Final Terms of Reference for the

Environmental Impact Assessment

for the Greenland Aluminum and
Hydroelectric Development Project
April 2009
Prepared by:
Environmental Resources Management, Inc.
200 Harry S Truman Pkwy
Suite 400
Annapolis, MD 21401
www.erm.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0

2.0

INTRODUCTION

1.1

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK AND CORPORATE REQUIREMENTS

2.1

2.2

3.0

BACKGROUND

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS AND

GUIDELINES
CORPORATE STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
Alcoa Corporate Sustainability
Alcoa Policies and Principles

5
10
10
12

THE EIA PROCESS

14

3.1

THE EIA STUDY TEAM

14

3.2

PURPOSE OF THE EIA

14

3.3

APPROACH TO THE EIA

Scoping Phase
Study Phase
Impact Assessment Phase
Disclosure Phase
Implementation Phase

15
15
16
19
25
25

3.4

STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION

25

3.5

EIA SCHEDULE

32

4.0

DETAILED STUDY PLANS

33

4.1

DESKTOP RESEARCH STUDIES

34

4.2

FIELD STUDIES

34

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List of Tables
Table 1.

International Standards and Guidelines that are Applicable

to the Project EIA

International Agreements and Conventions Relevant to

Environmental and Social Issues in Greenland

Table 3.

Preliminary List of Studies to be Conducted for the EIA

17

Table 4.

Severity Criteria Negative Environmental Impacts

21

Table 5.

Enhancement Criteria Positive Environmental Effects

21

Table 6.

Severity Criteria Negative Social or Health Impacts

22

Table 7.

Enhancement Criteria Positive Social and Health Effects

23

Table 8.

Summary of Project EIA Public Consultation Plan

26

Table 9.

Summary of Environmental, Social, and Health Topics

Introduced by Stakeholders during the ToR Consultation
Process

27

Table 2.

Table 10. Schedule for the Project EIA

32

List of Figures
Figure 1. Project Infrastructure

Figure 2. Smelter and Harbor

Figure 3. ESMP Lifecycle From ESIA Commitment to

Implementation

13

Figure 4. The Five Phases of the Project EIA

15

Box 1.

11

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Alcoa Sustainability Principals

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1.0

INTRODUCTION

Alcoa and the Greenland Home Rule Government (GHR) propose to build
a state-of-the-art aluminum smelter in Maniitsoq, West Greenland, with
supporting facilities including hydropower stations at Tasersiaq (referred
to as the North Hydropower Development) and Imarsuup Isua (referred
to as the South Hydropower Development) to provide electrical power to
the smelter, transmission lines to connect the smelter with the
hydroelectric facility, and a harbor for importing and exporting Projectrelated materials. For the purposes of this document, these four facilities
are collectively referred to as the Project (Figures 1 and 2).
An Environmental, Social, and Health Impact Assessment (EIA) is
currently underway to document the potential effects of the Project and
recommend measures to manage (maximize positive and minimize
negative) and monitor those effects.
The purpose of this final Terms of Reference (ToR) is to outline the process
for conducting the Project EIA. Specifically, the ToR sets objectives,
defines the scope, and establishes the strategy and schedule for the EIA
process. The draft ToR was initially open for public comment until March
1, 2009. The comment period was extended until March 31, 2009 to ensure
adequate opportunity for the public to comment on the draft ToR.

1.1

BACKGROUND
In 2006 Alcoa initiated formal discussions with the GHR regarding the
potential to construct an aluminum smelter and associated infrastructure,
including a hydroelectric development, transmission lines, and a harbor,
in western Greenland. Initial discussions between Alcoa and GHR
prompted the GHR to commission a working group to identify the
infrastructure and environmental issues related to the Project. The
working group delivered a preliminary report to parliament in March
2007, which recommended that the GHR conduct a Strategic
Environmental Assessment (SEA) to compare the advantages and
disadvantages of siting alternatives for the Project and to recommend
additional studies to be carried forward if the Project progressed to a
formal impact assessment.
The GHR issued a draft SEA in December 2007, which assessed several
potential locations for the smelter and port in Sisimiut, Maniitsoq, and
Nuuk based on existing information on the environment, human health,
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culture, and regional development plans in each municipality and the

surrounding areas. The draft SEA was available for public comment until
15 January 2008. Prior to closure of the public comment period, the GHR
held a series of public meetings in the three municipalities under
consideration for the smelter Project. Based on the information included
in the draft SEA, other technical studies (SNC Lavelin, 2008), and input
received at the public meetings, GHR subsequently recommended that the
smelter and port be located at Maniitsoq. In May 2008, the Greenland
Parliament endorsed the GHRs recommendation and the Greenland
Home Rule Cabinet entered into a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) with Alcoa to cooperate on a feasibility study and environmental
studies for the Project. Alcoa and GHR, via Greenland Development, are
exploring various partnership and ownership options for the Project.
Currently, Alcoa and GHR are partnering to study the potential effects of
the Project. These studies will support the EIA process, which will
document the potential effects of the Project and recommend measures to
manage and monitor those effects. The EIA is a separate process to the
SEA. The EIA will build on information gathered during the SEA and
some EIA studies will be conducted in partnership with SEA studies (See
Table 3).

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2.0

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK AND CORPORATE REQUIREMENTS

2.1

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS AND

GUIDELINES
Greenland is a self-governing province of Denmark. Denmark granted
home rule to Greenland in 1979. Greenland is not a part of the European
Union (EU), although it retains some connections to the EU through
Denmark, which is a member.
The GHR is currently developing impact assessment guidelines to define
the recommended methods for conducting impact assessments in
Greenland. These guidelines are expected to become available in 2009,
after initiation of the Project EIA. Therefore, in lieu of formal Greenland
impact assessment guidelines at this time, the Project EIA will be
developed consistent with applicable international standards and
guidelines (Table 1) and through consultation with GHR staff.
In addition, the Project and EIA process will be consistent with other
international treaties and conventions, to which Greenland and/or
Denmark is a signatory. Table 2 summarizes these treaties and
conventions.

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Table 1.

International Standards and Guidelines that are

Applicable to the Project EIA.

Standard/Guideline

Description

European Union
Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) Directive

Guidelines for the Assessment of Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Impacts

and Impact Interactions

Arctic Environmental
Protection Strategy Finnish
Ministry of the Environment

Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment in the Arctic region.

IFC Performance Standards

(PS)

PS 1: Social and Environmental Assessment and Management Systems

PS 2: Labor and Working Conditions
PS 3: Pollution Prevention and Abatement
PS 4: Community Health, Safety and Security Provides
PS 5: Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement
PS 6: Biodiversity Conservation & Sustainable Natural Resource
Management
PS 7: Indigenous Peoples
PS 8: Cultural Heritage

World Bank Guidelines

Environmental Assessment Sourcebook Volumes I and III and various

updates
IFC, World Bank Group Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS)
Guidelines for Aluminum Manufacturing
These guidelines provide industry-specific examples of Good International
Industry Practice. When one or more members of the World Bank Group are
involved in a project, these guidelines are applied. The guidelines contain the
performance levels and measures that are generally considered to be
achievable in new facilities by existing technology at reasonable costs.

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Table 2.

International Agreements and Conventions Relevant to

Environmental and Social Issues in Greenland.

Agreement/Convention
Vienna Convention for
the Protection of the
Ozone Layer, 1985
Montreal Protocol on
Substances that Deplete
the Ozone Layer, 1989
United Nations
Framework Convention
on Climate Change
(UNFCC), 1994
Kyoto Protocol, 1997

The Geneva Convention,

1979

Basel Convention, 1989

Rotterdam Convention,
1998
The Stockholm
Convention, 2001

Convention on the
International Maritime
Organization, 1948
Convention on the High
Seas, 1958

Convention of the
Prevention of Marine
Pollution by Dumping of
Wastes and Other Matter
(London Convention),
1972

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Description
CLIMATE CHANGE/AIR QUALITY
Protection of the ozone layer, came
into force in 1988,
Protection of the ozone layer.

Control of greenhouse gas emissions.

Greenhouse gas emissions targets.

CHEMICAL USE/POLLUTION/WASTE
Establishes protocols for emissions of
sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides,
volatile organic hydrocarbons,
ammonia, persistent organic
pollutants, and heavy metals
Bans the export of hazardous waste
from OECD countries to poor
countries
Sets procedure for import and export
of certain hazardous chemicals and
pesticides
Prohibits the use, production, import
or export of twelve hazardous
substances including PCB, DDT and
dioxin.
MARITIME ISSUES
Established the International Maritime
Organization.
To codify the rules of international
law relating to the high seas, Covers
waste management, water pollution,
seawater quality, territorial
jurisdiction, biodiversity.
Prevention of pollution of the sea by
dumping. Covers deliberate disposal
at sea of wastes or other matter from
vessels, aircraft and platforms. It does
not cover discharges from land-based
sources such as pipes and outfalls,
wastes generated incidental to normal
operation of vessels, or placement of
materials for purposes other than
mere disposal, providing such
disposal is not contrary to aims of the
Convention.

Status
Denmark ratified for
Denmark in 1985 and for
Greenland in 1991
Denmark acceded in 1987
and subsequently ratified
the amendments.
Ratified by Denmark in
1993.

Ratified by Denmark in
2002.
Ratified by Denmark in
1982.

Ratified by Denmark in
1994.
Ratified by Denmark in
2004.
Ratified by Denmark in
2003.

Denmark is a member
since 1959.
Denmark ratified in 1968.

Ratified by Denmark in
1997 and passed enacting
legislation in 2006.

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Agreement/Convention
International Convention
on the Prevention of
Pollution from Ships
(MARPOL), 73/78

Description
Preservation the marine environment
through the elimination of pollution
by oil and other harmful substances
and the minimization of accidental
discharge of such substances. Annexes
cover oil, noxious liquid substances
carried in bulk, harmful substances
carried in packaged form, sewage,
garbage, and air pollution.
International Convention
Protection of safety of merchant ships
for the Safety of Life at
(regulations regarding emergency
Sea (SOLAS), 1974
equipment, safety procedures, etc.).
United Nations
All aspects of ocean space, e.g.
Convention on the Law of delimitation, environmental control,
the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982
marine scientific research, economic
and commercial activities, transfer of
technology and the settlement of
disputes relating to ocean matters.
International Convention
Establishes uniform principles
on Load Lines, 1966
governing the safe loading of ships on
international voyages. Includes
regulations for determining the
location of ships load lines.
BIODIVERSITY/PROTECTED AREAS
Convention on Wetlands
The conservation and sustainable
of International
utilization of wetlands, i.e. to stem
Importance especially as
progressive encroachment on and loss
Waterfowl Habitat
of wetlands now and in the future,
(Ramsar Convention),
recognizing the fundamental
1971
ecological functions of wetlands and
their economic, cultural, scientific, and
recreational value.
Convention on the
To ensure that international trade in
International Trade of
specimens of wild animals and plants
Endangered Species of
does not threaten their survival.
Wild Fauna and Flora
Accords varying degrees of protection
(CITES), 1973
to more than 33,000 species of animals
and plants.
United Nations
Promotes development of national
Convention on Biological
strategies for the conservation and
Diversity, 1992
sustainable use of biological diversity.
Often seen as the key document
regarding sustainable development.
United Nations
To combat desertification and mitigate
Convention to Combat
the effects of drought through national
Desertification, 1994
action programs that incorporate longterm strategies supported by
international cooperation and
partnership arrangements.
Ottawa Declaration, 1996
Established the Arctic Council as an
intergovernmental forum to promote
coordination among Arctic States,
with the involvement of the Arctic
Indigenous communities and other
inhabitants on common Arctic issues,
in particular issues of sustainable
development and environmental
protection in the Arctic.
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Status
Denmark acceded in
1980.

Denmark ratified in 1978.

Ratified by Denmark in
2004.

Ratified by Denmark,
unknown date.

Ratified by Denmark in
1977.

Entered in force in
Denmark in 1977.

Ratified by Denmark in
2002.

Ratified by Denmark in
1985.

Denmark has been a

member since 1996.

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Agreement/Convention
Strategic Plan for the
Conservation of Arctic
Biological Diversity, 1998

Description
Gives effect to the Conservation of
Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF)
program, through the development of
a long-term plan based on five priority
objectives.

Status
Denmark has been a
participant in CAFF since
its establishment in 1996.

The Nordic Council

Established in 1952. Promotes cooperation between the parliaments

and governments of Denmark,
Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Finland
joined in 1955. Current priorities
include indigenous communities,
welfare in the Arctic and sustainable
development.

Denmark is a
participating country
since 1952.

UNESCO Convention
Concerning the Protection
of the World Cultural and
Natural Heritage, 1972
(World Heritage
Convention)
Constitution of the
International Labor
Organization

The Espoo Convention on

Environmental Impact
Assessment in a
Transboundary Context

The Convention on the

Transboundary Effects of
Industrial Accidents

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CULTURAL HERITAGE
Promotes cooperation among nations
to protect heritage from around the
world that is of such outstanding
universal value that its conservation is
important for current and future
generations.
LABOR/HEALTH/SAFETY
Promotes opportunities for women
and men to obtain decent and
productive work, in conditions of
freedom, equity, security and human
dignity.
OTHER
Sets out the obligations to assess the
environmental impact of certain
activities at an early stage of planning.
Also lays down the general obligation
to notify and consult each other on all
major projects under consideration
that are likely to have a significant
adverse environmental impact across
boundaries.
Promotes active international
cooperation between the contracting
Parties, before, during and after an
industrial accident.

Ratified by Denmark in
1979. Ilulissat ice fjord in
Greenland is a World
Heritage Site.

Denmark member since

1919. All 8 Fundamental
Human Rights
Conventions ratified by
Denmark.
Ratified by Denmark in
1997.

Entered in force in
Denmark in 2000.

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2.2

CORPORATE STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES

In addition to national and international requirements and guidelines,
Alcoas corporate standards and management policies including the 2020
Framework for Sustainability and Alcoas Environmental Health and
Safety Policies and Principles will guide the construction and operation of
the Project.
Alcoa Corporate Sustainability
Alcoas Vision, Values, Principles, and control systems provide the
foundation for integrating sustainability into its operations (see Box 1).
Alcoas global sustainability strategy is designed to reflect societys values
to ensure long-term success for the company and all its stakeholders.
Alcoas sustainability objective is to:
Simultaneously achieve financial success, environmental excellence, and social
responsibility through partnerships in order to deliver net long-term benefits to
our shareholders, employees, customers, suppliers, and the communities in which
we operate
In 2000, Alcoa established a 2020 Strategic Framework for Sustainability to
help achieve this sustainability objective and to measure progress towards
many specific sustainability targets, including reductions in greenhouse
gas emissions and water use, improved energy efficiency, and increased
use of renewable energy.
Alcoa has been recognized for its leading sustainability performance in
the metals and mining industry, including earning Best in Class status by
Storebrand Investments (Socially Responsible Investment) and inclusion
in other indices and investment funds as a leader in sustainable practices
including the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and the Climate Disclosure
Leadership Index.

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Box 1. Alcoa Sustainability Principals

Respect for People
We listen to, and respect the views of our workforce and the communities
wherever we operate and we formulate partnerships that strengthen our
interdependence and improve well-being.
Building Community Experience and Well-being
Our operations contribute to improved quality of life and build skills, knowledge
and experience in the communities with which we interact, while respecting the
significance and diversity of their culture and heritage.
Long-term Economic Benefit
Our operations deliver economic benefits to the regions and States in which they
operate, to the nation, and to society in general. Our operations foster economic
growth, generate wealth for the community, provide commercial returns to our
shareholders and contribute to long-term economic health.
Efficient Resource Use & Cleaner Production
We use natural resources wisely and manage our environmental impacts to the
benefit of the full range of our stakeholders by employing leading technology
and best practice management, and by encouraging responsible design, use,
recycling and disposal of our products.
Ecological Integrity & Biodiversity
Our operations maintain or enhance biological diversity and the fabric of
ecological integrity in the environments in which we operate.
Meeting the Needs of Current and Future Generations
We take a long-term approach to our activities, and work in partnership with
communities and governments to meet the needs and desires of today without
compromising the ability of future generations to satisfy their own needs.
Stakeholder Involvement
We work with our communities, employees, customers, shareholders and
suppliers to achieve outcomes and make decisions of mutual benefit. We report
regularly to all our stakeholders on the sustainability performance of our
operations.
Accountability & Governance
We practice ethical business governance, are accountable for our actions,
continually improve our performance and integrate environmental, social and
economic considerations in our decision-making.

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In line with their commitment to sustainability, Alcoa has incorporated

sustainability principals into the Project in the following ways:
1) Implementing a sustainability initiative, which includes a
sustainability working group composed of local, national, and
International stakeholders, to ensure incorporation of sustainability
issues into the EIA and the Project;
2) using renewable hydropower energy to power the smelter;
3) exploring partnerships with other industries in Greenland to share
infrastructure (e.g., access roads) to minimize development
footprints;
4) minimizing impacts to significant natural and cultural resources by
carefully selecting the locations for the smelter and hydropower
developments; and
5) minimizing displacement of people or their regular activities by
carefully selecting the locations for the smelter and hydropower
developments.
Alcoa Policies and Principles
Alcoas Environmental, Health, and Safety Policy is to operate worldwide
in a safe, responsible manner that respects the environment and the health
of Alcoa employees, customers, and the communities where Alcoa
operates. All Alcoa employees and contractors are expected to
understand, promote, and assist in the implementation of this policy.
In the context of this EIA and the Project, the primary vehicle for
converting the principals, polices, and plans described above into action is
the Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP). These plans
will be developed as part of the EIA and will outline the potential effects
of the Project and the ways in which these effects will be avoided,
minimized, or managed in accordance with the above principles, policies,
and plans. Figure 3 depicts how Alcoa will implement the commitments
identified in the ESMPs.

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Figure 3.

ESMP Lifecycle - From ESIA Commitment to

Implementation

EIA Commitment (e.g.,

to mitigate, monitor, etc
as part of ESMP)

Commitments carried
into contractual
obligations, Contractor
Management Plans

Where appropriate,
corrective action and
continuous
improvement

Commitments
implemented by Alcoa
and contractors

Inspection, monitoring,
and reporting

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3.0

THE EIA PROCESS

As per international standards and guidelines, the Project EIA will assess
all components and phases of the Project, including the smelter,
hydroelectric facilities, transmission lines, and port during the
construction, operation, and decommissioning phases of the Project.

3.1

THE EIA STUDY TEAM

Alcoa has commissioned Environmental Resources Management, Inc.
(ERM) to prepare the EIA for the Project. ERM is an international
consulting firm with 30 years of impact assessment experience and over
3,000 staff in 40 countries around the world (www.erm.com). The Project
EIA team consists of environmental, social, and health specialists with
impact assessment experience in aluminum smelters, hydroelectric,
transmission line, and port projects. ERM will act as an independent
consultant to conduct the EIA and facilitate public involvement in the EIA
process.

3.2

PURPOSE OF THE EIA

The key objectives of the EIA are to:

Document the ecological and socioeconomic baseline conditions of

the study area and the affected communities;

Inform and obtain input from stakeholders, (e.g., governmental

authorities, the public, and indigenous communities) and capture
their relevant issues and concerns;

Assess in detail the environmental, social, and health impacts that

would result from the Project;

Identify environmental and social mitigation measures to address the

impacts identified;

Develop the ESMPs as discussed above, based on the mitigation

measures developed in the EIA;

Meet the requirements or recommendations of the applicable national

and international regulations and standards;

Be guided by the policies, guidelines, and procedures of the relevant

international treaties and agreements; and

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APPROACH TO THE EIA

The approach to the EIA comprises five phases: Scoping, Studies, Impact
Assessment, Disclosure, and Implementation (Figure 4). Stakeholder
consultation forms a continuous and important part of the EIA process,
occurring in each of these five phases.
Figure 4.

The Five Phases of the Project EIA.

SCOPING/ TERMS OF
REFERENCE

Stakeholder Consultation

3.3

Be consistent with Alcoas policies and corporate values.

STUDIES

IMPACT ASSESSMENT/
MANAGEMENT PLANS

DISCLOSURE

IMPLEMENTATION

Scoping Phase
Scoping is the initial phase of the EIA process. In the Scoping Phase, key
issues to be investigated and assessed during the subsequent phases of the
process are identified, and the range and extent of the studies to be
conducted is determined. The primary Project stakeholders are also
identified during the Scoping Phase. The Scoping Phase for the Project
was initiated in mid September 2008, and continued through March 2009

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when the final Terms of Reference was completed. Public input was a
critical component of the Scoping Phase.
During the Scoping process desktop analyses, stakeholder interviews, and
public meetings were conducted to ascertain whether additional
information is needed to evaluate baseline conditions and potential
impacts within the Project area. The desktop evaluation included reviews
of pertinent environmental and social data collected from external sources
and previous studies of the Project area. The Project proponents met with
stakeholder groups (e.g., local governmental agencies, district agencies,
NGOs, and representatives of local population centers) to discuss the
scopes of the proposed studies including alternatives and the criteria for
the impact assessment and determine if additional baseline data will be
required for a comprehensive analysis. The key objectives for the Scoping
Phase were to:

Identify stakeholders and inform them of the Project and the EIA
process;

Provide stakeholders with the opportunity to identify any issues and

concerns associated with the Project;

Identify areas of likely impact and environmental issues that may

require further investigation in an EIA; and

Determine the need for specialist baseline and impact assessment

studies in response to initial stakeholder input.

Study Phase
The Study Phase is the second step in the EIA process. In the Study Phase,
desktop and field studies are conducted to evaluate the key issues
identified during the Scoping Phase. The goals of the Study Phase are to
provide a detailed description of the affected area and establish the
environmental and social baseline that will be used in the Impact
Assessment Phase. The Study Phase for the Project was initiated in the
spring of 2008 and will continue through the end of 2009. ERM is
cooperating with several Government and non-government partners
including the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Greenland
National Museum, and the Danish National Environmental Research
Institute to conduct these studies.
Table 3 contains the preliminary list of studies that will be conducted as
part of the EIA. This list may change based on study results and
stakeholder consultations. Section 4 of the ToR contains detailed study
scopes for several of the key studies listed in Table 3. Studies with an

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asterisk following their name have detailed study scopes in Section 4. The
remainder of the studies will be scoped prior to initiation.
Table 3.
Reference
Number
1

3
4

Preliminary List of Studies to be Conducted for the EIA.

Study Title
Caribou distribution and
migration*
Location of calving grounds
between Sukkertoppen
Iskappe and
Godthbsfjorden*
Baseline noise study*
Arctic char study*

Approach

Schedule

Radio transmitter study. 40 animals

tagged by INR in May 2008.
Conducted in partnership with SEA.
Aerial transect survey. Conducted in
partnership with SEA.

May 2008
September 2010

Baseline noise study at the smelter site

Desktop literature review to determine
flow thresholds for char migration and
spawning, supplemented by
observations in field and results of
consultations with fishers (see below).

Spring 2009
AugustSeptember 2008
(3 week field
survey period).

2008 field surveys of Sarfartoq, Igassup

Kua, and Arnagarnup Kua Rivers; and
Lake Tasersiaq, Tuvssap tasia, and the
un-named lake at the northern part of
the southern reservoir. 2008 survey
focused on the location and extent of
migration routes for migratory fish, and
preliminary mapping of resident fish
habitat.

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Consultation with fishers*

Aquatic biodiversity study*

Marine resources*

Aerial survey of geese

moulting areas*

Meteorological conditions
study*

Consult with local fishers in

Kangaamiut and possibly Maniitsoq to
determine seasonality, habitat
requirements, and distribution of
important species
Desktop analysis in Summer 2008,
followed by surveys to identify aquatic
plants, macroinvertebrates, and fish,
and describe habitat in lakes that will
be affected by hydro developments.
Field work conducted with char study.
Site-specific marine studies in the
vicinity of the port.
Aerial survey

Describe existing air quality and local

meteorological conditions in the
airshed. Meteorological station will be
located at smelter site.

17

May/June 2009

Winter survey
2009 possibly
required, based
on results of
2008 survey.
Site-specific
studies of
important char
areas in August
or September
2009.
Summer 2008,
prior to char
and freshwater
biodiversity
study
Summer 2008;
Summer 2009 if
necessary

Spring and
summer 2009
Mid-July 2009
(moulting)
Late July-mid
August 2009
(foraging)
2008-2009

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Reference
Number
10

Study Title
Surface water,
groundwater, and
hydrographic analysis*

Approach

Schedule

Detailed hydrological characterization

of surface water and groundwater
resources.

2008-2009

Includes:
Daily average stream flows in the
Sarfartoq and Igassup Kua Rivers for
a minimum one year period (can
likely get this from historical data)
Water quality data in the Sarfartoq
and Igassup Kua Rivers and the
Project reservoirs (including
dissolved oxygen, temp, conuctivity,
and turbidity at a minimum)
Pre- and post-Project reservoir
boundaries (CADD or GIS format;
PB has these)

11

Sedimentation analysis*

12

Natural resources,
livelihoods, and cultural
change study*

13

Socioeconomic and
planning study*

Groundwater analysis:
Water table elevation
Transmissivity
Groundwater quality
Characterization of sediment transport
from reservoirs through hydropower
developments and into tailwaters, and
rate of sediment deposition in the
reservoirs.
Project-specific analysis of culture of
affected communities (may include oral
histories, ethnography, archival
research, semi-structured interviews).
Livelihood group-focused research
subsistence and commercial resource
use. Field methods TBD (may include
focus groups, semi-structured
interviews, data collection from
government or associations)
complementary to data collection in
demographics/socioeconomics above
National and regional data on general
socioeconomic conditions

2008-2009

2008-2009
(synchronized
with above)

2008-2009
(fieldwork
expected 2009)

Socioeconomic baseline data (either

from census or primary survey TBD)
at a household level: demographics,
population density, working age,
gender, education levels, ,
income/occupation, available skills, etc
including trend analysis of above
In addition, data from direct
consultations/discussions with local
communities on baseline conditions,
impacts and opportunities of the
Project.

ERM

14

Landscape and scenic

resources assessment*

15

Rare and fluoride-sensitive

flora*

Visual and photographic surveys at

specific locations within Project
footprint
Site-specific surveys conducted during
appropriate season (timing is speciesdependent)

18

Summer 2008
and 2009
Spring/summer
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Reference
Number
16

17

Study Title
Ecological and human
health risk assessment*

Human health study*

Topographic analysis

Dredging, navigation, and

shipping

Archaeology studies
Geotech permafrost borings
Sub-glacial survey
Transmission line study

Freshwater birds

Approach

Schedule

Project-specific ecological risk

assessment using standardized USEPA
methodology. Project-specific Health
Impact Assessment using standardized
protocols.

