TALTSON WINTER ROAD
ENGAGEMENT LOG
TALTSON HYDROELECTRIC FACILITY TALTSON RIVER, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
April 2019
Northwest Territories Power Corporation Engagement Log Taltson Winter Road
DOCUMENT MAINTENANCE AND CONTROL
The Director, Health, Safety & Environment is responsible for the distribution, maintenance and updating of the Engagement Log.
DOCUMENT HISTORY Revised Revision # Description of Revision Prepared by Issue Date Section(s)
0 N/A First Version NTPC April 2019
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Northwest Territories Power Corporation Engagement Log Taltson Winter Road
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 TALTSON FACILITY ...... 1 1.2 TALTSON WINTER ROAD ...... 1 1.3 CORPORATE CONTACT INFORMATION ...... 5
2 LICENCE RENEWAL APPLICATION ENGAGEMENT ...... 6 2.1 PARTIES ENGAGED ...... 7
3 ENGAGEMENT RECORD ...... 8 3.1 ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY ...... 8 3.2 ENGAGEMENT OUTCOMES ...... 16 3.3 COMPENSATION ...... 16
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2-1: Parties Engaged for the Taltson Winter Road...... 7 Table 3-1: Detailed Engagement Record ...... 10
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Regional Project Location Taltson Winter Road ...... 3 Figure 2: Taltson Winter Road Details...... 4
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A- Notification Letter to All Stakeholders, Nonacho Lake Fishing Adventures Letters Appendix B- Meeting Handout and Meeting Notes Appendix C- Public Information Session Advertisements, Presentation and Meeting Notes Appendix D- Compensation Agreeement Letter
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Northwest Territories Power Corporation Engagement Log Taltson Winter Road
1 INTRODUCTION
The Taltson Facility is a hydroelectric facility located within the Taltson River watershed, ~56 km northeast of Fort Smith in the Northwest Territories that is owned and operated by the Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC). An overhaul of key infrastructure within the generating station and camp is planned to begin in 2020. A winter road is required to transport equipment and materials to the facility. NTPC plans to reconstruct the historical Taltson Winter Road from Fort Smith to Taltson that was used in the 1960s and 1970s to access the site for construction, maintenance and upgrades.
The construction and operation of a WR will require a land-use permit and a water licence through the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board (MVLWB) under the direction of the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act and the Waters Act. As part of the water licence and land-use permit application process, NTPC is required to gather input from stakeholders on the application package and to continue engagement throughout the term of the licence and permit. Engagement will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute knowledge and solutions to the process, which is mutually beneficial to all parties involved.
This log was developed to document the detailed engagement process that NTPC undertook in the months leading up to submitting the water licence and land-use permit application for the Taltson WR. This engagement process was completed to gather information from stakeholders to help guide the application. The engagement process was guided by the Taltson Winter Road Engagement Plan (NTPC, 2019) which was developed through consideration of the MVLWB Engagement Guidelines for Applicants and Holders of Water Licences and Land Use Permits, and the MVLWB Engagement and Consultation Policy.
1.1 TALTSON FACILITY
The Taltson Facility is an 18 MW hydroelectric facility located within the Taltson River watershed 56 km northeast of Fort Smith in the Northwest Territories. The facility is the sole source of power, with the exception of back up diesel generators, to the South Slave communities of Hay River, K'atlodeeche First Nation, Fort Smith, Fort Resolution and Enterprise. The facility is a fly in access only using the airstrip or landing on the Twin Gorges Reservoir. The facility operates under the MVLWB water licence MV2011L4-0002.
1.2 TALTSON WINTER ROAD
Maintenance overhauls for the Taltson Facility are scheduled to be completed throughout 2020- 2023 for some of the key infrastructure such as the turbine in the generating station, the roads, airstrip and staff camp facilities. To complete the required overhauls the winter road must be reopened to transport material and equipment to and from site
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Northwest Territories Power Corporation Engagement Log Taltson Winter Road
The proposed winter road route from Ft. Smith to Taltson follows the historical route used when the facility was first built. The road was operational from 1964 to 1979 and was cleared and partially constructed in 2009/2010.
The Taltson WR is approximately 56 km long. The start point is a temporary laydown area at the northeast corner of the Fort Smith airport. The end point is a temporary laydown area at the southern end of the airfield at the Taltson Facility (refer to Figure 1.1). The Taltson WR consists of 11 over land portions (portages) and 10 over ice portions (lakes/rivers). The total length of portages is approximately 45.3 km (81%) and the total length of lakes/rivers is 10.7 km (19%). The Taltson WR is required to support an overhaul of key infrastructure at the Taltson Facility and is tentatively scheduled for construction and operation for three to five seasons, beginning in December 2019.
The regional project location is provided in Figure 1 and a map of the proposed route is provided in Figure 2
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Northwest Territories Power Corporation Engagement Log Taltson Winter Road
Figure 1: Regional Project Location Taltson Winter Road
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Northwest Territories Power Corporation Engagement Log Taltson Winter Road
Figure 2: Taltson Winter Road Details
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Northwest Territories Power Corporation Engagement Log Taltson Winter Road
1.3 CORPORATE CONTACT INFORMATION
NTPC contact information for the Taltson WR water licence and land-use permit is as follows:
Matthew Miller Senior Environmental Licensing Specialist 4 Capital Drive Hay River, NWT X0E 1G2 Tel: (867) 874-5314 [email protected]
Ken Bell Manager Operations & Maintenance, South Slave Box 66, NT 867-872-7110 [email protected]
Doug Prendergast Manager, Communications 4 Capital Drive Hay River, NWT X0E 1G2 Tel: (867) 874-5202 [email protected]
Andrew Ellis Project Manager, Engineering 4 Capital Drive Hay River, NWT X0E 1G2 867-874-5231 [email protected]
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Northwest Territories Power Corporation Engagement Log Taltson Winter Road
2 LICENCE RENEWAL APPLICATION ENGAGEMENT
NTPC completed a thorough engagement process leading up the water licence and land-use permit renewal application to gather input from stakeholders on the application package.
The engagement process provided an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute knowledge and solutions to the water licence application and this engagement will continue throughout the application process and operation of the winter road.
Some key tools that were employed in the engagement process are:
Electronic mail (email); Phone conversations and teleconferences; In-person meetings with representatives of affected organizations; and Public Information sessions in Fort Smith and Fort Resolution
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Northwest Territories Power Corporation Engagement Log Taltson Winter Road
2.1 PARTIES ENGAGED
NTPC has identified a number of aboriginal, municipal, territorial and federal governments, governmental organizations and private organizations as parties to be engaged as part of the Taltson winter road water licence and land-use permit application. These parties and organizations were verified with the MVLWB on January 29, 2019 and are presented in Table 2-1.
Table 2-1: Parties Engaged for the Taltson Winter Road
Organization Akaitcho IMA Implementation Office Dene Nation Deninu K'ue First Nation Fort Resolution Metis Council Fort Smith Metis Council GNWT - ENR - South Slave Region - Fort Smith GNWT - INF GNWT - Lands - South Slave Region - Fort Smith Hamlet of Fort Resolution Katlodeeche First Nation Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation - Wildlife, Lands and Environment Nonacho Lake Fishing Camp North Slave Metis Alliance Northwest Territory Metis Nation Salt River First Nations Smith Landing First Nation Taltson Bay Big Pike Lodge Tlicho Lands Protection Department Town of Fort Smith West Point First Nation Yellowknives Dene First Nation
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3 ENGAGEMENT RECORD
3.1 ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY
A summary of all engagement undertaken leading up to the water licence renewal application is presented below. This includes an entry for each engagement, including the following information:
Date of engagement; Name of party or group; Format of engagement; Individuals attending; Issue or topic of discussion; Comments received by NTPC; and Description of issues that were jointly resolved or which remain outstanding.
An overview of the engagement results is presented in Table 3-1 and a detailed table of all engagement is presented in Table 3-2.
Some of the key milestones in the engagement process for the water licence renewal were:
1. Verified engagement contact list for parties to be engaged for the Taltson WR Type A LUP and Type B WL application with MVLWB.
a. Engagement contact list submitted to MVLWB on January 29, 2019. b. MVLWB provided updated engagement contact list to NTPC on January 29, 2019.
