Pakwash Lake Owners Association, Formal Stakeholder Impact Submission addition

The concerns from mining operations of the water/ecosystem.

There is one other major concern that I would  like to add to our previous submittion; that is controle and monitor ammonium nitrate entering the discharge water from spilled/wasted/undetonated explosives used in mining (ammonium nitrate is a major component of most blasting agents).  I am aware from my time in the mining industry that this is a potential significant issue if not adequately addressed.

Ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) dissolves rapidly in water, releasing ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3-) ions. While nitrate is relatively safe, elevated ammonium levels, especially at high pH and temperature, are highly toxic to fish, causing gill damage, respiratory distress, and death. High levels can lead to rapid mortality, often causing "brown blood disease" or severe gill damage.

Effects on Fish and Aquatic Life Ammonium/Ammonia Toxicity:

The "ammonium" component is highly pH-dependent. At higher pH (alkaline) and temperatures, ammonium (NH4+) converts to ammonia (NH3), which is significantly more toxic. Ammonia causes tissue damage, particularly to gills, leading to difficulty breathing, listlessness, and potential death.

Nitrate Toxicity:

While less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate concentrations ((NO3-) from blasting compound wastage can stress fish, causing poor growth, weakened immune systems, and long-term health issues.

Fish Kill Symptoms:

Fish affected by high levels often exhibit red, inflamed gills, gasping at the surface, erratic swimming, and cloudy eyes.

Environmental Impact:

As a potent fertilizer, ammonium nitrate causes algae blooms, which subsequently die and decompose, reducing dissolved oxygen (hypoxia) in water, which can kill fish populations.