Source: https://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/050/evaluations/document/132308
Timestamp: 2020-01-25 06:11:42
Document Index: 507236775

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 1', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 1']

Final Environmental Assessment Guidelines - Canada.ca
2.3. Consultation with Indigenous Nations
5. Consultation With Indigenous Nations and Concerns Raised
5.1. Aboriginal nations and consultation activities
6.1.1. Atmospheric, Light and Noise Environment
6.1.3. Topography, terrestrial environments and soil
6.1.4. Riparian and Wetland Environments
6.1.5. Ground water and Surface water
6.1.6 Fish and fish habitat
6.1.7 Migratory birds
6.1.8 Species at Risk
6.1.9 Indigenous peoples
6.1.10 Other changes to the environment arising as a result of a federal decision or due to changes on federal lands, in another province or outside Canada
6.1.11 Human environment
6.2 Predicted changes to the physical environment
6.2.1 Changes to atmospheric, sound and light environments
6.2.2 Changes to groundwater and surface water
6.2.3 Changes to riparian, wetland and terrestrial environments
6.3 Predicted effects on valued components
6.3.1 Fish and fish habitat
6.3.2 Migratory birds
6.3.3 Species at risk
6.3.4 Indigenous peoples
6.3.5 Other valued components that may be affected as a result of a federal decision or due to effects on federal lands, another province or outside Canada
6.4 Mitigation measures
6.5 Significance of residual effects
6.6 Other effects to consider
6.6.1 Effects of potential accidents or malfunctions
6.6.2 Effects of the environment on the project
6.6.3 Cumulative effects assessment
7 Summary of Environmental Effects Assessment
8 Follow-up and Monitoring Programs
8.1 Follow-up program
8.2 Monitoring Program
Section 5 of CEAA 2012 describes the environmental effects that must be considered in an EA, including changes to the environment and effects of changes to the environment. The factors that are to be considered in an EA are described under section 19 of CEAA 2012. The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) will use the proponent's EIS and other information received during the EA process to prepare a report that will be considered for the issuance of a decision statement by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. Therefore the EIS must include a full description of the changes the project will cause to the environment that may result in adverse effects on areas of federal jurisdiction (i.e. section 5 of CEAA 2012) including changes that are directly linked or necessarily incidental to any federal decisions that would permit the project to be carried out. The EIS must also include a list of key mitigation measures that the proponent proposes to undertake in order to avoid or minimize any adverse environmental effects of the project. It is the responsibility of the proponent to provide sufficient data and analysis on potential changes to the environment to ensure a thorough evaluation of the environmental effects of the project by the Agency.
One of the purposes identified in CEAA 2012 is to ensure that opportunities are provided for meaningful public participation during an EA. CEAA 2012 requires that the Agency provide the public with an opportunity to participate in the EA. For EAs led by the Agency the public has an opportunity during Agency consultations to comment on the project description, the draft EIS guidelines of the project, the summary of the Environmental Impact Statement, as well as the draft EA report. Additional opportunities for participation may also be provided.
A key objective of CEAA 2012 is to promote communication and cooperation with Aboriginal peoples which includes First Nations, Inuit and Métis. The proponent is expected to engage with potentially affected Nations, beginning as early as possible in the project planning process. The proponent shall provide potentially affected Nations with opportunities to learn about the project and its potential effects and to make their concerns known about the project's potential effects and discuss measures to mitigate those effects. The proponent is strongly encouraged to work with potentially affected Nations to establish an engagement approach. The proponent will make reasonable efforts to integrate Aboriginal traditional knowledge into the assessment of environmental effects. For more information on incorporating Aboriginal traditional knowledge, refer to Part 1, Section 4.2.2 of these guidelines.
In order to fulfill the Crown's constitutional obligations to consult with potentially impacted Nations, the Agency integrates its legal obligation for consultation and accommodation in the EA process. The information gathered by the proponent during its consultation with Nations helps to contribute to the Crown's understanding of any potential adverse impacts on potential or established Aboriginal or treaty rights protected under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 ("section 35 Aboriginal rights") including title and related interests, and the effectiveness of measures proposed to avoid or minimize those impacts.
On October 20, 2017, Galaxy Lithium (CANADA) Inc, the proponent of the James Bay Lithium Mine Project, provided a project description to the Agency. Based on this project description, the Agency has determined that an EA is required under CEAA 2012 and will include the construction, operation, decommissioning and abandonment of the following project components:
operating ramps;
ore, low grade ore, waste rock, overburden, tailings (dumps or parks), top soil stockpile areas;
water management, including capture, treatment and disposal infrastructure for both mine water and wastewater;
ore treatment facility;
clearing, stripping, earthmoving, levelling, drilling and blasting activities;
transportation corridor construction or improvement (road, rail, bridge);
transportation of ore, ore concentrate, tailings and waste rock;
paste fill plant;
storage of petroleum and hazardous materials;
administrative, maintenance, and storage buildings, camp, medical and emergency services.
