Marine Conservation Concerns

This morning I read this post on EPMs Hc "Is the resource underwater" thread about Ivittut this morning by a fellow poster which stated:

"Must agree with what is highlighted in this thread. I don't believe the owner of a mine declaring there is no lead in a pit mine he's selling is comforting. He would definitely know it is there. It is not a good response when it is such a serious issue. I would expect a seller to be open with shareholders and not hiding it from them. It makes me wonder what other surprises may be in store that are being covered up.What upset me most, was reading the solution the owner has suggested. Where the pit water could be pumped out into an already lead contaminated sea and calling the sea "lifeless:" in justification for doing it, like the sea did not matter, or its loss of marine life so far. It is not lifeless and needs increased levels of protection. The sea is a way of life for the Greenlandic people, they do not need this attitude ill effecting their livelihoods any more. I found these comments quite disturbing, as they are dismissive of these issuers and hiding them and environmentally and socially irresponsible to suggest this as a solution. The water needs to be treated and stop disregarding the environment.

So I looked into this and I disagree. The exact quote was "almost lifeless". Which is marginally different I guess really.
"the water when pumped would go to the bottom of the fiord which is deep and almost lifeless"
https://hotcopper.com.au/posts/53993274/single

However I think the poster is correct to share this concern. I dont feel this suggestion of pumping the pit water to the bottom of the Fjord is a very comforting thought.. There seems to be fluorite, cryolite, lead(see thread confirming via reports) , zinc etc etc present in the pit. Even though the seller stated there was little to no lead. The company seems to be finding its far more than this in their recent sampling analysis. . You dont want any more lead going into the environment surely.

Pumping it "at the bottom of the fjord". wont help much surely either.. I assume thats suggested because the water may be polluted to some degree and pumping it deeper into the water would cause less damage on any life thats there? Not sure. Just an assumption based on the point of pumping it so deep.

I suspect it will eventually stir up throughout the marine environment and cause a problem in time and polluting a sea or river bed isnt great surely. So pumping it deep isnt a real solution I dont feel.

I see the company is looking into pit water testing and dewatering. Dewatering is of course a separation process undertaken for the removal of substances from the water. So they may well already have picked up on this concern and the pit water isnt as clean as may have been understood.
I hope they dont have the same intentions for disposal into the environment and continue to look for its treatment frist.

Does any one know how they may undertake such an intention if they do? Id imagine the authorities will ask for this and would not permit simple pumping deep into the sea. Im thinking a water treatment facility of sorts may be more environmentally sound under law. But again I really dont know. Im guessing again based on other mines as not many pump out to sea untreated anymore. But I Im not a professional. Its just a gut feeling and they have done me right so far.

I just wanted to say I think its important too that its understood the environment there is not "almost lifeless". Thats not a good way for a holder to go thinking for obvious reasons. and to entrust these quick fix means undertaken are ok by doing so. Even if there werent as many species in one section of the Fjord the currents are moving. I suspect the GoG are trying very hard to reinstate the environment and they dont want anymore dumping of pollution deep or otherwise if it was the case.

The report in the lead thread showing pollution levels making mussels unfit for human consumption for 3-4 kms away for 40 years now is evidence of this movement (please see lead thread for breakdown). It also mentions species of fish. So they did find some life it seems.

WWF also suggest the vicinity is "rich in species" and list them in the region.




So clearly I must disagree (Im a bit of a greeny unfortunately) and can only suggest caution and implore the company to look beyond any shorter term solution while regenerating the environment from previous pollution issues from the mine if its the case.

I have been unsuccessful in obtaining the water sampling reports of the pit water the seller spoke of while recommending this route of disposal as they havent been forthcoming thus far. But I am trying to find this copy elsewhere and will share it if I find it.
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