2. Email to all stakeholders with notification letter regarding the NTPC’s Type A LUP and Type B WL application for the Taltson WR near Fort Smith, NT. Letter included general information about the WR and application process and a map of the proposed route. The notification letter is included as Appendix A. a. Initial email to all stakeholders with letter was sent January 31, 2019.
b. Follow up email including letter was sent March 14, 2019.
3. Numerous follow up phone calls and emails with all stakeholders as outlined in Table 3-2. a. Throughout February and March 2019 numerous phone calls and email communications occurred with stakeholders to seek feedback on the application, set up in person meetings, obtain information on public sessions and provide information on the project.
b. A formal letter was received from Myles Carter on behalf of Nonacho Lake Fishing Adventures on February 14, 2019. NTPC provided a response letter to
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Mr. Cater and Nonacho Lake Fishing Adventures on March 19, 2019. Both letters are included in Appendix A.
4. In person meetings with stakeholders who requested meeting.
a. Two separate in person meetings took place with the Mr. Ken Shaefer who holds a registered trapline in the project area and Mr. Tim Heron who was representing the Northwest Territory Metis Nation on March 28, 2019 in Fort Smith, NT to gather input on the application. Meeting handouts and notes for each meeting are included in Appendix B.
b. Input gathered in meetings had direct implications in the preparation and content of the Taltson WR Operations and Maintenance Plan, Wildlife Management & Monitoring Plan and Public Safety and Awareness Plan.
5. Public engagement and information sessions
a. Public information sessions were held in Fort Smith on March 28, 2019 and in Fort Resolution on March 29, 2019.
b. Advertisements for the public information sessions were sent out to all stakeholders through email, posted on the NTPC Facebook Page and Twitter and hard copies were posted around Fort Smith and Fort Resolution. Advertisements are included in Appendix C.
c. NTPC provided a presentation on the Taltson WR which included project overview, regulatory process, engagement process, technical information on the WR, environmental information on the WR and procurement information. NTPC then addressed questions from the public and gathered input on the application. Presentation and public session meeting notes are included in Appendix C.
d. Input gathered in public sessions had direct implications in the preparation and content of the Taltson WR Operations and Maintenance Plan, Wildlife Management & Monitoring Plan and Public Safety and Awareness Plan.
A detailed record of all engagement with all stakeholders is outlined in Table 3-1.
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Table 3-1: Detailed Engagement Record
Date Item Parties Cc'd Description Tyree Mullaney Email regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s engagement contact list for the Type A LUP and Type B WL 2019-Jan-29 Email- to Shannon Allerston (MVLWB) (MVLWB) application for the Taltson Winter Road. Tyree Mullaney Email to verify engagement contact list for the Type A LUP and Type B WL application for the Taltson Winter Road is complete, 2019-Jan-29 Email- from Shannon Allerston (MVLWB) (MVLWB) added some additional email addresses but no additional stakeholders. Email with letter regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Application for Type B Water Licence and Type A Land- 2019-Jan-31 Email- to Stephanie Poole (Akaitcho) Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT. Email with letter regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Application for Type B Water Licence and Type A Land- 2019-Jan-31 Email- to Trevor Teed (DN) Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT. Email with letter regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Application for Type B Water Licence and Type A Land- 2019-Jan-31 Email- to Louis B. Rosy B. (DKFN) Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT. Email with letter regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Application for Type B Water Licence and Type A Land- 2019-Jan-31 Email- to Trudy K, Arthur B. (FRMC) Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT. Email with letter regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Application for Type B Water Licence and Type A Land- 2019-Jan-31 Email- to Kenneth H (FSMC) Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT. Email with letter regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Application for Type B Water Licence and Type A Land- 2019-Jan-31 Email- to Wendy B, Alexis C, Derise R, Mike V. (GNWT) Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT. Email with letter regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Application for Type B Water Licence and Type A Land- 2019-Jan-31 Email- to Carol C, SAO (HFR) Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT. Email with letter regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Application for Type B Water Licence and Type A Land- 2019-Jan-31 Email- to Patrick R, April M (KFN) Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT. Email with letter regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Application for Type B Water Licence and Type A Land- 2019-Jan-31 Email- to Lauren K, Daryll M (LKDFN) Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT. Email with letter regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Application for Type B Water Licence and Type A Land- 2019-Jan-31 Email- to Dean C, Jean C, Myles C, Kandee C (NLFC) Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT. Email with letter regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Application for Type B Water Licence and Type A Land- 2019-Jan-31 Email- to Shin S, Jess H (NSMA) Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT. Email with letter regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Application for Type B Water Licence and Type A Land- 2019-Jan-31 Email- to Tim H (NTMN) Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT. Email with letter regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Application for Type B Water Licence and Type A Land- 2019-Jan-31 Email- to Frieda M, Jeff F, Allen S. (SRFN) Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT. Email with letter regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Application for Type B Water Licence and Type A Land- 2019-Jan-31 Email- to Becky K, John T (SLFN) Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT. Email with letter regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Application for Type B Water Licence and Type A Land- 2019-Jan-31 Email- to Don B (TBBPL) Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT. Email with letter regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Application for Type B Water Licence and Type A Land- 2019-Jan-31 Email- to Tyanna S (Tlicho) Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT. Email with letter regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Application for Type B Water Licence and Type A Land- 2019-Jan-31 Email- to Jim H (TOFS) Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT. Email with letter regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Application for Type B Water Licence and Type A Land- 2019-Jan-31 Email- to Misty I (WPFN) Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT. Email with letter regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Application for Type B Water Licence and Type A Land- 2019-Jan-31 Email- to Johanne B, William L (YKDFN) Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT. 2019-Jan-31 Email- from Rosy B. (DKFN) Louis B. (DKFN) Response to notification email requesting a face to face meeting and site visit for elders and landusers. 2019-Jan-31 Email- to Rosy B. (DKFN) Louis B. (DKFN) Email responding to request for meeting and inquiring when meeting would work Response to notification email stating: "winter road is well outside our traditional territory. We do not need to be engaged in this 2019-Jan-31 Email- from Patrick R(KFN) April M (KFN) process."
