROUND CONCENTRATION LEVELS MONITORING PROGRAM DATA REVIEW CONTAMINANT COMPARISONS Criteria Air Contaminant Concentrations Metals Concentrations Volatile Organic Compound Concentrations Other Contaminants CONCLUSIONS REFERENCES...6.1

3 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM LIST OF TABLES Table 2-1: Coordinates of GGM Hardrock Ambient Monitoring Table 2-2: Summary of Instrument Issues Table 2-3: Summary of Data Recovery Rates Table 3-1: Meteorological Data Summary Table 3-2: Summary of Ambient Continuous Monitoring Data Table 3-3: Summary of Measured Ambient TSP and Metals Concentrations Table 3-4: Summary of Measured Ambient VOC Concentrations Table 3-5: Summary of Measured 90 th Percentile Ambient Criteria Air Contaminant Concentrations - December 2014-June Table 3-6: Summary of Measured 90 th Percentile Ambient TSP and Metals Table 3-7: Concentrations December 2014-June Summary of Measured 90 th Percentile Ambient VOC Concentrations - December 2014-June Table 4-1: Comparison of NO2 and SO2 Background Concentrations Table 4-2: Summary of NAPS Station 90th Percentile PM2.5 Variations (/m 3 ) Table 4-3: Comparison of Particulate Matter Background Concentrations Table 4-4: Comparison of Metals Background Concentrations Table 4-5: LIST OF FIGURES Sensitivity Analysis of Air TDR Metals Cumulative Effects Predictions with Revised Background Levels Figure 1-1: Project Location Figure 1-2: Spatial Boundaries Figure 3-1: Wind Rose for the Monitoring Period LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix A: Appendix B: Appendix C: Appendix D: Ambient Monitoring Plan, MOECC Comments and Responses, and Summary Concordance Table Continuous Monitor Data Summaries and Edit Log Tables Total Suspended Particulate and Metals Data Summary Volatile Organic Compounds Data Summary

4 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Executive Summary Stantec Consulting Ltd. (Stantec) was retained by Greenstone Gold Mines GP Inc. (GGM) to conduct a baseline ambient air quality monitoring program in the local study area of the Hardrock Project (the Project) over the period December 2014 to June The ambient air quality monitoring program supplemented and expanded the baseline air quality monitoring and review conducted in 2014 that is presented in the document Environmental Baseline Data Report Hardrock Project: Climate and Air Quality prepared by Stantec Consulting Ltd., dated March 4, 2015 (Stantec, 2015). The contaminants assessed in this monitoring program were determined based on the requirements of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Guideline (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, 2014) and anticipated contaminants of concern from an open pit gold mine operation and a potential power plant that would also apply, in a coordinated manner, to the provincial Individual Environmental Assessment (EA). The contaminants evaluated in this assessment included the following: Particulate Matter (PM) including PM2.5, PM10 and Total Suspended Particulate (TSP); Metals (in TSP); Criteria Air Contaminants (CACs): including nitrogen oxides (NOX), and sulphur dioxide (SO2); and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The above contaminants were monitored at one location during the period December 2014 June The measurement program included both continuous and non-continuous monitors to sample air contaminant concentrations. Monitoring for PM2.5, PM10, NOx, and SO2 was conducted on a continuous basis over the duration of the ambient air monitoring program. Monitoring for TSP, metals (in TSP) and VOCs was conducted with non-continuous monitors. The following observations and conclusions were made from a review of the measured ambient air quality monitoring data: 1. Measured levels of NO2, SO2, and PM10 were below their applicable O.Reg. 419/05 criteria; 2. The Canada Ambient Air Quality Standard (CAAQS) for PM2.5 is based on a 98 th percentile level averaged over 3 years, therefore 3-years of data collection would be required to allow comparisons of the site measurements to the CAAQS. Since ambient monitoring for this length of time is impracticable for environmental assessments, no comparison of the measured PM2.5 data to the CAAQS was conducted for this report; 3. The maximum measured concentrations of TSP and all metals with MOECC air quality criteria were well below their applicable criteria; i

5 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM 4. The maximum measured concentrations of all VOCs with MOECC air quality criteria were well below their applicable criteria; and 5. Background concentrations were estimated from the ambient monitoring data by calculating 90 th percentile concentrations, which are presented in Section 3 of this report. A review of the 2015 ambient monitoring data versus the values used in the document Technical Data Report: Hardrock Project Atmospheric Environment Assessment (Air TDR) for ambient CAC background concentration levels confirmed that the Air TDR values were conservative for NO2, SO2, TSP and PM2.5. This assessment took into the consideration the potential for variability in the 90 th percentile concentrations derived from a 6-month monitoring period versus a full-year of data. The background PM10 value used in the air TDR could potentially under represent ambient PM10 levels, and this could result in a potential change in maximum predicted cumulative PM10 concentrations of about 11%. This change would not however, affect the conclusions of the cumulative effects assessment in the Air TDR with respect to PM10. The 2015 ambient monitoring data and a sensitivity study of background metals concentrations based on those measurements, confirmed that the background metals concentrations used in the cumulative effects assessment in the Air TDR would either be conservative or any potential variability would result in insignificant changes in predicted cumulative concentrations. ii

6 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Abbreviations AAQCs AQSA CACs Ambient Air Quality Criteria Air Quality Study Area Criteria Air Contaminants CEAA 2012 Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 Cm CO CAAQS EA Greenstone Gold Mines GP Inc. JSL Km km/h LOM LSA Mm MOE MOECC NAAQOs NAPS NO Centimeters Carbon monoxide Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standard Environmental Assessment GGM Jurisdictional Screening Limits Kilometer kilometers per hour Life of mine Local Study Area Millimeters Ministry of the Environment Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (formerly Ministry of the Environment) National Ambient Air Quality Objectives National Air Pollution Surveillance Program Nitric oxide iii

7 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM NOX NO2 Nitrogen oxides Nitrogen dioxide O.Reg.419/05 Ontario Regulation 419/05 O3 Ozone PEA PM Preliminary Economic Assessment Particulate matter PM2.5 Respirable particulate matter PM10 Inhalable particulate matter ppb RSA SO2 Stantec Consulting Ltd. TMF tpd TSP /m 3 UTM URT VOCs parts per billion Regional study area Sulphur dioxide Stantec tailings management facility Tonnes per day Total suspended particulate micro grams per meter cube Universal Transverse Mercator Upper Risk Threshold Volatile organic compounds iv

8 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Introduction November 24, INTRODUCTION Greenstone Gold Mines GP Inc. (GGM, the Proponent) proposes the establishment, construction, operation, and retirement (closure) of an open pit gold mine and ore processing facility, and any ancillary activities, collectively known as the Hardrock Project (the Project). The Project is located approximately 275 kilometres (km) northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario, in the Ward of Geraldton, at the intersection of Highway 11 and Michael Power Boulevard (Figure 1-1). Premier completed a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the Project in January 2014, which indicated favourable economics for open pit mining (Stantec, 2014). Updated resource estimates were completed in July Feasibility studies and the environmental assessment (EA) are ongoing. GGM has retained Stantec to collect environmental baseline data from the Project development area (PDA), in support of the EA process. 1.1 PROJECT OVERVIEW The Project is situated within a historical mine site. GGM acquired the Hardrock mining claim in December 2008 from Lac Properties. The Project is located on a brownfield site that was actively mined between 1930s-1970s and in later years was known as the MacLeod-Mosher complex. The former underground operations include the MacLeod - Mosher Mine and the Hardrock Mine. The preliminary (conceptual) site layout includes an open pit, onsite ore processing facility, waste rock and tailings disposal, water management activities and any ancillary facilities. GGM generally anticipates that the required mine-related facilities will be placed in close proximity to the open pit to the extent practicable. Mining of the Hardrock deposit has been designed as an open pit with up to 24,000 tonnes per day (tpd) of mineralized material processed at the mill during the first two years, and approximately 30,000 tpd of mineralized material processed at the mill starting during the third year, for 365 days per year of mill operation and mine operation. The estimated life of mine (LOM) is approximately 15 years. Ore, mine rock and overburden removed from the open pit will be trucked to the surface. Ramp widths will be designed to accommodate the necessary heavy equipment. The mill is anticipated to include ore crushing, ball milling, and gold recovery. Tailings will be stored in a constructed tailings management facility (TMF). Ongoing ore processing plant water requirements will be derived from water recycled from the TMF where possible. There may also be a need for additional surface water takings. Mine-contact water from within the perimeter of the mine facilities, and water from pit dewatering, may be directed to the TMF or the process plant, or discharged depending on its quality. Such discharge will meet applicable federal and provincial effluent discharge requirements. 1.1

9 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Introduction November 24, 2015 It is anticipated that site infrastructure may include maintenance garages, warehouses, a mine dry and administration buildings. Solid waste will be produced by the Project and will require collection and processing through methods that include re-use, recycling, and disposal. All waste including hazardous waste disposal shall be undertaken in accordance with existing regulations. The preliminary description of the Project is conceptual in nature and should not be considered final. 1.2 STUDY OBJECTIVES The purpose of this baseline ambient air quality monitoring program was to provide supplemental data to that presented in the Environmental Baseline Data Report Hardrock Project: Climate and Air Quality prepared by Stantec Consulting Ltd., dated March 4, 2015 (Stantec, 2015). The air contaminants assessed in this report were based on the requirements of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Guideline (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, 2014) and expected contaminants of concern from an open pit gold mine operation and a potential power plant. The data presented in this report is from an ambient air monitoring program which operated from December 2014 June The program was conducted following methodologies and siting criteria specified in the MOECC guideline Operations Manual for Air Quality Monitoring in Ontario (MOECC, 2008). The contaminants evaluated in this assessment included the following: Particulate Matter (PM) including PM2.5, PM10 and Total Suspended Particulate (TSP); Metals (in TSP); Criteria Air Contaminants: including nitrogen oxides (NOX), and sulphur dioxide (SO2); and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). 1.3 SPATIAL BOUNDARIES Project Development Area For baseline purposes the Project Development Area (PDA) encompasses an area slightly larger than the anticipated Project footprint and represents the anticipated area of physical disturbance associated with the construction and operation of the Project Local Study Area The local study area (LSA) encompasses the area where there is potential for effects on the environment from the Project. The LSA for this study extends approximately 28 kilometres in each direction from the boundary of the PDA. 1.2

10 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Introduction November 24, Regional Study Area The regional study area (RSA) seeks to capture the regional context for describing baseline conditions. The RSA for the climate and air quality study covers the province of Ontario. Spatial boundaries are presented in Figure

11 Wabakimi Lake Manitoba ± Ontario Québec _ ^ O'Sullivan Lake Esnagami Lake Project Location Cochrane District Minnesota Wisconsin Toronto Michigan New York Iowa Illinois Pennsylvania Thunder Bay District MUNICIPALITY OF GREENSTONE Lake Nipigon Longlac Geraldton Pagwachuan Lake _ ^ 11 V U W:\active\ \drawing\MXD\Atmospheric_Environment\Report_Figures\2015_BaselineAddendum\ _Fig1_1_ProjectLocation.mxd Revised: By: dharvey Project Location Long Lake Nipigon 17 V U White Lake V U Marathon V U V U Thunder Bay Lake Superior 61 U V 0 20,000 40,000 m 1:1,600,000 November Legend _ ^ Project Location Town/ Village Notes 1. Coordinate System: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 16N 2. Base features produced under license with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Queen's Printer for Ontario, City Highway Client/Project Canada/ U.S.A Border Greenstone Gold Mines GP Inc (GGM) Hardrock Project District Boundary Municipal Boundary Waterbody Figure No. 1-1 Title Project Location

12 ag t Creek ne M ± Magnet Lake Goldfield Lake a Tr ns a n $ Existing Features Contour Line (10m intervals) Highway ad GCP1 Mosher Lake 5 10 km W C- WC- H WC- G Pond A WC -E nada s-ca Tran GCP3 GCP2 F WC - GH W $ WC $ C- SWP2 $ Goldfiel d WC- U C- Waterbody Glory Hole Wooded Area d Roa ck dro Kenogamisis Lake (Central Basin) WC- M WC ary MUNICIPALITY OF GREENSTONE UNORGANIZED TERRITORY N oad Lahti s R $ $ $ GFP4 SWP4 Watercourse- Intermittent T Cree k W C- O GFP3 W GFP2 GFP1 SW Arm Tr ibu t $ oa R ie ld ol df G W $ W C -L $ Watercourse- Permanent Municipal Boundary SWP3 SWP1 Marron Lake C W Local Road 11 WC-J1 -J d C -D way High -I Ha r 0 $ d. Blv er ow lp ae ch Mi en Ar o ar B W C- V Project Development Area Major Road Long Lake Longacre Lake Kenogamisis Lake (Southwest Arm) Notes Goldfield Lake 1. Coordinate System: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 16N 2. Base features produced under license with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Queen's Printer for Ontario, Lake A-321 Z -P WC - ib k ee ke k Cree November Client/Project Greenstone Gold Mines GP Inc (GGM) Hardrock Project a ld Go l d fie Cr Pu ss yl Lake A-322 ry uta Tr WC- R CQ WC-S WC W W:\active\ \drawing\MXD\Atmospheric_Environment\Report_Figures\2015_BaselineAddendum\ _Fig_1_2_ProjectDevelopmentArea_ mxd Revised: By: dharvey Barton Bay (East) WC- A McKelvie Lake ek re C t ne ag M Legend Local Study Area -C Eldee Lake ad an -C Barton Bay (West) WC Kenogamisis Lake 11 $ Geraldton y wa gh Hi To Geraldto Ashmore Lake Ol d Porthos Lake $ Wildgoose Lake $ Dionne Lake Local Study Area Figure No. 1-2 Title Lake A Lake A y P up p Puppy Lake Creek Lake Pussy Lake :38, km Spatial Boundaries

