Environmental Assessment Registration Mount Carleton Grooming Hub Project

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REGISTRATION MOUNT CARLETON GROOMING HUB PROJECT

NB DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM, HERITAGE AND CULTURE

Our File No.: 347-16-C

August 16, 2016

Prepared for:

New Brunswick Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture Trails and Infrastructure P.O. Box 6000 Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1

Prepared by:

Mount Carleton Grooming Hub Tourism, Heritage and Culture

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. THE PROPONENT ...... 1 1.1 Name of Proponent ...... 1 1.2 Address of Proponent ...... 1 1.3 Chief Executive Officer ...... 1 1.4 Principal Contact Persons for the Purposes of the Environmental Impact Assessment ...... 1 1.5 Property Ownership ...... 1 2. THE UNDERTAKING ...... 2 2.1 Name of the Undertaking ...... 2 2.2 Project Overview ...... 2 2.3 Purpose/Rationale/Need for the Undertaking ...... 2 2.4 Project Location ...... 3 2.5 Siting Considerations ...... 6 2.6 Physical Components and Dimensions of the Undertaking ...... 7 2.6.1 Construction, Operation and Maintenance Details ...... 8 2.6.2 Site Preparation (Late Summer/Autumn) ...... 8 2.6.3 Construction (Summer/Autumn) ...... 8 2.6.4 Operation and Maintenance (Winter*) ...... 10 2.7 Future Modifications, Extensions or Abandonments ...... 11 2.8 Project-Related Documents...... 11 3 DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...... 14 3.1 General ...... 14 3.2 Geology ...... 14 3.3 Topography ...... 15 3.4 Atmosphere ...... 15 3.5 Surface water ...... 16 3.6 Groundwater ...... 18 3.7 Vegetation ...... 18 3.8 Wildlife ...... 18 3.9 Environmentally Significant Areas ...... 19 3.10 Archaeological and Heritage Resources ...... 20 3.11 Land Use ...... 20 3.12 Labour and Economy ...... 20 4 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ...... 21 4.1 Atmospheric Quality ...... 21 4.1.1 Air Quality ...... 22 4.1.2 Noise Pollution ...... 23 4.1.3 Light Pollution ...... 24 4.2 Surface Water ...... 24 4.3 Groundwater ...... 25 4.4 Vegetation ...... 25 4.5 Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat ...... 25

Mount Carleton Grooming Hub Tourism, Heritage and Culture

4.5.1 Migratory Birds ...... 25 4.5.2 Mammals...... 26 4.5.3 Amphibians and Invertebrates ...... 26 4.6 Species at Risk ...... 26 4.6.1 Species at Risk – Birds ...... 28 4.6.2 Species at Risk – Mammals ...... 29 4.7 Environmentally Significant Areas ...... 29 4.8 Archaeological and Heritage Resources ...... 35 4.9 Land Use ...... 35 4.10 Public Safety ...... 35 4.11 Labour and Economy ...... 36 5 MITIGATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ...... 37 5.1 Atmospheric Quality ...... 37 5.1.1 Light Pollution ...... 37 5.2 Groundwater Quality ...... 38 5.3 Wildlife-Mammals ...... 39 5.4 Public Health and Safety ...... 39 6 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ...... 41 7 STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT ...... 41 8 FIRST NATIONS ...... 42 9 APPROVAL OF THE UNDERTAKING ...... 42 9.1 Provincial ...... 42 9.2 Federal...... 42 10 Funding...... 42 11 CLOSURE ...... 43

Mount Carleton Grooming Hub Tourism, Heritage and Culture

APPENDICES

Appendix A – Initial Environmental Evaluation for New Snowmobile Trails Appendix B – Mount Carleton & Christmas Mountains Snowmobile Trails Operations and Business Plan Appendix C – Mount Carleton Archaeological Testing Project and Pedestrian Survey Appendix D – Potable Water Well Water Quality Data Appendix E – Large Diagrams: Maintenance Compound and Proposed Trails Appendix F – Important Bird Areas Appendix G – References

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.0 – Project Location Overview Figure 2.0 – Existing Northern New Brunswick Snowmobile Trails Figure 3.0 – Proposed Trails within Mount Carleton Provincial Park Figure 4.0 – Utility access road on Mount Carleton Figure 5.0 – Aerial view of existing Maintenance Compound Figure 6.0 – Diagram of Maintenance Compound Area with New Project Components Figure 7.0 – Atlas of Canada – Major Rivers near Mount Carleton Figure 8.0 – Regulated Wetlands near Nictau and Little Nictau Lake

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 – Emission Factors Table 2 – Rarity Ranking Definitions Table 3 – ACCDC Scan Results within 5 kms of project site Table 4 – Environmental Effects and Recommended Mitigation Measures Summary

Mount Carleton Grooming Hub Tourism, Heritage and Culture

ACRONYMS

ACCDC – Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre ASU – Archeological Services Unit CCME – Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment CEAA – Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency CEAA 2012 – Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (2012) CoA – Certificate of Approval CoD – Certificate of Determination COSEWIC – Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada DELG – NB Department of Environment and Local Government DPS – NB Department of Public Safety DTI – NB Department of Transportation and Infrastructure DFO – Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada EIA – Environmental Impact Assessment ESA – Environmentally Significant Area EMP – Environmental Management Plan GPS – Global Positioning System IBA – Important Bird Areas LAT – Latitude LED – Light-Emitting Diode LONG – Longitude MBCA – Migratory Birds Convention Act MCFH – Mature Coniferous Forest Habitat NWPA – Navigable Waters Protection Act O/H – Overhead OWLS – Online Well Log System PID – Real Property Parcel Identification Number PSETL – Post Secondary Education, Training and Labour RASC – Royal Astronomy Society of Canada ROW – Right-Of-Way SAR – Species at Risk SARA – Species at Risk Act TC – Transport Canada THC – Tourism, Heritage and Culture TRC – Technical Review Committee

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

“Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process through which the environmental impacts potentially resulting from a proposed project are identified and assessed early in the planning process. EIA identifies steps that can be taken to avoid negative environmental impacts or reduce them to acceptable levels before they occur.

“The completion of the EIA review process is a regulated requirement for projects or undertakings that are listed in Schedule A of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation. The Regulation also identifies the Category and applicable fee for the projects or undertakings listed under Schedule A.”

This registration document has been developed to meet the requirements of New Brunswick Regulation 87-83: the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation – Clean Environment Act. Under Schedule A, item (o), of this regulation, “all provincial or national parks” and any significant modifications to them, require registration.

The New Brunswick Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture (THC) is proposing the development of a grooming “hub” at Mount Carleton Provincial Park to promote winter snowmobile tourism in northern New Brunswick. The project will promote snowmobiling on existing roads which are not used during the winter months. Project components include installation of a fueling station, construction of a new groomer maintenance shed, clearing brush from existing roads, installing signage and construction of a 900m bypass trail within the Park boundary.

Based on an evaluation of potential environmental and socio-economic impacts from the construction and operation of the proposed project, no significant residual adverse environmental effects are anticipated from this project.

Mount Carleton Grooming Hub Tourism, Heritage and Culture

1. THE PROPONENT

1.1 Name of Proponent

The proponent is the New Brunswick Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture (THC).

1.2 Address of Proponent

P.O. Box 6000 Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1

1.3 Chief Executive Officer

Alain Basque Assistant Deputy Minister Tourism, Heritage and Culture

1.4 Principal Contact Persons for the Purposes of the Environmental Impact Assessment

Carl Lavigne Project Executive Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture [email protected]

Jonathan Burtt, B.Sc.F., EP. Roy Consultants Tel. 472-9838 ext. 3 [email protected]

Jean-Marc LeBlanc, P.Eng. Project Manager Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Tel: 506-444-3303 [email protected]

1.5 Property Ownership

The subject properties for the proposed project are provincial Crown Land, registered under the ownership of Energy and Natural Resources Development (ERD) and Tourism, Heritage and Culture (THC).

Mount Carleton Grooming Hub Tourism, Heritage and Culture

2. THE UNDERTAKING

2.1 Name of the Undertaking

The name of the Undertaking is the Mount Carleton Grooming Hub Project.

2.2 Project Overview

The New Brunswick Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture (THC), in partnership with the New Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs and the Town of Saint-Quentin, is proposing to enhance winter tourism in northern New Brunswick by improving the snowmobile trail system near Mount Carleton. Centrally located within the “Northern Odyssey” trail system, connecting Edmundston, Campbellton, Bathurst, Miramichi, and the Acadian Peninsula, the proposed project will use existing woods roads as new trails and will include new infrastructure and improvements to existing trails in Mount Carleton Provincial Park to promote snowmobiling and winter tourism in the area.

The goal of the project is to promote and increase winter tourism in the Park, and northern New Brunswick in general, by providing improved snowmobile trail grooming and thereby increasing the snowmobile season by four to six weeks, and by creating more multiple day loops and overnight stays.

Snowmobiling currently takes place in the Park during the winter months, and is managed by the New Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (NBFSC). These existing trails are designated as “managed trails” under the New Brunswick Off Road Vehicle Act and are groomed and maintained by the NBFSC, which is designated “Trail Manager” as appointed by the Minister of THC.

The project components include the construction and development of a snowmobile refueling station and a two-bay drive-through groomer maintenance shed, refurbishment of approximately 50 kilometres of previously existing snowmobile trails on existing Park roads, installation of new signage, and vegetation clearing/widening of existing trails to increase visibility.

2.3 Purpose/Rationale/Need for the Undertaking

Snowmobiling is a major component of winter tourism in New Brunswick. The northern part of the province is where the majority of snowmobiling takes place, due to the extended snow season (typically from November to April). The Northern Odyssey Trails are not as well maintained in the vicinity of Mount Carleton, which is a snowmobile attraction, due to large distances from groomer storage and maintenance areas (see photo 1 and 2). Development of the groomer hub, centralized at Mount Carleton Provincial Park, could result in increased economic benefits from increased trail usage through tax revenue, indirect economic benefits, and an increase in employment for the surrounding areas.

The do-nothing or “null” alternative is not a preferable option. The mandate of the Minister of THC is to promote the use of provincial parks. The goal of the proposed project is to increase use of the area, and to economically benefit the region. Doing nothing would not achieve this goal and would fail to successfully meet the mandate of the Department.

