Notice of Determination

August 31, 2023 – Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Canadian Coast Guard have decided that the proposed BC Hydro project, Trial Islands Lightstation Transformer Replacement, is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. 

This determination was based on a consideration of the following factors:

•    any impacts that the project may have on the rights of Indigenous peoples;
•    Indigenous knowledge;
•    community knowledge;
•    comments received from the public; and
•    technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

Mitigation measures were taken into account for this determination and are summarized below:  

•    A spill prevention and response plan will be in place to reduce the risk and impacts of potential spills. Measures will include designated refueling areas more than 30 m away from the marine environment, stock piled spill kits will be present on site, and crew will be trained during the construction kick off meeting. 
•    A pre-disturbance bird nest sweep will be conducted prior to construction at the project location if work is proceeding within the bird nesting window. Specifically, the Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) nesting period can run to mid-Sept. If a nest is identified during the pre-disturbance survey or during construction, the EM will stop work. Work will not proceed until a nest management plan is developed.
•    A waste management plan will be in place to ensure any waste created during the construction activities is disposed of appropriately. 
•    A qualified EM will be present for all portions of the construction activities. The EM will be responsible for monitoring, tracking and ensuring mitigation measures are implemented appropriately. 
•    Temporary markers will be installed around sensitive areas to delineate areas that require protection during construction. 
•    Additional mitigation measures and a site specific Construction Environmental Management Plan will be implemented for the physical works. 

BC Hydro is the proponent of the proposed project, which is located on Federal Lands. Under S. 82 of the IAA, DFO-CCG holds the responsibility in allowing a project to proceed. DFO/CCG is satisfied that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, on areas of federal jurisdiction. DFO and CCG may perform any duty or function to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part. Environmental effects that are within provincial jurisdiction would be addressed through provincial regulations.