The proponent must conduct and focus its analysis on VCs as they relate to section 5 of CEAA 2012 , including the ones identified in Section 6.2 (Part 2) of these guidelines that may be affected by changes in the environment, as well as species at risk and their critical habitat as per the requirement outlined in section 79 of the Species at Risk Act. Section 5 of CEAA 2012 defines environmental effects as:
The list of VCs presented in the EIS will be completed according to the evolution and design of the project and reflect the knowledge acquired through public consultation and consultation with Indigenous Nations. The EIS will describe what methods were used to predict and assess the adverse environmental effects of the project on these valued components.
The VCs will be described in sufficient detail to allow the reviewer to understand their importance and to assess the potential for environmental effects arising from the project activities. The EIS will provide a rationale for selecting specific VCs and for excluding any VCs or information specified in these guidelines. Challenges may arise regarding particular exclusions, so it is important to document the information and the criteria used to justify the exclusion of a particular VC or piece of information. Justification may be based on, for example, primary data collection, computer modelling, literature references, public consultation or consultation with Indigenous Nations, or expert input or professional judgement. The EIS will identify those VCs, processes, and interactions that either were identified to be of concern during any workshops or meetings held by the proponent or that the proponent considers likely to be affected by the project. In doing so, the EIS will indicate to whom these concerns are important (i.e. the public or Indigenous Nations) and the reasons why, including environmental, cultural, historical, social, economic, recreational, and aesthetic considerations, and traditional knowledge. If comments are received on a component that has not been included as a VC, these comments will be summarized and the rationale for excluding the component will address the comments.
The spatial and temporal boundaries used in the EA may vary depending on the VC and will be considered separately for each VC, including for VCs related to the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes by Aboriginal peoples, or other environmental effects referred to under paragraph 5(1)(c) of CEAA 2012. The proponent is encouraged to consult with the Agency, federal and provincial government departments and agencies, local government and Indigenous Nations, and take into account public comments when defining the spatial and temporal boundaries used in the EIS.
The EIS will describe the spatial boundaries, including local and regional study areas, of each VC to be used in assessing the potential adverse environmental effects of the project and provide a rationale for each boundary. Spatial boundaries will be defined taking into account the appropriate scale and spatial extent of potential environmental effects, community knowledge and Aboriginal traditional knowledge, current or traditional land and resource use by Indigenous Nations, ecological, technical, social and cultural considerations.
The proponent is encouraged to consult relevant Agency policy and guidance [2] on topics to be addressed in the EIS, and to liaise with the Agency during the planning and development of the EIS. The proponent is also encouraged to consult relevant guidance documents from other federal departments, including Environment and Climate Change Canada's " Guidance for the Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement and Useful References "(2017) And Health Canada's " Useful Information for Environmental Assessment (2010)" [3].
In planning for a mine proposal and in developing the EIS and technical support documentation, the proponent is advised to consider the "Environmental Code of Practice for Metal Mines" [4], published by Environment and Climate Change Canada in 2009. The recommended practices in the Code include the development and implementation of environmental management tools, the management of wastewater and mining wastes, and the prevention and control of environmental releases to air, water and land. In addition, the parameters and approach of the Environmental Effects Monitoring program under the Metal Mining Effluent Regulations (MMER) should be considered when developing a baseline monitoring program for the aquatic environment.
Sub-section 19(3) of CEAA 2012 states that "the environmental assessment of a designated project may take into account community knowledge and Aboriginal traditional knowledge". For the purposes of these guidelines, community knowledge and Aboriginal traditional knowledge refers to knowledge acquired and accumulated by a local community or an Indigenous Nations.
The proponent will incorporate into the EIS the community knowledge and Aboriginal traditional knowledge to which it has access or that is acquired through public consultation and consultation with Indigenous Nations, in keeping with appropriate ethical standards and obligations of confidentiality. It is important that traditional knowledge holders are clearly informed of how the information provided will be used by the proponent. The proponent will integrate Aboriginal traditional knowledge into all aspects of its assessment including both methodology (e.g. establishing spatial and temporal boundaries, defining significance criteria) and analysis (e.g. baseline characterization, effects prediction, development of mitigation measures). Agreement should be obtained from Indigenous Nations regarding the use, management and protection of their existing traditional knowledge information during and after the EA. For more information on how Aboriginal traditional knowledge can be obtained and incorporated in the preparation of the EIS, please refer to the Agency's reference guide entitled "Considering Aboriginal traditional knowledge in environmental assessments conducted under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 ".
It is possible these guidelines may include matters which, in the judgement of the proponent, are not relevant or significant to the project. If such matters are omitted from the EIS, the proponent will clearly indicate it, and provide a justification so the Agency, federal authorities, Indigenous Nations, the public and any other interested party have an opportunity to comment on this decision. Where the Agency disagrees with the proponent's decision, it will require the proponent to provide the specified information.
The proponent will consider the use of both primary and secondary sources of information regarding baseline information, changes to the environment and the corresponding effect on health, socio-economics, physical and cultural heritage and the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes. Primary sources of information include traditional land use studies, socio-economic studies, heritage surveys or other relevant studies conducted specifically for the project and its EIS. Often these studies and other types of relevant information are obtained directly from Indigenous Nations. Secondary sources of information include previously documented information on the area, not collected specifically for the purposes of the project, or desk-top or literature-based information. The proponent will provide Indigenous Nations the opportunity to review and provide comments on the information used for describing and assessing effects on Aboriginal peoples (further information on consultation with Indigenous Nations is provided in Part 2, Section 5 of this document). Where there are discrepancies in the views of the proponent and Indigenous Nations on the information to be used in the EIS, the EIS will document these discrepancies and the rationale for the proponent's selection of information.