13 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Instrumentation Summary November 24, INSTRUMENTATION SUMMARY The Final EIS Guideline (CEAA, 2014) requires the results of a baseline survey of ambient air quality to include TSP, PM10, PM2.5, SO2, VOCs and NOX. Baseline air quality was assessed by conducting on-site ambient monitoring of the above listed contaminants at a location representative of background air quality in the LSA. The methodologies used in this ambient monitoring program were described and provided to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) in the document Baseline Air Quality Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Plan for Premier Gold Mines Hardrock Inc. prepared by Stantec Consulting Ltd., dated December 1, A copy of the monitoring plan is included in Appendix A along with MOECC comments on the plan, Stantec responses and a summary concordance table. The following sections provide a brief description of the program methodology additional details are provided in the Appendix A. The required length of the ambient monitoring period is not specified in the Final EIS Guideline (CEAA, 2014). The monitoring period spanned over the spring 2015 period during which higher ambient particulate levels are normally seen relative to winter months. 2.1 MONITOR LOCATION Baseline ambient air quality concentrations of TSP, metals (in TSP), PM10, PM2.5, SO2, VOCs and NOX were monitored at one location within the PDA during the period December 11, 2014 June 15, The location was chosen based on MOECC siting criteria to be representative of air quality in the LSA. The monitoring station location was near a temporary site office (including trailers and workshop buildings) and located within the footprint of the proposed open pit. The monitoring location was approximately 85 m to the north of the location where TSP and metals (in TSP) concentrations were previously measured from June October 2014 and summarized in the Stantec Environmental Baseline Data Report (Stantec, 2015). The UTM coordinates for the monitoring station are presented in Table 2-1. Details of the monitoring station siting with respect to MOECC siting criteria are provided in Appendix A. Table 2-1: Coordinates of GGM Hardrock Ambient Monitoring Monitoring Site UTM Zone Easting (m) Northing (m) Baseline Air Monitoring Station 16 U

14 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Instrumentation Summary November 24, INSTRUMENTATION The measurement program included both continuous and non-continuous monitors to sample air contaminant concentrations. Monitoring for PM2.5, PM10, NOx, and SO2 was conducted on a continuous basis over the duration of the ambient air monitoring program. Monitoring for TSP, metals (in TSP) and VOCs was conducted with non-continuous monitors, as per the methodology and analysis recommended by the MOECC Operations Manual (MOE, 2008). The following sections provide an overview of the continuous and non-continuous monitors used for this sampling program. Additional details are presented in Appendix A Continuous Ambient Monitors Respirable Particulate Matter (PM2.5) PM2.5 sampling was conducted using a BAM The sampler uses beta ray attenuation to measure particulate concentrations. Principle of Operation: Range: Measurement Cycle Time: Beta Ray Attenuation 1 mg (1000 ) default setting. Settable from 0.1 mg to 10 mg 1 hour Particulate Matter (PM10) PM10 sampling was conducted using a second BAM Principle of Operation: Range: Measurement Cycle Time: Beta Ray Attenuation 1 mg (1000 ) default setting. Settable from 0.1 mg to 10 mg 1 hour Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) The NOX sampler was an API Model 200E Chemiluminescence Analyzer to measure continuous concentrations of nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX). The sampler operates based on the principle of chemiluminescence, where the amount of light given off during a chemical reaction is measured. 2.2

15 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Instrumentation Summary November 24, 2015 Principle of Operation: Range: Time interval: Chemiluminescence ppb 1 second Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) SO2 sampling used an API 100E Sulphur Dioxide Analyzer. The sampler operates using the principle of "Pulsed Fluorescence". Sulphur dioxide molecules absorb fluorescent energy, producing electronically excited SO2 molecules with a known spectral decay rate to the ground state. The fluorescence emitted by the reaction is detected by a photo multiplier tube and the signal is converted proportionally to an electronic output signal which is then captured by a data logger. Principle of Operation: Range: Time interval: Pulsed Florescence ppb 1 second Non-Continuous Ambient Monitors Metals in Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) Total suspended particulate matter (TSP) and metals (in TSP) were collected onto pre-weighed, conditioned Teflon coated glass fibre filters for a 24-hour period using a Tisch Environmental TE volumetric-flow high volume sampler measuring TSP. This monitor operates by continuously drawing a sample of ambient air through a filter onto which particulate matter is deposited. The filters were subsequently weighed for particulate loading and analyzed using the Atomic Emission Spectroscopy/Inductively Coupled Plasma (AES/ICP) technique to determine metals content. Analysis of the TSP/metals samples was conducted by a Canadian Assurance for Laboratory Accreditation (CALA) accredited laboratory following MOECC guidance. The sampling schedule corresponded with the MOECC s province-wide ambient sampling schedule (one sample taken every six days). The metals analyzed for were: Total Mercury (Hg) Cobalt (Co) Selenium (Se) Aluminum (Al) Copper (Cu) Silver (Ag) 2.3

16 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Instrumentation Summary November 24, 2015 Antimony (Sb) Iron (Fe) Strontium (Sr) Arsenic (As) Lead (Pb) Thallium (Tl) Barium (Ba) Total Lithium (Li) Tin (Sn) Beryllium (Be) Magnesium (Mg) Titanium (Ti) Bismuth (Bi) Manganese (Mn) Vanadium (V) Boron (B) Molybdenum (Mo) Zinc (Zn) Cadmium (Cd) Nickel (Ni) Zirconium (Zr) Calcium (Ca) Phosphorus (P) Total Uranium (U) Chromium (Cr) Potassium (K) Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were collected using SUMMA canisters. Each sample was collected over a period of 24 hours. This monitor operates by continuously drawing a sample of ambient air into the canister through a regulator. At the end of the 24 hour sample period the canister was sealed and the air sample sent for analysis. Analysis of the VOC samples was conducted by a CALA accredited laboratory following US EPA method TO 15. The sampling schedule corresponded with the MOECC s province-wide ambient sampling schedule (one sample taken every 12 days). The VOCs analyzed for were: 1,1,1-Trichloroethane Bromodichloromethane Methyl Butyl Ketone (2-Hexanone) 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane Bromoform Methyl Ethyl Ketone (2-Butanone) 1,1,2-Trichloroethane Bromomethane Methyl Isobutyl Ketone 1,1-Dichloroethane Carbon Disulfide Methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) 1,1-Dichloroethylene Carbontetrachloride Methylene Chloride(Dichloromethane) 2.4

17 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Instrumentation Summary November 24, ,2,4-Trichlorobenzene Chlorobenzene Naphthalene 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene Chloroethane n-butane 1,2-Dichlorobenzene Chloroform o-xylene 1,2-Dichloroethane Chloromethane Propene 1,2-Dichloropropane cis-1,2-dichloroethylene Styrene 1,2- Dichlorotetrafluoroethane cis-1,3-dichloropropene Tetrachloroethylene 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene Cyclohexane Tetrahydrofuran 1,3-Butadiene Dibromochloromethane Toluene 1,3-Dichlorobenzene Dichlorodifluoromethane (FREON 12) Total Xylenes 1,4-Dichlorobenzene Ethanol trans-1,2-dichloroethylene 1,4-Dioxane Ethyl Acetate trans-1,3-dichloropropene 2,2,4-Trimethylpentane Ethylbenzene Trichloroethylene 2-propanol Ethylene Dibromide Trichlorofluoromethane (FREON 11) 2-Propanone Heptane Trichlorotrifluoroethane 4-ethyltoluene Hexachlorobutadiene Vinyl Bromide Benzene Hexane Vinyl Chloride Benzyl chloride m / p-xylene Vinyl Acetate 2.5

18 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Instrumentation Summary November 24, Meteorological Data On-site meteorological parameters have been measured near the monitoring station location starting in October The meteorological tower was installed by RWDI Inc. and is currently maintained by GGM personnel. The following meteorological parameters were measured in the PDA: Wind Speed and Direction - 10 m Relative Humidity Ambient Air Temperature Barometric Pressure Meteorological data for the ambient monitoring period (December 2014 June 2015) were supplied by GGM and included in this report Data Acquisition System In addition to instrument resident data logging systems, a rack mounted digital data acquisition system (DAS) was installed. The data logger was a Campbell Scientific CR1000 station data acquisition system used to collect ambient instrument data and status codes from the ambient air monitors. Remote data transmission was accomplished through a cell phone modem Equipment Enclosure and Sampling Manifold A custom instrumentation shelter was used to store the monitoring equipment. The shelter had a steel frame structure covered in a weatherproof exterior. A rooftop guardrail and accompanying ladder provided access to the hi-volume samplers. Wall mounted HVAC units provided adequate heating and cooling to the shelter during different weather conditions, which ensured correct temperature readings during the sampling. A shelter temperature of C was maintained to within +/- 2 C by an automatic heat/cool thermostat with adjustable hysteresis. The shelter temperature was measured and collected along with the contaminant data, and alarmed with limits. Out-of-limit shelter temperature conditions were flagged. Ambient air was drawn into the station using a 6 Teflon lined stainless steel sampling cane and, 4 port manifold. The manifold flow rate was approximately 80 cubic feet per meter (cfm) to ensure an adequate ambient air exchange rate. The temperature control on the manifold automatically adjusted to ensure that the manifold temperature was at least 10 C above the ambient dew point to prevent the formation of condensation or water droplets. 2.6

19 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Instrumentation Summary November 24, INSTRUMENTATION ISSUES AND RECOVERY RATES All monitoring equipment described in Sections 2.2 was calibrated the week of December 8, 2014 during site installation. The continuous monitors were also calibrated on a monthly basis and at the end of the sampling period. All equipment installation, calibration and maintenance service was done by Valley Environmental Services (VES). On-site GGM personnel who were responsible for non-continuous monitor sample filter collection and conducting routine checks of the monitoring station throughout the sample period Instrumentation Issues The sampling program operated from December 11, 2014 to June 15, A summary of a few minor operational issues which resulted in some data and samples being invalidated is presented in Table 2-2. Note that the issues do not affect the overall validity of the data. Table 2-2: Summary of Instrument Issues Issues Time Frame Remedial Action TSP/Metals - Hi-Vol operated for 48 hours. VOC samples past hold March 7 and March 19 times 2015 samples TSP/Metals - Hi-Vol did not operate. December 25 26, 2014 The TSP/Metals sampler operated for a 2 day period (48 hours). The sample was invalidated based on the MOECC sample criteria that non-continuous 24-hour samples be collected over a period of 24 hours ± 10%. May 12, 2015 The SUMMA canisters for VOC sampling on March 7 and 19, 2015 were not picked up by the courier and delivered to Maxxam Analytics on-time. No analysis was done for these two samples as they were past their maximum hold times. One additional SUMMA sample was scheduled for June 11, 2015 to make up for one of the lost samples. The TSP Hi-Vol sampler did not operate for the sample scheduled for May 12, It was determined that the brushes had to be replaced in the unit. VES attended the site to install new brushes on the unit. Power Outage March 29 31, 2015 A power outage at the air monitoring station occurred as a result of a motor vehicle accident which disrupted power to the area from March 29-30, On March 31, 2015 the power was shut off to repair the hydro pole. Not data was collected during the power outages and after power restoration continuous monitor data was invalidated until the station reached operational temperatures. Malfunction in SO2 continuous monitor April 28, 2015 May 5, 2015 There was a seized pump bearing in the monitor. A technician from VES went to the site and replaced the part. Edit log tables for the continuous monitors are presented in Appendix B. 2.7

20 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Instrumentation Summary November 24, Data Recovery Rates Data recovery rates for each monitor at the monitoring station during the sampling period (December 11, 2014 to June 15, 2015) are presented in Table 2-3: Summary of Data Recovery Rates. All measurements met or exceeded the minimum data recovery rates specified by the MOECC (MOECC, 2008). Table 2-3: Summary of Data Recovery Rates Parameter Valid Measurement Hours Data Recovery Rate (%) SO NOX PM PM TSP/Metals 29 A 93.5 VOC 13 A 86.7 A Number of samples 2.4 MONITORING STATION INSTRUMENTATION AUDIT One MOECC audit was conducted on June 15, The continuous PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NOX/NO2/NO monitors and non-continuous TSP/metals sampler were audited. All monitors passed the MOECC performance and site audit, and calibrations met all current MOECC criteria. 2.8

21 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Baseline Ambient Air Concentrations November 24, BASELINE AMBIENT AIR CONCENTRATIONS The following sections present the baseline ambient air concentrations measured at the monitoring stations over the period December 2014 June METEOROLOGICAL DATA A summary of the maximum, minimum, arithmetic mean, and standard deviation of the hourly average meteorological parameters measured at the GGM meteorological tower for December 2014 June 2015 is presented in Table 3-1. Table 3-1: Meteorological Data Summary Parameter GGM Met Tower Units Temperature Max 26.0 C Min C Mean -4.7 C Standard Deviation 13.8 C Relative Humidity Max 98.3 % Min 19.1 % Mean 69.3 % Standard Deviation 19.0 % Pressure Max 29.5 in Hg Min 15.3 in Hg Mean 28.8 in Hg Standard Deviation 0.6 in Hg Wind Speed Max 36.2 km/hr Min 0.0 km/hr Mean 11.1 km/hr Standard Deviation 6.6 km/hr A wind rose showing wind directionality and speed is presented in Figure 3-1. The length of the radial barbs gives the total percent frequency of winds from the indicated direction, while portions of the barbs of different widths indicate the frequency associated with each wind speed category. Winds over the six-month monitoring period occurred predominantly from northwesterly and west-southwesterly directions. Higher wind speeds occurred from the west-southwest relative to all other directions. 3.1

22 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Baseline Ambient Air Concentrations November 24, 2015 Figure 3-1: Wind Rose for the Monitoring Period 3.2

23 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Baseline Ambient Air Concentrations November 24, CONTINUOUS MONITOR DATA A summary of the maximum, minimum, arithmetic mean and standard deviation of the continuous pollutant concentrations measured are presented in Table 3-2. Also presented in this table are the number of exceedances of the relevant Ontario ambient air quality criteria (AAQC) or health-based standard for each contaminant (if any occurred). All monitored contaminants were below their applicable criteria during the period December, 2014 to June, Nitric oxide (NO) has no regulatory criteria. There are both hourly and daily AAQCs as well as Reg. 419 Schedule 3 criteria for NOX which are based on health effects of NO2. As specified in the MOECC s listing of AAQCs (MOECC, 2012a) the AAQC were compared to measured NO2 concentrations in this report. However, as per the current April 2012 version of O. Reg. 419 Summary of Standards and Guidelines, the Schedule 3 criterion for NOX (MOECC, 2012b) was compared to the monitored NOX levels. Data summaries for the continuous monitoring data are presented in Appendix B. 3.3