Summer 2008 existing data

review with
Ministry of
Health

Document human health conditions in

potentially affected communities,
identify priorities, and determine
appropriate mitigation for projectrelated impacts on health
Detailed topographic mapping via
aerial photograph interpretation and
ground truthing.
Surveys and desktop studies to assess:
volume of sediment to be moved (if
any)
sediment characteristics
bathymetry
salinity, temperature, and tidal
patterns
biological receptors
characteristics of ballast
Modeling analyses to be run include
dredge plume distribution and transport
and fate of accidental spill.
Ground surveys conducted by National
Museum.
Core samples in the permafrost at
hydropower sites
Survey of topography and geology
under the glaciers
Assessment of the transmission line
right of way for engineering and
environmental constraints
Desktop analysis followed by field
surveys, if warranted by data gaps or
species of concern. Focal species will
include Canada geese, white-fronted
geese, red-throated diver, great northern
diver, white tailed eagle and other
raptors, and harlequin duck.

2009 data
gaps follow-up;
ecological and
health risk
assessments
Summer 2009

2008-2009

2009

2008-2009
2008
2008
2009

Summer 2009

Impact Assessment Phase

During the Impact Assessment Phase, the impacts and effects of the
proposed Project are determined.
To identify and assess the magnitude of potential impacts associated with
or resulting from Project activities, the EIA team will use professional
judgment from specialists, fieldwork, computer models, and other

ERM

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desktop analyses to identify potential impacts and their interactions.

Impact assessment takes place as follows:
1. Characterize the baseline the existing conditions before the
Project is undertaken and any effects are generated;
2. Identify sources of impacts and the impacts themselves that are
generated by any aspect of the Project;
3. Rate impacts before any mitigation (for negative impacts) or
enhancement (for positive impacts) is implemented;
4. Suggest mitigation and enhancement measures to address the
impact, as appropriate; and
5. Rate impacts after mitigation to produce a residual impact rating.
Rating Impacts
It is standard practice in EIA processes to rate potential impacts:

to provide a basis for prioritization of impacts to be dealt with;

to provide a method of assessing the effectiveness of proposed

mitigation measures; and

to provide a scale which shows the level of impact both before

and after a proposed mitigation measure has been applied.

In order to apply analytical rigor to the impact assessment and rating

process, the following system for rating impacts will be used. An impact
rating is the product of two elements: (1) the severity of the potential
impact and (2) the likelihood of the event occurring, as depicted in the
following matrix.

Likelihood
Enhancement

Low

Medium

High

High level of
enhancement

Moderate

Major

Major

Medium level of
enhancement

Minor

Moderate

Major

Minor

Moderate

Low level of enhancement Minor

Severity
Low severity

Minor

Minor

Moderate

Medium severity

Minor

Moderate

Major

High severity

Moderate

Major

Major

ERM

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The severity or enhancement of each impact is determined using the

criteria identified in Tables 4 through 7. The likelihood of the impact
occurring is categorized as follows:

Low likelihood Few or no occurrences in the Project-related

industries (aluminum smelting, hydroelectric, transmission line, or
port industries);

Medium likelihood Documented occurrences in the Project-related

industries; and

High likelihood Documented occurrences in Greenland.

ERM

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Table 4.

Severity Criteria - Negative Environmental Impacts.

Low

Affects environmental conditions, species, and habitats over a short period of

time, is localized and reversible.

Medium

Affects environmental conditions, species and habitats in the short to medium

term. Ecosystems integrity will not be adversely affected in the long term, but the
effect is likely to be significant in the short or medium term to some species or
receptors. The area/region may be able to recover through natural regeneration
and restoration.

High

Affects environmental conditions, species and habitats for the long term (i.e., over
the life of the Project) may substantially alter the local and regional ecosystem and
natural resources, and may affect sustainability. Regeneration to its former state
would not occur without intervention.
Affects environmental conditions or media over the long term, has local and
regional affects and/or is irreversible.

Table 5.

Enhancement Criteria - Positive Environmental Effects.

Duration

Extent

Degree of Change Focus/ Sensitivity

Low

Benefits will be
short term.

Benefits to a few
species, habitat,
and resources in
the local
environment
only.

Minor benefits to
species, habitat,
and natural
resources that
provide minor
opportunities for
sustainability.

Benefits will pertain

to species, habitats
and natural
resources that are
not sensitive or rare.

Medium

Benefits will be
measurable in
the short term
and possibly
longer.

Benefits to many
species, habitats
and natural
resources in the
local
environment and
beyond.

Moderate
benefits to
species, habitat,
and natural
resources that
may provide
opportunities for
sustainability.

Benefits will pertain

to species, habitats
and natural
resources that have
some level of
degradation,
sensitivity, or rarity.

High

Benefits will be
sustained over
the long term.

Benefits will
extend beyond
local
environment (i.e.,
linkage of
fragmented
habitat, e.g.,
regional corridor)

Direct benefits to
species or
resources will
provide
significant
opportunities for
sustainability.

Benefits will pertain

to species, habitats
and natural
resources that are
degraded, or are
sensitive, rare, or in
need of protection..

ERM

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Table 6.

Severity Criteria - Negative Social or Health Impacts.

Duration

Extent

Ability to Adapt

Socio-cultural
Outcome

Health Outcome

Low

Short-term

Individual/ Those affected will

Household be able to adapt to
Project
the changes with
construction
relative ease, and
period,
maintain preimpact livelihoods,
low frequency
culture, quality of
life and health.

Inconvenience
but with no
consequence on
long-term
livelihoods,
culture, quality
of life, resources,
infrastructure
and services.

Event resulting
in annoyance,
minor injury or
illness that does
not require
hospitalization

Medium

Medium-term

Small
Those affected will
number of be able to adapt to
households change, with some
difficulty, and
maintain preimpact livelihoods,
culture, quality of
life and health but
only with support

Primary and
secondary
impacts on
livelihoods,
culture, quality
of life, resources,
infrastructure
and services

Event resulting
in moderate
injuries or
illness, which
many require
hospitalization

Large part
of/ full
settlement

Widespread and
diverse primary
and secondary
impacts likely to
be impossible to
reverse or
compensate for.

Catastrophic
event resulting
in loss of life,
severe injuries or
chronic illness
requiring
hospitalization.

Project
operation
period,
intermittent
frequency

High

Long-term/
Irreversible
Permanent,
constant
frequency

ERM

Those affected will

not be able to
adapt to changes
and continue to
maintain preimpact livelihood

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Table 7.

Enhancement Criteria - Positive Social and Health Effects.

Duration

Extent

Degree of Change

Focus/ Sensitivity

Benefits will be
short-term (up
to a year)

Benefits to few
individuals/
households
either in the
local area
and/or further
afield.

Some benefits to
individuals and
communities,
potentially improving
opportunities for
furthering themselves
and improving
livelihoods

Benefits will not

pertain to
vulnerable groups
and will only benefit
those that would
have otherwise
benefited from the
Project.

Medium level
Benefits will be
of enhancement felt for a
medium period
of time (1 to 7
years) or be
intermittent
over the longer
term

Benefits to
many
individuals
and
households in
the local
community
and beyond

Moderate benefits to
individuals and
communities which
will provide some
opportunities for
furthering themselves
and improving
livelihoods

Benefits will
possibly pertain to
vulnerable groups
and those that might
have been losers
from the Project

High level of
enhancement

Benefits
throughout the
local
community
and beyond to
State/
National level.

Direct benefits to
individuals and
communities will
provide significant
opportunities for
leveraging secondary
benefits and
significantly improving
livelihoods for
themselves and others

Benefits will pertain

to vulnerable
groups and those
that would have
otherwise have been
losers as a result of
the Project.

Low level of
enhancement

Benefits will be
lasting and
sustained over
the long term
i.e.: more than 7
years

Prepare Environmental and Social Management Plans

At the end of the Impact Assessment Phase, mitigation measures are
developed to minimize negative impacts and/or enhance the benefits of
the Project. Also, ESMPs are prepared to manage environmental and
social issues during the construction, operation, and decommissioning
phases of the Project. Four ESMPs will be prepared for the Project and
integrated into the EIA document:

Environmental Management Plan - this plan will comprise the

avoidance and mitigation measures recommended by EIA team
members and other Greenland experts.

Social Management Plan - this plan will incorporate the

recommendations from the social and economic baseline studies and
will be used as a guide to community engagement by Alcoa.

Emergency Response Plan - this plan will be comprised an emergency

response plan, a contingency plan, a landslide and seismic risk
assessment, and cargo loading and unloading prevention measures.

ERM

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Monitoring Plan - this plan will comprise the follow up and other
monitoring measures recommended by the EIA team to be
implemented during the construction and operation phases of the
Project.

Disclosure Phase
During the Disclosure Phase, the results of the EIA will be submitted to
the GHR Ministry of Environment and presented to the public, who will
be given the opportunity for review and comment. Public access to the
document will be provided through several venues. The public will be
able to review the full-text of the report and full details of the analysis will
be provided to the local media. Public meetings will be held during this
time and will be attended by representatives of ERM and the Project
proponents.
Implementation Phase
If the Project is approved after the Disclosure Phase, the Implementation
Phase commences with the implementation of recommended ESMPs
during the design, construction and operation phases of the Project.
Monitoring activities of any potential impacts identified during scoping
are initiated to verify that the EIA findings are correct and that
appropriate mitigation and prevention measures are properly
implemented.

