Appendix 6. Wildlife Management Plan

Transcription

1 Appendix 6 Wildlife Management Plan

2 Wildlife Management Plan This Wildlife Management Plan has been developed for the Giscome Quarry and Lime Plant Project (the Project). The Wildlife Management Plan is a living document and will be updated as appropriate during the life of the Project. 1.0 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of the Wildlife Management Plan is to mitigate the potential impacts of the Project on wildlife and wildlife habitat and to reduce human-wildlife conflict, by minimizing habitat loss, limiting changes to wildlife movement caused by project infrastructure and activities and by reducing the risk of wildlife injury and mortality. The plan will work in conjunction with other component Environmental Management Plans (EMPs). The plan has been developed in accordance with Conditions 12 and 13 of the Environmental Assessment Certificate, as indicated in the table below. EAC Condition Number EAC Condition The Holder must retain a QP to develop a plan for Wildlife Management in Appendix (Appendix 6) of the Application. The plan must be developed in consultation with MEM, MFLNRO and LTFN. The plan must include at least the following: The means by which mitigation measures in the Wildlife Management Plan in Appendix (Appendix 6) of the Application will be implemented during Construction, Operations, and Decommissioning; and The means by which wildlife monitoring programs for evaluating effectiveness of wildlife mitigation measures for the Project activities will be implemented and adaptively managed. The Holder must provide the plan to EAO, MEM, MFLNRO and LTFN for review a minimum of 60 days prior to the planned commencement of Construction. The plan, and any amendments thereto, must be implemented throughout Construction and Operations under the supervision of a QP and to the satisfaction of EAO. The Holder must retain a QP, with at least five years of experience in designing and implementing wildlife crossings for linear corridors, to develop a plan to facilitate wildlife passage along the length of the overland conveyor. The plan must be developed in consultation with MFLNRO, MEM and LTFN. The plan must include at least the following: The location, design, and number of crossings as determined by the QP and based on surveys of wildlife movements; and The implementation of ongoing monitoring and evaluation of crossing effectiveness in order to adaptively manage the impacts to wildlife. The Holder must provide the plan to EAO, MFLNRO, MEM and LTFN for review a minimum of 60 days prior to the planned commencement of Construction. The plan, and any amendments thereto, must be implemented throughout Construction and Operations under the supervision of a QP and to the satisfaction of EAO. Notes: EAO Environmental Assessment Office LTFN Lheidli T enneh First Nation Plan Reference Section 5.0 Work Timing Restrictions Section 6.0 Project- Specific Mitigation Section 3.0 Performance Thresholds Section 7.0 Effectiveness Monitoring MEM Ministry of Energy and Mines MOE Ministry of Environment MFLNRO Ministry of Forests, Land and Natural Resource Operations QP Qualified Professional Page A6 1

3 1.1 Consultation As part of Graymont s ongoing consultation for the Project, Graymont has engaged with local community members, business people, recreationalists, First Nations and others to ensure that the Project meaningfully considers the potential for impacts on First Nations and stakeholders. Graymont initially consulted with a wide range of local and regional stakeholder groups in 2007 prior to the project being put on hold. In 2013, preliminary discussions were undertaken with the Regional District of Fraser Fort George (RDFFG) officials prior to finalization of the draft Project Description document. A community newsletter and public meetings in Willow River and Prince George in June 2013 introduced the project to local residents and led to a number of one-on-one meetings with local residents that were held in July and August 2013, prior to finalization of the draft Application Information Requirements. Public Consultation continued through the Application Review phase in accordance with Public Consultation Plan Graymont submitted to the Environmental Assessment Office under Section 11 Order. Additional information on the consultation process completed as part of the environmental assessment process are provided in: Lheidli T enneh First Nation Consultation Plan for the Proposed Giscome Quarry and Lime Plant: Submitted to the Environmental Assessment Office under Section 11 Order by Graymont Western Canada Ltd. December 10, 2013; Public Consultation Plan for the Proposed Giscome Quarry and Lime Plant: Submitted to the Environmental Assessment Office under Section 11 Order by Graymont Western Canada Ltd. December 10, 2013; First Nations Consultation Report, Giscome Quarry and Lime Plant, Giscome BC, September 2015; and Public Consultation Report, Giscome Quarry and Lime Plant, Giscome BC, September Draft versions of the management and monitoring plans were submitted to the Lheidli T enneh First Nation as part of the Environmental Assessment process for review and comment. Responses to comments are provided in the EAO s tracking table. 1.2 Community Engagement Graymont will develop a Community Advisory Committee in accordance with Condition 15 of the Environmental Assessment Certificate. The Committee will be: Comprised of at least three Graymont and three community representatives, and Formed at least 30 days prior to the start of Construction. The Committee will: Establish a terms of reference for the Committee prior to the start of Construction; Meet at least once per year during Construction and the first three years Operations. Subsequent meeting frequency must be determined by the terms of reference and agreed upon by all representatives; Page A6 2

