NOTICE OF DETERMINATION

April 7th 2022 – Transport Canada has determined that the proposed project 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 :

Air quality and sound environment

Adopt a work method that minimizes the emission of dust and oxide fumes and/or engine vehicle exhaust. If necessary, the control of dust emissions from the work can be done by spraying water.

When possible, shut off engines of gasoline-powered vehicles and equipment when not in use.

Maintain motorized equipment in good working order (silencers and other noise reduction systems).

Surface Water Quality and Fish Habitat

Make sure to dispose of residual materials outside watercourses, their respective banks, floodplains and wetlands.

Make sure not to throw, spill or allow any organic or inorganic materials or petroleum products and their derivatives (antifreeze or solvent) into watercourses. No debris will be thrown into the water.

Maintain and refuel machinery (oil change, etc.) at a minimum distance of 60 m from a lake, a watercourse or a wetland (ponds, marshes, swamps or bogs).

Machinery should be cleaned to remove excess oil or grease before starting bank work, and should also be inspected regularly for leaks. Biodegradable hydraulic fluids are recommended for work near the aquatic environment.

Migratory birds

Given the presence of aquatic bird concentration areas near the works, it is advised not to approach a colony of seabirds and aquatic birds during the nesting period, from the end of April until the end of end of August, to stay at least 300 m from colonies and to avoid disturbing migrating birds during the breeding season.

Accidents and Malfunctions, Health and Safety

Adopt applicable safety measures to protect workers against the risk of accidents.

Execute under constant supervision all handling of fuel, oil, other petroleum products or contaminants, including transfers, in order to avoid accidental spills and to react promptly, if necessary.

An intervention kit allowing the recovery of hazardous materials must be present on the site. Any spillage of contaminants must be subject to immediate response measures to confine and recover the products and dispose of them in accordance with the regulations.

In the event of a spill of hydrocarbons or other hazardous materials, immediately report the situation to the emergency service of Environment and Climate Change Canada (1-866-283-2333), Urgence Environnement du Québec (1-866-694-5454) and Canadian Coast Guard Marine Pollution (1-800-363-4735).

Determination

Transport Canada is satisfied that that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Therefore, Transport Canada 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.