Mount Carleton Grooming Hub Tourism, Heritage and Culture

Photo 1: Width of trail 504.

2.4 Project Location

Approximately 50 km of proposed snowmobile trails will be located on various existing woods roads located within Mount Carleton Provincial Park, Restigouche and Northumberland Counties, in and around the geo-referenced location 47o25’23.14”N, 66o55’31.15W (centre of project). The Park (17,000 ha) is under the administration of the THC.

The remainder of the approximately 340 kilometers of proposed trails in the grooming hub project are to be located on existing DNR roads outside of the Park boundaries, and are therefore not included in the scope of this registration document.

Mount Carleton Grooming Hub Tourism, Heritage and Culture

Figure 1: Project Location (GeoNB Map Viewer).

Mount Carleton Grooming Hub Tourism, Heritage and Culture

Figure 2: Existing Groomed Snowmobile Trails in Northern New Brunswick (Trails Work 2013).

900m section

Figure 3: Proposed Trails and distances within the Park boundary (map produced by THC).

Mount Carleton Grooming Hub Tourism, Heritage and Culture

2.5 Siting Considerations

The project site was chosen for a variety of favourable elements:

a. The Park is connected to the Northern Odyssey snowmobile trail system; b. The Park is already used by snowmobilers; c. Snowfalls and average temperatures in the area ensure longer snowmobile seasons, often from November to April; d. There is a minimum potential of environmental impacts – the proposed activities will be located on existing trails and roads which are either not used, or under-utilized, during the winter months; e. The project location is centrally located in Northern New Brunswick, and will increase trail grooming efficiency; f. Location of groomers in the centre of this snow-belt will provide easy, reliable and regular grooming of these trails – a key element to attracting snowmobilers; g. There is a lack of land use conflicts – the project is located within the existing Mount Carleton Provincial Park, in which winter activities (including snowmobiling) are permitted uses (the Minister of THC has provided written authorization to the NBFSC to operate “managed trails” within the Park); h. There is an existing maintenance compound area at Mount Carleton, and; i. There is a lack of nearby residential receptors.

Photo 2: Mount Carleton utility road in winter.

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Photo 3: Mount Carleton utility road in winter.

2.6 Physical Components and Dimensions of the Undertaking

The project can be divided into the following components:

A. The construction of the snowmobile refueling station and drive-through groomer shed in the Mount Carleton Maintenance Compound; B. Maintenance of approximately fifty (50) kilometres of existing snowmobile trails on existing THC roads within the Mount Carleton Provincial Park (clearing of brush to increase width, improve visibility), including the Mount Carleton utility road and turn-out; C. Installation of specialized signage on all sections of trail within the project area, and D. Addition of a 900m new connector trail within the Mount Carleton Provincial Park for safety purposes.

Mount Carleton Grooming Hub Tourism, Heritage and Culture

2.6.1 Construction, Operation and Maintenance Details

The project will be developed in the following phases:

2.6.2 Site Preparation (Late Summer/Autumn 2016)

The majority of project components will not require site preparation, as they are proposed at locations which are already established/developed, either on existing roadways or already-cleared areas:

 In order for snowmobiles and the groomers to safely enter and exit the Maintenance Compound area, the removal of 250 m2 of vegetation will be required.

The proposed groomer shed and refueling station will be located within the existing Maintenance Compound footprint, which is prepped for construction, and does not require vegetation clearing or grading (refer to figures 5 and 6, and ARC Geobac and Skitomik, 2016 p.7).

 Approximately 50 kilometres of previously existing, groomed snowmobile trails will be located on existing THC roads within the Mount Carleton Provincial Park – removal of brush on these trails has previously been completed.

 The installation of signage on previously existing portions of trail will require minimal site preparation. This will involve manually clearing roadside vegetation and brush (either by chainsaw or by shears) for the installation of signs.

 The clearing of 900m of new trail within the Mount Carleton Provincial Park was completed in 2015. This trail will require no site preparation other than removal of the cut timber from the trail limits.

2.6.3 Construction (Late Summer/Autumn 2016)

The following construction activities will be required for the project components:

 The snowmobile refueling station and a two-bay, drive-through groomer shed will require installation of a concrete slab-on-grade for the shed, and installation of a concrete secondary containment system for the fuel tank and dispenser system. Construction will consist of typical building construction activities – once the foundation is in place, the wood frame structure will be constructed, followed by installation of the steel roof, windows/doors, electrical, etc. using standard construction power tools. These components will be located within the existing maintenance compound adjacent to existing Park fueling facilities and similarly constructed maintenance sheds (see photos 3 and 4);

 The refurbishment of approximately 50 kilometres of previously existing, groomed snowmobile trails located on existing roads – construction activities will be minimal. This component will require manually clearing overhanging vegetation. Once snow cover is adequate, the roads will be groomed for snowmobile use.

Mount Carleton Grooming Hub Tourism, Heritage and Culture

This will include the Mount Carleton utility road, an existing service road approximately 5.3 km in length. The utility road is required for emergency vehicle access to (near) the summit of Mount Carleton, and will be groomed as a snowmobile trail in the winter. Vegetation trail clearing will widen the utility road from approximately 2 – 3m to 4m wide. The utility road trail will end at a turn-out approximately 400m from the summit of Mount Carleton, and snowmobile access to the summit will not be permitted. No removal of mature vegetation for the utility trail or turn-out is anticipated.

The utility road, due to its slopes, may also require periodical repairs by importing small amounts of fill. This is considered maintenance of park roads and takes place regularly, as needed.

Figure 4. Utility access road on Mount Carleton.

 Installation of signage on previously existing portions of trail will require installation of sign posts and signs using a gas-powered post-hole digger, or manually by hand.

 The new 900m trail within the Mount Carleton Provincial Park has been cleared and will not require additional construction other than the removal of the cut timber. Once snow cover is adequate, the trail will be groomed for snowmobile use.

Mount Carleton Grooming Hub Tourism, Heritage and Culture

Photo 4: Existing Maintenance Compound garage.

2.6.4 Operation and Maintenance (Winter*)

 The snowmobile refueling station and groomer shed will be operated by Ville de Saint-Quentin staff under a concession agreement between THC and the Ville de Saint-Quentin, and will be powered by existing gas-powered generators. Due to the shorter winter days, the compound is well-lit for safety and security reasons and the new garage and fuel station will be located within the lit area. General building maintenance activities will be conducted as needed. The above- ground fuel tank will be installed and licensed as per the requirements of the NB Petroleum Product Storage and Handling Regulation.

 The new 900m trail, the 50 kilometres of groomed snowmobile trails, and the new signs will be maintained as needed by the NBFSC. Grooming will occur as needed based on snowfall temperature, frequency of use as well as other variables. If signage is damaged or becomes covered by vegetation, these will be repaired and vegetation trimmed/pruned to allow visibility.

*During the summer months, THC regularly repairs and maintains the roadways within the Park for safety purposes, as needed, as part of the regular operations of the Park.

Mount Carleton Grooming Hub Tourism, Heritage and Culture

Photo 5: Existing fueling station at Maintenance Compound.

2.7 Future Modifications, Extensions or Abandonments

At this time, no future abandonment, modifications or decommissioning activities are planned for the proposed project.

2.8 Project-Related Documents

A complete list and copies of all, relevant documents is included in the attached appendices.

Mount Carleton Grooming Hub Tourism, Heritage and Culture

Figure 5: Aerial view of existing Maintenance Compound.

Mount Carleton Grooming Hub Tourism, Heritage and Culture

3 DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

3.1 General

Mount Carleton Provincial Park (the ‘Park’) is located within Restigouche and Northumberland Counties, in a remote area of north-central New Brunswick. The park is located approximately 32km from the nearest municipality, Saint-Quentin, and approximately 70km from the nearest City, Bathurst. Mount Carleton is accessible by automobile on paved roads via NB Routes 180 and 365.

The Park is located in the eastern portion of the New Brunswick Highlands Eco-Region, in the Ganong Ecodistrict, which spans the mountainous terrain of north-central New Brunswick, and includes Mount Carleton, Mount Sagamook, and the Christmas Mountains.

This eco-region includes forest cover that has “…strong boreal affinities, due to a climate with shorter, cooler growing seasons, and longer, colder winters than anywhere else in the Province” (DNR, 2007).

Climate in this ecoregion is a cool, wet climate characterized by mist-wrapped mountains in summer and heavy snowfalls in the winter. Temperatures (the coldest average annual in New Brunswick) are colder here than other areas of the same latitude due to the higher elevation. Generous amounts of rain and snow result from orographic lifting, the phenomenon whereby prevailing winds rise over elevated ground, cool and release their moisture via precipitation (DNR, 2007). This effect can also produce spectacular thunder and lightning storms during the summer months.

Photo 6: Mount Sagamook from Big Nictau Lake (source: Google Earth Panoramio©).

3.2 Geology

Based on the Geological Survey of Canada’s surficial geology map of New Brunswick (Rampton, 1984), the surficial geology of the subject area generally consists of Quaternary Wisconsinan-aged morainal

Mount Carleton Grooming Hub Tourism, Heritage and Culture sediments or pre-Quaternary rock. The morainal sediments were deposited directly by Wisconsinan ice or with minor reworking by water, and consist mainly of stony till, minor silt, sand, gravel and rubble blankets or boulders. Depths range from 0.5m – 3m thick to greater than 1.5 m thick. The pre- Quaternary rock is of various lithologies and ages and is generally weathered and partially disintegrated with glacially moulded surfaces. Few localities show glacially scoured and polished surfaces.

Based on the Bedrock Geology of the Nepisiguit Lakes Area (NTS 21 O/07) Map, plate 2013-11, the park is underlain with a variety of bedrock structures, primarily identified as Early-Devonian rocks of the Tobique Group – Wapske Formation, consisting of DWS, DWfv, and DWvs formations:  DWS: Medium to grey to greenish grey (locally greyish green), mainly thin-bedded siltstone and fine- to medium-grained, locally parallel- or cross-laminated quartzose sandstone; minor feldspathic sandstone, polymictic conglomerate, basalt and rhyolite.  DWfV: Pink, aphyric to feldspar-phyric rhyolite, commonly flow-layered, spherulitic and/or perlitic, locally with patchy devitrification. Minor felsic hyaloclastite and hyalotuff, felsic pyroclastic rocks and sedimentary rocks.  DWvs: Dark grey to dark green volcaniclastic sedimentary rocks containing varying proportions of volcanic detritus. Minor felsic hyaloclastite and hyalotuff, felsic pyroclastic rocks, rhyolite and dark grey mudstone. (Wilson, 2013).

