August 21, 2025 – The Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) has determined that the proposed North Apron Expansion 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:

• To prevent the release of polluting substances into the land, water or air: A Spill Response Plan will be developed. Spill kits will be readily available in the event of an accidental spill. All equipment must be checked for leaks and in good working order prior to the start of each workday. Washing, refueling, servicing and storage of fuels and lubricants must be at least 30 m away from stormwater infrastructure. Erosion and Sediment Control plans will be developed. If slate is uncovered during earthwork, HIAA's Slate Management Plan will be adhered to. Waste materials will not be buried on site. Any construction debris will be disposed of in a federally and provincially approved manner. Apron line painting activities must adhere to HIAA's Architectural Coatings Management Plan.
• The project site is located on previously developed land, in order to ensure that the project will not result in any changes to the environment that may affect indigenous peoples all project personnel involved with earthwork will be responsible for reporting any unusual materials unearthed during earthwork activities to the construction supervisor and HIAA project manager. In those situations where the find is believed to be an archaeological or cultural resource, project activities will immediately stop work in the vicinity of the find and Special Places will be notified.  Work can only resume in the vicinity of the find when authorized by Special Places. If the discovered resources are related to Indigenous culture, the Nova Scotia Office of L'nu Affairs and KMKNO will be contacted. In the event of the discovery of human remains or evidence of burials, the excavation work will immediately cease and the nearest law enforcement agency will be contacted immediately by HIAA or the construction supervisor.

Halifax International Airport Authority is satisfied that that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. Therefore, Halifax International Airport Authority 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.