pacific northwest lng application information requirements on
TRANSCRIPT
Pacific NorthWest LNG
Application Information Requirements
As Approved by Environmental Assessment Office
On February 20, 2014
For Pacific NorthWest LNG Limited Partnership
Application for an Environmental Assessment Certificate
Note from the Environmental Assessment Office: This Application Information Requirements document (AIR) also refers to requirements from the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency’s (CEAA) Environmental Impact Statement Guidelines (EISg) that are not required by the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO). The AIR and the EISg work in conjunction with each other, and these additional requirements were included for ease of reading and to facilitate the submission of one Application/EIS document under a coordinated assessment process. EAO’s environmental assessment will be limited to the scope of the assessment as outlined in the Section 11 Order.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST LNG Application Information Requirements
Prepared for: Pacific NorthWest LNG Limited Partnership
Oceanic Plaza, Suite 1900 - 1066 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6E 3X1
Tel: (778) 372-4700 | Fax: (604) 630-3181
Prepared by: Stantec Consulting Ltd. 4370 Dominion Street, Suite 500 Burnaby, BC V5G 4L7 Tel: (604) 436-3014 | Fax: (604) 436-3752
Project No.: 1231-10537
Date: February 2014
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Preface
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
i
PREFACE
Purpose of Application Information Requirements
The proposed Project meets the thresholds established for “reviewable projects” under British Columbia’s Environmental Assessment Act (BCEAA) pursuant to Part 4 of the Reviewable Projects Regulation, because the proposed Project includes a new energy storage facility with the capability to store an energy resource in a quantity that can yield by combustion ≥ 3 PJ of energy.
An Environmental Assessment Certificate Application (Application) will be filed by the Proponent to the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office (BC EAO), and the Application will comply with the Application Information Requirements (AIR) that were approved and issued by BC EAO. The AIR specifies the information that must be provided in an Application for an EAC under the BCEAA.
Overview of Proposed Project
Pacific NorthWest LNG Limited Partnership (PNW LNG) is proposing to construct and operate a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility within the District of Port Edward, British Columbia (the proposed Project). The proposed Project would be located on Lelu Island within the lands and waters under the jurisdiction of the Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA). The proposed Project would convert natural gas from Progress Energy Canada Ltd. reserves into LNG for export to Pacific Rim markets in Asia. PNW LNG is a subsidiary of PETROLIAM NASIONAL BERHAD (PETRONAS). PNW LNG’s engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) contractor will construct and commission the facility and PNW LNG will own and operate it.
At full build-out the facility would receive approximately 3.2 billion standard cubic feet per day (Bcfd), or 9.1 x 107 cubic metres (m3) per day, of pipeline grade natural gas, and produce up to 19.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of LNG. The natural gas would be transported to the proposed Project via a new pipeline from northeast BC. The pipeline is a separate project that would be constructed, owned and operated by a third party (Prince Rupert Gas Transmission a subsidiary of TransCanada Pipelines Ltd.) and assessed independently under the applicable regulatory regime.
Key components of the proposed Project are described in Section 2.2 and include: a natural gas reception system, gas pretreatment, three 6.4 MTPA natural gas liquefaction trains, three full containment 180,000 m3 LNG storage tanks, a marine terminal and berths with a trestle, trestle control room, two LNG carrier berths, shipping LNG (between the terminal and Triple Island pilotage station), a materials off-loading facility (MOF), an access road, pioneer dock, bridge, and pipeline and utility connections (e.g., water and sewer).
Natural gas is the primary option proposed to power the liquefaction process and ancillary components of the proposed Project. It is anticipated that the proposed Project would be constructed in two phases with the first phase having a design capacity of 12.8 MTPA of LNG with an additional 6.4 MTPA of capacity to be developed after the first two trains are operational. The EIS/Application will include both phases. Provided all necessary federal, provincial and local authorizations are obtained, the proposed Project is expected to be operational by early 2019.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Preface
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
ii
Coordinated Canada/BC Environmental Assessment
An assessment for the proposed Project will be completed under both the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012) and BCEAA. The BC EAO and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEA Agency) have agreed to work together to conduct a coordinated environmental assessment for the proposed Project.
This document proposes information that will be included by PNW LNG in its Application for a provincial EAC, and takes into account the scope of the environmental assessment to be conducted by the CEA Agency to meet federal information requirements. As set out in the section 11 Order issued by BC EAO, this AIR focuses the provincial environmental assessment primarily on those effects beyond the Prince Rupert Port Authority lands and waters.
The CEA Agency issued final Environmental Impact Statement Guidelines (EIS Guidelines) on October 30, 2013. Taken together, the EIS Guidelines and the AIR describe how PNW LNG will meet both federal and provincial environmental assessment requirements through a coordinated review process.
Development of the AIR
The BC EAO provided the following federal and provincial agencies, local governments, and Aboriginal groups the opportunity to review and comment on the dAIR:
Provincial Agencies:
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
Ministry of Environment
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
Oil and Gas Commission
Federal Agencies:
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Environment Canada
Transport Canada
Health Canada
Parks Canada
Prince Rupert Port Authority
Municipal and Regional Agencies:
District of Port Edward
City of Prince Rupert
Regional District of Skeena-Queen Charlotte
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Preface
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
iii
Northern Health Authority
Aboriginal Groups (as identified in Schedule B of the section 11 Order):
Metlakatla First Nation
Lax Kw’alaams First Nation
Gitxaala Nation
Kitselas First Nation
Kitsumkalum First Nation.
Next Steps in the Environmental Assessment
Comments received on the dAIR from the Working Group, and the public during the public comment period, were considered prior to finalizing the AIR. PNW LNG considered all relevant Working Group and public comments received, and incorporated changes into the dAIR as appropriate. PNW LNG maintained a tracking table to document the comments received, and responses to the comments, including any adjustments made to the dAIR as a result of the feedback.
Based on the final EIS Guidelines and the final AIR, PNW LNG plans to file an integrated Environmental Impact Statement and Environmental Assessment Certificate Application (EIS/Application) to the CEA Agency and BC EAO that would meet the environmental assessment requirements of both the federal and provincial governments.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Table of Contents
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS
This section will provide the table contents for all document components, including volumes, sections, sub-sections, figures, tables, and appendices in the EIS/Application. For this document, it provides the table of contents for the AIR.
1 Introduction and Project Overview ...................................................................................... 1
1.1 Purpose of the EIS/Application ...................................................................................... 1
1.2 Proponent Description .................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Purpose of the Project .................................................................................................... 2
1.4 Project Location ............................................................................................................. 2
1.5 Participants in the Environmental Assessment .............................................................. 2
1.6 Regulatory Framework and the Role of Government .................................................... 2
2 Project Description ................................................................................................................ 6
2.1 Environmental Design .................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Project Components ....................................................................................................... 6
2.3 Project Activities ............................................................................................................. 7
2.4 Alternative Means of Carrying Out the Project ............................................................ 13
2.5 Project Land Use .......................................................................................................... 13
2.6 Federal Scope of the Project ....................................................................................... 14
2.7 Provincial Scope of the Project .................................................................................... 14
2.8 Applicable Permits and Regulatory Approvals ............................................................. 14
3 Summary of Engagement ................................................................................................... 15
3.1 Provincial and Federal Involvement and Issues Tracking ........................................... 15
3.2 Aboriginal Groups Information Distribution and Consultation ...................................... 15
3.3 Public and Agency Information Distribution and Consultation ..................................... 15
3.3.1 Pre-Application Consultation ......................................................................... 16
3.3.2 Consultation Planned During EIS/Application Review .................................. 16
4 Scope of Assessment and Methods .................................................................................. 17
4.1 Environmental Assessment Methods ........................................................................... 18
4.1.1 Valued Components ...................................................................................... 19
4.1.2 Assessment Boundaries ................................................................................ 32
4.1.2.1 Temporal Boundaries .................................................................... 32
4.1.2.2 Spatial Boundaries ........................................................................ 32
4.1.2.3 Administrative and Technical Boundaries ..................................... 35
4.1.3 Baseline Conditions ....................................................................................... 36
4.1.4 Assessment of Project-Specific Effects ......................................................... 36
4.1.4.1 Identification of Project Interactions .............................................. 36
4.1.4.2 Potential Effects of the Project ...................................................... 39
4.1.4.3 Mitigation ....................................................................................... 39
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Table of Contents
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
v
4.1.4.4 Characterization of Residual Effects ............................................. 39
4.1.4.5 Likelihood ...................................................................................... 40
4.1.4.6 Determination of Significance ....................................................... 41
4.1.4.7 Confidence and Risk ..................................................................... 41
4.1.5 Summary of Residual Effects ........................................................................ 41
4.2 Assessment of Cumulative Effects .............................................................................. 41
4.2.1 Project Inclusion List ..................................................................................... 41
4.2.2 Cumulative Effects Assessment .................................................................... 43
4.2.3 Description of Cumulative Effects ................................................................. 43
4.2.4 Mitigation of Cumulative Effects .................................................................... 43
4.2.5 Characterization of Residual Cumulative Effects .......................................... 44
4.2.6 Determination of Significance of Cumulative Effects .................................... 44
4.3 Follow-Up Program ...................................................................................................... 44
5 Existing Environment .......................................................................................................... 53
6 Air Quality ............................................................................................................................. 54
6.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 54
6.2 Scope of Assessment .................................................................................................. 54
6.3 Baseline Conditions ..................................................................................................... 54
6.4 Effects Assessment ...................................................................................................... 55
6.5 Cumulative Effects ....................................................................................................... 55
6.6 Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 55
7 Greenhouse Gas Management ........................................................................................... 56
7.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 56
7.2 Scope of Assessment .................................................................................................. 56
7.3 Baseline Conditions ..................................................................................................... 56
7.4 Effects Assessment ...................................................................................................... 56
7.5 Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 56
8 Acoustic Environment ......................................................................................................... 57
8.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 57
8.2 Scope of Assessment .................................................................................................. 57
8.3 Baseline Conditions ..................................................................................................... 57
8.4 Effects Assessment ...................................................................................................... 57
8.5 Cumulative Effects ....................................................................................................... 58
8.6 Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 58
9 Ambient Light ....................................................................................................................... 59
9.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 59
9.2 Scope of Assessment .................................................................................................. 59
9.3 Baseline Conditions ..................................................................................................... 59
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Table of Contents
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
vi
9.4 Effects Assessment ...................................................................................................... 59
9.5 Cumulative Effects ....................................................................................................... 60
9.6 Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 60
10 Vegetation and Wetland Resources ................................................................................... 61
10.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 61
10.2 Scope of Assessment .................................................................................................. 61
10.3 Baseline Conditions ..................................................................................................... 61
10.4 Effects Assessment ...................................................................................................... 62
10.5 Cumulative Effects ....................................................................................................... 63
10.6 Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 63
11 Terrestrial Wildlife and Marine Birds ................................................................................. 64
11.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 64
11.2 Scope of Assessment .................................................................................................. 64
11.3 Baseline Conditions ..................................................................................................... 64
11.4 Effects Assessment ...................................................................................................... 65
11.5 Cumulative Effects ....................................................................................................... 66
11.6 Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 66
12 Freshwater Aquatic Resources .......................................................................................... 67
12.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 67
12.2 Scope of Assessment .................................................................................................. 67
12.3 Baseline Conditions ..................................................................................................... 67
12.4 Effects Assessment ...................................................................................................... 67
12.5 Cumulative Effects ....................................................................................................... 68
12.6 Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 68
13 Marine Resources ................................................................................................................ 69
13.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 69
13.2 Scope of Assessment .................................................................................................. 69
13.3 Baseline Conditions ..................................................................................................... 69
13.4 Effects Assessment ...................................................................................................... 70
13.5 Cumulative Effects ....................................................................................................... 71
13.6 Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 71
14 Economic Environment ....................................................................................................... 72
14.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 72
14.2 Scope of Assessment .................................................................................................. 72
14.3 Baseline Conditions ..................................................................................................... 72
14.4 Effects Assessment ...................................................................................................... 73
14.5 Cumulative Effects ....................................................................................................... 73
14.6 Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 73
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Table of Contents
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
vii
15 Navigation and Marine Resource Use ............................................................................... 74
15.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 74
15.2 Scope of Assessment .................................................................................................. 74
15.3 Baseline Conditions ..................................................................................................... 74
15.4 Effects Assessment ...................................................................................................... 74
15.5 Cumulative Effects ....................................................................................................... 75
15.6 Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 75
16 Infrastructure and Services ................................................................................................ 76
16.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 76
16.2 Scope of Assessment .................................................................................................. 76
16.3 Baseline Conditions ..................................................................................................... 76
16.4 Effects Assessment ...................................................................................................... 77
16.5 Cumulative Effects ....................................................................................................... 78
16.6 Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 78
17 Visual Quality ....................................................................................................................... 79
17.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 79
17.2 Scope of Assessment .................................................................................................. 79
17.3 Baseline Conditions ..................................................................................................... 79
17.4 Effects Assessment ...................................................................................................... 79
17.5 Cumulative Effects ....................................................................................................... 80
17.6 Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 80
18 Community Health and Well-Being .................................................................................... 81
18.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 81
18.2 Scope of Assessment .................................................................................................. 81
18.3 Baseline Conditions ..................................................................................................... 81
18.4 Effects Assessment ...................................................................................................... 82
18.5 Cumulative Effects ....................................................................................................... 82
18.6 Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 82
19 Human and Ecological Health ............................................................................................ 83
19.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 83
19.2 Scope of Assessment .................................................................................................. 83
19.3 Baseline Conditions ..................................................................................................... 83
19.4 Effects Assessment ...................................................................................................... 84
19.5 Cumulative Effects ....................................................................................................... 84
19.6 Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 84
20 Archaeological and Heritage Resources ........................................................................... 85
20.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 85
20.2 Scope of Assessment .................................................................................................. 85
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Table of Contents
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
viii
20.3 Baseline Conditions ..................................................................................................... 85
20.4 Effects Assessment ...................................................................................................... 86
20.5 Cumulative Effects ....................................................................................................... 86
20.6 Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 86
21 Current Use of Lands and Resources for Traditional Purposes .................................... 87
21.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 87
21.2 Scope of Assessment .................................................................................................. 87
21.3 Baseline Conditions ..................................................................................................... 87
21.4 Effects Assessment ...................................................................................................... 87
21.5 Cumulative Effects ....................................................................................................... 88
21.6 Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 88
22 Accidents or Malfunctions .................................................................................................. 89
23 Effects of the Environment on the Project ........................................................................ 90
24 Summary of Proposed Environmental and Operational Management Plans ................ 91
25 Changes to the Environment .............................................................................................. 92
26 Effects of Changes to the Environment ............................................................................ 93
27 Aboriginal Rights and Related Interests ........................................................................... 94
27.1 Aboriginal Rights .......................................................................................................... 94
27.2 Other Matters of Concern to Aboriginal People ........................................................... 94
28 Summary of the Assessment ............................................................................................. 96
29 Benefits to Canadians ......................................................................................................... 97
30 Follow-up Program and Compliance Reporting ............................................................... 99
31 Conclusion ......................................................................................................................... 100
32 References .......................................................................................................................... 101
33 Appendices ......................................................................................................................... 103
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Table of Contents
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
ix
List of Tables
Table 1: Table of Concordance between the EIS Guidelines and EIS/Application ................. xii
Table 2: Table of Concordance between the Approved AIR and EIS/Application................... xii
Table 3: Overview of Project Components and Activities ......................................................... 9
Table 4: Valued Components and Rationale for Inclusion in the EIS/Application .................. 21
Table 5: Valued Components, Sub-Components, Potential Adverse Project Effects and Measurable Parameters .................................................................................... 25
Table 6: Local Assessment Area Boundaries ......................................................................... 33
Table 7: Regional Assessment Area Boundaries ................................................................... 34
Table 8: Potential for Substantive/Meaningful Project-Environment Interactions ................... 37
Table 9: Summary of Residual Project Effects ....................................................................... 40
Table 10: Preliminary Project Inclusion List .............................................................................. 42
Table 11: Potential Effects on Air Quality ................................................................................. 55
Table 12: Potential Effects on Acoustic Environment ............................................................... 58
Table 13: Potential Effects on Ambient Light ............................................................................ 59
Table 14: Potential Effects on Vegetation and Wetland Resources ......................................... 63
Table 15: Potential Effects on Terrestrial Wildlife and Marine Birds......................................... 65
Table 16: Potential Effects on Freshwater Aquatic Resources ................................................ 68
Table 17: Potential Effects on Marine Resources..................................................................... 70
Table 18: Potential Effects on the Economic Environment ....................................................... 73
Table 19: Potential Effects on Navigation and Marine Resource Use ...................................... 75
Table 20: Potential Effects on Infrastructure and Services ....................................................... 77
Table 21: Potential Effects on Visual Quality ............................................................................ 80
Table 22: Potential Effects on Community Health and Well-Being........................................... 82
Table 23: Potential Effects on Human and Ecological Health .................................................. 84
Table 24: Potential Effects on Heritage and Archaeological Resources .................................. 86
Table 25: Potential Effects on Current Use of Lands and Resources for Traditional Purposes ................................................................................................................... 88
Table 26: Summary of Potential Effects on Aboriginal Rights and Related Interests and Measures to Address Effects ............................................................................. 96
Table 27: Summary of Project Residual and Cumulative Effects ............................................. 96
Table 28: Summary of Mitigation Measures and Commitments ............................................... 96
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Table of Contents
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
x
List of Figures
Figure 1: Project Location .......................................................................................................... 3
Figure 2: Lelu Island and Surrounding Area .............................................................................. 4
Figure 3: Project Plot Plan and Surrounding Area ..................................................................... 5
Figure 4: Biological Local Assessment Area ............................................................................ 45
Figure 5: Physical Environment Local Assessment Areas ...................................................... 46
Figure 6: Human Environment (Set 1 of 2) Local Assessment Areas ..................................... 47
Figure 7: Human Environment (Set 2 of 2) Local Assessment Areas ..................................... 48
Figure 8: Biological Regional Assessment Areas .................................................................... 49
Figure 9: Physical Environment Regional Assessment Areas ................................................. 50
Figure 10: Human Environment (Set 1 of 2) Regional Assessment Areas ................................ 51
Figure 11: Human Environment (Set 2 of 2) Regional Assessment Areas ................................ 52
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Summary of the Environmental Impact Statement and Environmental Assessment Certificate Application
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
xi
SUMMARY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CERTIFICATE APPLICATION
A summary of the Environmental Impact Statement and Environmental Assessment Certificate Application (EIS/Application) will be provided as set out in the EIS Guidelines.
