Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Effects Summary Document
November 2012
Prepared for:
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
CEAR 11-03-64144
Table of Contents INTRODUCTION PART A - KEEYASK GENERATION PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PART B - KEEYASK TRANSMISSION PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REPORT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Introduction The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) invites the public to comment on the potential environmental effects of the Keeyask Generation Project and the proposed measures to prevent or mitigate those effects as described in this document. Keeyask Hydropower Limited Partnership proposes the construction, operation and decommissioning of the Project, a 695 megawatt hydroelectric generating station to be located at Gull Rapids on the lower Nelson River, approximately 180 kilometres northeast of Thompson, Manitoba. The Keeyask Generation Project includes a powerhouse complex, spillway, dams, dykes, reservoir and supporting infrastructure (the Project). The federal environmental assessment also considers a proposal by Manitoba Hydro for a 22 kilometre transmission line to provide construction power to the Keeyask Generation Project and three 35 kilometre long transmission lines within a single corridor to transmit electricity from the Keeyask Generation Project to the existing Radisson Converter Station near Gillam, Manitoba as part of the Project.
This document is based on the Environmental Impact Statement for the Keeyask Generation Project submitted by the Keeyask Hydropower Limited Partnership in July 2012 and the Environmental Assessment Report submitted by Manitoba Hydro in November 2012. The environmental impact analyses are presented in two parts within this document. Part A includes the Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement. Part B includes Executive Summary of the Keeyask Transmission Project Environmental Assessment Report. The Agency, in requesting a review of the Environmental Effects Summary Document, is soliciting input from the public on whether the proponent has adequately identified the potential environmental effects and issues of concern in relation to the Project. Comments received on this document will be considered by the Agency when preparing a comprehensive study report (CSR). The CSR will document the Agency’s conclusions on the potential environmental effects, the proposed mitigation measures, and the significance of any remaining adverse environmental effects of the Project. These conclusions will take into account all comments received during the environmental assessment, including those from the public, Aboriginal groups, and expert federal reviewers. The CSR will be made available for public review and comment once it is completed. The Minister of the Environment will take into consideration the CSR and all comments received during the public review period in taking his environmental assessment decision. This decision will be documented in an environmental assessment decision statement, setting out the Minister’s opinion on whether the Project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects taking into account the implementation of mitigation measures.
Written comments in either official language must be submitted by December 21, 2012 to: Keeyask Generation Project Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Suite 101, 167 Lombard Ave Winnipeg, MB R3B 0T6 Telephone: 204-983-5127 Fax: 204-983-7174 [email protected] All comments received will be considered public and will become part of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry project file.
PART A - Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement Executive Summary
Prepared by:
The Keeyask Hydropower Limited Partnership
Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement Executive Summary
June 2012 Executive Summary
The Keeyask Hydropower Limited pleased to submit the Environmental Partnership (consisting of Manitoba Impact Statement for the Keeyask Hydro and investment entities Generation Project.
representing Tataskweyak Cree This Executive Summary highlights Nation and War Lake First Nation ¿ndings and conclusions from the acting together as the Cree Nation Environmental Impact Statement Partners, York Factory First Nation submission to regulatory authorities. and Fox Lake Cree Nation) is
Artist’s renderings of principal structures.
Keeyask Generating Station
Capacity:C 695 megawatts (4,400 gigawatt hours average annual energy)
In-serviceI Date: First generator: 2019 All generators: 2020
ConstructionC Start: June 2014 Note To Readers Flooding:F 45 square kilometres This Executive Summary uses concise language to KeeyaskK Cree Tataskweyak Cree Nation, War Lake First Nation, summarize several complex subjects. Readers are NationsN Partners: Fox Lake Cree Nation, York Factory First Nation referred to the full Environmental Impact Statement FirstF Nations’ Ownership: Up to 25% for a complete understanding of these subjects.
2 Keeyask Cree Nations and Manitoba Hydro: A Collaborative Working Relationshipship
he four Keeyask Cree Nations based on their worldview, has tthehe Tand Manitoba Hydro have been Cree participating meaningfullyy in involved in a negotiating process the evaluation of the Project inn their that has led to a collaborative ancestral homeland, working relationship to develop and provides a realistic the Keeyask Generation Project picture of what has been on the Nelson River. happening between Manitoba Hydro This unique two-track approach has the Keeyask Cree Nations This collaborative relationship has and the Cree in their efforts to reach a participating meaningfully in the created a two-track approach in the just and equitable agreement. evaluation of the Project in their production of the Environmental 7KLVDSSURDFKLVUHÁHFWHGLQWKH ancestral homeland. Impact Statement in which the Cree Environmental Impact Statement worldview basis of the Keeyask and demonstrates the real efforts of Cree Nations’ evaluations of the both the Keeyask Cree Nations and environmental impact of the Project Manitoba Hydro to reconcile their upon themselves is given equal weight differing worldviews in a mutually and recognition to technical science. EHQHÀFLDODQGUHVSHFWIXOZD\
This unique approach, in which the Keeyask Cree Nations have evaluated the effects of the Project on themselves
Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 3 Table of Contents
1. Introduction 6
2. Project Description 10
3. T he Keeyask Cree N ations E valuation Processes 13
4. Public Involvement 17
The Environmental Impact Statement for the Keeyask Generation 5. E nvironmental E ffects Assessment 20 Project consists of this Executive Summary, the Response to the EIS Guidelines, the Keeyask Cree Nations 6. Cumulative E ffects 35 Environmental Evaluation Reports, and a video (Keeyask: Our Story). The Environmental Impact Statement 7. M onitoring and F ollow- up 39 is supplemented by six supporting volumes. All documents are available in the Manitoba Conservation and Water 8. T he Project and Sustainable Development 40 Stewardship Public Registry. Except for the supporting volumes, they are also available on the Keeyask Hydropower 9. Conclusion 43 Limited Partnership website (www.keeyask.com). You may also order a CD through the website. 10. Appendix 44
4 Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 5 1. Introduction TheT Keeyask Generation Project PD[LPL]HVWKH3URMHFW·VSRWHQWLDOEHQHÀWV (the Project) is a proposed 695-megawatt and avoids, reduces or mitigates potential plant on the lower Nelson River in adverse effects associated with a large northern Manitoba. The Project represents hydroelectric development. the culmination of a decade-long planning The Project provides a broad spectrum process involving Manitoba Hydro and of economic, social and environmental four Cree Nations known collectively as attributes important to the Keeyask Cree the Keeyask Cree Nations: Tataskweyak Nations, the local region, the province of Cree Nation and War Lake First Nation The Project provides Manitoba, Canada and energy consumers in (working together as the Cree Nation a broad spectrum of U.S. markets. Partners), Fox Lake Cree Nation and York economic, social and Factory First Nation. As Partners, the Keeyask Cree Nations environmental attributes brought the Cree worldview and Members’ important to the Keeyask TThe Crown corporation and these perspectives to Project planning and Cree Nations, the local Cree Nations have together formed design, a process that will continue region, the province of the Keeyask Hydropower Limited throughout Project construction and Manitoba, Canada and Partnership (the Partnership) to develop operation. Manitoba Hydro and each of the energy consumers in this secure, renewable energy Project in an Keeyask Cree Nations negotiated Adverse U.S. markets. environmentally and socially responsible Effects Agreements well in advance of manner. The Project is aligned and Project construction that address known grounded in the sustainable development and foreseeable adverse effects through principles of Canada, Manitoba, Manitoba traditional and cultural programs and other Hydro and the Cree worldview. measures. Project construction will provide WWorking as partners, Manitoba Hydro and Keeyask Cree Nations Members with both the Keeyask Cree Nations have assessed employment and business opportunities, the Project using both technical science and potential to expand and strengthen and Aboriginal traditional knowledge, along local capacity. The Keeyask Cree Nations wwith information gained through extensive also have the opportunity to become public and government consultation and equity owners in the Project, which has the iinvolvement. The Keeyask Cree Nations potential to provide them with ongoing have also undertaken and submitted their investment income. own Project environmental evaluations. TThis integrated and collaborative approach
FAC K TO R R O Y Y
F N I R S I O T N A T
6 Coal
The Keeyask Generation Project will produce a fraction Natural Gas of the greenhouse gas emissions
Keeyask produced by a natural gas or coal Generation station of the equivalent size. Project
For Manitoba Hydro, the Project will and, once operating, generate an ongoing further optimize the Crown corporation’s revenue stream for many decades. investment in the Nelson River system During the planning and design process, ZKHUHÀYHODUJHK\GURHOHFWULFJHQHUDWLQJ the Keeyask Cree Nations and Manitoba stations produce over 70 percent of +\GURLGHQWLÀHGDQGDGGUHVVHGFRQFHUQV Manitoba Hydro’s electricity. The Project to avoid, reduce and mitigate Project will provide Manitoba homes and environmental effects. The Project offers businesses, as well as customers in U.S. the lowest reservoir-level option among export markets, with renewable energy the technically and economically feasible Special precautions have been that results in net global greenhouse options studied, resulting in the least taken to reduce impacts on gas reduction. DPRXQWRI ÁRRGLQJDQGRSHUDWLQJZLWKLQ ¿sh, particularly lake sturgeon, During eight-and-a-half years of a small, one-metre reservoir range. Special and other sensitive aquatic and construction, the Project will provide a precautions have been taken to reduce terrestrial species and habitats. major stimulus to the provincial economy LPSDFWVRQÀVKSDUWLFXODUO\ODNHVWXUJHRQ
Limestone G.S. 0
PR 28 Fox Lake Cree Nation Fox Lake (Bird) Henday C.S.
S TE TL RC60 P H Long E N S Spruce Kettle G.S. G.S. Proposed LAKE Keeyask G.S. Gillam Radisson C.S. NELSON RIVER LAKE ULL G Fox Lake Cree Nation AA Birthday A Kwis Ki Mahka Reserve A CLARK Rapids MM A LAKE RR MM RR Tataskweyak Cree Nation ee kk Split Lake ee aa kk Y LL aa tt LL TL KS37 ii ll xx URNTWOOD RIVER pp HUDSON BAY RAILWA oo SS FF York Factory First Nation Kelsey York Landing (Kawechiwasik) TL KN36 G.S. War Lake First Nation Ilford York Factory RMA
S p l i t L a k e R M A S p l i t L a k e R M A Bipoles 1 & 2
TL KH38
NELSON RIVER
Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 7 Joint Keeyask Development Agreement signing ceremony, May 2009.
and other sensitive aquatic and terrestrial “The energy produced by species and habitats. Project effects and our rivers can be a resource mitigation measures will be carefully that is clean and renewable, monitored and adaptive-management plans if managed with care.” are in place to address issues that might arise in the future. Victor Spence, In the words of Victor Spence, a Tataskweyak Cree Nation Member Tataskweyak Cree Nation Member, “Our It will contract Manitobab Hydrod water resources represent a major part to design, construct and run of the wealth of our people. The energy the station as part of Manitoba Hydro’s produced by our rivers can be a resource integrated power system. Manitoba that is clean and renewable, if managed Hydro will also provide financing with care.” The Keeyask Generation for Project construction. Project has been planned and designed in Manitoba Hydro will subcontract this spirit of promise and responsibility. virtually all services and supplies to The Partnership build the Project. Several construction, and Ownership services, labour and materials contracts The Keeyask Hydropower Limited will first be offered to the Keeyask Cree Potential Keeyask Partnership will own and operate the Nations as direct-negotiated contracts. Partnership Ownership Project under terms outlined in the The general civil, electrical and Joint Keeyask Development Agreement that mechanical contracts will be Manitoba Hydro and the four Keeyask publicly tendered. 25% Cree Nations signed in May 2009. Manitoba Hydro, the general partner Keeyask The signing followed independent and each of the Keeyask Cree Nations’ Cree Nations ratification votes by each Keeyask investment entities will invest in the Cree Nation supporting its Chief equity of the Partnership. Manitoba and Council to proceed with Hydro and the general partner will own at least 75 percent of the equity and the 75% the Agreement and individual Manitoba Hydro & Adverse Effects Agreement. Keeyask Cree Nations, through their General Partner Manitoba Hydro and three Keeyask Cree respective investment entities, can in Nations investment entities are limited total own up to 25 percent. partners in the Partnership. There is The Partnership will sell all of the one general partner, 5900345 Manitoba Project’s production to Manitoba Hydro, Ltd. a corporation owned by Manitoba which is responsible for providing Hydro. It will manage and operate the transmission facilities as required during Partnership and be liable for all its debts. construction and operation of the
8 Project. In the fall of 2012, Manitoba The Regulatory Framework Hydro will submit a separate project The Project is subject to an description and related environmental environmental assessment under the impact statement for the Keeyask Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and Transmission Project to provide The Environment Act (Manitoba) and must construction power and generation meet combined federal and provincial outlet transmission from the Project to regulatory requirements before it can be the Radisson Converter Station. built. Provincial and federal regulators are The Partnership’s Roles working together in the environmental and Responsibilities in review process. The Project must meet combined federal and provincial requirements the Environmental Assessment In July 2011, the Partnership provided a before it can be built. The Joint Keeyask Development Agreement Project Description to federal authorities. clearly outlines the arrangements In December 2011, the Partnership for the Partners’ participation in submitted the Environment Act Proposal developing the Project and includes an Form and Scoping Document for Environmental and Regulatory Protocol the environmental assessment of the that sets out roles and responsibilities Project. In February 2012, the Canadian for the Partnership’s environmental Environmental Assessment Agency issued assessment. The Protocol establishes draft Guidelines and, after reviewing committees for collectively developing public and departmental comments, the assessment process and for strategic the Agency issued Final Environmental decision-making among the Partners. Impact Statement Guidelines for the It has been followed throughout the Project in March 2012. assessment process and will continue to The Canadian Environmental Assessment be implemented throughout the formal Agency will be responsible for the regulatory approvals process. comprehensive study report on the Project that is to be submitted to the federal Minister of Environment. Manitoba’s Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship is expected to direct the Clean Environment Commission to conduct public hearings to provide the Minister with recommendations on the Project.
Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 9 Gull Rapids, site of the proposed Keeyask Generation Project.