4 Receive Project related environmental performance information including but not limited to air quality, groundwater and surface water quality, wildlife interactions, visual mitigations, public access management, and noise management; and Provide a venue to address community concerns with a public grievance mechanism to track and revolve issues. Graymont will include information discussed with the Community Advisory Committee and report on environmental performance as described above on a Project-specific webpage established at least 30 days prior to the start of Construction, updated at least annually and maintained throughout Project Construction, Operations, and Decommissioning. 2.0 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES Relevant guidance includes federal and provincial legislation and industry-standard best management practices (BMPs). Legislated measures are generally mandatory, whereas BMPs may be superseded by project-specific mitigation approaches that are tailored to the local circumstances. 2.1 Federal Federal legislation related to the protection and management of wildlife and wildlife habitat is described below Species at Risk Act The purposes of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) are to prevent species in Canada from disappearing, to provide for the recovery of wildlife species that are extirpated (no longer exist in the wild in Canada), endangered, or threatened as a result of human activity, and to manage species of special concern to prevent them from becoming endangered or threatened (Environment Canada, 2014). Schedule 1 of the SARA is the official list of species at risk in Canada. It includes species that are extirpated, endangered, threatened, and of special concern. Once a species is listed under the SARA, it becomes illegal to kill, harm, harass, capture or take an individual of that species. Critical habitats are also protected from destruction. The Act also requires that recovery strategies, action plans and management plans be developed for all listed species (Environment Canada, 2014). For most extirpated, endangered and threatened species, SARA applies automatically only on federal lands. But for species also protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA), SARA applies automatically on provincial and territorial lands and waters as well Migratory Birds Convention Act The MBCA provides for the protection of migratory birds through the Migratory Birds Regulations. The MBCA applies to species of migratory birds that are identified in the Act and occur on federal, provincial, and private lands. Under the MBCA, the disturbance of any nesting migratory bird, its nest, or eggs, is prohibited. The MBCA also prohibits depositing oil, oily waters, or other substances harmful to migratory birds in areas that they may inhabit. Page A6 3