3.3 Topography

The Park is located in the northern portion of the Ganong Ecodistrict, which is characterized by mountainous terrain of felsic volcanic and metasedimentary rocks. Mount Carleton is the highest point in the Maritimes at 820m (2,690 ft), and nearby peaks include Mount Head (792m), Mount Sagamook (777m), and Mount Bailey (564m). In general, the topography within the Park and its vicinity is mountainous – during the melting of the last ice age, the peaks in and around Mount Carleton protruded above the thinning ice, causing the formation of angular bedrock projections (“Tors”), still visible on most peaks today. The average elevation of this area is generally above 600m, and creates the divide between the Tobique/Saint John Rivers to the west, and the Nepisiguit watershed to the east.

3.4 Atmosphere

Due to its relative isolation, no annual air quality monitoring data is available for the Mount Carleton region (the closest industrial air monitoring site is St.-Leonard); however, due to its isolation and lack of industrial/commercial development and greenhouse gas emitters, the atmospheric quality, including air quality, noise and light pollution, can reasonably be described as “excellent”. The Park has been designated a Dark Sky Preserve: “…areas in which no artificial lighting is visible and active measures are in place to educate and promote the reduction of light pollution…” (www.rasc.ca/dark-sky-site- designations) by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. It should be noted that the existing Maintenance Compound area was excluded from this designation).

In general, annual average snowfall in this area is significant, with an average of 86 days per year of snowfall equalling or exceeding 0.2 cm, and annual average snow totals over 300cm (Trails Work 2013).

Mount Carleton Grooming Hub Tourism, Heritage and Culture

Photo 7: View from top of Mount Carleton (source: Google Earth Panoramio©).

The Mount Carleton Provincial Park is designated a wilderness park by THC, due to its remote location and abundance of wildlife (flora and fauna). However, the park does maintain certain amenities for the convenience of Park users during the camping season, and for park caretakers employed during the winter months. These include hot water, plumbing, telecommunications for emergencies, electricity in buildings, etc. Due to the remoteness, there is no electrical service available to the Park, and electricity is produced through the use of gas-powered generators. When in use at the park these generators produce local noise levels in the 65 – 75 dBA range (www.generatorgrader.com).

3.5 Surface water

Mount Carleton Provincial Park’s most significant surface water features are the Nictau Lakes (Nictau and Little Nictau) and Nepisiguit Lakes (Bathurst, Camp, Teneriffe) and associated watercourses and wetlands, which form the headwaters of the Little Tobique River and the Nepisiguit River, respectively. Additionally, the headwaters of branches of the Miramichi and Upsalquitch Rivers originate within the Park boundaries.

Mount Carleton Grooming Hub Tourism, Heritage and Culture

Upsalquitch River Nepisiguit River Restigouche River

Mount Carleton Provincial Park

Tobique River

Miramichi River

Figure 7: Atlas of Canada Map showing Major River Systems near Mount Carleton Provincial Park.

“The ecoregion’s rugged terrain leaves little room for wetland formation. Only limited areas suitable for wetlands can be found along its fast-flowing rivers and steep-sloped lakes. The most common wetland type is streamside shrub swamps that are usually dominated by alder (DNR 2007).

Figure 8. Regulated wetlands near Nictau and Little Nictau Lake (Geo NB Mapviewer).

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3.6 Groundwater

According to the Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) report, groundwater provides potable water (as well as domestic hygiene and cleaning) for the Park staff at the Administrative Compound, as well as the Armstrong, Bathurst Lake and Nictau Lake campsites, and water quality in these wells is considered “acceptable” (ARC Geobac and Skitomik, 2016).

A search of the New Brunswick Online Well Log System database did not return sufficient results within a 100km radius of the Park; therefore the groundwater resource could not be assessed through this method. According to THC*, there are currently seven (7) drilled, potable wells within the Park located at:  Group Camping and Inlet Brook (not currently in use);  Nictau Lake Camps (20m deep);  Bathurst Lake Camps (30m deep);  Armstrong Brook Campground (25m deep);  Park Maintenance Compound (42m deep), and  Park Entrance Gate (30m deep).

*Martin MacMullin, personal communication, July 2016.

The six wells in use are potable water supplies, and are sampled and analysed regularly to ensure the water quality is adequate for human consumption. Refer to Appendix D for the July 2016 water quality data.

3.7 Vegetation

The Ganong Ecodistrict is primarily forested, dominated by balsam fir (Abies Balsamea) and black spruce (Picea glauca). Other prevalent tree species include post-fire, early successional species such as white birch (Betula papyrifera) and trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides). Post-forest fire, steep river valleys are typically dominated by jack pine (Pinus banksiana), and lower elevation stands contain sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and yellow birch (Betula allagheniensis).

Depending on elevation, this area also contains rare sub-arctic and alpine plants, such as the highland rush (Juncus trifidus), dwarf birch (Betula nana), Bigelow’s sedge (Carex bigelowii) and mingan moonwort (Botrychium minganense).

Refer to section 4.6.4 for additional information on plant Species at Risk in the Mount Carleton Provincial Park.

3.8 Wildlife

The Mount Carleton Provincial Park is home to a variety of wildlife, due to its undisturbed, remote and forested nature. Several rare and endangered species, including the Gaspé shrew (Sorex gaspensis) and Bicknell’s thrush (Catharus bicknelli) inhabit this area. Additionally, the park contains important moose and deer wintering areas, as well as mature coniferous forest habitat (MCFH), which is important to a variety of wildlife species.

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According to the park website, over one hundred different birds species, and thirty mammal species inhabit the park, including common New Brunswick wildlife species such as moose (Alces alces), black bear (Ursa americanus), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and the eastern coyote (Canis latrans var.), in addition to smaller mammals including the beaver (Castor canadensis), snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus), american pine marten (Martes americana), etc. Speckled trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) are found in the lakes and streams in the area, and the Nepisiguit, Tobique, Upsalquitch and Miramichi Rivers all contain breeding populations of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).

A variety of rare or endangered wildlife species are also found in the area, in addition to the Gaspé shrew and Bicknell’s thrush. Information obtained from the Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre (ACCDC) identified records of twenty (20) vertebrate species and six (6) invertebrate species.

Refer to section 4.6 for additional information on wildlife Species at Risk.

3.9 Environmentally Significant Areas

Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs) are sites throughout New Brunswick which have been identified for their unique environmental features, including but not limited to geologic, wildlife, plant, or aesthetic significance. A review of the ESA database (Nature Trust of NB) identified several within Mount Carleton Provincial Park and its vicinity. These include:

 ESA 012 Sagamook Mountain: The Gaspe Shrew is found on the moss covered slopes and along dry rocky streams: it is extremely restricted in range but not uncommon in its specific habitat. This is one of only three known sites for this species in New Brunswick. It was studied here in 1980 and found to be living in association with five other shrew species. The Gaspe Shrew is distinctly Canadian - a distinction shared with only two other mammals: the Vancouver Marmot (Marmota vancouverensis) and the Labrador Collared Lemming (Dicrostonyx hudsonius).

 ESA 161 Nepisiguit River: The river is the fourth largest in NB and its Atlantic Salmon stocks have increased dramatically in recent years - the run begins in early June, runs throughout the summer and peaks in September. It is also a good river for Brook Trout. The rocky banks present excellent habitat for the prickly wild rose (Rosa acicularis).

 ESA 252 Mount Carleton: At 820m, Mount Carleton is the highest peak in the Atlantic Provinces. It lies on the divide of two river systems with Nictau Lake draining west into the Saint John River via the Tobique River and Nepisiguit Lake draining east into Chaleur Bay via the Nepisiguit River. The summit and upper slopes are the site of several rare plants.

 ESA 254 Nepisiguit Lakes Red Pine: This is a typical second-growth Red Pine (Pinus resinosa) stand on podzolic soil; Red Pine stands are uncommon in NB due to logging pressures. Understory species are typical of a cool coniferous forest.

 ESA 255 Nepisiguit River/South Shore Highlands: This river contains a unique gene pool of resident Brook Trout, making it the river with the largest fish of this species of any freshwater stream in the province.

Refer to section 4.7 for additional information on these ESAs.

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3.10 Archaeological and Heritage Resources

Archaeological objects in New Brunswick are described in Section 3 of the Heritage Conservation Act - General Regulation as:

(a) the object is associated with the military history of the Province; (b) the object is at least 50 years old, in the case of a wrecked or abandoned vessel or aircraft, or the cargo of any of these; (c) the object is at least 75 years old, in the case of a motor vehicle; and (d) the object is at least 100 years old, in the case of any other object.

The Mount Carleton Provincial Park area straddles traditional Wolostoqiyik and Mi’kmaq territories. As the watershed divide between major rivers, the area contains ancient portage routes between the lakes and river systems, which provided transportation access for centuries. Archaeological artifacts dating to the Pre-Contact period have previously been recovered within the boundaries of the park. Additionally, remnants of logging activity from the 1800’s have also been identified in the area.

Refer to section 4.8 for further information on archaeological and heritage resources.

3.11 Land Use

The Mount Carleton Provincial Park is located in a remote forested area of the Greater Miramichi Regional Service Commission’s and the Restigouche Regional Service Commission’s planning area. Primary land uses in this region are recreation such as hunting, fishing, hiking, cycling, camping, cross- country skiing, snowmobiling, etc., and forestry (adjacent to the Park boundaries).

No zoning or rural plan has been developed for the Park or surrounding region – park land use is governed by the THC under the New Brunswick Parks Act and General Regulation.

From a land use planning perspective, the project is proposed within a Provincial Park in which snowmobiling is a permitted use.

3.12 Labour and Economy

Mount Carleton is located at the confluence of Madawaska, Restigouche, Victoria and Northumberland counties. According to the NB Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, these represent the Northwest and Northeast economic regions of New Brunswick. According to statistics compiled by Stats Canada between 2001 and 2006, the Northwest Region (Madawaska, Victoria and Carleton counties) experienced workforce trends similar to the Province of New Brunswick. Median age is up (41.9), and population migration has caused the overall population of the region, particularly children and youth, to decrease. Employment in this region is primarily resource-based and the average income (individual and family) is lower than the provincial average. Employment rates in this region are higher than the provincial average, and increasing.