24 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Baseline Ambient Air Concentrations November 24, 2015 Table 3-2: Summary of Ambient Continuous Monitoring Data Pollutant SO2 Averaging Period AAQC ppb /m Concentration (ppbv) Concentration (/m 3 ) Maximum Minimum Mean (December) Mean (January) Mean (February) Mean (March) Mean (April) Mean (May) Mean (June) Mean (Period) Standard Deviation # of Exceedances 0 0 Maximum Minimum Mean (December) Mean (January) Mean (February) Mean (March) Mean (April) Mean (May) Mean (June) Mean (Period) Standard Deviation # of Exceedances

25 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Baseline Ambient Air Concentrations November 24, 2015 Table 3-2: Summary of Ambient Continuous Monitoring Data Pollutant Averaging Period AAQC ppb /m 3 PM N/A 28 A PM10 24 NA 50 Concentration (ppbv) Concentration (/m 3 ) Maximum NA 26 Minimum NA 0.2 Mean (December) NA 1.5 Mean (January) NA 2.6 Mean (February) NA 5.2 Mean (March) NA 4.5 Mean (April) NA 4.4 Mean (May) NA 7.7 Mean (June) NA 9.3 Mean (Period) NA 4.9 Standard Deviation NA 3.2 # of Exceedances NA NA Maximum NA 44 Minimum NA 0.2 Mean (December) NA 3.0 Mean (January) NA 3.1 Mean (February) NA 6.5 Mean (March) NA 7.1 Mean (April) NA 12 Mean (May) NA 22 Mean (June) NA 26 Mean (Period) NA 11 Standard Deviation NA 9.0 # of Exceedances NA 0 3.5

26 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Baseline Ambient Air Concentrations November 24, 2015 Table 3-2: Summary of Ambient Continuous Monitoring Data Pollutant NO2 Averaging Period AAQC ppb /m B 400 B B 200 B Concentration (ppbv) Concentration (/m 3 ) Maximum Minimum Mean (December) Mean (January) Mean (February) Mean (March) Mean (April) Mean (May) Mean (June) Mean (Period) Standard Deviation # of Exceedances 0 0 Maximum Minimum Mean (December) Mean (January) Mean (February) Mean (March) Mean (April) Mean (May) Mean (June) Mean (Period) Standard Deviation # of Exceedances

27 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Baseline Ambient Air Concentrations November 24, 2015 Table 3-2: Summary of Ambient Continuous Monitoring Data Pollutant NO C Averaging Period AAQC ppb /m 3 1 NA NA 24 NA NA Concentration (ppbv) Concentration (/m 3 ) Maximum Minimum Mean (December) Mean (January) Mean (February) Mean (March) Mean (April) Mean (May) Mean (June) Mean (Period) Standard Deviation # of Exceedances NA NA Maximum Minimum Mean (December) Mean (January) Mean (February) Mean (March) Mean (April) Mean (May) Mean (June) Mean (Period) Standard Deviation # of Exceedances NA NA 3.7

28 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Baseline Ambient Air Concentrations November 24, 2015 Table 3-2: Summary of Ambient Continuous Monitoring Data Pollutant NOX Averaging Period AAQC ppb /m B 400 B B 200 B Concentration (ppbv) Concentration (/m 3 ) Maximum Minimum Mean (December) Mean (January) Mean (February) Mean (March) Mean (April) Mean (May) Mean (June) Mean (Period) Standard Deviation # of Exceedances 0 0 Maximum Minimum Mean (December) Mean (January) Mean (February) Mean (March) Mean (April) Mean (May) Mean (June) Mean (Period) Standard Deviation # of Exceedances

29 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Baseline Ambient Air Concentrations November 24, 2015 Table 3-2: Summary of Ambient Continuous Monitoring Data Pollutant Notes: Averaging Period AAQC ppb /m 3 Concentration (ppbv) A. Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) for Respirable Particulate Matter (CCME, 2012). The Respirable Particulate Matter Objective is referenced to the 98th percentile over 3 consecutive years. Concentration (/m 3 ) B. As per current version (April 2012) of Reg 419 Summary of Standards and Guidelines, the air standard for NOX is compared to a monitored NOX concentration, although the Reg419 Schedule 3 standard for NOX is based on health effects of NO2. C. NO has no regulatory criteria. 3.9

30 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Baseline Ambient Air Concentrations November 24, TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATE AND METALS A total of 29 valid 24-hour TSP and metals samples were collected. A summary of the maximum and minimum ambient TSP and metals concentrations (for a daily averaging period) are presented in Table 3-3. A detailed summary of the concentrations measured for each sample is presented in Appendix C. The maximum measured concentrations of TSP and all metals with MOECC air quality criteria were well below their applicable 24-hour criteria (shown in Table 3-3 below). 3.10

31 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Baseline Ambient Air Concentrations November 24, 2015 Table 3-3: Summary of Measured Ambient TSP and Metals Concentrations Parameter CAS # Applicable 24- Hour Average MOECC Criteria (/m 3 ) Maximum Measured Concentration (/m 3 ) Minimum Measured Concentration (/m 3 ) Number of Exceedances Percentage of Criteria Particulate N/A % Total Mercury (Hg) E E-06 0 < 1% Total Uranium (U) E E Total Lithium (Li) E E-04 0 < 1% Aluminum (Al) E % Antimony (Sb) E E-03 0 < 1% Arsenic (As) E % Barium (Ba) E E-04 0 < 1% Beryllium (Be) E E % Bismuth (Bi) E E Boron (B) E-03 0 < 1% Cadmium (Cd) E E % Calcium (Ca) Chromium (Cr) E E Cobalt (Co) E E % Copper (Cu) E-03 0 < 1% Iron (Fe) E % Lead (Pb) E E % Magnesium (Mg) E-02 0 < 1% Manganese (Mn) E % Molybdenum (Mo) E-04 0 < 1% Nickel (Ni) E E Phosphorus (P) E Potassium (K) E % 3.11

32 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Baseline Ambient Air Concentrations November 24, 2015 Table 3-3: Summary of Measured Ambient TSP and Metals Concentrations Parameter CAS # Applicable 24- Hour Average MOECC Criteria (/m 3 ) Maximum Measured Concentration (/m 3 ) Minimum Measured Concentration (/m 3 ) Number of Exceedances Percentage of Criteria Selenium (Se) E E-03 0 < 1% Silver (Ag) E E-03 0 < 1% Strontium (Sr) E E-04 0 < 1% Thallium (Tl) E E % Tin (Sn) E E-03 0 < 1% Titanium (Ti) E-03 0 < 1% Vanadium (V) E E-03 0 < 1% Zinc (Zn) E-03 0 < 1% Zirconium (Zr) E E Notes: 1 All samples for these metals had measured quantities (mg) below their respective method detection limits. Concentrations presented are calculated based on ½ the detection limit. 3.12

33 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Baseline Ambient Air Concentrations November 24, VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS A total of 13 valid 24-hour VOC samples were collect. A summary of the maximum and minimum ambient VOC concentrations (for a daily averaging period) are presented in Table 3-4. A detailed summary of the concentrations measured for each sample is presented in Appendix D. Two VOCs (dibromochloromethane and hexachlorobutadiene) had analytical method detection limits greater than their respective MOECC ambient criteria, therefore no comparisons of these contaminants to their criteria was possible. The maximum measured concentrations of all other VOCs with MOECC air quality criteria were well below their applicable 24-hour criteria (shown in Table 3-4 below). 3.13

34 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Baseline Ambient Air Concentrations November 24, 2015 Table 3-4: Summary of Measured Ambient VOC Concentrations Parameter Applicable 24-Hour Average MOECC Criteria (/m 3 ) Maximum Measured Concentration (/m 3 ) Minimum Measured Concentration (/m 3 ) Number of Exceedances Percentage of Criteria 1,1,1-Trichloroethane < 1% 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane ,1,2-Trichloroethane ,1-Dichloroethane < 1% 1,1-Dichloroethylene % 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene % 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene < 1% 1,2-Dichlorobenzene ,2-Dichloroethane % 1,2-Dichloropropane < 1% 1,2-Dichlorotetrafluoroethane < 1% 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene < 1% 1,3-Butadiene ,3-Dichlorobenzene ,4-Dichlorobenzene % 1,4-Dioxane < 1% 2,2,4-Trimethylpentane propanol < 1% 2-Propanone < 1% 4-ethyltoluene % Benzene Benzyl chloride Bromodichloromethane Bromoform % 3.14

35 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Baseline Ambient Air Concentrations November 24, 2015 Table 3-4: Summary of Measured Ambient VOC Concentrations Parameter Applicable 24-Hour Average MOECC Criteria (/m 3 ) Maximum Measured Concentration (/m 3 ) Minimum Measured Concentration (/m 3 ) Number of Exceedances Percentage of Criteria Bromomethane < 1% Carbon Disulfide < 1% Carbontetrachloride % Chlorobenzene Chloroethane < 1% Chloroform % Chloromethane < 1% cis-1,2-dichloroethylene < 1% cis-1,3-dichloropropene % Cyclohexane < 1% Dibromochloromethane NA Note 2 Dichlorodifluoromethane (FREON 12) < 1% Ethanol Ethyl Acetate Ethylbenzene < 1% Ethylene Dibromide % Heptane < 1% Hexachlorobutadiene NA Note 2 Hexane < 1% m / p-xylene < 1% Methyl Butyl Ketone (2-Hexanone) % Methyl Ethyl Ketone (2-Butanone) < 1% Methyl Isobutyl Ketone < 1% Methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) < 1% 3.15

36 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Baseline Ambient Air Concentrations November 24, 2015 Table 3-4: Summary of Measured Ambient VOC Concentrations Parameter Methylene Chloride(Dichloromethane) 1 Applicable 24-Hour Average MOECC Criteria (/m 3 ) Maximum Measured Concentration (/m 3 ) Minimum Measured Concentration (/m 3 ) Number of Exceedances Percentage of Criteria < 1% Naphthalene % n-butane < 1% o-xylene < 1% Propene < 1% Styrene < 1% Tetrachloroethylene < 1% Tetrahydrofuran < 1% Toluene < 1% Total Xylenes < 1% trans-1,2-dichloroethylene < 1% trans-1,3-dichloropropene % Trichloroethylene % Trichlorofluoromethane (FREON 11) < 1% Trichlorotrifluoroethane < 1% Vinyl Bromide % Vinyl Chloride % Vinyl Acetate < 1% Notes 1 All measured concentrations were below the method detection limit (MDL). Concentrations presented are equal to ½ the MDL. 2 MDL is above the MOECC 24-Hour Criteria Concentration 3.16

37 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Baseline Ambient Air Concentrations November 24, BACKGROUND CONCENTRATION LEVELS Background concentrations are used in dispersion modelling to represent the effect of other emissions sources in addition to the sources being included in the dispersion modelling. Sources of ambient air emissions in the LSA may include: Residential; Commercial; Industrial; Transportation (e.g., traffic on local roads, railways, aircraft); Naturally occurring (e.g., wind erosion of open surfaces, forests, fires); and, Long-range transport from other sources outside the LSA. Background air quality levels due to these sources can be included in a dispersion modeling assessment in order to quantify the incremental change in local air quality with respect to the emissions source(s) being studied. Cumulative air quality levels due to the emissions sources being studied combined with background levels can then be compared to applicable air quality criteria to assess significance. Ambient monitoring is typically used to quantify air quality levels due to background emissions sources, as the emission rates of many of these sources are difficult to estimate accurately and their emission rates can vary considerably both temporally and spatially. In previous projects conducted by Stantec, the MOECC has requested that 90 th percentile ambient monitoring data be added to the dispersion model predictions to conservatively account for existing ambient concentrations. The MOECC specifies the use of 90 th percentile values for short-term averaging periods as it provides a conservative estimate of ambient levels, while at the same time providing some consideration for the fact that the location and time for the occurrence of maximum ground level concentrations from background sources varies from that for the source(s) being considered in the modeling assessment. The 90 th percentile hourly and 24-hour average concentrations of continuously monitored air contaminants (NO2, SO2, PM2.5 and PM10 are presented in Table

38 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Baseline Ambient Air Concentrations November 24, 2015 Table 3-5: Summary of Measured 90 th Percentile Ambient Criteria Air Contaminant Concentrations - December 2014-June 2015 Contaminant 90 th Percentile Concentrations Hourly Average - /m 3 [ppb] 24-Hour Average - /m 3 [ppb] Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) 11.5 [5.6] 12.4 [5.9] Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) 2.2 [0.8] 2.0 [0.7] PM2.5 N/A 9.2 PM10 N/A 26.1 The 90 th percentile 24-hour average TSP/metals and VOC concentrations are presented in Tables 3-6 and 3-7 respectively. Table 3-6: Summary of Measured 90 th Percentile Ambient TSP and Metals Concentrations December 2014-June 2015 Contaminant 90 th Percentile Concentrations 24-Hour Average - /m 3 Particulate Total Mercury (Hg) 1.15E-05 Total Uranium (U) 1.37E-04 Total Lithium (Li) 8.23E-03 Aluminum (Al) 0.23 Antimony (Sb) 3.05E-03 Arsenic (As) 1.02E-02 Barium (Ba) 3.08E-03 Beryllium (Be) 3.05E-04 Bismuth (Bi) 1.83E-03 Boron (B) 1.84E-03 Cadmium (Cd) 6.18E-04 Calcium (Ca) 1.59 Chromium (Cr) 1.52E-03 Cobalt (Co) 6.12E-04 Copper (Cu) 0.29 Iron (Fe) 0.63 Lead (Pb) 3.12E-03 Magnesium (Mg) 0.38 Manganese (Mn) 1.15E-02 Molybdenum (Mo) 4.58E

