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| | January 18, 2010
Weststar Addresses Nunavut Impact Review Board
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| | Vancouver, BC -- January 18, 2010: Weststar Resources Corp. (TSX-V: WER Frankfurt: HN3) (the "Company") is pleased announce it has responded in a letter to the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) for a final opportunity to address comments with respect to Weststar's Ellesmere Island Coal project proposal.
Background
On August 13, 2009 Weststar submitted land and water use applications for a proposed coal exploration program to the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA), Nunavut Water Board (NWB) and the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada (INAC). Concurrently, screening documentation was submitted to the NIRB. Weststar's Ellesmere Island Coal project proposal outlined the extent of the 2010 exploration program which included:
• The construction of a temporary tent camp on the Fosheim Peninsula, approximately 35 kilometres to the east of the weather station and airport complex at Eureka, Nunavut.
• Exploration diamond drilling within Weststar's' Fosheim Peninsula and Strathcona Fiord coal exploration licenses utilizing a small footprint, helicopter portable diamond drill rig.
• Collection of surface samples from coal occurrences by hand, and with the aid of helicopter transport.
In addition to a description of the proposed coal exploration activities, Weststar's Ellesmere Island Coal project proposal included comprehensive Wildlife Management and Mitigation, Waste and Fuel Management, Fuel Spill Contingency and, Abandonment and Restoration Plans.
On December 8, 2009 Weststar submitted a response to the NIRB with respect to initial comments received regarding the Ellesmere Island Coal project proposal. Important concerns raised by the commenting parties included:
• Potential for disturbance to identified and unidentified archaeological / paleontological resources (i.e. paleoeskimo sites and fossil forest sites).
• Potential impacts to caribou and muskox critical habitat and calving areas.
• Qikiqtani Inuit Association concerns regarding community consultation and socio-economic benefits from the project.
Some of the concerns raised by the commenting parties were addressed by Weststar's existing environmental, social and economic commitments. Importantly; as a direct result of the review process, and based on input provided by the commenting parties, Weststar implemented a number of new mitigation and monitoring best practices.
Westar's existing and recently implemented mitigation and monitoring practices and social and economic commitments include:
• Strict adherence to Nunavut Archeological and Paleontological Site regulations.
• Completion archeological and paleontological site assessments prior to any land disturbance.
• Strict Adherence to DIAND established Caribou Protection Measures.
• Implementation of wildlife monitoring program emphasizing observation, recording and avoidance, to determine effectiveness and/or identify where further mitigation is required.
• To conduct community consultation with the people of Grise Fiord
• Commitment to obtain support services from local and/or Nunavut registered companies. Wherever and whenever possible Weststar will hire locally.
Additional Comments Received by the NIRB
On December 12, 2009 the NIRB sent out Weststar's response for interested parties to assess and comment on by January 15, 2010. On or before January 15, 2010 the NIRB received comments from the following interested Parties:
• Qikiqtani Inuit Association
• The Government of Nunavut - Department of Environment
• Members of the Public
Weststar wishes to thank the commenting parties for presenting their additional concerns and for providing important supplementary information with respect to the Ellesmere Island Coal Exploration project proposal. A discussion of recently received comments is presented below.
Qikiqtani Inuit Association
The comments of QIA have touched on three main themes: importance of wildlife, community consultation and soico-economic benefits.
After reviewing Weststar's wildlife monitoring and mitigation practices, the QIA indicated that it was unclear whether Weststar planned to conduct activities during the Peary caribou and muskox calving period of April 15th -- July 15th. To clarify; with approval and provided they do not impact Peary caribou or muskox Westar plans to conduct activities during the calving period. As previously indicated Weststar will strictly adhere to DIAND established Caribou Protection Measures. In recognition that project activities have the potential to impact both calving Peary caribou and muskox, Weststar plans to implement monitoring and mitigation protection measures with respect to both species. These measures include (but are not limited to):
• Weststar shall not without approval conduct any activity between April 15th -- July 15th within the Caribou Protection Areas and within the Fosheim Peninsula Wildlife Area of Special Interest (WASI).
• When monitoring information indicates that caribou and/or muskox cows are approaching the area of operation Weststar will remove from the zone all personnel who are not required for the maintenance and protection of camp facilities and equipment.
• In the event that caribou and/or muskox cows calve outside of the Caribou Protection Areas or Fosheim Peninsula WASI, Weststar shall suspend operations within the area(s) occupied by cows and/or calves between April 15th -- July 15th
In their January 13, 2010 response, QIA indicate that Caribou (and muskox) Protection Measures are amendable to additional terms and conditions based on project specific information which may be limited or non-existent. QIA strongly recommends that traditional knowledge be given due weight when determining Caribou (and muskox) Protection Measures. Weststar agrees with the QIA assessment stating that "Consultation on appropriate wildlife protection measures would go along way to address the concerns of Inuit".