“The region has observed a decrease in the number of persons employed and therefore an increase in the unemployment rate in the region” (PSETL 2012).

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The Northeast Region (Restigouche, Gloucester and Northumberland counties) experienced a declining population between 2005 and 2010, and had the second highest population decrease in Canada between 2009 and 2010 (a loss of 9.4 per 1000 persons, compared to the New Brunswick average of 3.2 per 1000 persons in the same period.

In general, the northeast and northwest regions have experienced an outmigration of people, the median age of the population is increasing (aging), and the unemployment rates are high and increasing.

Refer to section 4.11 for additional information on project impacts to labour and economy.

4 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

Based on the project description and the existing environment in and around the Mount Carleton Provincial Park, and employing the “precautionary approach” to environmental assessment, the following Valued Environmental Components (VECs) were identified and assessed in this EIA registration document:

1. Atmospheric Quality; a. Air quality, b. Noise pollution, & c. Light pollution 2. Surface water quality; 3. Groundwater quality; 4. Vegetation; 5. Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat; a. Migratory Birds; b. Mammals; c. Amphibians and Invertebrates; 6. Species at Risk; a. Birds; b. Mammals; c. Invertebrates; d. Flora; 7. Environmentally Significant Areas; 8. Archaeological and Heritage Resources; 9. Land Use; 10. Public Safety; and 11. Labour and economy.

The following sections outline the potential impacts to each VEC from the construction and operation of the proposed project. Proposed mitigation methods to potential environmental impacts are outlined in Section 5.

4.1 Atmospheric Quality

The goal of the proposed project is to increase snowmobile tourism (i.e. snowmobile traffic), within Mount Carleton Provincial Park. Today, snowmobiles are typically powered by four-stroke internal combustion engines, which produce greenhouse gases (GHGs), primarily in the form of nitrous oxides (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). Other air emissions produced include particulate matter (TPM), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

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In addition to air emissions, snowmobile motors (although muffled), produce noise pollution up to 100dB, depending on whether they are accelerating, and on the condition of the motor, manufacture date, type and condition of muffler, etc.

Snowmobiles also require lights for safety and navigation. Therefore, it is anticipated that snowmobiles operating in the evening in significant numbers may create unwanted light pollution, as well as those lights used in the operation of the refuelling station.

These potential impacts are discussed in the sections below.

4.1.1 Air Quality

As a provincial park in a remote area, air quality is considered very good/excellent, and is an essential component of the wilderness camping experience. A significant increase in the number of snowmobiles visiting the area may adversely impact the local air quality by increasing emissions of greenhouse gases and VOC’s.

Air emissions in the form of greenhouse gases, TPM and VOCs are anticipated to increase from the construction of the project, and the operation of the snowmobile groomers, snowmobile groomer building, the refuelling station (through fugitive emissions) and the increase in snowmobile operations in the area.

As described in the IEE report (ARC Geobac and Skitomik, 2016), the air emissions from the construction of this project are considered negligible and temporary (in the case of the construction). Construction air emissions will consist of use of power tools and gas-powered generators which are already in service in the Park. Transport to and from the site will be by car or truck, which are also already in use in the Park. These effects are temporary and consist of part of the existing operation and maintenance of the park, and therefore are no longer discussed in this report.

Operation of the project will involve the use of trail groomers, fuel dispensing, and an increase of snowmobile use within the Park boundaries. Trail grooming within the Park , which is currently done by groomers from other areas, will be replaced by the groomers located at the Park Maintenance Compound; overall, grooming will not be significantly increased within the Park boundaries.

Based on the information provided in the project feasibility study, trail grooming will also become more efficient by a factor of 3.1 – 4.6% (Trails Work 2013).

Air emissions from snowmobiles: The project is anticipated to increase snowmobile traffic in the park by between 300 and 750 additional snowmobile trips (Trails Work 2013). For the purposes of this analysis, it can be reasonably assumed that these trips will travel through the Park at least once; i.e. the project will result in an increase of between 300 and 750 snowmobiles passing through the park, per season. However, the long-term goal is 1000 trips; therefore this number is used in the calculation. It can also be assumed that the majority of these snowmobiles are powered by 4-stroke engines, as the majority of snowmobile manufacturers use 4-stroke motors.

Air emissions from snowmobiles are calculated using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emission factors (available for ATVs), multiplied by the kilometres travelled and the number of snowmobiles:

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Pollution Parameter* = Ef x D x N

Where : Ef = emission factor D = distance (kms) N=number of snowmobiles

(EPA 2002) provides emission factors for Hydrocarbons (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrous oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM):

Table 1. Emission factors from US EPA, 2002 (GHG parameters not provided).

MOTOR EMISSION RATES (KILOGRAMS/KILOMETER) Particulate Hydrocarbons Carbon Monoxide Nitrous Oxides 4-stroke ATV Matter (baseline) 0.00149 0.03 0.00025 6x10-5

Hydrocarbons (i.e. VOCs): 0.00149 kg/km x 50 kms x 1000 snowmobiles = 74.5 kg Carbon Monoxide (CO): 0.03 kg/km x 50 kms x 1000 snowmobiles = 1500 kg Nitrous Oxides (NOx): 0.00025 kg/km x 50 kms x 1000 snowmobiles = 12.5 kg Particulate Matter (PM): 0.00006 kg/km x 50 kms x 1000 snowmobiles = 3 kg

The total air emissions anticipated for the maximum predicted number of snowmobiles within the Park trails is 1,590 kg / year.

This number represents less than a metric ton of air pollutants, and corresponds with the GHG estimate in the IEE report. Based on this low estimate, the temporary nature of the activity (winter months only), the remote location of the Park and not all 1000 snowmobiles are anticipated within the park at any one time, air emissions are not considered significant and are no longer discussed in this report.

4.1.2 Noise Pollution

Noise is described as an unwanted sound (CTA 2011), and is considered a contaminant under the NB Clean Air Act. An increase in localized noise levels is anticipated from the construction of the project from the use of motorized equipment and construction tools, and from the use of snowmobiles and snowmobile groomers on the trails.

A common construction site can have an average background noise level of 86 decibels (dB). Heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers and backhoes have typical dB levels of between 85 and 96 dB. Machinery such as a hand-held circular saw can have a sound level of 115 dB at a distance of 1 metre.

Sound levels are based on a logarithmic scale, and therefore cannot be added or subtracted directly. Generally speaking, when the difference (between two sound generators) is 10 dB or more, the combined sound is not added because the total contribution of the lower sound level is insignificant compared to the higher sound level (CTA 2011).

Noise receptors may include humans (other camp users) and wildlife. Due to the winter seasonal nature of the snowmobiling season, and the relative lack of Park usage during these months, human receptors to

Mount Carleton Grooming Hub Tourism, Heritage and Culture noise within the park, although they may occur, will be rare and are not anticipated to be significantly adversely impacted by the project; therefore are no longer discussed in this report.

Wildlife receptors would also be limited to wildlife inhabiting the Park during the winter months. This would be limited to non-hibernating or migrating wildlife that remains in the Park during the winter, including moose, deer, coyotes, lynx and bobcat.

Typical snowmobiles produce noise levels of approximately 100 dBA (Navajo RMP 2008). Noise created by snowmobiles’ use of Park trails may create a sensory disturbance for the wildlife species noted above, creating stress to individuals and impacting their behaviour. However, studies of ATV and snowmobile impacts on deer have shown that in general, deer are less stressed by these motorized vehicles than by foot traffic such as hiking and snowshoeing (NOHVCC, 1992, Harris, et al, 2013, Rudd and Irwin, 1985), and while the vehicles may create short-term disturbance to animals within short distances (between 60 and 150m), they are typically capable of adapting and avoiding the source of the noise. Furthermore, it has been noted that during periods of high snow cover, groomed trails may actually help large mammals escape deep snow and become more mobile, being able to seek more advantageous habitat areas or forage (Harris, et al, 2013).

Based on the temporary and short-term nature of the noise impacts, the minimal amount of stress caused on wildlife by the noise produced by snowmobiles, and the potential positive impacts of groomed snowmobile trails, this is not considered a significant adverse environmental impact and is no longer discussed in this report.

4.1.3 Light Pollution

Light pollution is described as an unwanted consequence of outdoor lighting and can create effects such as sky glow (brightening of the sky caused by outdoor lighting in combination with atmospheric factors), light trespass (a condition in which exterior lighting is cast where it is not wanted) and glare (the overpowering of natural light sources by artificial sources, i.e. objectionable brightness) (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 2003-07). Light pollution can also disrupt wildlife life cycles (particularly birds and insects) during breeding periods. The winter months when the air is particularly clear is the best time for sky gazing.

Currently at Mount Carleton, light pollution is considered minimal and in the summer months is isolated to the five (5) Park campgrounds (camp fires, lights, buildings, and vehicles), exterior and interior lights at the entrance gate, and at the Maintenance Compound (note: the Maintenance Compound is excluded from the Dark Sky Preserve).

During the winter months, exterior (security) lighting from the Maintenance Compound and from snowmobiles are light sources which could create localized light pollution and detract from the sky gazing experience.

Refer to Section 5.1.1 for mitigation measures related to light pollution.

4.2 Surface Water

Surface water resources are defined in the context of the proposed project as freshwater quality and aquatic life within the lakes, watercourses and wetlands within the Park.

Lakes, watercourses and wetlands are considered significant VECs within the context of the Park environment. Lakes and watercourses provide a significant recreational resource for Park users, including

Mount Carleton Grooming Hub Tourism, Heritage and Culture aesthetics, canoeing, swimming and fishing. They provide freshwater habitat for a variety of aquatic species, and form the headwaters for a number of important New Brunswick rivers. They also contribute to the groundwater resources in the region through surface-groundwater interaction. Wetlands similarly perform a number of valuable functions, including water storage, flood control, and wildlife and flora habitat.

Construction of the proposed project is not anticipated to negatively impact the freshwater resources of the park, due to the lack of ground disturbance from construction activities (to be placed in existing roadways).