2. Project Description Keeyask’s renewable energy The Keeyask Generation Project production will be about 4,400 gigawatt- will be integrated into Manitoba involves development of a 695-megawatt hours, enough to power approximately Hydro’s power system and used to hydroelectric generating station and 400,000 homes. meet growing energy demands in supporting infrastructure at Gull (Keeyask) Manitoba and for export. Subject to regulatory approval, Project Rapids on the lower Nelson River in FRQVWUXFWLRQZLOOEHJLQLQZLWKÀUVW northern Manitoba. The Project is about power produced in 2019 and construction 730 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg and site rehabilitation completed in 2022 and 180 kilometres northeast of – an eight-and-a-half-year process. Thompson. If built, Keeyask will The Project will be built within the be the fourth largest generating station Split Lake Resource Management Area in Manitoba. immediately upstream of Stephens Lake Keeyask’s renewable energy will be between two existing Manitoba Hydro integrated into Manitoba Hydro’s power generating stations developed in the system and used to meet growing energy late 1950s and early 1970s. By road, the demands in Manitoba and for export. nearest community west of the Project The Project’s average annual electricity is Split Lake, home of Tataskweyak Cree
North Access Road North Dyke North Dam Powerhouse Intake Channel Powerhouse Powerhouse Trailrace Channel
Transmission Tower Spur
Central Dam
Spillway Discharge Channel Spillway
Spillway Intake Channel
South Dam
South Dyke
10
South Access Road Intake Gate RESERVOIR Hoist Housing
Crane Line to Switching treatment facilities, an explosives magazine, cofferdams, rock groins and an ice boom. Intake Gate GENERATOR Transformer Borrow areas and placement areas Stator Rotor for excess excavated materials will be Trash Draft Tube Racks Crane Gallery developed, including roads to these Draft Tube areas. Some borrow areas will be Service Gate Gallery required for both construction and Scroll Case operation purposes and others will be decommissioned and rehabilitated after Project construction. Dewatering Turbine Gallery Inspection and TAILWATER The Project will also include the Drainage Gallery operation and decommissioning of components of the Keeyask Draft Tube Infrastructure Project, such as construction camp facilities and a security gatehouse. Cross section of a typical powerhouse with a vertical shaft turbine. Project Parameters Nation. The nearest communities to Supporting Infrastructure The Project will use approximately the east are Bird, home of the Fox Lake Supporting infrastructure will consist of 18 metres of the 27-metre drop in Cree Nation, and Gillam, the location of permanent facilities used to construct elevation (hydraulic head) available Manitoba Hydro’s northern operations and operate the Project and temporary between Split Lake and Stephens Lake, centre and a Fox Lake Cree Nation facilities required only to construct the including a 12-metre elevation drop reserve. War Lake First Nation, at Ilford principal structures. through Gull Rapids. on the Hudson Bay rail line, and York Permanent supporting infrastructure The reservoir level will operate within a Factory First Nation at York Landing will include a north and south access narrow one-metre range. The full supply on Split Lake, are located southwest of road (the north access road is being level is 159 metres and the minimum the Project. constructed under the Keeyask operating level is 158 metres. Principal Structures Infrastructure Project), a transmission Project Activities Principal structures will consist of a tower spur, communications tower, Project activities will include: powerhouse with seven turbines, other some borrow areas, excavated-material constructing, operating and maintaining equipment for generating electricity and a placement areas, boat launches, a portage permanent facilities; constructing, service bay complex, a seven-bay spillway, and public-safety measures. Once the operating and decommissioning three dams, two dykes and a reservoir. Project is constructed, the north and temporary facilities required to The spillway will manage surplus river south access roads will be connected with construct the Project; and operating ÁRZVDQGWKHGDPVDQGG\NHVZLOO the Project and will be integrated into the and decommissioning the construction contain the reservoir created upstream of provincial highway network. camp and work areas previously licensed the principal structures. Temporary support infrastructure will and constructed as part of the Keeyask include: the main camp, contractor work Infrastructure Project. DUHDVDODQGÀOOZDWHUDQGVHZDJH
Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 11 Alternative Approaches for greater than the proposed Project, which Developing the Project ZLOOLQLWLDOO\ÁRRGVTXDUHNLORPHWUHV – the least amount among viable options Since the early 1990s, a joint process studied for this site. The low-level was undertaken to optimize the Project reservoir option avoids impacting open- design, initially by Manitoba Hydro, then water levels on both Split Lake and Clark with Tataskweyak Cree Nation, and over Lake and reduces impacts at Birthday the past decade including War Lake First Rapids upstream. The high-level option Nation, York Factory First Nation and Fox would have produced 1,150 megawatts of Lake Cree Nation. During the planning power versus the current Project, which and design phase, many potential effects will produce 695 megawatts. were either avoided or minimized based on decisions related to reservoir size, level Turbine Design and operating range, site selection, general Because the turbines are being designed arrangement of principal structures, and to minimize potential for injury turbine design. DQGPRUWDOLW\WRÀVKDVWKH\PRYH The selected site at Gull Rapids provides GRZQVWUHDPRYHU SHUFHQWRI ÀVK a number of economic, technical, social passing through the generating station and environmental advantages. are expected to survive.
Reservoir Level and Site Selection The low-level reservoir option Several alternatives for developing this avoids impacting open-water reach of the Nelson River were examined, levels on both Split Lake and including options to construct generating Clark Lake and reduces impacts stations at both Birthday Rapids and at Birthday Rapids upstream. Gull Rapids. Larger generation options ZRXOGKDYHFDXVHGDGGLWLRQDOÁRRGLQJRQ Split Lake, home of Tataskweyak Cree Nation and York Factory First Nation. For example, one high-level reservoir option at Gull Rapids would have initially ÁRRGHGVTXDUHNLORPHWUHVIRXUWLPHV .HH\DVNWXUELQHVDUHGHVLJQHGWRPLQLPL]HÀVKLQMXU\ and mortality.
12 3. The Keeyask Cree Nations Evaluation Processes 0RUHWKDQÀIW\\HDUVRI GDPEXLOGLQJKDV the land, water (nipi), animals (aweassisak), already greatly impacted the Keeyask Cree plants including medicines (muskikeya), Nations’ prime resource area and traditional people (Ininewak), all other creatures and territory. Now, with more changes coming, the interrelatedness of all things. All the Keeyask Cree Nations want Manitoba things are alive, have a spirit and are a Hydro and the regulators to fully understand part of Askiy. Askiy and all things come their close and enduring relationships with from something greater than us – Manitou. the lands, waters and animals where the Cree culture, spirituality and history are Project will be built. part of Askiy. Kakenaw kakona ota askiy The Partnership submitted a video nikanatentennan – everyone and everything call Keeyask: Our Story to present a more on Askiy is sacred. personal view in the Cree oral tradition. Embedded within Cree society is a The Keeyask Generation Project philosophy called mino-pimatisiwin, a Environmental Impact Statement includes fundamental Cree value, which means one volume, the Keeyask Cree Nation’s living a good and honourable life. Environmental Evaluation Reports with an Human well-being is dependent upon individual report submitted by each of the the well-being of Askiy. The people are responsible to care for and nurture the Keeyask Cree Nations. The Cree Nation Dance troupe, Joint Keeyask Development Agreement Partners (i.e., Tataskweyak Cree Nation well-being of Askiy so, in return, it can signing ceremony, May 2009. and War Lake First Nation) provided its provide for future generations. Keeyask Environmental Evaluation Report to Independent Evaluation Processes describe its Members’ understanding of As Partners, the Keeyask Cree Nations have expected Project impacts on them and jointly planned and assessed the Project to explain their independent decisions with Manitoba Hydro and are directly to be Project proponents. York Factory involved in the regulatory approvals process. First Nation provided its report, They have also developed and undertaken Kipekiskwaywinan (Our Voices), and Fox their own independent, community- Lake Cree Nation is expecting to provide VSHFLÀFSURFHVVHVWRUHYLHZDQGDSSURYH its Environment Evaluation Report. the Project. These processes have been The Cree Worldview underway for more than a decade with The Cree worldview brings an important ÀQDQFLDOVXSSRUWIURP0DQLWRED+\GUR perspective to Project environmental and have included extensive and ongoing evaluation. It centres on Askiy, the word consultations with Members and Project used by the Ininewak for the whole of environmental evaluations based on their
Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 13 Cree Nation Partners
rs rurog;aladD KIPEKISKWAYWINAN Our Voices Keeyask Environmental Evaluation tio n to . I think “Wh en I’m sitting out th ere (on th e land) I feel a connection to A Report on the Environmental Effects of the Proposed Keeyask Project everything around m e, at tim es I still feel lonely that feeling com es from th e destruction of Askiy on Tataskweyak Cree Nation and War Lake First Nation that’s happening around us.”
JANUARY 2012
June, 2012
own worldview, values and experiences with Helping Shape Project The Cree worldview brings past hydroelectric developments. Compensation and Planning an important perspective The Cree Nation Partners developed the The Keeyask Cree Nations’ evaluation to Project environmental Mother Earth Ecosystem Model that processes have helped them and their evaluation. It centres on established a vision statement, a set of Members to evaluate the Project and its Askiy, the word used by the core beliefs, land-use planning objectives impacts on their communities and to Ininewak for the whole of the and a description of their relationships independently decide on their support land, water, animals, plants with Askiy. for the Project. The outcomes of these including medicines, people, York Factory First Nation undertook processes have shaped the content of the all other creatures and the studies that documented traditional Joint Keeyask Development Agreement and interrelatedness of all things. economic and land-based activities and form the basis of the Adverse Effects community history; examined existing Agreements negotiated with each of the and potential socio-economic and Keeyask Cree Nations. environmental conditions; established a The Adverse Effects Agreements socio-economic baseline and sustainability encompass agreed-upon mitigation LQGLFDWRUV DQGHVWDEOLVKHGDQGFODULÀHG measures for effects that are foreseen or community goals and future priorities. are foreseeable through due diligence. Fox Lake Cree Nation is completing a draft The core of each Adverse Effects community-history report and associated Agreement is a set of Offsetting Programs video. It includes a compilation of oral to provide appropriate replacements, histories and a draft traditional knowledge substitutions or opportunities to offset UHSRUWWKDWGHÀQHVWZHOYHUHFRPPHQGDWLRQV unavoidable adverse Project effects on the associated with the Keeyask Generation practices, customs and traditions integral Project and other developments affecting to the First Nations’ distinctive cultural its Members. identity. These programs were developed
14 .HH\DVN&UHH1DWLRQ(OGHUVRQÀHOGWRXURI SURSRVHGUHVHUYRLUDUHDV by each of the Keeyask Cree Nations Keeyask Cree Nations based, in part, on their perspectives Perspectives on the Project The Cree involvement and about potential Project effects. Among participation resulted in The Keeyask Cree Nations know that the other things, they include programs to modifying the design, size effects of past developments cannot be provide access to alternative resource use and location and in naming undone. The way forward lies in enabling locations in areas the Project does not the Project ‘Keeyask’, the Cree the river and land that has sustained the affect, Cree language programming and word for gull. northern Cree for thousands of years cultural programming. to do so again. After long deliberation, The Keeyask Cree Nations’ evaluation the Keeyask Cree Nations have chosen processes have also shaped Project plans WRVXSSRUWWKH3URMHFWIRUWKHEHQHÀWRI and the overall environmental assessment present and future generations. process. Their involvement and Cree Nation Partners Accept participation resulted in modifying the Certain Unavoidable Effects design, size, and location of the Project and in naming the Project “Keeyask,” The Cree Nation the Cree word for gull. Plans were also Partners concluded made for clearing the reservoir, waterway that, like previous management, ice monitoring, navigation hydroelectric and hazard marking, and reclamation of developments, the disturbed sites. Project will have certain major, unavoidable effects. Knowing this, they are nevertheless hopeful because they believe the Adverse Effects Agreements
Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 15 The south side of the south channel of Gull Rapids. DQGEHQHÀWSURYLVLRQVLQWKH Joint Keeyask Fox Lake Cree Nation Taking Development Agreement will enhance their Advantage of Opportunities culture by providing opportunities to Fox Lake Cree engage in the customs, practices and Nation and its traditions integral to their distinctive Members are Cree cultural identity. Similarly, they continuing to DUHKRSHIXOWKDWRWKHUEHQHÀWV² grow and move employment, business opportunities and forward while potential income opportunities from the maintaining sale of the Project’s power – will sustain their culture, them physically and culturally and that traditional their homeland ecosystem, although knowledge and ways of being. By transformed by the Project, can be understanding and reuniting with their sustainable, harmonious and balanced. history, values and language, Fox Lake York Factory First Cree Nation is better able to take control Nation Cautious, Adaptable and to self-determine its future. Through and Looking to their involvement in the Project, Fox Lake the Future Cree Nation Members want to ensure a FAC K TO repeat of the past will never occur again York Factory R R O Y and hope to be better prepared to work First Nation Y to mitigate the potential negative impacts Members
F of the Project. Fox Lake Cree Nation are cautious N I R S I O intends to take full advantage of positive (ayakohmisewin) T N A T opportunities resulting from the Project, about what lies while protecting and maintaining their ahead but, as Treaty and Aboriginal rights. they have had to do many times before, The Project is creating training and job opportunities that they see the need and importance of will be transferable to other projects. adapting while maintaining their culture, teachings and way of life. They are approaching the Keeyask Partnership with hope and are determined to keep their values and are intent on participating in mitigation, monitoring, follow-up and adaptive management. They especially want to provide opportunities for their youth and future generations who will inherit the larger outcomes of the Project and the Partnership.
16 4. Public Involvement Extensive public involvement has been a Targeted and cornerstone in the Project development General Audiences process to arrive at a technically feasible, The Partnership’s Public Involvement economically viable and environmentally Program has completed two rounds sustainable generation project. of public involvement to learn about In addition to the involvement of the people’s Project-related interests and Keeyask Cree Nations with their own concerns and to share initial results Members, the Partnership undertook two from the regulatory environmental broader public-involvement processes: assessment process. $3XEOLF,QYROYHPHQW3URJUDP Round one, held between June and that targeted general audiences to December 2008, introduced the present Partnership-approved Project proposed Project in an effort to learn information at key stages and invite about any related issues or concerns, public input; and informed the public about the process Newsletters and other print and display materials have been an important part of the Public Involvement and requirements for the environmental 'LVFXVVLRQVZLWKIHGHUDODQGSURYLQFLDO Program to keep audiences informed about the Project. government agencies with a regulatory assessment, and determined how interest in the Project. different groups wished to be consulted in future rounds. Round two,
Public Involvement Program
Round One: 2008 Round Two: 2012 Round Three: To Follow Project Description Preliminary Environmental Final Environmental and Issue Identification Assessment Results Impact Statement Review
Purpose & Scope Purpose & Scope Purpose & Scope s )NITIATE DIALOGUE ABOUT THE s $ESCRIBE 0ROJECT FEATURES AND s $ISCUSS FORMAT AND CONTENT PROPOSED 0ROJECT CHANGES SINCE 2OUND /NE OF %)3 s 0ROVIDE A DESCRIPTION OF s $ISCUSS INITIAL lNDINGS s #OMMUNICATE SUPPLEMENTAL THE 0ROJECT BIOPHYSICAL SOCIO ECONOMIC INFORMATION s /BTAIN INPUT ON POSSIBLE s )DENTIFY ISSUES AND CONCERNS s $OCUMENT WHAT WAS HEARD MITIGATION MEASURES s )NFORM THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE s $OCUMENT WHAT WAS HEARD PROCESSREQUIREMENTS AND SCHEDULE FOR %! s $ETERMINE HOW INTERESTED AFFECTED PARTIES WOULD LIKE TO BE INVOLVED IN 0)0 s $OCUMENT WHAT WAS HEARD
Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 17 held between February and May 2012, Issues identified in the first two rounds described Project features and changes generally fell into seven categories: after round one and obtained feedback project planning; training, employment on the initial effects assessment and and business; physical environment; proposed methods to mitigate aquatic and terrestrial environment; Project effects. socio-economic and heritage resources; The audiences for the Public resource use; and the consultation Involvement Program include potentially process. Effects on fish and animal affected Aboriginal and other northern species such as sturgeon, caribou and Manitoba communities and groups, moose, along with potential employment other interested organizations and the and training opportunities were specific general public. In northern Manitoba, topics raised most often. Extensive consultations to explain the Project’s meetings were sought with Aboriginal Round three of the Public Involvement environmental impacts were held with organizations, and other communities within the Program will be conducted after the groups and individuals in northern communities and at Churchill-Burntwood-Nelson area that Environmental Impact Statement has open houses in Winnipeg, Thompson and Brandon. were affected by past hydroelectric been submitted, to discuss its format developments. Meetings were also held and content. with Shamattawa First Nation, Manitoba Discussions with Federal Keewatinowi Okimakanak, Keewatin and Provincial Agencies Tribal Council and Northern Association of Community Councils. Open houses Meetings with federal and provincial were held in Thompson, Winnipeg and agencies began as early as 2005. Brandon and workshops were held with Informal meetings were held between non-governmental organizations and 2008 and 2011 to introduce the Project recreational and resource users. and to learn about the environmental Manitoba Hydro, acting on behalf of review process. the Partnership, is also undertaking Federal agencies included: the Canadian consultations with certain Aboriginal Environmental Assessment Agency, Effects on ¿sh and animal groups via bilateral discussions. These the Major Projects Management species such as sturgeon, groups include Nisichawayasihk Cree 2IÀFHRI 1DWXUDO5HVRXUFHV&DQDGD caribou and moose, and Nation, a partner with Manitoba Hydro Transport Canada, Fisheries and potential employment and in the Wuskwatim Generation Project; Oceans Canada, Environment Canada, training opportunities were Cross Lake First Nation (Pimicikimak and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern speci¿c topics raised Cree Nation), which has rights under Development Canada. most often. the Northern Flood Agreement; and the Manitoba Metis Federation.
18 regarding licensing under the Navigable Waters Protection Act. Meetings were also held with the provincial and federal governments’ Section 35 Consultation Steering Committee.