The summary will provide an overview of the EIS/Application and will include the following information:
A brief description of the proposed Project
A description of the coordinated federal/provincial environmental assessment
A summary of the consultations undertaken during the environmental assessment
A summary of the key issues and potential project effects
A summary of the potential environmental, economic, social, health, and heritage effects including:
Scope of the assessment
Baseline conditions
Project effects
Mitigation measures, residual effects, and significance
Cumulative effects and significance
Summary of proposed environmental and operational management plans
Summary of potential Aboriginal Rights and related interests
Follow up programs and compliance reporting proposed, if applicable
PNW LNG’s conclusions resulting from the environmental assessment.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Table of Concordance
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
xii
TABLE OF CONCORDANCE
The EIS/Application will include separate concordance tables for the federal EIS Guidelines and the provincial AIR in the format below. To assist reviewers during the EIS/Application evaluation phase of the environmental assessment, the table of concordance will identify where to find in the EIS/Application information required by the federal EIS Guidelines and the provincial AIR.
Table 1: Table of Concordance between the EIS Guidelines and EIS/Application
EIS Guidelines Section
Description of Requirements of Relevant Section and Subsection Location in the
EIS/Application; Volume and Section
Table 2: Table of Concordance between the Approved AIR and EIS/Application
AIR Section Description of Requirements of Relevant Section and Subsection Location in the
EIS/Application; Volume and Section
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Preface to the EIS/Application
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
xiii
PREFACE TO THE EIS/APPLICATION
PNW LNG will provide the following in the EIS/Application:
A statement as to the application of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act 2012 on the proposed Project.
A statement that the proposed Project meets the thresholds established for “reviewable projects” under the BC Environmental Assessment Act (BCEAA) and the thresholds met for the review under BCEAA.
A statement on whether the proposed Project is undergoing a coordinated, substituted, or other type of assessment with the Province.
A statement that the EIS/Application has been developed pursuant to the AIR, and complies with the section 11 Order as well as any other relevant direction provided by BC EAO’s Project assessment lead.
Identification of the provincial, federal and local government agencies, First Nations and other parties involved in the development of the EIS/Application.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Acronyms and Abbreviations
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
xiv
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
A list of acronyms and abbreviations used in the EIS/Application will be provided. Below are the acronyms and abbreviations used in the AIR.
AAQO ........................................................................................... ambient air quality objectives
AIA ...................................................................................... archaeological impact assessment
AIR ................................................................................. Application Information Requirements
ALR ...................................................................................................... agricultural land reserve
APA ........................................................................ Association of Professional Archaeologists
Application ....................................................................................................... EAC application
BC CDC ..................................................................................... BC Conservation Data Centre
BC MFLNRO ......................... BC Ministry of Forests, Land and Natural Resource Operations
BC MOE ......................................................................................... BC Ministry of Environment
BC MOF .................................................................................................. BC Ministry of Forests
BC MOFR............................................................................. BC Ministry of Forests and Range
BC .................................................................................................................... British Columbia
BCEAA .......................................................... British Columbia Environmental Assessment Act
Bcfd ...................................................................................... billion standard cubic feet per day
CAC ...................................................................................................... criteria air contaminants
CEA Agency ...................................................... Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
CEAA 2012 ................................................... Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012
CH4 ............................................................................................................................... methane
CMT ....................................................................................................... culturally modified tree
CN .................................................................................. Canadian National Railway Company
CO .................................................................................................................. carbon monoxide
CO2 ..................................................................................................................... carbon dioxide
COSEWIC ................................... Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
CSA ........................................................................................ Canadian Standards Association
dAIR .......................................................................draft Application Information Requirements
dBA ............................................................................................................. decibel A-weighting
DFO ........................................................................................... Fisheries and Oceans Canada
EA ................................................................................................... environmental assessment
EAC ............................................................................... Environmental Assessment Certificate
BC EAO.................................................... British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office
EIS ............................................................................................... Environmental Impact Statement
EIS/Application ....................................................................... integrated EIS and EAC Application
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Acronyms and Abbreviations
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
xv
EMP ...................................................................................... environmental management plan
EPCC .......................................... engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning
GDP ...................................................................................................... gross domestic product
GHG ................................................................................................................. greenhouse gas
H2S ................................................................................................................ hydrogen sulphide
ha ................................................................................................................................... hectare
HFCs ........................................................................................................... hydrofluorocarbons
ISO .................................................................................. International Standards Organization
km ............................................................................................................................... kilometre
LAA ........................................................................................................ local assessment area
Ld ............................................................................................................................... day levels
Ldn .................................................................................................................... day-night levels
Ln ............................................................................................................................. night levels
LNG ............................................................................................................ liquefied natural gas
m ....................................................................................................................................... metre
m3 ........................................................................................................................... cubic metres
MOF ............................................................................................... materials off-loading facility
MTPA ................................................................................................. million tonnes per annum
MW ...................................................................................................... megawatt (million watts)
N20 ......................................................................................................................... nitrous oxide
NO2 ................................................................................................................... nitrogen dioxide
NPRI ................................................................................. National Pollutant Release Inventory
NWWG ................................................................................ National Wetlands Working Group
OGC ................................................................................................... Oil and Gas Commission
PETRONAS ...................................................................... PETROLIAM NASIONAL BERHAD
PFCs ............................................................................................................... perfluorocarbons
PJ .......................................................................................................... petajoules (1015 joules)
PM10 .......................................................... particulate matter less than 10 micrometres in size
PM2.5 ........................................................ particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometres in size
PNW LNG ............................................................. Pacific NorthWest LNG Limited Partnership
Project ....................................................................................... Pacific NorthWest LNG Project
PRPA ............................................................................................ Prince Rupert Port Authority
PST .............................................................................................................. provincial sales tax
RAA ................................................................................................... regional assessment area
RIC ........................................................................................... Resource Inventory Committee
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Acronyms and Abbreviations
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
xvi
SARA .......................................................................................................... Species at Risk Act
SF6 ............................................................................................................. sulphur hexafluoride
SIL ............................................................................................................. survey intensity level
SO2 ..................................................................................................................... sulphur dioxide
Stantec .................................................................................................. Stantec Consulting Ltd.
t .......................................................................................................................... tonnes (metric)
t/d ....................................................................................................................... tonnes per day
TEM ............................................................................................ terrestrial ecosystem mapping
TK ............................................................................................................. traditional knowledge
USEPA ........................................................... United States Environmental Protection Agency
UTM .......................................................................................... Universal Transverse Mercator
VC ................................................................................................................. valued component
WGS-84 ..................................................................................... World Geodetic System, 1984
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Glossary
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
xvii
GLOSSARY
A glossary will be provided in the EIS/Application as set out in the EIS Guidelines.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Authorship
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
xviii
AUTHORSHIP
A list of authors will be provided in the EIS/Application.
Pacific NorthWest LNG
Application Information Requirements Section 1: Introduction and Project Overview
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
1
1 INTRODUCTION AND PROJECT OVERVIEW
1.1 Purpose of the EIS/Application This section will summarize the purpose of the EIS/Application and provide an overview of its structure with a view to making its review by BC EAO, the CEA Agency, Working Group members and the public as effective and efficient as possible.
The purpose of the EIS/Application is to provide the CEA Agency and BC EAO with information to prepare environmental assessment reports for the provincial and federal Ministers before they make their respective decisions under CEAA 2012 and BCEAA.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Limited Partnership (PNW LNG) will confirm that the EIS/Application meets the provincial environmental assessment requirements as set out in the final AIR, and any other relevant direction provided by BC EAO’s Project assessment lead.
1.2 Proponent Description Pacific NorthWest LNG Limited Partnership (PNW LNG) is principally owned by PETROLIAM NASIONAL BERHAD (PETRONAS). At the time of submission of the EIS/Application Japan Petroleum Exploration Company (JAPEX) and PetroleumBRUNEI are minority shareholders in Pacific NorthWest LNG and its associated natural gas supply. PNW LNG’s engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) contractor will construct and commission the facility and PNW LNG will own and operate it.
In addition to the information requirements set out in the EIS Guidelines, the EIS/Application will provide a description of PNW LNG, including its management contacts and information about the company.
The mailing address for PNW LNG is:
Pacific NorthWest LNG Limited Partnership Oceanic Plaza, Suite1900 – 1066 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6E 3X1 Telephone: (778) 372-4700 Facsimile: (604) 630-3181
All communications regarding the environmental assessment for the proposed Project should be sent to:
Michael Lambert, Head, Environment and Regulatory Affairs Telephone: (778) 372-4705 E-mail: [email protected]
PNW LNG has retained Stantec Consulting Ltd. (Stantec) to manage and prepare the EIS/Application for the proposed Project. The contact information for Stantec is:
Andrea Pomeroy, Project Manager Telephone: (778) 331-0201 Email: [email protected]
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 1: Introduction and Project Overview
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
2
1.3 Purpose of the Project The purpose of the proposed Project will be described as set out in the EIS Guidelines. The EIS/Application will also describe:
The purpose of the proposed Project, including a description of how the project objectives are related, or contribute, to broader private or public sector policies, plans or programs, if relevant.
1.4 Project Location The facility would be located on Lelu Island in BC (see Figure 1). Lelu Island is federal land within the boundaries of the PRPA, the District of Port Edward and the asserted traditional territories of a number of Aboriginal groups. Lelu Island is a small island (~192 ha) approximately 2 km from the town center of Port Edward and 15 km southwest of City of Prince Rupert (see Figure 2). The facility would be approximately 160 ha and cover approximately 83% of the island. Lelu Island and its surrounding waters are located within the boundaries of the Port of Prince Rupert which is under the jurisdiction of the PRPA, a Canadian Port Authority under the Canada Marine Act and its regulations. The coordinates of the center of the facility would be:
Degrees - Minutes - Seconds - Latitude 54°11'58.02"N/Longitude 130°17'19.81"W
Decimal Degrees - Latitude 54.199451/Longitude -130.288836°
Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) - 415924 E/6006480 N (Zone 9).
An overview of the proposed site plan is provided (see Figure 3). This figure provides the general location of the facility, and marine terminal. The site plan may be refined as a result of engineering studies and ongoing consultation during the environmental assessment.
The geographic setting of the proposed Project will be described as set out in the EIS Guidelines. The EIS/Application will also provide:
The location of the proposed Project within a provincial, regional and local context, including maps. Coordinates of the proposed Project will be provided in WGS-84 and UTM coordinate systems, showing nearby communities.
1.5 Participants in the Environmental Assessment The participants in the environmental assessment will be identified as set out in the EIS Guidelines.
1.6 Regulatory Framework and the Role of Government The regulatory framework and role of the government will be described as set out in the EIS Guidelines.
77
97
97
37
16
97
BabineLake
QuesnelLake
Victoria
UNITEDSTATES
P a c i f i cO c e a n
Skeena River
ALBERTABRITISHCOLUMBIA
YUKONTERRITORY
NORTHWESTTERRITORIES
FortNelson
Fort St.John
DawsonCreek
PrinceRupert Prince
George
Vancouver
AtlinLake
KotchoLake
WillistonLake
StuartLake
OotsaLake
KinbasketLake
ChilkoLake
ShuswapLake
OkanaganLake
KootenayLake
LowerArrowLake
UNITEDSTATES
PacificNorthWest
LNG Project
2/17/2
014 -
9:59
:18 A
M V
:\acti
ve\12
3110
537\g
is\fig
ures\a
pplic
ation
_infor
matio
n_rep
ort\m
xds\e
nglis
h\fig_
1231
1053
7-279
_proj
ect_l
ocati
on.m
xd
Project LocationPacific NorthWest LNG
DATE:
DRAWN BY:
PROJECTION:DATUM:CHECKED BY:
PREPARED BY:
PREPARED FOR:
FIGURE NO:
1
Sources: Government of British Columbia; Government of Canada, NaturalResources Canada, Centre for Topographic Information.
Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated withthe data used to generate this product or in the product itself, users of these dataare advised that errors in the data may be present.
FIGURE ID:
CityProject LocationProvincial Road or HighwayWatercourseWaterbody
0 100 200 300 400 500 km
17-FEB-14123110537-279K. POLL A. POMEROY
BC ALBERSNAD 83
1:9,000,000
StephensIsland
PorcherIsland
SmithIsland
KaienIsland
MelvilleIsland
DuniraIsland
BaronIsland
DundasIsland
RachaelIslands
C h a t h a mS o u n d
TripleIsland
Work Channel
KennedyIsland
Ferry Route
Lelu Island
WILSKASKAMMEL 14
Kitkatla
Skeena River
SKEENABANK
SKEENABANK
GAMBLECREEKECOLOGICALRESERVEDIANA
LAKEPARK
KHUTZEYMATEENPARK
Lax Kw'alaams
GeorgetownMills
Metlakatla
PrinceRupert
PortEdward
Haysport
Osland
PorcherIslandHunts
Inlet
OonaRiver
PortEssington
DOLPHINISLAND 1
TUGWELLISLAND 21
AVERYISLAND 92
S 1/2TSIMPSEAN 2
KLAPTHLON 5/5A
PA-AAT 6
KEYARKA 17
SQUADEREE 91
LAXKW'ALAAMS 1
ENSHESHESE 13TOON 15
FINLAYSONISLAND 19
BURNT CLIFFISLANDS 20
DUNDASISLAND 32B
CHANNELISLANDS 33
FAR WESTPOINT 34
NISHANOCKNAWNAK 35
KASIKA 36
KNAMADEEK 52
ENSHESHESE 53NDAKDOLK 54
MAGANKTOON 56
SPANAKNOK 57
MEYANLOW 58
SPAYAKS 60
16
GITXAALA NIILUUTIKSM/KITKATLA
ECSTALL-SPOKSUUT
SKEENABANK
KHUTZEYMATEENINLET
GUNBOATHARBOUR
KENNEDYISLAND
KTS'MKTA'ANI/UNION LAKE
LAX KWAXL/DUNDASAND MELVILLE
ISLANDS
KHYEX
PA-AAT
WOODWORTHLAKE
LUCYISLANDS
ZUMTELA BAY
KSGAXL/STEPHENSISLANDS
370000
370000
380000
380000
390000
390000
400000
400000
410000
410000
420000
420000
430000
430000
440000
440000
5960
000
5960
000
5970
000
5970
000
5980
000
5980
000
5990
000
5990
000
6000
000
6000
000
6010
000
6010
000
6020
000
6020
000
6030
000
6030
000
6040
000
6040
000
2/17/2
014 -
11:31
:11 AM
V:
\activ
e\123
1105
37\gi
s\figu
res\ap
plica
tion_
inform
ation
_repo
rt\mxd
s\eng
lish\f
ig_12
3110
537-2
80_le
lu_isl
and_
and_
surro
und.m
xd
Lelu Island and Surrounding AreaPacific NorthWest LNG
DATE:
DRAWN BY:
PROJECTION:DATUM:CHECKED BY:
PREPARED BY:
PREPARED FOR:
FIGURE NO:
2
Sources: Government of British Columbia; Government of Canada, Natural ResourcesCanada, Centre for Topographic Information.Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the dataused to generate this product or in the product itself, users of these data are advised thaterrors in the data may be present.
