Flipi Gas-Fired Generation Project
Summary of Issues
Flipi Gas-Fired Generation Project
Document reference number: 16
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 Flipi Gas-Fired Generation 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 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 90120).
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, including Métis Settlements and districts of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.
Indigenous Peoples' Current Use of Lands and Resources for Traditional Purposes
- Clarify project-related effects to Indigenous Peoples' current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes due to habitat fragmentation, vegetation loss, and effects to wildlife, culturally significant plants, and medicinal species within the area surrounding the project, including any areas identified by Indigenous groups as important for current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes, such as the Medicine River.
- Clarify how air contaminants, noise, traffic, and increased human activity could result in effects that extend beyond the project footprint, including effects on Indigenous Peoples' current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes.
Indigenous Peoples' Health and Well-being
- Clarify project effects to Indigenous Peoples' food security, mental health, and well-being, due to restrictions to access and the ability of Indigenous Peoples to continue land-based harvesting and cultural practices.
- Clarify potential changes to surface water and groundwater and resulting effects to Indigenous Peoples' health and/or cultural heritage through recreational use and ingestion of these waters.
Indigenous Peoples' Rights
- Clarify how the project could contribute to cumulative impacts on Section 35 rights of Indigenous Peoples through the taking up of lands from increasing development and other sources of disturbance.
- Clarify the potential impacts on Section 35 rights of Indigenous Peoples, given the uncertainty of water sourcing for the power plant.
- Clarify the process for assessing the project's impacts on Section 35 rights of Indigenous Peoples and for the meaningful consideration of Indigenous Knowledge.