Ecological Risk Assessment

Terrestrial/Freshwater Testing Included : 

• Soil chemistry and physical characteristics
• Freshwater sediment and surface water chemistry analysis 3. Soil invertebrate tissue sampling
• Vegetation community assessment
• Breeding bird and fledgling survey
• Small mammal survey (including tissue analysis)
• Rare vascular plant survey
• Fish and electro-fishing survey 

Conclusions of Terrestrial/Freshwater Study : 

• Low risk to vegetation excluding near-field areas immediately south/southwest of Smelter 
• Low risk to soil invertebrates, birds, and mammals. 
• Low risk to freshwater aquatic life in nearby streams (invertebrates, fish). Potential for moderate risk to benthic invertebrates in unnamed stream near new slag pile.