How Public Involvement Has Shaped the Project Extensive public involvement has been a cornerstone in During the Public Involvement the project development process. Program, other Aboriginal groups, other communities, interested groups and the general public raised many similar issues DOUHDG\LGHQWLÀHGE\WKH.HH\DVN&UHH Nations. These issues and perspectives KHOSHGFRQÀUPWKHIRFXVRI WKH The Keeyask Hydropower Limited Partnership operates a environmental assessment studies and the website (www.keeyask.com) to make information about the Partnership and Project easily accessible. search for effective mitigation measures. Particular interest in adverse effects on Provincial agencies included: Manitoba ÀVKHVSHFLDOO\VWXUJHRQLQGLFDWHGWKH Conservation and Water Stewardship; importance of the mitigation works that Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism; the Partnership was planning. Similarly, Manitoba Aboriginal and Northern concern for effects on caribou and moose Affairs; Manitoba Local Government; SRSXODWLRQVUHÁHFWHGFRQFHUQVWKDWKDG Manitoba Health; Manitoba Infrastructure EHHQLGHQWLÀHGE\WKH3DUWQHUVKLSDQG and Transportation; and Manitoba supported the design of monitoring and Innovation, Energy and Mines. mitigation measures to minimize effects. Technical meetings about aquatic effects Interest in participating in Project began September 2009 between the employment and business opportunities Partnership, Fisheries and Oceans Canada supported measures already in place, such and Manitoba Conservation and Water as the current collective agreement that Stewardship’s Fisheries Branch and are LQFOXGHVKLULQJSUHIHUHQFHVIRUTXDOLÀHG ongoing. In 2011, meetings with Manitoba Aboriginal and northern workers, and Conservation and Water Stewardship were employee retention measures like cultural held regarding licensing under The Water awareness training and counselling Power Act and with Transport Canada services available for Project workers.
Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 19 5. Environmental Effects Assessment
The Partnership has concluded Project on each valued environmental Valued Environmental an assessment of the potential component. The significance of Component (VEC): is an environmental effects of the Project adverse residual effects on valued element of the environment in accordance with guidelines issued environmental components was that has scienti¿c, social, by regulatory authorities. This assessed according to guidance cultural, economic, historical, assessment has been prepared with provided by regulatory authorities. archaeological or aesthetic the direct involvement of each of the The predicted residual effects of importance. The value Partners and input from the Public the Project on each of the valued may be determined on the Involvement Program. environmental components are basis of cultural ideals or The assessment first described the summarized below for the biophysical scienti¿c concern. existing environment and then compared and the socio-economic environments. its predicted future condition with and More detail on potential effects on each without the Project. After predicting valued environmental component is potential environmental effects of the provided in the Appendix. Project, the Partnership identified ways The Partnership recognizes this approach to avoid or mitigate adverse effects. The to environmental assessment differs effects that remain after mitigation are from the Cree worldview, which places called residual effects. The Partnership equal importance on all components also undertook a cumulative effects of the environment, as all parts are assessment, considering the effects of the important and interrelated. Given Project in combination with the effects this distinct worldview, results of the of other past, current and potential WHFKQLFDOVFLHQWLÀFDVVHVVPHQWPD\QRW future projects. be readily accepted by all of the Partners. The Partnership studied a full range of Accordingly, an emphasis has been placed topics under two general categories of on monitoring and adaptive management environmental components: namely, which is also consistent with guidance the biophysical environment and the provided by regulatory authorities. socio-economic environment. From Effects on the these, 38 components were selected Biophysical Environment for more detailed assessment as valued environmental components The Project will have effects on (18 biophysical and 20 socio-economic), the physical, aquatic and terrestrial based on their scientific and cultural environments, all of which have importance and potential to be been substantially altered by previous Soil sampling is one of the tools used in assessing affected by the Project. The assessment hydroelectric developments. Eighteen potential environmental effects of the Project. predicted the residual effects of the valued environmental components were
20 Coastal caribou near the Hayes River. selected for the biophysical assessment Physiography and, following mitigation, none of the The Project will directly impact the residual adverse effects exceeded the physiography in the local area through UHJXODWRU\WHVWIRUVLJQLÀFDQFH the creation of a reservoir, clearing of Physical Environment land, development of new structures and the south access road, and related The analysis of effects to the physical construction activities at borrow areas environment included the following and excavated material placement areas. components: climate, air quality and Including the reservoir, the Project will noise; physiography; surface water and have a footprint of about 134 square ice; groundwater; water temperature kilometres during construction and 138 and dissolved oxygen; and erosion, square kilometres during operation. sediment, and debris. Although no valued environmental components were Surface Water, Ice and Groundwater LGHQWLÀHGIRUWKHSK\VLFDOHQYLURQPHQW The Project’s reservoir surface area will the analysis and characterization of initially be approximately 93 square the effects to the physical environment kilometres, of which 45 square kilometres formed the pathways and foundation ZLOOEHQHZO\ÁRRGHGDUHDDQGVTXDUH for the analysis of effects to aquatic, kilometres will consist of existing Nelson terrestrial and socio-economic valued River area in which water levels will rise. environmental components. The reservoir is predicted to expand by Climate, L ocal Air Quality and N oise seven to eight square kilometres over the ÀUVWWKUHHGHFDGHVRI 3URMHFWRSHUDWLRQ The Project will reduce future greenhouse due to ongoing shoreline erosion and gas emissions by displacing the need peatland disintegration. for electricity produced by coal or gas thermal generation facilities. The Project Immediately upstream of the generating will produce fewer greenhouse gases in a station, water levels will be raised about century of operation than an equivalent 15 metres above existing water levels and FRDOÀUHGJHQHUDWLQJVWDWLRQZRXOG Gull Rapids will be submerged. During SURGXFHLQGD\VDQGDJDVÀUHGVWDWLRQ open-water conditions, the resulting in half a year. backwater effect will extend 41 kilometers upstream (about three kilometres The Project will have small and short-term downstream of the outlet of Clark Lake). effects on local air quality and noise during The increasing water level will affect the construction period. The effects %LUWKGD\5DSLGVUHGXFLQJÁRZYHORFLWLHV of the Project on air quality and noise in this fast-water area. During operation, during operation will be minor; however technical studies predict there will be no WKHVRXQGRI ZDWHUÁRZLQJWKURXJK*XOO effect on Split Lake water levels in open- Weighing a lake sturgeon before release. Rapids will no longer be heard.
Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 21 Water Surface Pro¿les
Existing Environment Post-project Initial Shoreline 30-year Expansion Shoreline Principal Structures Dewatered Area (when spillway not in operation)
Riverer son NelNelson Riv
B A CaCarCa scadden Lakke
Split Lake Clark Lake Birthday Rapids Gul Open Water Hydraulic Zone of Influence 170
Post-Project Water Surface 7 m /23 ft. 150 Existing Environmental Water Surface River Bottom Elevation (metres)
125 50 40 30 20 Distance from Keeyask Axis (km)
water conditions, and only small changes ice cover is also expected to form Water levels in the reservoir GXULQJZLQWHUZLWKORZÁRZVZKLFKRFFXU downstream of the Project to the inlet may be stable, or may (about once every 20 years). Water levels in of Stephens Lake, in place of the rough, fluctuate up to one metre on WKHUHVHUYRLUPD\EHVWDEOHRUPD\ÁXFWXDWH thick ice that currently develops. a daily or weekly basis. up to one metre on a daily or weekly basis. Groundwater levels are expected to rise &KDQJHVLQWKHGLVWULEXWLRQRI ÁRZDUH in existing and newly formed islands in expected to occur in the river channel for the reservoir and in the vicinity of the up to three kilometres downstream of the new reservoir shorelines. Project. A portion of the current south Water Temperature and channel of Gull Rapids downstream of Dissolved Oxygen the dam will be dewatered. Dissolved oxygen concentrations in the The winter ice cover upstream of the main body of the reservoir and a large generating station will be different part of the flooded area are predicted to from that which presently forms. The meet Manitoba water quality objectives. ice cover will form earlier and extend During summer, water temperatures will farther upstream than presently occurs. be warmer and dissolved oxygen will be A thinner and smoother ice cover, like intermittently low in newly formed off- the ice on Split Lake or Stephens Lake, current bays away from the main body will develop on the reservoir in place of of the reservoir. Low dissolved oxygen the thick, rough ice that is formed in the Ice formation on Gull Lake. concentrations will occur in off-current river at present. A thinner and smoother
22 2 2 A Water levels will increase approximately C Approximately 45 km (17.4 mi ) of 41 km (25.6 mi.) upstream of the generating flooding will occur immediately, C N station almost to the outlet of Clark Lake. primarily in the low-lying areas adjacent Water levels on Split Lake will not be to Gull Lake. During the first 30 years affected during open-water conditions. of operations, the reservoir will expand Gull 2 Rapids by 7-8 km due to erosion of shorelines D B Shoreline expansion in the bay and peatland disintegration. GGillrarraat immediately upstream of Birthday LakLa e Rapids is predicted to occur with or D The water level on Gull Lake will be without the Project. raised approximately 7 m (23 ft.).
Proposed Keeyask Stephens l Lake Generating Station Lake Open water flow showing existing :DWHUVXUIDFHSURÀOHVIRUH[LVWLQJHQYLURQPHQW3URMHFWHQYLURQenvironment and post-project environment. PHQW Full Supply Level = 159 m Project flooded area and water surface profiles (50th percentile). DQGÁRRGHGDUHD(50th percentile).
10 0
bays in winter due to lack of mixing with Most of the mineral sediments the main flow and the presence of an resulting from shoreline erosion are ice cover. expected to be deposited in nearshore E rosion, Sediment and Debris areas. Generally, the concentration of suspended mineral sediment in The flooded area is largely comprised of the reservoir is expected to be lower low-lying peatlands that will disintegrate, with the Project than in the existing resulting in floating peat and breakdown environment. While organic sediment of peat shorelines. As the peat shorelines entering the water will be greater with break down, additional underlying the Project, it is predicted that the mineral materials will be exposed and overall amount of organic suspended will erode over time. The rate of erosion sediment in the reservoir will be very of shorelines and the input of organic low after the first few years of operation and mineral sediment into the water is and will continue to be very low. expected to be greatest in the first year of operation. Within 15 to 30 years the The Partnership will implement plans and amount of organic sediment entering the measures to mitigate effects including: the water will be substantially reduced, while Reservoir Clearing Plan to remove trees mineral sediment loads will stabilize at a and woody vegetation before the reservoir lower long-term rate. LVÁRRGHG WKH:DWHUZD\V0DQDJHPHQW Program to collect debris from the
Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 23 A sub-adult lake sturgeon.
reservoir once it is impounded; and a During initial years of Project operation, Sediment Management Plan to monitor effects to water quality will occur in the the effects of construction activity on QHZO\ÁRRGHGDUHDVEXWZLOOGLPLQLVK suspended sediment concentrations in the over 10 to 15 years. In the main part of river so that actions can be taken if target the reservoir and part of Stephens Lake, levels are exceeded. total suspended solids concentrations will decline due to settling of sediments in Aquatic Environment the reservoir. Overall, water quality will The analysis of effects to the aquatic always be suitable for aquatic life in the environment considered the following main part of the reservoir, and will be components: water quality, habitat suitable at most locations and most times for aquatic biota, aquatic plants and RI WKH\HDULQWKHÁRRGHGDUHD algae, aquatic invertebrates (including Fish zooplankton and benthic invertebrates), ÀVKDQGÀVKTXDOLW\ LQFOXGLQJPHUFXU\ Construction and operation of the Project Gillnetting near Split Lake. LQÀVK :DWHUTXDOLW\DQGIRXUÀVK has the potential to affect lake sturgeon, VSHFLHV ODNHVWXUJHRQSLFNHUHOMDFNÀVK ODNHZKLWHÀVKSLFNHUHODQGMDFNÀVK DQGODNHZKLWHÀVK ZHUHVHOHFWHGDV Effects of construction activities such as valued environmental components. The inputs of total suspended solids, blasting, Committee on the Status of Endangered and dewatering of construction areas Wildlife in Canada has assessed lake will be mitigated through management Increases in suspended sturgeon populations as endangered, and measures, including avoiding spawning solids will generally be small they are being considered for protection periods. Within Stephens Lake, the loss and only be detectable in under the federal Species at Risk Act. of Gull Rapids as spawning habitat is the Stephens Lake. Water Q uality ODUJHVWHIIHFWWRÀVKSRSXODWLRQV'XULQJ the construction phase, this loss will The Project’s main effect to water quality likely reduce the number of pickerel, lake during construction will be the input of ZKLWHÀVKDQGVWXUJHRQEHLQJSURGXFHG suspended solids due to construction During the operation phase, replacement in the river. Increases in suspended spawning habitat will be provided at solids will generally be small and only be several locations, including the tailrace detectable in Stephens Lake. For a few of the generating station and in Stephens months during two years of construction, Lake. Stocking during both construction work in the river will release enough and operation phases will replace lost sediment to cause increases to extend production of lake sturgeon. downstream past the Kettle Generating Station. However, the increase in the concentration of total suspended solids is not expected to be large enough to harm plants and animals living in the river.
24 and has been an important feature of many recovery programs. 3ODQVDUHDOVRLQSODFHWRDGGUHVVÀVK passage. Although habitat will be available both upstream and downstream of the generating station to meet all life history UHTXLUHPHQWVIRUWKHVHÀVKVSHFLHV XSVWUHDPDQGGRZQVWUHDPÀVKSDVVDJH will be provided to maintain existing Pickerel (walleye). FRQQHFWLRQVDPRQJÀVKSRSXODWLRQV Overall, in the long term, the numbers 2YHUWLPHSURGXFWLYHKDELWDWIRUÀVK RI SLFNHUHOMDFNÀVKDQGODNHZKLWHÀVK Preparing a lake sturgeon for tagging with an acoustic VSHFLHVVXFKDVMDFNÀVKSLFNHUHODQGODNH are expected to remain similar to the transmitter as part of studies near Stephens Lake. ZKLWHÀVKZLOOGHYHORSLQWKHUHVHUYRLU present day environment in the Keeyask +RZHYHUGXULQJWKHÀUVW\HDUVDIWHU reservoir and Stephens Lake, though ÁRRGLQJVSDZQLQJKDELWDWIRUSLFNHUHO there may be short term declines DQGODNHZKLWHÀVKZLOOOLNHO\EHOLPLWHGLQ during construction and initial years the downstream areas of the reservoir so of operation. While lake sturgeon may A long-term conservation- spawning shoals will be constructed near experience some short-term declines in stocking program will existing spawning sites. recruitment during construction, in the increase sturgeon numbers long term their numbers in the reservoir Water level increases may make Birthday in the region. Rapids less suitable for lake sturgeon and Stephens Lake are expected to be spawning and may affect the occurrence at least comparable to those of today and distribution of habitat for other life because habitat will be available to support stages. If monitoring shows that habitat all life stages. In addition, a long-term to support all life stages of lake sturgeon conservation-stocking program will is no longer available, replacement habitat increase sturgeon numbers in the region. will be developed. Terrestrial Environment Lake sturgeon are receiving special The analysis of effects to the terrestrial attention. A new program will stock environment considered the following IU\ÀQJHUOLQJVDQG\HDUOLQJVLQWKHDUHD components: ecosystems and habitat, directly affected by the Project, as well as terrestrial plants, invertebrates, amphibians in the broader region, while the Project and reptiles, birds, and mammals. Valued is being constructed and for an extended environmental components were organized period after it goes into operation. within these broader components as follows: Stocking is a proven method for ecosystems and habitat (ecosystem diversity, increasing lake sturgeon numbers intactness, and wetland function), terrestrial
Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 25 plant (priority plants), birds (Canada goose, of intactness, there will be a slight PDOODUGEDOGHDJOHROLYHVLGHGÁ\FDWFKHU reduction in the regional amount of common nighthawk, and rusty blackbird), undisturbed core area. and mammals (caribou, moose and beaver). Some losses of wetlands will occur, but 7KHROLYHVLGHGÁ\FDWFKHUUXVW\EODFNELUG there will be no net loss of particularly and common nighthawk are protected under important wetlands because wetland the Species at Risk Act. development is planned to replace the While boreal woodland caribou have been loss of high quality, off-system marsh protected under the Species at Risk Act, wetlands. their current range as designated by Overall, the effects on ecosystems Environment Canada and Manitoba and habitat valued environmental Conservation and Water Stewardship, does components are expected to be not extend to the Keeyask area. adverse but regionally acceptable. E cosystems and H abitat Terrestrial Plants A combination of mitigation measures No very rare plant species are known will reduce effects on ecosystems to occur or are expected to occur in the and habitat components. During the Project area. Effects to most plant species planning phase, boundaries of excavated of particular interest to the Keeyask materials placement areas and borrow Cree Nations will be low due to their area boundaries were adjusted to avoid widespread distribution. For the remaining sensitive terrestrial areas and habitats. species, the Project is predicted to have Once construction is completed, minor effects on their known locations portions of these areas will be and/or available habitat. rehabilitated, and the entrance to some Birds access trails and cutlines will be blocked Coring a tree to determine age. and re-vegetated. Most birds that use habitat close to the construction site will be disturbed by Land clearing, flooding and higher construction activity such as noise, dust, groundwater levels along the reservoir presence of vehicles and people, and shoreline due to flooding are predicted blasting. To reduce avoidance by birds of to remove or alter up to approximately nesting habitat and prevent disruption 94 square kilometres of terrestrial of established nests in the construction habitat (includes areas that are unlikely area, clearing and blasting activity will be to be used). restricted to the extent practicable during Ecosystem diversity will be affected the bird-breeding season from April 1 to in that there will be area losses for July 31. Wherever practicable, vegetated some priority habitat types. In terms
26 buffers will also be established around lakes of breeding habitat for Canada goose and and creeks to minimize disturbances. mallard. Waterfowl may be exposed to Flooding from the reservoir will reduce the greater risks of harvesting by construction quality of Canada goose migratory staging workers, but implementation of an access habitat and there will likely be small losses management plan during construction will reduce potential effects. During operation, increased access to the area may increase harvest. Blocking some access trails and cutlines and re-vegetating them will help to reduce access-related waterfowl losses. Off-system marsh wetlands will be developed to provide some replacement habitat for species such as Canada goose, mallard and rusty blackbird. Permanent and long-term loss of some waterbird nesting habitat will be mitigated by enhancing existing colonial waterbird nesting islands, creating new sites, and installing nesting 2OLYHVLGHGÁ\FDWFKHU platforms. Other mitigation measures include erecting bald eagle nesting structures, to replace nests disturbed by WKH3URMHFWUHWDLQLQJWUHHVLQVRPHÁRRGHG EDFNED\VDVROLYHVLGHGÁ\FDWFKHUKDELWDW and enhancing borrow areas as potential nesting sites for common nighthawk. The effects on Canada geese, mallards,
Bald eagle. ROLYHVLGHGÁ\FDWFKHUVUXVW\EODFNELUGVDQG common nighthawks are expected to be adverse but regionally acceptable because of the widespread availability of the type of habitat affected and implementation of mitigation measures. The effect on bald eagles is expected to be regionally acceptable as the adverse construction effects are small and operation effects are neutral overall. Canada goose.
Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 27 Moose in the regional study area.
M ammals Harvest Sustainability Plan for the Three groupings of caribou are found Split Lake Resource Management Area in the region: barren-ground caribou, which includes the Keeyask site and coastal caribou (a forest-tundra migratory surrounding areas. woodland caribou ecotype) and summer Flooding of the reservoir and clearing for resident caribou (a type of woodland infrastructure such as the camp and access caribou whose exact range and herd roads will result in habitat loss, alteration association is uncertain). and fragmentation for caribou, moose and During construction, noise, blasting, beaver. A small long-term regional loss of YHKLFOHWUDIÀFDQGWKHSUHVHQFHRI KXPDQV caribou calving and rearing habitat is also have the potential to disturb caribou, expected. Potential effects to some areas Coastal caribou crossing a lake in the Keeyask region. moose and beaver in the vicinity of the of caribou calving habitat were avoided construction area, but these disturbances by siting and/or modifying boundaries are of particular concern for caribou. of excavated materials placement areas, Limiting clearing and blasting activity to temporary and permanent access roads the extent practicable during the calving and borrow areas. Rehabilitation of period from May 15 to June 30 will roadside ditches using native plant species mitigate effects to caribou calving areas. and maintaining vegetated buffers around wetlands and creeks will reduce effects. Mammals such as moose could be vulnerable to harvesting by construction Overall effects to moose and caribou workers, but implementation of an access are expected to be adverse but regionally management plan, including a prohibition acceptable because habitat loss is small RQÀUHDUPVRQWKHFRQVWUXFWLRQVLWHZLOO compared to its widespread regional help to address this effect. availability, and there is a negligible change to intactness and mortality. Moose and caribou could also be adversely Habitat losses to beaver are somewhat affected by increased long-term resource larger, but are regionally acceptable harvest and predation due to increased because beaver are resilient to Project- access. Once construction is completed, related effects. Beaver will continue to blocking and re-vegetating some access create their own habitat, compensate for trails and cutlines will reduce the potential population reductions, and adjust to some for these effects. In addition, Tataskweyak changing conditions in the reservoir. Cree Nation has prepared a Moose
28 Effects on the to be a key part of the region’s population Socio-Economic Environment and economy and adhere to the Cree worldview that emphasizes respect for and The Project will have effects on the stewardship of Askiy (the land, water and socio-economic environment, including living things). effects on resource use and heritage resources. Twenty valued environmental Resource use, including hunting, components were selected for the socio- ÀVKLQJWUDSSLQJDQGJDWKHULQJIRUERWK economic assessment and, following domestic/subsistence and commercial mitigation, none of the residual adverse purposes, continues to be important to the effects exceeded the regulatory test Aboriginal people who live in this region. IRUVLJQLÀFDQFH Economy Six communities are located in the Expenditures to build and operate vicinity of the Project: Split Lake, home the Project will generate substantial to Tataskweyak Cree Nation; Ilford, home employment and business opportunities to War Lake First Nation; York Landing, and labour income. Several measures have home to York Factory First Nation; been taken to enhance Project-related Fox Lake/Bird, home to Fox Lake Cree employment and business opportunities Nation; Gillam, Manitoba Hydro’s key available to the Keeyask Cree Nations, operations and service center and home Aboriginal northerners and other to Fox Lake Cree Nation Members and northerners during Project construction. their urban reserve; and Thompson. Direct negotiated contracts will provide Each of the Keeyask Cree Nations substantive, short-term business has documented the history of their opportunities for the Keeyask Cree people and their stories illustrate how Nations, which will increase their FKDQJHVVLQFHÀUVWFRQWDFWKDYHKDGD business capacity, provide revenues profound effect on their relationships for community-based businesses, and with the environment, changing their improve employment opportunities for way of life and culture. Among all the Keeyask Cree Nations Members working changes that have occurred, hydroelectric on the Project. development over the past 55 years has Preference measures are included in the been one of the most profound. In Burntwood-Nelson Collective Agreement total, more than 35 major generation, IRUHPSOR\LQJTXDOLÀHG.HH\DVN&UHH conversion and transmission projects Nations Members, other Aboriginal and have been undertaken by Manitoba Hydro The Keeyask Project will provide a range of opportunities for other northern residents. Measures to in northeastern Manitoba affecting the jobs during construction and when the station is operating. retain workers at the site will include traditional territories of the Keeyask cultural training, counselling services, Cree Nations, their communities and on-site Keeyask Cree Nations liaison Members. These Cree Nations continue
Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 29 Infrastructure and Services Population change and the effect on physical infrastructure during construction are expected to be minimal since workers will be hired through the job referral service and cannot be hired at site. In addition, there is limited local accommodation available. However, lifestyle changes associated with Project employment and potential worker- interaction issues related to the non-local construction workforce are expected Keeyask Cree Nations Members are workers and an Aboriginal union to increase social-services demands in HVWLPDWHGWRÀOOEHWZHHQDQG representative. Aboriginal people from Keeyask Cree Nations communities, person-years of construction employment the regional study area are estimated to Gillam and Thompson. on the Keeyask Project. fill between 550 and 1,700 person-years Keeyask’s operational workforce will be of construction employment, which based in Gillam with a population of is between 13 and 40 percent of total about 1,200, based on the 2006 census. construction employment. Keeyask Cree Operation workers and a small number of Nations Members are estimated to fill indirect workers along with their families between 235 and 600 person-years of who move to Gillam will create new this employment. demand for community infrastructure During Project operation, 46 new full-time and services. A land-use-planning process positions will be based at the Keeyask involving the Town of Gillam, Manitoba Generating Station and Gillam and Hydro, and Fox Lake Cree Nation is .HH\DVN&UHH1DWLRQV0HPEHUVFRXOGÀOO addressing these needs. some of these. In addition, targets have Personal, Family and been established to increase employment Community Life for Keeyask Cree Nations Members in Manitoba Hydro’s operational workforce. Public Safety and Worker Interaction Each of the Keeyask Cree Nations also Concern has been expressed about has the opportunity to invest in the equity potential adverse interactions between of the Project and the potential to receive non-local construction workers and local ongoing income from this investment. residents during construction, particularly in Gillam, Thompson and Split Lake. For Gillam, these concerns relate to the community’s proximity to the south
30 access road and construction camp, Fox Lake Cree Nation and Tataskweyak along with potential cumulative effects Cree Nation will also begin before from other proposed Manitoba Hydro construction starts to determine the best projects in the vicinity. Fox Lake Cree means of tracking and addressing worker- Nation has concerns related to experience interaction issues and concerns across all with earlier hydroelectric developments. Manitoba Hydro proposed projects in the Issues related to worker interaction vicinity of Gillam. include: increased disposable income and the potential for inappropriate spending on alcohol and drugs; the Typical Time Course of Mercury Concentrations in Predatory Fish temporary, transient nature of a non-local After Reservoir Flooding in Northern Manitoba construction workforce; and increased 2.0 URDGWUDIÀFZLWKWKHSRWHQWLDOIRUUHODWHG LQFUHDVHVLQWUDIÀFLQFLGHQWV Interaction with non-local construction 1.5 workers could increase demand for Start of Flooding emergency services and social services 1.0 in Gillam and Split Lake. Demand for emergency services could also increase in Thompson from non-local workers 0.5 Muscle Mercury (ppm) visiting the community during their leisure hours. 3-7 years 20 - 35 years 0.0 Several mitigation measures will be 010203040 in place to address possible worker- Time (years) interaction issues, including cultural training for all construction workers, and a lounge and recreational facilities M ethylmercury and H ealth to encourage workers to spend leisure hours at the main camp. Public visits to Increased methylmercury levels, the camp will be restricted. A shuttle will HVSHFLDOO\LQMDFNÀVKDQGSLFNHUHO transfer incoming and outgoing workers in Gull Lake and to a lesser extent in between Gillam, Thompson and the site. Stephens Lake, are expected during the period after impoundment. Ongoing dialogue with the Gillam and These levels are estimated to peak Thompson RCMP during construction about 3 to 7 years after impoundment will assist in identifying worker and then return to current levels over interaction issues. Discussions between about 30 years. Manitoba Hydro, the Town of Gillam,
Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 31 Efforts have been made to develop The Waterways mitigation measures so that Keeyask Management Program as Cree Nations Members can continue to well as waterways public safely eat nutritious country foods from safety measures will the land and waters during this time address overall safety for period. Most notable are programs in the water- and ice-based travel Adverse Effects Agreements, which allow upstream and downstream IRUKDUYHVWLQJKHDOWK\ÀVKDQGRWKHU of the Project. country foods from areas unaffected by the Project. Mitigation measures also include developing a risk-communications strategy for the Keeyask Cree Nations, Gillam and other users of Gull and Stephens lakes. 6XEVWDQWLDO3URMHFWUHODWHGWUDIÀF Travel, Access and Safety during construction on Provincial The Project will potentially affect both Trunk Highway 6, Provincial Road water-based and road-based travel during 391 and Provincial Road 280 has the construction and operation. potential to affect road travel. Manitoba During construction, for safety reasons, Infrastructure and Transportation boat and snowmobile users of the Nelson is upgrading Provincial Road 280 to River will be restricted from traveling improve safety and accommodate close to the main construction site. The Waterways Management Program as well as waterways public safety measures will address overall safety for water- and ice- based travel upstream and downstream of the Project. Once operating, the reservoir is expected to improve water and ice- based travel, although slush ice along reservoir shorelines may be encountered. In addition, the Reservoir Clearing Plan has been developed to minimize potential for debris in the reservoir following impoundment. Technical studies predict no changes to open-water levels on Split Lake during operation, and only small changes GXULQJZLQWHUSHULRGVZLWKORZÁRZVWKDW occur about once every 20 years.
32 LQFUHDVHGWUDIÀF KRZHYHUWUDIÀFYROXPHV spirituality into Project decision-making remain a concern for the Keeyask Cree and post-Project monitoring. Participating as Partners also Nations. During construction, the new provides the Keeyask Cree Land, Resource Use and the north and south access roads will be Nations with meaningful Resource Economy private roads with security-gates restricting involvement in Project WUDIÀFDQGDQ$FFHVV0DQDJHPHQW3ODQ No reserve or Treaty Land Entitlement decision-making and inÀuence controlling access. Once the Project is land is required for the Project. over how the Project has complete and the north and south access 0DQ\PHDVXUHVDOUHDG\LGHQWLÀHGZLOO been planned and will be roads are integrated into the provincial DVVLVWWUDYHOIRUÀVKLQJKXQWLQJDQG constructed and operated. highway network, travel time between gathering in the area and facilitate Thompson and Gillam will be reduced by adjustments to new conditions by about 45 minutes. resource users. The Offsetting Programs Culture and Spirituality and the Way established under the Adverse Effects the L and L ooks (Aesthetics) Agreements will provide Keeyask Cree Nations Members with opportunities to The way the landscape looks (aesthetics) undertake domestic resource-use activities will be changed by the construction of while expressing their respect for Askiy the physical works associated with the and passing on skills and this worldview to Project, by the loss of Gull Rapids, and by younger generations. These programs were ÁRRGLQJDQGRQJRLQJHURVLRQ:KLOHVRPH QHJRWLDWHGWRPHHWWKHVSHFLÀFQHHGVRI aspects of the Project will be rehabilitated, the Keeyask Cree Nations. the landscape will be permanently changed. Measures to help the Keeyask The resource economy is comprised of Cree Nations to deal with these effects cash and in-kind income from commercial include ceremonies to mark the changes and domestic resources. No change in and counselling for workers at the site. cash income is expected with respect The Keeyask Cree Nations’ Adverse to mining. Reductions to cash income Effects Agreements include programs to IURPFRPPHUFLDOÀVKLQJDQGWUDSSLQJ improve Members’ connection to the land will be addressed through compensation and their culture. agreements. Effects on tourism in the region are expected to be small due to Participating as Partners also provides the shifts in the patterns of resource use that Keeyask Cree Nations with meaningful may infrequently increase competition involvement in Project decision-making for resources in local areas. Potential DQGLQÁXHQFHRYHUKRZWKH3URMHFWKDV reduction of in-kind income from been planned and will be constructed and domestic resources acquired in the vicinity operated. Through this approach, the of the Project is expected to be offset Keeyask Cree Nations are able to by opportunities to harvest country food bring the Cree worldview and through Offsetting Programs of the implications for Cree culture and Adverse Effects Agreements.
Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 33 Artifacts collected during archaeological excavations LQFOXGHLWHPV such as buckles, beads, projectiles and pottery.
Heritage Resources Heritage resources will be An extensive program has been A cemetery, prepared and consecrated salvaged to enable long-term undertaken to identify heritage resources for the reburial of human remains found preservation of portable artifacts that the Project will disturb during during construction and operation of the and to enhance public and local FRQVWUXFWLRQRUWKURXJKÁRRGLQJRQFH Project, including a memorial marker, heritage awareness. the Project is in operation. Heritage will be developed in an area selected by resources will be salvaged to enable Tataskweyak Cree Nation, in consultation long-term preservation of portable with the other Partners. Keeyask Cree artifacts and to enhance public and local Nations Members will be involved in heritage awareness through education kits, identifying and contributing to impact interpretive displays and other forms of management measures at important cultural media. spiritual and heritage sites.
Archaeological shoreline survey at Split Lake.