FIGURE ID:
Potential ShippingRouteLelu IslandAirportPilotage StationElectrical PowerTransmission LineFerry RouteHighwayRailway
WatercourseIndian ReservePrince Rupert PortAuthority BoundaryProtected AreaWaterbody
0 5 10 15 20 km
17-FEB-14123110537-280K. POLL A. POMEROY
UTM - ZONE 9NAD 83
1:450,000
SmithIsland
DigbyIsland
AlwynLake
PorpoiseLake
SmithIsland
LeluIsland
StapledonIsland
KaienIsland
KinahanIslands
RidleyIsland
Skeena Dr
KitsonIsland
Inverness Passage
Tsum Tsadai Inlet
C h a t h a mS o u n d
Porpoise Harbour
FloraBank
HorseyBank
AgnewBank
Wantage
Rd
Ridley Island Rd
Yellowhead Highway
16
16
Morse Basin
CN Railway
Ferry Route
DASHKEN 22
Port Edward
Skeen
a Dr
Ridley Island Rd
Hillcrest Ave
Ridley Island Log Sort
Prince Rupert Grain Ltd.
Fairview ContainerTerminal Phase I & Phase II Expansion
Ridley Terminals Inc.Canpotex Potash
Export Terminal
CN Railway
Prince Rupert Ferry Terminal
WatCo Pulp Mill
CN Railway
640560480
4003201608040
600
520440360280200
480
360
320
24080
40
320
560
520
480
440
400
360
320240
200
160
20012040
480400
200120
360280
80
280
200120
640
600
560
520
480400
320240
160
640
600
560 520
480
520
440360
680
440
400280
360280
240120
20016080
40
120
240
240
200160
80
280
720
680
640 600
40
80
40
80
80
160
640600
440
360
160
320
480
80
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
408000
408000
410000
410000
412000
412000
414000
414000
416000
416000
418000
418000
420000
420000
6002
000
6002
000
6004
000
6004
000
6006
000
6006
000
6008
000
6008
000
6010
000
6010
000
6012
000
6012
000
6014
000
6014
000
6016
000
6016
000
2/17/2
014 -
11:37
:47 AM
V:
\activ
e\123
1105
37\gi
s\figu
res\ap
plica
tion_
inform
ation
_repo
rt\mxd
s\eng
lish\f
ig_12
3110
537-2
81_p
lot_p
lan_a
nd_s
urrou
nding
.mxd
Project Plot Planand Surrounding Area
Pacific NorthWest LNG
DATE:
DRAWN BY:
PROJECTION:DATUM:CHECKED BY:
PREPARED BY:
PREPARED FOR:
FIGURE NO:
3
Sources: Government of British Columbia; Government of Canada, NaturalResources Canada, Centre for Topographic Information; Canadian HydrologicalService (CHS), 1995.
Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated withthe data used to generate this product or in the product itself, users of these dataare advised that errors in the data may be present.
FIGURE ID:
Potential ShippingRouteProject ComponentTurning BasinPast, Present,or Approved ProjectContour (m)
Electrical PowerTransmission LineFerry RouteHighwayRailwaySecondary RoadWatercourseUrban Area
WaterbodyShoals
Agnew BankFlora BankHorsey Bank
0 1 2 3 4 km
17-FEB-14123110537-281K. POLL A. POMEROY
UTM - ZONE 9NAD 83
1:75,000
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 2: Project Description
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
6
2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed Project includes the construction and operation of a 19.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) natural gas liquefaction facility and marine terminal capable of receiving liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers. At full build-out the facility would receive approximately 3.2 billion standard cubic feet per day (Bcfd), or 9.1 x 107 cubic metres (m3) per day, of pipeline grade natural gas, and produce up to 19.2 MTPA of LNG. The LNG would be loaded onto carriers to be shipped to Asia and other potential jurisdictions. The LNG carriers would use pre-established shipping routes into the Port of Prince Rupert using pilots and tug assistance (see Figure 2). The natural gas would be transported to the proposed Project via a new pipeline from northeast BC. The pipeline is a separate project that would be constructed, owned and operated by Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Ltd. (Prince Rupert Gas Transmission a subsidiary of TransCanada Pipelines Ltd.) and assessed independently under the applicable regulatory regime.
It is anticipated that the proposed Project will be constructed in two phases with the first phase having a design capacity of 12.8 MTPA of LNG with an additional 6.4 MTPA of capacity to be developed after the first two trains are operational.. Construction is expected to take approximately four years and the first phase of the proposed Project is expected to be operational by early 2019.
PNW LNG will provide the following in the EIS/Application:
A statement that the proposed Project meets the thresholds established for “reviewable projects” under the BC Environmental Assessment Act (BCEAA) and the thresholds met for the review under BCEAA.
A statement as to the application of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act 2012 on the proposed Project.
The purpose of the Project, including a description of how the project objectives are related or contributed to broader private or public sector policies, plans, or programs, this information will be included.
2.1 Environmental Design The EIS/Application will describe the design philosophies, standards and mitigations that have informed development of the Project.
2.2 Project Components The EIS/Application will describe the project components as set out in the EIS Guidelines.
An overview of all project components is provided below (see Table 3). The provincial environmental assessment will focus on those on-site and off-site components of the proposed Project as set out in the section 11 Order, these being:
Non-manufacturing Facilities:
A temporary camp that would accommodate 3,500 to 4,500 people and all related infrastructure, services and facilities
Temporary facilities (e.g., barge landing sites, access roads, off-site materials storage, etc.)
Pacific NorthWest LNG
Application Information Requirements Section 2: Project Description
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
7
A materials offloading facility (MOF)
Bridge and road connecting Lelu Island to Port Edward.
LNG Facilities:
Feed gas receiving equipment including a pig receiver, pressure let-down station, metering station with telemetry, and inlet gas separator
Gas treatment equipment to remove any trace amounts of CO2, H2S, mercury, and water
Up to three identical 6.4 MTPA liquefaction trains (two to be constructed in Phase 1 with provision for a third train in Phase 2)
Gas turbines producing up to 1,100 MW of electrical and/or mechanical power, with a combination of options being considered as project components
Two or more nitrogen generation and vaporization packages with liquid nitrogen storage
Up to three 180,000 m3 full containment LNG storage tanks (two to be constructed in Phase 1 with provision of a third in Phase 2)
Instrument and facility compressed air system
Flare system for emergency, start-up hydrocarbon releases, and annual maintenance.
Marine Terminal:
A 2.4 km long conventional jetty supported by a trestle and including a control room, dual berths, and insulated cryogenic piping with loading platform.
Breakwaters may be constructed near the marine terminal.
2.3 Project Activities The EIS/Application will describe the project activities as set out in the EIS Guidelines.
An overview of all project activities is provided on the following page (see Table 3). The provincial environmental assessment will focus on those on-site and off-site activities of the proposed Project as set out in the section 11 Order, these being:
Construction Activities:
Construction, operation and decommissioning of a temporary camp that would accommodate 3,500 to 4,500 people at peak construction for the purposes of constructing the facility and all related infrastructure, services and facilities
Construction of an LNG terminal and related infrastructure up to the point of connection with the natural gas transmission line
Construction of the associated marine terminal
Construction, operation, and decommissioning of temporary facilities (e.g., barge landing sites, access roads, off-site materials storage, etc.)
Tree removal, vegetation clearing, peat removal, and general site preparation
Disposal of cleared vegetation, peat, waste rock, and overburden
Construction, operation, and decommissioning of a materials offloading facility (MOF)
Removal, transportation and disposal of dredged sediments
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 2: Project Description
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
8
Post-construction clean-up and on-site grounds reclamation
Commissioning of the LNG facility and marine terminal
Bridge and road construction connecting Lelu Island to Port Edward
Dredging, blasting and shoreline modification
Operation of LNG facilities, including maintenance
Shipping:
The operation of LNG carriers and other supporting marine traffic along the marine access route between the facility marine terminal and the pilot station at Triple Island.
Pacific NorthWest LNG
Application Information Requirements Section 2: Project Description
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
9
Table 3: Overview of Project Components and Activities
Project Components and Activities
Description
Construction
Site Preparation (land-based)
Tree removal, vegetation clearing, peat removal, grading, and general site preparation within terrestrial project development area (including the facility on Lelu Island, the bridge, and road access to the mainland)
Onshore Construction Construction, operation, and decommissioning of a temporary camp that would accommodate 3,500 to 4,500 people at peak construction for the purposes of constructing the facility and all related infrastructure, services, and facilities
Excavating and pouring foundations, constructing of buildings, installation of drainage systems, and installation of utilities
Construction of:
LNG facility (and related infrastructure) up to the point of connection with the natural gas transmission line
Site fencing
Pipeline connectors for waste
Gas treatment infrastructure (acid gas removal unit, dehydration unit, and mercury removal unit)
Three 6.4 MTPA liquefaction trains
Three 180,000 m3 LNG storage tanks
Administration, control, and maintenance buildings
Water supply pipe from the Port Edward water system and a water distribution system
Wastewater treatment systems (for sewage and oily other effluent) and a pipe connecting the mainland and the Port Edward wastewater sewage treatment facility
Firewater system
Air emissions, noise, and light from use of construction equipment
Power generation (use of diesel/generators)
Construction of a two-lane bridge connecting Lelu Island to the mainland (including bridge footings on the mainland)
Vehicle Traffic Use of the two-lane bridge connecting Lelu Island to the mainland by construction workers and vehicles
Use of roads on and off-site
Air emissions
Dredging Dredging within the MOF and at the marine terminal
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 2: Project Description
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
10
Project Components and Activities
Description
Marine Construction Construction of a two-lane bridge connecting Lelu Island to the mainland (including bridge footings in Lelu Slough)
Construction and use of the MOF
Pile driving
Berthing large roll-on-roll off barges and ships
Construction of the marine terminal
2.4 km conventional pipe pile supported trestle
Trestle and berth topside infrastructure including a control room, insulated cryogenic piping, pumping equipment, and LNG loading infrastructure
Two LNG carrier berths (capable of berthing two 217,000 m3 LNG carriers up to 315 m in length)
Loading and off-loading arms
Breakwaters may be constructed
Waste Management and Disposal
Disposal of cleared vegetation, peat, waste rock, and overburden
Wastewater treatment systems (for sewage and oily other effluent) and a pipe connecting the mainland and the Port Edward wastewater sewage treatment facility
Storm water management
Solid wastes (garbage removed from island)
Liquid wastes (effluents)
Hazardous wastes
Disposal at Sea Removal, transportation, and disposal of dredged sediments in Brown Passage (assumed)
Operational Testing and Commissioning
Air emissions
Noise emissions
Light emissions
Site Clean Up and Reclamation
Post-construction site clean up
Re-vegetation (if appropriate)
Pacific NorthWest LNG
Application Information Requirements Section 2: Project Description
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
11
Project Components and Activities
Description
Facility Operation
LNG Facility and Supporting Infrastructure on Lelu Island
Operate 24 hours per day, 365 days per year
Feed gas receiving equipment including pig receiver, pressure let-down station, metering station with telemetry and inlet gas separator
Gas treatment equipment to remove trace amounts of CO2, H2S, mercury, and water
LNG production and storage
Up to three identical 6.4 MTPA liquefaction trains (two to be constructed in Phase 1 with provision for a third train in Phase 2)
Two or more nitrogen generation and vaporization packages with liquid nitrogen storage
Up to three 180,000 m3 full containment LNG storage tanks (two to be construction in Phase 1 with a provision for a third in Phase 2)
Instrument and facility compressed air system
Storage and use of additional facility materials
Operation of gas-fired turbines capable of producing up to 1,100 MW of combined mechanical and electrical power
LNG facility maintenance and testing
Maintenance of equipment to ensure safe and reliable operation
Road and site maintenance
Inspection and maintenance of safety, civil structures, and environmental monitoring devices
Flare system for emergency, start-up hydrocarbon releases, and annual maintenance
Annual maintenance
Use of bridge and roads to the mainland
Increase in road traffic
Physical and chemical treatment of vegetation on Lelu Island and mainland
Marine Terminal Use 2.4 km conventional pipe pile supported trestle
Trestle and berth topside infrastructure including a control room, insulated cryogenic piping, pumping equipment, and LNG loading infrastructure
Two LNG carrier berths (capable of berthing two 217,000 m3 LNG carriers up to 315 m in length)
Berthing, hoteling, and loading LNG onto carriers
Loading and off-loading arms
Shipping Ship and tug activities (including moorage and transit) between the terminal and the Triple Island pilotage station
For the first phase of the proposed Project - approximately one LNG carrier every two days berthed at the terminal
At full build out - this would increase to approximately one LNG carrier per day and 350 per year berthed at the terminal
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 2: Project Description
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
12
Project Components and Activities
Description
Waste Management and Disposal
Solid wastes
Domestic wastes
Paper/cardboard waste
Wood and scrap metal from maintenance facility
Liquid wastes
Contaminated storm water or water contaminated in the LNG processes
Water discharge from steam or condensate blow-down
On-site management of run off and grey water
Hazardous wastes
Solvent or hydrocarbon contaminated wastewater and surface runoff
Mercury removed during the natural gas treatment process
Waste catalyst and adsorbents
Waste lubricating oils
Spent solvents
Waste biological treatment facility sludge (if sewage is treated on-site)
Minor miscellaneous wastes included used cartridge filters, batteries, etc.
Fish Habitat Offsetting Fish habitat constructed as part of the fish habitat offsetting strategy.
Wetland Habitat Compensation
Wetland habitat constructed or enhanced as a component of the wetland compensation plan
Facility Decommissioning
Dismantling Facility and Infrastructure
Dismantle/recycle facility equipment and infrastructure
Transport and disposal or recycling of materials
Dismantling of Marine Terminal and MOF
Dismantling and disposal of marine terminal and associated component parts
Waste Disposal Facility components
Site Clean Up and Reclamation
Preparation of the disturbed portion of Lelu Island for other industrial purposes or reclamation to restore ecological values in accordance with the federal crown land lease (PRPA/Transport Canada)
The EIS/Application will also provide the following information:
A description of why the proposed Project requires a provincial EAC
A description of the relevant history of the proposed Project
A description of the proposed project activities and physical works as summarized in Table 3
An overview of the following environmental mitigation measures that were incorporated into proposed project planning and the benefits of these changes:
Site selection
Engineering design features
Pacific NorthWest LNG
Application Information Requirements Section 2: Project Description
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
13
Key project changes and refinements in response to feedback obtained from government agencies, Aboriginal groups, stakeholders, and the general public
A description of the capital construction phase and the lifetime of the proposed Project in years
A summary of the environmental management system and adaptive management approach for the proposed Project.
2.4 Alternative Means of Carrying Out the Project The alternative means of carrying out the proposed Project will be assessed as set out in the EIS Guidelines.
PNW LNG is evaluating a number of alternative designs and technologies for the proposed Project. The following criteria will be used to evaluate these alternatives.
Technical requirements to construct and operate the proposed Project, including related infrastructure
Economic feasibility of alternative technologies for construction and operation of the proposed Project, including associated infrastructure requirements
The potential effects of the alternative means.
A description of each alternative considered, and the methods and criteria used to evaluate each alternative will be included in the EIS/Application. The EIS/Application will assess the alternative options that are technically and economically feasible, and describe the rationale for selecting the preferred alternative.
2.5 Project Land Use The EIS/Application will:
Describe the land ownership and land use regime (for example, fee simple, Crown land, Indian Reservations, description of zoning, Agricultural Land Reserve designation, applicable Land and Resource Management Plans and other land use designations as applicable) including tenures, licenses, permits or other authorizations that would be potentially affected by the proposed Project, and report on the status of consultations with holders of such tenures and permits, and private land owners on resolving issues with tenure and permit holders.
Identify the Land and Resource Management Plans that the proposed Project overlaps, and list the relevant management objectives of the Land and Resource Management Plans (e.g., the PRPA 2020 Land Use Management Plan).
Identify existing and proposed management and monitoring programs or regional studies.
Identify other developments that may result in overlapping effects with the proposed Project.
Identify future developments that are reasonably foreseeable and sufficiently certain to proceed.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 2: Project Description
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
14
Current and planned First Nations land and marine use plans, policies, and agreements provided to PNW LNG from First Nations will be referenced in the EIS/Application.
2.6 Federal Scope of the Project The proposed Project is a designated project pursuant to the Regulations Designating Physical Activities under CEAA 2012. The proposed Project meets the criteria listed under subsections 2(a) and 14(d) under the Schedule of Physical Activities included in the Regulations Designating Physical Activities (SOR/2012-147) and amended in the Regulations Amending the Regulations Designating Physical Activities (2013), which state:
2(a) The construction, operation, decommissioning and abandonment of a fossil fuel-fired electrical generating station with a production capacity of 200 MW or more
14(d) The construction, operation, decommissioning and abandonment of a new facility for the liquefaction, storage or regasification of liquefied natural gas processing capacity of 3,000t/day or more a liquefied natural gas storage capacity of 55,000 t or more.