3.4

STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION
Stakeholder consultation is an important component for any new project
Alcoa undertakes anywhere in the world and it is a key aspect of the EIA
process. The consultation process gives stakeholders an opportunity to
learn about the Project, raise concerns, understand the potential effects,
and comment on the Project as well as on the reports that are produced
during each phase of the EIA.
Table 8 summarizes the key stakeholder consultation activities planned
for each phase of the EIA. This plan is adaptive and subject to change
based on stakeholder responses and Project requirements. A combination
of various types of consultation techniques will be used including face to
face meetings, focus group discussions (discussions with sub groups
within communities like women, youth, and indigenous people), public
meetings, and sample household socioeconomic surveys. The concerns
and issues that are expressed by the stakeholders during the consultations
will be recorded and disclosed in the EIA. Table 9 contains a summary of
ERM

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environmental, social, and health topics that have been introduced by

stakeholders during the scoping consultations and other meetings held to
date. This summary will be continuously updated throughout the EIA
process and included in the EIA report.
Table 8.

Summary of Project EIA Public Consultation Plan.

EIA Phase

Consultation Plan

Scoping Phase

Meetings with Alcoa and Greenland Development

(Project proponents).
Reconnaissance visit to the smelter site
Public meetings in Maniitsoq and Sisimiut held to
inform stakeholders about the Project, the EIA, and to
solicit feedback and concerns on the Project. A feedback
mechanism was established including response forms
and key contact points so that the stakeholders could
provide their feedback and comments.

Impact Assessment
Phase

ERM

Estimated
Timeframe
September 2008

September 2008

Discussions with:

NERI

Greenland Institute of Natural Resources

National Museum

Hunters and fishers

Specific community representatives

identified during stakeholder mapping
exercise
Qualitative discussions/ Focus Group Discussions
with communities in:

Sisimiut

Nuuk

Maniitsoq
Distribution of draft ToR to key stakeholders including
government ministries and community leaders.

January 2009

Notify communities and other stakeholders of public

meeting to be held for the ToR consultation. Methods
such as email messages to specific stakeholders,
newspaper advertisements, posters, and radio
announcements were be used to notify stakeholders.
ToR consultation meetings were held in Nuuk,
Sisimiut, and Maniitsoq
Specialist studies will be conducted such as
terrestrial and aquatic ecology, socio-economics,
hydrogeology etc. During the course of these
specialized studies consultations will be held with
relevant stakeholders.
A household survey will be conducted. The
survey will be a random sample survey of
representative households to provide inputs into
the socio-economic baseline of the Project area.
The main habitations that will be covered include
those proximate to the Project areas.

January 2009

26

January 2009

January 2009

January 2009
January
December 2009

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EIA Phase

Disclosure Phase

Consultation Plan
Qualitative discussions/ Focus Group
Discussions with communities in:

Sisimiut

Nuuk

Maniitsoq

Kangaamiut

Napasoq
Study update meeting to be held in Maniitsoq and
possibly Sisimiut, Nuuk, and Kangaamiut
After the first draft of the EIA has been prepared
another round of consultations will be held to
share initial findings and solicit stakeholder
feedback on the EIA.

Notify communities and other stakeholders of

public meeting to be held. Methods such as email
messages, newspaper advertisements, posters,
and radio announcements will be used to notify
stakeholders.
Distribute draft EIA for public comments
Solicit final comments from the stakeholders
(deadline for public comments)
Final EIA
Note: italics represent meetings/consultations already conducted.

Table 9.

Estimated
Timeframe
May 2009

October 2009
March 2010

April 2010
End of May 2010
June 2010

Summary of Environmental, Social, and Health Topics

Introduced by Stakeholders during the ToR Consultation
Process

Issue

Sub-Issue

Questions/Comments from Stakeholders

Company
Performance

Previous
Experience

What is the experience of other communities like Iceland

and Brazil?
What are the social impacts of other smelters?
Are fish around the Iceland smelter showing pollution
effects?
Are there other examples where Alcoa has partnered with a
Government to build a smelter project?

Employment

Availability of
Jobs

What jobs will become available? Where? How many?

Nationality of
Employees

Who will work at the plant? Greenlanders?

Will most of the jobs be tied to the hydropower

development?

Where will the workers come from?

Will you hire local contractors from Greenland to build the
Project?

Workforce
Development

ERM

What incentives are in place to compel youngsters to seek

jobs? Does Alcoa have funding opportunities for education?

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Issue

Sub-Issue

Questions/Comments from Stakeholders

Cumulative
Impacts

Other Industrial
Developments

Is Hudson Resources exploring for uranium in the same

area as the hydropower project? Are there any
incompatibilities? Could it damage Alcoas reputation?

Energy

Transmission
Capacity

What will be the hydropower plants generation capacity?

How many turbines are going to be installed?
Will the energy from the hydropower development be
shared with Maniitsoq?
Will the excess heat from the smelter be shared with
Maniitsoq?

Health

Health Impact

Maniitsoq community members are concerned about how

the Project could affect community health and exposure to
chemicals.
What will be the smelters effect on the health and lungs of
people in Manitsoq?
What will Alcoa do to ensure workers health?

Health Services

There is concern that local hospital/health service providers

will be overwhelmed. Will Alcoa build a hospital for its
workers?
Maniitsoq Hospital is understaffed. Will there be job
openings for nurses in Alcoa clinic or health center?

Information/
Communication

Contact Point

There is a need for a local contact in Manitsoq to address

questions that come up.

Studies/Access
to Information

No studies prove that everything will be all right.

Paradise Valley can be destroyed by dams; concern that
studies are not fully addressing this.
How can people with no access to email or computer read
the EIA-related documents or comment on the Project?

Safety

People in Nuuk have stated that the Project is dangerous.

Will the potential safety hazards from ice falling from
transmission lines be considered in the EIA?

Infrastructure &
Planning

ERM

Capacity of
Existing
Infrastructure

Will there be pressure on infrastructure (e.g., workers

coming into town, increased number of flights into town)?
How will the Project affect traffic?

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Issue

Sub-Issue

Questions/Comments from Stakeholders

Access Around
Planned
Infrastructure

Will ships be stopped at the bridge near the smelter site

because of the bridges height? Will big ships be able to
reach the harbor? How does the bridge affect the emergency
harbor?
Will the Port be shared-use or restricted to Alcoa-use only?
The smelter site is an area where local people go berry
picking. Will locals still have access for berry picking near
the smelter site?
The transmission lines for this project are much longer than
in Iceland. Will the effects of the lines be more severe than
in Iceland due to their length and the type of terrain?
Will the road or transmission line crossings over the Ataa
Inlet affect boat access or traffic?
Transmission lines: what will be the height of the
transmission lines? How will they cross rivers? Will the
lines be shielded from ice calving?
Will roads be constructed from shoreline to the plant?
How high will the dams be?
What will be the length of the tunnel?

Livelihoods of
Hunters and
Fishers

Consultation

Alcoa needs to consult the local fishermen and hunters

Potential
Environmental
Damage

Fear that hunting areas around Paradise Valley and the lake
in Nuuk will be damaged as a result of construction of the
Project.

History of
Hunting
Practices/
Folklore

Tasersiaq was a reliable reindeer hunting area, reached by

ummiak (seal-skin boats typically used by women). Today,
its mostly Manitsoq people who hunt there.
Tasersiaq means lake that is bought. Reindeer hunters
used it as a point of reference in relation to another point
found north, down in fjord. It was traditional to trade
places. Hence the name.
Tasersiaqs Roof, the small portion of upper lake of
Tasersiaq, was believed to be higher than 4m. There are
falls between the Roof and the rest of the lake.
Sisimiut people do not hunt or fish south of the Eternity
Fjord.
In the 1970s, Hans Holm, a radio journalist, recorded an
ancient story told by an elder about Tasersiaq, - stakeholders
thought it would be interesting for Alcoa to listen to it.

ERM

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Issue

Sub-Issue

Questions/Comments from Stakeholders

Resource
Availability

What will be the effect of the Project on caribou/musk ox

migration?
What will be the effects on fisheries arctic char spawning?
No fishing is done in char spawning rivers: these are sacred
sites and there is an unwritten rule that prohibits fishing.
People from Kangaamiut fish char in Tasersiaq.
How will Arctic char, caribou, and musk ox populations be
affected by the hydro projects?
Halibut fishing is common in the fjord directly east of
planned transmission lines.
Are caribou collars heavy? How long will they wear them?
Where are caribou with collars?
How does caribou radio tracking work?
The area between Manitsoq and Sisimiut is rich in trout and
char. What effect will the Project have on it?
What effect will construction have on caribou?
Will ship traffic affect long line fishing near the port site?