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Date Item Parties Cc'd Description Response to notification email stating that she wishes to involved in the engagement process and email communication works 2019-Jan-31 Email- from Alexis C (GNWT) best. Response to notification email stating that "Yes Salt River First Nation wants to be engaged in this process. Please continue to 2019-Jan-31 Email- from Trevor Teed (DN) correspond by email with myself, the CEO, and lands officer" Response to notification email stating that "Dene Nation will not participate in the review unless we are invited to do so by the 2019-Jan-31 Email- from Frieda M, Jeff F, Allen S. (SRFN) impacted First Nations." Provided a Phone Number for Ken Schaefer as well. Don B forwarded notification email to Ethel. Ethel recommended "bring this subject matter to the attention of the Akaitcho Chiefs 2019-Jan-31 Email- from Ethel Liske (Akaitcho) Don B (TBBPL) as they will be the ones that will determine if the NWT Treaty 8 Tribal Corporation should be involved in this process and will provide direction to our office." Garry B, Ursula V, Betty V, Paul H, Jake Response to notification email stating that "the NWTMN would like to be engaged on all stages. You can communicate through 2019-Jan-31 Email- from Tim H (NTMN) H, Ron Y Darwin H the Lands and Resources Office." (NTMN) 2019-Feb-01 Email- to Frieda M, Jeff F, Allen S. (SRFN) Inquired if Salt River would be interested in having a meeting as they are a key stakeholder. 2019-Feb-01 Email- to Ethel Liske (Akaitcho) Don B (TBBPL) Provided Ethel with a full list of all organizations engaged and followed up with Don B on engagement as well. Garry B, Ursula V, Betty V, Paul H, Jake 2019-Feb-01 Email- to Tim H (NTMN) Inquired if NWTMN would be interested in having a meeting as they are a key stakeholder. H, Ron Y Darwin H (NTMN) Alexis C, Derise R, Mike V. Albert B Response to email notification offering assistance to provide information on GNWT legislation. Stated that ENR does not need to 2019-Feb-01 Email- from Wendy B (GNWT) (GNWT) Jen P be consulted but will be a reviewer once the application is submitted. (MVLWB) Wendy B, Alexis C, Derise R, Mike V. Response to email notification echoing the same statements as Wendy's email stating they will be involved in the review process 2019-Feb-01 Email- from Mike V. (GNWT) Albert B (GNWT) Jen P but keep informed through email. (MVLWB) Alexis C, Derise R, Albert B (GNWT) Jen 2019-Feb-01 Email- to Wendy B, Mike V. (GNWT) Email to respond to email and offers to help with application, informed group that NTPC would keep everyone updated with email P, Shannon A, Tyree M (MVLWB) Email to verify receipt of the notification email, inquired on when NTPC would like to know whether NNLFC would like to be 2019-Feb-01 Email- from Myles C (NLFC) consulted 2019-Feb-01 Email- To Myles C (NLFC) Email following up on timeline of application stating application will be submitted mid April 2019-Feb-01 Email- from Myles C (NLFC) Email to say NLFC will follow up once speaking with all members Verification of receipt of notification email. Informed NTPC that email had been sent to appropriate staff within the Akaitcho Dene 2019-Feb-04 Email- from Stephanie P (Akaitcho) First Nations and offered to provide contact information if required. 2019-Feb-05 Email- to Stephanie P (Akaitcho) Provided Stephanie with a full list of all organizations engaged. Responding to notification email and requesting to be engaged in this application process with email notifications of any updates 2019-Feb-08 Email- from Jess H (NSMA) and meetings if required. 2019-Feb-12 Email- to Jess H (NSMA) Responding to email. Email with letter from NTPC with 4 questions regarding Taltson Winter Road and proposed Taltson expansion. Majority of 2019-Feb-14 Email- from Myles C (NLFC) questions were regarding Taltson expansion. Attached in Appendix A. 2019-Feb-15 Email- to Myles C (NLFC) Verified receipt of email and letter and committed to providing response ASAP 2019-Mar-14 Email- to Myles C (NLFC) Email to update on status of response letter Phone-voicemail 2019-Mar-14 Tim H (NTMN) Following up engagement emails and working to schedule meeting to
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Date Item Parties Cc'd Description Garry B, Ursula V, Betty V, Paul H, Jake 2019-Mar-14 Email- to Tim H (NTMN) Follow up on voicemail to set up meeting H, Ron Y Darwin H (NTMN) Phone message- 2019-Mar-14 Rosy B. (DKFN) Following up engagement emails and working to schedule meeting for 2019-Mar-14 Phone call- to Jeff F (SRFN) Following up engagement emails and working to schedule meeting 2019-Mar-14 Email- to Frieda M, Jeff F, Allen S. (SRFN) Following up engagement emails, public info session and working to schedule meeting 2019-Mar-14 Email- to Jess H (NSMA) Follow up to see if any questions are present on application Phone call to discuss trap line that runs adjacent to proposed Taltson Winter Road route for a section. Discussed setting up 2019-Mar-14 Phone call- to Ken Schaefer meeting to verify trapping details and if required determine compensation arrangements similar to last winter road that was built, meeting was booked for March 28 and plan was made to move forward. 2019-Mar-14 Phone call- to Shannon Allerston (MVLWB) Update on engagement process, got some input on public session and provided information for application prep. 2019-Mar-14 Email- to Rosy B. (DKFN) Louis B. (DKFN) Email responding to request for meeting and inquiring when meeting would work Follow up on notification email with letter regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Application for Type B Water 2019-Mar-14 Email- to Kenneth H (FSMC) Licence and Type A Land-Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT. Follow up on notification email with letter regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Application for Type B Water 2019-Mar-14 Email- to Carol C, SAO (HFR) Licence and Type A Land-Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT. Follow up on notification email with letter regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Application for Type B Water 2019-Mar-14 Email- to Lauren K, Daryll M (LKDFN) Licence and Type A Land-Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT. Follow up on notification email with letter regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Application for Type B Water 2019-Mar-14 Email- to Becky K, John T (SLFN) Licence and Type A Land-Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT. Follow up on notification email with letter regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Application for Type B Water 2019-Mar-14 Email- to Jim H (TOFS) Licence and Type A Land-Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT. Follow up on notification email with letter regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Application for Type B Water 2019-Mar-14 Email- to Misty I (WPFN) Licence and Type A Land-Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT. Follow up on notification email with letter regarding the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s Application for Type B Water 2019-Mar-14 Email- to Don B (TBBPL) Licence and Type A Land-Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT. Frieda M, Jeff F, 2019-Mar-15 Email- from Allen S. (SRFN) Email regarding interest in meeting and scheduling details (SRFN) Frieda M, Jeff F, 2019-Mar-18 Email- to Allen S. (SRFN) Email regarding meeting and scheduling details (SRFN) Email with letter from on behalf of NTPC to respond to letter from Feb 14 with questions regarding Taltson Winter Road and 2019-Mar-19 Email- to Myles C (NLFC) proposed Taltson Expansion project. Directed all questions regarding expansion to Geraldine at GNWT and provided contact info. Provided an up date on current NTPC operations at Nonacho Dam. Attached in Appendix A. Louis B. Rosy B. (DKFN), Trudy K, Arthur B. (FRMC), Kenneth H (FSMC), Wendy B, Alexis C, Derise R, Mike V. (GNWT), Carol C, SAO (HFR), Lauren K, Daryll M (LKDFN), Dean C, Email with advertisement regarding the Type B Water Licence and Type A Land-Use Permit Applications for the Taltson Winter Jean C, Myles C, Kandee C (NLFC) Jess H 2019-Mar-19 Email- to Road Public Information Session that will be held in Fort Smith on March 28, 2019 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm at the Roaring Rapids (NSMA), Tim H (NTMN), Frieda M, Jeff F, Allen Hall. See Appendix C. S. (SRFN), Becky K, John T (SLFN), Don B (TBBPL), Jim H (TOFS), Misty I (WPFN), Shannon Allerston (MVLWB), Tyree Mullaney (MVLWB) Facebook and Advertisement regarding the Type B Water Licence and Type A Land-Use Permit Applications for the Taltson Winter Road Public 2019-Mar-20 Twitter Post on Information Session that will be held in Fort Smith on March 28, 2019 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm at the Roaring Rapids Hall. NTPC pages
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Date Item Parties Cc'd Description Comment on 2019-Mar-20 NTPC Facebook Carol C, (HFR) comment regarding a request for consultation in Fort Resolution page post Comment on comment outlining all parties that have been contacted as part of engagement process including hamlet of fort resolution and 2019-Mar-20 NTPC Facebook NTPC to Carol C DKFN page post 2019-Mar-20 Email- from Tyree M (MVLWB) forwarded an email that was sent to Tyree from Carol C. from Hamlet of Fort Resolution regarding request for a consultation Email stating "I would like to know when you will be coming in to meet with the community of Fort Resolution. We would like to be consulted by NWT Power Corporation. It can be held at the hall so the whole community can hear your presentation. You have 2019-Mar-20 Email- from Carol C (HFR) impacted our community all these years and we have a right to be consulted you are on our traditional lands and are impacting our Delta and the Slave River. It is also impacting our drinking water. So can I get a response regarding Taltson Dam River Type B water licence and Type A Land Use Permit." 2019-Mar-21 Email- from Shannon A (MVLWB) forwarded an email that was sent to MVLWB from Carol C. from Hamlet of Fort Resolution regarding request for a consultation 2019-Mar-21 Email- to Mike V. (GNWT) Verification of public session info and that he will be in attendance 2019-Mar-21 Phone call- to Shannon A (MVLWB) Discussed Carol C's request for public session and compensation Follow up email stating "Thanks for taking the time to chat last week regarding this matter. As I mentioned on the phone we are planning to hold a public session in Fort Resolution on Friday, March 29. I will include you in our response to Carol as well.
We will be sure to point out in our response and in the session that the current water licence and land-use permit applications are for the winter road only and are not related to the operation of the hydro facility. As such claims for compensation throughout this 2019-Mar-23 Email- to Shannon A (MVLWB) process should only be related to the winter road.
We had mentioned that having someone attend the sessions from the MVLWB could be helpful. Let me know if this something that could be possible and if you feel it would be worth the effort. Either way it would be helpful to have some general information on the WL and LUP process that will take place for this road (maybe a tentative timeline of the process in this case) that we could put in our presentation and have on hand. " Follow up email stating "NTPC is planning a public information session in Fort Resolution over lunchtime on Friday, March 29. The session will include a presentation on the Type B Water Licence and Type A Land-Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT.
2019-Mar-23 Email- to Carol C (HFR) Shannon A (MVLWB) These ongoing applications are for the winter road only and are not connected to the dam or the operation of the hydro facility.