The proposed Project exceeds the threshold listed in subsection 2(a) as it would include fossil fuel fired electrical and/or mechanical power generation options that would exceed the 200 MW threshold. The proposed Project also exceeds the threshold listed in subsection 14(d). The proposed Project would include the construction of a natural gas liquefaction facility with, at full build-out, a processing capacity of 52,603 t/d and a combined LNG storage capacity of approximately 248,000 t (depending on density) for all three tanks.
The CEA Agency issued final Environmental Impact Statement Guidelines (EIS Guidelines) on October 30, 2013. Taken together, the EIS Guidelines and AIR describe how PNW LNG will meet both federal and provincial environmental assessment requirements through a coordinated review process, in an effective and efficient manner.
2.7 Provincial Scope of the Project The proposed Project meets the thresholds established for “reviewable projects” under BCEAA pursuant to Part 4 of the Reviewable Projects Regulation (see section 11 Order) because the proposed Project includes a new energy storage facility with the capability to store an energy resource in a quantity that can yield by combustion ≥ 3 PJ of energy.
2.8 Applicable Permits and Regulatory Approvals The EIS/Application will:
List anticipated applicable local, provincial, and federal licenses, permits and/or approvals required for the construction, operation and decommissioning of the proposed Project and the associated responsible regulatory agency
Indicate if a request for concurrent permitting is being requested under the BCEAA pursuant to the Concurrent Approval Regulation (BC Reg. 371/2002).
Pacific NorthWest LNG
Application Information Requirements Section 3: Summary of Engagement
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
15
3 SUMMARY OF ENGAGEMENT
3.1 Provincial and Federal Involvement and Issues Tracking The EIS/Application will include the following information: A list of federal and provincial agencies/departments/organizations likely to be involved in
the environmental assessment, and their anticipated or confirmed roles A list of applicable federal and provincial milestones, including, for example, issuance of
section 10 and 11 Orders, working group meetings, and public comment periods An issues tracking document that describes issues and concerns raised, and the degree to
which these issues are considered resolved or addressed by PNW LNG or other parties during the preparation of the AIR and the EIS/Application.
3.2 Aboriginal Groups Information Distribution and Consultation
The section 11 Order identifies the Aboriginal groups affected by the proposed Project that will be consulted at all stages of the EA process. The EIS/Application will summarize PNW LNG’s past and proposed consultation initiatives with these Aboriginal groups. The EIS/Application will include information on consultation initiatives done in accordance with the provisions set out in the section 11 Order, as well as those consultation activities completed prior to entering the BCEAA process. An aboriginal consultation summary will be prepared to report on comments received during consultation with Aboriginal groups and the degree to which issues are considered resolved or addressed by PNW LNG and other parties during the preparation of the AIR and the EIS/Application. The EIS/Application will include the Aboriginal Consultation Report which will summarize consultation activities with individual Aboriginal groups in accordance with the section 11 Order. The Consultation Report will be shared with each of the relevant Aboriginal groups for their review, prior to its inclusion in the EIS/Application. Where the proponent and Aboriginal groups do not agree on the content of the summary of consultation activities, these areas of difference will be noted. Information on issues raised by Aboriginal groups prior to submission of the EIS/Application will be identified and discussed in the EIS/Application, as appropriate. The EIS/Application will include a table that summarizes Aboriginal issues and concerns raised during the consultation process, and how these were addressed by PNW LNG or other parties.
3.3 Public and Agency Information Distribution and Consultation
The EIS/Application will include the following information: A summary of the consultations with public and other key stakeholders, federal, provincial
and local government agencies A description of the means of information distribution and consultation used during the
environmental assessment including:
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 3: Summary of Engagement
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
16
Public meetings and open houses
One-on-one meetings with interested parties
Publication of articles in the media, enclosures and community newspapers
Through interviews on local radio and television
Participation in community events
A summary of issues, concerns and interests identified during these consultations, and how these matters were addressed by PNW LNG or other parties.
3.3.1 Pre-Application Consultation
The EIS/Application will include the following information:
A report on consultations undertaken in the pre-application stage, covering both the preparation of the AIR and the EIS/Application, specifically:
A report on the consultations with public and other key stakeholders
A summary and/or report on the consultations with federal, provincial and local government representatives
An issues tracking document that identifies issues and concerns raised by the public and government agencies, and the degree to which these issues are considered resolved or addressed by the PNW LNG or other parties during the preparation of the AIR and the EIS/Application.
3.3.2 Consultation Planned During EIS/Application Review
The EIS/Application will include the following information:
A plan describing the public consultation program proposed for the EIS/Application review stage of the environmental assessment
A plan describing the proposed programs for consultation with government agencies
A description of the proposed methods and process to resolve outstanding issues.
Pacific NorthWest LNG
Application Information Requirements Section 4: Scope of Assessment and Methods
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
17
4 SCOPE OF ASSESSMENT AND METHODS The scope of the federal environmental assessment for the proposed Project is defined in the EIS Guidelines. The scope of the provincial environmental assessment for the proposed Project is defined in the section 11 Order as:
Potential adverse environmental, economic, social, heritage, and health effects of the proposed Project, including cumulative effects, and practicable means to avoid, minimize, or otherwise manage any such potential adverse effects
Potential adverse effects of the proposed Project on an Aboriginal Group's Aboriginal Interests, and, to the extent appropriate, ways to avoid, mitigate or otherwise accommodate such potential adverse effects.
With respect to those parts of the proposed Project located on PRPA lands, the section 11 Order states that the scope of the assessment will take into account the scope of the environmental assessment to be conducted by the CEA Agency and focus primarily on consideration of its potential effects beyond PRPA lands including, but not limited to, the following:
Management of greenhouse gas emissions
Management of solid, liquid and hazardous waste
Air and water quality
Odour, noise, visual quality, and aesthetics
Human health
Community health and wellness
Health and social services
Housing and accommodation
Infrastructure, services and utilities
Transportation and traffic
Emergency services and preparedness
Employment and local businesses
Local recreation
Tourism and commercial recreation
Commercial fishing and other marine uses
Archaeological and heritage resources
Introduction of invasive species
Wildlife, wildlife habitat, and ecosystems.
The scope of the assessment may be refined by the project assessment lead in the course of the environmental assessment, taking into account advice from the Working Group and the assessment to be conducted by the CEA Agency to avoid duplication.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 4: Scope of Assessment and Methods
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
18
4.1 Environmental Assessment Methods The assessment methods that will be used to prepare the EIS/Application are described in the following sections. These methods have been developed to meet the requirements of both CEAA 2012 and BCEAA in an effective and efficient manner. They are based on a structured approach which first identifies and assesses the potential project-specific effects and then the proposed Project’s potential contribution to cumulative effects. The scope of the proposed Project and the scope of the assessment will follow the requirements of the CEAA 2012 and BCEAA as set out in the EIS Guidelines and the section 11 Order.
In general, the effects assessment in the EIS/Application will describe the following steps:
1. Identification of potential issues and valued components (VCs) that are relevant to the proposed Project and the assessment
2. Establishment of assessment boundaries for each VC (spatial, temporal, technical, and administrative)
3. Description of the scope of assessment, including:
a. Regulatory/policy setting
b. Selection of potential effects
c. Measurable parameters and significance thresholds
d. Spatial, temporal, technical, and administrative boundaries
e. Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Use information, as available
f. Influence of consultation on the assessment
4. Description of baseline conditions
5. Assessment of project-specific effects including:
a. Identification of project interactions
b. Description of potential effects
c. Proposed mitigation of potential effects
d. Characterization of predicted residual effects
e. Significance prediction of likely residual effects
6. Assessment of cumulative effects:
a. Identification of past, present, and reasonably foreseeable projects or activities that would likely interact in a cumulative fashion with predicted residual project effects
b. Preliminary assessment of cumulative effects
c. Detailed assessment of the potential cumulative effects, where necessary
d. Mitigation of cumulative effects
e. Characterize predicted residual cumulative effects
f. Analyze significance of the proposed Project’s contribution to cumulative effects.
Pacific NorthWest LNG
Application Information Requirements Section 4: Scope of Assessment and Methods
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
19
4.1.1 Valued Components
VCs are aspects of the biophysical and human environment that if adversely affected by a proposed project, could be of concern to Aboriginal people, regulators, resource managers, scientists, or the general public. The VCs to be considered in the EIS/Application were finalized after consultation with members of the PNW LNG Working Group, input received from the public during the public comment period on the dAIR, and direction from BC EAO and the CEA Agency. The VC selection was also influenced by regulatory issues, guidelines, and the professional judgment of the assessment team.
The BC EAO guideline for the selection of valued components (BC EAO 2013) define Valued Components (VCs) as “components of the natural and human environment that are considered by the proponent, public, Aboriginal groups, scientists and other technical specialists, and government agencies involved in the assessment process to have scientific, ecological, economic, social, cultural, archaeological, historical or other importance”.
The proposed VCs were updated as feedback was received from BC EAO, the CEA Agency, members of the Working Group, and the public during the public comment period on the dAIR.
The EIS/Application will describe the rationale for selecting each candidate VC. Proposed VCs for the proposed Project are listed in Table 4. Table 5 lists each VC (along with subcomponents where applicable) and describes the potential adverse project effects and measurable parameters to be assessed for each VC. These VCs were identified with the aim of producing a comprehensive, concise, effective, and logical assessment that meets federal and provincial requirements, recognizing the likely concerns of Aboriginal groups and the public.
The following considerations were used to develop the VCs:
The EIS Guidelines
BC EAO’s Guidelines for the Selection of Valued Components and Assessment of Potential Effects
The VC must represent an aspect of one of the five “pillars” of BCEAA (environment, economic, social, heritage or health)
The VC must be a receptor and susceptible to adverse effects resulting from project-VC interactions
The nature of project-VC interactions must be clearly understood
Potential adverse effects on the VC must be meaningful and measurable
Potential adverse effects should be of concern to Aboriginal people, regulators, resource managers, scientists, and/or the general public
Discussions with technical experts and various provincial and federal agencies
Consultations with stakeholders and Aboriginal people
Review of and findings from recent studies or assessments in the region
Professional judgment based on experience of the assessment team
Benefits of grouping similar candidate VCs that are affected by the same or similar project effects under a common “umbrella” VC.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 4: Scope of Assessment and Methods
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
20
For some of the VCs, subcomponents have been proposed to focus the scope of assessment. Subcomponents are aspects of a VC that are used to assess the environmental, social, economic, heritage or health effects.
The EIS/Application will include subcomponents for the assessment of potential effects on marine resources and on current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes. The subcomponents for marine resources include fish and fish habitat and marine mammals. The subcomponents for the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes include harvested species, traditional use locations and access routes, and experience.
Based on the section 11 Order issued by BC EAO and the federal EIS guidelines issued by the CEA Agency, it is clear there are shared federal/provincial interests across many VCs. As a result, it is anticipated that federal and provincial technical experts will be providing input through their involvement in the Working Group to ensure that provincial and federal interests are being incorporated in an effective and efficient manner throughout the environmental assessment.
Pacific NorthWest LNG
Application Information Requirements Section 4: Scope of Assessment and Methods
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
21
Table 4: Valued Components and Rationale for Inclusion in the EIS/Application
Valued Component Included/ Excluded
Rationale for Inclusion/Exclusion in the EIS/Application
Environment
Air Quality Included The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 mandates the reporting of air emissions to the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI).
Operation of the proposed Project will result in air emissions.
Exceeding the BC and National Ambient Air Quality Objectives (AAQO) can negatively affect human and ecological health.
Greenhouse Gas Management
Included The Project will have emissions of CO2e.
The BC Government’s Reporting Regulation – Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Cap and Trade) Act, 2009 requires reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from BC facilities emitting 10,000 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per year.
The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 mandates the reporting of GHG emissions to the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI).
Acoustic Environment
Included The BC Oil and Gas Commission (BC OGC) requires compressor stations and other oil and gas facilities to meet the British Columbia Noise Control Best Practices Guideline (2009).
Health Canada recommends consideration of noise effects for assessments of projects subject to federal regulatory jurisdiction.
Ambient Light Included Construction and operation of the proposed Project will result in an increase in ambient light.
Vegetation and Wetland Resources
Included The Species at Risk Act (SARA) protects federally and provincially listed plant species on lands within federal jurisdiction.
The Federal Policy on Wetland Conservation promotes conservation of wetlands and wetland function within areas of federal jurisdiction.
Emissions of NO2 and SO2 have the potential to result in ecosystem acidification (directly through fumigation and indirectly through effects on soil).
Aboriginal groups are concerned with effects on plants that have traditional use and cultural importance.
Construction and operation of the proposed Project includes activities that could affect rare plants, rare plant communities, and would affect wetland ecosystems.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 4: Scope of Assessment and Methods
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
22
Valued Component Included/ Excluded
Rationale for Inclusion/Exclusion in the EIS/Application
Soils Excluded The Project is not located within an Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).
The soils affected by the project will be limited to the Project footprint. Standard industry practices for salvage and storage of topsoil will be undertaken and the Project will incorporate erosion and sediment control measures.
The effect on the quality of soils from potential acidification effects is being addressed under the vegetation VC because it is effects on vegetation that are the primary concern for soils acidification.
Terrestrial Wildlife and Marine Birds
Included The Migratory Birds Convention Act, SARA, and the Wildlife Act, provide protection to wildlife and specific wildlife habitats.
The Federal Policy on Wetland Conservation promotes conservation of the function of wetlands to provide wildlife habitat within areas of federal jurisdiction.
Aboriginal groups are concerned about effects on wildlife species that are hunted, trapped, or have cultural importance.
Construction and operation of the proposed Project includes activities that would result in effects on wildlife or wildlife habitat.
Freshwater Aquatic Resources
Included Recreational, commercial and aboriginal fisheries have significant value in BC.
The Fisheries Act regulates activities that may affect fish or fish habitat including introduction of barriers (s.20), modification of flows (s.20), permanent alteration or destruction of habitat (s.35), and deposition of deleterious substances (s.36).
SARA protects aquatic species.
There are 17 mapped watercourses on Lelu Island. Construction of the proposed Project could adversely affect fish and fish habitat.
Emissions of NO2 and SO2 have the potential to affect fish and fish habitat through changes in water quality from eutrophication or acidification of lakes.
Pacific NorthWest LNG
Application Information Requirements Section 4: Scope of Assessment and Methods
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
23
Valued Component Included/ Excluded
Rationale for Inclusion/Exclusion in the EIS/Application
Marine Resources Included Recreational, commercial and aboriginal fisheries have significant value in BC.
Aboriginal groups are concerned about potential effects on fish, marine mammals, shellfish, and seaweeds that are harvested or have cultural, ecological, or economic importance.
Marine components of the proposed Project include a bridge from Lelu Island to the mainland, a materials offloading facility, marine terminal (trestle supported jetty and berths), temporary facilities (e.g., a pioneer dock), and shipping LNG (between the terminal and Triple Island pilotage station).
The Fisheries Act regulates activities that may affect fish or fish habitat including permanent alteration or destruction of habitat (s.35), and deposition of deleterious substances (s.36).
In-water construction activities may result in increased sedimentation, alteration, or loss of fish habitat, and underwater noise.
The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 regulates disposal of dredged material at sea.
Water Quality Excluded Air and effluent emissions may affect freshwater and marine water quality; these potential effects will be assessed within the Freshwater Aquatic Resources and Marine Resources VCs.
Economic
Economic Environment
Included BCEAA requires consideration of adverse economic effects. The potential effects of the economy from Project construction and operation will be assessed.
Local and regional governments and businesses are concerned that Project demands for goods and services will have adverse effects on the regional economy.
Municipal, provincial, and federal governments are interested in economic effects of major projects.
Social
Navigation and Marine Resource Use
Included CEAA 2012 and BCEAA require consideration of adverse social effects.
The Navigable Waters Protection Act regulates activities that may restrict navigation of waterways.
Construction and operation of the proposed Project may alter navigation and cause recreational, commercial, industrial, or traditional users to alter use of marine resources in the vicinity of Lelu Island.
Infrastructure and Services
Included BCEAA requires consideration of adverse social effects.
Potential for in-migration of temporary and/or permanent populations leading to increased demand for regional infrastructure and services.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 4: Scope of Assessment and Methods
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
24
Valued Component Included/ Excluded
Rationale for Inclusion/Exclusion in the EIS/Application
Visual Quality Included BCEAA requires consideration of adverse social effects.
All levels of government and many stakeholders are interested in the potential change to visual quality in the area.
