Unless my map readings of topography are out to lunch:

"Affected is defined something along the lines of, 'If where the work is taking place, anywhere downstream of that water is considered to be affected'"

If that was the reason then Attawapiskat should be the ones to be consuled, they are well down stream from the Ring.

What we are getting consultation complaints from is communities well up stream and to the side. Their cause at best is hunting grounds. Treaty rights may also apply, but if you ask me those treaties gave too much of what they did not own.