34 7KHPHWUHHOHYDWLRQGURSWKURXJK*XOO5DSLGVPDNHVWKHVLWHLGHDOIRUWKH PHJDZDWW.HH\DVNK\GURHOHFWULF JHQHUDWLQJVWDWLRQZKLFKZLOOSURGXFHHQRXJKHQHUJ\WRSRZHUKRPHV
6. Cumulative Effects of the Project
The cumulative effects assessment of the Other Projects and Project responds to guidelines provided Activities Considered by regulatory authorities. It describes the Past and current projects and activities incremental adverse environmental effects considered in the cumulative effects likely to result from the Project in combination assessment include the following Manitoba with the effects of other past, present and Hydro generation-related developments: future projects or human activities. &KXUFKLOO5LYHU'LYHUVLRQ The cumulative effects assessment focuses on valued environmental components that /DNH:LQQLSHJ5HJXODWLRQ will be adversely affected by the Project, 7KHÀYHH[LVWLQJJHQHUDWLQJVWDWLRQVRQ based on the effects assessment summarized the Nelson River; in Section 5 of this Executive Summary. 7KHQHZ:XVNZDWLP*HQHUDWLQJ6WDWLRQ The Partnership recognizes that the valued on the Burntwood River; environmental component approach as 7KH.HOVH\5H5XQQHULQJ3URMHFW DQG required by the regulatory process does not 7KH.HH\DVN,QIUDVWUXFWXUH3URMHFW capture the broader concept of the Cree worldview, which places equal importance Other regional developments such on all components of the environment, as transmission lines, rail lines and as all parts are important and interrelated. highways, including upgrades to Further, a cumulative effects perspective Provincial Road 280 were also considered is inherent to the Cree worldview, which along with mining, commercial forestry considers the effects of the Project in the and commercial fishing. context of everything that has happened in The cumulative effects assessment was the past and everything that is anticipated to expanded to consider effects of the happen in the future. Project that overlap with other foreseeable
Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 35 future projects and activities. Based on other projects, such as roads, rail lines and this evaluation, the Partnership included transmission lines. the following future developments in the After considering the effects of past and cumulative effects assessment: current activities, which are summarized 7KH%LSROH,,,7UDQVPLVVLRQ3URMHFW in Section 5, and of future projects including the Keewatinoow Converter and activities, the Partnership has not Station, with potential construction LGHQWLÀHGFXPXODWLYHHIIHFWVRQWKH from 2013 to 2017; biophysical environment requiring 7KH.HH\DVN7UDQVPLVVLRQ3URMHFWZLWK further mitigation. Accordingly, no potential construction in mid-2014 to residual adverse cumulative effects on the mid-2015 and in early 2017 to 2020; biophysical environment will exceed the UHJXODWRU\WHVWRI VLJQLÀFDQFH *LOODP5HGHYHORSPHQWEHWZHHQ and 2019; and Most adverse Project residual effects on aquatic valued environmental components 7KHSRWHQWLDO&RQDZDSD*HQHUDWLRQ occur only in the Keeyask reservoir and Project that, if developed, could be Stephens Lake, and usually only during under construction in early 2017 for FRQVWUXFWLRQDQGWKHÀUVW\HDUVRI 3URMHFW completion in 2027. operation. These effects overlap with Effects on Biophysical the effects of existing hydroelectric Environment developments, such as the Churchill River Diversion, Lake Winnipeg Regulation The Project is located on the Nelson River, and the operation of the nearby Kettle a river that has been substantially altered Generating Station. They do not generally over the past 55 years by the development overlap with future developments on of the Lake Winnipeg Regulation, the the Nelson River, such as the potential Churchill River Diversion and construction Conawapa Generating Station, or with RI ÀYHJHQHUDWLQJVWDWLRQV+\GURHOHFWULF future transmission projects considered in Transmission projects and the Conawapa development has replaced large rapids the cumulative effects assessment. Generation Project are included in the cumulative with dams, changed stretches of the river effects assessment. LQWRUHVHUYRLUVDQGGLYHUWHGÁRZVIURP However, there is potential for a the Churchill River into the lower Nelson cumulative adverse effect to water quality River. These changes have altered the for one to three months per year over aquatic environment, and have negatively two years if construction of the Project affected species such as lake sturgeon that and Conawapa occur at the same time. require large rapids habitat. The terrestrial This short-term, small effect could environment has also been altered, due occur due to the simultaneous release of WRORVVRI ODQGVWRÁRRGLQJGDPDJHG suspended sediments to the Nelson River riparian areas, and the construction of during some construction activities at the
36 Project site and further downstream at the Conawapa project site, which could potentially be under construction in early 2017. It is expected any cumulative effect of sediment from concurrent construction of the Keeyask and Conawapa projects will have no measurable adverse effects to aquatic animal and plant life at Conawapa and further downstream because inputs Archaeological excavation at Pointe West site. from both projects will be managed Effects on Socio-Economic to maintain levels that would not have Environment harmful effects. The Project is located close to In the terrestrial environment, communities that have been greatly cumulative adverse effects with other affected by past hydroelectric and other The Project is located close future projects are expected during developments. Each of the Keeyask Cree to communities that have construction and operation of the Nations has documented the history of been greatly affected by Project. Cumulative adverse effects of its people, and the profound effect that past hydroelectric and other the Project on ecosystem and habitat hydroelectric development over the past developments. valued environmental components and 55 years has had on its relationships with priority plants are predicted to remain the environment, changing its way of life in the nil to moderate range, depending and culture. RQWKHVSHFLÀFKDELWDWW\SHLQGLFDWRURU species. Cumulative adverse effects of This Executive Summary (Section 5) the Project on bird valued environmental summarizes effects of the Project on components, including species at socio-economic valued environmental ULVN ROLYHVLGHGÁ\FDWFKHUFRPPRQ components in combination with the nighthawk, and rusty blackbird), and on effects of past and current projects. caribou and beaver are expected to be In addressing the Project’s effects on minimal. Cumulative adverse effects of the socio-economic valued environmental Project on moose in combination with the components, the Partnership has HIIHFWVRI WKHLGHQWLÀHGIXWXUHSURMHFWVDUH recognized that each of the Keeyask Cree focused on access issues and sustainability Nations has entered into an agreement of moose harvest, and are considered with Manitoba Hydro to address adverse manageable with the implementation effects of the Project on each respective of the Tataskweyak Cree Nation moose Cree Nation and its Members. harvest sustainability plan throughout the 7KH3DUWQHUVKLSKDVLGHQWLÀHGVHYHUDO Split Lake Resource Management Area. instances where other future projects and
Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 37 View north across Gull Rapids, with the south channel in the foreground and the middle channel in the background. Once the Project is complete, both sets of rapids and much of the island between them will form part of the Keeyask reservoir.
activities considered in the cumulative Manitoba Hydro is committed to working effects assessment have the potential with local communities, including the to result in cumulative adverse effects Keeyask Cree Nations, the Town of of the Project on socio-economic Gillam and others so that these future valued environmental components. projects are planned, constructed and Assuming that appropriate mitigation and developed in a coordinated way that monitoring measures are carried out as minimizes adverse effects. This includes part of these future projects, no residual the implementation of incremental adverse cumulative effects on the socio- mitigation and monitoring, as required, to economic environment will exceed the minimize adverse socio-economic effects UHJXODWRU\WHVWRI VLJQLÀFDQFH and, where appropriate, the negotiation Potential cumulative adverse effects of agreements with affected Keeyask RI WKH3URMHFWKDYHEHHQLGHQWLÀHGIRU Cree Nations and others prior to the start valued environmental components of of construction of these future projects. infrastructure and services, personal, As with Keeyask, these agreements will family and community life, and heritage address known and foreseeable adverse resources. This is linked primarily with effects of these future projects on the construction workforce associated these communities, and seek to enhance ZLWKHDFKLGHQWLÀHGIXWXUHSURMHFWDQGWKH SRWHQWLDOEHQHÀWV larger potential for effects from visits by non-local construction workers to Gillam (and possibly other local communities) and related adverse interaction opportunities.
38 7. Monitoring and Follow-up Laboratory analysis of samples. An Environmental Protection Program 2. E nvironmental M anagement Plans, has been developed to mitigate, manage IRFXVHGRQVSHFLÀFHQYLURQPHQWDO and monitor environmental effects issues, such as sediment management, during the Project construction and DFFHVVPDQDJHPHQWÀVKKDELWDWDQG operation phases. heritage resources; and While descriptions of the existing 3. E nvironmental M onitoring Plans, environment are based on measurement to describe monitoring the effects and observation, descriptions of effects of construction and operations on and mitigation designed to address the biophysical, physical and socio- adverse effects are predictions based on economic environments using both WHFKQLFDOVFLHQWLÀFVWXGLHVDQGDQDO\VLV technical science and Aboriginal professional judgement and Aboriginal traditional knowledge. traditional knowledge. Monitoring will Each plan includes an implementation determine if these predictions are correct strategy that, as required, may and if mitigation measures are working include contractual arrangements, as expected. If unexpected effects are training, compliance inspections and GHWHFWHGWKHSURJUDPZLOODOVRGHÀQH communication of results. processes for determining appropriate adaptive management programs The Keeyask Cree Nations will be directly and practices. involved in monitoring implementation by leading the Aboriginal traditional The Environmental Protection Program knowledge monitoring program and Collecting a benthic invertebrate sample with covers the “who, what, when, where working side-by-side with scientists an Ekman dredge. and how” of protecting and monitoring as part of the technical science-based the environment. Manitoba Hydro monitoring and participating in the has a contractual responsibility for Partnership’s Monitoring Advisory implementing the program delegated by Committee. Manitoba Hydro will oversee Environmental ge the Partnership. The Program will consist ManagementMana PRQLWRULQJDFWLYLW\WRFRQÀUPWKDWZRUNLVV PlPlana of three types of plans: LQDFFRUGDQFHZLWKWKHÀQDOL]HGUHJXODWRU 1. E nvironmental Protection Plans, approved plans. Environmental WRSURYLGHGHWDLOHGVLWHVSHFLÀF Protection EnvironmentalE Plan environmental protection measures MonitoringM to be implemented by the contractors Plan and construction staff to minimize environmental effects from construction of the generating station and the south access road;
Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 39 8. The Project and Sustainable Development
Sustainable development has been an reduce the Project’s environmental effects. underlying principle of the Project Each of their Adverse Effects Agreements from the earliest discussions with provides continued access to healthy the Keeyask Cree Nations and it has country foods and programs to maintain been carefully planned and designed and strengthen traditions, language and to ensure social, economic and culture. They will also have a direct environmental sustainability. role in Project monitoring and follow- The Project addresses environmental, up activities, including implementing social and economic goals, principles FRPPXQLW\VSHFLÀF$ERULJLQDOWUDGLWLRQDO and guidelines of relevant sustainable- knowledge programs. They will also development legislation and other conduct appropriate activities at major initiatives currently in force, including the Project milestones, including rituals and Federal Sustainable Development Act (2008) ceremonies to show respect and give and The Sustainable Development Act thanks to Askiy. (Manitoba)(1998). Project participation has and will continue to provide the Keeyask Cree Social Sustainability Nations with employment and business The Keeyask Cree Nations, whose opportunities. They will have a continuing ancestors lived sustainably in the lower role in Partnership governance, serving Nelson River region for thousands of on the Board of Directors and on various years, are directly involved in the planning Partnership Committees. They also have and assessment process of the Project and opportunities to invest in the Project and have provided an important foundation to receive long-term income from their for its sustainable-development focus. In investment. their Environmental Evaluation Reports they have shared their perspectives about Economic Sustainability how past hydroelectric projects have The Project will contribute to economic affected their communities and their sustainability at the national, provincial desire to restore harmony and balance and regional levels. with Askiy and to enhance their culture The Project is an innovative model for and traditions. First Nation and corporate partnership To achieve these goals, the Keeyask in renewable resource development. &UHH1DWLRQVKDYHEHHQLQÁXHQWLDOLQ It will provide employment, business identifying and advocating measures to opportunities and income that will
40 stimulate the provincial economy while 7RUHÁHFWWUXHDQGVXVWDLQDEOH3URMHFWFRVWV increasing tax revenue to federal and expenditures for the many measures taken The Keeyask Cree Nations have provincial governments. The province to avoid or mitigate adverse effects and been inÀuential in identifying and will also realize ongoing revenue from HQKDQFHVRFLDOEHQHÀWVKDYHEHHQLQWHJUDWHG advocating measures to reduce waterpower rights over the Project’s life. into the Project design. By doing this these the Project’s environmental external social costs become absorbed as More than 4,000 person-years of Project effects. Each of their Adverse internal corporate costs. employment over eight-and-a-half Effects Agreements provides years will help build skills, capacity, job The Project will contribute to regional continued access to healthy H[SHULHQFHDQGHFRQRPLFEHQHÀWVIRU economic sustainability for the Keeyask country foods and programs Manitobans, but especially will help Cree Nations, other regional First Nations to maintain and strengthen northern workers to sustain employment and northern residents, and the Town of traditions, language and culture. once the Project is complete. This *LOODPZKLFKZLOOEHQHÀWIURPORQJ complements employment training for term population growth with well-paid WKH3URMHFWWKDWKDVDOUHDG\EHQHÀWWHG operational jobs at the generating station. hundreds of workers, resulting in long- Project-related economic activity will lasting skilled labour, transferable to other stimulate opportunities for regional jobs in the future. commercial and industrial businesses.
Construction Peak Employment 1,800 Contractor Supervisory and Manitoba Hydro Site Staff Designated Trades 1,600 Non -Designated Trades Construction Support 1,400
1,200
1,000
800
600 Quarterly Peak Demand
400
200
0 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Years
Source: Derived from data provided by Manitoba Hydro, 2011. Note: Employment opportunities in 2021 (Q3 and Q4) are for the decommissioning of temporary supporting infrastructure. Estimated construction schedule is subject to change by contractor.
Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 41 Lake sturgeon exhibiting pre-spawning behavior.
Environmental Sustainability Consistent with federal and provincial climate-change policy, the Project will Equal consideration to both technical- VLJQLÀFDQWO\GLVSODFHFRDORUJDVJHQHUDWHG VFLHQWLÀFVWXGLHVDQG$ERULJLQDOWUDGLWLRQDO electricity that could produce over knowledge has created a thorough 200-times more greenhouse gas. and comprehensive planning and environmental assessment process. Special attention has been paid to sensitive VSHFLHVDQGKDELWDWVVSHFLÀFDOO\ODNH With over a decade of study to understand sturgeon, which has been assessed as and decrease environmental effects, endangered by the Committee on the the Project has been planned to avoid Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada or reduce long-term effects. This and is being considered for protection has primarily been accomplished by under the Species at Risk Act. A combination reducing the size of the Project from a of mitigation measures including habitat 1150-megawatts station requiring a high- enhancement, and a large-scale stocking OHYHOUHVHUYRLUWKDWZRXOGÁRRGVTXDUH program are intended to not only maintain kilometres, to a smaller 695-megawatt existing stocks but to increase the station with a low-level reservoir that population size in the region. With over a decade of study ÁRRGVVTXDUHNLORPHWUHV,QFUHDWLQJ to understand and decrease the lowest reservoir-level/lowest-effect environmental effects, the design that is both technically and Project has been planned economically feasible, the project is able to avoid or reduce WRUHGXFHÁRRGLQJE\SHUFHQWZKLOH long-term effects. maintaining 60 percent of the generating capacity of the high-level design.