The proposed Project would be visible from viewpoints within the vicinity of Lelu Island and the shipping routes (between the terminal and Triple Island pilotage station).
Odour Excluded Odour will not be a concern for the proposed Project because the gas used will be ‘sales quality natural gas’ and therefore will contain only a small concentration of reduced sulphur compounds, including trace concentrations of H2S. Methyl mercapton is normally added to sales quality natural gas as an odorant in the upstream pipeline for safety reasons but this will only be odorous in the event of a pipeline gas leak upstream of the facility.
Community Health and Well Being
Included Proposed Project may directly and indirectly affect community health.
Proposed Project may affect country foods availability and quality.
Health
Human and Ecological Health
Included BCEAA requires consideration of adverse health effects.
Construction and operation of the proposed Project has the potential to affect air, soil, and marine sediment quality, which may provide a pathway for uptake of contaminants in humans and ecological species.
Heritage
Archaeological and Heritage Resources
Included Archaeological resources on the mainland are protected under the authority of the Heritage Conservation Act in British Columbia. Archaeological resources on Lelu Island are managed by PRPA.
BCEAA requires consideration of adverse effects on heritage resources.
Heritage and archaeological resources are important to Aboriginal people.
Culturally modified trees (including those which post-date 1846) provide a record of traditional use of the land by Aboriginal people.
Construction of the proposed Project will result in ground disturbance and/or tree removal and has the potential to impact archaeological sites.
First Nations and Aboriginal
Current Use of Lands and Resources for Traditional Purposes
Included CEAA 2012 requires consideration of effects on current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes by Aboriginal people.
Construction and operation of the proposed Project has the potential to affect current use of the area.
Pacific NorthWest LNG
Application Information Requirements Section 4: Scope of Assessment and Methods
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
25
Table 5: Valued Components, Sub-Components, Potential Adverse Project Effects and Measurable Parameters
Valued Component (and Sub-components where applicable)
Topics Addressed in VC Assessment
Potential Adverse Project Effects
Measurable Parameters
Environment
Air Quality Criteria Air Contaminants (facility and shipping)
Change in criteria air contaminant concentration levels within 15 km of the proposed Project; including Port Edward and Prince Rupert.
Concentrations of criteria air contaminants (CACs):
SO2, NO2, PM2.5, PM10, CO, VOCs and H2S.
Greenhouse Gas Management
Greenhouse Gases Emission of GHG gases (CO2, CH4, N2O, PFCs, HFCs, SF6)
Anticipated GHG emissions in relation to current provincial GHG emission levels and federal and provincial policies and targets for GHG reduction
Acoustic Environment Sound levels (facility and shipping)
Increase in ambient sound levels
Overall equivalent continuous A-weighted sound level
A-weighted Day (dBA, Ld)
A-weighted Night (dBA, Ln)
A-weighted Day-Night levels (dBA, Ldn)
Ambient Light Light levels from the facility
Change in ambient light Light spill- Light output from the proposed Project
Glare- The contrast between project lighting and background lighting
Sky glow- The ratio of upward directed light to total light
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 4: Scope of Assessment and Methods
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
26
Valued Component (and Sub-components where applicable)
Topics Addressed in VC Assessment
Potential Adverse Project Effects
Measurable Parameters
Vegetation and Wetland Resources
Plant species at risk Ecological communities at
risk Wetlands and wetland
function Old forest Non-native invasive
species Traditional use plant
species
Change in abundance of plant species of interest
Estimated number of plants from the species of interest affected
Change in abundance or condition of ecological communities of interest
Area of ecological communities of interest affected (measured in hectares)
Change in wetland functions Area of wetland affected (measured in hectares)
Terrestrial Wildlife and Marine Birds
Species at risk
Migratory birds
Traditional use species
Change in habitat Change in amount of habitat (quantified in hectares) of ecological communities and/or high or moderate suitable habitat identified for Endangered or Threatened SARA-listed species
Change in wildlife mortality risk
Qualitative estimate of increased wildlife mortality from the Project
Alteration of wildlife movements
Change in movement patterns related to placement of project infrastructure
Freshwater Aquatic Resources
Fish and fish habitat Change in (permanent alteration or destruction of) fish habitat
Area of fish habitat permanently altered or destroyed (measured in square metres)
Increased fish mortality Estimated number of dead and moribund fish that are linked to a commercial, recreational or aboriginal fishery
Change in food and nutrient content
Relative contribution of freshwater water output of the watercourses on Lelu Island compared to the output of the Skeena River
Pacific NorthWest LNG
Application Information Requirements Section 4: Scope of Assessment and Methods
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
27
Valued Component (and Sub-components where applicable)
Topics Addressed in VC Assessment
Potential Adverse Project Effects
Measurable Parameters
Marine Resources
(Fish and fish habitat, marine mammals)
Fish species that support or are part of a commercial, recreational or Aboriginal fishery (e.g., salmon, eulachon)
Fish habitat (e.g., eelgrass)
Marine species at risk
Sediment quality
Underwater noise
Change in (permanent alteration or destruction of) fish habitat
Area of fish habitat permanently altered or destroyed (measured in square metres)
Increased fish mortality and injury of fish or marine mammals
Probability of injuring or killing marine mammals, or fish that are linked to a commercial, recreational or aboriginal fishery
Change in behaviour of fish or marine mammals due to pressure waves or underwater noise
Timing, duration, and intensity of underwater sound levels
Change in water and sediment quality
Estimated change in total suspended solids and concentration of contaminants
Economic
Economic Environment Key economic indicators
Cost of living
Labour market
Goods and services
Change in labour supply/demand within the LAA
Labour availability (persons)
Skill levels
Adverse changes to economic activity
Change in economic activity of other sectors
Adverse changes to municipal finances
Municipal revenue
Cost of services
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 4: Scope of Assessment and Methods
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
28
Valued Component (and Sub-components where applicable)
Topics Addressed in VC Assessment
Potential Adverse Project Effects
Measurable Parameters
Social
Navigation and Marine Resource Use
Project Infrastructure
Marine traffic
Aboriginal, commercial and recreational fisheries.
Coastal recreation and tourism
Anchorages
Interference with marine navigation
Magnitude and duration of effect on navigation
Effects on fishing, recreation and marine use (including marine tourism)
Change in number and types of marine vessels as a result of the proposed Project (vessels/month)
Attribute data on marine uses along shipping channel (i.e., fishing, aquaculture)
Recreational activities/destinations overlapping with project infrastructure and project shipping channels (between the terminal and Triple Island pilotage station)
Infrastructure and Services
Housing and accommodations
Emergency response services
Community recreational resources
Traffic (roads, air and rail)
Transportation infrastructure
Domestic water supply
Sewage and water treatment facilities
Solid waste collection and disposal
Recycling facilities
Effects on community services and infrastructure
Number of workers and their dependents for each phase
Change in demographic composition
Demand and supply of community infrastructure and services (e.g., education, social services, etc.)
Parameters based on infrastructure and services affected (e.g., police officers/1,000 people)
Effects on traffic and pressure on transportation infrastructure
Daily traffic volume (vehicle/day)
Air traffic
Traffic incidents in Port Edward and Prince Rupert
Change in housing availability and affordability
Housing supply and demand (units)
Housing cost
Pacific NorthWest LNG
Application Information Requirements Section 4: Scope of Assessment and Methods
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
29
Valued Component (and Sub-components where applicable)
Topics Addressed in VC Assessment
Potential Adverse Project Effects
Measurable Parameters
Visual Quality
Visual condition (facility and shipping)
Change in visual quality Change in existing visual condition
Change in visual quality objective class
Change in landscape attributes contributing to visual sensitivity.
Community Health and Well-being
Health infrastructure and services
Community and family cohesion
Community health Health equity Demographic
composition Diet and nutrition
(related to country foods)
Change to social determinants of health
Population (demographics, rate of change) Education, employment and income Housing Community cohesion Physical and mental health conditions (e.g., drug and
alcohol use, divorce rates, increased gambling, etc.) Supply and demand of health infrastructure and
services Demand associated with physical health Demand associated with mental health Demand associated with health and safety site
inspections Recreation opportunities
Change in diet and nutrition Change in the composition of diets (proportion of country foods to market foods)
Health
Human and Ecological Health
Air Quality Country foods
Change in human health Concentration ratio (non-cancer health risks from inhalation or drinking water exposure)
Hazard Quotient (non-cancer health risks from food/dermal exposure)
Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (cancer risks from long-term exposure via inhalation or oral/dermal exposure)
Change in ecological health Risk Quotient (health risks to populations from long-term exposure via oral/dermal pathways; or health risks to community based on concentration in exposure medium)
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 4: Scope of Assessment and Methods
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
30
Valued Component (and Sub-components where applicable)
Topics Addressed in VC Assessment
Potential Adverse Project Effects
Measurable Parameters
Heritage
Archaeological and Heritage Resources
Culturally modified trees (CMTs)
Historic sites
Archaeological sites
Alteration or destruction of heritage sites
Number damaged or destroyed
Alteration or destruction of archaeological sites
Number damaged or destroyed
Alteration or destruction of culturally modified trees (CMTs)
Number damaged or destroyed
First Nations and Aboriginal
Current Use of Lands and Resources for Traditional Purposes
(Harvested species, traditional use locations and access routes, experience)
Harvested species
Traditional use locations, access routes, and marine harvesting areas
Experience using lands and resources for traditional purposes
Changes to current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes by Aboriginal people
Quantitative changes in preferred harvested species
Changes in, or restrictions on, preferred identified harvesting methods
Quantity and quality of identified valued traditional use locations and access corridors where use or access to those locations is changed
Quantity, quality, and accessibility of similar alternate locations where traditional use of the land and resources remains unaffected by the proposed Project
Qualitative changes in the experience of using the land and resources for traditional purposes
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 4: Scope of Assessment and Methods
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
32
4.1.2 Assessment Boundaries
4.1.2.1 Temporal Boundaries
Temporal boundaries identify when an effect may occur in relation to specific project phases and activities. Based on the current proposed Project schedule, the temporal boundaries for the assessment are:
Construction: 2015 – 2018
Operations: 2019 – 2048+
Decommissioning: 2048+
Since the life span of the proposed Project is expected to exceed 30 years and depends on the supply of natural gas, information on effects from decommissioning and abandonment will be at a conceptual level and in accordance with the lease with the PRPA.
4.1.2.2 Spatial Boundaries
Local Assessment Area Boundaries
The spatial boundaries for each VC will include the geographic extent within which the potential environmental effects of the proposed Project are expected to be measurable. The local assessment areas (LAAs) used to assess the direct effects on each VC are listed below (see Table 6). The factors considered in defining the spatial boundaries were:
Scope of the proposed Project and scope of the assessment defined in the EIS Guidelines
The local and regional biophysical and socio-economic conditions
Available traditional use information and traditional knowledge
Available technical or scientific information
Social considerations.
For the environmental, heritage and health components of the assessment, the LAAs encompass the area in which both the project-related environmental effects can be predicted or measured with a level of confidence that allows for assessment, and there is a reasonable expectation that those effects could be significant. The LAAs for the economic and social components include the area where Project effects may interact with the socio-economic environment at a level where the effects could be significant. LAA boundaries are depicted in Figures 4 to 7.
Pacific NorthWest LNG
Application Information Requirements Section 4: Scope of Assessment and Methods
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
33
Table 6: Local Assessment Area Boundaries
Valued Component
Local Assessment Area Boundary and Rationale
Air Quality The Guidelines for Air Quality Dispersion Modelling in British Columbia (BC MOE 2008) recommend that project effects representing 10% of the ambient air quality objective for the criteria air contaminants should be captured within the modelling domain. For all criteria air contaminants, the USEPA recommended CALPUFF air dispersion model usually determines this threshold to be within a distance of 10 km from the center of the facility footprint boundary for similar projects. To accommodate this recommendation the LAA for the air quality assessment will be a minimum of 30 km by 30 km square centered on the facility. The LAA may be modified to accommodate modelling results.
Greenhouse Gas Management
The boundaries for greenhouse gas management will be administrative. It will be assessed within the frameworks established by applicable provincial and federal greenhouse gas policy and legislation (i.e., those that apply to the oil and gas sector).
Acoustic Environment
The British Columbia Noise Control Best Practices Guideline (BC OGC 2009) recommends that nighttime sound levels from industrial facilities not exceed 40 dBA at a distance of 2 km from the facility or at the nearest receptor, whichever is closer.
To ensure acoustic emissions from the facility are fully characterized at various points of reception, the LAA is the area within 2 km of the proposed Project fence line and the shipping routes (between the terminal and Triple Island pilotage station).
Ambient Light Ambient light emissions from the proposed Project may affect individuals living in the community of Port Edward. The LAA for ambient light includes the area within 8 km of the proposed Project.
Vegetation and Wetland Resources
The LAA for the assessment of potential effects to vegetation and wetland resources includes Lelu Island, Stapledon Island (up to the landward edge of the high tide mark) the portion of the mainland southwest of Skeena drive across from Lelu and Stapledon Island
Terrestrial Wildlife and Marine Birds
The LAA for the assessment of terrestrial wildlife includes Lelu Island and extends 1.5 km from Lelu Island and includes a 500 m buffer around the marine terminal. The LAA for the assessment of terrestrial wildlife includes Lelu Island and extends 1.5 km from Lelu Island and includes a 500 m buffer around the marine terminal. To account for potential effects from shipping, the LAA extends 2 km on both sides of the potential shipping routes between the marine terminal and Triple Island pilotage station.
Freshwater Aquatic Resources
The freshwater aquatic resources LAA includes the watercourses on Lelu and Stapledon Island potentially affected by the proposed Project.
Marine Resources The LAA for marine resources will include the Project development area, the potential shipping routes (between the terminal and Triple Island pilotage station), plus a 10 km buffer on both sides of the potential shipping routes to assess potential effects of underwater noise.
Economic Environment
The LAA for the economic environment assessment consists of the communities within the mainland portion of the Skeena Queen Charlotte Regional District. This represents a large area where effects of the proposed Project may overlap with effects of other projects and activities in the area.
Navigation and Marine Resource Use
The LAA for navigation and marine resource use will include the Prince Rupert Port Authority boundary and the waters extending 10 km from both sides of the potential shipping routes (between the terminal and Triple Island pilotage station).
Infrastructure and Services
Infrastructure and services that could be affected by the proposed Project include those within the District of Port Edward and the city of Prince Rupert and Highway 16 up to and including the Terrace airport. These are most likely to be affected by the proposed Project.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 4: Scope of Assessment and Methods
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
34
Valued Component
Local Assessment Area Boundary and Rationale
Visual Quality The LAA spatial boundary includes viewpoints within 8 km of Lelu Island and the potential shipping routes (between the terminal and Triple Island pilotage station).
Community Health and Well-being
The LAA for the community health and well-being will include the following communities: Metlakatla, Lax Kw’alaams, Gitxaala, the District of Port Edward and the city of Prince Rupert.
Human and Ecological Health
The LAA for human and ecological health is a 30 km x 30 km square area centered on the facility on Lelu Island. The LAA includes the area where potential effects to human and ecological health could occur from chemical changes to the environment, and increased noise and ambient light levels.
Archaeological and Heritage Resources
The LAA spatial boundaries for the archaeological and heritage resources assessment will be the area of ground disturbance (including pre-construction site clearing) within the proposed Project development area on Lelu Island, Stapledon Island, and the portion of the mainland southwest of Skeena drive across from Lelu and Stapledon Island
Current Use of Lands and Resources for Traditional Purposes
The LAA for the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes will include the maximum extent of the LAA for air quality, marine resources, and human and ecological health.
Regional Assessment Area Boundaries
The RAAs for each VC are listed below (see Table 6). Factors considered in defining the spatial boundaries for each selected VC were the same as those for the LAAs; however, the RAA covers a larger area that establishes the context for the determination of significance of project-specific effects. It is also the area within which project-specific effects overlap with other activities (past, present, and reasonably foreseeable), and is consequently the area for which the Project’s contribution to cumulative effects is assessed. The RAA boundaries are depicted in Figures 8 to 11.
Table 7: Regional Assessment Area Boundaries
Valued Component Regional Assessment Area Boundary and Rationale
Air Quality To encompass baseline air quality and emissions from regional facilities that could interact with the proposed Project’s emissions, the RAA for the air quality assessment is established as a minimum of 50 km by 50 km domain centered on the facility footprint. The RAA may be adjusted to address modelling results.
Greenhouse Gas Management
As the assessment for carbon management is based on administrative boundaries, there will not be a cumulative effects assessment for this VC.
Acoustic Environment To encompass sound emissions that may emanate from surrounding facilities and interact with those from the proposed Project, the RAA for the assessment of sound quality is a buffer that extends 5 km from the LNG facility fence line and within 2 km of the potential shipping routes (between the terminal and Triple Island pilotage station). Because of the noise limits established by the BC OGC’s guidelines, sound emissions beyond this distance are not expected to result in cumulative effects.