Snowmobiles require gasoline and engine oil to operate. Portions of the proposed trails will be located near lakes, watercourses and wetlands. As such, there is a potential for fuel spills in the event of an accident or spill in these areas, which could negatively impact these VECs. Refer to Section 5.2 for mitigation measures related to Surface Water.

4.3 Groundwater

Six potable groundwater wells are in use within the Park, in proximity to the snowmobile trail. The proposed refueling station will be located approximately 30m from the existing Maintenance Compound potable water well. Spills of petroleum products from snowmobile accidents or refueling in proximity to these water wells, or from groomer maintenance, could enter the ground and contaminate the potable water wells. Refer to Section 5.3 for mitigation measures related to groundwater resources.

4.4 Vegetation

Vegetation consisting of trees, shrubs and ground cover species will be impacted by the permanent clearing of approximately 250m2 at the Maintenance Compound, to permit snowmobiles and the groomers to safely enter and exit the area for refueling. Other construction impacts to vegetation consist of clearing of branches and limbs to widen the existing road right-of-ways to improve visibility. This will require regular maintenance as tree and shrub limbs grow back into the roadways over time.

Grooming and use of the trails by snowmobiles is not anticipated to impact vegetation within the Park as these activities take place during the winter months, when vegetation is covered by the snow pack.

Refer to Section 4.6.4 for additional information on flora Species at Risk.

4.5 Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat

4.5.1 Migratory Birds

In general, as noted in the IEE (ARC Geobac 2015), migratory birds in the Park may experience sensory disturbance from the construction of the project during the late summer/early fall period (i.e. clearing of brush using power saws, movement of motorized equipment, etc.). This will be a temporary impact which will take place near the end of the majority of species’ breeding periods; therefore the impact of construction of the project on migratory birds is considered negligible.

The operation of the project will take place in the winter snowmobiling season, when the majority of bird species have vacated the Park. Therefore, sensory disturbance to the vast majority of bird species will be non-existent.

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As no new trails are to be cleared, there will be no reduction in migratory bird breeding, feeding or hunting/foraging habitat in the Park, with the exception of a small area within the Maintenance Compound.

Based on the above, no significant adverse environmental impacts to migratory birds are anticipated from the construction and operation of the project, and it is therefore no longer discussed in this document.

Refer to Section 4.6.1 for additional information on potential impacts to bird Species at Risk.

4.5.2 Mammals

Section 4.1.2 outlines the potential impacts of noise on wildlife species in the Park. Due to the fact that the proposed project is to be located on existing roadways, and no wildlife habitat is to be permanently destroyed, no impacts to wildlife are anticipated from the construction of the project and are therefore no longer discussed in this report.

The operation of the project, primarily the increase in snowmobile and groomer traffic in the Park, may lead to increased encounters with wildlife, which may use the groomed trail as easy travel corridors during heavy snow conditions (deer, moose and coyotes particularly are known to take advantage of snowmobile trails in deep or soft snow).

Refer to Section 5.3 for mitigation measures related to mammals and snowmobile encounters.

4.5.3 Amphibians and Invertebrates

Construction of the project is not anticipated to impinge on amphibians, invertebrates or their habitats, based on the proposed construction activities’ minimal impacts, and the avoidance of wetland and watercourses. Operation of the project will take place during the winter months, when amphibians and invertebrates are not present or active. As such, no adverse environmental impacts are anticipated for amphibians or invertebrate species, and as such are no longer discussed in this report.

4.6 Species at Risk

Canada’s Species at Risk Act (SARA) is one of three major components in the Government of Canada Strategy for the Protection of Species at Risk. It is designed as a key tool for the conservation and protection of Canada’s biological diversity and fulfils an important commitment under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. New Brunswick also has a Species at Risk Act which complements the federal Act.

The purpose of SARA is to:

A. Prevent wildlife species from becoming extinct or extirpated (lost from the wild in Canada); B. Help in the recovery of extirpated, endangered or threatened species; and C. Ensure that species of special concern do not become endangered or threatened.

The construction and operation of the project has the potential to impact birds, mammals and plants found within the subject properties. To identify which, if any, Species at Risk may be impacted, the following review of the available data was undertaken. For details on proposed mitigation measures, refer to Section 5.

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A review of the Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre (ACCDC) data was undertaken for a 5-km radius surrounding the project subject properties. The results of the ACCDC scan were cross-referenced with the 2012 DNR Vascular Plants List and NB Species at Risk Act species list. Any species which have the potential to be impacted by the construction and operation of the project are listed below.

In summary, the ACCDC 5.0 --km buffer around the study area contains 65 records of 33 taxa. Forty- four records of 19 vascular plants and twenty-one records of 14 vertebrates were observed. No records of nonvascular flora or invertebrate fauna were observed.

The records’ ranks ranged between S1 and S5. Table 2 provides definitions of rarity ranks as applicable.

Table 2: Rarity Ranking Definitions

Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre (ACCDC) S-Rank

Extremely rare throughout its range in the province (typically 5 or fewer occurrences S1 or very few remaining individuals). May be especially vulnerable to extirpation. S2 Rare throughout its range in the province (6 to 20 occurrences or few remaining individuals). May be vulnerable to extirpation due to rarity or other factors. S3 Uncommon throughout its range in the province, or found only in a restricted range, even if abundant in some locations (21 to 100 occurrences). S4 Usually widespread, fairly common throughout its range in the province, and apparently secure with many occurrences, but the element is of long-term concern (e.g. watch list - 100+ occurrences). S5 Demonstrably widespread, abundant, and secure throughout its range in the province, and essentially ineradicable under present conditions. S#S# Numeric range rank: A range between two consecutive numeric ranks. Denotes range of uncertainty about the exact rarity of the Element (e.g., S1S2).

N Non-breeding: Basic rank refers to the non-breeding (usually wintering) population of the element of the province. B Breeding: Basic rank refers to the breeding population of the element in the province. SNR Unranked: Provincial conservation status not yet assessed. SX Extinct/Extirpated: Believed to be extirpated from its former range.

Species at Risk Act (SARA) (Canada and New Brunswick)

Extirpated A wildlife species that no longer exists in the wild in Canada, but exists elsewhere in the wild. Endangered A wildlife species facing imminent extirpation or extinction. (E) Threatened A wildlife species that is likely to become endangered if nothing is done to reverse (T) the factors leading to its extirpation or extinction. Special A wildlife species that may become threatened or endangered because of a Concern (SC) combination of biological characteristics and identified threats.

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NBDNR General Status of Wildlife

Species for which a formal assessment has been completed, and determined to be at At risk risk of extirpation or extinction. To be described by this category, a species must be either listed as endangered or threatened by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), or the New Brunswick equivalent. Species or populations that may be at risk of extirpation or extinction, and are May be at therefore candidates for a detailed risk assessment by COSEWIC or the New Brunswick equivalent. risk Species which are not believed to be at risk of extirpation or extinction, but which Sensitive may require special attention or protection to prevent them from becoming at risk. Secure Species that are not believed to be at risk, may be at risk, or sensitive. These are generally species that are widespread and/or abundant. Although some secure species may be declining, their level of decline is not felt to be a threat to their status in the province.

COSEWIC

Extinct A wildlife species that no longer exists. Extirpated A wildlife species that no longer exists in the wild in Canada, but exists elsewhere. Endangered A wildlife species facing imminent extirpation or extinction. Threatened A wildlife species that is likely to become an endangered if nothing is done to reverse the factors leading to its extirpation or extinction. Special A wildlife species that may become threatened or endangered because of a Concern combination of biological characteristics and identified threats. Not At Risk A wildlife species that has been evaluated and found to be not at risk of extinction (NAR) given the current circumstances. Data Deficient A category that applies when the available information is insufficient (a) to resolve a (DD) wildlife species' eligibility for assessment or (b) to permit an assessment of the wildlife species' risk of extinction.

4.6.1 Species at Risk – Birds

Table 3 shows the bird Species at Risk that were identified by the ACCDC scan as occurring within a 5 km radius of the project area (the Park). Each species’ habitat requirements were identified and cross- referenced with the proposed project footprint and construction and operation activities. Timing of the construction, such as trimming trees and erecting buildings, and the winter timing of the operation of the trails, was also considered in the analysis.

Although 18 bird species of conservation concern were identified in the ACCDC scan, the proposed construction will result in a minor area being impacted (i.e. widening existing roads and the maintenance compound by trimming tree branches, and re-establishing a small-turn out area on the utility road), the timing of the proposed intervention of the proposed construction (outside of the breeding bird season, i.e. after September 15th), the timing of the operation of the trails (grooming and snowmobiling will take

Mount Carleton Grooming Hub Tourism, Heritage and Culture place only during the winter months), the proposed project is not anticipated to adversely impact bird Species at Risk, and is therefore no longer discussed in this report.

4.6.2 Species at Risk – Mammals

One mammal Species at Risk was identified by the ACCDC scan as occurring within a 5 km radius of the project area, the Gaspé Shrew. In addition to this species, bat hibernaculum was predicted to occur within the project area. As with bird SAR, the mammal species’ habitat requirements were identified and cross- referenced with the proposed project footprint. Timing of construction and operation of the trails was also considered in the analysis.

The Long-tailed Shrew (Gaspé Shrew, Sorex gaspensis) is a small and slender insectivore with a long tail; measuring 95-115 mm in length and light grey in colour. It typically prefers rock outcrops and talus slopes in highlands where there are steep slopes. At present there are four (4) populations of the Gaspé Shrew in Canada, one of which is found on Mount Carleton. It has a COSEWIC designation of “Not at Risk” and a SARA status of Schedule 3, Special Concern (www.cosewic.gc.ca).

Bat hibernaculum was also predicted to occur within 5km of the Park. This consists of areas where bat Species at Risk (identified by ACCDC as Little Brown Myotis (Myotis lucifugus), Long-eared Myotis (Myotis septentrionalis), and Tricolored Bat (or Eastern Pipistrelle, Perimyotis subflavus) may hibernate over winter.

Based on the habitat requirements of the species identified, the timing of construction, the fact that the project will not be permanently impacting critical mammal SAR habitat, and the project operation period will be during the winter, the proposed project is not anticipated to adversely impact mammal Species at Risk, and is therefore no longer discussed in this report.