It would be great if you could follow up with information on how to book community hall or a room at the hamlet. Once we have booked the venue we will send out notification for the session. " 2019-Mar-25 Email- from Shannon A (MVLWB) Email with some general information on the MVLWB and WL and LUP process to include in presentation. 2019-Mar-25 Email- to Allen S., Frieda M, Jeff F. (SRFN) Email regarding potential of setting up meeting on March 28 and scheduling details Garry B, Ursula V, Betty V, Paul H, Jake 2019-Mar-25 Email- to Tim H (NTMN) Email regarding potential of setting up meeting on March 28 and scheduling details H, Ron Y Darwin H (NTMN) 2019-Mar-25 Email- to Carol C (HFR) Shannon A (MVLWB) Email requesting booking information for hamlet office space to host public session in Fort Resolution Dean C, Jean C, 2019-Mar-25 Email- from Myles C, (NLFC) Email requesting further engagement options Kandee C (NLFC)
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Northwest Territories Power Corporation Engagement Log Taltson Winter Road
Date Item Parties Cc'd Description Email providing options for further engagement and including letters already submitted Options include :• Further email correspondence Dean C, Jean C, • Phone call 2019-Mar-26 Email- to Myles C, (NLFC) Kandee C (NLFC) • In-person or teleconference meeting (depending on location and attendees) • Attending one of the public sessions (info for session in Fort Smith is attached, may be a session in Fort Resolution on March 29 as well) Dean C, Jean C, 2019-Mar-25 Email- from Myles C, (NLFC) Email requesting teleconference options for public session on the 28th Kandee C (NLFC) Dean C, Jean C, Email stating that teleconference will not be available on the 28th but NTPC would be happy to set up a teleconference with the 2019-Mar-25 Email- to Myles C, (NLFC) Kandee C (NLFC) carters and provide the same presentation 2019-Mar-26 Email- from Tim H (NTMN) Email regarding setting up meeting on March 28 and scheduling details 2019-Mar-26 Email- to Tim H (NTMN) Email regarding setting up meeting on March 28 and scheduling details 2019-Mar-26 Email- from Jess H (NSMA) response email, no questions so far please continue to engage NSMN 2019-Mar-26 Email- to Carol C (HFR) Email requesting booking information for hamlet office space to host public session in Fort Resolution 2019-Mar-26 Email- from Carol C (HFR) Email with booking details of hamlet office space to host public session in Fort Resolution 2019-Mar-27 Email- to Carol C (HFR) Email confirming booking of hamlet office space to host public session in Fort Resolution Louis B. Rosy B. (DKFN), Trudy K, Arthur B. (FRMC), Kenneth H (FSMC), Wendy B, Alexis C, Derise R, Mike V. (GNWT), Carol C, SAO (HFR), Lauren K, Daryll M (LKDFN), Dean C, Jean C, Myles C, Kandee C (NLFC) Jess H Email with advertisement regarding the Type B Water Licence and Type A Land-Use Permit Applications for the Taltson Winter 2019-Mar-27 Email- to (NSMA), Tim H (NTMN), Frieda M, Jeff F, Allen Road Public Information Session that will be held in Fort Resolution on March 29, 2019 from 12-130pm. See Appendix C. S. (SRFN), Becky K, John T (SLFN), Don B (TBBPL), Jim H (TOFS), Misty I (WPFN), Shannon Allerston (MVLWB), Tyree Mullaney (MVLWB) NTPC confirmed that Mr. Schaefer will be compensated for construction and operation of the road within his trapping area as was completed under the last land-use permit. Mr. Schaefer provided knowledge of the area, including the history of the WR, fish and 2019-Mar-28 Meeting- with Ken Schaefer wildlife presence in the area, and safety considerations for specific portions of the WR. Mr. Schaefer demonstrated his trapping area and provided his recent trapping records to develop a compensation agreement. Meeting notes provided in Appendix B. On behalf of the Northwest Territory Metis Nation Mr. Heron provided knowledge of the area, including beaver dam locations, 2019-Mar-28 Meeting- with Tim H (NTMN) fishing and trapping practices, and local traffic patterns and some suggestions for signage along the road. Meeting notes provided in Appendix B. Taltson Winter Road Type B WL and Type A Land User Permit Application Public Information Session- Fort Smith - March 28, 2019 - 7pm to 9pm. NTPC provided a presentation on the Taltson WR which included project overview, regulatory process, Public Session- 4 NTPC staff, 1 NTPC consultant, 10 members 2019-Mar-28 engagement process, technical information on the WR, environmental information on the WR and procurement information. Fort Smith of the public NTPC then addressed questions from the public and gathered input on the application. Presentation and public session meeting notes are included in Appendix C. Taltson Winter Road Type B WL and Type A Land User Permit Application Public Information Sessions- Fort Resolution - March 29, 2019 - 12pm to 2pm. NTPC provided a presentation on the Taltson WR which included project overview, regulatory process, Public Session- 3 NTPC staff, 1 NTPC consultant, 4 members of 2019-Mar-29 engagement process, technical information on the WR, environmental information on the WR and procurement information. Fort Resolution the public NTPC then addressed questions from the public and gathered input on the application. Presentation and public session meeting notes are included in Appendix C. 2019-Apr-10 Meeting- with Ken Schaefer Meeting to review compensation agreement for a Type B water licence and Type A land-use permit for the construction and operation of the winter road each season based off past legal precedence and existing trapping records. Before signing the compensation agreement Ken requested time to follow up with ENR to ensure that all trapping records are present. Once all trapping records are verified by Ken and both parties are satisfied with the agreement both parties will finalize the agreement and sign. Signed letter attached as in Appendix D.
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Northwest Territories Power Corporation Engagement Log Taltson Winter Road
Date Item Parties Cc'd Description Phone conversation to follow up on engagement request and response letter. Outlined application information and 2019 work at Dean C, Jean C, 2019-Apr-11 Phone call- to Myles C, (NLFC) Nonacho. Myles requested that NTPC provide the presentation that was given at the Public Sessions and that he would follow up Kandee C (NLFC) if he had any further questions. Dean C, Jean C, 2019-Apr-11 Phone call- to Myles C, (NLFC) Provided presentation from Public Sessions for review. Kandee C (NLFC) 2019-Apr-18 Email- to Carol N, Blair C (Lands), Shannon A (MVLWB) Email to inquire on status of Taltson Lands and Section 18 1b of the Lands Act. Carol N, Blair C 2019-Apr-18 Email- from Shannon A (MVLWB) Email following up on status of Taltson Lands and Section 18 1b of the Lands Act. (Lands), Blair C (Lands), 2019-Apr-19 Email- from Carol N(Lands) Email following up on status of Taltson Lands and Section 18 1b of the Lands Act. Shannon A (MVLWB) Carol N, Blair C 2019-Apr-23 Phone call- to Carol N(Lands) Email following up on status of Taltson Lands and Section 18 1b of the Lands Act. (Lands), Carol N, Melanie W, Melissa B (Lands), 2019-Apr-24 Teleconference Meeting following up on status of Taltson Lands and Section 18 1b of the Lands Act. Shannon A (MVLWB)
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Northwest Territories Power Corporation Engagement Log Taltson Winter Road
3.2 ENGAGEMENT OUTCOMES
A large amount of interaction with stakeholders took place throughout the engagement process and there were many outcomes that will be represented in the regulatory applications, construction and operation of the Taltson WR as outlined in Table 3-1. Some key outcomes of the engagement process were:
All parties were informed of NTPC’S application for Type B Water Licence and Type A Land-Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT and provided a map of the route.
NTPC provided further information to any parties that had specific questions regarding the application or the road through various methods outlined in previous sections. o There were no outstanding issues or information requests from stakeholders as of submission date on April 2019.
To accommodate restricted snowmobile access for liquid cooled snowmobiles on the ice road NTPC will create parking areas at approximately KM 15 and KM 30 at existing non- vegetated areas near the junction of existing trails so members of the public can transport snowmobiles by trailer out on the WR.
At the request of stakeholders NTPC will post signage at the Slave River crossing and the Hanging Ice River crossing to warn users that danger ice may be present outside of the WR alignment.
NTPC will engage with ENR regarding signage or other mitigations regarding increased access for hunting.
