Federal environment minister issues binding conditions for Timiskaming dam-bridge replacement after assessment
The federal Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature has concluded the Timiskaming Dam-Bridge of Quebec Replacement Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, provided mitigation measures and legally binding conditions are followed, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada said May 21.
For residents in the Timiskaming area along the Ontario–Quebec border, the decision statement sets out binding rules Public Services and Procurement Canada must meet during construction and over the life of the project, including limits on some in-water work, measures related to fish and fish habitat, noise and air-quality monitoring, and consultation requirements with specific Indigenous communities.
The project involves a bridge spanning the Ottawa River that links Ontario and Quebec. Public Services and Procurement Canada is the project proponent.
The replacement structure is planned to include two traffic lanes and a sidewalk and is intended to help regulate Ottawa River water levels.
The minister’s decision is based on conclusions in an environmental assessment report prepared by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada.
The decision statement includes conditions aimed at protecting fish, fish habitat and birds. Among them are limits on certain in-water work until water temperatures reach the threshold set out in the conditions. The conditions include measures meant to protect sensitive species such as lake sturgeon.
The conditions also require the proponent to develop and implement a fish habitat compensation plan, and to implement erosion, runoff and sediment control measures. The conditions also require the proponent to select cofferdam construction methods to reduce effects on fish and fish habitat, in consultation with Indigenous groups and relevant authorities.
Other conditions address potential effects on Indigenous Peoples in the region, including health, socioeconomic impacts, sites of importance, traditional land and resource use, and natural and cultural heritage. The conditions require the proponent to develop a monitoring program that includes noise and air-quality monitoring.
The conditions also require measures, in consultation with Indigenous Peoples, to recognize and enhance the Algonquin heritage of Long Sault Island.
Many of the conditions require consultation with Kebaowek First Nation, Timiskaming First Nation, Wolf Lake First Nation and the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation when implementing mitigation measures.
With the decision statement issued, the proponent can seek required federal and provincial authorizations and permits.
The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada will monitor compliance with the decision statement throughout the project’s life cycle. Failure to comply with the conditions is a violation of federal law, the agency said. Any proposed modification to the project must be submitted to the agency for review before it is implemented.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Health Canada, Transport Canada and Parks Canada provided scientific advice and technical expertise during the assessment process, according to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada.