Language selection

Archived Content

Information identified as archived is provided for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Please contact us to request a format other than those available.

Orca Sand and Gravel Project (Archived)

Port McNeill (BC)

Reasons for a Federal Assessment
Project Description
Environmental Assessment Report
Minister's Environmental Assessment Decision Statement
Final Decision
Follow-up Program

Reference Number

Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry: 04-03-5332

Environmental Assessment Type

Comprehensive study

Other Assessment Process

Government of British Columbia

Responsible or Regulated Authorities

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Transport Canada

Reasons for a Federal Assessment

On August 10, 2004, it was determined that an environmental assessment was required in relation to the project because Transport Canada considered taking action in relation to paragraph 5(1)(a) of the Navigable Waters Protection Act; Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada considered providing financial assistance to the proponent and Fisheries and Oceans Canada considered taking action in relation to subsection 35(2) of the Fisheries Act.

Project Description (as posted in the Notice of Commencement)

(i) Principal project o Gravel Mine: 200 hectares of second growth forest and organic overburden layers will be removed in phases for sand and gravel extraction o Ship Loading Facility: the facility will have the capacity to handle vessel up to or larger than 75, 000 DWT. It is expected that at maximum production rates the operation will expect to load two vessels per week each being at the berth for up to 24 hours (ii) Accessory physical works o Processing Plant: A processing plant will be constructed for washing and sizing of extracted gravel, limited crushing of oversized gravel will also occur in the plant o Conveyor System: One system will be used to transport washed and sized products to the stockpile area, another system will be used to transport products from the stockpiles to the ship loader o All other works associated with the construction, operation, and decommissioning of the project (i.e. settling ponds, stockpile area, water supply, site access, power supply and any off-site or on-site compensation and mitigation works as required, and any other physical works or activities which form an integral part of the project.

Environmental Assessment Report

Comprehensive Study Report

Minister's Environmental Assessment Decision Statement

Environmental Assessment Decision Statement

Final Decision

A decision was taken on October 10, 2005 and was that the authorities may exercise any power or perform any duty or function with respect to the project because, after taking into consideration the comprehensive study report and taking into account the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures, the authorities are 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 Transport Canada.