42 9. Conclusion In voting to approve the Joint Keeyask Manitoba. The Project will contributeute Development Agreement, the Keeyask to reductions in greenhouse gases andnd Cree Nations expressed the hope – a increases in lake sturgeon populations;ns; realistic hope based on careful evaluation it will provide training and employmentment – that the Project will help to restore for hundreds of Aboriginal and northernrtherrn harmony and balance to relationships workers; it will enable the Keeyask CCreeree and their lives; and that the Project will Nations Partners to build capacity aandnd provide opportunities for current and SURÀWIURPFRQVWUXFWLRQFRQWUDFWVDQGDQGG future generations while respecting and their investment as equity partners; aandndd caring for Askiy. it will produce clean renewable energyrgy The Project will cause numerous and for Manitobans and export markets.. AAss widespread environmental and social such, the Partnership believes the Projectroject effects, some of which would have had should be granted regulatory approvalval WKHSRWHQWLDOWREHVLJQLÀFDQW+RZHYHU to proceed. using past experience, Aboriginal traditional knowledge and leading VFLHQWLÀFDQGHQJLQHHULQJWHFKQLTXHVWKH Partnership has mitigated, remediated and/or compensated for these effects, VXFKWKDWWKH3DUWQHUVKLSLVFRQÀGHQWWKH Project should proceed. The Project will also produce substantial environmental, social and economic EHQHÀWVDOORI ZKLFKDUHFRQVLVWHQWZLWK the principles of sustainability established by the Governments of Canada and
Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 43 10. Appendix - Environmental Effects Analysis: Summary of Potential Effects, Mitigation/Enhancement and Residual Effects
Aquatic Valued Environmental Components
Potential Effect on VEC Mitigation/Enhancement Residual Effect Water Quality % Construction activities such as % Management methods such as % Measurable increases to TSS and the discharge of efÀuents and the treating and testing ef Àuents prior to other parameters are expected in dewatering of cofferdams will result discharge, controlling surface runoff, the vicinity of the construction site in local increases in parameters such and developing effective methods to as total suspended solids (TSS), prevent and manage accidental spills % For several open water seasons nutrients, metals, and pH will be used during construction during construction, there will be small increases in TSS levels further % Installation and removal of % Implementing protocols in a sediment down the Nelson River cofferdams and river diversion management plan during instream % During operation, most effects to could result in larger TSS increases construction will maintain TSS levels water quality will be con¿ned to in the river downstream of the within pre-determined limits Àooded areas, though TSS will decline construction site % No speci¿c mitigation for water in the main body of the reservoir and % After the station is in operation, quality is planned during the further downstream operation phase there will be short-term (10-15 % Overall, water quality will always be years) increase in levels of nutrients, suitable for aquatic life in the main metals and TSS , and declines i n part offtfth thhe reservo ir, a n dbd be su itblititbablle dissolved oxygen during winter, at most locations and at most times in mainly in nearshore off-current the Àooded area areas of the reservoir
% During operation, TSS concentrations will be lower than existing conditions in the mainstem of the reservoir and south western portion of Stephens Lake
44 Aquatic Valued Environmental Components (Continued)
Potential Effect on VEC Mitigation/Enhancement Residual Effect Pickerel / Jack¿sh / Lake White¿sh
% Construction activities such as % Adverse effects of construction will % During construction, a reduction the installation of cofferdams, be addressed by adhering to instream in available spawning habitat in dewatering of Gull Rapids, construction timing windows, Stephens Lake may result in fewer blasting, and water withdrawals following blasting guidelines, pickerel and lake white¿sh being will disturb ¿sh screening water intakes, and produced for a few years salvaging ¿sh prior to dewatering % Impoundment of the reservoir % After the reservoir is formed, pickerel will create a large area of newly % Spawning shoals will be created for and white¿sh populations are Àooded terrestrial habitat, lake white¿sh and pickerel in the expected to increase over time due to which over time will evolve into reservoir, a spawning structure will more habitat productive aquatic habitat be created below the tailrace of the generating station, and a spawning % After the station is in operation, % Creation of the reservoir will disrupt reef will be created for lake white¿sh pickerel and white¿sh populations are existing spawning habitat (pickerel downstream in Stephens Lake expected to be the same as they are and lake white¿sh) today in Stephens Lake % Channels will be constructed to % The lossloss of GullGullR Rapidsapids willwil lr reduce educe connect the large off- current bay in % -ackack¿sshhp populations opulations are expectedexpected to the amount of spawning habitat in the reservoir to deeper sections of remain stable in the reservoir and Stephens Lake, though these species the reservoir Stephens Lake in the long-term, spawn in other areas as well though short term declines may occur % Channels that connect spillway pools in the reservoir % A large off-current bay created during to Stephens Lake will be constructed reservoir impoundment has shallow to prevent ¿sh stranding outlets that would freeze to the bottom in winter and trapped ¿sh % A trap/catch and transport program could die for upstream ¿sh passage will be implemented. Downstream % Fish in pools downstream of ¿sh passage will be provided via the spillway could become the turbines and spillway, which trapped and die after the incorporate design features that spillway operation ceases reduce the risk of injury and mortality % The presence of the generating station will alter downstream ¿sh movements and block upstream movements. This change is not expected to affect ¿sh abundance in the reservoir or Stephens Lake
Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 45 Aquatic Valued Environmental Components (Continued)
Potential Effect on VEC Mitigation/Enhancement Residual Effect Lake Sturgeon % Construction effects listed above also % Construction mitigation % During construction, potential apply to lake sturgeon measures listed above also apply movement of adults from the to lake sturgeon reservoir could cause in a shift in % During construction, rising water the age structure of the population levels in Gull Lake may cause % Stocking will be used to mitigate sturgeon to move either upstream or population losses due to reduced % Stocking is expected to prevent downstream spawning and movement to a decline in abundance due to other locations that may occur construction effects % During construction, sturgeon may during construction not spawn in Gull Rapids due to % During the operation period, construction activity % After the generating station is no long-term adverse effects to in operation, monitoring will determine lake sturgeon numbers in the area % Reservoir creation will alter existing whether lake sturgeon spawn in directly affected by the Project are spawning habitat - sturgeon may fast-water habitat in the reservoir. expected due to mitigation measures continue to use this habitat or move If not, suitable habitat will be modi¿ed that provide habitat for all life history to spawning habitat further upstream to make it attract spawning ¿sh stages both above and below the % After reservoir creation, existing generating station, and an extensive % Monitoring will determine if suitable stocking program young-of-the-year rearing habitat will young-of-the-year habitat occurs in be lost. It is unclear whether other the reservoir and, if not, suitable % An overall increase in the number suitable habitat will be available habitat will be created of sturgeon in the Kelsey Generating In the reservoir, preferred habitat Station to Kettle Generating Station % % Spawning habitat will be constructed for sub-adult lake sturgeon will be reach of the Nelson River is expected downstream of the generating station due to stocking altered, but there will be a general based on designs that have been increase in the amount of foraging successful elsewhere habitat for both sub adults and adults % Trap/catch and transport will allow % Spawning habitat in Gull Rapids, the for the transport of sturgeon that only spawning location for ¿sh in have moved downstream past the Stephens Lake, will be lost when the generating station to be moved generation station is built back upstream, while avoiding % Fish could become stranded after depleting the remnant population in spillway operation ceases Stephens Lake
% The presence of the generating % Downstream ¿sh passage is station will alter downstream described above movements and block upstream % A lake sturgeon conservation movements of ¿sh. This change awareness initiative will be developed is not expected to affect sturgeon to inform domestic resource users of abundance the vulnerability of the lake sturgeon % The access road will increase populations in the Keeyask reservoir access by domestic harvesters and and Stephens Lake and of the potentially increase lake sturgeon various enhancement programs being harvest developed to increase numbers % A regional conservation stocking program in the Kelsey to Kettle generating station reach of the Nelson River will increase the regional population of lake sturgeon. Stocking in the Project area will compensate for any temporary reductions in sturgeon production while habitat mitigation measures become fully functional
46 TTeerrresstrial Valueed Environmental Components
Potential Effect on VEC Mitigation/Enhancement Residual Effect Ecosystem Diversity / Intactness / Wetland Function / Priority Plants % Habitat will be lost and altered, the % Many effects have been avoided or % Ecosystem diversity effects amount of core habitat area will minimized through the planning and are expected to be adverse but be reduced, the sizes of large core design process regionally acceptable because habitat areas will be reduced, priority no ecosystem types are lost, plants will be lost and priority plant % Access to some existing trails and the proportion of the habitat types is habitat will be lost and altered cutlines will be blocked and re- not expected to change substantially, vegetated and the area losses for all of the % These effects are due to: % A portion of borrow area N-6 will priority habitat types will be below < Clearing, borrow area 10% of historical area development, excavated material be withdrawn from use to minimize effects on a sensitive habitat area placement, physical disturbance, % Intactness effects are expected to altered hydrology and the % Priority habitats will be rehabilitated be adverse but regionally acceptable associated indirect effects on in some construction areas that are because no very large core areas habitat not needed for operation will be lost and amount of core area should remain over 80% of regional < Reservoir Àooding, reservoir % Measures will be applied to prevent land area expp,gansion, changes to the water and/or reduce erosion , siltation and regime, higher groundwater and other effects to off-system marshes % Wetland function effects are the associated indirect effects on expected to be adverse but regionally habitat % New marshes will be developed acceptable because no globally, nationally or provincially signi¿cant % If plant surveys identify very rare wetlands will be affected, there is no species, the site will be avoided or net loss of off-system marshes, and the plants will be transplanted losses of remaining native wetlands will be below 10% of historical area
% Effects on priority plants are expected to be adverse but regionally acceptable because there are no predicted effects on very rare plants. Effects on most species of particular interest to Keeyask Cree Nations are expected to be low because of their widespread distribution. Effects on the remaining priority species are expected to be low because low percentages of their known locations and/or available habitat are affected by the Project
Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 47 Terrestrial Valued Environmental Components (Continued)
Potential Effect on VEC Mitigation/Enhancement Residual Effect Canada Goose / Mallard / Bald Eaglee / Olive-sided Flycatcher / ComCommonmon Nighthawk / Rusty Blackbird
% Habitat will be lost and altered % Vegetated buffers will be % The effect on Canada goose through clearing and Àooding established around lakes, creeks, is expected to be adverse but and other waterbodies to reduce regionally acceptable because of % Construction activities (e.g. noise) construction noise the large amount of staging habitat will cause some species to avoid the in the region and lack of locally/ construction area % Land clearing will be avoided to the regionally important breeding extent practicable during the sensitive habitat being affected % Increased traf¿c and access will breeding season (April 1 to July 31) increase harvest and vehicle mortality % The effect on bald eagles is of some species % Access to cut lines will be blocked expected to be regionally acceptable and re-vegetated as soon as they are as the adverse construction effects no longer needed are small and operation effects are % New wetland habitats will be created neutral overall % A construction Access Management % The effect on mallard is expected to Plan will be implemented to minimize be adverse but regionally acceptable waterfowl harvest because there is limited breeding habitat being affected and staging % During the fall or winter, bald eagle habitat is not limiting nests will be removed from trees that may fall into the reservoir % The effects on olive-sided Àycatcher, rusty blackbird and common % Nesting structures will be installed for nighthawk are expected to be bald eagles and mallards adverse but regionally acceptable because breeding habitat losses are % Some standing-dead trees will be small and such habitat is abundant in retained for olive-sided Àycatcher the wider area breeding habitat
% Some Àat open areas will be retained for common nighthawk breeding habitat
Beaver % Habitat will be lost and/or altered % Beavers will be trapped by licensed % Effects are expected to be adverse trappers in the area where the but regionally acceptable because % Increased access will increase reservoir will be created beaver will continue to create predation and harvest their own habitat, compensate for % A 100 metre buffer will be population reductions, and adjust maintained or established at to some changing conditions in most creeks, streams and ponds the reservoir. The Nelson River to protect shoreline habitat will continue to be unsuitable % Beaver bafÀers will be installed beaver habitat because of alongalong culverts and control Àuctuating water levels structures that are repeatedly blocked by beaver activity
48 Terrestrial Valued Environmental Components (Continued)
Potential Effect on VEC Mitigation/Enhancement Residual Effect Caribou % Habitat, including calving islands, % Access road routing and construction % Effects are expected to will be lost and/or altered through activities have been planned to avoid be adverse but regionally reservoir clearing and Àooding important calving habitat acceptable for several reasons. Habitat loss in the area will be % Construction disturbance may cause % Areas that could become calving small (less than 1%). Changes to altered movements islands in the reservoir will not be intactness and mortality are cleared of vegetation % Improved access may negligible. Altered movements increase predation, harvest % Blasting will be limited to the extent and distribution are likely and vehicle mortality practicable during the calving season limited to habitat near the (May 15 to June 30) Project infrastructure, and will have little effect on landscape % Other mitigation measures level movements and distribution include prohibitions on ¿rearms in the construction camps; signage on roadways; rehabilitation of construction sites; re-vegetating ditches with plants that are not normally eaten by caribou; and access to some existing trails and cutlines will be blocked and re-vegetated
% A plan for Manitoba Hydro’s northern developments is being developed to facilitate coordination of caribou mitigation and monitoring activities with government authorities and existing caribou management boards
Moose
% Habitat will be lost and/or altered % The development of new wetlands % Effects are expected to be adverse will partially offset losses of some but regionally acceptable for % Construction activities (e.g. noise) moose habitat several reasons. Habitat loss in may cause sensory disturbance the area will be small (less than and may cause moose to alter their % Tataskweyak Cree Nation will 1%). Changes to intactness and movements implement a moose harvest mortality are negligible. Altered sustainability plan for the Split Lake movements and distribution are likely % Improved access will Resource Management Area increase predation, limited to habitat near the Project harvest and vehicle mortality % Other mitigation measures include infrastructure, and will have little prohibitions on ¿rearms in the effect on landscape level movements construction camps; rehabilitation and distribution of construction sites; re-vegetating ditches with plants that are not normally eaten by moose; and access to some existing trails and cutlines will be blocked and re-vegetated
Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 49 Socio-Economic Valued Environmental Components
ECONOMY
Potential Effect on VEC Mitigation/Enhancement Residual Effect Employment Opportunities % Construction of the Project will create % Pre-project training undertaken % There are between 550 and 1,700 4,200 person-years of employment between 2001 and 2010 to develop person years of northern Aboriginal construction skills employment expected during the % Operation of the Project will create construction phase resulting in a 46 permanent jobs % The collective bargaining agreement positive effect on employment (BNA) governing the Project provides preferences for northern Aboriginal % The Joint Keeyask Development and northern Manitoba workers on Agreement provides a target of 182 the Project operation jobs for Keeyask Cree Nations Members across the Manitoba % The Keeyask Cree Nations can Hydro system over the next 20 years, hire their Members whether resulting in a positive long-term living on-reserve or elsewhere bene¿t in the province to work on directly-negotiated contracts (without going through the job referral process)
% Targets have also been established for Keeyask Cree Nations Members to work across the province with Manitoba Hydro