5 2.2 Provincial Provincial legislation related to the protection and management of wildlife and wildlife habitat is described below Wildlife Act The Wildlife Act protects virtually all vertebrate animals from direct harm, except as allowed by regulation (e.g., hunting or trapping). Legal designation as Endangered or Threatened under the Act increases the penalties for harming a species, and also enables the protection of habitat in a Critical Wildlife Management Area. On public lands, Section 34 of the Wildlife Act prohibits the disturbance, possession, or destruction of any bird, its nest, or eggs. In addition, the nests of eagles, osprey and heron, which may remain intact for multiple years, are protected under the Act whether or not they are occupied. 2.3 Best Management Practices Guidelines and BMPs for wildlife and wildlife habitat that will be considered include the following: Develop with Care 2014: Environmental Guidelines for Urban and Rural Land Development in British Columbia (BC MOE, 2014b); Guidelines for Amphibians and Reptile Conservation during Urban and Rural Land Development in British Columbia (BC MOE, 2014a); Guidelines for Raptor Conservation during Urban and Rural Land Development in British Columbia (BC MOE, 2013); Active Migratory Bird Nest Surveys, Environment Canada Canadian Wildlife Service Pacific and Yukon Region Advice to Industry (Environment Canada, 2010); Aggregate Operators Best Management Practices Handbook for British Columbia (BC MEM, 2002); Guidelines for Evaluating, Avoiding and Mitigating Impacts of Major Development Projects on Wildlife in British Columbia (Oris Wildlife Consulting, 2001); and A Compendium of Wildlife Guidelines for Industrial Development Projects in the North Area, BC Interim Guidance (BC FLNRO, 2014). 3.0 PERFORMANCE THRESHOLDS Performance thresholds refer to measurable parameters that can be used to convey effectiveness of the measures in meeting desired outcomes. Where end-point performance standards exist, these will take precedence over practice-based performance standards. In other words, alternative mitigation approaches may be employed to those recommended here so long as it can be shown that the intent of the recommendations is being met. This is the basis of Results Based Management. For this component plan there are no performance thresholds specific to wildlife therefore, monitoring will rely on compliance with recommended mitigation measures, alternative mitigation approaches (implemented as described above) or other commitments made by the Graymont. Page A6 4

6 4.0 PERMITS AND APPROVALS Relevant permits and approvals that may be required for wildlife include: Wildlife Act Permits permits under the Wildlife Act may be required to handle wildlife if Project activities necessitate the salvage and relocation of wildlife species for their protection (e.g., amphibians). A permit under the Wildlife Act is also required to remove beaver dams. 5.0 WORK TIMING RESTRICTIONS To avoid contravention of both the Wildlife Act and Migratory Birds Convention Act, vegetation clearing will be restricted whenever possible to least risk windows for breeding birds. Least risk windows for birds are shown below in Table 1. If clearing must occur outside of least risk windows, additional mitigation will be necessary (refer to Section 6.0 for project-specific mitigation). Table 1: Least Risk Windows for Birds Species/Groups Applicable to the Project Species or Species Group Activity Least Risk Windows Comments Songbirds Clearing August 1 April 30 1 Bald Eagle Clearing Sept 1 Dec 31 Osprey Clearing Sept 16 March 31 Great Blue Heron Refer to Section 6.0 if clearing occurs outside of the least risk window. May nest around Eaglet Lake. Refer to Section 6.0 for additional raptor specific mitigation. May nest around Eaglet Lake. Refer to Section 6.0 for additional raptor specific mitigation. Clearing Sept 15 January 15 May nest around Eaglet Lake. The primary constraint to the construction schedule with respect to wildlife is avoiding incidental take 2 of a bird nest and/or its egg by restricting vegetation clearing to within least risk windows for breeding birds. However, Project personnel should also be aware of critical/ sensitive life stages for other wildlife species/ groups potentially encountered during Project activities. These critical/ sensitive life stages do not necessarily impose work timing restrictions, but have been considered through the development of project-specific mitigation for wildlife. Table 2 identifies critical/ sensitive life stages for other wildlife species/groups. Refer to Section 6.0 for project-specific mitigation that has been developed in consideration of these critical/ sensitive life periods. 1 Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection. Region 7 Omineca Reduced Risk Timing Windows for Fish and Wildlife, Standards and Best Practices for Instream Works, The inadvertent harming, killing, disturbance or destruction of migratory birds, nests and eggs. Page A6 5