In its December 8, 2009 response to comments Weststar stated that "the long-term goal of the project is the discovery of an economic resource that would provide the local economy with sustainable employment and infrastructure" and that "wherever and whenever possible, Weststar will hire locally". Specifically, Weststar indicated "Nunavut registered companies will be favoured for logistical and technical support (including helicopter, fixe-wing aircraft, materials and equipment)" and that "during and following the construction of the camp, and during the exploration program, a number of jobs will be available (2-4 positions)".
QIA subsequently stated that Weststar has not addressed avenues for local involvement in a meaningful way, and recommended a community consultation to address socio-economic concerns.
Based on the concerns and recommendations of QIA, Weststar is now preparing to conduct community consultation with the Inuit and community of Grise Fiord during March 2010; approximately 1 month earlier than previously indicated. During the community consultation Weststar will clearly outline details of the Ellesmere Island Coal project proposal to the community of Grise Fiord. As and integral part of the community consultation, Weststar welcomes the opportunity to address any and all concerns with respect to the project, and in particular the potential impacts to wildlife and socio-economic benefits.
Government of Nunavut, Department of Environment
After reviewing Weststar's response to comments DOE stated in there January 15, 2010 letter to NIRB:
"We believe that, with very stringent wildlife mitigation measures, such as those proposed by the proponent [Weststar] in its response to further recommendations and further recommendations we provide below, it may be possible for the project to proceed"..."DOE acknowledges the efforts made by the proponent to implement industry best practices to mitigate disturbances to wildlife"..."in most cases the measures proposed in [Weststar's] Wildlife Management and Mitigation Plan, along with caribou protection measures and specific commitments made by the proponent in their letter of response would likely be able to adequately mitigate disturbances to wildlife."
In the event NIRB allows the project to proceed, DOE recommended the following additional mitigative measures be included in the terms and conditions:
• Prior to significant operational movements (e.g. before moving drill rigs), the proponent should undertake high altitude (>300m) aerial reconnaissance with the assistance of a professional biologist.
• At the end of each month, the proponent should submit a daily logbook of caribou reconnaissance to DOE, also detailing when and how these measures have been implemented.
DOE also provided information with regard to the department's research efforts on Peary caribou and muskox as well as additional information that underscores the ecological significance of the Fosheim Peninsula. Based on the information provided, Weststar feels the additional mitigative measures proposed by DOE are warranted.
Comments from Members of the Public
NIRB received approximately 75 comments from Members of the Public regarding Weststar's Ellesmere Island Coal Project Proposal. The letters were received largely from individuals representing various university and museum paleontological departments and related organizations. The comments emphasized the significance of certain fossil sites and their vulnerability to being damaged or destroyed by exploration activities.
Concerns that exploration activities may impact fossil sites known to occur on Axel Heiberg and Ellesemere Islands were initially made by the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Environment Division and DOE. Subsequent research by Weststar identified three (3) recorded fossil forest sites in the region of the licenses: Geodetic Hills Fossil Forest, Axel Heiberg Island, located 90 kilometres west of Weststar's Fosheim Peninsula licenses; Stenkul Fiord Fossil Forest, Ellesmere Island, located 200 kilometres south of Weststar's Fosheim Peninsula licenses; and the Strathcona Fiord Fossil Forest, Ellesemere island, located 10 kilometres west of Weststar's Strathcona Fiord licenses.
Based on a review of the comments received from Members of the Public Weststar became aware that significant fossil sites occur within Weststar's Strathcona Fiord licenses. Of particular significance is the Beaver Pond site, which occurs within Weststar's NU-Coal-106 exploration license. In her January 13, 2010 letter to NIRB, Mary R. Dawson, Ph.D., Curator Emeritus of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History indicates that the Beaver Pond site contains a unique mixture of approximately 5 million year old year old fossil plants and land animals. Dawson also highlights the presence of older 55 to 50 million year old fossils sites which occur within a belt of rocks extending from Strathcona Fiord to the northeast across to Bay Fiord in the vicinity of Weststar's NU-Coal-106, NU-Coal-107 and NU-Coal-108 exploration licenses.
Weststar acknowledges that the unique fossil sites occurring on Ellesmere Island form and important part of Nunavut's history. These fossil sites tell us about the history of arctic plants and animals, and are recognized internationally for their scientific importance. Given the significance of these fossil sites and their vulnerability to disturbance by mineral exploration activities Weststar agreed to strictly adhere to the terms of the Nunavut Archeological and Paleontological Site Regulations. Under the terms of these regulations it is illegal to alter of disturb any paleontological or archeological site in Nunavut unless permission is first granted through the permitting process. Subsequently, in accordance with the November 20, 2009 direction of the Government of Nunavut, Department of Culture Language, Elders and Youth (GN-CLEY) and to address similar concerns raised by DOE, Weststar indicated it would conduct paleontological and archeological site assessments prior to any land development. All proposed camp, airstrip, surface sampling and drilling sites will be assessed by a paleontologist and archeologist approved by DOE and GN-CLEY prior to any land disturbance.
