Public Notice

Removal of In Water Structures - Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area – Public Comments Invited

June 5, 2024 – The authority must determine whether the proposed removal of in water structures at Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this determination, the authority is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination. All comments received will be considered public and may be posted online.

 

Written comments must be submitted by July 6, 2024 to:

John Viengkone

Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service

4905 Dufferin St., Toronto, ON M3H 5T4

416-884-5148

John.Viengkone@ec.gc.ca

 

The Proposed Project

 

Environment and Climate Change Canada-Canadian Wildlife Services (ECCC-CWS) is proposing to undertake the removal of structures and debris located in-water within the Long Point Harbour at the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area (PEPNWA).  The PEPNWA is located along the eastern end of the Long Point Peninsula at the southeastern corner of Prince Edward County. PEPNWA is federal lands managed by ECCC-CWS.

 

The purpose of the project is to remove structures, including a dock, barge and associated debris that are partially submerged along the shoreline of the Long Point Harbor.  Removal of the structures will be completed using excavators, other heavy machinery and hand tools when required.  The structures and associated debris are to be safely transported offsite and effectively disposed of with the long-term objectives to eliminate public safety hazards as well as restore the site to its natural state to benefit native wildlife including species at risk that use this valuable riparian area.

 

The proposed work will take place between the last week of August and be completed by October 2024, when disturbance to migratory birds and other wildlife will be minimal. Minor disturbance to the environment may include the following: potential vibration and noise disturbance from project activities, potential disturbance to shoreline habitat, and potential for spills or contamination to waterbodies as a result of moving and transporting building debris. Duration of work will be minimized to decrease overall disturbance.

 

Exposed soil and excavated material will be re-graded, stabilized and/or re-seeded using appropriate native plants, soils, seed mix and seed application to benefit wildlife including species at risk. Sediment and erosion control will be used where necessary.  Appropriate waste disposal containers and methods will be used to reduce risk of spills and contamination. This work will require a CWA permit, and the contractor will be required to assess the site for species at risk and stop work if species at risk are encountered.