Ambient Light To encompass light emissions from the surrounding facilities that may interact with the proposed Project, the RAA includes the portion of the viewshed greater than 8 km from the proposed Project site.
Vegetation and Wetland Resources
The RAA for vegetation and wetland resources is the Kaien Landscape Unit of the Central and North Coast Ministerial Order. This landscape unit includes similar ecosystems to those found within the LAA.
Pacific NorthWest LNG
Application Information Requirements Section 4: Scope of Assessment and Methods
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
35
Valued Component Regional Assessment Area Boundary and Rationale
Terrestrial Wildlife and Marine Birds
The RAA for the assessment of terrestrial wildlife is the Kaien Landscape Unit of the Central and North Coast Ministerial Order. This landscape unit includes wildlife and wildlife habitat similar to that found within the LAA. The marine component of the RAA includes the Prince Rupert Port Authority boundary and the waters extending 10 km to either side of the potential shipping route from the marine terminal to the Triple Island Pilotage Station.
Freshwater Aquatic Resources
The RAA for freshwater aquatic resources includes the waters within Chatham Sound that are influenced by freshwater from the Skeena and Nass Rivers (as defined by data from Trites 1956).
Marine Resources The RAA for marine resources will include the Project development area, potential shipping routes (between the terminal and Triple Island pilotage station), plus a 10 km buffer on either side of the potential shipping routes to assess potential effects of underwater noise.
Economic Environment
The RAA for the economic environment consists of the communities within the mainland portion of the Skeena Queen Charlotte Regional District. This represents a large area where effects of the proposed Project may overlap with effects of other projects and activities in the area.
Navigation and Marine Resource Use
The RAA for navigation and marine resource use will include the PRPA Boundary and the waters extending 10 km to either side of the potential shipping routes from the marine terminal to the Triple Island Pilotage Station.
Infrastructure and Services
The RAA for infrastructure and services consists of the communities within the mainland portion of the Skeena Queen Charlotte Regional District and Highway 16 up to and including Terrace Airport.
Visual Quality For visual quality, the RAA includes the portion of the viewshed greater than 8 km from the proposed Project site.
Community Health and Well-being
The RAA for community health and well-being consists of the communities within the mainland portion of the Skeena Queen Charlotte Regional District.
Human and Ecological Health
The RAA for human and ecological health is a 50 km x 50 km square area centered on the facility on Lelu Island. The RAA addresses the area where potential project and cumulative effects to human and ecological health could occur from chemical changes to the environment, and increased noise and ambient light levels.
Archaeological and Heritage Resources
The RAA spatial boundaries for the archaeological and heritage resources assessment will the same as the LAA which is the area of ground disturbance (including pre-construction site clearing) within the proposed project development area.
Current Use of Lands and Resources for Traditional Purposes
The RAA for the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes assessment encompasses the maximum extent of the RAAs for marine resources, air quality, and human and ecological health.
4.1.2.3 Administrative and Technical Boundaries
Where relevant, the EIS/Application will identify the administrative and technical boundaries for the selected VCs. Administrative boundaries might include specific aspects of provincial and federal regulatory requirements, as well as regional planning initiatives that are relevant to the assessment of the Project’s effects on a specific VC. Administrative boundaries are sometimes selected to establish spatial boundaries based on changes in regulatory requirements. Technical boundaries might include limitations in information, data analyses, and data interpretation relevant to a particular VC.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 4: Scope of Assessment and Methods
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
36
4.1.3 Baseline Conditions
For each VC, the EIS/Application will include a description of baseline conditions. Key elements of this approach will include:
Requirements set out in the EIS Guidelines
Appending and/or referencing existing reports and documents as appropriate
Collecting, analyzing and presenting data following appropriate provincial or federal standards (e.g., Resource Information Standards Committee)
Providing rationale for the selection of sampling sites and analytical parameters, as appropriate
Discussing the quality and reliability of these data sources and how they are used to support the assessment
Incorporating available traditional knowledge (TK) into the EIS/Application, in addition to information collected through field studies, surveys, and other research methods
Describing field and laboratory methods, along with any quality assurance and quality control measures applied
Reference to any relevant provincial, regional or local land use and management plans (e.g., the PRPA 2020 Land Use Management Plan).
4.1.4 Assessment of Project-Specific Effects
4.1.4.1 Identification of Project Interactions
A key step of the environmental assessment will be to identify meaningful interactions between project activities or emissions and each of the selected VCs included in the AIR. If (as part of this first step) any VCs identified for inclusion in Table 4 are considered to be excluded from the environmental assessment, PNW LNG will seek the views of BC EAO prior to removal. The intent of this project interaction analysis is to identify where the higher risk interactions occur and focus the effects assessments on these interactions. The framework for the interactions matrix is provided in Table 8. Lower risk interactions will not be carried forward into the effects assessment/analysis.
Pacific NorthWest LNG
Application Information Requirements Section 4: Scope of Assessment and Methods
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
37
Table 8: Potential for Substantive/Meaningful Project-Environment Interactions
Project Activities and Physical Works
Air
Qu
alit
y
Gre
enh
ou
se G
as
Man
agem
ent
Aco
ust
ic E
nvi
ron
men
t
Am
bie
nt
Lig
ht
Fre
shw
ater
Aq
uat
ic
Res
ou
rces
Mar
ine
Res
ou
rce
s
Ter
rest
rial
Wild
life
and
M
arin
e B
ird
s
Veg
etat
ion
an
d W
etla
nd
R
eso
urc
es
Eco
no
mic
En
viro
nm
ent
Nav
igat
ion
an
d M
arin
e R
eso
urc
e U
se
Vis
ual
Qu
alit
y
Infr
astr
uct
ure
an
d
Ser
vice
s
Arc
hae
olo
gic
al a
nd
H
erit
age
Res
ou
rces
Hu
man
an
d E
colo
gic
al
Hea
lth
Co
mm
un
ity
Hea
lth
an
d
Wel
l B
ein
g
Cu
rren
t U
se o
f L
and
s fo
r T
rad
itio
nal
Pu
rpo
ses
Construction
Site Preparation (land-based)
Onshore Construction
Vehicle Traffic
Dredging
Marine Construction
Waste Management and Disposal
Disposal at Sea
Operational Testing and Commissioning
Site Clean Up and Reclamation
Operation LNG Facility and Supporting Infrastructure on Lelu Island
Marine Terminal Use
Shipping (between the terminal and Triple Island pilotage station)
Waste Management and Disposal
Fish Habitat Compensation
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 4: Scope of Assessment and Methods
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
38
Project Activities and Physical Works
Air
Qu
alit
y
Gre
enh
ou
se G
as
Man
agem
ent
Aco
ust
ic E
nvi
ron
men
t
Am
bie
nt
Lig
ht
Fre
shw
ater
Aq
uat
ic
Res
ou
rces
Mar
ine
Res
ou
rce
s
Ter
rest
rial
Wild
life
an
d
Mar
ine
Bir
ds
Veg
etat
ion
an
d W
etla
nd
R
eso
urc
es
Eco
no
mic
En
viro
nm
ent
Nav
igat
ion
an
d M
arin
e R
eso
urc
e U
se
Vis
ual
Qu
alit
y
Infr
astr
uct
ure
an
d
Ser
vice
s
Arc
hae
olo
gic
al a
nd
H
erit
age
Res
ou
rces
Hu
man
an
d E
colo
gic
al
Hea
lth
Co
mm
un
ity
Hea
lth
an
d
Wel
l B
ein
g
Cu
rren
t U
se o
f L
and
s fo
r T
rad
itio
nal
Pu
rpo
ses
Wetland Habitat Compensation
Decommissioning
Dismantling Facility and Supporting Infrastructure
Dismantling of Marine Terminal
Waste Disposal
Site Clean Up and Reclamation
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 4: Scope of Assessment and Methods
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
39
4.1.4.2 Potential Effects of the Project
For each VC, the mechanisms whereby specific project activities and actions are anticipated to result in effects on the biophysical and human environment will be described. Where possible, the spatial and temporal extent of these anticipated changes (i.e., where and when an effect might occur) will also be described.
4.1.4.3 Mitigation
Mitigation is defined as “any practical means or measures taken to avoid, minimize, restore on-site, compensate, or offset the potential adverse effects of a project” (BC EAO 2013). These changes may be in the temporal or spatial aspects of the proposed Project and/or the means in which the proposed Project will be constructed, operated, or decommissioned. Mitigation can also include specialized measures such as habitat compensation, replacement, transplant and timing considerations.
Mitigation measures that will reduce or eliminate an adverse effect will be described for each VC, with an emphasis on how these measures will help alter the effect. Where possible, the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measure(s) will be expressed in terms of the expected change in the measurable parameter(s) for the effect. In some cases, mitigation may include monitoring programs to verify results or to monitor effectiveness of mitigation measures. A description of the mitigation measures that have already been incorporated into the site selection and design of the proposed Project will be provided in the Project Description section of the EIS/Application. These measures will not be reiterated in the VC assessments.
4.1.4.4 Characterization of Residual Effects
The following criteria will be used to characterize the residual effects for each VC. These criteria will be described quantitatively or qualitatively. Definitions will be provided when qualitative terms are used.
Context - refers primarily to the sensitivity and resilience of the VC. Consideration of context draws heavily on the description of existing conditions of the VC, which reflect cumulative effects of other projects and activities that have been carried out, and information about the impact of natural and human-caused trends on the condition of the VC. Project effects may be greater if they occur in areas or regions that:
Have already been adversely affected by human activities (i.e., disturbed or undisturbed); and/or
Are ecologically fragile and have little resilience to imposed stresses (i.e., fragile).
Magnitude - refers to the expected size or severity of the residual effect. Low magnitude effects may have negligible to little effect, while high magnitude effects may have a substantial effect.
Extent - refers to the spatial scale over which the residual effect is expected to occur.
Duration - refers to the length of time the residual effect persists. The duration of an effect can be short term or longer term.
Reversibility - whether or not the residual effect on the VC can be reversed once the physical work or activity causing the disturbance ceases.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 4: Scope of Assessment and Methods
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
40
Frequency - refers to how often the residual effect occurs and is usually closely related to the frequency of the physical work or causal disturbance resulting in the residual effect.
The characterization of residual project effects for each VC will be presented in a summary table (see Table 9).
Table 9: Summary of Residual Project Effects
Project Phase Proposed Mitigation Measures
Residual Effects Rating Criteria
Lik
elih
oo
d
Sig
nif
ican
ce
Co
nfi
den
ce
Follow-up and Monitoring
Co
nte
xt
Mag
nit
ud
e
Ext
ent
Du
rati
on
Rev
ersi
bili
ty
Fre
qu
ency
Effect #1
Construction
Operation
Decommissioning
Residual Project Effects for all Phases
Effect #2
Construction
Operation
Decommissioning
Residual Project Effects for all Phases
Effect #3
Construction
Operation
Decommissioning
Residual Project Effects for all Phases
4.1.4.5 Likelihood
Likelihood refers to whether or not a residual effect is likely to occur. This may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as the likelihood of a causal disturbance occurring or the likelihood of mitigation being successful. The likelihood of a residual effect occurring will be described for each effect, and along with the characterization of the effects, will contribute toward a determination of significance where appropriate.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 4: Scope of Assessment and Methods
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
41
4.1.4.6 Determination of Significance
A conclusion on the significance of any residual project effects will be provided for each VC. Where possible, threshold criteria or management standards will be identified beyond which a residual effect is considered significant. Standards are recognized government or industry regulations or objectives for physical aspects such as air quality, water quality, or effluent release. These thresholds reflect the limits of an acceptable state for an environmental component based on resource management objectives, community standards, scientific literature, or ecological processes (e.g., maintenance of important wildlife habitat areas). Where standards or thresholds do not exist, significance criteria will be defined and justifications for the criteria will be provided. The EIS/Application will clearly indicate how or whether consideration of likelihood has influenced the determination of significance.
4.1.4.7 Confidence and Risk
The level of confidence will be provided for in each prediction which is typically based on expert judgment, and should characterize the level of uncertainty associated with both the significance and likelihood determinations. A characterization of level of uncertainty will be provided for each significance determination based on scientific information, statistical analysis, professional judgment, effectiveness of mitigation, and assumptions made. This will include consideration of the confidence and risk associated with the effectiveness of proposed mitigation measures. A description will be provided of any inherent risk associated with that prediction should risk exist. Any follow-up measures to reduce uncertainty will be described in the follow-up program described in Section 4.3.
4.1.5 Summary of Residual Effects
A summary of residual effects and their significance, based on Table 9 will be provided for each VC.
4.2 Assessment of Cumulative Effects The focus of the detailed cumulative effects assessment is on the incremental effect directly attributable to the proposed Project on the VC. The cumulative effects assessment considers the baseline effects that have resulted or are resulting from other past physical works and activities. Then, the cumulative contribution of the residual environmental effects of the proposed Project is considered. Finally, the cumulative contribution of other known and announced projects and activities (as determined by the project inclusion list [see Table 9]) is considered.
4.2.1 Project Inclusion List
The cumulative effects assessment will focus on the incremental effect on VCs that are directly attributable to the proposed Project. The cumulative contribution of all past, present, and reasonably foreseeable (those that are likely to occur) projects listed in Table 10 will be considered. Future projects and activities considered in the cumulative effects assessment will be restricted to those that:
Have been publicly announced with a defined project execution period and with sufficient project details for assessment
Are currently undergoing an environmental assessment
Are in a permitting process.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 4: Scope of Assessment and Methods
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
42
The list of projects that will be considered in the cumulative effects assessment is provided below (see Table 10). New reasonably-foreseeable projects are those proposed following finalization of the AIR, but prior to submission of the EIS/Application, and will be discussed with the BC EAO to determine if inclusion is required.
Table 10: Preliminary Project Inclusion List
Project Description
Atlin Terminal The Atlin Terminal is a tourism center/dock for small ships in Prince Rupert. It is currently in operation.
Canpotex Potash Export Terminal
The Canpotex Potash Export Terminal and Rail, Road, and Utilities Loop is an approved project. This project is currently in the permitting stage.
CN Rail Line The CN rail line is currently in operation.
Douglas Channel LNG The Douglas Channel LNG Project is a proposed floating LNG export facility located near Kitimat.
Enbridge Northern Gateway Project
This is a proposed oil export terminal in Kitimat.
Fairview Container Terminal Phase I
The Fairview Container Terminal is a conversion from a bulk and break-bulk terminal to an intermodal container terminal. This is currently operational.
Fairview Container Terminal Phase II
This is the container terminal expansion to Phase I of the Project. It is approved and is in the permitting stage.
Kitimat LNG Terminal Project This is a proposed LNG export facility on Bish Cove, south of Kitimat.
LNG Canada Project This is a proposed LNG export facility in the District of Kitimat.
Pinnacle Pellet Inc. Wood pellet transfer (pellets brought in from Houston, BC), export (to Asia), and storage facility on Ridley Island.
Mount McDonald Wind Power Project
This wind energy project has an environmental assessment certificate but has not proceeded into the permitting or development phase.
NaiKun Wind Energy Project The cable landing for this offshore wind energy project is in the Prince Rupert Area. This wind energy project has an environmental assessment certificate but has not proceeded into the permitting or development phase.
Northland Cruise Terminal The cruise ship terminal is operational.
Odin Seafood This commercial seafood packaging facility is operational.
Prince Rupert LNG Facility This is a proposed LNG export facility on Ridley Island.
Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Project
This is the proposed incoming pipeline to supply natural gas directly to PNW LNG Project.
Prince Rupert Ferry Terminal This ferry terminal for BC Ferries and Alaska Ferries is operational.
Prince Rupert Industrial Park This industrial area containing a saw mill, car manufacturer facility, car mechanics shop is operational.
Prince Rupert Grain Limited This grain storage and handling terminal is operational.
Ridley Island Log Sort This dry land log sort is operational.
Ridley Terminals Inc. This coal, petroleum coke, wood pellets storage, and handling terminal is operational.
Rio Tinto Alcan Aluminium Smelter and Modernization Project
This is an approved project for a modernized facility to be updated and expanded the facilities smelter by 2014.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 4: Scope of Assessment and Methods
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
43
Project Description
WatCo Pulp Mill This project is for the proposed reuse of Skeena/China Cellulose pulp mill that is currently not operational – would ship metallurgical coal, grain, potash and other commodities.
Westcoast Connector Gas Transmission Project
This is the proposed incoming pipeline to supply natural gas directly to proposed Prince Rupert LNG Project.