Safeguarding
Fishing/
Hunting Cabins

What will happen to the various fishing/hunting cabins

close to the aluminum smelter?
What will be the effects of the hydropower dams on
huts/cabins in the area?
Smelter site is near the location of summer cabins; seals are
hunted near the site. Crabs, cod, torsk, stenbidder, haukat
are also caught there in spring.
How far away from the project facilities will no hunting
or off-limit zones go?

Natural
Resources

Biodiversity

What will be the effects of the Project on birds?

Beluga whales might come back to Iqimut (abandoned
settlement near Manitsoq).
What animals live in areas that will be inundated?
Note: The hunters and fishers livelihood section includes
questions concerning availability of and impact on Arctic
char, caribou, and musk ox.

ERM

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Issue

Sub-Issue

Questions/Comments from Stakeholders

Land Change

How much land area will be submerged around the

hydropower projects?
Water rising due to the dam can cause special places to
disappear.
What will be the level of water after dams are complete?
What will be the percentage increase in lake surface area
and volume?
What will be the effects on Paradise Valley?
How much land around Paradise Valley will be destroyed?
How much land do you need for the Project? How does this
compare to Iceland and Brazil?
What will be the effects of the lake level increase caused by
the hydro developments? How is this being studied? How
will vegetation around the lakes be affected?
Will the hydropower lakes create more humidity and
change the environmental conditions near the lakes?
How will the hydro facilities affect the other mining projects
in the area?

Pollution

Water Quality

What will be the effect of the Project on the water quality of

the lakes?

CO2 Emissions

How many tons of carbon emissions will be generated as a

result of this Project? How does this relate to the current
yearly GHG emissions for Greenland?
Are emissions from airplanes, traffic, and logistics taken into
account?
Is it true that CO2 Emissions will double in Greenland after
the Alcoa Project becomes operational?

Waste Discharge

Will the smelter have wastewater discharge to the sea?

Mayapoq current could carry it to Kangaamiut.
How will wastes be managed? Will Alcoa build their own
dump?

Production
Capacity

Smelter
Capacity

How much will the Manitsoq smelter produce as a

percentage of total global aluminum production?

Project Siting

Selection

Is it impossible to construct a smelter plant in the United

States?

Social Impacts

Concern About
Potential
Conflict

Concern that diversity of workforce might introduce

conflict, such as religious disputes.

Social Impact
Assessment

How will the social studies be done?

ERM

Concern that the workforce will not be restricted to the work

site, as previously indicated, and will be allowed to go into
town.

What will happen to workers and communities once the

Project is phased out?

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Issue

Sub-Issue

Questions/Comments from Stakeholders

Stakeholder
Engagement

Future
Consultations

Hold the next consultation over two days or on a Saturday

so that more people can attend.
Work with hunting and tourism associations and make sure
they are invited to community meetings.
More time is needed to help people understand a Project as
big as this one.

3.5

EIA SCHEDULE
Table 10 summarizes the schedule for implementing the EIA for the
Project. This schedule is based on the Project proponents proposal to
initiate construction in late 2010 so that the Project can be operational by
2014. The EIA schedule is subject to change based on Project needs and
development schedule.
Table 10.

Schedule for the Project EIA.

Schedule

EIA Task/Activity

May through
September 2008

Conduct 2008 field and desktop baseline studies

September 2008

Hold ESHIA kick-off and scoping meetings

September through
January 2009

Prepare Draft ToR

Conduct ToR consultations
Conduct ToR public meetings

February 2009

Issue Draft ToR to public

Public comment period for ToR
Review 2008 study results
Begin drafting EIA baseline

March-April 2009

Conduct 2009 EIA study planning

Issue Final ToR

June through December

2009

Conduct 2009 field and desktop impact studies

October 2009

Hold study update public meeting

January March 2010

Conduct impact assessment

Prepare Preliminary Draft EIA, conduct internal review

March 2010

Prepare Draft EIA and hold Draft EIA public disclosure meeting

April 2010

Issue Draft EIA

June 2010

Issue Final EIA

ERM

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4.0

DETAILED STUDY PLANS

This section describes the proposed desktop research and field studies
that will be undertaken as part of the Project EIA. At a minimum, the
following subject areas will be addressed in the EIA via desktop and/or
field studies. This list is dynamic and will likely change based on
information gathered during the various phases of the EIA process.
Environmental:

Biological resources - terrestrial and aquatic (freshwater and marine)

habitat/flora/fauna, threatened and endangered flora and fauna
species, biodiversity, fluoride-sensitive vegetation

Air quality, including greenhouse gases

Water quality and quantity

Noise (terrestrial and marine)

Geology, soils, topography, permafrost

Solid and liquid waste generation and disposal

Visual/aesthetics

Natural hazards

Social:

Communities size and distance from Project, demographics,

characteristics, social institutions

Economy businesses, jobs, education, access to training, worker

mobility

Culture/Heritage - religion, customs, ethnicity, identity, heritage,

language

Land Use and Natural Resources natural resources use and

livelihoods, land ownership, land use

Health:

Existing diseases and exposure to disease

Health services availability, quality, capacity, location

Health behaviors and perceptions

Exposure to hazardous materials and air emissions

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4.1

Exposure to electromagnetic fields

Strain on local services (e.g., water, power)

Traffic and road accidents

DESKTOP RESEARCH STUDIES

The desktop research studies will entail thorough literature reviews for all
of the resource areas covered in the EIA. One of the primary purposes of
the desktop review will be to further evaluate data from secondary
sources, according to:

the extent to which available baseline information covers all areas

potentially impacted by the Project;

whether the current existing baseline data is still valid and sufficient
or should be updated and extended through primary research; and

the extent to which baseline data meets requirements to complete an

EIA to the standards and guidelines outlined in Section 2 of this ToR.

One of the primary sources for desktop research will be the SEA report
(GHR, 2007). For some resources, desktop studies will be sufficient for the
impact analysis. For most resources, field studies will be necessary, as
detailed in the following section.

4.2

FIELD STUDIES
The following section provides brief summaries of the objectives, scopes,
and schedules for the field studies to be conducted by ERM and their
partners as part of the EIA process. Note that some 2009 field studies will
not be scoped until spring 2009 so the study plans are not included in this
ToR.

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Study 1. Caribou Distribution and Migration

Objective
To locate important caribou foraging and calving habitats and migration
routes.
Approach
The caribou study program consists of four parts:
1) Collection and analysis of Greenland Institute of Natural Resources
(GINR) existing census data to document how caribou are distributed in
the area that would be affected by the proposed hydro projects.
2) Updating existing data and acquisition
of new data from areas lacking
historical data.
3) A satellite-tracking study to document
present use of potentially affected areas,
including migration routes. The satellite
tracking study is a detailed analysis and
mapping of caribou distribution and
migrations using satellite transmitters.
Forty caribou were collared with
satellite transmitters in May 2008 and
satellite tracking of collared
individuals is ongoing.

Area of interest for the caribou studies

4) Habitat modeling using snow distribution in the fall, winter, and spring;
vegetation mapping; and a digital terrain model.
Work Products
Reports and maps that combine the data from satellite collars, vegetation maps,
and terrain models to document the spatial and seasonal distribution of caribou
and migration routes in the study area. The data will identify preferred
locations of Project-related infrastructure to minimize impacts on caribou.
Schedule and Study Partners
Schedule: Field work for this study began in May 2008 and will continue
through September 2010
Study Partners: GINR and NERI
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Study 2. Location of Caribou Calving Grounds between Sukkertoppen

Iskappe and Godhbsfjorden

Objective
To determine the location of important foraging and calving habitats for
caribou.
Approach
The caribou calving grounds study program
consists of three parts:
1) An aerial transect survey to locate caribou
calving grounds between Sukkertoppen
Iskappe and Godhbsfjorden.
2) Analysis and preparation of maps
documenting the calving grounds,
including maps of calving grounds overlaid on
vegetation maps. The maps will be used to
identify preferred siting of proposed Projectrelated infrastructure to minimize impacts on caribou.

