Revised Final Environmental Study Report (24 MB) - Gold Canyon ...

Gold Canyon Resources Inc: Final Environmental Study Report Review
March 30, 2013
4 Class Environmental Assessment & Unresolved Environmental Issues
The rationale for identifying the GCU road project as Class C rather than a Class D
undertaking, is not clear, as there are far reaching impacts of this road proposal that have
yet to be addressed.
As previously discussed, GCU intends to clear 645 km 2 of land for corridor use: A fact
that was not clearly identified within the ESR. The environmental impact assessment
conducted, was not specific for the road project, and failed to assess any areas close to
where the road is proposed. Given that 645 km 2 of land is to be cleared, it is imperative
that a full environmental assessment be conducted for the specified project and areas of
impact.
Table 2: Considerations for Class C vs Class D Environmental Assessment (OMNR Resource
Stewardship & Facility Development Projects, page 26).
Class C considerations
Class D considerations
Medium to high potential for significant net
negative effects
There is some uncertainty associated with
predictions of effects, requiring additional
research and/or evaluation
The appropriate type of management
direction is in place for the project, but it does
not fully define the project, or the plan
suggests that alternatives should be
considered or additional evaluation carried
out
If a project is proposed when the appropriate
type of management direction is not in place
(see Section 2)
Effects require mitigation techniques tailored
to the project
Potential to reduce negative effects or
increase public understanding by examining
alternatives
Several inter-related aspects that have high
potential for either net positive or negative
environmental effects that may conflict,
suggesting a complex situation
Potential for serious negative effects on
species at risk
Effects require mitigation techniques tailored
to the project
Potential to reduce negative effects or
increase public understanding by examining
other alternatives
Involves a new or contentious interpretation
of management direction or other MNR policy
A distinct benefit can be derived from the
process requirements of Part II of the EA Act,
including Terms of Reference, formal
government review and a decision by the
Minister of the Environment (or the
Environmental Review Tribunal)
There are many environmental issues specific for construction, operation and maintenance
of a corridor which need to be addressed. In this instance there are a variety of
compounding factors, which require a more thorough examination of the socio-economic
and environmental implications of this project;
The corridor will traverse through and fragment endangered woodland caribou
habitat;
Increased predation and hunting will occur in the area as a result of the corridor, and
increase hunting and predation pressure on moose, woodland caribou, large
furbearers, etc;
Eastern corridor will destroy 645 km 2 of old growth boreal forest;
Impacts to water quality through increased sedimentation Birch River crossing;
Impacts to critical fish spawning habitat at Birch River crossing;
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