4.2.2 Cumulative Effects Assessment
The EIS/Application cumulative effects assessment will focus on the incremental effect on VCs that are directly attributable to the proposed Project. The cumulative contribution of other known and announced projects and activities identified in Table 10 will be considered. Cumulative effects will be considered for each VC that is shown to have residual effects. The residual cumulative effects will be characterized and evaluated using the same criteria and significance thresholds established for the project-specific effects. Not all residual effects will contribute to measurable cumulative effects.
The cumulative effects assessment proceeds on an effect by effect basis, with a two-step process to determine the potential for cumulative effects on each VC. The first step consists of two questions:
Is there a project residual effect?
Does the project residual effect overlap spatially and temporally with the effects of other past, present or reasonably foreseeable future projects?
Where the answers to both of these two questions are affirmative there is potential for the Project to contribute to cumulative effects on a VC and the potential contribution of these project effects to cumulative effects is assessed. The second step consists of one question:
Is there a reasonable expectation that the contribution (i.e., addition) of the project’s residual effects would cause a change in cumulative effects that could affect the quality or sustainability of the VC?
Where the answer to this question is affirmative, additional assessment of the potential cumulative effects is described.
4.2.3 Description of Cumulative Effects
The EIS/Application will describe the mechanisms whereby the effects from the proposed Project interact with those from other projects and activities in the RAA are described for each VC. Where possible, the spatial and temporal extent of these anticipated changes (i.e., where and when an effect might occur) will also be described. Where possible, the cumulative effects will be quantified in terms of the degree of change in the measurable parameter(s) and the spatial and temporal extent of these changes (i.e., where and when the interactions between the project residual effects and the residual effects of other projects and activities are expected to occur).
4.2.4 Mitigation of Cumulative Effects
Measures available to PNW LNG to reduce any identified potentially adverse project cumulative effects will be described for each effect, including a discussion of how these measures might modify the characteristics of an effect. Mitigation measures that would require government action or a broader industry approach will be briefly identified but not discussed in detail.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 4: Scope of Assessment and Methods
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
44
4.2.5 Characterization of Residual Cumulative Effects
Residual cumulative effects, after application of the mitigation measures, will be described. Where practical, the residual cumulative effects will be characterized by context, magnitude, extent, duration, reversibility, and frequency. The focus will be on the incremental effect directly attributable to the proposed Project.
4.2.6 Determination of Significance of Cumulative Effects
The EIS/Application will include a determination of the significance of the residual cumulative effects using the same standards or thresholds established for the effects on individual VCs. As with significant residual effects (Section 4.1.4.4), determination of significance for cumulative effects will include discussion of how likelihood has contributed to the determination, where appropriate. The determination of significance will also include a discussion of the confidence and risk based on:
Scientific certainty relative to quantifying or estimating the effect, including the quality and/or quantity of data and the understanding of the effect mechanisms
Scientific certainty relative to the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures
Professional judgement from prior experience including tried and true mitigation measures.
Higher confidence in all three variables produces greater confidence in the effect predictions, assessment of significance, and the selection of mitigation measures.
4.3 Follow-Up Program The EIS/Application will identify and develop any proposed follow-up programs to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment predictions and/or determine the effectiveness of any mitigation measures.
StephensIsland
PorcherIsland
SmithIsland
KaienIsland
DigbyIsland
MelvilleIsland
DuniraIsland
BaronIsland
LucyIslands
C h a t h a mS o u n d
TripleIsland
Work Channel
KennedyIsland
Ferry Route
KinahanIslands
RachaelIslands
LeluIsland
Prince
Rupert Harbour
AlwynLake GAMBLE CREEK
ECOLOGICALRESERVE
See Inset Map
GeorgetownMills
DIANALAKE PARK
Prince RupertPort AuthorityBoundary
DianaLake
Metlakatla
PrinceRupert
PortEdward
PorcherIslandHunts
Inlet
TUGWELLISLAND 21
TUCKINLET 89
AVERYISLAND 92
S 1/2TSIMPSEAN 2
SQUADEREE 91
RUSHTONISLAND 90
EDYE 93
LAXKW'ALAAMS 1
BURNTCLIFF
ISLANDS 20
FAR WESTPOINT 34
GITXAALA NIILUUTIKSM/KITKATLA
LAX KWAXL/DUNDASAND MELVILLE
ISLANDS
LUCYISLANDS
KSGAXL/STEPHENSISLANDS
LAX KWAXL/DUNDASAND MELVILLE
ISLANDS
KENNEDYISLAND
SKEENABANK
WOODWORTHLAKE
16
380000
380000
390000
390000
400000
400000
410000
410000
420000
420000
5990
000
5990
000
6000
000
6000
000
6010
000
6010
000
6020
000
6020
000
6030
000
6030
000
6040
000
6040
000
2/17/2
014 -
11:41
:36 AM
V:
\activ
e\123
1105
37\gi
s\figu
res\ap
plica
tion_
inform
ation
_repo
rt\mxd
s\eng
lish\f
ig_12
3110
537-2
82_b
iolog
ical_l
aas.m
xd
Biological LocalAssessment Areas (LAAs)
Pacific NorthWest LNG
DATE:
DRAWN BY:
PROJECTION:DATUM:CHECKED BY:
PREPARED BY:
PREPARED FOR:
FIGURE NO:
4
Sources: Government of British Columbia; Prince Rupert Port Authority; Government ofCanada, Natural Resources Canada, Centre for Topographic Information; ProgressEnergy Canada Ltd.Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the dataused to generate this product or in the product itself, users of these data are advised thaterrors in the data may be present.
FIGURE ID:
Biological LocalAssessment Areas (LAAs)
Marine ResourcesVegetation and Wetland Resources& Freshwater Aquatic ResourcesTerrestrial Wildlife andMarine BirdsPotential ShippingRouteProject Component
Turning Basin
Airport
Pilotage StationElectrical PowerTransmission LineFerry Route
Highway
Railway
Secondary Road
Watercourse
Indian ReservePrince Rupert PortAuthority BoundaryProtected Area
Waterbody
0 5 10 15 km
17-FEB-14123110537-282K. POLL A. POMEROY
UTM - ZONE 9NAD 83
1:300,000
LeluIsland
StapledonIsland
RidleyIsland
KitsonIsland
Port Edward
INSET MAP1:125,000
StephensIsland
PorcherIsland
SmithIsland
KaienIslandDigby
Island
MelvilleIsland
DuniraIsland
BaronIsland
DundasIsland
LucyIslands
C h a t h a mS o u n d
TripleIsland
Work Channel
KennedyIslandFe
rry R
oute
KinahanIslands
RachaelIslands
LeluIsland
PrinceRupert
Harbour
AlwynLake GAMBLE CREEK
ECOLOGICALRESERVE
SkeenaRiver
ECSTALL-SPOKSUUT
DIANALAKE PARK Diana
Lake
WoodworthLakeShawatlan
Lake
TUGWELLISLAND 21
S 1/2TSIMPSEAN 2
LAX KW'ALAAMS 1
Metlakatla
PrinceRupert
PortEdward
Osland
PorcherIsland
HuntsInlet
Haysport
Oona River
GeorgetownMills
GITXAALA NIILUUTIKSM/KITKATLA
ECSTALL-SPOKSUUT
SKEENABANK
KENNEDYISLAND
WOODWORTHLAKE
KSGAXL/STEPHENSISLANDS
16
380000
380000
390000
390000
400000
400000
410000
410000
420000
420000
430000
4300005970
000
5970
000
5980
000
5980
000
5990
000
5990
000
6000
000
6000
000
6010
000
6010
000
6020
000
6020
000
6030
000
6030
000
6040
000
6040
000
2/17/2
014 -
11:43
:00 AM
V:
\activ
e\123
1105
37\gi
s\figu
res\ap
plica
tion_
inform
ation
_repo
rt\mxd
s\eng
lish\f
ig_12
3110
537-2
83_p
hysic
al_laa
s.mxd
Physical EnvironmentLocal Assessment Areas (LAAs)
Pacific NorthWest LNG
DATE:
DRAWN BY:
PROJECTION:DATUM:CHECKED BY:
PREPARED BY:
PREPARED FOR:
FIGURE NO:
5
Sources: Government of British Columbia; Prince Rupert Port Authority; Government ofCanada, Natural Resources Canada, Centre for Topographic Information; ProgressEnergy Canada Ltd.Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the dataused to generate this product or in the product itself, users of these data are advised thaterrors in the data may be present.
FIGURE ID:
Physical EnvironmentLocal Assessment Areas (LAAs)
Acoustic EnvironmentAir QualityAmbient LightPotential ShippingRouteProject Component
AirportPilotage StationElectrical PowerTransmission LineFerry RouteHighwayRailwayRiver or Stream
Secondary RoadIndian ReservePrince Rupert PortAuthority BoundaryProtected AreaWaterbody
0 5 10 15 km
17-FEB-14123110537-283K. POLL A. POMEROY
UTM - ZONE 9NAD 83
1:350,000
StephensIsland
PorcherIsland
SmithIsland
KaienIsland
MelvilleIsland
DuniraIsland
BaronIsland
DundasIsland
RachaelIslands
C h a t h a mS o u n d
TripleIsland
Work Channel
KennedyIsland
Ferry Route
Lelu Island
WILSKASKAMMEL 14
See Inset Map
Kitkatla
Skeena River
SKEENABANK
SKEENABANK
GAMBLECREEKECOLOGICALRESERVEDIANA
LAKEPARK
KHUTZEYMATEENPARK
Lax Kw'alaams
GeorgetownMills
Metlakatla
PrinceRupert
PortEdward
Haysport
Osland
PorcherIslandHunts
Inlet
OonaRiver
PortEssington
DOLPHINISLAND 1
TUGWELLISLAND 21
AVERYISLAND 92
S 1/2TSIMPSEAN 2
KLAPTHLON 5/5A
PA-AAT 6
KEYARKA 17
SQUADEREE 91
LAXKW'ALAAMS 1
ENSHESHESE 13TOON 15
FINLAYSONISLAND 19
BURNT CLIFFISLANDS 20
DUNDASISLAND 32B
CHANNELISLANDS 33
FAR WESTPOINT 34
NISHANOCKNAWNAK 35
KASIKA 36
KNAMADEEK 52
ENSHESHESE 53NDAKDOLK 54
MAGANKTOON 56
SPANAKNOK 57
MEYANLOW 58
SPAYAKS 60
16
GITXAALA NIILUUTIKSM/KITKATLA
ECSTALL-SPOKSUUT
SKEENABANK
KHUTZEYMATEENINLET
GUNBOATHARBOUR
KENNEDYISLAND
KTS'MKTA'ANI/UNION LAKE
LAX KWAXL/DUNDASAND MELVILLE
ISLANDS
KHYEX
PA-AAT
WOODWORTHLAKE
LUCYISLANDS
ZUMTELA BAY
KSGAXL/STEPHENSISLANDS
370000
370000
380000
380000
390000
390000
400000
400000
410000
410000
420000
420000
430000
430000
440000
440000
5960
000
5960
000
5970
000
5970
000
5980
000
5980
000
5990
000
5990
000
6000
000
6000
000
6010
000
6010
000
6020
000
6020
000
6030
000
6030
000
6040
000
6040
000
2/17/2
014 -
12:04
:10 PM
V:
\activ
e\123
1105
37\gi
s\figu
res\ap
plica
tion_
inform
ation
_repo
rt\mxd
s\eng
lish\f
ig_12
3110
537-2
84_h
uman
_env
ironm
ent_l
aas_
set1.
mxd
Human Environment (Set 1 of 2)Local Assessment Areas (LAAs)
Pacific NorthWest LNG
DATE:
DRAWN BY:
PROJECTION:DATUM:CHECKED BY:
PREPARED BY:
PREPARED FOR:
FIGURE NO:
6
Sources: Government of British Columbia; Prince Rupert Port Authority; Government ofCanada, Natural Resources Canada, Centre for Topographic Information; ProgressEnergy Canada Ltd.Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the dataused to generate this product or in the product itself, users of these data are advised thaterrors in the data may be present.
FIGURE ID:
Human EnvironmentLocal Assessment Areas (LAAs)
Current Use of Lands andResources forTraditional PurposesArchaeological andHeritage ResourcesHuman and Ecological HealthNavigable Waters andMarine Resource UsePotential ShippingRoute
Project Component
Turning Basin
Airport
Pilotage StationElectrical PowerTransmission LineFerry Route
Highway
Railway
Watercourse
Indian ReservePrince Rupert PortAuthority BoundaryProtected Area
Waterbody
0 5 10 15 20 km
17-FEB-14123110537-284K. POLL A. POMEROY
UTM - ZONE 9NAD 83
1:450,000
LeluIsland
StapledonIsland
RidleyIsland
KitsonIsland
Port Edward
1:100,000Inset Map
H e c a t eS t r a i t
Kitkatla
UNITED STATESCANADA
LAXKW'ALAAMS 1
DundasIsland
StephensIsland
PorcherIsland
BanksIsland
MarkleIsland
McCauleyIsland
Pacific NorthWestLNG Project
Skeena RiverSee InsetMap
LaxKw'alaams
Georgetown Mills
MetlakatlaPrinceRupert
Haysport
PorcherIslandHunts
InletOonaRiver
Sandspit
Aero
Kincolith Mill Bay Greenville
Rosswood
Terrace
Rosswood
Kitselas
Usk
Pacific
Dorreen
Cedarvale
Kitimat
KitamaatVillage
Kildala Arm
Hartley Bay
BYERS/CONROY/HARVEY/SINNETTISLANDS ECOLOGICAL RES
NAIKOONPARK
FOCH -GILTTOYEES
PARK
GITNADOIKSRIVERPARK
KHUTZEYMATEENPARK
GWAII HAANASNATIONALPARKRESERVEAND HAIDAHERITAGE SITE
DOLPHINISLAND 1
BANKSNII
LUUTIKSM
GITXAALANII LUUTIKSM/
KITKATLA
K'MOODA/LOWE-GAMBLE
K'NABIYAAXL/ASHDOWNLAX KA'GAAS/
CAMPANIA
LAX KUL NIILUUTIKSM/BONILLA
LAX KWILDZIIDZ/FIN
MOKSGM'OL/CHAPPLE-- CORNWALL
MONCKTONNII LUUTIKSM
ALTY
ETHELDABAY-TENNANT
ISLAND
K'DISTSAUSK/TURTLE POINT
KTISGAIDZ/MACDONALD BAY
MAXTAKTSM'AA/UNION PASSAGE
STAIR CREEKK'WAAL
BISHOPBAY-MONKEY
BEACH
ECSTALLHEADWATERS
ECSTALL-SPOKSUUT
ECSTALL-SPARKLING
SKEENABANK
KHTADALAKE
KHUTZEYMATEENINLET
KENNEDYISLAND
KSI X'ANMAAS
KTS'MKTA'ANI/UNIONLAKE
LAX KWAXL/DUNDAS AND
MELVILLE ISLANDS
KHYEX
PA-AAT
WOODWORTHLAKE
MANZANITACOVE
KSGAXL/STEPHENS
ISLANDS
THULMEFALLS
WINTER INLET
WALESHARBOUR
KLEWNUGGIT
KITASOOSPIRIT BEAR
KT'II/RACEY
K'LGAAN/KLEKANE
Q'ALTANAASAALTANHASH
K'OOTZ/KHUTZE
CRABLAKE
EUROPALAKE
3716
16
113350000
350000
400000
400000
450000
450000
500000
500000
550000
550000
5850
000
5850
000
5900
000
5900
000
5950
000
5950
000
6000
000
6000
000
6050
000
6050
000
2/17/2
014 -
12:11
:48 PM
V:
\activ
e\123
1105
37\gi
s\figu
res\ap
plica
tion_
inform
ation
_repo
rt\mxd
s\eng
lish\f
ig_12
3110
537-4
26_h
uman
_env
ironm
ent_l
aas_
set2.
mxd
Human Environment (Set 2 of 2)Local Assessment Areas (LAAs)
Pacific NorthWest LNG
DATE:
DRAWN BY:
PROJECTION:DATUM:CHECKED BY:
PREPARED BY:
PREPARED FOR:
FIGURE NO:
7
Sources: Government of British Columbia; Prince Rupert Port Authority; Government ofCanada, Natural Resources Canada, Centre for Topographic Information; ProgressEnergy Canada Ltd.Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the dataused to generate this product or in the product itself, users of these data are advised thaterrors in the data may be present.
