It is expected that natural water bodies frequented by fish shall be avoided to the extent practicable for the long-term disposal of mine waste; and that mine waste shall be managed to ensure the long-term protection of Canada’s terrestrial and aquatic environment.
These guidelines describe the process that must be undertaken when a proponent is considering using a natural water body frequented by fish as a TIA such that a regulatory amendment to the MMER would be required. In the context of these guidelines, the term TIA refers to a natural water body frequented by fish into which deleterious substances (such as tailings, waste rock, low-grade ore, overburden, and any effluent that contains any concentration of the deleterious substances specified in the MMER, and of any pH) are disposed.