7 Table 2: Critical/Sensitive Life Stages for Wildlife Potentially Encountered During Construction Species or Species Group Moose Black Bear Marten Amphibians Critical/ Sensitive Life Stages Winter, due to less food availability, restricted habitat use, and impeded movement through snow. Fall through early spring coinciding with pre-denning and denning stages. Not particularly limited by temporal characteristics although the availability of food (which is a limiting factor) may be lower in the winter. Early spring to early autumn when amphibians are in tadpole or juvenile form. 6.0 PROJECT-SPECIFIC MITIGATION This section outlines the project-specific mitigation for wildlife that has been developed for the Project. Many additional measures detailed in other component EMPs will also mitigate the potential impacts of the Project on wildlife and have been referenced in this section where applicable. Mitigation for wildlife was considered for all phases and components of the Project and informed site and route selection, project design and scheduling. For construction, operation, closure and post-closure phases the mitigation measures proposed for wildlife focus on reducing habitat destruction and disturbances, facilitating wildlife movement across the Project area, and decreasing the risk of injury and mortality to wildlife. These measures are listed below and categorized by either general measures for the protection of all wildlife or for measures that apply to a specific group of wildlife. During implementation, input from a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) will be obtained where indicated. Expectations of Project personnel with respect to wildlife will be communicated through orientation programs (i.e., education), site meetings, and signage. General measures to mitigate impacts to all wildlife include the following: 1. Wildlife will not be harassed or fed. 2. Progressive reclamation will be conducted where applicable throughout Project development in accordance with the Reclamation and Closure Plan. 3. Dust control measures will be implemented in and around the quarry and plant site in accordance with the Air Quality Management Plan (Appendix 1) to reduce the impacts of dust on vegetation and wildlife. The overland conveyor will be covered to minimize dust emissions. 4. Coal will be stored in covered areas and will be transported in a manner that will minimize fugitive dust (e.g., in covered trucks). 5. All project personnel will be responsible for reporting observations of wildlife impacts and incidents using a standard site card developed for the Project (refer to Section 7.0). If immediate action is required, project personnel will contact the Independent Environmental Monitor (IEM) or operations supervisor. If input from a QEP is needed, the IEM or operations supervisor will contact the QEP. Page A6 6

8 Measures to mitigate impacts to moose, black bear and/or marten include the following: 1. Debris from vegetation clearing will be scattered or removed so wildlife movement across access road corridors is not impeded. 2. Under the direction of a QEP, some woody debris will be piled along the boundaries of cleared areas (with consideration of forest health restrictions and regulations) within suitable habitat to provide marten winter and forage habitat. 3. Spill prevention, response and clean-up measures will be implemented according to the Emergency Response Plan (Appendix 11). 4. Off-road access to newly disturbed areas will be restricted. For example, a gate will be placed at either end of the maintenance road along the conveyor route. This will help restrict access to non-project related vehicle traffic, thereby minimizing disruption to wildlife. 5. Gaps will be created in snow berms to facilitate the movement of wildlife across access road corridors. The location of gaps will be determined by a QEP, prior to the build-up above a critical barrier height of 60cm. The gaps will provide ungulates with a safe place to egress, and prevent chasing by vehicles and subsequent exhaustion. 6. Roadside vegetation will be retained (beyond road side ditches and corridors) to provide a visual and auditory buffer. 7. The access road to the quarry site will be gated to restrict hunter access to the property. Additional security measures (e.g. security cameras) may also be installed. 8. Project staff will not be allowed to hunt or carry firearms (unless designated for health and safety purposes) on the Project grounds. 9. Speed restrictions will be posted on all access roads to reduce the risk of wildlife collisions (refer to the Traffic Management Plan (Appendix 12). 10. Wildlife cautionary signs will be posted on access roads. 11. Food waste will be stored and property disposed of to prevent wildlife from gaining access and becoming habituated in accordance with the Waste Management Plan (Appendix 9). Refer to Section 6.1 for further measures to prevent human-wildlife conflict. Measures to mitigate impacts to birds, including raptors, include the following: 1. Vegetation clearing will occur within the least risk window for nesting birds in the Omineca Region whenever possible (August 1 through to April 30). 2. If vegetation clearing must occur outside of the least risk window, a QEP will conduct a nest survey prior to clearing activities. If an active nest is identified, a buffer will be established around the active nest where no work will take place and nest activity will be monitored to ensure nest occupants are not being disturbed by surrounding works. The QEP will determine the appropriate buffer based on the species of bird. Once the QEP has determined that the occupants of the nest have fledged, vegetation clearing within the buffer zone will. 3. Prior to construction activities a raptor/heron nest survey will be completed by a QEP to identify, eagle/heron/osprey nests that may be impacted by construction activities. If an eagle/heron/osprey nest is identified, further mitigation as determined by the QEP will be implemented to avoid impacts to the nest. If impacts are not avoidable, the appropriate regulatory authority will be consulted. 4. If no active nests (or inactive eagle, osprey and heron nests) are found in surveyed areas, vegetation clearing can commence, but must begin within 24-48hrs of the active bird nest survey. Page A6 7