The assessment of the effects of each of the project components and physical activities, in all phases, will be based on a comparison of the biophysical and human environments between the predicted future conditions with the project and the predicted future conditions without the project. In undertaking the environmental effects assessment, the proponent will use best available information and methods. All conclusions will be substantiated. Predictions will be based on clearly stated assumptions. The proponent will describe how each assumption has been tested. With respect to quantitative models and predictions, the EIS will document the assumptions that underlie the model, the quality of the data and the degree of certainty of the predictions obtained. All technical studies prepared by or for the proponent as part of the environmental assessment will be submitted to the Agency.
For purposes of brevity and to avoid repetition, cross-referencing is preferred. The EIS may make reference to the information that has already been presented in other sections of the document, rather than repeating it. Detailed studies (including all relevant and supporting data and methodologies) will be provided in separate appendices and will be referenced by appendix, section and page in the text of the main document. The EIS will explain how information is organized in the document. This will include a table of content with a list of all tables, figures, and photographs referenced in the text. A table of concordance, which cross references the information presented in the EIS with the information requirements identified in the EIS Guidelines, will be provided. The proponent will provide copies of the EIS and its summary for distribution, including paper and electronic version in an unlocked, searchable PDF format, as directed by the Agency.
a summary of the consultation with Indigenous Nations, and the consultation of the public and government agencies, including a summary of the issues raised and the proponent's responses;
Consultation with Indigenous Nations
any treaty, self-government or other agreements between federal or provincial governments and Indigenous Nations that are pertinent to the project and/or EA;
The EIS will also describe the predicted environmental, economic and social benefits of the project. This information will be considered in assessing the justifiability [5] of any significant adverse residual environmental effects as defined in section 5 of CEAA 2012, if such effects are identified.
The EIS will identify and consider the environmental effects of alternative means of carrying out the project that are technically and economically feasible. The proponent will complete the assessment of alternative means in accordance with the Agency's Operational Policy Statement entitled "Addressing "Purpose of" and "Alternative Means" under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 [6].
operations method, including entirely underground operations;
material extraction method;
routes and transportation methods for ore, employees, equipment and material;
location of main project components, including the location of the ore processing plant, waste rock processing, tailings management facility and various piles of waste/tailings (ore, waste rock, topsoil, and overburden). With regard to the project infrastructure, the proponent must include in its analysis criteria, the environmental effects of the alternatives to the Project on air quality, wildlife and the practice of traditional activities of Indigenous people;
management of water supply and waste water ;
mine water management and location of the final effluent discharge points;
mine waste disposal and final effluent discharge (methods and sites considered) [7].
The study should make it possible to visualize the location of the alternatives.
The infrastructure and facilities for the management of ore and low-grade ore, as well as any mine waste (tailings, waste rock, overburden, topsoil) (footprint, volumes, development plans and design criteria);
the open pit(footprint, location, operating ramps. development plans including pit phases);
crusher, and processing facilities (footprint, technology, location);
water management facilities proposed to control, collect and discharge surface drainage and groundwater seepage to the receiving environment from all key components of the mine infrastructure (e.g. underground mine water, mine effluent, polishing ponds, treatment ponds);
systems for the detection of leaks and spills from petroleum equipment or tanks or spills from waste rock/tailings ponds or mine and treatment water ponds;
permanent and temporary linear infrastructures (road, railroad, pipelines, power supply, bridge), identifying the route of each of these linear infrastructures, the location and types of structure used for stream crossings;
wastewater and septic tanks;
The EIS will include descriptions of the construction, operation, decommissioning, abandonment and the restoration phases associated with the proposed project.
Although a complete list of project activities should be provided, the emphasis will be on activities with the greatest potential to have environmental effects. Sufficient information will be included to predict environmental effects and address concerns identified by the public and Indigenous Nations. Highlight activities that involve periods of increased environmental disturbance or the release of materials into the environment.
The EIS will include a summary of the changes that have been made to the project since originally proposed, including the benefits of these changes to the environment, Indigenous Nations, and the public.
site clearing, stripping and excavation;
construction or installation of river crossings, the replacement or expansion of bridges or culverts;
construction or rebuilding of existing roads or access routes;
borrow material requirements (source and quantity);
construction of storage and containment areas for ore, waste rock, tailings and overburden;
construction of water management infrastructure, including watercourse diversions, dewatering or depositions activities required (location, method and timing);
construction of electrical lines and substations;
equipment needs (type, quantity);
construction of buildings (plants, laboratory, warehouses, garages, administrative offices and other related facilities);
construction camp (location, capacity, wastewater treatment and drinking water supply);
storage and management of hazardous materials, fuels and residual materials.
