Environmental Assessment Decision Statement

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, has reviewed the federal environmental assessment of the Kitsault Mine Project (the Project) proposed by Avanti Kitsault Mine Ltd. pursuant to section 125 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, the environmental assessment of this project was completed under the former Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, S.C. 1992, c. 37 (the former Act). The environmental assessment was conducted in a manner that also met the environmental assessment requirements of the Nisga'a Final Agreement.

Having taken into consideration the Comprehensive Study Report, Addendum Report and public comments filed pursuant to subsection 22(2) of the former Act, the Minister is of the opinion that:

  • the Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects as defined in the former Act, taking into account the implementation of the mitigation measures described in the Comprehensive Study Report and Addendum Report;
     
  • the Project can reasonably be expected to have adverse environmental effects on residents of Nisga'a Lands, Nisga'a Lands or Nisga'a interests, but the effects are not likely to be significant with the implementation of the identified mitigation measures;
     
  • the Project may result in both adverse and positive effects on the existing and future economic, social and cultural well-being of Nisga'a citizens; and
     
  • the mitigation measures and follow-up program described in the Comprehensive Study Report and Addendum Report are appropriate for the Project.

The Minister has referred the Project back to the responsible authorities, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Natural Resources Canada, for appropriate action under section 37 of the former Act.

The Minister requests that the responsible authorities ensure the implementation of the mitigation measures described in the Comprehensive Study Report and Addendum Report. The Minister also requests that the responsible authorities ensure the implementation of the follow-up program described in the Comprehensive Study Report and Addendum Report, in order to determine the effectiveness of the measures taken to mitigate any adverse environmental effects and to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment of the Project.

Document Reference Number: 250

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