3.3 COMPENSATION
The proposed route of the winter road follows Ken Schaefer’s registered trap line for most of the route and NTPC recognizes that its operation and its availability for public use will cause disruption to Ken’s trapping enterprise. As a result, and in furtherance of NTPC’s applications to the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board for a Type B water licence and Type A land-use permit for the construction and operation of the winter road each season, NTPC and Ken have been working together to we have been pursue a compensation agreement. Legal precedence for this agreement was established under the Type A land-use permit MV2008F0027- Winter Road- Taltson Hydroelectric Facility in 2009.
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Northwest Territories Power Corporation Engagement Log Taltson Winter Road
On the March 28th Ken presented NTPC with trapping records from ENR for 2014-2018 and on April 10th NTPC presented a compensation agreement which was based off of these records that was reviewed by both parties. Before signing the compensation agreement Ken requested time to follow up with ENR to ensure that all trapping records are present. Once the trapping records are verified and both parties are satisfied with the agreement both parties will finalize the agreement and sign. The agreement will be in place by April 30, 2019. A singed letter outlining the compensation undertakings is included in Appendix D.
Page 17
APPENDIX A
NOTIFICATION LETTER TO ALL STAKEHOLDERS,
NONACHO LAKE FISHING ADVENTURES LETTERS
Health, Safety, & Environment, 4 Capital Drive, Hay River, NT X0E 1G2
January, 2019
Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board Distribution List
Notification of Application for Type B Water Licence and Type A Land-Use Permit for Taltson Winter Road near Fort Smith, NT
Dear Sir/Madam,
The Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC) owns and operates the Taltson Hydroelectric Facility and camp (Taltson Hydro), which is located 56 km northeast of Fort Smith, Northwest Territories within the Taltson River watershed. The facility operates under the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board (MVLWB) water licence MV2011L4-0002. Taltson Hydro was built in 1965 and supplies power to the South Slave communities of Enterprise, Fort Resolution, Fort Smith, Hay River and K'atlodeeche First Nation.
An overhaul of key infrastructure within the generating station and camp is planned to begin in 2020 to ensure the continued reliability of power generation for the South Slave Region. A winter road is required to transport equipment and materials for the overhaul. NTPC plans to reconstruct the historical Taltson Winter Road from Fort Smith to Taltson that was used in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s to access the site for construction, maintenance and upgrades. In 2009 NTPC obtained MVLWB land-use permit MV2008F0027 for the operation of the Taltson Winter Road; however construction of the road was never completed due to a change in operational requirements.
In April 2019 NTPC plans to submit an application for a Type B water licence and Type A land-use permit for the Taltson Winter Road. A map of the proposed route is provided in Figure 1. The application will be subject to the standard review process undertaken by the MVLWB. Construction of the winter road is planned to begin in the winter of 2019-20.
This overhaul is required to maintain the existing facility only and has no connection to the Government of the Northwest Territories’ proposed Taltson expansion. For more information on that project please contact Geraldine Byrne, Advisor Energy Funding and Research Development: [email protected], 867.767.9021.ext.32019.
Please confirm that your organization wishes to be engaged in this process prior to the submission of the application, and if so, what your preferred method of engagement would be. If you have any questions, comments, or require further clarification about the
1
Health, Safety, & Environment, 4 Capital Drive, Hay River, NT X0E 1G2
January, 2019 upcoming application please contact me by email at [email protected] or by phone at (867) 874-5314. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Matthew Miller, M.Sc., P.Eng. Senior Environmental Licensing Specialist Northwest Territories Power Corporation
2
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0 5 10 15 20 25 FIGURE 1: PROJECT LOCATION
Kilometers Northwest Territories Power Corporation
DATE: January 2019 Taltson Winter Road
Taltson Hydroelectricity Expansion Project
The Taltson Hydroelectric Project will expand the existing Taltson generating station and connect the NWT’s hydroelectric systems to provide clean energy to the mineral-rich Slave Geological Province. FAST FACTS • The Taltson River system has 200 MW of electrical generation potential. • A 60 MW expansion of Taltson could remove 240,000 tonnes of GHG emissions annually. • 270 km of transmission lines will connect Taltson to the North Slave Hydro System. PROJECT PHASES Connect the Taltson Hydro System 1. to the North Slave Hydro System and add 60 MW of capacity
Provide clean energy to the Slave 2. Geological Province and resource sector
3. Connect the NWT electrical grid to the Southern electrical grid PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS CURRENT STATUS • The project is part of a full service • In January 2019, $1.2 million in federal funding was infrastructure corridor concept secured to review and update past feasibility work, (transportation/energy/communications) and support partnerships with Indigenous that would provide clean energy to the governments. mineral-rich Slave Geological Province. • A study is being conducted on emerging submarine • Initial expansion will add 60 MW of cable technologies that would improve the business capacity next to the existing 18 MW case for the project. facility. • Electricity markets and project timing are being • Increased generation capacity would help defined with northern industry and southern stabilize electricity rates for NWT residents stakeholders. and businesses. • The project would provide partnership opportunities for Indigenous governments and job opportunities for Northerners. • The run-of-the-river project would require no flooding, mitigating environmental impacts.
Health, Safety, & Environment, 4 Capital Drive, Hay River, NT X0E 1G2
March, 2019
Myles Carter and Family Nonacho Lake Fishing Adventures Cell 587.991.2281 [email protected] www.nonacho.com
Taltson Winter Road Engagement- Response Letter to February 14, 2019 Letter
Dear Myles and Carter Family,
Thank you for taking the time to provide your letter sent on February 14, 2019. Throughout January and February 2019 the Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC) notified all stakeholders for the Taltson Hydroelectric Facility (the Facility) that NTPC is planning to submit an application for a Type B water licence and Type A land- use permit to reconstruct the historical Taltson Winter Road from Fort Smith to the Facility. Your February 14, 2019 letter is in response to this notification and outlines some questions from the Carter Family.
The Taltson Winter Road from Fort Smith to the Facility is required for an overhaul of the existing facility and camp which is past its lifecycle. Maintenance is required to ensure the continued reliability of power generation for the South Slave Region. The overhaul and winter road have no connection to the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) proposed Taltson expansion which is being led by the GNWT Department of Infrastructure. For any questions relating to that project please contact Geraldine Byrne, Advisor Energy Funding and Research Development: [email protected], 867.767.9021.ext.32019.
A response to the first question in your letter is presented below. Responses for the other three questions will be provided by GNWT as they are solely related to the proposed expansion project. 1. Carter Family Question: We understand work will be done on the Taltson hydro dam out of Fort Smith. In the past, DEZE had proposed that work be done to the Nonacho Lake dam if there was an expansion at Taltson Hydro Station outside of Fort Smith. Will there be any work done or upgrades made to the dam at Nonacho Lake, now or in the future?
1
Health, Safety, & Environment, 4 Capital Drive, Hay River, NT X0E 1G2
March, 2019
NTPC Response: a. An overview of current NTPC operations for Nonacho follows: Annual Dam Safety Inspection occurs every summer at Nonacho Lake Dam. o NTPC Dam Safety Engineer and Engineering Consultant travel to site by air. o Complete inspections to ensure structural stability of infrastructure on site. o Results submitted to MVLWB. o Will include dive team to inspect gates in 2019 as no inspection has been completed in some time. Brushing of the Nonacho Lake Dam occurred in the summer of 2016. o Photos submitted to MVLWB. Dam is operated only to meet water licence conditions and not used for power generation. o Since 2010 the control gates have only been operated once: on June 5, 2014 when one gate was closed. All gates have been closed since and gates have not been operated. No capital upgrades have taken place in the past 5 years and none are planned.
Thank you for your time and please let me know if you have any questions, comments, or require further clarification about the upcoming application for the Taltson Winter Road.
Sincerely,
Matthew Miller, M.Sc., P.Eng. Senior Environmental Licensing Specialist Northwest Territories Power Corporation
2
APPENDIX B
MEETING HANDOUTS AND MEETING NOTES
Tim heron Interview March 28 @ 4:45PM
Attendees Tim Heron Matt Miller Mike Gilmore Rick Santiago Joshua Clark
Mr. Heron stated that Salt River has chipping on the road.
Mr. Heron asked who will the road contract go to and who gets preference. Mr. Miller explained the RFP proses and the 10% northern preference.
Mr. Miller explained the proposed route (historical path).
Mr. Heron remembers the original road. Mr. Heron would snowmobile on it.
Mr. Heron explained that he went up the ice road route with student and noted there wasn’t much overgrowth.
