Design of Roads over Peatlands

Hello,

The peatland and wetlands of the James Bay Lowland are sensitive to changes in water levels. The associated flora and fauna will also be sensitve to water level changes.

I saw only cursory mention of the use of floating roads and equalization culverts in the Webequie Supply Road Project Draft Impact Assessment Report. The AtkinsRéalis January 2026 Final EA report provides a bit more detail, but does not refer to any best management practices for these features. Given the global importance of the peatlands in the Hudson Bay Lowland more detail on the efficacy of floating roads and equalization culverts should be provided to avoid impoacts to the roads. For instance, have they been tested in peatlands? To what extent do the block lateral movement of water across the roads (i.e. in fens). List the studies which describe the impacts and any best managment guidelines that will be followed.

Kind regards,

Daniel Campbell, Sudbury, ON