39 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Baseline Ambient Air Concentrations November 24, 2015 Table 3-6: Summary of Measured 90 th Percentile Ambient TSP and Metals Concentrations December 2014-June 2015 Contaminant 90 th Percentile Concentrations 24-Hour Average - /m 3 Nickel (Ni) 1.15E-03 Phosphorus (P) 2.72E-02 Potassium (K) 0.10 Selenium (Se) 3.05E-03 Silver (Ag) 1.52E-03 Strontium (Sr) 2.05E-03 Thallium (Tl) 3.05E-03 Tin (Sn) 3.05E-03 Titanium (Ti) 1.48E-02 Vanadium (V) 1.52E-03 Zinc (Zn) 1.43E-02 Zirconium (Zr) 1.52E-03 Table 3-7: Summary of Measured 90 th Percentile Ambient VOC Concentrations - December 2014-June 2015 Contaminant 90 th Percentile Concentrations 24-Hour Average - /m 3 1,1,1-Trichloroethane ,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane ,1,2-Trichloroethane ,1-Dichloroethane ,1-Dichloroethylene ,2,4-Trichlorobenzene ,2,4-Trimethylbenzene ,2-Dichlorobenzene ,2-Dichloroethane ,2-Dichloropropane ,2-Dichlorotetrafluoroethane ,3,5-Trimethylbenzene ,3-Butadiene ,3-Dichlorobenzene ,4-Dichlorobenzene ,4-Dioxane ,2,4-Trimethylpentane

40 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Baseline Ambient Air Concentrations November 24, 2015 Table 3-7: Summary of Measured 90 th Percentile Ambient VOC Concentrations - December 2014-June 2015 Contaminant 90 th Percentile Concentrations 24-Hour Average - /m 3 2-propanol Propanone ethyltoluene 1.23 Benzene 0.16 Benzyl chloride 1.30 Bromodichloromethane 0.65 Bromoform 1.04 Bromomethane 0.19 Carbon Disulfide 0.78 Carbontetrachloride 0.31 Chlorobenzene 0.23 Chloroethane 0.40 Chloroform 0.24 Chloromethane 0.83 cis-1,2-dichloroethylene 0.20 cis-1,3-dichloropropene 0.23 Cyclohexane 0.34 Dibromochloromethane 0.85 Dichlorodifluoromethane (FREON 12) 2.27 Ethanol 0.95 Ethyl Acetate 1.80 Ethylbenzene 0.22 Ethylene Dibromide 0.38 Heptane 0.60 Hexachlorobutadiene 2.65 Hexane 0.53 m / p-xylene 0.43 Methyl Butyl Ketone (2-Hexanone) 2.05 Methyl Ethyl Ketone (2-Butanone) 1.45 Methyl Isobutyl Ketone 2.05 Methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) 0.36 Methylene Chloride(Dichloromethane) 1.39 Naphthalene 1.30 n-butane 1.20 o-xylene

41 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Baseline Ambient Air Concentrations November 24, 2015 Table 3-7: Summary of Measured 90 th Percentile Ambient VOC Concentrations - December 2014-June 2015 Contaminant 90 th Percentile Concentrations 24-Hour Average - /m 3 Propene 0.43 Styrene 0.21 Tetrachloroethylene 0.34 Tetrahydrofuran 0.59 Toluene 0.19 Total Xylenes 0.65 trans-1,2-dichloroethylene 0.20 trans-1,3-dichloropropene 0.23 Trichloroethylene 0.27 Trichlorofluoromethane (FREON 11) 1.20 Trichlorotrifluoroethane 0.58 Vinyl Bromide 0.44 Vinyl Chloride 0.13 Vinyl Acetate

42 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Monitoring Program Data Review November 24, MONITORING PROGRAM DATA REVIEW The purpose of the 2015 baseline ambient air quality monitoring program was to provide supplemental data to that presented in the Environmental Baseline Data Report Hardrock Project: Climate and Air Quality prepared by Stantec Consulting Ltd., dated March 4, 2015 (Stantec, 2015). The air contaminants assessed in this report were based on the requirements of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Guideline (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, 2014) and expected contaminants of concern from an open pit gold mine operation and a potential power plant. This section provides a comparison of background air quality levels determined from the final results of the six-month baseline ambient air quality monitoring program (over the period December 2014 to June 2015) to those used in the document Technical Data Report: Hardrock Project Atmospheric Environment Assessment (Air TDR), prepared by Stantec Consulting Ltd. and assesses the adequacy of the 2015 monitoring period data to represent local ambient air quality as well as assessing, where warranted, the sensitivity of the cumulative effects assessment conducted in the Air TDR to the background levels. In the Air TDR, background concentrations for the Project were conservatively determined by taking the highest 90th percentile concentration of each contaminant of concern from three data sources: the historical long-term ambient air concentrations measured at the nearest four NAPS stations; EA data regarding background ambient particulate levels from other relevant studies; and Premier s baseline ambient monitoring conducted in 2014 and the data available (at the time of the air quality assessment) from the 2015 air monitoring program. The following sections summarize the 90th percentile background concentrations for the air contaminants assessed in the Air TDR and compare these values to the results from the 6-month 2015 monitoring program. 4.1 CONTAMINANT COMPARISONS Criteria Air Contaminant Concentrations Table 4-1 presents a comparison of the 90 th percentile hourly and/or 24-hour concentrations of NO2, and SO2 measured in the 2015 ambient monitoring program to the background vales used in the Air TDR. The background values used in the Air TDR were all derived from long-term (5- years) NAPS data sets from the nearest 5 monitoring stations, which are all located in more builtup areas than the Project and therefore would be expected to provide conservative estimates of background concentrations. Since NO2 and SO2 emissions occur from fuel combustion, which 4.1

43 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Monitoring Program Data Review November 24, 2015 would be expected to be either similar or greater in magnitude over winter and spring months (the period of the 2015 GGM monitoring) relative to other seasons, the GGM monitoring would be expected to be representative or conservative for representing ambient levels over the entire year. The background levels utilized in the Air TDR varied between 55% 278% greater than those measured in the GGM 2015 monitoring and therefore the values used in the Air TDR are expected to provide conservative estimates of background NO2 and SO2 ambient levels in the LSA. 4.2

44 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Monitoring Program Data Review November 24, 2015 Table 4-1: Comparison of NO2 and SO2 Background Concentrations Hourly Average 24-Hour Average Contaminant Monitoring Station Measurement Description Units 90th Percentile Value used in Air TDR Percent Difference Relative to 2015 Monitoring 90th Percentile Value used in Air TDR Percent Difference Relative to 2015 Monitoring NO2 SO2 Sault Ste. Marie NAPS: Thunder Bay NAPS: North Bay NAPS: Scotia St, Winnipeg Ellen St, Winnipeg GGM 2015 Monitoring Program NAPS: NAPS: Sault Ste. Marie NAPS: Ellen St, Winnipeg GGM 2015 Monitoring Program /m /m /m /m % /m Dec -June 2015 /m NAPS: /m /m % Dec -June 2015 /m % % 4.3

45 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Monitoring Program Data Review November 24, 2015 Ambient particulate matter (TSP, PM10 and PM2.5) levels are expected to exhibit some annual variation in ambient levels due to winter conditions (with frozen ground and snow contributing to a reduction in wind erosion of particulate off exposed surfaces), with higher levels seen during the spring and summer months. Since the GGM 2015 ambient monitoring occurred over the winter and spring months, the potential for variation in measured ambient particulate matter levels for the 6-month 2015 monitoring program versus the entire year was assessed by examining the variations in ambient particulate levels seen at the North Bay and Thunder Bay NAPS monitoring stations, which would experience similar winter conditions as the LSA. A summary of the measured 90 th percentile PM2.5 levels measured at each of these stations over the December - June period versus the entire year for the most recent 5-years of data available from these stations in presented in Table 4-2. Table 4-2: Summary of NAPS Station 90th Percentile PM2.5 Variations (/m 3 ) Station Parameter Average North Bay 90th Percentile (Dec 11- June 15) th Percentile (Year) % Difference Thunder Bay 90th Percentile (Dec 11- June 15) th Percentile (Year) % Difference At these two NAPS stations, the percent variation in the measured 90 th percentile PM2.5 levels over the entire year versus those measured from December to June varied from 0% to a maximum of 33% with an average of 19.6% for North Bay and 18.1% for Thunder Bay. It would be expected that a similar variation in ambient particulate levels would also be seen for the GGM 6-month measurements relative to an entire year of data. Table 4-3 presents a comparison of the 90 th percentile 24-hour average concentrations of TSP, PM10 and PM2.5 measured in the 2015 ambient monitoring program to the background values used in the Air TDR. For TSP and PM2.5, the values used in the Air TDR were 42% and 24% higher than those measured in the GGM 2015 monitoring. These values are both greater than the average variations seen in Table 4-2 ( %) and therefore the background levels used in the Air TDR are expected to be conservative representations of background air quality. 4.4

46 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Monitoring Program Data Review November 24, 2015 Table 4-3: Comparison of Particulate Matter Background Concentrations Contaminant Monitoring Station Measurement Description 24-Hour Average 90th Percentile Value used in Air TDR Percent Difference Relative to 2015 Monitoring TSP PM10 PM2.5 IAMGOLD Cote Gold Project GGM 2014 Monitoring Program GGM 2015 Monitoring Program Hi-Vol: May-Aug 2013 BGI: Jun -Oct 2014 Hi-Vol: Dec -June 2015 Ellen St, Winnipeg NAPS: IAMGOLD Cote Gold Project Marathon PGM- Cu Project GGM 2015 Monitoring Program Hi-Vol: May-Aug 2013 BGI: Jun -Nov Dec -June Sault Ste. Marie NAPS: Thunder Bay NAPS: North Bay NAPS: Scotia St, Winnipeg NAPS: Ellen St, Winnipeg NAPS: GGM 2015 Monitoring Program Dec -June % % % The GGM ambient monitoring data for TSP included samples collected over the summer to fall 2014 period using a BGI PQ-200 equipped with a TSP head, which is not a MOECC approved methodology, although it has historically been used by the MOECC for conducting ambient monitoring. MOECC has noted that an internal study comparing this methodology to a TSP hi-vol sampler found the PQ-200 measured levels about 20% lower than the hi-vol method however this study has not been published nor the data released, so the validity of this MOECC study to follow/meet US EPA requirements for conducting instrument comparisons to equivalent reference methods could not be verified. It should be noted that increasing the 90 th percentile TSP value from the summer-to-fall BGI measurements by 30% (1.5 times the amount of 4.5

47 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Monitoring Program Data Review November 24, 2015 underestimation noted by the MOECC) would still result in a value less than that used in the Air TDR. The 90 th percentile 24-hour average PM10 concentration measured in the 2015 monitoring was slightly higher (by 2.8%) than the value used in the Air TDR. Use of the 2015 PM10 monitoring background concentration increased by 19.6% to account for monitoring period variability in the cumulative effects assessment would result in an increase in the maximum predicted cumulative PM10 concentration by 11%. The maximum predicted cumulative concentrations for Operating Scenarios 1 and 2 in the Air TDR were predicted to be 106% and 107.6% of the MOECC guideline level. With an increased PM10 background level, the cumulative predictions would increase to 117% and 118.8% of the guideline level, which would not affect the conclusions of the cumulative effects assessment in the Air TDR, as levels above the guideline were previously predicted Metals Concentrations The 90 th percentile 24-hour average concentration for metals (in TSP) measured in the 2015 ambient monitoring program are compared to the Air TDR values in Table 4-4. The Air TDR values were derived from the either NAPS data (3 years of data form ), GGM 2014 monitoring data or available 2015 GGM monitoring data (December to March) at the time of the TDR analysis. Table 4-4: Comparison of Metals Background Concentrations Metal CAS No. Ellen St. Winnipeg - NAPS ( ) Total Mercury (Hg) GGM Monitoring (June - October 2014) GGM Monitoring (December March 2015) Value used in Air TDR GGM Monitoring (December June 2015) N/A N/A 1.44E E E-05 25% Percent Difference Relative to 2015 Monitoring Total Uranium N/A 2.08E E E E % (U) 1 Total Lithium E-03 N/A 8.27E E E-03 0% (Li) 1 Aluminum (Al) E E E E E % Antimony (Sb) E E E E E % Arsenic (As) N/A 9.23E E E E-02-10% Barium (Ba) E E E E E % Beryllium (Be) N/A 6.24E E E E % Bismuth (Bi) N/A 1.04E E E E-03 1% Boron (B) N/A 2.08E E E E % 4.6

48 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Monitoring Program Data Review November 24, 2015 Metal CAS No. Ellen St. Winnipeg - NAPS ( ) GGM Monitoring (June - October 2014) GGM Monitoring (December March 2015) Value used in Air TDR GGM Monitoring (December June 2015) Percent Difference Relative to 2015 Monitoring Cadmium (Cd) E E E E E % Calcium (Ca) E E E E E+00 0% Chromium (Cr) E E E E E-03 0% Cobalt (Co) N/A 6.24E E E E-04 2% Copper (Cu) N/A 2.38E E E E-01 0% Lead (Pb) E E E E E-03 62% Magnesium (Mg) Manganese (Mn) Molybdenum (Mo) E E E E E-01-23% E E E E E-02 19% N/A 6.24E E E E-03-80% Nickel (Ni) E E E E E % Potassium (K) E E E E E % Selenium (Se) E E E E E-03 0% Silver (Ag) N/A 2.08E E E E-03 0% Strontium (Sr) E E E E E-03 77% Thallium (Tl) N/A 2.08E E E E-03 0% Tin (Sn) E E E E E % Titanium (Ti) E E E E E-02 12% Vanadium (V) E E E E E-03 11% Zinc (Zn) E E E E E-02 70% 1 - For the 2015 Premier Monitoring Program concentration data. All samples for these metals had measured quantities (mg) below their respective method detection limits. Concentrations presented are calculated based on ½ the detection limit. 2 Due to a typographic error, the background uranium value used in the Air TDR was a factor of 10 higher than the level measured in the GGM monitoring, which resulted in a conservative assessment of the cumulative air quality levels of uranium. Only three metals (arsenic, magnesium and molybdenum) had background 24-hour average concentrations in the Air TDR lower than the 2015 monitoring values. However, since a number of the metals background levels were derived from either the 2014 GGM ambient monitoring (with a PQ-200 monitor) which the MOECC has suggested may be about 20% lower than what would be measured using a hi-vol monitor, or the December to June 2015 monitoring which, 4.7