9 Measures to mitigate impacts to amphibians include the following: 1. Erosion and sediment control measures will be implemented across the site in accordance with the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (Appendix 5) to prevent erosion and sedimentation and potentially degradation of amphibian breeding habitat. 2. Spill prevention, response and clean-up will be conducted in accordance with the Emergency Response Plan (Appendix 11). 3. Fuel will be contained, or stored away from watercourses or water bodies in accordance with the Petroleum Hydrocarbon Products, Ammonium Nitrate and Explosives Management Plan (Appendix 8). 4. Runoff control structures, waste disposal sites and sedimentation ponds will be monitored by the IEM or operations supervisor and maintained to prevent contamination of surface waters. 5. Drainage patterns will be maintained through the installation of culverts and other surface and subsurface flow maintenance measures in accordance with the Fish and Fish Habitat Management Plan (Appendix 3). 6. Potential amphibian breeding habitat within the footprint of the Project will be identified and mapped by a QEP prior to construction. If amphibian breeding habitat is identified, and has the potential to be impacted by Project activities, amphibians will be salvaged and re-located or exclusion fencing will be used to direct amphibians away from work areas. If amphibians are salvaged, re-location sites will be identified and permits under the Wildlife Act will be obtained prior to construction. 6.1 Discovery Protocol for Wildlife Species at Risk The Project has the potential to interact with unidentified wildlife species at risk and important wildlife habitat features during the Project activities. Wildlife species of concern with potential to occur in the Project footprint include species which are: Designated as Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA); Recommended as Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC); or Designated as red- or blue-listed in British Columbia. An important habitat feature is a feature that a species relies upon to carry out a component of its life cycle. Important habitat features are sensitive to disturbance and include: dens, bat roosts, and amphibian breeding habitat. Bird nests are also considered wildlife habitat features; mitigation measures for bird nests are discussed above. If previously unidentified wildlife species at risk or important habitat features are discovered during any phase of the Project, and are in potential danger from being disturbed by Project activities, the Discovery Protocol for Wildlife Species at Risk will be implemented. The following outlines the step-by-step discovery response procedure. Page A6 8

