Mihta Askiy Data Center Project
Summary of Issues
Mihta Askiy Data Center Project
Document reference number: 36
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 Mihta Askiy Data Center Project (the project). The proponent's response to the Summary of Issues will support decision-making by IAAC on whether an impact assessment is required under section 16 of the Impact Assessment Act. If an impact 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 from federal and provincial authorities, Indigenous groups, and the public received to date 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 90036).
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
Indigenous and Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation
- Clarify the process for meaningful engagement and consultation with potentially affected Indigenous Peoples.
Indigenous Peoples' Current Use of Lands and Resources for Traditional Purposes
- Clarify how the project's contribution to cumulative effects on Indigenous Peoples' rights and traditional land use will be identified and assessed.
- Clarify how water withdrawal from the Peace River, associated discharges, and related infrastructure could affect navigation, current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes, and Indigenous Peoples' health and well-being, including effects to downstream users.
- Clarify potential project-related degradation or loss of land and resources used for traditional purposes, and subsequent effects on the safety and accessibility of land users.
- Clarify potential project-related effects on biodiversity, including wildlife movement and habitat, and any resulting effects on Indigenous Peoples' traditional practices and species of cultural importance.
- Clarify the process for mitigating accidental hazardous substance releases and associated adverse effects on migratory birds, fish and fish habitat, wetlands and waters users (including Indigenous Peoples).
Indigenous Peoples' Health and Well-being
- Clarify how the project could affect Indigenous Peoples' access to clean drinking water and food security through effects on fish populations and habitat, including effects from water sourcing and changing water levels.
Indigenous Peoples' Rights
- Clarify the process for assessing the project's impacts on Section 35 rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Indigenous Peoples' Social and Economic Conditions
- Clarify the potential effects of the project on the social and economic conditions of Indigenous Peoples beyond ownership, including how it would provide long-term economic benefits and job creation.
- Clarify potential effects on Indigenous communities from transient workers and any mitigation measures that would be implemented.
Fish and Fish Habitat
- Clarify effects on fish and fish habitat from project-related changes to water quantity, including water extraction methods from the Peace River and water volumes.