49 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Monitoring Program Data Review November 24, 2015 similarly to particulate, could be expected to be about % lower than the 90 th percentile for an entire year s worth of data, a sensitivity analysis on the effect of metals background levels on the Air TDR cumulative effects assessment results was performed. For this assessment, a revised background level was estimated by taking the higher of the NAPS data, the 2014 PQ-200 measurements increased by 20% (1.5 times the amount of underestimation noted by the MOECC) or the Dec-June 2015 measurements increased by 19.6%. For metals for which this revised background level was higher than the value used in the Air TDR, cumulative effects were re-assessed. The results of this re-assessment are provided in Table 4-5. Table 4-5 presents the applicable regulatory criteria, the background level used in the Air TDR, the revised background level for the sensitivity analysis, the maximum predicted metals concentrations for the Phase 1 and 2 Operating Scenarios, and the cumulative concentration predictions (background + model prediction) for each operating phase using both the Air TDR and revised background levels. In general the metals background levels are low relative to their air quality criteria and the use of the revised background concentration levels resulted in changes of predicted cumulative concentrations of less than 2% of their respective criteria for both operating scenarios, which is considered insignificant. Of the three contaminants for which the 2015 monitoring data was higher than the Air TDR background level, the revised background values for magnesium and molybdenum are less than 0.5% of their MOECC air quality criteria and using the higher background values in the cumulative effects assessment results in an insignificant change in the cumulative air quality levels of these contaminants relative to those predicted in the Air TDR. Use of the revised background arsenic concentration in the cumulative effects assessment would increase the maximum predicted arsenic ground level concentration by about 1.1% and would still be well below the MOECC arsenic air quality criteria. In summary, the additional 2015 air monitoring data confirms that the background metals concentrations used in the Air TDR were appropriate and any variability with respect to monitoring period length for the 2015 data would result in insignificant changes in the cumulative metals air quality levels relative to those predicted in the Air TDR. 4.8

50 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Monitoring Program Data Review November 24, 2015 Table 4-5: Sensitivity Analysis of Air TDR Metals Cumulative Effects Predictions with Revised Background Levels Background Concentration [/m³] Operating Scenario (Phase) 1 Operating Scenario (Phase) 2 PoPC CAS No. Criteria [/m³] Air TDR Updated Value For Sensitivity Analysis Predicted Statistical Max Concentration (/m3) Air TDR Cumulative Concentration (Project + Background) (/m3) % of Criteria Sensitivity Analysis of Background Level Cumulative Concentrati on (Project + Updated Backgroun d) (/m3) % of Criteria Predicted Statistical Max Concentration (/m3) Air TDR Cumulative Concentrati on (Project + Background) (/m3) % of Criteria Sensitivity Analysis of Background Level Cumulative Concentration (Project + Updated Background) (/m3) Silver E E E E % 2.35E % 4.67E E % 2.29E % Arsenic E E E E % 1.98E % 2.04E E % 2.16E % Beryllium E E E E % 1.08E % 2.88E E % 1.10E % Bismuth E E E E % 2.23E % 6.46E E % 2.25E % Calcium E E E E % 1.75E % 1.55E E % 1.74E % Cobalt E E E E % 6.04E % 7.37E E % 8.18E % Chromium E E E E % 3.63E % 4.92E E % 5.10E % Copper E E E E % 3.56E % 1.43E E % 3.59E % Lithium E E E E % 1.70E % 1.00E E % 1.98E % Magnesium E E E E % 6.51E % 7.11E E % 7.57E % Molybdenu m E E E E % 5.88E % 4.83E E % 5.97E % Nickel E E E E % 2.10E % 2.18E E % 2.72E % Antimony E E E E % 4.99E % 1.96E E % 5.59E % Selenium E E E E % 4.05E % 5.33E E % 4.18E % Titanium E E E E % 5.91E % 7.05E E % 7.23E % Thallium E E E E % 3.72E % 7.51E E % 3.72E % Vanadium E E E E % 2.51E % 3.27E E % 3.45E % % of Criteria% of Criteria 4.9

51 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Monitoring Program Data Review November 24, Volatile Organic Compound Concentrations No volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified as being emitted from the Project in significant amounts, and therefore a cumulative effects assessment including background concentrations of speciated VOCs was not conducted in the Air TDR Other Contaminants Other pollutants assessed in the Air TDR (including calcium oxide, copper sulfate, dolomite, and hydrogen cyanide) were not measured in the 2015 ambient monitoring program and therefore no comparisons of their background levels was conducted. 4.11

52 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Conclusions November 24, CONCLUSIONS The following observations and conclusions were made from a review of the measured ambient air quality monitoring data: Measured levels of NO2, SO2, and PM10 were below their applicable O.Reg. 419/05 criteria; The Canada Ambient Air Quality Standard (CAAQS) for PM2.5 is based on a 98 th percentile level averaged over 3 years, therefore 3-years of data collection would be required to allow comparisons of the site measurements to the CAAQS. Since ambient monitoring for this length of time is impracticable for environmental assessments, no comparison of the measured PM2.5 data to the CAAQS was conducted for this report; The maximum measured concentrations of TSP and all metals with MOECC air quality criteria were well below their applicable criteria; and Two VOCs (dibromochloromethane and hexachlorobutadiene) had analytical method detection limits greater than their respective MOECC ambient criteria, therefore no comparisons of these contaminants to their criteria was possible. The maximum measured concentrations of all other VOCs with MOECC air quality criteria were well below their applicable criteria. A review of the 2015 ambient monitoring data versus the values used in the Air TDR for ambient CAC background concentration levels confirmed that the Air TDR values were conservative for NO2, SO2, TSP and PM2.5. This assessment took into the consideration the potential for variability in the 90 th percentile concentrations derived from a 6-month monitoring period versus a full-year of data. The background PM10 value used in the air TDR could potentially under represent ambient PM10 levels, and this could result in a potential change in maximum predicted cumulative PM10 concentrations of about 11%. This change would not however, affect the conclusions of the cumulative effects assessment in the Air TDR with respect to PM10. The 2015 ambient monitoring data and a sensitivity study of background metals concentrations based on those measurements, confirmed that the background metals concentrations used in the cumulative effects assessment in the Air TDR would either be conservative or any potential variability would result in insignificant changes in predicted cumulative concentrations. 5.1

53 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM References November 24, REFERENCES Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME), (2012). Guidance Document on Achievement Determination. Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards for Fine Particulate Matter and Ozone (PN 1483)( PDF) Guidelines for the Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, Hardrock Deposit Project. Premier Gold Mines Hardrock Inc. August Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC), (2012a). Standards Development Branch, Ontario s Ambient Air Quality Criteria, April (PIBs 6570e01) Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC), (2012b). Standards Development Branch, Summary of Standards and Guidelines to support Ontario Regulation 419/05 Air Pollution Local Air Quality (including Schedule 6 of O. Reg 419/05 on Upper Risk Thresholds), April 2012 (PIBs 6569e01) Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change(MOECC), 2008.Operations Division, Technical Support Section. Operations Manual for Air Quality Monitoring in Ontario, March 2008 (PIBs 6687e) Stantec Consulting Ltd. (Stantec) Environmental Baseline Data Report Hardrock Project: Climate and Air Quality. Prepared for Premier Gild Mines Hardrock Limited. 6.1

54 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE DATA REPORT HARDROCK PROJECT: 2015 AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM Appendix A: Ambient Monitoring Plan, MOECC Comments and Responses, and Summary Concordance Table

55 December 3, 2014 File: Attention: Alex Blasko and Gavin Battarino Dear Mr. Blasko and Mr. Battarino, Reference: Baseline Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Plan for Premier Gold Mines Hardrock Inc. Please find attached the baseline ambient monitoring plan for the Premier Gold Mines Hardrock Inc., (Premier Gold) Project. The monitoring plan was developed to address baseline monitoring requested in the final CEAA Terms of Reference for this Project and takes into consideration the timeline for the Environmental Assessment (EA) submission. Baseline monitoring for total suspended particulate (TSP) and metals was previously conducted over the period June October The proposed ambient monitoring program includes 6-months of additional monitoring for an expanded contaminant list (over the period December 2014 June 2015). The proposed monitoring will characterize background levels of TSP/metals, NOX, SO2, PM2.5, PM10, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air quality study area. The measured background ambient air quality data will be used in conjunction with long-term (five-year) historical data from the nearest National Air Pollution Surveillance (NAPS) stations to the Project to develop conservative background concentrations for use in the EA air quality cumulative effects assessment. The nearest NAPS stations are generally located in more developed regions (with respect to industry, commerce and population) that would be expected to have higher background ambient levels relative to the Geraldton area. The collected baseline air quality data will be used to verify that the long-term (five-year) NAPS data will provide a conservative characterization of background levels in the study area for all averaging periods considered (hourly to annual averages). This plan addresses monitoring to characterize background levels for use in the EA. Construction and operational monitoring will be discussed in the EA itself.

56 December 3, 2014 Alex Blasko and Gavin Battarino Page 2 of 2 Reference: Baseline Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Plan for Premier Gold Mines Hardrock Inc. If you have any questions or concerns please contacted the undersigned. Regards, STANTEC CONSULTING LTD. Original Signed by G. Crooks Gregory Crooks, M.Eng., P.Eng. Principal, Environmental Services Phone: (416) Fax: (416) gregory.crooks@stantec.com Attachment: Baseline Air Quality Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Plan for Premier Gold Mines Hardrock Inc. zt \\cd1220-f02\root\work_group\01609\active\ \atmospheric\monitoring_plan\ _covering_letter_aq_monitoring_plan.docx

57 Baseline Air Quality - Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Plan for Premier Gold Mines Hardrock Inc. Prepared for: Premier Gold Mines Hardrock Inc. Prepared by: Stantec Consulting Ltd Paramount Drive Stoney Creek, ON, L8J 0B4 December 1, 2014

58 BASELINE AIR QUALITY - AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING PLAN FOR PREMIER GOLD MINES HARDROCK INC. Table of Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION MONITORING OBJECTIVES AND BACKGROUND MONITORING PERIOD PROJECT DESCRIPTION REPORT CONTENTS GENERAL SITING CONSIDERATIONS SCALES OF REPRESENTATIVENESS SITING REQUIREMENTS CONTAMINANTS AND LOCATION FOR MONITORING CONTAMINANTS TO BE MONITORED NUMBER OF MONITORS AND LOCATION INSTRUMENTATION AND DATA ACQUISITION CONTINUOUS AMBIENT MONITORS Respirable Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Particulate Matter (PM10) Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) NON-CONTINUOUS AMBIENT MONITORS Metals in Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM EQUIPMENT ENCLOSURE AND SAMPLING MANIFOLD LABORATORY ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES QUALITY ASSURANCE PROCEDURES OPERATOR REQUIREMENTS INSTRUMENTATION CALIBRATION ACCURACY CHECKS FOR ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES SAMPLE COLLECTION AND TRANSPORTATION DATA REVIEW AND VALIDATION REPORTING REQUIREMENTS OTHER AVAILABLE BASELINE AMBIENT DATA FOR USE IN THE CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ASSESSMENT SUMMER/FALL 2014 BASELINE MONITORING COMPLETED AVAILABLE LONG-TERM AMBIENT MONITORING DATA REFERENCES...9.1

59 BASELINE AIR QUALITY - AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING PLAN FOR PREMIER GOLD MINES HARDROCK INC. LIST OF TABLES Table 2-1 Summary of Siting Criteria for Ambient Monitors Table 3-1 Coordinates of Proposed Monitoring Location Table 3-2 Comparison of Proposed Monitoring Location to Probe Siting Criteria Table 5-1 Summary of Laboratory Reference Methods Table 5-2 Method Detection Limits for Metals Table 5-3 Method Detection Limits for VOCs Table 8-1 Proposed NAPS Locations to be Assessed LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1-1 Hardrock Project Site Location Figure 3-1 Ambient Monitoring Location on Hardrock Project Site Figure 3-2 Ambient Monitoring Location on Hardrock Project Site (Existing Conditions) Figure 3-3 Panoramic (360-degree) View of the Surroundings around the Proposed Monitoring Station Site

60 BASELINE AIR QUALITY - AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING PLAN FOR PREMIER GOLD MINES HARDROCK INC. Introduction December 1, INTRODUCTION 1.1 MONITORING OBJECTIVES AND BACKGROUND Premier Gold Mines Hardrock Inc., (Premier Gold) proposes the establishment, construction, operation, and retirement of an open pit gold mine and ore processing facility, and any ancillary activities, collectively known as the Hardrock Project. This baseline monitoring plan was developed based on the requirement for baseline ambient monitoring provided in Guidelines for the Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement Pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 Hardrock Deposit Project, Premier Gold Mines Hardrock Inc., CEAA, August This document requires: ambient air quality in the project areas and, for the mine site, the results of a baseline survey of ambient air quality, including the following contaminants: total suspended particulates, fine particulates (PM2.5), particulate matters up to 10 micrometers in size (PM10), sulfur oxide (SOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxide (NOx); The purpose of the baseline ambient monitoring program will therefore be to collect data on existing air quality in the area for future use in the assessment as appropriate. If and where appropriate the baseline data can also be used in a coordinated manner to meet provincial Environmental Assessment (EA) requirements following issuance of the Terms of Reference. 1.2 MONITORING PERIOD Monitoring will be conducted for a 6-month period starting approximately December, 2014 and ending in June of The exact timing for the start of the program will be discussed with the MOECC prior to commencement. This monitoring period will supplement air quality baseline characterization activities which have already been conducted (or underway), which include: Baseline ambient monitoring for particulate and metals conducted over about a 5-month period in the summer/fall of 2014 (June to October 2014). Historical ambient air quality data from the National Air Pollution Surveillance (NAPS) Network stations for the past five years ( ). 1.3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Hardrock Project (the Project) is located approximately 275 km northeast of Thunder Bay. The Hardrock Project is situated just a few kilometers south of the urban settlement area in the zt \\cd1220-f02\root\work_group\01609\active\ \atmospheric\monitoring_plan\ _207_101_aq_monitoring_plan_rpt_ver1_6.docx 1.1