mining plan, ore production, ore treatment, ore stockpiling, concentrate production;
facilities and activities related to the management of tailings based on a possible radioactivity, including their processing and discharge;
ore extraction (drilling, blasting (frequency and methods) and loading and hauling of ore and other activities that take place during extraction, such as loading and transportation of waste rock and concentrate);
dyke construction (maximum height, stability, percolation control and impermeability, storage capacity, filling scheme);
water management on the project site including mine water, storm water, process water, wastewater, water recycling and effluent treatment (location of points of release of the point(s) of effluent discharge, quantity, treatment requirements, discharge techniques (piping, conduits, pumping, diffuser));
ore treatment;
the preliminary outline of a decommissioning and reclamation plan for any components associated with the project, including with regard to mine waste management (tailings management facility, waste rock, ore and overburden dumps);
the responsibility for monitoring and maintaining the integrity of the remaining structures;
For the purposes of developing the EIS, the proponent will engage with Indigenous Nations that may be affected by the project, to obtain their views on:
potential adverse impacts of the project on potential or established section 35 (Constitution Act, 1982) rights, including title and related interests, in respect of the Crown's duty to consult, and where appropriate, accommodate Aboriginal peoples.
With respect to the effects of changes to the environment on Aboriginal peoples, the assessment requirements are outlined in Part 2, sections 6.1.9 and 6.3.6 of these guidelines. With respect to potential adverse impacts of the project on potential or established section 35 rights, including title and related interests, the EIS will document for each Nation identified in Part 2, Section 5.1 of these guidelines (or in subsequent correspondence from the Agency):
potential or established section 35 rights [8], including title and related interests, when this information is directly provided by a Nation to the proponent, the Agency or is available through public records, including:
potential adverse impacts of each of the project components and physical activities, in all phases, on potential or established section 35 rights, including title and related interests. This assessment is to be based on a comparison of the exercise of the identified rights, title and related interests between the predicted future conditions with the project and the predicted future conditions without the project. Include the perspectives of potentially impacted Indigenous Nations where these were provided to the proponent by the latter;
potential adverse impacts on potential or established section 35 rights, including title and related interests that have not been fully mitigated or accommodated as part of the EA and associated consultation with Aboriginal peoples. The proponent will also take into account the potential adverse impacts that may result from the residual and cumulative environmental effects. Include the perspectives of potentially affected Nations where these were provided to the proponent by the Nations.
In terms of gathering views from potentially affected Indigenous Nations with respect to both environmental effects of the project and the potential adverse impacts of the project on potential or established section 35 rights, including title and related interests, the EIS will document:
VCs suggested by Nations for inclusion in the EIS, whether they were included, and the rationale for any exclusions;
specific suggestions raised by each Nation for mitigating the effects of changes to the environment on Aboriginal peoples or accommodating potential adverse impacts of the project on potential or established section 35 rights, including title and related interests;
views expressed by each Nation on the effectiveness of the mitigation or accommodation measures;
from the proponent's perspective, any potential cultural, social and/or economic impacts or benefits to each Nation identified that may arise as a result of the project. Include the perspectives of potentially affected Nations where these were provided to the proponent by the latter;
any other comments, specific issues and concerns raised by potentially affected Nations and how they were responded to or addressed;
changes made to the project design and implementation directly as a result of discussions with potentially affected Nations;
any additional issues and concerns raised by potentially affected Nations in relation to the environmental effects assessment and the potential adverse impacts of the project on potential or established section 35 rights, including title and related interests.
The Agency recommends the proponent create a tracking table of key issues raised by each Nation, including the concerns raised related to the project, proposed mitigation measures, and where appropriate, a reference to the proponent's analysis in the EIS. Information provided related to potential adverse impacts on potential or established section 35 rights will be considered by the Crown in meeting its common law duty to consult obligations as set out in the Updated Guidelines for Federal Officials to Fulfill the Duty to Consult (2011).
With respect to consultation activities, the EIS will document:
the consultation activities undertaken with each Nation prior to the submission of the EIS, including the date and means of engagement (e.g. meeting, mail, telephone);
any future planned consultation activities; and
how consultation activities by the proponent allowed Indigenous Nations to understand the project and evaluate its effects on their communities, activities, potential or established section 35 rights, including title and related interests.
In preparing the EIS, the proponent will ensure that the Indigenous Nations have access to timely and relevant information on the project and how the project may adversely impact them. The proponent will structure its consultation activities to provide adequate time for the Indigenous Nations to review and comment on the relevant information. Consultation activities are to be appropriate to the Indigenous Nations' needs, arranged through discussions with the Indigenous Nations and in keeping with established consultation protocols, where available. The EIS will describe all efforts, successful or not, taken to solicit the information required from the Indigenous Nations to support the preparation of the EIS.
The proponent will ensure that views of the Indigenous Nations are recorded and that the latter are provided with opportunities to validate the interpretation of their views. The proponent will keep detailed tracking records of its engagement activities, recording all interactions with the Indigenous Nations, the issues raised by each Nation and how the proponent addressed the concerns raised. The proponent will share these records with the Agency.
For the Indigenous Nations expected to be most affected by the project, the proponent is expected to strive towards developing a productive and constructive relationship based on on-going dialogue with the Indigenous Nations in order to support information gathering and the effects assessment. Presently, the Cree First Nation of Eastmain has been identified.
For the above Indigenous Nations, the proponent will strive to use primary data sources and hold face-to-face meetings to discuss concerns. The proponent will facilitate these meetings by making key EA summary documents (baseline studies, EIS, key findings, plain language summaries) accessible in advance. The proponent will ensure there are sufficient opportunities for individuals and Nations to provide oral input in the language of their choice. If possible, the proponent should consider translating information for these Indigenous Nations into the appropriate Indigenous languages(s) in order to facilitate consultation activities during the EA.
In addition to the Nation mentioned above, other Nations could be added as new knowledge is acquired about the environmental effects of the project and/or if the project or its components change during the EA. The Agency reserves the right to alter the list of Nations that the proponent will engage as additional information is gathered during the EA.
Upon receipt of knowledge or information of potential effects or adverse impacts to a Nation not listed above, the proponent shall provide that information to the Agency at the earliest opportunity.
a baseline survey of ambient air quality in the project areas and in the airshed likely to be affected by the project, for the mine site, by identifying and quantifying emission sources for, but not limited to, the following contaminants: total suspended particulates, fine particulates smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5), respirable particulates of less than 10 microns (PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs);
current ambient noise levels at key receptor points (e.g. areas used by Indigenous Nations for their traditional activities, communities, cabins), including the results of a baseline ambient noise survey. Information on typical sound sources, geographic extent and temporal variations will be included;
the geochemical characterization of expected mine material with a detailed sampling plan such as waste rock, ore, low grade ore, tailings, overburden and potential construction material in order to predict metal leaching and acid rock drainage [10] including oxidation of primary sulphides and secondary soluble sulphate minerals;
baseline concentrations of contaminants of concern within the local, regional and downstream receiving environments;
geochemical characterization of leaching potential, including, but not limited to, contaminants of concern from waste rock, pit walls, and tailings.
the characterization of soils in the excavation sector in terrestrial and riparian areas, and a description of their past uses;
topography, drainage, geology and hydrogeology, and the physicochemical characteristics of potential sediment or soil deposition sites in the terrestrial environment.
characterization of the shoreline, banks, current and future flood risk areas, and wetlands (fens, marshes, peatlands, mudflats and eelgrass beds, etc.), including the location and extent of wetlands likely to be affected by project activities according to their size, type (class and form), the description of their function [11] (ecological, hydrological, wildlife, socioeconomic, etc.) and species composition of plant species that contribute to the determination of their classification according to a recognized method. [12]. To complete the scientific studies, the proponent should seek to collect information on the characterization of these environments from traditional knowledge holders and users of the Cree Nation of Eastmain lands;
plant and animal species (abundance, distribution and diversity) and their habitats, with a focus on species with special status that are of social, economic, cultural or scientific significance, as well as invasive alien species. To complete the scientific studies, the proponent should seek to collect information on the presence of plant and animal species from traditional knowledge holders and users of the Cree Nation of Eastmain lands.
groundwater levels, piezometric curves, flow directions, groundwater divides, and feeding and draining areas should also be included;
the location and description of all groundwater monitoring wells in relation to the project area, including data on construction, geology, hydrostratigraphy and piezometry (e.g., depth of surface rock and bedrock, bedrock quality, fracturing zones, piezometric levels, hydraulic conductivity, filter diameter and depth, and intercepted aquifer unit);
seasonal surface water quality, including analytical results (e.g. water temperature, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen profiles) and interpretation for representative tributaries and water bodies including all sites to receive mine effluents or runoff;
For potentially affected surface waters directly or indirectly affected by the project:
a characterization of fish populations on the basis of species and life stage, including information on the surveys carried out and the source of data available (e.g. location of sampling stations, catch methods, date of catches, the recorded species, catch per unit effort). To complete the scientific studies, the proponent should seek to collect information on the presence of fish from traditional knowledge holders and users of the Cree Nation of Eastmain lands;
a description of natural obstacles (e.g. falls, beaver dams [13]) or existing structures (e.g. water crossings) that hinder the free passage of fish;
description of birds and their habitats that are found or are likely to be found in the study area. This description may be based on existing sources, but supporting evidence is required to demonstrate that the data used are representative of the avifauna and habitats found in the study area. The existing data must be supplemented by surveys [14], if required To complete the scientific studies, the proponent should seek to collect information on the presence of birds and their habitats from traditional knowledge holders and users of the Cree Nation of Eastmain lands;
abundance, distribution, and life stages of migratory birds likely to be affected in the project area based on existing information, or surveys, as appropriate, to provide current field data;
characterization of various types of habitat found in the project area, likely to be affected, based on existing information (land cover types, vegetation);
year-round migratory bird use of the area (e.g. winter, spring migration, breeding season, fall migration), based on preliminary data from existing sources and surveys in order to present the data if appropriate.
a list of all potential or known federally listed species at risk (fauna and flora) listed in Appendix 1 of the Species at Risk Act, present and potentially present in the study area that may be affected by the project, established by means of data and literature as well as surveys to provide current field data To complement the scientific studies conducted, the proponent should seek to collect information on the presence of species at risk from traditional knowledge holders and users of the Cree Nation of Eastmain lands;
a list of all federal species assessed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) to be listed on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act. This will include those species in the risk categories of extirpated, endangered, threatened and of special concern;
any published studies that describe the regional importance, abundance and distribution of species at risk including recovery programs, action plans and management plans . The existing data must be supplemented by surveys, if required; and
description of residences, seasonal movements, movement corridors, habitat requirements, key habitat areas, critical habitats and designated recovery habitats (if any), and the life cycle of species at risk or assessed by COSEWIC as likely to be in the study area;
With respect to potential effects on Indigenous peoples and the related VCs, baseline information will be provided for the Eastmain Cree Nation (and any other Nations identified after these guidelines are finalized). Baseline information will describe and characterize the elements in paragraph 5(1)(c) of CEAA 2012 based on the spatial and temporal scope selected for the EA according to the factors outlined in Part 1, Section 3.3.3 of this document. Baseline information will also characterize the regional context of each of the elements of paragraph 5(1)(c) of CEAA 2012 to support the assessment of project related effects and cumulative effects. Baseline information will be sufficient to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of each VC.