10 Step 1: Stop work in the immediate vicinity of the discovery. Step 2: Notify the IEM or operations supervisor of the discovery. The IEM or operations supervisor will assess the situation. Based on the IEM or operations supervisor s assessment: a. Construction can either resume if no danger of disturbance to the discovery is identified. b. Contact the QEP to discuss the discovery and develop appropriate mitigation. The QEP may or may not deem it necessary to visit the site to develop an appropriate mitigation plan. c. If appropriate, an appropriate no work zone (i.e., buffer) will be established around the discovery and work can resume outside of the buffer area. Step 3: The IEM or operations supervisor should document the discovery on a wildlife observation/ incident site card (Section 7.0) by collecting the following information: Date of discovery; General description of location on site and specific location in UTMs; Photographs and general description of the discovery; and Photographs and general description of the surrounding environment. Information collected by the IEM or operations supervisor during the discovery should be provided to the QEP. 6.2 Human-Wildlife Conflict Management Plan A Human-Wildlife Conflict Management Plan is provided to protect both project personnel and wildlife that may be encountered on-site. Human-wildlife conflicts can result in human injury or death and/or the destruction of wildlife that pose a threat to humans. This plan focuses on reducing conflict with those wildlife species that could become a safety concern to project personnel including bears, ungulates and cougars. The strategy for reducing human-wildlife conflict is through education and by implementing the mitigation hierarchy of avoid, minimize and respond as outlined below Education A major component of the Human-Wildlife Conflict Management Plan is ensuring that workers have received a wildlife awareness and safety orientation. Wildlife encounter orientation material and programs such as the WildSafeBC program will be used to educate project personnel on reducing human-wildlife conflict. Orientation topics will include species identification, avoidance measures, and how to respond if potentially dangerous wildlife is encountered. Recognizing problem bears will be a component of this orientation. As described in Bear-people Conflict Prevention Plan (MWLAP, 2002), a problem bear is one that: Shows repeated interest in people and their facilities; Is heavily habituated to people and has repeatedly obtained unnatural foods; Has received minimal or low-level reinforcement to unnatural food sources; and/or Displays aggressive behaviour (non-provoked charges or predatory behaviour) and is an imminent threat to human safety. Page A6 9

11 6.2.2 Avoid Avoiding human-wildlife encounters is the first step towards creating a safe work environment for both humans and wildlife. Proper handling, storage and use of potential wildlife attractants is a key measure in avoiding human-wildlife conflict. The following measures will be implemented to control potential wildlife attractants: 1. The work site will be maintained in accordance with the Petroleum Hydrocarbon Products, Ammonium Nitrate and Explosives Management Plan (Appendix 8). 2. Certified bear-proof containers will be used to store daily garbage. Other locations secure to wildlife may also be used for storing other potential attractants (e.g. fuel). 3. Food items will be kept in bear-proof locations, such as indoors or in storage containers, and must be kept clean when not in use. 4. Garbage and food waste must not be disposed of from vehicles or along roadways. All waste and wildlife attractants must be removed from the site or stored securely at the end of each working day. 5. Outdoor compost and kitchen scrap bins must not be kept on site. Indoor composters with appropriate containers may be used, and may only be stored indoors. 6. Hunting and fishing on site is prohibited. Furthermore, workers are not permitted to clean fish or game on site. Offal and odours from these activities are strong attractants for bears and other predator species. 7. Any road kill or carrion found on site must be moved to 100m or more from all roadways and active work areas Minimize While avoiding human-wildlife interactions is a priority, encounters may still occur. This section describes measures to reduce the potential for negative consequences (i.e., harm or injury of humans or wildlife) if wildlife are encountered. 1. To minimize the potential for vehicle-wildlife collisions, project personnel will be expected to adhere to speed limits posted on access roads, and drive cautiously on roads with posted wildlife cautionary signs. This may include approaching corners and hill crests cautiously. 2. If animals are encountered on roads, right-of-way must always be given to all wildlife. Workers must also remain in vehicles and are not to exit the vehicle while the vehicle is in the area where wildlife was encountered. 3. If large and potentially dangerous wildlife are encountered while on foot, project personnel should use strategies specific to the wildlife species, taught during orientation, to avoid eliciting a threatening response. 4. If bears or other large wildlife are found to be entering active work sites then aversive conditioning techniques are encouraged to deter wildlife. Creating loud noises, for example using a bear banger or air horn may be used as an aversive conditioning technique. It is extremely important to deter wildlife from work areas before the animal associates the area with a potential food source. 5. If wildlife is not deterred by aversive conditioning techniques, the IEM or operations supervisor will notify a Conservation Service Officer. Page A6 10

