Vaseux-Bighorn National Wildlife Area – 12 04 2024 – Environment and Climate Change Canada has determined that the proposed FortisBC Pipeline Integrity Dig at Vaseux-Bighorn National Wildlife Area 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: 

• The proposed Project might result in temporarily critical habitat loss for species at risk. However, this impact is not expected to be significant due to proposed mitigation measures as per the terms and conditions of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) permit.

• Avoid sensitive habitats, e.g. riparian; if unavoidable, access will be specific and under inspection of the Qualified Environmental Professional and avoidance of existing native vegetation.
• Avoid deleterious substances to enter watercourses.
• Inspect machinery before entering the site and have a spill kit on site.
• Remove all work debris from the site.
• Implement mitigation measures to protect migratory birds and species at risk. Avoid work during nesting season.
• Temporary storage of topsoil and subsoil and rolled-back after pipeline inspection.
• Cease work when sensitive species are encountered.
• Conduct work when soil is frozen to minimize soil damage.
• Impacted areas will be re-vegetated after disturbance and seeded with either a weed-free agronomic grass mix, a weed-free native seed mix, or if required, planted with native forbs or shrubs.
• Cultural monitor will be on site to ensure no disturbance to archaeological sites, if present.
• All project activities, including mitigations and seasonal activity windows, must comply with the terms and conditions of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) permit which is required for the project to be carried out.

Environment and Climate Change Canada is satisfied that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Therefore, the authority 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.