Baseline information for the occupation and current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes will focus on the traditional activity (e.g. hunting, fishing, trapping, plant gathering) and include a characterization of all attributes of the activity that can be affected by environmental change. This includes not only identifying species of importance, but also assessing the quality and quantity of preferred traditional resources and locations, timing (e.g. seasonality, access restrictions, distance from community), ambient/sensory environment (e.g. noise, air quality, visual landscape, presence of others) and cultural environment (e.g. historical/generational connections, preferred areas). Specific aspects that will be considered include, but are not limited to:
location of traditional territory ;
location of communities;
It will be very important for knowledge and intelligence holders to be clearly informed of how the information provided will be used by the proponent. If confidential information is collected, it will be important to inform the Agency so that the impact study published on the Agency's register is exempt from this information (see 4.2.2).
Baseline information for health [15] and socio-economic conditions will include the functioning and health of the socio-economic environment, encompassing a broad range of matters that affect Aborignal people communities in the study area in a way that recognizes interrelationships, system functions and the most vulnerable groups. Specific aspects that will be considered include, but are not limited to:
consumption of country foods (also known as traditional foods) including food that is trapped, fished, hunted, harvested or grown for subsistence or medicinal purposes;
which country foods are consumed by which Nations, how frequently, and where these country foods are harvested;
Baseline information for physical and cultural heritage [16] (including any site, structure or thing of archaeological, paleontological, historical or architectural significance) will consider all elements of cultural and historical importance to Nations in the area and is not restricted to artifacts considered under provincial heritage legislative requirements. Specific aspects that will be considered include, but are not limited to:
Any other baseline information that supports the analysis of predicted effects on Indigenous peoples will be included as necessary. The EIS will also indicate how input from Nations, including Aboriginal traditional knowledge, was used in establishing the baseline conditions related to health and socio-economics, physical and cultural heritage and current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes.
In the case where a section 5(2) decision is involved, for example an authorization under section 35 of the Fisheries Act, that could result in a change to the environment and affect non-Indigenous people, then the impact study will include information about:
changes in air quality: to measure the concentration of contaminants found throughout the territory potentially affected by air emissions, the proponent will carry out atmospheric dispersion modeling of the main contaminants (see Part 2, section 6.1.1) resulting from various project-related activities (sources), including the use of heavy machinery during construction and road transportation. The proponent will be required to compare anticipated air quality against the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) for fine particulate matter and ozone as well as the Quebec standards and criteria for air quality. The proponent will also be required to consider the new Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) for sulfur dioxide (NO2) that will be in effect in 2020. The proponent will describe all methods or practices that will be implemented to minimize and control air emissions throughout the project life cycle;
contaminants deposition rate in aquatic and land environment within the zone of influence of the project;
a specific section of the impact statement should be dedicated to GHGs. The proponent must:
provide information related to the project's electrical demand and sources of electrical power for facilities and equipment, i.e., the project's main source and any other additional sources (generators, etc.), as appropriate.
changes to the hydrological and hydrometric conditions (including the loss of Lac Kapisikama);
changes to groundwater quality associated with storage or release of any mine effluents or drainage including surface runoff;
pit water chemistry during operation and post-closure, and pit closure management measures (e.g. flooding). This will include geochemical modelling of pit water quality in the post-closure period; and
changes to the habitat of birds, including losses, structural changes and fragmentation of riparian habitat (e.g., aquatic grassbeds) of terrestrial environments and wetlands frequented by birds (types of cover, quantity, diversity, distribution and functions) A specific section will cover changes to habitat functions for waterfowl, given its importance to traditional hunting by the Cree First Nation of Eastmain;
Based on the predicted changes to the environment identified in section 6.2, the proponent is to assess the environmental effects of the project on the following VCs. All interconnections between VCs and between effects to multiple VCs will be described:
direct adverse effects on birds, including population level effects that could be caused by all project activities, including habitat loss due to tree clearing, clearing of sites or birds and nests being in contact with contaminated substances (for example by the deposit of harmful substances in ponds) or collision risk of migratory birds with any project infrastructure and vehicles; and
indirect effects caused by increased disturbance (e.g. noise, light, presence of workers, vehicle movements), and changes in bird habitat, considering the critical breeding and migration, moulting, wintering, etc.
the potential effects of the project on federally listed species at risk in Appendix 1 of the Species at Risk Act and those species listed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada classified as extirpated, endangered, threatened or of special concern (flora and fauna) and their critical habitat, including:
With respect to Indigenous peoples, a description and analysis of how changes to the environment caused by the project will affect on:
current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes [17]. This assessment will characterize the effects on the use or activity (e.g. hunting, fishing, trapping, plant gathering) as a result of the underlying changes to the environment (i.e. how will the activity change if the project proceeds). The underlying changes to the environment will also be described, including, but not limited to:
human health, related to potential changes concerning:
air quality [18];
the soundscape owing to the effects of vibration from blasting et à l'exposition au bruit [19];
availability and quality of country foods. The proponent must provide a rationale if it determines that an assessment of the risk of contamination of foods taken from the wild is not required or if certain contaminants are excluded from the assessment;
water quality [20] (drinking, recreational and cultural uses).
