March 15, 2024 – Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) have 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 measures¹ taken into account for this determination are:

• A spill prevention and response plan will be in place, with refueling areas located more than 30 m away from a waterbody.
• Measures for soils and sediment quality for erosion and sediment control will be implemented, including protecting the root zones of trees outside the project footprint before the work starts and the involvement of an arborist to identify trees of concern and to recommend protection measures.
• Measures to protect sensitive species and habitat will be implemented, including:
  • creating buffer zones surrounding the Big Leaf Maple Trees;
  • clearing and grubbing will happen during winter months, outside the bird nesting period, to protect migratory birds and their nests;
  • pre-construction surveys (raptor and songbird nesting surveys) must be completed by a qualified environmental professional (QEP), in advance of intrusive works and during nesting/breeding periods to determine if breeding wildlife species are present and determine appropriate setbacks/buffers in time and space to reduce the potential for adverse effects. 
  • pre-construction wildlife sweeps will be conducted by a qualified Environmental Monitor (EM) prior to vegetation removal and grubbing. 
• Ground disturbance will be monitored during the entirety of the work by relevant First Nations' and archaeologist representatives.
• Additional mitigation measures and a Construction Environmental Management Plan will be implemented for the physical works.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) is satisfied that that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Therefore, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) 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.