What is the Terms of Reference?

Transcription

1 What is the Terms of Reference? Framework for content of the Environmental Assessment Certificate Application Provides the scope of technical studies and consultation processes with the public and First Nations throughout the environmental assessment process Identifies topics to be addressed regarding potential environmental effects of a project: Biological Physical Socio-economic Heritage Public health

2 Terms of Reference The framework for the Environmental Assessment Certificate Application TOR will be structured as follows: Introduction Information Distribution and Consultation Review of Project Alternatives Project Description, Scope and Rationale Environmental Assessment Methods Methods used to identify and assess the potential effects of the Project and develop mitigation measures Environmental Effects Assessment Project Setting and Characterization Assessment of Potential Effects Mitigation and Environmental Management Potential Residual Effects Effects of the Environment on the Project Accidents and Malfunctions Significance of Residual Effects Cumulative Effects Assessment Environmental Management Program Environmental Monitoring and Follow-up Programs Conclusions and Commitments

3 The Environmental Assessment Team Environmental resource specialists from 17 technical disciplines Practices and ethics governed by professional associations Independent team selected by competitive Request for Proposal process Extensive experience conducting complex environmental assessments Managed and led by Golder Associates Ltd., supported by: Keystone Wildlife Research Urban Systems DVT Solutions JCH Forestry

4 The Environmental Assessment Lead Founded in Canada in 1960 Environmental Services and Ground Engineering 450 multidisciplinary Environmental Assessment staff in Western Canada 11 offices throughout British Columbia, including Southern Interior, Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland, and Vancouver Island 40+ Registered Professional Biologists 200+ Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Part of the local business community since % employee-owned Over 2,000 employees in over 30 offices across Canada Countries where Golder has worked

5 The Environmental Assessment Team 17 Technical Study Areas Fisheries and Aquatic Habitat Geotechnical and Natural Hazards Land and Resource Use Agriculture Land and Resource Use Contaminated Sites Air Quality Electric and Magnetic Fields Radio Interference Noise Terrestrial Wildlife and Vegetation Surface Water Hydrology and Groundwater Urban Land Use Forestry Land Use Visual Quality Socioeconomics Archaeology and Cultural Resources First Nation Interests

6 Archaeological and Cultural Assessment Studies Identify and evaluate archaeological/heritage sites and/or areas with potential for archaeological/heritage sites Identify and evaluate potential effects of construction and operation activities on the ability of First Nations to continue to carry out traditional cultural, spiritual, and subsistence practices Previously registered human burials within the Project corridor Traditional use sites associated with cultural or spiritual values within the corridor Potential alterations in project schedule to accommodate First Nations ceremonial activities Corridor traverses a National Historic Site, Stave Falls Power House Crossing of Alouette River, which has been designated a Heritage River by BC Parks Corridor traverses the Fraser River, which has been designated a Heritage River in the Canadian Heritage River System Previously recorded palaeontological sites within the corridor

7 Terrestrial Wildlife and Vegetation Studies Identify and evaluate potential effects on terrestrial wildlife resources, vegetation resources, Species-at-Risk, and sensitive ecosystems Spotted owl habitat Garry Oak ecosystem Herbicide use during vegetation maintenance Grizzly bears Pacific water shrew habitat Streambank Lupine Oregon Spotted Frog Birds colliding with the transmission line Habitat alteration within large wetlands

8 Fisheries and Aquatic Habitat Studies Identify and evaluate potential effects on fish populations, instream and riparian habitat, fish passage, and water quality Over 400 watercourse crossings Potential loss, reduction, or alteration of riparian habitat at watercourse crossings Changes in water quality on fish and fish habitat Potential effects on rare and endangered species Effects on fish distribution and abundance

9 Geotechnical and Natural Hazards Studies Identify and evaluate potential effects resulting from the interaction between construction and operation activities and the physical environment and terrain Foundation conditions Natural hazards Slope stability Erosion Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) and Metal Leaching (ML) Climate

10 Visual Quality Studies Identify and evaluate potential effects on visual aesthetics Changes in scenic quality Sightlines and viewsheds

11 Surface Water Hydrology and Ground Water Identify and evaluate potential effects on surface water hydrology and groundwater components Increased runoff Water quality effects Potential for accidental release of hazardous materials Potential for effects to groundwater wells during construction

12 Air Quality Studies Identify and evaluate potential for changes to local air quality resulting from fugitive dust and exhaust emissions Fugitive dust emissions from removal of vegetation and operation of mobile equipment Exhaust emissions from stationary and mobile equipment used on site

13 Noise Studies Identify and evaluate potential noise effects from construction and operation activities Radio frequency interference (RFI) effects from overhead transmission lines Audible noise effects on residential and recreational areas during construction activities for right-of-way clearing and overhead line installation

14 Contaminated Sites Studies Identify and evaluate areas of potential soil and/or groundwater contamination Identify sites where contaminated material may require management activities Areas of potential environmental concern associated with historical or current land uses that may have previously affected the quality of the soil and/or groundwater Identify areas requiring specific soil handling procedures

15 Socioeconomic Assessment Studies Identify and evaluate potential social and economic effects and benefits to communities and First Nations Employment generation Training opportunities Procurement of local goods and services Government and First Nations revenues Property values Demand on local infrastructure and services Transportation and traffic Public health and safety

16 Agriculture Land and Resource Use Studies Potential effects on agricultural resources may result from siting structures and overhead transmission lines, as well as from access requirements Loss of agricultural production Soil disturbance and compaction Disruption of drainage and irrigation works Disruption to livestock movement and watering facilities Disturbance to livestock Introduction and proliferation of invasive weed species Biosecurity protocols Potential effects on farm worker and livestock safety