When risks to human health due to changes in one or more of these components are predicted, a complete Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) performed according to a recognized methodology, will prove necessary to adequately characterize these risks. Any related effects, such as effects on the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes, will also be assessed.
socio-economic conditions, including:
physical and cultural heritage, and structures, sites or things of historical, archaeological, paleontological or architectural significance to Aboriginal Nations [21], including, but not limited to:
Other effects of changes to the environment on Nations should be reflected as necessary.
If there is the potential for a change to the environment arising as a result of a federal decision(s), for example an authorization under section 35 of the Fisheries Act, the EIS should include a description of the specific project components for which a federal authorization/decision is required, and an assessment of any other VCs (not already covered in other subsections of these guidelines) that may be affected by the changes to the environment caused by these specific project components (e.g. any element relevant to the human environment indicated in section 6.1.11).
If there is the potential for the project to result in environmental changes on federal lands, another province, or another country, then VCs of importance not already identified should be included. For example, if the project will result in the generation of greenhouse gas emissions, the EIS should include a description of the project's greenhouse gas emissions in a regional, provincial, national or international context if applicable.
The EIS will then describe mitigation measures that are specific to each environmental effect identified. Mitigation measures will be written as specific commitments that clearly describe how the proponent intends to implement them and the environmental outcome the mitigation measure is designed to address. The EIS will describe mitigation measures in relation to species at risk and/or critical habitat listed under the Species at Risk Act. These measures will be consistent with any applicable recovery strategy and action plans.
After having established the technically and economically feasible mitigation measures, the EIS will present any residual environmental effects of the project on the VCs identified in Section 6.3 above. The residual adverse environmental effects, even if very small or deemed insignificant should be described.
The EIS will then provide a detailed analysis of the significance of the residual environmental effects that are considered adverse following the implementation of mitigation measures, using guidance described in Section 4 of the Agency's Operational Policy Statement, Determining Whether a Project is Likely to Cause Significant Adverse Environmental Effects under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 [22].
The EIS will identify the criteria used to assign significance ratings to any predicted adverse effects. It will contain clear and sufficient information to enable the Agency, technical and regulatory agencies, Indigenous Nations, and the public to review the proponent's analysis of the significance of effects. The EIS will document the terms used to describe the level of significance.
Taking into account the lifespan of different project components, the proponent will identify the probability of potential accidents and malfunctions related to the project, including an explanation of how those events were identified, potential consequences (including the environmental effects as defined in section 5 of CEAA 2012). The proponent will also have to present the worst credible scenarios and their effects on the environment. These scenarios must include, among other things, dam failure involving the discharge of contaminated water and tailings into the receiving environment.
The proponent will identify and assess the project's cumulative effects using the approach described in the Agency's Operational Policy Statement entitled Addressing Cumulative Environmental Effects under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 and should also take into account the guide entitled Technical Guidance for Assessing Cumulative Environmental Effects under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 [23].
identify the sources of potential cumulative effects. Specify other projects or activities that have been or that are likely to be carried out that could cause effects on each selected VC within the boundaries defined, and whose effects would act in combination with the residual effects of the project. .Without limitation, the proponent will consider mineral exploration, abandoned and operating mines and hydroelectric projects. This assessment may consider the results of any relevant study conducted by a committee established under section 73 or 74 of CEAA 2012;
The proponent is encouraged to consult with key stakeholders and Indigenous Nations prior to finalizing the choice of VCs and the appropriate boundaries to assess cumulative effects.
opportunity for the proponent to include the participation of Indigenous Nations and stakeholders on the affected territory, during the development and implementation of the program; particularly Cree First Nation of Eastmain;
plans to engage Indigenous Nations in monitoring.
Main criteria to determine the significance of the effects [24]
Area of federal jurisdiction [25] (√)
[3] http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2015/sc-hc/H128-1-10-599-eng.pdf
[4] Visit Environment and Climate Change Canada's website at: https://www.ec.gc.ca/lcpe-cepa/default.asp?lang=En&n=CBE3CD59-1
[5] See subsection 52(2) of CEAA 2012.
[6] Refer to the Operational Policy Statements' " Purpose " and "Alternatives" under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Ac t, 2012 on the following website: https://www.canada.ca/en/environmental-assessment-agency/news/media-room/media-room-2015/addressing-purpose-alternative-means-under-canadian-environmental-assessment-act-2012.html
[7] Should an MMER Schedule 2 amendment be required for the project, the proponent is strongly encouraged to include MMER requirements for an assessment of alternatives for mine waste disposal in the EIS. The methodology recommended for the conduct of mine waste disposal alternatives is described in Environment and Climate Change Canada's Guidelines for the Assessment of Alternatives for Mine Waste Disposal (2011). A copy of this guide can be found on Environment and Climate Change Canada's website at www.ec.gc.ca. Proponent should also refer to Part 1, Section 4.1 of the present guidelines.
