NOTICE OF DETERMINATION

Halifax – 2022-07-27 – Transport Canada has determined that the proposed project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

This determination was based on a consideration of the following factors:

• impacts on rights of Indigenous peoples;
• Indigenous knowledge;
• community knowledge;
• comments received from the public; and
• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

Mitigation measures taken into account for this determination are:

• If vessels, such as a barge, are used in the project, they should be compliant with all Canada Shipping Act, 2001, requirements for inspection, which includes certification of the vessel and adequate training and appropriate certificate of competency for the operators.
• Ensure that all vessels will have procedures in place to ensure safeguards against marine pollution: awareness training of all employees, means of retention of waste oil on board and discharge to shore based reception facilities, capacity of responding to and clean-up of accidental spill caused by vessels involved in any particular project.

General Accidents / Malfunctions best management practices

• Machinery and equipment should be mechanically sound, having no leaking fuel tanks or hydraulic connections.
• Whenever possible, machinery and equipment should be operated on land above the high water mark.
• Machinery, equipment and contaminants are to be stored in an area well above the high water mark.
• Refueling or lubrication of machinery and equipment should be conducted in an area at least 30 metres away from any waterbody.
• Machinery and equipment are not to be washed within 30 metres of a waterbody, or in an area where wash water will run into a waterbody.
• A spill response plan should be developed to ensure that if a spill of petroleum or other hazardous material occurs, the impacts can be minimized.
• Appropriate spill response equipment should be maintained and kept within a readily accessible location.
• Personnel working on the project should be knowledgeable about response equipment.
• All debris resulting from the project should be disposed of properly and should be moved to an area where water will not come in contact with the debris.
• Contaminated materials should be disposed of according to the appropriate federal or provincial regulations and guidelines.
• All spills or leaks of petroleum or other hazardous materials must be reported to the 24-Hour Environmental Emergencies Report System (1-800-565-1633).

Transport Canada is satisfied that that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Therefore, Transport Canada may carry out the project, exercise any power, perform any duty or function, or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part.