Mr. Heron said that up at Hanging Ice near Ken Schaefer’s cabin there is a large beaver dam.
Mr. Gilmore explained that beaver dams will be frozen and ramped up.
Mr. Heron explained that on the Slave River crossing the Bennet Dam in BC affects water levels. This can kill muskrats and beavers during the winter by trapping them between the ice.
Mr. Heron recommended we meet with all the trappers to ensure they are ok with the plan. There are two trappers named Richard Mercredi and John Desjarlais who trap near the area.
Mr. Heron said people from Fort Smith like to go to Schaefer Lake.
Mr. Heron explained that trappers don’t really use the road to cross the river. They cross closer to town.
Mr. Heron said there is a lot of snowmobile traffic on the road.
Mr. Heron mentioned there was a comment by a trapper who said he will use the road for trapping and hunting once it’s built.
Mr. Heron thinks that we will see an increase in vehicle traffic (mostly trucks and snowmobiles) once the road is operational, which will upset the trappers.
Mr. Heron said the public did not really use the road when it was operational in the 1960’s because people didn’t have 4x4 vehicles. Now lots of people have vehicles that will be able to travel on the road.
Mr. Heron said the Hanging Ice Crossing is dangerous because of the unsupported ice which could be dangerous for anyone who isn’t familiar with the river/area (e.g., young trappers/hunters)
Mr. Heron said he thinks that Hanging Ice River will break at the start of April. Tim heron Interview March 28 @ 4:45PM
Mr. Heron asked about the Ossburgers. Mr. Santiago discussed plan for Ossburgers.
Mr. Heron asked how long the road will be open. Mr. Miller explained the road is scheduled to be open for three years (until 2022).
Mr. Miller discussed the engagement and public safety plans.
Mr. Heron said people in town are discussing the expansion. Mr. Heron said you may need a plain language info plan for the public because they are confusing the winter road water license and the expansion. When they see the road being built they will assume it is for the expansion and they will be expecting cheaper power rates.
Mr. Heron said he and older generation community members understands that the damage from Taltson Hydro is done. Mr. Heron believes the expansion wouldn’t have much effect. Younger people will expect damages from the expansion.
Mr. Heron wants to see more solar in the communities and wants NTPC to be a lead in renewables.
Mr. Heron believes the two biggest concerns will be Hanging Ice and Slave River crossings and impacts to the wildlife from over hunting/trapping caused by easy access. Mr. Heron said that once the road is open year round you will see all kinds of harvesting in the area. Mr. Miller explained that the road will only be open during the winter but agreed there will be much easier access.
Mr. Heron explained that the moose population is down. Mr. Heron said that if you get young hunters who can’t distinguish between bulls and cows they will shoot cows negatively affecting the moose population. Mr. Heron thought that ENR should do some info sessions to educated young hunters. Mr. Heron said ENR needs some literature for the public to teach them the difference between a bull and cow moose and the importance of not shooting a cow and would like to see signs near the start of the winter road with info on bull and cow moose.
Mr. Santiago asked which languages the signs should be in and referenced the STOP signs around Fort Smith. Mr. Heron said the Metis put up the multi-language stop signs around town to keep aboriginal languages alive. The signs are in Cree, French and Chipewyan. Mr. Heron said that everyone in the community can speak English.
Mr. Gilmore explained caribou monitoring is conducted on Tibbitt road.
Mr. Heron said that Salt Mountain is a mine training area which does not allow shooting in the area.
Mr. Heron has a map of reserve land – reserve land (Slave River First Nation) is near Gertrude Lake.
Mr. Heron discussed Crown Land vs Commissioner Land.
Mr. Heron said Richard Mercredi and Earl Evans are also hunters in the area. Earl is an Elder Representative but that he was out of town at the moment. Tim heron Interview March 28 @ 4:45PM
Mr. Heron said Mr. Mercredi has a cabin in the area and that Mr. Mercredi might have concerns we will need to address.
Mr. Heron said that since that the increase in snowmobile activity in their area could negatively affect the trails, breaking them up.
Mr. Heron said the Freund boys drag a trail by Mr. Mercredi’s cabin and we may need signs in this area.
Mr. Heron said they affected don’t have answers on how to correct the issues caused by the ice road. Mr. Heron said NTPC needs timely answers. The answers can’t be 6 to 8 months away or just before constructing the road. We need to have time for back and forth dialogue.
Mr. Heron explained his major concern is easy access. Another issue is people breaking into cabins. People are investing in their cabins (TVs, satellite dish, etc.).
Mr. Heron said we need safety signs prior to Hanging Ice River and one at the Slat River Crossing. If people move off the ice crossing they could put themselves in danger. Mr. Heron recommended we discuss signs with ENR. Mr. Heron said he doesn’t think speed limit signs will be affective but he said you still need to put them up for liability purposes. Mr. Heron said the safety signs should read “Danger Ice Do Not Go Off Road”
Mr. Heron said we may need a public info campaign so people are aware of the hazards with the winter road and affects it could cause (e.g., wildlife)
Mr. Heron mentioned that we need to keep windrows low so the moose can escape. Mr. Miller explained that there would be jump-outs for the moose and a no chase policy.
Ken Schaefer Interview March 28 @ 1:30PM
Attendees: Ken Schaefer Matthew Miller Joshua Clark
Mr. Schaefer brought his trapping records from 2014-2018.
Mr. Schaefer said the GNWT advances pay to Mr. Schaefer for pelts and then they pay whatever is remaining if he sells more.
Mr. Schaefer said he was busy working in 2018 so he didn’t trap very much.
Mr. Schaefer told road construction staff to avoid a certain section of the ice road but they didn’t listen and sunk a CAT and D6.
Mr. Schaefer has a cabin near Hanging Ice River (marked on map).
Mr. Schaefer mentioned it’s dangerous on the Hanging Ice River during the spring when the water drops because of the unsupported ice. Once the river starts to melt the ice hangs along the bank.
Mr. Schaefer mentioned that once it warms up the river (Hanging Ice River) opens up down the middle and can be 20-30 feet deep in some spots.
Mr. Schaefer said white fish and pickerel are fished in the Hanging Ice River.
Mr. Schaefer said he has to fly out to his cabin in the summer. His cabin is roughly 100 meters off the road.
Mr. Schaefer bought his trap line in 1995 from his uncle but has been trapping in the area since 1980.
Mr. Schaefer said he travels and traps on the ice road corridor.
In 2010 March 2 was Mr. Schaefer’s last trip to his cabin because the ice road melted. There was no snow cover that year on the ice road. The sand on the road melted the snow earlier than usual.
In 2004 Mr. Schaefer was boating on Hanging Ice River in early April (April 8).
Mr. Schaefer remembers they were hauling equipment on the ice road in the 1980s.
Mr. Schaefer said the ice road only crosses Hanging Ice River once.
There are a lot of beaver dams passed Mr. Schaefer’s cabin. Ken Schaefer Interview March 28 @ 1:30PM
Mr. Schaefer said the river is very dangerous because it freezes to the bottom so the valley with the beaver dams fills with overflow.
Mr. Schaefer said the last time they opened the ice road they said they were going to have a small trail along the road for snowmobiles and dog teams but it wasn’t actually constructed.
Mr. Schaefer said the last time they operated the ice road it was sandy and grassy. No gravel and very little snow cover. Mr. Schaefer said they scrapped the road right to the ground. There was no snow cover and they removed snow when it snowed.
Mr. Schaefer said there are some muskeg spots but mostly sand. No gravel.
Mr. Schaefer said if it was warm the snow would melt very quickly and he couldn’t access his trapline.
Mr. Schaefer said another dangerous spot is Gertrude Lake because of the overflow.
Mr. Schaefer drew his trap line area on a map.
If Mr. Schaefer registers someone (e.g., his family) they can trap on his line.
Mr. Schaefer uses the ice road corridor for travel and for trapping
Mr. Schaefer has a number of trap lines throughout the area.
Mr. Schaefer main travel route is the ice road corridor.
Mr. Schaefer’s trap line boundary is recorded with ENR. Contact Terrance Campbell (872-6400) with ENR to get the official trap boundary map.
Mr. Schaefer can’t guess how much he makes annually from trapping in this area.
Mr. Schaefer marked where the CAT sunk on the map. Mr. Schaefer said this is a bad ice section
Mr. Schaefer asked how we will deal with beaver dams. Mr. Miller explained NTPC will build a frozen berm over the dam with ramps on either side. The beaver dam would also be frozen.
