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

Gold Canyon Resources Inc: Final Environmental Study Report Review
March 30, 2013
Domtar 2014-2019 Forest Management map, shows that Domtar is not anticipating to
harvest in the greater eastern corridor region, during 2014-2019 period. So far it is not
clear to what extent Domtar will use the eastern corridor.
GCU is currently seeking a 3 year exploration permit for Springpole. If continued
Springpole exploration unsuccessful, the permit will terminate Springpole activity in 2016.
Therefore making the assumption that GCU and Domtar will use the road during the same
period is premature.
Furthermore, in the event that GCU and Domtar use the eastern corridor simultaneously,
another environmental assessment will have to be conducted to evaluate the cumulative
impacts of dual corridor use.
Recommendation: GCU be transparent with Stakeholders, First Nation community, OMNR
and the public regarding the full extent of their synergistic relationship with Domtar, and
identify the following;
When synergistic eastern corridor use will take place down to the year;
How much financial or administrative assistance Domtar is providing to GCU for
eastern corridor development;
Outline the road closure and rehabilitation plan in the event share use of the eastern
corridor.
Recommendation: GCU needs to provide detailed maps showing the 2014-2019 GCU
eastern corridor and Domtar harvesting plans, identifying exact locations of where Domtar
activities will take place in reference to the eastern corridor.
Recommendation: GCU will need to complete a cumulative impacts assessment for the
eastern corridor if both GCU and Domtar intend to use the corridor over the same period;
2014-2019.
5.11 Corridor Rehabilitation
When any land is subject to industrial exploitation, leading to environmental degradation,
an environmental rehabilitation plan (ERP) is required of the proponent to ensure
accountability. The ERP must employ strategies to restore the environment to its original
state; structure, properties, topography, texture, etc. Instances where the environmental
damage is anticipated to be significant, the proponent is required to set-aside a reclamation
bond” with the OMNR, to cover costs associated with project decommissioning and
rehabilitation.
The eastern corridor intends to destroy 645 km 2 of old growth boreal forest, crossing
through known woodland caribou habitat. Despite the rather large project area, the ESR
makes no direct reference to having a rehabilitation strategy or plan in place, and
instead puts the responsibility onto First Nations, Domtar, Stakeholders and OMNR.
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