PROJECT 6 – ALL-SEASON ROAD SUMMARY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1.0 INTRODUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CONTEXT ............................................. 1 1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 1 1.2 Environmental Setting of the Project ................................................................................. 4 1.3 Regulatory Context ............................................................................................................. 5 2.0 PROJECT OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................... 7 2.1 Project Phases ..................................................................................................................... 7 2.1.1 Planning and Design Phases .................................................................................. 7 2.1.2 Construction .......................................................................................................... 7 2.1.3 Operations, Maintenance and Decommissioning ................................................. 8 2.2 Project Components and Activities ..................................................................................... 9 2.3 Project Workforce ............................................................................................................. 12 2.4 Project Schedule ............................................................................................................... 12 2.5 Environmental Protection Measures ................................................................................ 12 3.0 ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF CARRYING OUT THE PROJECT ........................................................ 14 4.0 INDIGENOUS AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ............................................................................. 17 4.1 Background and Purpose .................................................................................................. 17 4.2 Methods of Engagement .................................................................................................. 18 4.3 Summary of Engagement with Directly Affected Communities ....................................... 21 4.4 Summary of Engagement with the Public, Other Indigenous Groups and Government . 32 5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS SUMMARY ................................................................................. 48 5.1 Approach to the Environmental Assessment ................................................................... 48 5.2 Study Area Boundaries ..................................................................................................... 49 5.3 Valued Components.......................................................................................................... 59 5.3.1 Atmospheric Environment ................................................................................... 59 5.3.2 Geology and Geochemistry .................................................................................. 69 5.3.3 Topography and Soil ............................................................................................ 70 5.3.4 Groundwater and Surface Water ........................................................................ 72 5.3.5 Riparian, Wetland and Terrestrial Environment .................................................. 75 5.3.6 Fish and Fish Habitat ............................................................................................ 84 5.3.7 Migratory Birds .................................................................................................... 89 Page i PROJECT 6 – ALL-SEASON ROAD SUMMARY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT 5.3.8 Species at Risk ...................................................................................................... 92 5.3.9 Indigenous and Human Health ............................................................................ 99 5.4 Transboundary Effects and Effects Resulting From a Federal Decision.......................... 110 5.5 Accidents and Malfunctions ........................................................................................... 110 5.6 Effects of the Environment on the Project ..................................................................... 111 5.7 Cumulative Effects .......................................................................................................... 113 6.0 MONITORING AND FOLLOW-UP ......................................................................................... 118 6.1 Follow-Up Program ......................................................................................................... 118 6.2 Compliance Monitoring Program ................................................................................... 119 6.3 Post-Construction Monitoring ........................................................................................ 120 6.4 Reporting ........................................................................................................................ 120 7.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS OF THE EIS ......................................................................... 121 7.1 Summary ......................................................................................................................... 121 7.2 Conclusion ....................................................................................................................... 122 LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Project Activities Expected During Construction, Maintenance and Operation Project Phases ................................................................................................................... 11 Table 2: Alternative Surface and Air Transportation Modes .......................................................... 14 Table 3: Summary of Key Questions and Comments Received and Response .............................. 22 Table 4: Summary of Key Questions and Comments Received and Response .............................. 34 Table 5: Description of Assessment Criteria and Levels of Potential Environmental Effects ......... 50 Table 6: Description of Magnitude Criteria and VC Specific Levels of Potential Environmental Effects ....................................................................................................... 52 Table 7: Valued Components of the Project EA and Rationale for Their Selection ........................ 60 Table 8: Summary of Potential Environmental Effects and Proposed Mitigation Measures during Construction, Maintenance and Operation Phases for Air Quality ....................... 66 Table 9: Summary of Potential Environmental Effects and Proposed Mitigation Measures during Construction, Maintenance and Operation Phases for Greenhouse Gas Emissions........................................................................................................................... 68 Table 10: Summary of Potential Environmental Effects and Proposed Mitigation Measures during Construction, Maintenance and Operation Phases for Soils ................................. 71 Table 11: Summary of Potential Environmental Effects and Proposed Mitigation Measures during Construction, Maintenance and Operation Phases for Surface Water ................. 72 Page ii PROJECT 6 – ALL-SEASON ROAD SUMMARY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT Table 12: Summary of Potential Environmental Effects and Proposed Mitigation Measures during Construction, Maintenance and Operation Phases for Groundwater .................. 74 Table 13: Summary of Potential Environmental Effects and Proposed Mitigation Measures during Construction, Maintenance and Operation Phases for Vegetation ...................... 76 Table 14: Summary of Potential Environmental Effects and Proposed Mitigation Measures during Construction, Maintenance and Operation Phases for Ungulates ........................ 78 Table 15: Summary of Potential Environmental Effects and Proposed Mitigation Measures during Construction, Maintenance and Operation Phases for Furbearers ...................... 82 Table 16: Summary of Potential Environmental Effects and Proposed Mitigation Measures during Construction, Maintenance and Operation Phases for Reptiles and Amphibians ....................................................................................................................... 83 Table 17: Summary of Potential Environmental Effects and Proposed Mitigation Measures during Construction, Maintenance and Operation Phases for Fish.................................. 85 Table 18: Summary of Potential Environmental Effects and Proposed Mitigation Measures during Construction, Maintenance and Operation Phases for Fish Habitat ..................... 87 Table 19: Summary of Potential Environmental Effects and Proposed Mitigation Measures during Construction, Maintenance and Operation Phases for Migratory Birds ............... 90 Table 20: Bird Species at Risk That May Occur in the Regional Assessment Area ........................... 97 Table 21: Summary of Potential Environmental Effects and Proposed Mitigation Measures during Construction, Maintenance and Operation Phases for Land and Resource Use .................................................................................................................................. 100 Table 22: Summary of Potential Environmental Effects and Proposed Mitigation Measures during Construction, Maintenance and Operation Phases for Travel