Notice of Determination

June 2, 2025 – DFO RPSS have issued their Notice of Determination after evaluation of the harbour improvements at the Saint Andrews Biological Station and have determined that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects and can therefore proceed.

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

• Impacts on rights of Indigenous peoples;
• Community and Indigenous knowledge;
• Comments received from the public; and
• Technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

And the implementation of mitigation measures for the following valued ecosystem components (VEC's):

• Fish;
• Human health;
• Socio-economic;
• Water;
• Terrestrial species;
• Aquatic species;
• Soil/marine sediments;
• Air quality.

The project includes extensive mitigation measures such as sediment and erosion control, use of silt and bubble curtains, timing restrictions to avoid sensitive wildlife periods, spill response plans, equipment decontamination to prevent invasive species, noise and vibration controls during blasting, and adherence to environmental regulations to protect fish, water quality, and species at risk.

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