12 6.2.4 Respond In the event that a negative wildlife encounter is not avoided or mitigated with the above techniques and a defensive response is required, workers must be able to easily access and have the knowledge to use tools such as bear bangers and bear spray. These items will be supplied by Graymont and/or its contractor(s), replaced as needed (e.g. expired bear spray should not be used), and accessible to all Project personnel who may transit the work areas by foot. Workers should be trained in the proper use of bear bangers and bear spray, and must carry these items in such a way that they can be accessed quickly and safely. 7.0 EFFECTIVENESS MONITORING Effectiveness monitoring will rely on compliance with applicable legislation and recommended mitigation measures or other commitments made by the Proponent with respect to wildlife and wildlife habitat. The IEM or operations supervisor will be responsible for documenting the measures used, as well as indicating where there are deficiencies. The IEM or operations supervisor will regularly monitor the mitigation measures implemented and communicate compliance or noncompliance, and/or incidents with the appropriate regulatory authorities as necessary. In addition, all project personnel are expected to report observations of impacts to wildlife and incidents to the IEM or operations supervisor. Wildlife observations, incidents and discoveries will be recorded on the Wildlife Observation, Incident of Discovery Site Card shown below. The IEM or operations supervisor will collect all Wildlife Observation, Incident or Discovery site cards and provide them to the QEP for review. The QEP will review site cards and may update the Wildlife Management Plan to revise mitigation or incorporate new measures based on site observations/incidents. Wildlife Observation, Incident or Discovery Site Card Date of observation, incident or discovery: Description (i.e., what was observed, in the case of an incident, what occurred?): Location of observation, incident or discovery: Description of surrounding environment (applicable to species-at-risk or habitat feature discovery): Date IEM was notified of the observation, incident or discovery: Page A6 11

13 7.1 Wildlife Underpass Monitoring To mitigate adverse impacts of the overland conveyor on wildlife movement, wildlife crossing structures (i.e., underpasses) are proposed along the conveyor route. Two approaches may be used to evaluate the responses of wildlife to the overland conveyor when operating: winter snow tracking and remote wildlife cameras. Winter snow tracking would be conducted along two transects, located on either side of the overland conveyor within 250 to 500m. Tracks of moose and other large mammals would be followed towards the overland conveyor and the perceived response of the animal recorded. Potential responses could include: 1. Crossing beneath the conveyor where possible. 2. Deflecting from the conveyor. 3. Travelling parallel to the conveyor and crossing at an available crossing. Monitoring using remote wildlife cameras may be conducted at some or all of the four crossing structures being proposed, to record all wildlife passing over or under the conveyor. Remote cameras would provide an effective means of continuously monitoring wildlife activity at the proposed underpasses. Data collected during the monitoring program would determine if crossing structures are being used and whether added measures or adjustments are needed to improve wildlife use. 8.0 REFERENCES BC FLNRO [Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations], A Compendium of Wildlife Guidelines for Industrial Development Projects in the North Area, BC Interim Guidance. BC MEM [Ministry of Energy and Mines], Aggregate Operators Best Management Practices Handbook for British Columbia. BC MOE [Ministry of Environment], 2014a. Guidelines for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation during Urban and Rural Land Development in British Columbia (2014). A Companion document to Develop with Care. Victoria, BC. BC MOE [Ministry of Environment], 2014b. Develop with Care 2014: Environmental Guidelines for Urban and Rural Land Development in British Columbia. Victoria, BC. BC MOE [Ministry of Environment], Guidelines for Raptor Conservation during Urban and Rural Land Development in British Columbia. Victoria, BC. BC MWLAP [Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection], Bear-People Conflict Prevention Plan. Victoria, BC. Environment Canada, Active Migratory Bird Nest Surveys, Environment Canada Canadian Wildlife Service Pacific and Yukon Region Advice to Industry. Environment Canada, Overview of Species at Risk Act. Available from: (Last accessed July 31, 2014). Oris Wildlife Consulting, Guidelines for Evaluating, Avoiding and Mitigating Impacts of Major Development Projects on Wildlife in British Columbia. Page A6 12