Caribou calf

Work Products
The caribou calving grounds study will produce a report indentifying the
most important caribou calving areas in the study area. The report will
include maps of the caribous calving areas overlaid on vegetation maps.
Schedule and Study Partners
Schedule: June 2009
Study Partners: GINR and NERI

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Study 3. Baseline Noise Study

Objective
To characterize the noise environment at the proposed smelter site.
Approach
Desktop activities include developing an inventory
of the types and magnitude of sounds that would be
generated by construction and operation of the
proposed Project.
Field research activities consist of collecting audio
recordings of the following ambient conditions at the
smelter site:
1) Average sound levels at the proposed smelter
site. Ambient sound will be recorded at the
Typical noise logging device

smelter/port site over several hours using a

stationary recording device.
2) Type and location of noise sensitive receptors in the vicinity of the
proposed smelter site.
Work Products

The noise study will produce a noise model that predicts the magnitude and
extent of noise produced at the proposed smelter and quantifies the increase
in noise energy that would occur over existing conditions.
Schedule and Study Partners
Schedule: December 2008 January 2009
Study Partners: None

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Study 4. Arctic Char Study

Objectives
1. Identify the waterbodies in the study area that support Arctic char.
2. Determine preferred char spawning, wintering, and migration habitats.
Approach
Desktop analysis consists of the following two tasks:
1) Review of topographic maps to determine likely areas for Arctic char to
occur, identify landscape-level differences in habitat, and assess likely
barriers to Arctic char migration; and
2) Review of the available scientific literature concerning Arctic chars life
history, habitat requirements, migration patterns, and Greenlands aquatic
biodiversity and habitat conditions.
Field research consists of the following
tasks:
1) Biological surveys consisting of fish
sampling using a backpack
electrofishing unit and longitudinal
habitat mapping on the following rivers
affected by the proposed hydro projects:
a) Igassup Kua River;
b) Sarfartoq River; and
Measuring Arctic char in Paradise Valley
c) Arnagarnup Kua River.
2) Biological surveys consisting of fish sampling using stationary gillnets and
visual habitat mapping of nearshore habitat on the following lakes affected
by the proposed hydro projects:
a) Tasersiaq;
b) Tuvssp tasia; and
c) additional unnamed lakes in the southern development.
Work Products
The study will produce a report identifying the most important Arctic char
habitats in the areas potentially affected by the proposed hydro projects.
Schedule and Study Partners
Schedule: Field work for this study began in August-September 2008 and
will continue in September 2009.
Study Partners: NERI
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Study 5. Consultation with Fishers

Objectives
1) Collect local knowledge of habitat requirements and seasonal movements of
Arctic char and other locally significant aquatic biological resources.
2) To complement three other
studies:
a) The Arctic char study;
b) The Aquatic Biodiversity
study; and
c) The Natural Resources
Livelihoods study.

Consulting with fishers in Maniitsoq

Approach
Conduct semi-structured qualitative interviews with fishermen in Maniitsoq
on the following topics:
1) Identifying key recreational, subsistence, and commercially fished species;
2) Locating and delineating important areas for fishing;
3) Identifying the most productive fishing seasons; and
4) Understanding historical fluctuations in the abundance of preferred
species.
Work Products
The consultation with fishers study will produce a report that describes local
knowledge of habitat requirements and seasonal movements of locally
significant aquatic biological resources.
Schedule and Study Partners
Schedule: Field work for this study began in August 2008 and will continue
in 2009.
Study Partners: NERI

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Study 6. Aquatic Biodiversity Study

Objective
Describe biodiversity in the lakes and rivers that would be affected by the
proposed hydro projects.
Approach
Desktop research consists of the following
tasks:
1) Review of existing scientific literature on
Greenlands aquatic macroinvertebrate,
aquatic plant, and fish communities and
habitats.
2) Consultation with local experts on the
biological and ecological characteristics of
the aquatic biological communities in the
proposed Project area.

Electroshocking in Paradise Valley

Field research will consist of the following tasks:

1) Fish sampling with electrofishing gear, and macroinvertebrate sampling
with stationary drift net samplers
2) Collection of fish and macroinvertebrates on the Igassup Kua River,
Sarfartoq River; and Arnagarnup Kua River.
3) Collection of fish and macroinvertebrates on the following lakes affected
by the proposed hydro projects:
a) Tasersiaq;
b) Tuvssp tasia; and
c) additional unnamed lakes in the southern development.
4) Biological surveys of lakes will consist of fish sampling with gill nets, and
collection of macroinvertebrates with stationary drift net samplers.
Work Products
The aquatic biodiversity study will produce a report that describes the
aquatic biodiversity in the lakes and rivers that would be affected by the
proposed hydro projects.
Schedule and Study Partners
Schedule: Field work for this study occurred in August-September 2008
Study Partners: NERI

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Study 7. Marine Resources

Objectives
To describe the species of marine
resources (fish, invertebrates, mammals,
and plants) that occur in the vicinity of
the proposed port.
To determine seasonal differences in marine resource abundance and distribution in
the vicinity of the proposed port.
Humpback whale flukes

Approach
Research will include a desktop component and may include a field
component, depending on the availability and quality fo existing marine
resources data. Desktop research will consist of the following tasks:
1) Reviews of existing scientific literature on the species composition,
distribution, and habitat requirements of the marine resources in the
vicinity of the proposed port.
2) Determination of the worldwide conservation status and sensitivity to
disturbance of marine resources that occur in the vicinity of the proposed
port.
Work Products
The marine resources study will produce a report that describes the species
composition, distribution, and conservation status of marine resources in the
vicinity of the proposed port.
Schedule and Study Partners
Schedule: Desktop study will occur from March through May 2009. If field
research is required, the scope and schedule for field study will be determined
in May 2009.
Study Partners: To be determined.

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Study 8. Aerial Survey of Geese Moulting Areas

Objectives
To describe the moulting and
foraging areas for Greenland Whitefronted and Canada geese that occur
in the vicinity of the proposed
Project.
1) To determine seasonal
differences in bird abundance in
the vicinity of the proposed
Project.
Greenland White-fronted Goose

Approach
The aerial survey of goose moulting areas consists of two parts:
1) Review of existing scientific literature on the species composition,
distribution, and habitat requirements of White-fronted and Canada
geese in the areas potentially affected by the proposed hydro projects.
2) An aerial transect survey using a twin-engined Partenavia Observer
aircraft will identify the location of geese moulting areas in the vicinity
of the proposed hydro projects.
Work Products
The aerial survey of goose moulting areas will produce a report that describes
the moulting and foraging areas for Greenland White-fronted and Canada
geese in the vicinity of the proposed hydro projects.
Schedule and Study Partners
Schedule: Mid-July 2009
Study Partners: NERI

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Study 9. Meteorological Conditions Study

Objective
To understand the local climate and weather patterns in the vicinity of the
proposed smelter site.
Approach
Construct a small meteorological
station on the proposed smelter site
to collect the following weather data:
1) Wind speed and direction;
2) Temperature;
3) Precipitation;
4) Solar radiation;
5) Atmospheric stability (sigma
theta) and
6) Relative humidity.
The data will be continuously
uploaded via satellite link.

Meteorological station at the smelter

site on Maniitsoq island

Work Products
The meteorological conditions study will produce a report that describes the
local climate and weather patterns in the vicinity of the smelter site.
Schedule and Study Partners
Schedule: January 2009 December 2009
Study Partners: Masanti

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Study 10. Surface Water, Groundwater, and Hydrographic Analysis

Objectives
1) To understand the seasonal fluctuations
in water level and flow in the rivers and
lakes affected by the proposed hydro
projects.
2) Determine the elevation of the local
water table in the areas affected by the
proposed hydro projects.
3) Characterize the transmissivity of the
soil and rock in the vicinity of the
proposed hydro projects.

Sarfartoq River between the Northern

Development Reservoir and Paradise Valley

Approach
Field study will include the following tasks:
1) Measurement of river stage data over several months from the following
rivers:
a) Igassup Kua River;
b) Sarfartoq River; and
c) Arnagarnup Kua River.
2) Measurement of lake levels at the following locations:
a) Tasersiaq;
b) Tuvssp tasia; and
c) Additional unnamed lakes in the southern development.
Work Products
The surface water, groundwater, and hydrographic analysis will describe the
seasonal fluctuations in water level and flow in the rivers and lakes in the
areas potentially affected by the proposed hydro projects.
Schedule and Study Partners
Schedule: Field work for this study began in 2008 and will continue in 2009.
Study Leader: PB Power

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Study 11. Sedimentation Analysis

Objectives
1) To characterize sediment
transport from reservoirs through
hydropower developments and
into tailwaters.
2) To determine rate of sediment
deposition in the hydro project
reservoirs.
Cobbles deposited on the riverbank in
Paradise Valley

Approach
Research will consist primarily of field study including the following tasks:
1) Characterization of dominant sediment type(s), rate of deposition, and
transport characteristics in the following rivers:
a) Igassup Kua River;
b) Sarfartoq River; and
c) Arnagarnup Kua River.
2) Characterization of dominant sediment type(s) and rate of deposition in
the following lakes:
a) Tasersiaq;
b) Tuvssp tasia; and
c) Additional unnamed lakes in the southern development.
Work Products
The sedimentation analysis will produce a report that describes the sediment
transport and deposition in the areas potentially affected by the proposed
hydro projects.
Schedule and Study Partners
Schedule: Field work for this study began in 2008 and will continue in 2009.
Study Leader: PB Power

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Study 12. Natural Resources, Livelihoods, and Cultural Change Study

Objectives
1) To understand the use of natural
resources by local communities, their
livelihood dependence on such
resources, and their relationship to
environmental quality.
2) To characterize any potential loss
of earnings to resource users of
the area, e.g., hunters, fishers and
tour operators.
3) To characterize contemporary
culture of local communities,
including its historical and
contemporary forms and its
manifestations in daily choices
and lifestyles of people.