4.6.3 Species at Risk – Invertebrate

Table 3 shows the invertebrate SAR identified in the ACCDC report. The habitat requirements of the six (6) species identified were cross-referenced with the project footprint and potential impacts from the construction and operation of the project. Construction activities will not impact invertebrate habitat (primarily wetlands and watercourses), and operation of the project will occur during the winter, when invertebrates are not present. Based on this analysis, the project is not anticipated to adversely impact the invertebrate SAR identified, and is therefore no longer discussed in this report.

4.6.4 Species at Risk – Flora

Table 3 shows the plant SAR identified by the ACCDC scan as occurring within 5km of the project area. As with the above sections, their specific habitat requirements were identified and cross-referenced with the proposed project footprint. Construction activities will not impact flora Species at Risk habitat (primarily wetlands and watercourses), and operation of the project will occur during the winter, when flora are not present or covered by snow. Based on this analysis, the project is not anticipated to adversely impact the SAR identified, and is therefore no longer discussed in this report.

4.7 Environmentally Significant Areas

Environmentally Significant Areas identified in Section 3.1.9 are primarily landscape features, or related to wildlife Species at Risk and their specific habitats, which will not be impacted by the construction or operation of the project.

Table 3: ACCDC Scan Results Within 5kms of Project Site.

* Scientific Name Common Name COSEWIC SARA Prov. Legal Prov. Rarity Prov. GS No. Recs. Dist. (km) Status Status Prot. Rank Rank

FAUNA - BIRDS

a Chaetura Chimney Swift Threatened Threatened Threatened S2S3B 1 At Risk 3 6.9±0.0 pelagica a Catharus bicknelli Bicknell’s Thrush Threatened Special Concern Threatened S2S3B 1At Risk 51 13.1±7.0 a Chordeiles minor Common Threatened Threatened Threatened S3B 1 At Risk 6 13.1±7.0 nighthawk a Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow Threatened Threatened S3B 3 Sensitive 11 6.5±7.0 a Contopus cooperi Olive-sided Threatened Threatened Threatened S3S4B 1 At Risk 2 12.1±7.0 Flycatcher a Wilsonia Canada Warbler Threatened Threatened Threatened S3S4B 1 At Risk 11 11.3±0.0 Canadensis a Euphagus Rusty Blackbird Special Concern Special Concern Special S3B 2 May be at 3 4.0±0.0 carolinus Concern Risk a Contopus virens Eastern Wood- Special Concern Special S4B 4 Secure 2 12.1±7.0 Pewee Concern a Accipiter cooperii Cooper’s Hawk Not at Risk S1S2B 2 May be at 1 7.4±0.0 Risk a Aegolius funereus Boreal Owl Not at Risk S1S2B 2 May be at 1 13.1±7.0 Risk a Eremephila Horned Lark S2B 2 May be at 2 3.7±0.0 alpestris Risk a Pinicola Pine Grosbeak S2S3B, 3 Sensitive 6 3.3±7.0 enucleator S4S5N a Loxia curvirostra Red Crossbill S3 4 Secure 1 9.3±7.0

a Larus Ring-billed Gull S3B 4 Secure 1 9.3±7.0 delawarensis a Myiarchus Great-Crested S3B 3 Sensitive 2 1.6±0.0 crinitus Flycatcher a Tyrannus Eastern Kingbird S3S4B 3 Sensitive 14 1.5±0.0 tyrannus a Coccothraustes Evening Grosbeak S3S4B, 4 Secure 14 1.5±0.0 vespertinus S4S5N Scientific Name Common Name COSEWIC SARA Prov. Legal Prov. Rarity Prov. GS No. Recs. Dist. (km) Status Status Prot. Rank Rank

FAUNA – VERTEBRATE a Sorex dispar Long-Tailed Not At Risk Special Concern S1 3 Sensitive 6 2.7±0.0 (Gaspé) Shrew a Microtus Rock Vole S1 5 1 4.0±1.0 chrotorrhinus Undetermined a Synaptomys Northern Bog S1 5 2 4.0±1.0 borealis Lemming Undetermined

FAUNA – INVERTEBRATE i Aeshna juncea Rush Darner S2 3 Sensitive 6 6.5±0.0 i Polygonia satyrus Satyr Comma S3 4 Secure 1 7.6±1.0 i Nymphalis I- Compton S3 4 Secure 1 7.6±1.0 album Tortoiseshell i Somotochlora Ringed Emerald S3 4 Secure 11 1.4±1.0 albicincta i Somotochlora Lake Emerald S3 4 Secure 9 6.8±0.0 Cingulata i Somotochlora Forcipate Emerald S3 4 Secure 1 6.5±0.0 forcipata * Scientific Name Common Name COSEWIC SARA Prov. Legal Prov. Rarity Prov. GS No. Recs. Dist. (km) Status Status Prot. Rank Rank

Flora p Actoa fulvella A moss S1 2 May be at 2 4.0±1.0 Risk p Calliergon Richardson’s Spear S1 2 May be at 1 7.9±1.0 richardsonii Moss Risk p Dicranum Bonjean’s Broom S1 2 May be at 1 7.4±0.0 bonjeanii Moss Risk p Grimmia Donn’s Grimmia S1 2 May be at 2 3.7±0.0 donniana Moss Risk p Grimmia incurve Black Grimmia S1 2 May be at 4 3.7±0.0 Risk p Kiaeria starkei Starke’s Fork Moss S1 2 May be at 1 4.0±1.0 Risk p Sphagnum A peatmoss S1 2 May be at 1 7.4±0.0 subfulvum Risk p Rhizomnium Felted Leafy Moss S1 2 May be at 1 8.6±1.0 pseudopunctatum Risk p Trichodon Cylindric Hairy- S1S2 3 Sensitive 2 5.4±0.0 cylindricus Teeth Moss p Lophozia obtuse Obtuse Notchwort S1S3 6 Not 1 12.2±0.0 Assessed p Campylium A moss S2 3 Sensitive 1 7.4±0.0 polygamum p Hypnum pretense Meadow Plait Moss S2 3 Sensitive 1 7.9±0.0 p Pohlia spagnicola A moss S2 3 Sensitive 1 2.6±1.0 p Tayloria serrata Serrate Trumpet S2 3 Sensitive 1 6.9±0.0 Moss p Bazzania Three-toothed S2S4 4 1.5±0.0 tricrenata Whipwort p Jungermannia Dwarf Flapwort S2S4 6 Not 1 5.1±0.0 pumila Assessed p Anomodon rugelii Rugel’s Anomodon S3 3 Sensitive 1 3.0±8.0 Moss p Betula glandulosa Glandular Birch S1 2 May be at 5 8.0±0.0 Risk p Vaccinium Alpine Bilberry S1 2 May be at 1 3.7±0.0 uliginosum Risk

P Amelanchier Fernald’s S1 2 May be at 1 4.2±0.0 fernaldii Serviceberry Risk p Carex bigelowii Bigelow’s Sedge S1 2 May be at 6 3.9±0.0 Risk p Galium trifidum Three-petaled S1? 5 2 4.5±0.0 ssp. subbiflorum Bedstraw Undetermined p Carex rostrata Narrow-leaved S1S2 3 Sensitive 1 7.6±0.0 Beaked Sedge P Osmorhiza Blunt Sweet Cicely S2 3 Sensitive 1 6.9±0.0 depauperata P Betula minor Dwarf White Birch S2 3 Sensitive 6 3.7±0.0 p Hypericum Disguised S2 3 Sensitive 1 5.6±1.0 dissimulatum St. John’s-wort p Ranunculus Eastern White S2 5 1 6.6±0.0 longirostris Water-Crowfoot Undetermined p Galium Northern Wild S2 3 Sensitive 2 2.1±1.0 kamtschaticum Licorice P Carex tenuiflora Sparse-flowered S2 2 May be at 1 4.0±1.0 Sedge Risk p Calypso bulbosa Calypso S2 2 May be at 1 6.8±1.0 var. Americana Risk P Botrychium Mingan Moonwort S2 3 Sensitive 5 3.6±1.0 minganense p Epilobium Purple-veined S2? 3 Sensitive 1 7.1±0.0 coloratum Willowherb p Carex adusta Lesser Brown S2S3 4 Secure 1 5.2±5.0 Sedge p Corallorhiza Spotted Coralroot S2S3 3 Sensitive 1 11.2±0.0 maculata var. maculata P Potamogeton White-stemmed S2S3 4 Secure 4 3.8±1.0 praelongus Pondweed p Myriophyllum Siberian Water S3 4 Secure 2 7.1±0.0 sibiricum Milfoil p Nuphar lutea ssp. Small Yellow S3 4 Secure 2 4.6±5.0 pumila Pond-lily p Epilobium Hornemann’s S3 4 Secure 8 2.1±0.0 hornemannii Willowherb p Pyrola minor Lesser Pyrola S3 4 Secure 4 1.6±0.0

P Salix pedicellaris Bog Willow S3 4 Secure 2 7.2±0.0 p Carex arcta Northern Clustered S3 4 Secure 3 7.4±0.0 Sedge p Carex haydenii Hayden’s Sedge S3 4 Secure 1 8.5±0.0 p Carex rosea Rosy Sedge S3 4 Secure 1 5.1±5.0

Dryopteris Fragrant Wood S3 4 Secure 4 2.9±0.0 fragrans Fern var.remotiuscula p Isoetes Tuckerman’s S3 4 Secure 1 3.8±1.0 tuckermanii Quillwort p Polypodium Appalachian S3 4 Secure 1 4.8±1.0 appalachianum Polypody p Corallorhiza Spotted Coralroot S3S4 3 Sensitive 1 0.3±1.0 Maculata A Haliaeetus Bald Eagle Endangered predicted leucocephalus

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Based on the project footprint being within existing Park roads, and minimal impacts from construction and operation of the project, no adverse environmental impacts to the ESAs are anticipated from the development of the project, therefore ESAs are not discussed further in this report.

4.8 Archaeological and Heritage Resources

The Archaeological Services Unit (ASU) of the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture conducted an Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA) in Mount Carleton Provincial Park between November 3rd and 6th, 2015, which consisted of testing at Bathurst Lake and Moose Brook, as well as the proposed 900m section of new trail (refer to Appendix D for the full AIA report). The AIA report concludes “…the presence of intact archaeological sites at Bathurst Lake North and Moose Brook South.”

