Centre Village Renewables Integration and Grid Security Project
Summary of Issues
Centre Village Renewables Integration and Grid Security Project
Document reference number: 248
The Summary of Issues outlines the key issues that the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) considers relevant for the federal impact assessment process for the Centre Village Renewables Integration and Grid Security Project (the project). The proponent's response to the Summary of Issues will support decision-making by IAAC on whether further assessment is required under section 16 of the Impact Assessment Act. If further assessment is required, the key issues outlined below and the proponent's response will inform the scope of the impact assessment, and the development of the Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines and plans, as appropriate.
IAAC was informed by input received to date from federal and provincial authorities, Indigenous groups, and the public on the proponent's Summary of the Initial Project Description. The proponent is encouraged to read all submissions on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry Internet site for the project (Reference Number 89719).
The proponent is required to describe how it intends to address the key issues identified below as part of the development of its project. A high-level description is sufficient. Where relevant, the proponent is encouraged to identify if the key issues will be addressed through existing legislative and regulatory frameworks (i.e., legislation or regulation), by proponent commitments to best practices, policies or standards, or both.
Key issues
Fish and fish habitat
- Concerns were raised about the potential impacts of effluent discharge into any fish-bearing waters, including watercourses identified as potential habitat for the Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic Salmon population. Provide details on the location of the effluent discharge options, potential impacts to fish and fish habitat, including potential changes in water chemistry and temperature, and measures that could be implemented to mitigate any potential impacts.
Indigenous Peoples' current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes
- Concerns were raised about impacts to Mi'gmaq Aboriginal and treaty rights to use lands, harvest resources (including food and plant medicines), and engage in cultural practices. Provide details on how access to traditional meeting places and travel corridors for Mi'gmaq in proximity to the Chignecto Isthmus would be maintained, including in the event of road closures.
Indigenous Peoples' spiritual, physical, and cultural heritage
- Concerns were raised about potential effects on moose, black ash, and bald eagle, all culturally significant species for Mi'gmaq, with identified harvesting of moose within ten kilometres of the project site and black ash observed on site during vegetation surveys. Provide details on how potential impacts to these species of importance would be mitigated.
Migratory birds
- Concerns were raised about the project's proximity to the Chignecto Isthmus (an important corridor for migratory birds) and potential impacts to migratory birds resulting from habitat loss and fragmentation, sensory disturbance (increased noise, vibration and lighting), and vehicle collisions during construction and operation. Provide information on measures that would be in place to manage potential adverse effects to migratory birds and clarify how the project would comply with the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 and their respective regulations.