Joslyn North Mine Project, Townships 94-96, Ranges 11-13 West of 4th Meridian (Archived)

Joslyn Creek (AB)

Reasons for a Federal Assessment
Project Description
Environmental Assessment Report
Government Response to Panel
Final Decision
Follow-up Program

Reference Number

Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry: 08-05-37519

Environmental Assessment Type

Panel

Other Assessment Process

Government of Alberta

Responsible or Regulated Authorities

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Reasons for a Federal Assessment

On February 5, 2008, it was determined that an environmental assessment was required in relation to the project because Fisheries and Oceans Canada considered taking action in relation to section 32 of the Fisheries Act and to subsection 35(2) of the Fisheries Act.

Project Description (as posted in the Notice of Commencement)

A diversion berm will be designed and constructed to act as a landform that will direct flows from the upper reaches of Joslyn Creek through a newly constructed stream channel (permanent Joslyn Creek diversion) into the proposed compensation, Joslyn Lake . The lower 27.5 km of Joslyn Creek will be subject to dewatering and subsequent rerouting associated with the reconstruction of the Joslyn Creek channel.The landform will be constructed along the eastern side for the entire length of the permanent Joslyn Creek diversion to Joslyn Lake. Outflows from Joslyn Lake will discharge into Unnamed Tributary of the Ells River. This Tributary will be modified to accommodate the increased flows that are expected to occur in that tributary as a result of the diversion. Construction of the landform, the permanent Joslyn Creek diversion channel, the compensation Joslyn Lake and the Joslyn Lake outlet (upgraded UnnamedTributary) will be undertaken early in the life of the project. The second watercourse affected by activities on the Joslyn Lease is Unnamed Tributary of the Ells River. Fish habitat affected by the project will total approximately 512 040 square meters. The scope of project will be added when available.

Environmental Assessment Report

Report of the Joint Review Panel

Government Response to Panel

Government of Canada Response to the Report of the Joint Federal-Provincial Review Panel for TOTAL's Joslyn North Oil Sands Mine Project in North-eastern Alberta

Final Decision

In conformity with the approval of the Governor in Council, a decision was taken on December 8, 2011 and was that the authority may exercise any power or perform any duty or function with respect to the project because, after taking into consideration the report of the review panel and taking into account the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures, the authority is of the opinion that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Follow-up Program

It was determined that a follow-up program to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment and/or determine the effectiveness of any measures taken to mitigate the adverse environmental effects is required for this project. For further information or to obtain a copy of the follow-up program, please contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada.