Notice of Determination

Happy Valley–Goose Bay, January 09, 2020 –The Department of National Defence has determined that the proposed project, Vegetation Removal – Communication line to Dome Mountain; 5 Wing Goose Bay, Happy Valley–Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

This determination was based on a consideration of the following factors:
· impacts on rights of Indigenous peoples;
· Indigenous knowledge;
· community knowledge;
· comments received from the public; and
· technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

Mitigation measures taken into account for this determination are:
· Requirements of the provincially issued Permit to Cut will be implemented during tree cutting vegetation removal.
· The tree cutting activity will be scheduled outside of the migratory bird nesting season.
· Vehicles and equipment will be turned off when not in use to limit emissions.
· Vehicles and equipment will be maintained in good condition.
· Leaking equipment will be removed from site.
· Any spills of fuel, hydraulic oil, engine oil, and antifreeze will be cleaned up by crews on site and additional crews will be deployed from CFB Goose Bay if required to deal with larger spills as per Hazardous Material Spill Plan protocols.
· All spills of hazardous materials (fuel, oil, coolant) will be reported to Emergency Services at the 5 Wing Goose Bay.
· Contractor conducting work will be briefed on environmental spill procedures.
· Duration of the impact is expected to be very short term, estimated ten regular working days. Vehicles and equipment will be turned off when not in use to limit noise levels. Employees operating chainsaws are required to use Hearing Protection PPE as per Tree Cutting Operating Procedures and applicable Safety Regulations.
· If due to weather conditions projects is delayed and postponed to a season when migratory birds may be present; on site assessment of wildlife activity will be carried out by Wildlife Biologist to ensure there are no nesting sites in the area designated for tree cutting. Migratory bird activity in the local area will be daily monitored for bird activity. If any nesting sites are observed, project activity at or immediately adjacent to nesting site will stop immediately. Field staff will receive briefing on all environmental aspects and required mitigation measures prior to work commencement.
· Staff in the field will be briefed about safety aspects in relation to encounters with Black bears. Limited DND and Provincial Black Bear Protection Permits will be obtained to ensure staff safety. Field crews will follow all conditions of applicable government permits.

The Department of National Defence is satisfied that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Therefore, the Department of National Defence may carry out the project, exercise any power, perform any duty or function, or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part.