[8] The 2011 Updated Guidelines for Federal Officials to Fulfill the Duty to Consult (the Guidelines) defines Aboriginal rights as: practices, traditions and customs integral to the distinctive culture of the Aboriginal Nation claiming the right that existed prior to contact with the Europeans (Van de Peet). In the context of Métis groups, Aboriginal rights means practices, traditions, and customs integral to the distinctive culture of the Métis group that existed prior to effective European control, that is, prior to the time when Europeans effectively established political and legal control in the claimed area (Powley). Generally, these rights are fact and site specific. For greater certainty, the Guidelines also define Aboriginal title as an Aboriginal right. Visit the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada website at: http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100014664/1100100014675
[10] The manual produced by the Mine Environment Neutral Drainage (MEND) Program, entitled, MEND Report 1.20.1, "Prediction Manual for Drainage Chemistry from Sulphidic Geologic Materials", Version 0 - December 2009 is a recommended reference for use in acid rock drainage and metal leaching prediction.
[11] Hanson, A., L. Swanson, D. Ewing, G. Grabas, S. Meyer, L. Ross, M. Watmough et J. Kirkby. 2008, Wetland Ecological Functions Assessment: An Overview of Approaches, Canadian Wildlife Service, Technical Report Series Number 497, October 2008. Atlantic Region, 70 pp.
[12] The Canadian Wetland Classification System, National Wetlands Working Group, 1997, See the website http://www.gret-perg.ulaval.ca/fileadmin/fichiers/fichiersGRET/pdf/Doc_generale/WetlandsWetlands.pdf
[13] Note that Fisheries and Oceans Canada does not consider beaver dams as impassable and permanent barriers to fish.
[14] The inventories required should be developed based on the references and recommendations found in ECCC's document entitled " Guidance for the Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement and Useful References " (2017) (available from Environment and Climate Change Canada), and the Canadian Wildlife Service Technical Report No. 508, A Framework for the Scientific Assessment of Potential Project Impacts on Birds (Hanson et al., 2009) available at http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2010/ec/CW69-5-508-fra.pdf. Appendix 3 of the Framework provides examples of project types and recommended techniques for assessing impacts on migratory birds.
[15] The proponent should refer to Health Canada's Useful Information for Environmental Assessments document in order to include the appropriate baseline information relevant to human health. This document can be obtained at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/eval/environ_assess-eval/index-eng.php
[16] Heritage resources to be considered will include but not be limited to, physical objects (e.g. middens, culturally-modified trees, historic buildings), sites or places (e.g. burial sites, sacred sites, cultural landscapes) and attributes (e.g. language, beliefs).
[17] The proponent should take into account the advice and recommendations provided by the Agency in the following document: Technical Guidance for Assessing the Current Use of Lands and Resources for Traditional Purposes under CEAA 2012 -https://www.canada.ca/en/environmental-assessment-agency/services/policy-guidance/technical-guidance-assessing-current-use-lands-resources-traditional-purposes-under-ceaa-2012.html
[18] The proponent should take into account the advice and recommendations provided by Health Canada in the following document: Guidance for Evaluating Human Health Impacts in Environmental Assessment: Air Quality -https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/guidance-evaluating-human-health-impacts-air-quality.html
[19] The proponent should take into account the advice and recommendations provided by Health Canada at the following address: Guidance for Evaluation Human Health Impacts in Environmental Assessment: Noise - https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/guidance-evaluating-human-health-impacts-noise.html
[20] The proponent should take into account the advice and recommendations provided by Health Canada in the following document: Guidance for Evaluation Human Health Impacts in Environmental Assessment: Water Quality - https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/guidance-evaluating-human-health-impacts-water-quality.html
[21] The proponent should take into account the advice and recommendations provided by the Agency in the following document: Technical Guidance for Assessing Physical and Cultural Heritage or any Structure, Site or Thing - https://www.canada.ca/en/environmental-assessment-agency/services/policy-guidance/technical-guidance-assessing-physical-cultural-heritage-or-structure-site-or-thing.html
[22] Visit the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency's website at: https://www.canada.ca/en/environmental-assessment-agency/news/media-room/media-room-2015/determining-whether-designated-project-is-likely-cause-significant-adverse-environmental-effects-under-ceaa-2012.html
[23] Visit the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency's website at: https://www.canada.ca/en/environmental-assessment-agency/services/policy-guidance.html
[24] Other key criteria may be used to determine the significance of the effects, if applicable. The ecological and social context within which the potential environmental effects may occur should be taken into account when considering the key criteria above in relation to a particular valued component, as the context may help better characterize whether adverse effects are significant.
[25] Indicate by a check mark which valued components can be considered "environmental effects" as defined in section 5 of CEAA 2012, and specify which subsection of section 5 is relevant. For example, for the VC "current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes", the appropriate cell would indicate, section 5(1)(c)(iii) of CEAA 2012.
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