Kulkayu IR No. 4 and Kulkayu IR No. 4A, British Columbia– March 3, 2025 – Environment and Climate Change Canada and Indigenous Services Canada have determined that the proposed Hartley Bay Ring Road 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;
• Comments received from the public; and
• Technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

Key mitigation measures taken into account for this determination include:

• Implement mitigation measures to protect migratory birds. Avoid vegetation clearing during migratory bird nesting season.
• Maintain sensitive areas free of disturbance.
• Implement the construction environmental management plan.
• Implement the environmental monitoring plan, erosion sediment control plan, and air emissions control plan.
• Implement an invasive plant management plan. Avoid the spread of invasive species through inspection and cleaning of equipment and vehicles. Restore disturbed habitat areas with non-invasive sites and appropriate species upon completion of construction and monitor re-vegetated areas for any newly established invasive plants.
• Develop emergency plans (including a spill prevention and response plan) and avoid onsite equipment maintenance. Maintain staging areas 30 meters away from watercourses and waterbodies. Ensure that a qualified environmental professional is on site to supervise the work.
• Implement the Archeological Management Plan. Conduct an Archaeological Impact Assessment and cultural monitoring as well as identify all archaeological sites prior to construction.
• Species at Risk – All project activities, including mitigations and seasonal activity windows, must comply with the terms and conditions of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) permit which is required for the project to be carried out.

Environment and Climate Change Canada and Indigenous Services Canada are satisfied that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, if all mitigation measures are applied. Therefore, Environment and Climate Change Canada and Indigenous Services Canada may 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.