Mr. Schaefer said if you take out a beaver dam it will flood the valley.
Mr. Schaefer agreed to help out with beaver dam removal if necessary. He would be compensated for his help. Ken Schaefer Interview March 28 @ 1:30PM
Mr. Schaefer mentioned that a lot of people use the road.
The last time Mr. Schaefer negotiated the use of the road it was negotiated for 5 years. Mr. Miller explained that when the road is in operation Mr. Schaefer will be paid compensation. The agreement will be sent to Mr. Schaefer and he will have to review/approve.
Mr. Schaefer will be in Hay River next week (March 31-April 6). He wasn’t sure of an exact date. Mr.
Miller asked him to stop in and review the compensation document.
Mr. Schaefer didn’t have any other questions.
Mr. Miller mentioned if there is something he would like to see in the water license then Mr. Schaefer should let us know now before the license is in place.
Mr. Miller explained the public safety plan. Specifically that the road could be closed to vehicles but it could not be closed to snowmobiles.
Mr. Miller explained access at the site will be regulated to stop people from entering the site.
Mr. Miller explained jump-outs for moose.
Mr. Schaefer said there are quite a few moose but no other large game. Sometimes he sees wolves on the road.
Mr. Schaefer said they will have to go down with a mulcher for the alders on the corridor but there are no large trees.
Mr. Miller explained they will take a five year average to determine compensation for Mr. Schaefer.
APPENDIX C
PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION ADVERTISEMENTS, PRESENTATION AND MEETING NOTES
Public Information Session
Type B Water Licence and Type A Land-Use Permit Applications for Taltson Winter Road
March 28, 2019- 7pm-9pm (presentation @ 7:15pm) Roaring Rapids Hall, Fort Smith, NT
NTPC plans to reconstruct the historical Taltson Winter Road from Fort Smith to the Taltson Facility to complete an overhaul of key infrastructure to ensure the continued reliability of power generation for the South Slave Region. In April 2019 NTPC intends to submit an application for a Type B water licence and Type A land-use permit for this project.
Please come out to learn more about the Taltson Winter Road and Water Licence and Land-Use Permit applications.
Public Information Session
Type B Water Licence and Type A Land-Use Permit Applications for Taltson Winter Road
March 29, 2019- 12pm-1:30pm (presentation @ 12:15pm) Antoine Beaulieu Memorial Hall, Fort Resolution, NT
NTPC plans to reconstruct the historical Taltson Winter Road from Fort Smith to the Taltson Facility to complete an overhaul of key infrastructure to ensure the continued reliability of power generation for the South Slave Region. In April 2019 NTPC intends to submit an application for a Type B water licence and Type A land-use permit for this project.
Please come out to learn more about the Taltson Winter Road and Water Licence and Land-Use Permit applications. Taltson Winter Road Type B Water Licence and Type A Land- Use Permit Applications
Public Information Sessions March 28 & 29, 2019
ntpc.com |
Overview
• Introduction • Project Overview • Regulatory Process • Engagement • Technical Information • Environmental Information • Procurement • Questions
ntpc.com | 2
Introduction
• Objective:
• Present an overview for NTPC’s Taltson Winter Road Type B Water Licence and Type A Land-Use Permit Applications with the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board • Applications relate to winter road only
ntpc.com | 3
Introduction
• Rick Santiago- Hydro Asset Manager • Ken Bell- Operations & Maintenance Manager- South Slave • Josh Clark- HSE Policy Coordinator • Matt Miller- Senior Env. Licensing Specialist • Mike Gilmore (NOR-EX)- Winter Road Engineer
ntpc.com | 4
Overview
• Taltson generating station – Installed in 1965 • Operates under MVLWB Water Licence MV2011L4- 0002 – Issued in 2012 • Supplies power to the South Slave communities of Enterprise, Fort Resolution, Fort Smith, Hay River and K'atlodeeche First Nation
ntpc.com | 5
Overview
• Overhaul of key infrastructure is required • Critical parts of the hydroelectric facility have deteriorated and required maintenance – Generator and turbine – Hydro plant components – Camp – Garage/warehouse – Equipment on site • Overhaul is required to ensure the continued reliability of power generation for the South Slave Region • Overhaul is for existing facility only
ntpc.com | 6
Overview
• Winter road is required to transport equipment and materials to site for the overhaul • NTPC plans to reconstruct the historical Taltson Winter Road from Fort Smith to Taltson that was used in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s • In 2009 NTPC obtained MVLWB land-use permit MV2008F0027 for the Taltson Winter Road – Route was brushed – Winter road construction was not completed
ntpc.com | 7
Overview
• Regulatory Process – Jan 2019-Nov 2019 • 2019-2020 Road – Nov 2019- April 2020 • 2020-2021 Road – Nov 2020- April 2021 • 2021-2022 Road – Nov 2021- April 2022
ntpc.com | 8
Regulatory Process
• For the Taltson Winter Road NTPC is Applying for: – Type B Water Licence – Type A Land-Use Permit • Pre-application- January 2019-April 2019
ntpc.com | 9
Regulatory Process
• Public Review of Application – April 2019- October 2019
ntpc.com | 10
Engagement • NTPC began engaging with stakeholders in January 2019 • Akaitcho IMA Implementation Office • Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation - Wildlife, • Dene Nation Lands and Environment • Deninu K'ue First Nation • Nonacho Lake Fishing Camp • Fort Resolution Metis Council • North Slave Metis Alliance • Fort Smith Metis Council • Northwest Territory Metis Nation • GNWT - ENR - South Slave Region - Fort • Salt River First Nations Smith • Smith Landing First Nation • GNWT - INF • Taltson Bay Big Pike Lodge • GNWT - Lands - South Slave Region - • Tlicho Lands Protection Department Fort Smith • Town of Fort Smith • Hamlet of Fort Resolution • West Point First Nation • Katlodeeche First Nation • Yellowknives Dene First Nation
ntpc.com | 11
Engagement • Notification Letters sent out to all parties • Follow up correspondence • Phone calls/teleconferences • In-person meetings • Public sessions • Public Engagement Plan submitted as part of application • Engagement will continue throughout construction/operation of road as per approved plan
ntpc.com | 12
Taltson Winter Road Construction
Objective: Construct a road that will be safe and minimize environmental disturbance.
Winter Road Framework: • Recognized by the GNWT • Based on industry best practices • Procedures and controls to operate within this framework
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Taltson Winter Road Construction 1. Planning & Design a. Route alignment i. approx. 56km in length b. Operational window: 45-60 days c. Portages: 6 to 8 metres wide d. Lakes: 35 meters wide
Maximum Speed (kph) Loaded Unloaded Winter Road Vehicles Vehicles Ice 25 30 Portage 30 30 Transitions 25 30
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Taltson Winter Road Construction 2. Construction over ice (lakes) a. Measuring Ice Thickness b. Clearing Snow c. Augmenting Natural Ice Growth
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Taltson Winter Road Construction 3. Construction over land (portages): a. Surface preparation b. Snow clearance & packing c. Build up ice layer a. Support traffic b. Protect the ground surface d. Finish road surface
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Taltson Winter Road Operation 4. Safe Operation a. Road Opening b. Administrative Controls i. Speed Limits ii. Vehicle spacing iii. Enforcement c. Monitoring & Maintenance (Quality Assurance) d. Inspections e. Road Closing
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Environmental Plans 1. Wildlife Management and Monitoring Plan (Tier 1)
Outlines: • Environmental sensitives • Avoidance measures • Mitigation measures • Environmental monitoring
2. Restoration Plan
Outlines:
• Removal of any temporary structures (Photo credit: Josh Metten of EcoTour Adventures) • Cessation of ice road maintenance • Road naturally reverts to pre-project condition (i.e., snowmobile access only)
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Regional Environment • Outside caribou range (boreal and barren-ground) • Wood bison • Fur-bearers
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Local Environment
Construction and operation in winter
• Works are outside breeding season
• Minimal vegetation removal (mostly brushing and danger tree removal)
• No stick nests observed on alignment
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Local Environment
• Beaver lodges/push- ups will be avoided where possible
• Beaver dams will be left in place where possible
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Disturbance and Collision Mitigation
• Vehicles will travel in convoy • Strict speed limits of 30 km/h • No chase policy • Yield to wildlife • Incorporate ‘jump-outs’ along roadside
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Hunting/Trapping Mitigation
• Project personnel and contractors prohibited from harvesting
• Temporary increase in vehicular access for 3 years of the project
• Snowmobile access only after operation (return to status quo)
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Procurement
• Requests for Proposals for work related to the winter road will be advertised on our website (https://ntpc.com) as well as in the News North Publications • NTPC supports Northern companies by providing a 10% preference on northern content – The value of goods and services being provided by Northern companies/personnel must be clearly identified
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For any questions or concerns related to the proposed Taltson expansion project, please contact:
Geraldine Byrne Advisor Energy Funding and Research Development Department of Infrastructure [email protected] 867-767-9021, ext. 32019
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Wildlife and Vegetation Management for Taltson Winter Road A Wildlife Management and Monitoring Plan will be submitted to the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board for approval.