61 BASELINE AIR QUALITY - AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING PLAN FOR PREMIER GOLD MINES HARDROCK INC. Introduction December 1, 2014 Ward of Geraldton, which is part of the amalgamated Municipality of Greenstone, Ontario. Highway 11 (also known as the Trans-Canada Highway) traverses the property in an east west direction. The centroid coordinates of the proposed open pit are UTM- Easting, , Northing (NAD 83, UTM Zone 16 U). The Project will be generally located within the existing 5,148.3 ha of land owned by Premier Gold and other properties that are either currently within the Claims to Lease process, or that Premier Gold intends to acquire. The proposed Hardrock Project site location is shown in Figure 1. Residential areas located around the proposed Hardrock Project include the town of Geraldton located approximately 2 km to the north, two residential areas located to the east on Hardrock Road and a Golf course located directly north of the facility. 1.4 REPORT CONTENTS The MOECC s Operations Manual for Air Quality Monitoring in Ontario (MOE, 2008) (Operations Manual) requires a monitoring plan to include the following sections: Purpose or objectives of the monitoring program Section 1.1 Expected duration of the monitoring program Section 1.2 Identified and suspected air emission source(s) Section 3.1 Identified and suspected receptors Section 1.3. Number and location of monitoring sites Section 3.2 Air quality parameters to be monitored and the monitoring frequency Sections 3 and 4 Monitoring methods/instruments to be used Section 4 Analytical methods/procedures Section 5 Laboratory services support to be used Section 4 Dispersion model to be used (if applicable) N/A Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) plan Section 6 Data reporting procedures Section 7 zt \\cd1220-f02\root\work_group\01609\active\ \atmospheric\monitoring_plan\ _207_101_aq_monitoring_plan_rpt_ver1_6.docx 1.2

62 UNDER REVISION 0E FOR COMMENTS N IN PROGRESS CONSTRUCTION PRELIMINARY NOT FOR

63 BASELINE AIR QUALITY - AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING PLAN FOR PREMIER GOLD MINES HARDROCK INC. General Siting Considerations December 1, GENERAL SITING CONSIDERATIONS 2.1 SCALES OF REPRESENTATIVENESS Proper siting of monitoring stations requires a precise specification of the monitoring objective, which usually includes a desired spatial scale of representativeness. The spatial scale of representativeness is described in terms of the physical dimensions of the air parcel nearest to a monitoring station through which the pollutant concentration is reasonably uniform. The goal in siting monitoring stations is to correctly match the spatial scale represented by the sample of monitored air with the monitoring objective of the station. The scales of representativeness of most interest for local air monitoring are: Microscale defines concentrations in air volumes associated with area dimensions ranging from several metres up to about 100 m. Middle Scale defines the concentration typical of areas ranging in size from about 100 m to 0.5 km. Neighbourhood Scale defines concentrations within extended areas with relatively uniform land use with dimensions of 0.5 to 4.0 km. Urban Scale defines overall city-wide conditions with dimensions on the order of 4 to 50 km. US Consolidated Federal Regulations, Section 40, Part 58 (40CFR Part 58), (US EPA, 2010) provide guidelines on the scales of representativeness required for specific monitoring objectives. The objective of monitoring source impact is associated with micro, middle and neighbourhood scales. Monitoring for background concentrations requires neighbourhood or regional scales of representativeness. This monitoring plan has been developed to meet the objective of quantifying background ambient levels in the area. Based on this objective, the monitor should be situated to capture neighbourhood to urban (regional) scales of representativeness. 2.2 SITING REQUIREMENTS The following table provides a summary of siting requirements listed in the MOECC s Operations Manual (MOE, 2008) that will be followed as closely as possible for the siting of the monitor station, however the final location of the station will be constrained to sites with adequate security (within a secured, fenced area), vehicle access, set-back from roadways, and access to power. zt \\cd1220-f02\root\work_group\01609\active\ \atmospheric\monitoring_plan\ _207_101_aq_monitoring_plan_rpt_ver1_6.docx 2.1

64 BASELINE AIR QUALITY - AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING PLAN FOR PREMIER GOLD MINES HARDROCK INC. General Siting Considerations December 1, 2014 Table 2-1 Summary of Siting Criteria for Ambient Monitors Contaminant Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Total Suspended Particulate (TSP): General Particulate Matter less than 2.5 Microns in Diameter (PM2.5): General Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) 3-15 m above ground MOE Recommended Criteria > 1 m vertical and horizontal distance from supporting structure > 20 m from trees Distance from sampler to any air flow obstacle must be >2x height of obstacle above the sampler Unrestricted air flow in 3 of the 4 wind quadrants No nearby furnace or incineration flues Probe material - Pyrex glass or FEP Teflon 3-15 m above ground > 1 m vertical and horizontal distances from supporting structure > 20 m from trees Distance from sampler to any air flow obstacle must be >2x height of obstacle above the sampler Unrestricted air flow in 3 of the 4 wind quadrants Spacing from roadways varies with road traffic 1 No nearby furnace or incineration flues 2-15 m above ground > 1 m vertical and > 2 m horizontal distance from supporting structure > 20 m from trees Distance from sampler to any air flow obstacle must be >2x height of obstacle above the sampler Unrestricted air flow in 3 of the 4 wind quadrants No nearby furnace or incineration flues Distance from sampler to nearest roadway lane should be > 70m for sampler inlet heights of 2-5 m 2-15 m above ground > 1 m vertical and > 2 m horizontal distance from supporting structure > 20 m from trees Distance from sampler to any air flow obstacle must be >2x height of obstacle above the sampler Unrestricted air flow in 3 of the 4 wind quadrants > 5 m from chimneys with natural gas combustion emissions > m from major roadways 3 15 m above ground > 1 m vertical and > 2 m horizontal distance from supporting structure No nearby sources of PAHs, dioxins and VOCs which could interfere with sample results Notes: Spacing from roadway varies with road traffic 1 Spacing determined based on US Consolidated Federal Regulations, Section 40, Part 58 (40CFR Part 58) zt \\cd1220-f02\root\work_group\01609\active\ \atmospheric\monitoring_plan\ _207_101_aq_monitoring_plan_rpt_ver1_6.docx 2.2

65 BASELINE AIR QUALITY - AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING PLAN FOR PREMIER GOLD MINES HARDROCK INC. Contaminants and Location for Monitoring December 1, CONTAMINANTS AND LOCATION FOR MONITORING The proposed contaminants to be monitored were determined based on the requirements of the Final EIS Guideline (CEAA, 2014) and expected contaminants of concern from an open pit gold mine operation and a potential power plant. The proposed location for the monitoring station was determined based on the general siting requirements outlined in Section CONTAMINANTS TO BE MONITORED For a gold mine site, the primary contaminants of concern from an air quality perspective are particulate matter (PM) and metals. For a power plant the contaminants of concern are nitrogen oxides (NOx) and respirable particulate matter (PM2.5).The Final EIS Guideline (CEAA, 2014) require the results of a baseline survey of ambient air quality to include total suspended particulate (TSP), PM10, PM2.5, sulphur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and NOx. The ambient monitoring plan detailed in his report will be conducted to capture baseline ambient air concentrations at the proposed Hardrock Project site of the following contaminants: TSP; PM2.5; PM10; NOx; SO2; VOCs; and, Metals (in TSP). A full list of metals and VOCs to be analyzed is provided in Section 4 of this monitoring plan. 3.2 NUMBER OF MONITORS AND LOCATION Ambient air monitoring will be conducted at one site on the Hardrock project property, near the proposed location for the open pit. The monitoring site is shown in Figure 3-1 in relation to the regional area and in Figure 3-2 depicting the immediate surrounding area, note that the immediate area has been cleared of surrounding trees depicted in the image and structures have been built at the marked locations. The UTM coordinates for the site are presented in Table 2 below. Table 3-1 Coordinates of Proposed Monitoring Location Monitoring Site UTM Zone Easting (m) Northing (m) Baseline Air Monitoring Station 16 U zt \\cd1220-f02\root\work_group\01609\active\ \atmospheric\monitoring_plan\ _207_101_aq_monitoring_plan_rpt_ver1_6.docx 3.1

66 A ree y wa gh Hi Hilder Sedi Lake Lake B r Hutchison Lake 584 Hutal Lake Geraldton Municipal Airport $ + er Pip elin Ministry of Transportation Patrol Yard y Public Boat Launch C H ar dr oc Ol d " GFP2 " SW Arm Tri -I ( Hardrock Townsite MacLeod Provincial Park Landfill- Closed Hydro Line Kenogamisis Lake Baseline Air Monitoring Station b utary r Highway Railway W Æ Runway (Abandoned) Airport Eldee Lake Municipal Boundary Natural Features (MNR Base Layers) Watercourse- Permanent MUNICIPALITY OF GREENSTONE C-N W Seaplane Base Local Road Watercourse- Intermittent UNORGANIZED TERRITORY Waterbody Wooded Area k pl Notes 1. Coordinate System: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 16N 2. Base features produced under license with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Queen's Printer for Ontario, November A-321 Client/Project e Cre ield Gold f ry uta rib kt Lake A-323 Lake A-324 McKelvie Lake Puppy Lake Pussy Lake 0 Premier Gold Mines Hardrock Inc Hardrock Project k Figure No. let Cree Lake A-322 Lake A-320 SWP4 Æ$ U + WC " S Tr ip Goldfield Lake South Magnet Lake Landfill- Active Major Road Tri T $ Exisitng Transformer Station Highway 11 y Lagoon is Road G A " ) A The L aht WC - U GFP4 Gold field Cre e " ) " T $ k ld ie df ol GFP1 SWP3 SWP2 C- G X1225 GFP3 d Pond A W k ee nz ie zie Cre ek SWP1 Marron Lake a Ro T H CW Mc K e M > $ T T $ A MacLeod Townsite Mosher Lake en ck ad Longacre Lake r C en Ar o ar WC- A Little Magnet Lake T " ) f " ) Crabtree Lake et Cr ee y Trans Canada Highw ay11 reek tc tle ne Lit Mag Baseline Air Monitoring Station Ontario Provincial Police Station (Geraldton Detachment Office) 1) (1 ay w gh Hi Official Plan) Urban Settlement Areas (asdaper a n Transportation Features Ca ns a Tr Heliport t Barton Bay " ) Golf Course k " S k ek iv Dr Historic McLeod-Cockshutt Mining Headframe Natural Gas Pipeline Cr o i xcr $ + Provincial Park S t. Geraldton Fire Management HQ (Closed) Gas Station Communication Line net Creek ag M Magnet Lake Lindsley Lake > Cr eek ee Kenogamisis Lake Resort ne M ag W Æ Geraldton Kenogamisis Lake T $ Discover Geraldton Interpretive Centre U Æ $ T T $ f " ) a cp hail T $ Kenogamisis Lake nne ree C k Building ) " X1226 WC- J W:\active\ \drawing\MXD\Atmospheric_Environment\Report_Figures\AmbientMonitoringLocationPermit\ _Fig_3_1_AmbientMonitoringLocation_ mxd Revised: By: dharvey Land Use D io eek Creelman Cr e Di onne Cr Baseline Air Monitoring Station M Emilie Lake Baseline Air Monitoring Station Existing Features k Ashmore Lake Kenwell Cecile Lake Yvonne Lake Hardrock Townsite Quintuplet Lake Hardrock Road ( Ashton Lake ( Ess Lake Legend k Road roc k Hard ± re e WC- I Dafoe Lake U Æ r Annette Lake Dionne Lake Marie Lake Porthos Lake " S ns Tra H ada Can 1 y1 wa igh D Volcan Lake Bar rick Driv e T " ) " ) C d. MacLeod Townsite r eek or C Ree s CW v Bl er CW Wildgoose C- E Lake W e o re Cre hm As oad w Po Brik Lake ve ws Ri Burro e v r i urrows R irb K el ha ic M yc A T $ T $ Barton Bay Grenville Lake k Clover Lake A Aeroplane Lake Kirby Lake e Burrows River CW ,900 3,800 m 1:77, Title Ambient Monitoring Location on Hardrock Project Site

67 ± ( Legend Baseline Air Monitoring Existing Highway Major Road Local Road Watercourse- Watercourse- Municipal Boundary Waterbody W:\active\ \drawing\MXD\Atmospheric_Environment\Report_Figures\AmbientMonitoringLocationPermit\ _Fig_3_2_AmbientMonitoringLocation_ExistingConditons_ mxd Revised: By: dharvey m 1:1,200 Notes Client/Project Premier Gold Mines Hardrock Inc Hardrock Project Figure No. 3.2 Barton Bay Old Arena Road Mosher Lake Lahtis Road Michael Power Blvd. Trans-Canada Highway 11 (( Kenogamisis Lake Coordinate System: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 16N Base features produced under license with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Queen's Printer for Ontario, Orthoimagery Microsoft product screen shot(s) reprinted with permission from Microsoft Corporation, 2014 Title Ambient Monitoring Location on Hardrock Project Site (Existing Conditions) Kenogamisis Lake November

68 BASELINE AIR QUALITY - AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING PLAN FOR PREMIER GOLD MINES HARDROCK INC. Contaminants and Location for Monitoring December 1, 2014 The proposed monitoring station location will be near the existing Premier Gold Mine warehouse and portable style office buildings which are located to the south of Hardrock Road. The proposed site is 47-m from the parking lot, 20-m from the nearest trees and 38-m from the nearest structure (a warehouse) which have been constructed on the site. The monitoring location will be 320-m south of the TransCanada Highway, 3-km from the town of Geraldton, and over 6-km from the nearest industry (an aggregate trucking company). A summary of how this location meets the probe siting criteria for neighbourhood to regional scale ambient monitoring objectives is presented in Table 3-2. A 360-degree panoramic view of the proposed location is presented in Figure 3-3. Table 3-2 Comparison of Proposed Monitoring Location to Probe Siting Criteria Contaminant MOE Recommended Criteria Proposed Monitoring Station Location SO m height above ground > 3 m > 1 m vertical and horizontal distance from supporting structure > 20 m from trees Yes 20 m Distance from sampler to any air flow obstacle must be > 2x height of obstacle above the sampler Unrestricted air flow in 3 of the 4 wind quadrants No nearby furnace or incineration flues Probe material - Pyrex glass or FEP Teflon Yes Yes Yes No nearby sources NO m height above ground > 3 m Metals/TSP (general) > 1 m vertical and horizontal distance from supporting structure > 20 m from trees Yes 20 m Distance from sampler to any air flow obstacle must be > 2x height of obstacle above the sampler Unrestricted air flow in 3 of the 4 wind quadrants Spacing from roadways varies with road traffic (10 m for less than 10,000 vehicle per day) No nearby furnace or incineration flues Yes Yes Yes Yes Meets criteria No nearby sources m height above ground > 2 m > 1 m vertical and > 2 m horizontal distance from supporting structure > 20 m from trees Yes 20 m Distance from sampler to any air flow obstacle must be > 2x height of obstacle above the sampler Yes Yes zt \\cd1220-f02\root\work_group\01609\active\ \atmospheric\monitoring_plan\ _207_101_aq_monitoring_plan_rpt_ver1_6.docx 3.4