Any excavation associated with the construction of the proposed project may impact archaeological or heritage resources.

Based on the fact that operation of the proposed project is to be located on existing roads, and the project construction does not require excavation of soil, no impacts to archaeological or heritage resources are anticipated, therefore they are no longer discussed in this report.

4.9 Land Use

No zoning or rural plan has been developed for the Park or surrounding area – park land use is governed by the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture under the New Brunswick Parks Act and General Regulation. The Parks Act states that the purpose of provincial parks is to:

(a) permanently protect ecosystems, biodiversity and the elements of natural and cultural heritage, (b) provide opportunities for recreational and outdoor educational activities to promote a healthy lifestyle, (c) provide opportunities to increase knowledge and appreciation of the natural and cultural heritage of the Province, and (d) offer a tourism product that enhances the Province’s image as a quality vacation destination.

Furthermore, the Minister may:

(d) encourage and promote enhancement of standards of accommodation, facilities, attractions and services offered to the public, (f) guide, support and promote the development of quality tourism products, (h) develop, manage and promote tourist establishments owned by the Province.

From a land use planning perspective, the project is proposed within a provincial park in which the Minister is promoting snowmobile travel as a permitted use, and as per the sections of the Parks Act noted above. As such, no legislated land use conflicts exist and this is no longer discussed in this report.

4.10 Public Safety

According to the Feasibility Study report, the trails in the Mount Carleton region are “…generally a long distance from each club, at their farthest reach where volunteer work parties typically run short of time on their work days. As a result many of the existing snowmobile trails in the Mount Carleton region are currently signed at a lower standard that (sic) what is commonly found closer to the communities”. Additionally, the goal of the proposed project is to increase snowmobile traffic within the Park trails.

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With increased numbers of snowmobiles in the trails, the potential for snowmobile accidents or collisions may also increase.

The utility road is currently in disrepair, resulting in poor access to the summit of Mount Carleton. Emergency access would be difficult and slow in the event of an emergency in this area of the Park. Clearing of brush and rehabilitation of the road will result in a positive impact to public safety, in the event of a medical emergency.

Refer to section 5.5 for mitigation measures related to public health and safety.

4.11 Labour and Economy

The proposed project is anticipated to increase tourism in the Northern area of the province during winter months. The economic spin-off to other businesses, including but not limited to hotels, restaurants, food stores and gas stations, may be significant (depending on the amount of increased snowmobile tourism).

While difficult to predict, the project feasibility study examined another, similar project and predicted possible economic outcomes. The proposed project may potentially create between 15 and 39 full-time jobs, $800,000 - $2 million in indirect tourism revenue, and upwards of $90,000 - $227,000 in additional tax revenue for the Province of New Brunswick (Trails Work 2013).

Given that the potential economic impacts are positive, no mitigation is required and this is no longer discussed in this report.

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5 MITIGATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

The International Association of Impact Assessors Principles of EIA Best Practice states that one of the objectives of EIA is to anticipate and avoid, minimize, or offset the adverse significant biophysical, social, and other relevant effects of development proposals. Furthermore, the EIA process should provide for mitigation and impact management – to establish the measures that are necessary to avoid, minimize, or offset anticipated adverse impacts and, where appropriate, to incorporate these into an environmental management plan or system.

Mitigation is a key component and one of the aims of EIA and other impact assessment tools, and typically involves:  Avoiding impacts altogether;  Minimizing impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of an action;  Rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating or restoring the affected environment;  Compensating for the impact by replacing or providing substitute resources or environmental components,  Enhancement of positive impacts is also considered a potential mitigation method.

Mitigation should also incorporate local knowledge and considerations of sustainability in planning the development, and in assessing and choosing alternatives and mitigation in the design (IAIA Fastip “Mitigation in Impact Assessment).

The following mitigation is recommended for the proposed Mount Carleton Snowmobile Trail and Grooming Hub Project.

5.1 Atmospheric Quality

5.1.1 Light Pollution

Description of Potential Effect 1: During the winter months exterior (i.e. safety/security) lighting at the Maintenance Compound refueling station, and snowmobile headlights may cause light trespass (a condition in which exterior lighting is cast where it is not wanted) and glare (the overpowering of natural light sources by artificial sources, i.e. objectionable brightness) (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 2003-07). Sky glow (brightening of the sky caused by outdoor lighting in combination with atmospheric factors) is not anticipated to occur due to the small number of lights occurring at any one time in the park.

Description of Recommended Mitigation 1:

 Construction of the Maintenance Compound refueling station and the groomer shed will take place during regular working (daylight) hours, and will therefore not require additional lighting;  Light sources are not anticipated to disrupt wildlife life cycles which take place during the non-winter months, due to the majority of project operations (snowmobiling) taking place in the winter;  Security and Safety lights at the refueling station and groomer shed will be shielded and pointed at the ground to minimize light trespass and glare as much as practical;  Security and Safety lights at the refueling station and groomer shed will contain bulbs within the amber spectrum (>500 nM), thereby reducing amount of glare and light trespass;  Security and Safety lights at the refueling station and groomer shed will be motion-sensor activated where practical;

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 Trail intersections and signage will not be lit. Signs will be constructed of reflective materials to maintain visibility during low-light conditions;  Park usage by non-snowmobilers in the winter is considered very low. Temporary glare from snowmobiles is not anticipated due to the low use of the park and the temporary nature of snowmobiling through the Park;  General facility and trail maintenance activities will take place during daylight hours, unless of an emergency nature, and  The natural topography of the area (i.e. steep slopes, hills and valleys) will act as shields from glare and light trespass, thereby minimizing these potential effects.

Likelihood of Residual Effect: Residual effect is unlikely due to the mitigation measures proposed.

Significance of Residual Effect: Residual effects are considered to be not significant.

5.2 Surface Water Quality

Description of Potential Effect 1: A fuel or oil spill, or accidental release of hydrocarbons near a watercourse by a snowmobile or groomer could result in surface water contamination.

Description of Recommended Mitigation 1:  Snowmobiling, by its nature, takes place in winter when the ground is frozen and clean-up is facilitated;  Snowmobiles do not require large amounts of fuel or oil to operate;  Spill kits will be kept on site at the Maintenance Compound in the event of a spill;  Employees will be trained in the proper procedures to follow in the event of a spill;  Snowmobilers will be encouraged to report any spills or accidents to park officials at the refuelling station, so that clean-up may be initiated, and  By encouraging snowmobiling on groomed trails, the likelihood of snowmobiles travelling within or on the wetlands or watercourses will be minimized.

Likelihood of Residual Effect: Residual effect is unlikely due to the mitigation measures proposed.

Significance of Residual Effect: Residual effects are considered to be not significant.

5.3 Groundwater Quality

Description of Potential Effect 1: There are currently six (6) potable wells located in the Park. A fuel or oil spill, or accidental release of hydrocarbons near a water well could result in groundwater contamination.

Description of Recommended Mitigation 1:

 The refueling station is to be located at least 30m away from the well head;  The refueling station and tank will be licensed and approved by the DELG, and installed by a licensed installer;

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 The refueling station tank will be located in an impermeable concrete (or other impermeable material) secondary containment area;  The refueling station and impermeable secondary containment will be regularly inspected to ensure its proper operation;  Spill kits will be kept on site in the event of a spill;  Employees will be trained in the proper procedures to follow in the event of a spill;  All petroleum products will be stored in appropriate containers away from any potable well, and used products will be properly disposed of as per the NB Used Oil Regulation, and  Snowmobiling, by its nature, will occur during winter months, when ground is frozen, facilitating clean-up, and  Snowmobilers will be encouraged to report any spills or accidents to park officials at the refuelling station, so that clean-up may be initiated.

Likelihood of Residual Effect: Residual effect is unlikely due to the mitigation measures proposed.

Significance of Residual Effect: Residual effects are considered to be not significant.

5.4 Wildlife-Mammals

Description of Potential Effect 1: The operation of the project, primarily the increase in snowmobile and groomer traffic in the Park, may lead to increased encounters with wildlife, which may use the groomed trail as easy travel routes (deer, moose and coyotes particularly are known to take advantage of snowmobile trails in deep or soft snow).

Description of Recommended Mitigation 1:

 The project will result in clearing of vegetation from the trail ROWs, resulting in increased visibility for snowmobilers;  Increased signage will warn snowmobilers of turns, hills, areas of high wildlife usage, and decreased speed zones within the Park, and  Snowmobilers operating in New Brunswick are made aware of the dangers of wildlife collisions by their snowmobile clubs and fellow trail users.

Likelihood of Residual Effect: Residual effect is unlikely due to the mitigation measures proposed.

Significance of Residual Effect: Residual effects are considered to be not significant.

5.5 Public Health and Safety

Description of Potential Effect 1: “…many of the existing snowmobile trails in the Mount Carleton region are currently signed at a lower standard that (sic) what is commonly found closer to the communities”. Additionally, the goal of the proposed project is to increase snowmobile traffic within the Park trails. With increased numbers of snowmobiles in the trails, the potential for snowmobile accidents may also increase. Furthermore, a section of the trail entering the Park requires travelling on plowed roads, shared with trucks and automobiles.

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Description of Recommended Mitigation 1:  The project will increase the signage within the Park snowmobile trails, which increases the safety factor by warning snowmobilers of the speed limit, turns, hills, narrow bridges and other potential hazards;  Clearing vegetation from trail edges will increase trail width and visibility;  Signs will be reflective and placed as per NB snowmobile trail standards to increase safety;  The addition of the 900m trail section near the park entrance will reroute snowmobile traffic off the existing provincial road and plowed roads within the Park, thereby decreasing the potential for snowmobile/automobile interactions.

Description of Potential Effect 2: At present, the Mount Carleton utility road is almost impassable by vehicles. In the event of a serious medical emergency at the summit or in this area of the Park, vehicle access required for rendering medical assistance would be extremely slow and/or almost impossible, resulting in a potential threat to the health and safety of park users.

Description of Recommended Mitigation 2: Rehabilitation of the Mount Carleton utility road will result in better and more reliable access to the summit or the area of the park in question, in the event of a park user medical emergency. This would mean faster response times and faster egress, if required in a medical emergency situation.