In her January 14, 2010 letter to NIRB, Joanne DiCosimo, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Nature stated:
"We are aware of the involvement of the Nunavut, Department of Culture Language, Elders and Youth in this issue and of the extensive, excellent list of conditions for exploiting mineral resources in these areas. We endorse those requirements and hope that they will be considered as part of a review of the mining proposal and that a constructive working relationship can be defined among all the concerned parties"
Lisa G. Buckley, Curator and Collections Manager of the Peace Region Paleontology Research Centre highlights the presence of existing research and industry partnerships in her January 20, 2010 letter to NIRB:
"Provisions for the Protection and conservation of the Ellesmere fossils can be easily incorporated into the industrial management framework before the work on the ground begins. Our institution has a positive relationship in working within industry in the protection and conservation of fossil resources, and often industrial activities have been responsible for the discovery and reporting of significant fossil localities in the peace Region. The opportunity exists for the same collaborative relationship to develop between research and industry from the Weststar coal project."
Weststar envisions precisely this type of research and industry collaborative partnership with regards to mitigating disturbances to the unique fossil occurrences within its Ellesmere Island coal exploration licenses. A number of paleontologists are currently conducting active research and fossil excavations on Ellesmere Island. In particular, Natalia Rybczynski, Ph.D., Research Scientist at the Canadian Museum of Nature has completed 8 years of summer field work in Nunavut, including work at the Beaver Pond Site. In its efforts to adhere to the terms of the Nunavut Archeological and Paleontological Site Regulations and the direction of the GN-CLEY Weststar looks forward to contacting Doctor Rybczynski and the Canadian Museum of Nature.
Conclusions
Following submission of Weststar's initial response to comments received by NIRB regarding the Ellesmere Island coal exploration project proposal NIRB received additional comments from the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, Government of Nunavut Department of Environment and from Members of the Public.
Based on concerns over wildlife, community consultation and soico-economic benefits QIA recommended that Weststar conduct community consultation during March 2010 to outline details of the Ellesmere Island Coal project proposal to the community of Grise Fiord and to address concerns with respect to the project; in particular the potential impacts to wildlife and socio-economic benefits. Following the recommendation of QIA, and to address concerns of the Inuit of Grise Fiord, Weststar now plans to conduct community consultation during March 2010.
In its final comments to NIRB, DOE acknowledged Weststar's efforts to implement industry best practices to mitigate disturbances to wildlife. DOE suggested the implementation of additional mitigation measures including engaging the services of a professional biologist to monitor exploration activities and the submission of the results of Weststar's wildlife monitoring program on a monthly basis. Based on information provided by DOE, Weststar feels the additional mitigative measures are warranted.
Based on comments received from Members of the Public Weststar became aware that significant fossil sites occur within Weststar's Strathcona Fiord licenses; in particular at a location known as the Beaver Pond site. Given the significance of these fossil sites and their vulnerability to disturbance by mineral exploration activities Weststar must strictly adhere to the terms of the Nunavut Archeological and Paleontological Site Regulations. Under the terms of these regulations it is illegal to alter of disturb any paleontological or archeological site in Nunavut unless permission is first granted through the permitting process. In recognition that there is a high probability that unknown paleontological and archeological sites exist within Weststar's coal exploration licenses all proposed camp, airstrip, surface sampling and drilling sites will be assessed by a paleontologist and archeologist approved by DOE and GN-CLEY prior to any land disturbance.
Weststar wishes to thank NIRB and the commenting parties for their valuable input. Based on the concerns voiced and recommendations provided, a number of significant mitigation and monitoring best practices have been implemented.
Weststar believes that the Ellesmere Island coal exploration project is of a type where the potential adverse effects are highly predictable and can be mitigated with known technology. This opinion, with respect to Weststar's wildlife management and mitigation practices, is shared by Environment Canada. Similarly, the Government of Nunavut, Department of Environment has indicated that Weststar's wildlife management and mitigation practices "would likely be able to adequately mitigate disturbances to wildlife". The unique archeological and fossil sites present on Ellesmere Island are protected from disturbance under the terms of the Nunavut Act, and the Nunavut Archeological and Paleontological Site Regulations to which Weststar is legally bound. In addition, Weststar remains committed to addressing the wildlife and socio-economic concerns voiced by the Inuit of Grise Fiord via meaningful community consultation.
On behalf of Weststar Resources Corporation,
On Behalf of the Board
Mitchell Adam, President
Weststar Resources Corp.
"Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release."
WARNING: The Company relies on litigation protection for "forward looking" statements. Actual results could differ materially from those described in the news release as a result of numerous factors, some of which are outside the control of the Company. |
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