69 BASELINE AIR QUALITY - AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING PLAN FOR PREMIER GOLD MINES HARDROCK INC. Contaminants and Location for Monitoring December 1, 2014 PM2.5 (general) Unrestricted air flow in 3 of the 4 wind quadrants No nearby furnace or incineration flues Distance from sampler to nearest roadway lane should be > 70 m for sampler inlet heights of 2-5 m Yes No nearby sources > 50 m from side road, > 300 m from Hwy m height above ground > 2 m > 1 m vertical and > 2 m horizontal distance from supporting structure > 20 m from trees Yes 20 m Distance from sampler to any air flow obstacle must be > 2x height of obstacle above the sampler Unrestricted air flow in 3 of the 4 wind quadrants > 5 m from chimneys with natural gas combustion emissions NA > m from major roadways > 50 m from side road, > 300 m from Hwy. 11 Yes Yes Yes zt \\cd1220-f02\root\work_group\01609\active\ \atmospheric\monitoring_plan\ _207_101_aq_monitoring_plan_rpt_ver1_6.docx 3.5

70 BASELINE AIR QUALITY - AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING PLAN FOR PREMIER GOLD MINES HARDROCK INC. Contaminants and Location for Monitoring December 1, 2014 Figure 3-3 Panoramic (360-degree) View of the Surroundings around the Proposed Monitoring Station Site. zt \\cd1220-f02\root\work_group\01609\active\ \atmospheric\monitoring_plan\ _207_101_aq_monitoring_plan_rpt_ver1_6.docx 3.6

71 BASELINE AIR QUALITY - AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING PLAN FOR PREMIER GOLD MINES HARDROCK INC. Instrumentation and Data Acquisition December 1, INSTRUMENTATION AND DATA ACQUISITION The measurement program at the monitoring site will include both continuous and noncontinuous monitors to sample air contaminant concentrations. Monitoring for PM2.5, NOx, and SO2 will be conducted on a continuous basis over the duration of the ambient air monitoring program. Monitoring for metals in TSP and VOCs will be conducted with non-continuous monitors, per the methodology and analysis recommended by the MOECC Operations Manual (MOE, 2008). The following sections detail the continuous and non-continuous monitors proposed for this sampling program. 4.1 CONTINUOUS AMBIENT MONITORS Respirable Particulate Matter (PM2.5) The PM2.5 sampler will consist of a BAM 1020 (or equivalent). The sampler uses beta ray attenuation to measure particulate concentrations. Principle of Operation: Range: Measurement Cycle Time: Beta Ray Attenuation 1 mg (1000 ) default setting. Settable from 0.1 mg to 10 mg 1 hour Particulate Matter (PM10) The PM10 sampler will consist of a BAM 1020 (or equivalent). The sampler uses beta ray attenuation to measure particulate concentrations. Principle of Operation: Range: Measurement Cycle Time: Beta Ray Attenuation 1 mg (1000 ) default setting. Settable from 0.1 mg to 10 mg 1 hour zt \\cd1220-f02\root\work_group\01609\active\ \atmospheric\monitoring_plan\ _207_101_aq_monitoring_plan_rpt_ver1_6.docx 4.1

72 BASELINE AIR QUALITY - AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING PLAN FOR PREMIER GOLD MINES HARDROCK INC. Instrumentation and Data Acquisition December 1, Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) The NOX sampler will consist of an API Model 200E Chemiluminescence Analyzer (or equivalent) to measure continuous concentrations of nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX). The sampler operates based on the principle of chemiluminescence, where the amount of light given off during a chemical reaction is measured. Nitric oxide (NO) reacts with ozone (O3) to produce nitrogen dioxide (NO2), 10 % electronically excited nitrogen dioxide (NO2*) and oxygen. Following the NO-O3 reaction, the NO2* molecules immediately revert to NO2. This process creates a light emission directly proportional to the NO concentration in the sample. The intensity of the resulting light emission is then measured by a photomultiplier tube and associated electronics. An NO2 to NO converter will be used to measure the amount of NOX (NO + NO2) in the sample. Principle of Operation: Range: Time interval: Chemiluminescence ppb 1 second Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) The SO2 sampler will consist of an API 100E Sulphur Dioxide Analyzer (or equivalent). The sampler operates using the principle of "Pulsed Fluorescence". Sulphur dioxide molecules absorb fluorescent energy, producing electronically excited SO2 molecule with a known spectral decay rate to the ground state. The fluorescence emitted by the reaction is detected by a photo multiplier tube and the signal is converted proportionally to an electronic output signal which is then captured by a data logger. Principle of Operation: Range: Time interval: Pulsed Florescence ppb 1 second 4.2 NON-CONTINUOUS AMBIENT MONITORS Metals in Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) Total suspended particulate matter (TSP) and metals will be collected onto pre-weighed, conditioned Teflon coated glass fibre filters for a 24-hour period using a Tisch Environmental TE volumetric-flow high volume sampler (or equivalent) measuring TSP. This monitor operates by continuously drawing a sample of ambient air through a filter onto which particulate matter is zt \\cd1220-f02\root\work_group\01609\active\ \atmospheric\monitoring_plan\ _207_101_aq_monitoring_plan_rpt_ver1_6.docx 4.2

73 BASELINE AIR QUALITY - AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING PLAN FOR PREMIER GOLD MINES HARDROCK INC. Instrumentation and Data Acquisition December 1, 2014 deposited. The filters will be subsequently weighed for particulate loading and analyzed using the Atomic Emission Spectroscopy/Inductively Coupled Plasma (AES/ICP) technique to determine metals content. Analysis of the TSP/metals samples will be conducted by a Canadian Assurance for Laboratory Accreditation (CALA) accredited laboratory following MOE guidance. The sampling schedule will correspond with the MOECC s province-wide ambient sampling schedule (one sample taken every six days). The list of metals to be analyzed is: Total Mercury (Hg) Cobalt (Co) Selenium (Se) Aluminum (Al) Copper (Cu) Silver (Ag) Antimony (Sb) Iron (Fe) Strontium (Sr) Arsenic (As) Lead (Pb) Thallium (Tl) Barium (Ba) Lithium (Li) Tin (Sn) Beryllium (Be) Magnesium (Mg) Titanium (Ti) Bismuth (Bi) Manganese (Mn) Vanadium (V) Boron (B) Molybdenum (Mo) Zinc (Zn) Cadmium (Cd) Nickel (Ni) Zirconium (Zr) Calcium (Ca) Phosphorus (P) Total Uranium (U) Chromium (Cr) Potassium (K) Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) will be collected using SUMMA canisters. Each sample will be collected over a period of 24 hours, one sample will be collected every 12 days. This monitor operates by continuously drawing a sample of ambient air into the canister through a regulator. At the end of the 24 hour sample period the canister is sealed and the air sample is sent for analysis. Analysis of the VOC samples will be conducted by a CALA accredited laboratory following method TO 15. The sampling schedule will correspond with the MOECC s provincewide ambient sampling schedule (one sample taken every 12 days). zt \\cd1220-f02\root\work_group\01609\active\ \atmospheric\monitoring_plan\ _207_101_aq_monitoring_plan_rpt_ver1_6.docx 4.3

74 BASELINE AIR QUALITY - AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING PLAN FOR PREMIER GOLD MINES HARDROCK INC. Instrumentation and Data Acquisition December 1, 2014 The list of VOCs to be analyzed will be: 1,1,1-Trichloroethane Bromodichloromethane Methyl Butyl Ketone (2- Hexanone) 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane Bromoform Methyl Ethyl Ketone (2- Butanone) 1,1,2-Trichloroethane Bromomethane Methyl Isobutyl Ketone 1,1-Dichloroethane Carbon Disulfide Methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) 1,1-Dichloroethylene Carbon Tetrachloride Methylene Chloride(Dichlorometha ne) 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene Chlorobenzene Naphthalene 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene Chloroethane n-butane 1,2-Dichlorobenzene Chloroform o-xylene 1,2-Dichloroethane Chloromethane Propene 1,2-Dichloropropane cis-1,2-dichloroethylene Propionaldehyde (Propanal) 1,2- Dichlorotetrafluoroethane cis-1,3-dichloropropene Styrene 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene Cyclohexane Tetrachloroethylene 1,3-Butadiene Dibromochloromethane Tetrahydrofuran 1,3-Dichlorobenzene Dichlorodifluoromethane (F REON 12) Toluene 1,4-Dichlorobenzene Ethanol trans-1,2- Dichloroethylene 1,4-Dioxane Ethyl Acetate trans-1,3- Dichloropropene zt \\cd1220-f02\root\work_group\01609\active\ \atmospheric\monitoring_plan\ _207_101_aq_monitoring_plan_rpt_ver1_6.docx 4.4

75 BASELINE AIR QUALITY - AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING PLAN FOR PREMIER GOLD MINES HARDROCK INC. Instrumentation and Data Acquisition December 1, ,2,4-Trimethylpentane Ethylbenzene Trichloroethylene 2-propanol Ethylene Dibromide Trichlorofluoromethane (FREON 11) 2-Propanone Heptane Trichlorotrifluoroethane 4-ethyltoluene Hexachlorobutadiene Vinyl Bromide Acrylonitrile Hexane Vinyl Chloride Benzene m / p-xylene Vinyl Acetate Benzyl chloride Methanol 4.3 DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM In addition to instrument resident data logging registers, a rack mounted digital data acquisition system (DAS) will be installed. The data logger will be a Campbell Scientific CR1000 station data acquisition system (or equivalent) will be used to collect ambient instrument data and status codes from the ambient air monitors. Typically, continuous station data will be maintained in the data loggers, and data will be viewed locally using a laptop and the relevant DAS software applications. The logger will typically store approximately 21 days of five minute averages and 3 months of one hour averages. If possible, the DAS will acquire data and control the ambient analyzers via serial communication. Remote data transmission will be accomplished by the periodic downloading of the data by laptop. 4.4 EQUIPMENT ENCLOSURE AND SAMPLING MANIFOLD A custom instrumentation shelter will be used to store the monitoring equipment. The shelter will have a steel frame structure covered in a weatherproof exterior. A rooftop guardrail and accompanying ladder will be installed to provide access to the hi-volume samplers. Wall mounted HVAC units will be installed to provide adequate heating and cooling to the shelter during different weather conditions, which will ensure correct temperature readings during the sampling. A shelter temperature of C will be maintained to within +/- 2 C by an automatic heat/cool thermostat with adjustable hysteresis. The shelter temperature will be measured and collected along with the pollutant data, and alarmed with limits. Out-of-limit shelter temperature conditions will be flagged. zt \\cd1220-f02\root\work_group\01609\active\ \atmospheric\monitoring_plan\ _207_101_aq_monitoring_plan_rpt_ver1_6.docx 4.5

76 BASELINE AIR QUALITY - AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING PLAN FOR PREMIER GOLD MINES HARDROCK INC. Instrumentation and Data Acquisition December 1, 2014 Ambient air will be drawn into the station using a 6 Teflon lined stainless steel sampling cane and, 4 port manifold (or equivalent). The manifold flow rate will be approximately 80 cubic feet per meter (cfm) to ensure an adequate ambient air exchange rate. The temperature control on the manifold will be automatically adjusted to ensure that the manifold temperature is at least 10 C above the ambient dew point to prevent the formation of condensation or water droplets. zt \\cd1220-f02\root\work_group\01609\active\ \atmospheric\monitoring_plan\ _207_101_aq_monitoring_plan_rpt_ver1_6.docx 4.6

77 BASELINE AIR QUALITY - AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING PLAN FOR PREMIER GOLD MINES HARDROCK INC. Laboratory Analytical Procedures December 1, LABORATORY ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES All samples will be obtained and analyzed following US EPA reference or equivalent methods, as per the MOE Operations Manual (MOE, 2008). A summary of the contaminants to be assessed by laboratory analytical procedures during this monitoring program and their laboratory reference methods is provided below. Table 5-1 Summary of Laboratory Reference Methods Contaminant Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) and Metals Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Laboratory Reference Method US EPA Manual Reference Method: 40 CFR Part 50, Appendix B Compendium Method IO-3 with Atomic Emission Spectroscopy/Inductively Coupled Plasma (AES/ICP) TO 15 A summary of the method detection limits to be used in the analysis versus their applicable air quality criteria is presented in Tables 4 and 5. As required by the MOECC, the MDLs for all metals and VOC species relevant to the Project (shown by asterisks in Table 5-2 and 5-3) are at least a factor of ten less than their applicable criteria (except for Magnesium). Table 5-2 Method Detection Limits for Metals Contaminant MOE 24-Hour Criteria MDL MDL Ratio of MDL to Criteria (/m 3 ) (/m 3 ) 1 Particulate E Total Mercury (Hg)* E Aluminum (Al)* E Antimony (Sb)* E Arsenic (As)* E Barium (Ba)* E Beryllium (Be)* E Bismuth (Bi)* E Boron (B) E Cadmium (Cd)* E Calcium (Ca)* N/A E-02 N/A Chromium (Cr)* E Cobalt (Co)* E Copper (Cu)* E Iron (Fe)* E Lead (Pb)* E Lithium (Li)* E zt \\cd1220-f02\root\work_group\01609\active\ \atmospheric\monitoring_plan\ _207_101_aq_monitoring_plan_rpt_ver1_6.docx 5.1