Every effort will be made to minimize Caribou and Bison Range destruction to beaver dams
Incorporate ‘jump-outs’
Build up ice for winter road here Winter road will avoid all lodges and push-ups Staff prohibited from Limited vegetation hunting/fishing/ removal required trapping The Winter Road will avoid ranges of bison and caribou. There is a strict "no chase" policy along the road, so traffic will stop if wildlife are encountered. Snow berms will incorporate gaps to allow wildlife an escape route from the road surface. Strict speed limits will be adhered to
Taltson Winter Road Project Objective Construct a winter road from Fort Smith to the Taltson Hydroelectric Dam that will be safe and minimize environmental disturbance.
A Public Safety Plan and Operation & Management Plan will be developed as part of the application process.
Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) has an established and recognized framework for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of winter roads. The NTPC Taltson Winter Road will operate within this framework.
Northern Land Use Guidelines – Access: Roads and Definitions: Trails (GNWT Lands, 2015). Guidelines designed to Ice Cover - the portion of an ice surface that is floating on a assist proponents and operators when planning, assessing, and undertaking various land use activities on river or a lake. Territorial and Commissioners’ Land throughout the Ice Bridge - a natural or constructed ice cover over a river or NWT. The guidelines include information on the stream. operations of roads and trails on public land in the NWT. Ice Road - a road that is built over lake ice; it usually consists of floating ice and frozen- to-ground ice. Winter Road - a seasonal road built with snow/ice over land and may include ice roads or ice bridges. Ice Platform - a portion of an ice cover that is cleared or built with Cover of Northern Land Use Guidelines ice for a stationary load.
R ecommended Speed Limits for Heavy Vehicles Guidelines for Safe Ice Construction (GNWT Transportation, 2015). Provide Maximum Speed (kph) guidance to Department of Transportation staff and contractors involved in the construction and maintenance of winter roads, ice roads, and ice bridges. It outlines Winter Road Loaded Vehi cles work practices and procedures intended to increase safety of those working or Ice 25 traveling on winter roads and ice surfaces. Cover of Guidelines for Safe Ice Construction Portage 30
Transitions 25
Winter Roads Steps: 1. Planning & Design 2. Construction 3. Operations 4. Closure & Reclamation Ice profiling with snowmobile and ground penetrating radar (GPR)
1. Planning & Design: a. Select route alignment b. Cargo profile c. Average season (15 Dec – 31 Mar) d. Operational window (45 - 60 days) e. Portage requirements (6 - 8 m wide) Snowcat clearing snow off a lake Flooding crew building ice f. Lake requirements (35 m wide)
2. Construction – Over Ice (Lakes): a. Measure ice thickness b. Clearing snow c. Augment natural ice growth
Portage before winter road construction Portage after winter road construction Snowcat clearing and packing snow on portage 2. Construction – Over Land (Portages): a. Surface preparation b. Snow clearance & packing c. Build up ice layer d. Finish road surface
Water truck spreading water to build ice layer on portage Grader dragging to finish portage surface 3. Operations: a. Road opening b. Administrative controls i. Speed limits (25-30 kph) ii. Vehicle spacing (500 m) iii. Enforcement c. Monitoring & Maintenance (Quality Assurance) d. Regulator inspections (Lands) e. Road Closing Super B fuel truck traveling on a portage Plow truck clearing snow off a lake Grader clearing snow over a portage at night
Technical Details for Taltson Winter Road Yellow kn ife Taltson Dam
Great Slave Lake Taltson
Fort Resolution KM 55 L9-0 Hay River Gertrude Lake L7-0 L8-0
KM 50 Trudel Lake Fort Sm ith
L6-0
KM 45
k e e r L5-0 C l l e
w
o
P Portag e 8 of proposed W in ter Road som e brush clearin g required (KM 54.2) KM 40
L4-0 Thetul River L3-0 L2-0 KM 35
K NTPC Taltson Winter Road Route Alignment enneth Creek Length Length Portage Lake Lake Name L1-0 (m) (m) Ft. Smith 765 Slave River 1,050 KM 30 Thetul River P1-0 28,301 L1-0 2,249 Tethul River P2-0 2,403 L2-0 978 P3-0 386 L3-0 85 P4-0 809 L4-0 3,955 Powell Creek P5-0 2,514 L5-0 408 P6-0 2,047 L6-0 105 P7-0 4,521 L7-0 657 KM 25 P8-0 438 L8-0 62 P9-0 2,390 L9-0 1,158 Gertrude Lake P10-0 715 Portage length sub- Lake length sub-total: total: 45,289 m 10,707 m KM 20 NTPC Winter Road length total: 55,996 m
KM 15
KM 10
Narrow portion of proposed KM 5 W in ter Road – sin g le lan e veh icle traffic on ly (KM 42.0 to 42.4)
Fort Sm ith S la 1 km Lake Crossing ve R iv e r 5 km Portage M P
7 4 : 5 4 : 1
/
9 0 1 2 3 4 ROUTE DETAILS 1 0 2 / 5 2 / 3
/
d Kilometers x Northwest Territories Power Corporation m . r e t s o P _ d r _ n o t s DATE: March 2019 l a Taltson Winter Road T
APPENDIX D
COMPENSATION AGREEMENT LETTER
POWERNORTHWESTTERRITORIES Ri CORPORATION Empowering Communities Health, Safety, & Environment, 4 Capital Drive, Hay River, NTXOE 1G2
April 10, 2019
Ken Schaefer P.O. Box 348 Fort Smith, NT X0E OPO 867-872-4835
Taitson Winter Road — Fort Smith to Twin Gorges Reservoir
Dear Mr. Schaefer,
This letter is to confirm that you and the Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC) have been working together to develop a compensation agreement for the 56 km seasonal winter road proposed to be constructed and operated between Fort Smith and NTPC’s Hydroelectric generation facilities located at the Twin Gorges Reservoir on the Taltson River.
NTPC expects to operate the winter road beginning with the 2019-2020 winter season, for three seasons but possibly up to 6 winter seasons after. The road is required for an overhaul of the existing Taltson generation facility and camp which is past its lifecycle. Maintenance is required to ensure the continued reliability of power generation for the South Slave Region.
The proposed route of the winter road follows your trap line for the most part, as outlined in the attached map, and NTPC recognizes that its operation and its availabilityfor public use willcause disruption to your trapping enterprise and your use and enjoyment of your cabin. As a result, and in furtherance of NTPC’s applications to the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board for a Type B water licence and Type A land-use permit for the construction and operation of the winter road each season, we have been pursuing a compensation agreement.
NTPC met with you on March 28, 2019 at 1pm in the Fort Smith NTPC office, you attended the Fort Smith public session on the evening of March 28, 2019 and we met again with you on April 10, 2019 at 1pm in the Fort Smith NTPC office. On the March meeting you presented NTPC with your trapping records from ENR and on April 10th NTPC presented a compensation agreement which was based off of these records that was reviewed by both parties.
Before signing the compensation agreement you have requested time to follow up with
1 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES VPOWER m CORPORATION Empowering Communities Health, Safety, & Environment, 4 Capital Drive, Hay River, NTXOE 702
April 10, 2019
ENR to ensure that all your trapping records are present. Once you have verified that all trapping records are present and both parties are satisfied with the agreement both parties willfinalize the agreement and sign.
The agreement will be in place by April 30, 2019.
Matthew Miller, M.Sc., P.Eng. Senior Environmental Licensing Specialist Northwest Territories Power Corporation
I agree to the commitments set out in this letter. \aj9 KenS. Schaefjer
A ; W/ Mathew Miller / “ 2j
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