Business Opportunities % Construction of the Project will create % The Partnership has identi¿ed % Keeyask Cree Nations-owned opportunities for northern Manitoba contracts to be directly negotiated businesses will gain substantial businesses, particularly joint venture with businesses (DNCs) in which the contract opportunities through the contracts with Keeyask Cree Nations- Keeyask Cree Nations are majority direct negotiated contracts outlined owned businesses owners in joint venture companies in the Joint Keeyask Development Agreement, resulting in a positive effect on business opportunities
% Other local businesses may also ¿nd opportunities, either directly associated with the Project or as a result of economic spinoffs
Income % Increased employment % Note the enhancements % Effects on Income are expected opportunities will result i inn under ‘Employment’ to be positive due to substantial increased income opportunities employment opportunities during construction; and the opportunity % Potential investment income for for long-term jobs in Hydro the Keeyask CreeNe Nations through operattiionall positions the terms of the Joint Keeyask Development Agreement % Investment income can result in subsubstantialstantial bene ¿ttsst toot thehe KeeKeeyaskyask Cree Nations communities over the long-term
50 Socio-Economic Valued Environmental Components (Continued)
Potential Effect on VEC Mitigation/Enhancement Residual Effect Cost of Living % An increase in worker populations % No mitigation or enhancement % An increase in demand may be offset may increase spending in the area, measures are planned in part by more businesses competing resulting in increased demand to provide goods and services or expanding their range of goods and services; however, little tangible effect on cost of living is expected
Resource Economy % Limited effect on cash and in-kind % Offsetting Programs in % Limited residual effects on resource income from domestic resource use each Keeyask Cree Nations’ economy are expected due to Adverse Effects Agreement (AEA), existing Keeyask Cree Nations’ % Loss of income for some local including guidelines and principles Adverse Effects Agreement Offsetting commercial trappers for participants Programs and compensation provided Closure of Stephens Lake small % % Compensation for loss of income to (single-licence) ¿shery commercial trappers Limited effect on lodges and out¿tters % % Compensation for loss of income to Stephens Lake ¿shery operator
Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 51 Socio-Economic Valued Environmental Components (Continued)
INFRASTRUCTURE
Potential Effect on VEC Mitigation/Enhancement Residual Effect Housing % An in-migration of workers during % Construction workers will be housed % The Project’s adverse effect on construction could potentially in a construction camp increased housing demand is increase demand for housing and expected to be small during the temporary accommodation in nearby % Manitoba Hydro is developing plans construction phase communities for new housing in Gillam for its permanent staff as part of the Gillam % The Project is expected to result in % The addition of 46 permanent jobs Land Use Planning Process an ongoing demand for temporary during operation phase will increase accommodation during construction demand for housing in Gillam % Housing is expected to be available for additional Keeyask operational staff living in Gillam
Infrastructure and Services % More workers, particularly during the % On-going communication with local % Some residual effects are expected construction phase, could increase service providers to allow for effective on infrastructure and services due to the demand on infrastructure and timely planning of service existing programming already in place and services delivery, including the RCMP
% The Gillam Land Use Planning Process will consider increased need for infrastructure and services
Transportation Infrastructure % An increase in workers, % PR 280 is being upgraded including % Project effects on transportation especially during construction, widening, grading and curve shaping infrastructure are expected to be will increase demands on adverse during construction due transportation infrastructure to the increased use of road, rail and air networks % Once the Project goes into operation, the north and south access roads % Over the long-term, effects are will become part of the provincial positive as travel time between Gillam highway system and Thompson will be shortened by about an hour due to PR 280 being % The existing section of PR 280 from re-routed along the north access the north access road to Gillam road, across the generating station will be abandoned by Manitoba and along the south access road Infrastructure and Transportation
Land % No Keeyask Cree Nations reserve land % No mitigation is required % There are no expected residual effects or treaty land entitlement is required on reserve land or land selected for treaty land entitlement % The Project will be built on Provincial Crown land
52 Socio-Economic Valued Environmental Components (Continued)
PERSONAL, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY LIFE
Potential Effect on VEC Mitigation/Enhancement Residual Effect Governance, Goals and Plans % An increased demand on Keeyask % Provisions within the Joint Keeyask % Project effects on governance, goals Cree Nations’ community leadership Development Agreement include and plans are expected to be positive to be actively involved in Project participation in the Keeyask as ongoing involvement by Keeyask activities/committees Hydropower Limited Partnership Cree Nations leadership and Future Board, advisory committees on Development teams build capacity % An increased demand on employment and ongoing monitoring within the Keeyask Cree Nations Gillam leadership communities and incorporate Keeyask % Gillam Land Use Planning Process is Cree Nations perspectives into project currently underway activities
Community Health
% An increase in workers (construction) % Emergency medical and ambulance % Effects on community health and population (operation) will put services, as well as a health clinic will services are expected to be adverse greater demands on health and be available for workers at the camp during construction due to potential social services increased demand % See measures under Infrastructure and Services and Public Safety and Worker Interaction
Mercury and Human Health % An increase in mercury levels in ¿sh % Through the Keeyask Cree Nations’ % Mercury and human health could potentially affect the health Adverse Effects Agreements effects during the operation of people eating ¿sh from Gull and Offsetting Programs, Keeyask Cree phase are expected to be adverse; Stephens lakes; and could potentially Nations Members will be able to eat however, Tataskweyak Cree Nation reduce the amount of ¿sh eaten, ¿sh from ‘off-system’ unaffected lakes and War Lake First Nation will have particularly for the Keeyask Cree plenty of healthy ¿sh available Nations communities % A communication strategy and through their Adverse Effects information materials providing Agreement Offsetting Programs. recommended guidelines regarding York Factory First Nation and Fox Lake the safe consumption of ¿sh (and Cree Nation also have Adverse Effects other country food) will be provided Agreement Offsetting Programs to local and Keeyask Cree Nations communities and health-service % Other people who regularly eat providers ¿sh will be instructed to restrict consumption of large pickerel % Mercury levels in ¿sh and other (walleye) and jack¿sh (northern pike) wildlife will be monitored and results from Gull and Stephens lakes, likely shared with local resource users and for 25-30 years after the Project goes health-service providers into service
% Particular attention is given to toddlers and women of child-bearing age who should avoid eating pickerel (walleye) and jack¿sh (northern pike) from both Gull and Stephens lakes
% The health of people following these guidelines should not be affected
Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 53 Socio-Economic Valued Environmental Components (Continued)
Potential Effect on VEC Mitigation/Enhancement Residual Effect Public Safety and Worker Interactioon % The presence of non-local % Measures at the main camp % During construction, public safety construction workers may result include cultural training , lounge and and worker interaction effects are in adverse interactions with local recreational facilities expected to be adverse due to community members potential adverse worker interactions % A Construction Access Management Plan and camp rules, will restrict % There is the potential for small worker activities adverse effects during the operation phase due to the increased population % A shuttle will be operated to take in Gillam workers to and from Gillam and Thompson airports
% Ongoing dialogue with RCMP % Coordinated discussions in advance of the Project among Manitoba Hydro, the Town of Gillam, Fox Lake Cree Nation and Tataskweyak Cree Nation to determine the best mechanism for tracking and addressing worker interaction issues and concerns across all Manitoba Hydro proposed projects in the vicinity of Gillam
Travel, Access and Safety % The Project will change local % The Reservoir Clearing Plan will % During construction, Project effects on waterways, thereby affecting water eliminate most of the vegetation travel, access and safety are expected and ice-based travel that otherwise would interfere with to be adverse boat travel % Increased construction traf¿c on % Boaters will not be able to access the PR 280 has the potential for safety % The Waterways Management area around Gull Rapids or move past issue for users of the road Program includes a boat patrol team Gull Rapids while the Project is being responsible for collecting Àoating constructed for safety reasons % After construction, PR 280 will be debris that does enter the waterway re-routed along the north access and marking/maintaining safe travel % Once the Project goes into operation, road, across the generating station routes among other activities Project effects are positive as and along the south access road boaters will use the new portage and to Gillam % Boat launches, safe landing sites and associated docks to get around the safety shelters will be provided Project infrastructure
% A portage with docks will assist % In addition, enhancements under the boaters to get around the Project Waterways Management Program are once it goes into operation long-lasting bene¿ts to all users of the area % Safe ice trails will be established and monitored
% Safety measures around the construction site during construction (e.g., warning signagee, buoys and booms)
% Safety measures at the generation stastationtiono oncence bubuiltilt (r(railingsailings, fenfencingcing and siren system) during operation
% Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation is undderttakik ng road iimpprovements to PR 280p0 prior to constrt ucttionio sttatart 54 Socio-Economic Valued Environmental Components (Continued)
Potential Effect on VEC Mitigation/Enhancement Residual Effect Culture and Spirituality % The Project will result in the loss % Appropriate ceremonies and rituals % Culture and spirituality effects are of the rapids, Àooding of land, consistent will local culture and expected to be adverse and long-term and changes to the cultural spirituality will be conducted at key due to the permanent loss of the landscape causing great sorrow Project milestones rapids, and changes to the cultural to local Aboriginal people landscape due to the presence of % The Keeyask Cree Nations’ Adverse Project infrastructure and creation of Effects Agreement Offsetting the reservoir Programs provide important initiatives to maintain and enhance Cree culture % The Keeyask Cree Nations’ Adverse Effects Agreement Offsetting Program % Other initiatives include a video and participation as Project partners of the existing environment, address these residual effects an interpretative display, and other cultural training for operation staff
% Counselling services will be available at the Project site during construction
The Way the Landscape Looks (Aesthetics) % The local landscape will be % The Reservoir Clearing Plan will % Project effects on the way the permanently changed, scenic views greatly reduce unsightly debris landscape looks (aesthetics) are and Gull Rapids will be lost expected to be adverse and long-term % Decommissioned construction sites due to the permanent change in the will be rehabilitated physical landscape, views and loss % Ceremonies and rituals will assist of rapids; and Gull Lake will become in addressing the long-term loss of a reservoir landscape elements % The Keeyask Cree Nations’ Adverse % Enhancement measures include a Effects Agreement Offsetting park/rest area at the boat launches, Programs and participation as commemorative plaque, nature trails Project partners have addressed for workers at site, a video and an these permanent effects interpretative display
Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 55 Socio-Economic Valued Environmental Components (Continued)
RESOURCE USE
Potential Effect on VEC Mitigation/Enhancement Residual Effect Domestic Fishing % Changes to access and navigation % Through the Adverse Effects % Domestic ¿shing effects are expected on local waterbodies may affect Agreement Offsetting Programs, to be neutral domestic ¿shing Keeyask Cree Nations Members will be able to ¿sh at ‘off-system’ % Improved community-wide % Elevated mercury levels will affect ¿sh unaffected lakes opportunity to conduct domestic consumption preferences ¿shing through the Keeyask Cree % Communication of local ¿sh Nations’ Adverse Effects Agreement % Domestic ¿shers may notice increased consumption recommendations will Offsetting Programs recreational ¿shing due to population help domestic ¿shers make informed increases in Gillam decisions with regard to ¿sh harvest % Some Keeyask Cree Nations Members and consumption may experience changes to ¿sh % Shifting patterns of ¿shing consumption preferences activity may result in pressure % Waterways Management Program on a wider area and Reservoir Clearing Plan will % Some domestic ¿shers will experience aid in access and travel safety on a change in their resource use local waterbodies experience due to the presence of the Project, resulting in increased % A ¿sh harvest sustainability plan will pressure for resources in new areas assist in the long-term sustainability of ¿sh resources in the Split Lake Resource Management Area
Domestic Hunting and Gathering % Changes in access and navigation on % The Keeyask Cree Nations’ % Domestic hunting and gathering local waterbodies may affect domestic Adverse Effects Agreement effects are expected to be neutral hunting and gathering Offsetting Programs will provide access to alternative hunting and % Improved community-wide % Clearing and Àooding will result in a gathering areas opportunity to hunt and loss of plant harvest areas and may gather through the Keeyask Cree affect local cabins % Waterways Management Program Nations’ Adverse Effects Agreement and Reservoir Clearing Plan will Offsetting Programs % Hunting activity may increase due to aid in access and travel safety on increased population in Gillam local waterbodies % Some domestic hunters and gatherers will experience a change in their Shifting patterns of hunting and % % Measures in the Keeyask Cree resource use experience due to the gathering activities and resultant Nations’ Adverse Effects Agreement presence of the Project, resulting in pressure to a larger area are available to recover losses to increased pressure for resources in personal property or cabins new areas
% The Construction Access Management Plan will restrict access to the Project area by the public which will red reduceuce potential pressure on resources
%% AmA moosehe harvest sustainability plan will assist in the long-term sustainability of the moose population in the Split Lake Resource Management Area
56 Socio-Economic Valued Environmental Components (Continued)
Potential Effect on VEC Mitigation/Enhancement Residual Effect Commercial Trapping % Project local disturbances (noise, % Compensation agreements with % Commercial trapping effects are dust, safety issues) may affect trapline holders expected to be neutral commercial trapping activity % The Construction Access Management % Shifting patterns of resource use Plan addresses construction due to Adverse Effects Agreement disturbances for trappers Offsetting Programs may disturb commercial trappers % Tataskweyak Cree Nation’s Adverse Effects Agreement Access Program % New access roads and navigable includes guidelines and principles that forebay will improve access will minimize potential effects of the Offsetting Programs on trappers
Heritage Resources % Project construction may disturb or % An extensive program has been % Project effects on heritage resources destroy seven known archaeological undertaken to identify sites; the are expected to result in the potential sites (and probably sites not seven known sites will undergo an loss of unknown sites due to Àooding discovered to date) archaeological salvage to recover and of the reservoir and ongoing shoreline record valuable cultural information erosion, along with the loss of the % Forty-three sites found and cultural link to those sites investigated as part of the Project’s % The shoreline will be monitored archaeological program will be should erosion expose any unknown % Through the Project’s archaeological Àooded when the reservoir is created sites; controlled artifact collection will program, thousands of artifacts occur if required have been found and recovered; % Ongoing shoreline erosion may and the Project’s Heritage Resources result in the loss of additional % A consecrated cemetery for the Protection Plan will provide a level of heritage resources reburial of human remains will be protection during construction provided on the north side of the Nelson River
% A Heritage Resources Protection Plan (HRPP) will be developed to protect heritage resources that may be discovered during construction
% Tataskweyak Cree Nation’s Adverse Effects Agreement Offsetting Programs provide for a Cultural Centre Museum and Oral Histories Program that may include the display and interpretation of heritage resources
Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 57 The Keeyask Cree Nations
Tataskweyak Cree N ation logo represents our culture and that which sustains our way of life. The beaver is the economic foundation of our culture. The wolf represents the extended kinship DPRQJRXUFODQ7KHPRRVHWKHIRUHVWDQGWKHÀVKSURYLGHIRUXVZLWK IRRGFORWKLQJDQGVKHOWHU7KHÀVKERQHVUHSUHVHQWWKHHQYLURQPHQWDO changes in our waters that have occurred due to development. The Canada goose, which arrives annually in the spring, represents new growth. The river which is the giver of all life, sustains us all. All of these things are interrelated in Askiy. War Lake First N ation logo represents the moose, northern pike and the eagles that frequent our area. The feathers in the Chieftain’s headdress represent all the families that grew up on Mooseocoot (Moose-Nose) Lake, before we became a First Nation and moved to where we live now at War Lake (Ilford). Behind the moose, the sun is setting over the lake, to mark the end of another beautiful day.