Likelihood of Residual Effect: Residual effect is considered positive.

Significance of Residual Effect: Residual effects are considered to be positive and significant.

MITIGATION SUMMARY

No significant residual adverse environmental impacts are anticipated for the proposed Mount Carleton Snowmobile Project. This is based on the existing conditions of the project site and surrounding area, the project design, the Province’s commitment to meeting any and all federal and provincial legislative requirements, and the mitigation measures that are proposed to be implemented as part of the project.

Any modifications to the recommended mitigation will be forwarded to the DELG for review and approval, as necessary.

Refer to Table 4 for a summary of environmental effects and mitigation.

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6 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS

Cumulative effects are “changes to the environment that are caused by an action in combination with other past, present and future human actions” (Environment Canada). Cumulative effects can appear to be minor effects when assessed individually, but when examined within a larger spatial context, “can pose a serious threat to the environment and result in the degradation of important resources”. (USEPA 315-R- 99-002).

Typically, when undertaking a cumulative effects assessment, the process is as follows:

1. Identify the effects which may be (or become) regional issues of concern; 2. Determine an appropriate spatial and temporal assessment scale; 3. Identify other actions that may create effects which overlap the regional issue of concern, and 4. Evaluate the significance of the cumulative effects at the spatial and temporal scale chosen.

Based on the minimal environmental footprint from the construction of the proposed, the minimal and temporary nature of atmospheric impacts from the operation of the project, and the remote location and unlikelihood of other actions which may create a cumulative effect of concern, a detailed cumulative assessment was not completed for this project.

7 STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT

The New Brunswick Environmental Impact Assessment process is a transparent process, providing stakeholders potentially affected by a proposed project the opportunity to provide meaningful input into a project, before it is initiated.

Appendix C of the Guide to Environmental Impact Assessment in New Brunswick (2012) outlines the required stakeholder involvement activities for any project undergoing an EIA, to fulfill Section 6(1) of the EIA regulation. Based on the scale of the proposed project and discussion with the DELG, the following involvement activities will be completed for this project:

1. THC will communicate directly with elected officials (i.e. the MLA and mayor), local service districts, community groups, environmental groups, and other key stakeholder groups; 2. THC will provide direct, written notification (letter, information flyer, etc.) about the project and its location to potentially affected area residents and landowners; 3. The Sustainable Development, Planning and Impact Evaluation Branch, Department of Environment and Local Government (DELG) shall place notice of the Registration on its web site at http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0377/0002/0016-e.pdf and shall make the Registration Document (and any subsequent submissions in response to issues raised by the Technical Review Committee) available for public review at 20 McGloin Street, 2nd Floor, Fredericton, NB; 4. THC will make copies of the project registration document, (and any subsequent submissions in response to issues raised by the Technical Review Committee) available to any interested member of the public, stakeholder or First Nation and shall deposit a copy of this Department of Environment and Local Government 2012-04-01 xxxix document along with any subsequent revision with the appropriate DELG regional office, where it will be available for public review; 5. THC will place public notice(s) in at least one local newspaper having general circulation in the area of the proposed project and/or at least one provincial daily newspaper, and announce a public Open House for public input, and 8. THC will provide stakeholders a 30 day period to submit comments in writing, and

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9. Within 60 days of project registration, THC will prepare and submit to the DELG a report documenting the above public involvement activities, and shall make this report available for public review.

A number of stakeholders have already provided feedback to the proposed project design. A summary report of these consultation activities will be submitted within 60 days of the registration, as per #9 above.

8 FIRST NATIONS

THC recognizes the significance of the Mount Carleton area to First Nations and the legal Duty to Consult requirement for this project. As such, significant Consultation with First Nations has already begun, and is ongoing.

Based on the proponent’s interactions with First Nations regarding this project, and the importance of the project area to First Nations, THC will continue working with First Nations to further assess and protect the archaeological resources within the Park. A detailed summary of this ongoing process will be included in the Public Involvement summary report.

9 APPROVAL OF THE UNDERTAKING

The following permits, approvals and authorizations are anticipated for the project to include but not be limited to:

9.1 Provincial a) Certificate of Determination – Department of Environment and Local Government;

9.2 Federal

At the time of the drafting of this report, no federal permits or authorizations are anticipated for this project.

10 FUNDING

The proposed Mount Carleton Snowmobile Tourism project will be publicly funded by the Province of New Brunswick and the Government of Canada (ACOA).

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11 CLOSURE

This report has been prepared by Roy Consultants for the exclusive use of the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture, and was prepared exclusively for the purpose expressed herein and as per the project scope provided by the client. Roy Consultants accepts no responsibility for damages, if any, suffered by a third party as a result of decisions or actions taken based on the findings of this report.

Roy Consultants makes no representation or warranty with respect to the findings in this report, other than the work was performed by trained technical and professional staff using generally accepted scientific principles at the time the work was performed. Any information or facts referred to in this report are considered to be accurate.

The information in this report was compiled from existing documents and data provided by the client, and represents the best professional judgement of Roy Consultants personnel at the time of this report. Roy Consultants reserves the right to modify the contents of this report, in whole or in part, to reflect any new information that becomes available. Conclusions presented in this report should not be construed as legal advice.

This report was prepared by Jonathan Burtt, B.Sc.F., E.P.

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Table 4: Environmental Effects and Recommended Mitigation Measures Summary

Significance of residual impacts rated as follows: 0=None, 1=Not Likely/ Not Significant, 2=Likely/Significant, 3=Unknown, + =Positive, - =Negative

Valued Description of Required Mitigation Residual Effects Further Ecosystem / Potential Project Study Likelihood Significance Social Interaction with or Component VEC/VSC Follow- (VEC/VSC) up Atmospheric During the winter months  Construction of the 1 1 0 Quality – exterior (i.e. Maintenance Compound safety/security) lighting at refueling station and the Light the Maintenance groomer shed will take Pollution Compound refueling place during regular station, and snowmobile working (daylight) hours, headlights may cause and will therefore not light trespass (a condition require additional in which exterior lighting lighting; is cast where it is not  Light sources are not wanted) and glare (the anticipated to disrupt overpowering of natural wildlife life cycles which light sources by artificial take place during the sources, i.e. objectionable non-winter months, due brightness) (Rensselaer to the majority of project Polytechnic Institute, operations 2003-07). Sky glow (snowmobiling) taking (brightening of the sky place in the winter; caused by outdoor  Security and Safety lights lighting in combination at the refueling station with atmospheric factors) and groomer shed will be is not anticipated to occur shielded and pointed at due to the small number the ground to minimize of lights occurring at any light trespass and glare as one time in the park. much as practical;  Security and Safety lights at the refueling station and groomer shed will contain bulbs within the amber spectrum (>500 nM), thereby reducing amount of glare and light trespass;  Security and Safety lights at the refueling station and groomer shed will be motion-sensor activated where practical;  Trail intersections and signage will not be lit. Signs will be constructed of reflective materials to maintain visibility during low-light conditions;  Park usage by non- snowmobilers in the winter is considered very low. Temporary glare from snowmobiles is not

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anticipated due to the low use of the park and the temporary nature of snowmobiling through the Park;  General facility and trail maintenance activities will take place during daylight hours, unless of an emergency nature, and  The natural topography of the area (i.e. steep slopes, hills and valleys) will act as shields from glare and light trespass, thereby minimizing these potential effects. Surface There is a potential for  Snowmobiling, by its 1 1 0 Water fuel spills in the event of nature, takes place in an accident or spill in winter when the ground Quality areas of trail close to is frozen and clean-up is watercourses or wetlands, facilitated; which could negatively  Snowmobiles do not impact these VECs. require large amounts of fuel or oil to operate;  Spill kits will be kept on site at the Maintenance Compound in the event of a spill;  Employees will be trained in the proper procedures to follow in the event of a spill;  Snowmobilers will be encouraged to report any spills or accidents to park officials at the refuelling station, so that clean-up may be initiated, and  By encouraging snowmobiling on groomed trails, the likelihood of snowmobiles travelling within or on the wetlands or watercourses will be minimized. Groundwater There are currently six (6)  The refueling station is 1 1 0 Quality potable wells located in to be located at least the Park. A fuel or oil 30m away from the well spill, or accidental release head; of hydrocarbons near a  The refueling station and water well could result in tank will be licensed and groundwater approved by the DELG, contamination. and installed by a licensed installer;  The refueling station tank will be located in an impermeable concrete (or other impermeable

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material) secondary containment area;  The refueling station and impermeable secondary containment will be regularly inspected to ensure its proper operation;  Spill kits will be kept on site in the event of a spill;  Employees will be trained in the proper procedures to follow in the event of a spill;  All petroleum products will be stored in appropriate containers away from any potable well, and used products will be properly disposed of as per the NB Used Oil Regulation, and  Snowmobiling, by its nature, will occur during winter months, when ground is frozen, facilitating clean-up, and  Snowmobilers will be encouraged to report any spills or accidents to park officials at the refuelling station, so that clean-up may be initiated.  Potable water wells within the Park are sampled and analyzed regularly as part of normal park operation). Public “…many of the existing  The project will increase 1 1 0 Safety snowmobile trails in the the signage within the Mount Carleton region Park snowmobile trails, are currently signed at a which increases the lower standard that (sic) safety factor by warning what is commonly found snowmobilers of the closer to the speed limit, turns, hills, communities”. narrow bridges and other potential hazards; Additionally, the goal of  Clearing vegetation from the proposed project is to trail edges will increase increase snowmobile trail width and visibility; traffic within the Park  Signs will be reflective trails. With increased and placed as per NB numbers of snowmobiles snowmobile trail in the trails, the potential standards to increase for snowmobile accidents safety; may also increase.  The addition of the 900m trail section near the park Furthermore, a section of entrance will reroute the trail entering the Park snowmobile traffic off requires travelling on

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plowed roads, shared with the existing provincial trucks and automobiles, road, thereby decreasing which increases the risk the potential for of a snowmobile/vehicle snowmobile/automobile collision. interactions. Labour and The proposed project is No mitigation required. +2 +2 0 Economy anticipated to increase tourism in the Northern

area of the province during winter months. The economic spin-off to other businesses, including but not limited to hotels, restaurants, food stores and gas stations, may be significant (depending on the amount of increased snowmobile tourism).