78 BASELINE AIR QUALITY - AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING PLAN FOR PREMIER GOLD MINES HARDROCK INC. Laboratory Analytical Procedures December 1, 2014 Contaminant MOE 24-Hour Criteria MDL MDL Ratio of MDL to Criteria (/m 3 ) (/m 3 ) 1 Magnesium (Mg)* E-02 7 Manganese (Mn)* E Molybdenum (Mo)* E Nickel (Ni)* E Phosphorus (P) E Potassium (K)* E Selenium (Se)* E Silver (Ag)* E Strontium (Sr)* E Thallium (Tl)* E Tin (Sn)* E Titanium (Ti)* E Vanadium (V)* E Zinc (Zn)* E Zirconium (Zr) E Total Uranium (U)* 0.03 (Health Annual after July 1, E Notes 1 - Based on a Hi-Vol flow rate of 40 cfm, or 1631 m 3 air sampled in a 24 hour period. * - contaminant relevant to Project Table 5-3 Method Detection Limits for VOCs Contaminant MOE 24-Hour Criteria (/m 3 ) MDL (/m 3 ) 1 Ratio of MDL to Criteria 1,1,1-Trichloroethane ,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane No criteria ,1,2-Trichloroethane ,1-Dichloroethane ,1-Dichloroethylene ,2,4-Trichlorobenzene ,2,4-Trimethylbenzene ,2-Dichlorobenzene No 24 hour criteria 1 3 NA 1,2-Dichloroethane ,2-Dichloropropane ,2-Dichlorotetrafluoroethane ,3,5-Trimethylbenzene ,3-Butadiene No 24 hour criteria NA 1,3-Dichlorobenzene ,4-Dichlorobenzene ,4-Dioxane zt \\cd1220-f02\root\work_group\01609\active\ \atmospheric\monitoring_plan\ _207_101_aq_monitoring_plan_rpt_ver1_6.docx 5.2

79 BASELINE AIR QUALITY - AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING PLAN FOR PREMIER GOLD MINES HARDROCK INC. Laboratory Analytical Procedures December 1, 2014 Contaminant MOE 24-Hour Criteria (/m 3 ) MDL (/m 3 ) 1 Ratio of MDL to Criteria 2,2,4-Trimethylpentane propanol Propanone ethyltoluene Acrylonitrile Benzene No 24 hour criteria NA Benzyl chloride Bromodichloromethane No criteria Bromoform Bromomethane Carbon Disulfide Carbon Tetrachloride Chlorobenzene No 24 hour criteria NA Chloroethane Chloroform Chloromethane cis-1,2-dichloroethylene cis-1,3-dichloropropene Cyclohexane Dibromochloromethane Dichlorodifluoromethane (FREON 12) Ethanol No 24 hour criteria NA Ethyl Acetate No 24 hour criteria NA Ethylbenzene Ethylene Dibromide Heptane Hexachlorobutadiene Hexane m / p-xylene Methanol Methyl Butyl Ketone (2-Hexanone) Methyl Ethyl Ketone (2-Butanone) Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) Methylene Chloride(Dichloromethane) Naphthalene zt \\cd1220-f02\root\work_group\01609\active\ \atmospheric\monitoring_plan\ _207_101_aq_monitoring_plan_rpt_ver1_6.docx 5.3

80 BASELINE AIR QUALITY - AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING PLAN FOR PREMIER GOLD MINES HARDROCK INC. Laboratory Analytical Procedures December 1, 2014 Contaminant MOE 24-Hour Criteria (/m 3 ) MDL (/m 3 ) 1 Ratio of MDL to Criteria n-butane o-xylene Propene Propionaldehyde (Propanal) No 24 hour criteria NA Styrene Tetrachloroethylene Tetrahydrofuran Toluene trans-1,2-dichloroethylene trans-1,3-dichloropropene Trichloroethylene Trichlorofluoromethane (FREON 11) Trichlorotrifluoroethane Vinyl Bromide Vinyl Chloride Vinyl Acetate Notes: 1 Contaminant does not have a 24 hour criteria limit, but does have a limit for a different time period (10 minute, 1 hour, annual etc.) *contaminant relevant to Project zt \\cd1220-f02\root\work_group\01609\active\ \atmospheric\monitoring_plan\ _207_101_aq_monitoring_plan_rpt_ver1_6.docx 5.4

81 BASELINE AIR QUALITY - AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING PLAN FOR PREMIER GOLD MINES HARDROCK INC. Quality Assurance Procedures December 1, QUALITY ASSURANCE PROCEDURES 6.1 OPERATOR REQUIREMENTS The proposed monitoring program will be operated as a joint effort by Premier Gold, Stantec Consulting Ltd. (Stantec) and Valley Environmental Services (VES). VES will be responsible for site setup and mobilization of the monitoring station as well as monthly calibration and maintenance activities. Premier Gold will be responsible for filter exchanges associated with TSP/metals samples and summa canister sampling for VOC monitoring. Stantec will be responsible for all data analysis and preparation of the baseline monitoring report summarizing the monitoring results. The operation and maintenance of the monitoring program, which will include the following general provisions: All field activities will be recorded in standardized field notes. Hi-vol data sheets will include initial and final flow measurements for each sample; Chain of custody forms will be completed and submitted along with exposed samples to the CALA laboratory used for analysis; All original containers will be used when submitting filters for analysis to avoid crosscontamination of samples, which will be recorded in the chain of custody forms; and, Maintaining training records for all personnel involved in the project. 6.2 INSTRUMENTATION CALIBRATION Samplers will be bench-tested and calibrated prior to their installation in the field. If required, the samplers will be re-calibrated once installed before their first use. On-going calibration of the samplers will follow the recommended calibration schedule listed in the MOECC Operations Manual (MOE, 2008). 6.3 ACCURACY CHECKS FOR ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES Travel and field blank samples will be submitted to the CALA accredited laboratory to ensure the accuracy of the analytical techniques used for TSP/metals sampling. Blank samples will account for ten percent (10%) of total submitted samples. zt \\cd1220-f02\root\work_group\01609\active\ \atmospheric\monitoring_plan\ _207_101_aq_monitoring_plan_rpt_ver1_6.docx 6.1

82 BASELINE AIR QUALITY - AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING PLAN FOR PREMIER GOLD MINES HARDROCK INC. Quality Assurance Procedures December 1, SAMPLE COLLECTION AND TRANSPORTATION Samples will be properly handled to ensure that there is no contamination. For filters this entails the use of surgical gloves and tweezers to avoid contamination. All samples will be carefully removed from the monitoring device by a trained operator, and placed in sealed, non-reactive containers. All samples will be placed in protective cases for protection from breakage, contamination or loss during transportation. Quality records for sample collection will be maintained. The quality record will include at least the following parameters: Station ID; Station name/location; Filter/canister ID; Sample start date/time; Sample end date/time or elapsed time; Date/time sample collected; Technician name; Meteorological conditions during sampling; and, Comments on visual inspection of filters/canisters prior to and after sampling. 6.5 DATA REVIEW AND VALIDATION Data collected from the continuous monitors will be screened for any suspicious data including outliers, instrumentation drift and missing data following MOE protocols given in the document Operations Manual (MOE, 2008). In general, the Operations Manual states that at a minimum, the required rate of recovery of valid data for both continuous and non-continuous monitors is 75% (both seasonally and annually). In addition, for NOX and SO2 sampling, zero drifts beyond 5 parts per billion (ppb) require an off-set adjustment. A final data screening of all measurement data will be performed at the end of the monitoring program to examine overall trends and to identify and correct any suspect data following MOE protocols (MOE, 2008). zt \\cd1220-f02\root\work_group\01609\active\ \atmospheric\monitoring_plan\ _207_101_aq_monitoring_plan_rpt_ver1_6.docx 6.2

83 BASELINE AIR QUALITY - AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING PLAN FOR PREMIER GOLD MINES HARDROCK INC. Reporting Requirements December 1, REPORTING REQUIREMENTS The results of this six month ambient air quality monitoring program will be incorporated into the baseline ambient air quality report to be produced for the EA. The report will include the following statistical information as required by the MOECC (MOE, 2008). For Continuous Monitors: Period Arithmetic Mean; Monthly Arithmetic Mean; Maximum for any averaging period used for comparison to statutory or regulatory limits; Maximum 24-hour; and, Percentage of valid hours. For Non-Continuous Monitors: No. of valid samples; Percentage of valid data; Period arithmetic mean; Period geometric mean (TSP only); Maximum 24-hour value; and, Maximum monthly value. In addition, should a validated exceedance of an O.Reg. 419/05 criteria occur, it will be reported. The ambient air quality data collected in this program will be used within the EA report for assessing baseline conditions and to determine representative background concentrations for a cumulative air quality effects analysis of the Project. zt \\cd1220-f02\root\work_group\01609\active\ \atmospheric\monitoring_plan\ _207_101_aq_monitoring_plan_rpt_ver1_6.docx 7.1

84 BASELINE AIR QUALITY - AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING PLAN FOR PREMIER GOLD MINES HARDROCK INC. Other Available Baseline Ambient Data for use in the Cumulative Effects Assessment December 1, OTHER AVAILABLE BASELINE AMBIENT DATA FOR USE IN THE CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ASSESSMENT 8.1 SUMMER/FALL 2014 BASELINE MONITORING COMPLETED Baseline ambient air monitoring was conducted during the summer of 2014 which measured TSP and metal concentrations. A total of 30 samples were collected using a BGI PQ100 sampler with a louvered sample head for TSP measurement. The BGI PQ 100 sampler was operated on a three day cycle (every sixth day in-line with the MOE Provincial Monitoring Program) - each sample was run for a period of 24 hrs from midnight to midnight. Between June 7, 2014 and August 15, 2014 a total of 22 samples were collected, an additional three (3) samples were collected in September 2014 and five (5) samples in October The ambient TSP data collected in this program was analyzed for the following metals: Aluminum (Al) Cobalt (Co) Silver (Ag) Antimony (Sb) Copper (Cu) Sodium (Na) Arsenic (As) Iron (Fe) Strontium (Sr) Barium (Ba) Lead (Pb) Thallium (Tl) Beryllium (Be) Magnesium (Mg) Tin (Sn) Bismuth (Bi) Manganese (Mn) Titanium (Ti) Boron (B) Molybdenum (Mo) Uranium (U) Cadmium (Cd) Nickel (Ni) Vanadium (V) Calcium (Ca) Potassium (K) Zinc (Zn) Chromium (Cr) Selenium (Se) 8.2 AVAILABLE LONG-TERM AMBIENT MONITORING DATA The baseline air quality assessment for the EA will also include available long-term ambient air monitoring data. Ambient air quality monitoring is conducted by the National Air Pollution Surveillance Program (NAPS) operated by Environment Canada in populated regions of Canada. The NAPS program continuously measures sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, fine particulate matter and carbon monoxide. Measurements of metals and VOCs concentrations are also conducted at selected NAPS stations. NAPS network data will be assessed at the locations nearest to the proposed site for the period and this data will be used in combination with the site specific monitoring data to develop conservative background concentration levels for all averaging periods for use in the zt \\cd1220-f02\root\work_group\01609\active\ \atmospheric\monitoring_plan\ _207_101_aq_monitoring_plan_rpt_ver1_6.docx 8.1

85 BASELINE AIR QUALITY - AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING PLAN FOR PREMIER GOLD MINES HARDROCK INC. Other Available Baseline Ambient Data for use in the Cumulative Effects Assessment December 1, 2014 cumulative effects assessment in the EA. The NAPS locations to be reviewed are listed in Table 8-1. Table 8-1 Proposed NAPS Locations to be Assessed NAPS ID City Location Elevation Type Latitude Longitude (m) Sault Ste Marie Industrial Thunder Bay Residential North Bay Residential Winnipeg (299 Scotia St) Residential Winnipeg (65 Ellen St) Commercial zt \\cd1220-f02\root\work_group\01609\active\ \atmospheric\monitoring_plan\ _207_101_aq_monitoring_plan_rpt_ver1_6.docx 8.2

86 BASELINE AIR QUALITY - AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING PLAN FOR PREMIER GOLD MINES HARDROCK INC. References December 1, REFERENCES Guidelines for the Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, Hardrock Deposit Project. Premier Gold Mines Hardrock Inc. August Operations Manual for Air Quality Monitoring in Ontario, Ministry of the Environment, Operations Division, Technical Support Section, March 2008, PIBS 6687e US Consolidated Federal Regulations, Section 40, Part 58 (40CFR Part 58). Title 40: Protection of Environment, Part 58-Ambient Air Quality Surveillance, Subpart G-Federal Monitoring Appendix E to Part 58 Probe and Monitoring Path Siting Criteria for Ambient Air Quality Monitoring zt \\cd1220-f02\root\work_group\01609\active\ \atmospheric\monitoring_plan\ _207_101_aq_monitoring_plan_rpt_ver1_6.docx 9.1

87 Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change 199 Larch Street Suite 1201 Sudbury ON P3E 5P9 Tel.: (705) Fax: (705) Ministère de l Environnement et de l Action en matière de changement climatique 199, rue Larch Bureau 1201 Sudbury ON P3E 5P9 Tél. : (705) Téléc.: (705) January 9, 2015 M E M O R A N D U M TO: FROM: RE: Monika Holenstein Sr. Environmental Officer, Thunder Bay District Office Guowang Qiu Air Quality Analyst, Northern Region Technical Support Baseline Air Quality Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Plan for Premier Gold Mines Hardrock Inc. This memo is response to your request for a review of the document titled Baseline Air Quality Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Plan for Premier Gold Mines Hardrock Inc. prepared by Stantec Consulting Inc., on behalf of Premier Gold Mines Hardrock Inc., and dated December 1, The monitoring will be conducted to aid in developing a representative baseline air quality for the project. The monitoring plan includes one station. TSP (including metals), PM10, PM2.5, sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) will be monitored for a six-month period starting approximately December, TSP will be collected every 6 th day for 24-hr period (midnight to midnight) using a high-volume (hi-vol) sampler with glass fibre filters. VOCs will also be collected for a 24-priod every 12 th day using SUMMA canisters. In addition, PM 10, PM 2.5, NOx and SO 2 will be measured using continuous monitors, BAM 1020, API Model 200E and API 100E, respectively. All non-continuous air samples will be analyzed by an accredited laboratory. The collected data will be used in conjunction with long-term air quality data collected by the ministry or Environment Canada stations in the vicinity to develop an air quality baseline for the project. The following is a summary of my comments for your consideration. 1. The proposed monitoring site will meet the siting criteria specified in the Operations Manual according to the monitoring plan. Ministry technical support air staff will audit the monitoring site and instruments when the monitoring is initiated to ensure that sampling locations meet siting criteria and instrumentation are functioning properly.