Fishing vessels in Maniitsoq

Approach
Research will include desktop and field investigations and examine the
following topics:
1) Use of the natural resource base, including spatial and temporal variations
and the factors that explain such variations (climatic, technological,
cultural, etc. and the interplay with hunting, fishing, herding and
tourism), specific user groups, belief systems concerning the environment;
2) Livelihoods, including income, adaptability/substitution, and other
dimensions like food insecurity, social inferiority, exclusion, lack of
physical assets, and vulnerability;
3) Socio-cultural institutions, including formal and informal social
institutions:
a) Ways of coping with life through economy, social systems and cultural
values;
b) Social cohesion-the ways communities are organized and held together
by their social and cultural institutions and beliefs;
c) Identity- ways of life that communities value as expressions of their
identity;
4) Prevalent religions, including origin, practices and diversity;
5) Aesthetics, recreation and cultural relationship to the natural
environment, including the aesthetic and cultural character of a
community or neighborhood its ambience;
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6) Conflict, including a diagnostic of any pre-existing (i.e. not caused by the

proposed Project) conflict and the potential for conflict induced by the
proposed Project, including current conditions and likely workercommunity interface; and
7) Migration, including a history of in- and out-migration and cultural
interaction.
Field research methods will include:
1) Resource mapping and focus group discussions with user groups (fishers
and hunters) and vulnerable groups (low income families or women).
2) Interviews with stakeholders in each of the settlements that are close to
proposed Project infrastructure, including the hydro projects,
transmission lines and the smelter/port (Nuuk, Napasoq, Maniitsoq,
Kangaamiut Sisimiut, and the settlement nearest the southern hydro
project).
3) Gathering oral histories from community members.
4) Interviews with formal /informal institutions like local NGOs, academics
(including biologists, anthropologists, etc.) and government authorities.
Work Products
The natural resources, livelihoods, and cultural change study will produce a
report that describes the indigenous culture, local livelihoods, and
dependence on natural resources in the areas of Project influence.
Schedule and Study Partners
Schedule: The study is currently planned for May 2009. The fieldwork
component will include:
1) One day in Nuuk;
2) Two days in the settlement nearest to the southern hydropower site;
3) Two days in Napasoq;
4) Five days in Maniitsoq;
5) Three days in Kangaamiut; and
6) Two days in Sisimiut.
Study Partners: Local researchers and experts recommended by University of
Copenhagen.

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Study 13. Socio-economic and Planning Study

Objectives
1) To gain an understanding of the socio-economic characteristics and
perceptions around employment, procurement, and planning
challenges associated with the
proposed Project.
2) To understand the town and land use
planning in Maniitsoq.
3) To complement two other studies:
a) NIRASs Macro-economic analysis
this Socio-economic & Planning
Study will focus more specifically
on household-level socio-economic
traits and perceptions; and
b) ERMs Natural Resources &
Livelihoods Study this SocioHouses in Maniitsoq
economic & Planning Study will focus
mostly on Maniitsoq and the commercial economy.
Approach
Research will include desktop and field investigations and examine the
following topics:
1) Describe existing socio-economic conditions (e.g., gender, age structure,
religion, ethnicity, vulnerable groups, household composition and
demography, population growth rates, migration patterns, occupations,
formal and informal income sources, income levels, economic growth
rates, household assets, infrastructure) in the areas where the proposed
Project would be located.
2) Identify the perceptions, possible concerns and expectations of the local
people vis--vis the potential employment and procurement of the
proposed Project;
3) Assess the state of infrastructure and services: education, utilities,
transportation, etc. and access to such infrastructure.
4) Assess the capacities of institutions to support the proposed Project,
especially related to economic development and town and land use
planning.

Desktop research will include reviews of the following information sources,

at a minimum:
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1)
2)
3)
4)

NIRAS Macro-economic Study,

UNDP Arctic Human Development Report,
SEA by Greenland Home Rule
data from National Statistical Institute.

The study team will also liaise with Alcoas Human Resources and
Procurement personnel to fully understand the proposed Projects
employment, procurement, and infrastructure requirements.
Field research will consist of semi-structured qualitative interviews with the
following key leaders in Maniitsoq, Nuuk, and Sisimiut:
1) Elected leaders
2) Planning department staff and other labor and economic development
officials;
3) Other local decision makers/community leaders;
4) Owners and managers of businesses and educational or training
institutions.
Work Products
The socio-economic and planning study will produce a report that describes
sociology and land use in the areas of Project influence.
Schedule and Study Partners
Schedule: May - October 2009
Study Partners: NIRAS and/or other local experts

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Study 14. Landscape and Scenic Resources Assessment

Objective
To describe the visual character and
scenic values of the landscapes
where the proposed Project
components (smelter, port, hydro
projects, and transmission line)
would be located.

Landscape at the proposed location of a tunnel

outlet at the Southern Hydroelectric

Approach
Field work for the landscape and scenic resources assessment will consist of a
photographic survey of the following sites:
1) smelter and port sites;
2) the proposed sites for selected above-ground components of the
proposed hydropower developments; and
3) road and transmission line alignments.
Work Products
The landscape and scenic resources assessment will produce a report that
describes and depicts the landscape and scenic resources in the areas of
Project influence.
Schedule and Study Partners
Schedule: August 2008-August 2009
Study Partners: None

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Study 15. Rare and Fluoride-Sensitive Flora

Objectives
1) To identify any fluoride-sensitive flora
that occur in the immediate vicinity of
the proposed smelter.
2) To identify the locations of rare plants
that occur within the footprint of the
proposed Project components.

Riverbank vegetation in Paradise Valley

Approach
Review existing data on rare plant locations and vegetation community
mapping and overlay data on maps of proposed Project infrastructure. Local
rare plant experts and international experts on fluoride-sensitive fauna will
conduct site-specific surveys during appropriate season (timing is speciesdependent).
Work Products
The rare and fluoride-sensitive flora study will produce a report that
describes the rare and fluoride-sensitive flora in the areas of Project influence.
Schedule and Study Partners
Schedule: Spring/Summer 2009
Study Partners: NERI (rare plants), Leonard Weinstein and Alan Davison
(fluoride-sensitive flora).

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Study 16. Ecological and Humana Health Risk Assessments

Objective
To assess the ecological and human health risks associated with the release of
Project-specific chemical constituents to air, water, and soil.
Approach
Research will include desktop investigations to examine the following topics:
1) Assessment of the risks to ecological (plant and animal) and human
receptors (smelter employees and the public) associated with the release of
chemical constituents from the proposed smelter and port operations.
2) The primary air emissions associated with the proposed smelter operations
include (but are not necessarily limited to):
a) Coal pitch tar volatiles, principally Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
(PAHs);
b) Total fluorides (including particulate fluoride and gaseous hydrogen
fluoride);
c) Sulfur dioxide; and
d) Alumina dust.
3) Project-specific air dispersion and deposition modeling.
4) Water discharge and waste disposal assessment associated with the
proposed smelter.
5) Chemical spill modeling associated with the proposed smelter and port.
Work Products
The ecological and human health risk assessments will produce reports that
will estimate potential risks to representative receptor populations (including
sensitive receptors) that could be affected by Project-related emissions and
discharges.
Schedule and Study Partners
Schedule: April December 2009
Study Partners: To be determined

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Study 17. Health Study

Objective
To identify, assess, and manage the potential future effects of the proposed
Project on the health of communities within the proposed Projects area of
influence.
Approach
The assessment phase of the health study includes two steps: Scoping and
Appraisal.
1. SCOPING - to identify potential communities affected by the proposed Project,
key health issues, and to develop a plan to gather necessary data to conduct the
study.
Develop an administrative framework for the proposed Project
including all applicable international and National regulations
and Alcoa Corporate Policies related to health;
Define the direct and indirect area of influence for the health
study (e.g., direct = Maniitsoq and Kangaamiut, indirect =
Sisimiut, others to be determined as the study progresses).
Produce a high-level description of health conditions in the areas
of influence using existing data including data from Statistics
Greenland, Ministry of Health resources, research studies from
Greenland and Danish universities or NGOs, consultations with
local experts, Greenland V Study (2005-2007) and the latest CAM
studies, focusing on information for Maniitsoq, Sisimiut,
Kangaamiut and National data for comparison purposes.
Convene a small workshop with health experts to:
1) identify National health priorities and local health priorities
for Maniitsoq, Kangaamiut, and Sisimiut;
2) brainstorm on potential issues that should be further
investigated in the health study;
3) gather comments and questions from the public health
community regarding the proposed Project; and
4) gather ideas on strategies to maximize, prevent, or mitigate
potential effects of the proposed Project.

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2. APPRAISAL to collect additional data as necessary and to assess the potential

health effects of the proposed Project.
Conduct interviews with key informants, which may include:
o Health experts from Greenland health institutions;
o Health experts from Greenlandic and Danish academic
institutions and NGOs;
o Health service providers in Maniitsoq, Sisimiut, and
Kangamiut; and
o Community organizations and local leaders.

Identify and rate the potential health effects of the proposed

Project using the Impact Assessment Methodology defined in
this Terms of Reference.

Work Products
The health study will produce a report that describes health conditions in the
areas of influence of the proposed Project, the potential health effects of the
proposed Project, and a management plan for addressing those effects.
Schedule and Study Partners
Schedule: May October 2009
Study Partners: Ministry of Health and other Greenlandic and Danish health
experts to be determined.

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