FAC T he York Factory F irst N ation K TO logo shows a tipi located on the shore of a body of water with a R R O Y Y sunset as backdrop set in a circle. The tipi represents the traditional relationships of the people of the First Nation with Askiy, while at the same time representing the modern community of York F N I R S I O Landing (Kawechiwasik), located at the mouth of the Aiken River on Split Lake, where the First T N A T Nation was relocated in 1957. The circle is embraced by two Eagle feathers. The eagle is a sacred bird and represents power, strength and loyalty. 7KHUHLVDUHÁHFWLRQRI WKHWLSLLQWKHZDWHUEXWXSRQFORVHULQVSHFWLRQ\RXUHDOL]HWKHUHÁHFWLRQ LVWKDWRI .LVFKHZDVNDKHNDQ WKH´%LJ+RXVHµDW 58 Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement Material and Information The Environmental Impact Statement for the Keeyask Generation Project is submitted to Canada and Manitoba by the Keeyask Hydropower Limited Partnership, which consists of Manitoba Hydro and four Cree Nations (referred to collectively as the Keeyask Cree Nations or KCNs): Tataskweyak Cree Nation (TCN) and War Lake First Nation (WLFN), acting collectively as the Cree Nation Partners (CNP), York Factory First Nation (YFFN), and Fox Lake Cree Nation (FLCN). In summary, the Environmental Impact Statement for the Project consists of: A video, Keeyask: Our Story, which presents the Keeyask Cree Nations’ history and perspectives related to hydroelectric development. Presented through the lens of their holistic Cree worldview, it explains the journey taken by the Keeyask Cree Nations as they evaluated their concerns about the Project, the nature of their participation as Partners, and the decisions they ultimately made to support the Project; T his E xecutive Summary A Response to E IS Guidelines issued by Canada March 30, 2012 in response to an application by the Partnership for environmental approvals under the government UHJXODWRU\HQYLURQPHQWDODVVHVVPHQWSURFHVV7KLVUHVSRQVHLQFOXGHVÀQGLQJVDQG conclusions1, with charts, diagrams, and maps to clarify information in the text, and a concordance table to cross reference requirements of the EIS Guidelines with information in the EIS; and T he Keeyask Cree N ations’ E nvironmental E valuation Reports providing each of the Keeyask Cree Nation’s own environmental evaluation of the effects of the Project on their community and Members and including Aboriginal traditional knowledge relevant to the Partnership’s response to the Environmental Impact Statement Guidelines. 1 Technical supporting volumes are also provided, as developed by the Manitoba Hydro environmental team in consultation with the Keeyask Cree Nations and their Members, to provide details on the Project Description and on the research and analysis of the following topics: Public Involvement Program, Physical Environment, Aquatic Environment, Terrestrial Environment, Socio-economic Environment, Resource Use, and Heritage Resources. Executive Summary of the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement 59 Mailing Address Keeyask Hydropower Limited Partnership 360 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3C 0G8 Email Address [email protected] Website Address www.keeyask.com PART B - Keeyask Transmission Project Environmental Assessment Report Executive Summary Prepared by: Manitoba Hydro EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.0 PURPOSE This Environmental Assessment Report and its associated Environmental Assessment Proposal Form was filed by Manitoba Hydro as part of the process to secure an Environment Act License under The (Manitoba) Environment Act for the Keeyask Transmission Project. This Environmental Assessment Report provides supporting documentation to the Keeyask Generation Project Environmental Impact Statement submitted to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency. The primary function of the Keeyask Transmission Project (the Project) is to provide construction power and generation outlet transmission capacity for the proposed Keeyask Generating Station, located in northern Manitoba along the Nelson River at Gull Rapids upstream of Stephens Lake. The Project is located about 180 km northeast of Thompson (Manitoba) within the Split Lake Resource Management Area (Map 1-1). The Keeyask Transmission Project is considered a Class 2 development under The (Manitoba) Environment Act; the Minister of Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship is the approving authority. There are a number of other provincial permits and authorizations that will be required to develop the transmission lines and associated infrastructure. Manitoba Hydro will secure all applicable permits and authorizations for each stage and portion of the Project. 2.0 PROJECT COMPONENTS The Keeyask Transmission Project components are illustrated in Maps 2-2. The site locations and routes reflect the preferred siting resulting from a review and evaluation of alternative sites and routes. The main Project components are described below. Construction Power Transmission Line and Station A new Construction Power Transmission Line (138 kV ac and approximately 22 km long) will extend from the existing 138 kV KN36 transmission line to a new 138 kV to 12.47 kV Construction Power Station to be located north of the proposed Keeyask Generating Station. The purpose of the Construction Power Transmission Line and Station is to provide power for the construction activities of the Keeyask Generation Project. The Construction Power Transmission Line will be left in place during operation, as will a portion of the Construction Power Station, to provide a contingency function for a “black start”1 emergency backup to diesel generation units at the Keeyask Generating Station. 1 Black start is the process of restoring a power station to operation without relying on the external electric power transmission network or grid. KEEYASK TRANSMISSION PROJECT EA REPORT I EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Unit Transmission Lines Four 138 kV ac Unit Transmission Lines will transmit power from the seven generators located at the Keeyask Generating Station to the new Keeyask Switching Station. Three lines will be double circuit and one line single circuit to accept power from the seven generating station turbines. The four lines, each approximately 4 km long, will be located in a single route. Keeyask Switching Station A new Keeyask Switching Station will accept power from the generating station via four Unit Transmission Lines from the generating station transformers and transfer that power to three Generation Outlet Transmission (GOT) Lines. The switching station will be located on the south side of the Nelson River. The purpose of the switching station is to provide the terminal facilities for the electrical connection to the Keeyask Generating Station, and to provide flexibility in switching load between incoming Unit Transmission Lines from the generating station to the Generation Outlet Transmission Lines going to Radisson Converter Station. Generation Outlet Transmission Lines Three 138 kV ac Generation Outlet Transmission Lines will transmit power from the Keeyask Switching Station to the existing Radisson Converter Station 138 kV ac switchyard. The three transmission lines, each approximately 38 km long, will be located along a single route. Manitoba Hydro plans to build one of these Generation Outlet Transmission lines (KR1) to serve as a backup construction power line during generating station construction and the line will be partially salvaged back to the Keeyask Switching Station and utilized as a Generation Outlet Transmission Line. Radisson Converter Station Upgrades The existing Radisson Converter Station, situated approximately 6 km northeast of the town of Gillam (Map 1-1), will be upgraded to include new breakers and termination facilities for the four Generation Outlet Transmission Lines. 3.0 PROPOSED PROJECT SCHEDULE It is currently anticipated that the Keeyask Transmission Project Environmental Assessment Report will be filed with regulators in October 2012. This will be followed by a regulatory-review period that is currently planned for completion by July 2013. No construction will begin until all regulatory approvals and property reservations are completed. The earliest clearing and construction would start is November 2013; the exact start date is subject to regulatory approval of the Keeyask Generation Project. The Keeyask Construction Power 138 kV Transmission Line and Station is proposed to be in service by July 2015. KEEYASK TRANSMISSION PROJECT EA REPORT II EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Construction of the Keeyask Switching Station is expected to begin in March or April of 2017. Right-of-way clearing and facility construction for the GOT 138 kV Transmission Lines between the Switching Station and Radisson Converter Station and the four 138 kV Unit Transmission Lines to the proposed Keeyask Generating Station, is scheduled to be completed by July 2019. The Keeyask Switching Station planned in-service date is October 2019. This timing corresponds with the proposed in-service date for the proposed Keeyask Generating Station. 4.0 SITE SELECTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCESS Manitoba Hydro used a Site Selection and Environmental Assessment (SSEA) process to determine the most appropriate sites and routes for the Project components. The overarching objective in this Site Selection and Environmental Assessment approach is to avoid adverse effects wherever practicable through routing and siting choices and to maximize environmental management opportunities at each stage of development and implementation of the Project, from pre-licensing through post-construction. Integral to the process were two rounds of public involvement which were used to gather public comment on preliminary siting and routing choices. Manitoba Hydro has funded two self- directed studies on the Project that are being carried out by Fox Lake Cree Nation and Tataskweyak Cree Nation. Manitoba Hydro is also in discussions with the Manitoba Metis Federation to develop a workplan for a Traditional Land Use and Knowledge study in the Keeyask region. The Site Selection Environmental Assessment process involves the selection and evaluation of preferred routes for the Unit, Generation Outlet and Construction Power Transmission Lines, as well as the Construction Power Station and Keeyask Switching Station sites. This evaluation and selection of preferred routes and station sites is based on feedback received from the Public Involvement Program as well as the result of assessments conducted by technical specialists comprising the Study Team. The Study Team selected and evaluated specific biophysical and socio-economic Valued Environmental Components (VECs) that could potentially be affected by the Project. VECs are defined as part of the environment that is considered important by the proponent, public, scientists and government involved in the assessment process. Importance may be determined on the basis of cultural values and scientific concern. Potential environmental effects of the Project were assessed primarily using 15 VECs. The identified VECs facilitated assessment of the interactions between the Project components and specific valued components of the environment. The Project Study Area selected through the SSEA evaluation process for the Keeyask Transmission Project is broad to facilitate the identification of several alternative transmission routes and station sites. The northern border of the Study Area extends approximately from the Radisson Converter Station in the west to an area a few kilometres northeast of Gull Lake (north of the Nelson River near the proposed Keeyask Generating Station; Map 2-2); the southern KEEYASK TRANSMISSION PROJECT EA REPORT III EXECUTIVE SUMMARY boundary is approximately 4 to 6 km southeast of the Kelsey to Radisson (KN36) transmission line. 5.0 ASSESSING RESIDUAL EFFECTS ON VALUED ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS Biophysical and socio-economic environmental components were evaluated as the SSEA progressed in an iterative manner towards selection of Preferred Routes and Station Sites. The Project transmission lines and station sites were assessed by members of Manitoba Hydro’s Study Team, as identified in the preface to each technical report. Some potential effects were avoided altogether through siting and routing. Where potential adverse effects could not be avoided, specialists and Manitoba Hydro staff discussed mitigation measures that would either eliminate, or reduce, potential adverse effects on each VEC that was foreseeably adversely affected by one or other Project component. After taking into account mitigation measures that were to be adopted, the likely remaining residual effects of the Project on each VEC were evaluated for their regulatory significance. Determining the regulatory significance of the residual effects required the Study Team’s opinions on the characterization of the effect (direction or nature, magnitude, duration and geographic extent), the likelihood of the effect actually occurring and the expected results of development and implementation of follow- up management plans to address uncertainties. The frequency, reversibility and ecological context of the Project-related effect on a VEC were also considered, where appropriate, in the determination of the significance of the effect. The assessment of the potential effects and appropriate mitigation measures led to the determination that the residual effects of the Project are not significant. The overall conclusion of the Environmental Assessment Report with respect to residual effects is summarized as follows: Physical Environment: - The Project will require about 1,000 ha of land. The Project will not alter natural drainage patterns. Aquatic Environment: - There would be no measurable effect on fish habitat from the Keeyask Transmission Project. Terrestrial Environment: - Plants, Habitat and Ecosystems: There would be a small increase in the fragmentation of plant habitat and a moderate or no effect on ecosystem diversity. KEEYASK TRANSMISSION PROJECT EA REPORT IV EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - Wildlife: Alteration/removal of a small amount of wildlife habitat would occur at tower foundation sites for the Generation Outlet and Construction Power Transmission Lines and at the Keeyask Switching Station and Construction Power Station sites. There is some small potential for collisions of birds with transmission lines. Changes in the local abundance and distribution of game species such as moose and caribou would be associated with the development of linear facilities, increased presence of people and enhanced hunting opportunities. These changes are expected to be small in magnitude. Socio-economic Environment: - Expenditures to build and operating the Project will generate employment and business opportunities. Measures will be put in place to enhance local Aboriginal and Northern employment and business opportunities. - Concern has been expressed about potential adverse interactions between non-local construction workers and local residents during construction. Manitoba Hydro will be having discussions related to this concern with several parties including the Town of Gillam, Fox Lake Cree Nation and Tataskweyak Cree Nation. Discussions will be held prior to beginning construction to determine the best means of tracking and addressing worker-interaction issues. - Preferred routes and sites for Project infrastructure have been selected to minimize potential effects on land and resource use and culturally important landscapes. Heritage Resources: - There are no residual effects expected on known sites in the Study Area. Prior to issuance of this Environmental Assessment Report, the proposed mitigation measures were revisited for the specific VECs to assure that potential residual effects are minimized or avoided to the extent practicable. Taking into account the mitigation measures proposed for the VECs and the proposals for monitoring and, where recommended, adaptive management, the Study Team and Manitoba Hydro staff have concluded that the potential adverse effects of the Project will not be significant. These same VECs were revisited in the analysis of the cumulative effects of the Project. While there is some overlap in time with several other projects and some limited spatial overlap, the conclusions were that, taking into account the proposed mitigation measures, the anticipated cumulative effects of the Project will not be significant from a regulatory perspective. KEEYASK TRANSMISSION PROJECT EA REPORT V EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 6.0 NEXT STEPS Before initiating any construction, including rights-of-way clearing, Manitoba Hydro will prepare an Environmental Protection Plan for approval by Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship. The Environmental Protection Plan will describe how Manitoba Hydro will protect the environment during Project construction, operation and maintenance. Application of the Environmental Protection Plan will assure that all personnel, from contractors to Manitoba Hydro management, are diligent in protecting the environment. Should transmission lines or station facilities be decommissioned at some future date, Manitoba Hydro has identified environmentally acceptable means for salvaging equipment and restoring affected sites and rights-of-way. KEEYASK TRANSMISSION PROJECT EA REPORT VI EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ! 100°W 95°W 90°W ! ! Project ! Thompson Study ! Area ! 55°N 55°N Fox Lake ! RMA Keeyask Transmission Project ! ! Project Infrastructure ! ! ! ! Project Study Area ! ! River ! n Winnipeg 50°N Infrastructure 50°N ! Split ! Nelso Lake RMA ÕÚ Conawapa York XW Converter Station (Proposed) ! XW G.S. 100°W 95°W Factory XW Converter Station ! Keewatinoow C.S. RMA ÕÚ Generating Station (Proposed) ! UV290 Fox Lake Generating Station ! ÕÚ ! Li m e st o ne G .S. ! ! ! Cree Nation ! ! ! ! Limestone ! Fox Lake (Bird) ! ÕÚ ! XW ! G.S. Bipole III (Proposed 500 kV HVDC Line) ! ! Stephen's ! ! ! Henday Lake ! ! Bipole I and II (Existing 500 kV DC Line) ! Kettle ! ! C.S. ! ! ! G.S. Lo ng Sp r u ce G.S. ! !! !! ! ! ! ! ÕÚ ! Transmission Line Ke t t le G.S. !! ! ! !!! ! ! Long Keeyask KN ! ÕÚ36 ! Gillam ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! Spruce G.S. G.S. ! ! XW ¾À280 ! ! ! ! ! ! Landbase ! UV280 ÕÚ ! ! ! Nelson ! ! Radisson Bipole III ! ! ! ! Community ! House RMA ! ! ! C.S. ! ! ! !36 ! KN (Proposed 500 kV HVDC Line) ! Provincial Highway ! ! Split Lake ! ! ! ! !( ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Fox Lake Cree Nation Provincial Road Ta tas kw eya k ! ! ! ! ! ! ! A Kwis Ki Mahka Reserve ! KN36 Cree Nation ! ! ! Active Railway ! ! ! ! ! ! ! York Factory ! ! ! 6 KN 3 ! Abandoned Railway Split Lake First Nation ! ! ! ! ! Yo rk !( ! ! ! ! ! Resource Management Area ! ! Ilford Kelsey ! ! ! ! ! Landing! Keeyask Transmission ! ! Kelsey G.S. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! First Nation G.S. ! ! ! ! ! ! ÕÚ ! ! ! ! War Lake Project Study Area ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Watercourse ! First Nation ! ! ! ! ing 500 kV DC Line) ! ! ! ! ! (Exist ! ! Waterbody ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Bipole I and II ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Thompson ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 6 ! [\ ! ! ! ! ! Pikwitonei ! Nelson River ! ! ! ! Coordinate System: UTM Zone 15N NAD83 Data Source: MBHydro, Stantec, ProvMB, NRCAN ! Thicket Date Created: October 03, 2012 ! ± Portage ! 0 10 20 Kilometres ! ! 0 10 20 Miles 1:1,000,000 ! ! Cross Lake ! Registered Project Study Area Sipiwesk ! Trapline Zone Bunibonibee Lake ! in Northern Manitoba Cree Nation ! ! Map 1-1 ! ! !! ! Callan Island ! Kettle G.S. ! ! ! !! Ú! Õ! ! ! !! ! Stephens Lake ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! A N ! c o !! ! ! c r ! e t ! h ! ! s !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! s ! ! !! ! ! ! ! R ! ! ! ! ! ! o ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! a ! John ! ! ! ! ! ! d ! ! ! ! ! !! ! Mary !! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Taylor ! ! !! ! ! !! XW ! ! ! Miller ! ! !! Island ! !! ! !! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! Island !! !! ! Radisson ! ! ! !! !! ! !! !! ! Fox Lake Cree Nation ! C.S. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! A Kwis Ki Mahka Reserve Keeyask Transmission Project ! ! ! !( ! ! !! ! ! ! ! Stratford ! ! 280 ss À¾ !! ! Island e ) Gillam! ! c d ! Gull ! ! c e ! ! s ! !! ! ! A ! !! ! o ! ! ! ! ! Rapids th p ! ! ! !! o ! u r ! o (P ! Project Infrastructure ! !! S ! ! ! d ÕÚ ! ! a ! ! !! o ! ! ! Keeyask R ! ! ! Generation Outlet Lines (200m ROW) !! ! Howe ! ! ! !!!!!! ! G.S. ! !! ! Island !! ! er ! Construction Power Line (KN36) (60m ROW) ! ! ! iv ! ! ! R ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Nelson Construction Power Line (Temporary) (60m ROW) ! ! ! ! Cache ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Lake ! Unit Lines (265m ROW) ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Gillrat Generation O utlet Construction Power Station ! ! ! ! Lake Transmission Lines ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Keeyask Switching Station Construction Power Line (KN36) Preferred Route Preferred Route ! r ! ! ! ! e ! ! ! ! ! i v ! Project Study Area R ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! le Infrastructure ! ! ! t ! ! t ! Ke ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Converter Station ! ! ! ! XW ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Joslin Lake ! ! ! ! Generating Station (Proposed) ! ÕÚ ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Ú Generating Station ! Õ ! I and II ! ! ! e ! ! ! ! Bipole I and II (Existing 500 kV DC Line) ! ! ! Bipol ! Ethel ! ! ! r !! ! ve ! ! Transmission Line lake i ! R ! ! ! ! (Existing 500 kV DC Line) ! ! ! ! South Access Road (Proposed) ! ! ! ! Bu tnau ! ! ! ! ! ! North Access Road ! Willbeach ! ! ! ! ! KN36! ! !( ! Keeyask Principal Infrastructure Axis ! ! ! R26K ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Initial Flooded Area (159m Elevation) ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Dewatered Area ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Landbase ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !( ! ! Acce ! ! N Community ! ! ! or th Construction ! ! ss Road ! ! ! ! ! Power Station ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Stephens Lake Provincial Road ! ! ! ! Access Road ! Stephens Lake ! North ConstructionButnau Lake ! ! ! ! Construct! ! Municipal Road ! ! ! Power Station ! ! ! ! ! Line (Tem ! ! ! ! ! ! Active Railway ! Wivenhoe ! ! ! ! ! ! Power Line ( ! Construction ! !( ! ! ! ! ! ! Abandoned Railway ion Powe Pr ! ! ! ! Keeyask ! eferred porary) ! ! ! ! ÕÚ ! Watercourse ! ! G.S. ! Keeyask ! ! ! ! ! ! Waterbody ! ! ! ! G.S. ! ÕÚ r Ro KN36) ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ute ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Dewatered ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Area ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Dewatered Kettle Lake ! ! ! ! ! ! Area Little Kettle Lake Unit Lines Coordinate System: UTM Zone 15N NAD83 Generation Outlet Data Source: MBHydro, ProvMB, NRCAN Generation Outlet Transmission Lines Date Created: October 03, 2012 Transmission Lines Preferred Route ± Proposed Preferred Route 0 2 4 Kilometres Switching Station h Access 042 Miles Sout posed) 1:150,000 Road (Pro Switching South Access Proposed) Station Road ( Power Line (KN36) Construction Pre Preferred Routes and f e rred Route Station Sites Construction Phase Operation Phase Map 2-2