FIGURE ID:
Project LocationHuman EnvironmentLocal Assessment Areas (LAAs)
Community Healthand Well BeingEconomic Environment
Infrastructure and Services
Visual QualityPotential ShippingRoute
Project ComponentAirportPilotage StationElectrical PowerTransmission LineHighwayInternationalBoundaryRailwayWatercourse
Indian ReserveProtected AreaUnited Statesof AmericaWaterbody
0 20 40 60 km
17-FEB-14123110537-426K. POLL A. POMEROY
UTM - ZONE 9NAD 83
1:1,250,000
16
Skeena RiverSmithIsland
LeluIsland
16
S 1/2TSIMPSEAN 2
LAXKW'ALAAMS 1
Metlakatla PrinceRupert
PortEdward
Haysport
Inset Map1:750,000
StephensIsland
PorcherIsland
SmithIsland
MelvilleIsland
DuniraIsland
BaronIsland
DundasIsland
C h a t h a mS o u n d
TripleIsland
Work Channel
KennedyIsland
Ferry Route
Lelu Island
Skeena River
UNITED STATESCANADA
Portland
Inlet
KLEWNUGGIT INLETMARINE PARK
H e c a t eS t r a i t
FINLAYSONISLAND 19
SKEENABANK
GAMBLECREEKECOLOGICALRESERVE
DIANALAKE PARK
KHUTZEYMATEENPARK
16
Lax Kw'alaams
GeorgetownMills
Metlakatla
PrinceRupert
PortEdward
HaysportOsland
PorcherIsland
HuntsInlet
OonaRiver
Port Essington
Kitkatla
DOLPHINISLAND 1
S 1/2TSIMPSEAN 2
KLAPTHLON 5/5A
PA-AAT 6
KEYARKA 17
SQUADEREE 91
EDYE 93
LAXKW'ALAAMS 1
TYMGOWZAN 12
ENSHESHESE 13
WILSKASKAMMEL 14
TOON 15
SPAKELS 17
BIRNIEISLAND 18
KASIKSRIVER 29
UNION BAY 31
PRINCELEBOO
ISLAND 32
ZAYASISLAND 32A
DUNDASISLAND
32BCHANNELISLANDS 33
FAR WESTPOINT 34
NISHANOCKNAWNAK 35
KASIKA 36BILL LAKE 37
KNAMES 45/46
NDAKDOLK 54
MAGANKTOON 56
SPANAKNOK 57
SPAYAKS 60 KSAGWISGWAS 62
KSAGWISGWAS 63KYEX 64
IMKUSIYAN 65
IAKVAS 68
GITXAALA NIILUUTIKSM/KITKATLA
ALTY
ECSTALL-SPOKSUUT
ECSTALL-SPARKLING
SKEENABANK
KHTADALAKE
KHUTZEYMATEENINLET
GUNBOATHARBOUR
KENNEDYISLAND
KSI X'ANMAAS
KTS'MKTA'ANI/UNION LAKELAX KWAXL/DUNDAS
AND MELVILLEISLANDS
KHYEX
PA-AAT
WOODWORTHLAKE
MANZANITACOVE
ZUMTELABAY
KSGAXL/STEPHENS
ISLANDS
THULME FALLS
WINTERINLET
WALESHARBOUR
KLEWNUGGIT
365000
365000
380000
380000
395000
395000
410000
410000
425000
425000
440000
440000
455000
455000
5955
000
5955
000
5970
000
5970
000
5985
000
5985
000
6000
000
6000
000
6015
000
6015
000
6030
000
6030
000
6045
000
6045
000
6060
000
6060
000
6075
000
6075
000
2/17/2
014 -
12:14
:19 PM
V:
\activ
e\123
1105
37\gi
s\figu
res\ap
plica
tion_
inform
ation
_repo
rt\mxd
s\eng
lish\f
ig_12
3110
537-2
85_b
iolog
ical_r
aas.m
xd
Biological RegionalAssessment Areas (RAAs)
Pacific NorthWest LNG
DATE:
DRAWN BY:
PROJECTION:DATUM:CHECKED BY:
PREPARED BY:
PREPARED FOR:
FIGURE NO:
8
Sources: Government of British Columbia; Prince Rupert Port Authority; Government ofCanada, Natural Resources Canada, Centre for Topographic Information; ProgressEnergy Canada Ltd.Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the dataused to generate this product or in the product itself, users of these data are advised thaterrors in the data may be present.
FIGURE ID:
Biological RegionalAssessment Areas
Freshwater AquaticResourcesMarine ResourcesTerrestrial Wildlife andMarine BirdsVegetation and WetlandResourcesPotential ShippingRoute
Project ComponentAirportPilotage StationElectrical PowerTransmission LineFerry RouteHighwayRailwayWatercourse
Indian ReserveProtected AreaWaterbody
0 10 20 30 km
17-FEB-14123110537-285K. POLL A. POMEROY
UTM - ZONE 9NAD 83
1:650,000
StephensIsland
PorcherIsland
SmithIsland
KaienIsland
DigbyIsland
MelvilleIsland
DuniraIsland
BaronIsland
DundasIsland
C h a t h a mS o u n d
TripleIsland
Work Channel
KennedyIsland
Ferry Route
Lelu Island
WILSKASKAMMEL 14
KLEWNUGGITINLET MARINE PARK
H e c a t eS t r a i t
Skeena River
Kitkatla
SKEENABANK
GAMBLECREEKECOLOGICALRESERVE
DIANALAKE PARK
KHUTZEYMATEENPARK
Lax Kw'alaams
GeorgetownMills
MetlakatlaPrinceRupert
PortEdward
HaysportOsland
PorcherIslandHunts
Inlet
OonaRiver
PortEssington
DOLPHINISLAND 1
TUGWELLISLAND 21
S 1/2TSIMPSEAN 2
KLAPTHLON 5/5A
PA-AAT 6
KEYARKA 17
SQUADEREE 91
LAXKW'ALAAMS 1
ENSHESHESE 13TOON 15
FINLAYSONISLAND 19
BURNT CLIFFISLANDS 20
DUNDASISLAND 32B
CHANNELISLANDS 33
FAR WESTPOINT 34 NISHANOCKNAWNAK 35
KASIKA 36
KNAMADEEK 52
NDAKDOLK 54
MAGANKTOON 56
SPANAKNOK 57
MEYANLOW 58
SPAYAKS 60 KSAGWISGWAS 62
KSAGWISGWAS63
KYEX 64
16
GITXAALA NIILUUTIKSM/KITKATLA
ECSTALL-SPOKSUUT
ECSTALL-SPARKLING
SKEENABANK
KHUTZEYMATEENINLET
GUNBOATHARBOUR
KENNEDYISLAND
KTS'MKTA'ANI/UNION LAKELAX KWAXL/DUNDAS
AND MELVILLEISLANDS
KHYEX
PA-AAT
WOODWORTHLAKE
LUCYISLANDS
ZUMTELABAY
KSGAXL/STEPHENS
ISLANDS
THULMEFALLS
KLEWNUGGIT
BANKS NII LUUTIKSM
UNITED STATESCANADA
KSI X' ANMAAS
WALESHARBOUR MANZANITA
COVE
SKEENABANK
350000
350000
365000
365000
380000
380000
395000
395000
410000
410000
425000
425000
440000
440000
455000
455000
5940
000
5940
000
5955
000
5955
000
5970
000
5970
000
5985
000
5985
000
6000
000
6000
000
6015
000
6015
000
6030
000
6030
000
6045
000
6045
000
6060
000
6060
000
2/17/2
014 -
12:10
:44 PM
V:
\activ
e\123
1105
37\gi
s\figu
res\ap
plica
tion_
inform
ation
_repo
rt\mxd
s\eng
lish\f
ig_12
3110
537-2
86_p
hysic
al_raa
s.mxd
Physical EnvironmentAssessment Areas (RAAs)
Pacific NorthWest LNG
DATE:
DRAWN BY:
PROJECTION:DATUM:CHECKED BY:
PREPARED BY:
PREPARED FOR:
FIGURE NO:
9
Sources: Government of British Columbia; Prince Rupert Port Authority; Government ofCanada, Natural Resources Canada, Centre for Topographic Information; ProgressEnergy Canada Ltd.Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the dataused to generate this product or in the product itself, users of these data are advised thaterrors in the data may be present.
FIGURE ID:
Physical EnvironmentRegional Assessment Areas (RAAs)
Acoustic EnvironmentAir QualityAmbient LightPotential ShippingRouteProject Component
AirportPilotage StationElectrical PowerTransmission LineFerry RouteHighwayInternationalBoundaryRailway
WatercourseIndian ReserveProtected AreaUnited Statesof AmericaWaterbody
0 10 20 30 km
17-FEB-14123110537-286K. POLL A. POMEROY
UTM - ZONE 9NAD 83
1:650,000
StephensIsland
PorcherIsland
SmithIsland
MelvilleIsland
DuniraIsland
BaronIsland
DundasIsland
C h a t h a mS o u n d
TripleIsland
Work Channel
KennedyIsland
Ferry Route
Lelu Island
Skeena River
UNITED STATESCANADA
KLEWNUGGIT INLETMARINE PARK
H e c a t eS t r a i t
FINLAYSONISLAND 19
SKEENABANK
See Inset Map
GAMBLECREEKECOLOGICALRESERVE
DIANALAKE PARK
KHUTZEYMATEENPARK
16
Lax Kw'alaams
GeorgetownMills
Metlakatla
PrinceRupert
PortEdward
HaysportOsland
PorcherIsland
HuntsInlet
OonaRiver
Port Essington
KitkatlaDOLPHINISLAND 1
S 1/2TSIMPSEAN 2
KLAPTHLON 5/5A
PA-AAT 6
KEYARKA 17
SQUADEREE 91
EDYE 93
LAXKW'ALAAMS 1
TYMGOWZAN 12
ENSHESHESE 13
WILSKASKAMMEL 14
TOON 15
SPAKELS 17
BIRNIEISLAND 18
KASIKSRIVER 29
UNION BAY 31
PRINCELEBOO
ISLAND 32
ZAYASISLAND 32A
DUNDASISLAND
32BCHANNELISLANDS 33
FAR WESTPOINT 34 NISHANOCKNAWNAK 35
KASIKA 36BILL LAKE 37
NDAKDOLK 54
MAGANKTOON 56
SPANAKNOK 57
SPAYAKS 60 KSAGWISGWAS 62
KSAGWISGWAS 63
KYEX 64
IMKUSIYAN 65
IAKVAS 68
GITXAALA NIILUUTIKSM/KITKATLA
ALTY
ECSTALL-SPOKSUUT
ECSTALL-SPARKLING
SKEENABANK
KHTADALAKE
KHUTZEYMATEENINLET
GUNBOATHARBOUR
KENNEDYISLAND
KSI X'ANMAAS
KTS'MKTA'ANI/UNION LAKELAX KWAXL/DUNDAS
AND MELVILLEISLANDS
KHYEX
PA-AAT
WOODWORTHLAKE
ZUMTELABAY
KSGAXL/STEPHENS
ISLANDS
THULME FALLS
WALESHARBOUR
16
365000
365000
380000
380000
395000
395000
410000
410000
425000
425000
440000
440000
455000
4550005940
000
5940
000
5955
000
5955
000
5970
000
5970
000
5985
000
5985
000
6000
000
6000
000
6015
000
6015
000
6030
000
6030
000
6045
000
6045
000
2/17/2
014 -
12:13
:50 PM
V:
\activ
e\123
1105
37\gi
s\figu
res\ap
plica
tion_
inform
ation
_repo
rt\mxd
s\eng
lish\f
ig_12
3110
537-2
87_h
uman
_env
ironm
ent_r
aas_
set1.
mxd
Human Environment (Set 1 of 2)Regional Assessment Areas (RAAs)
Pacific NorthWest LNG
DATE:
DRAWN BY:
PROJECTION:DATUM:CHECKED BY:
PREPARED BY:
PREPARED FOR:
FIGURE NO:
10
Sources: Government of British Columbia; Prince Rupert Port Authority; Government ofCanada, Natural Resources Canada, Centre for Topographic Information; ProgressEnergy Canada Ltd.Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the dataused to generate this product or in the product itself, users of these data are advised thaterrors in the data may be present.
FIGURE ID:
Human EnvironmentRegional Assessment Areas (RAAs)
Current Use of Landsand Resources forTraditional PurposesArchaeological andHeritage ResourcesHuman and Ecological HealthNavigable Waters andMarine Resource UsePotential ShippingRoute
Project Component
Turning Basin
Airport
Pilotage StationElectrical PowerTransmission LineFerry Route
Highway
Railway
Watercourse
Indian ReservePrince Rupert PortAuthority BoundaryProtected Area
Waterbody
0 5 10 15 20 km
17-FEB-14123110537-287K. POLL A. POMEROY
UTM - ZONE 9NAD 83
1:550,000
LeluIsland
StapledonIsland
RidleyIsland
KitsonIsland
C h a t h a mS o u n d
Port Edward
Inset Map1:100,000
H e c a t eS t r a i t
Kitkatla
UNITED STATESCANADA
LAXKW'ALAAMS 1
DundasIsland
StephensIsland
PorcherIsland
BanksIsland
MarkleIsland
McCauleyIsland
Pacific NorthWestLNG Project
Skeena River
LaxKw'alaams
Georgetown Mills
MetlakatlaPrinceRupert
Haysport
PorcherIslandHunts
Inlet
OonaRiver
Sandspit
Aero
Kincolith Mill Bay Greenville
Rosswood
Terrace
Rosswood
Kitselas
Usk
Pacific
Dorreen
Cedarvale
Kitimat
KitamaatVillage
Kildala Arm
Hartley Bay
BYERS/CONROY/HARVEY/SINNETTISLANDS ECOLOGICAL RES
NAIKOONPARK
FOCH -GILTTOYEES
PARK
GITNADOIKSRIVERPARK
KHUTZEYMATEENPARK
GWAII HAANASNATIONALPARKRESERVEAND HAIDAHERITAGE SITE
DOLPHINISLAND 1
BANKSNII
LUUTIKSM
GITXAALANII LUUTIKSM/
KITKATLA
K'MOODA/LOWE-GAMBLE
K'NABIYAAXL/ASHDOWNLAX KA'GAAS/
CAMPANIA
LAX KUL NIILUUTIKSM/BONILLA
LAX KWILDZIIDZ/FIN
MOKSGM'OL/CHAPPLE-- CORNWALL
MONCKTONNII LUUTIKSM
ALTY
ETHELDABAY-TENNANT
ISLAND
K'DISTSAUSK/TURTLE POINT
KTISGAIDZ/MACDONALD BAY
MAXTAKTSM'AA/UNION PASSAGE
STAIR CREEKK'WAAL
BISHOPBAY-MONKEY
BEACH
ECSTALLHEADWATERS
ECSTALL-SPOKSUUT
ECSTALL-SPARKLING
SKEENABANK
KHTADALAKE
KHUTZEYMATEENINLET
KENNEDYISLAND
KSI X'ANMAAS
KTS'MKTA'ANI/UNIONLAKE
LAX KWAXL/DUNDAS AND
MELVILLE ISLANDSKHYEX
PA-AAT
WOODWORTHLAKE
MANZANITACOVE
KSGAXL/STEPHENS
ISLANDS
THULMEFALLS
WINTER INLET
WALESHARBOUR
KLEWNUGGIT
KITASOOSPIRIT BEAR
KT'II/RACEY
K'LGAAN/KLEKANE
Q'ALTANAASAALTANHASH
K'OOTZ/KHUTZE
CRABLAKE
EUROPALAKE
37
16
16
113
350000
350000
400000
400000
450000
450000
500000
500000
550000
550000
5850
000
5850
000
5900
000
5900
000
5950
000
5950
000
6000
000
6000
000
6050
000
6050
000
6100
000
6100
000
2/17/2
014 -
12:11
:10 PM
V:
\activ
e\123
1105
37\gi
s\figu
res\ap
plica
tion_
inform
ation
_repo
rt\mxd
s\eng
lish\f
ig_12
3110
537-4
27_h
uman
_env
ironm
ent_r
aas_
set2.
mxd
Human Environment (Set 2 of 2)Regional Assessment Areas (RAAs)
Pacific NorthWest LNG
DATE:
DRAWN BY:
PROJECTION:DATUM:CHECKED BY:
PREPARED BY:
PREPARED FOR:
FIGURE NO:
11
Sources: Government of British Columbia; Prince Rupert Port Authority; Government ofCanada, Natural Resources Canada, Centre for Topographic Information; ProgressEnergy Canada Ltd.Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the dataused to generate this product or in the product itself, users of these data are advised thaterrors in the data may be present.
FIGURE ID:
Project LocationHuman EnvironmentRegional Assessment Areas (RAAs)
Community Health and Well Being& Economic EnvironmentInfrastructure and ServicesVisual QualityPotential ShippingRoute
AirportPilotage StationElectrical PowerTransmission LineHighwayInternationalBoundaryRailwayWatercourse
Indian ReserveProtected AreaUnited Statesof AmericaWaterbody
0 20 40 60 km
17-FEB-14123110537-427K. POLL A. POMEROY
UTM - ZONE 9NAD 83
1:1,250,000
16
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 5: Existing Environment
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
53
5 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT The existing biophysical and human environment will be described as set out in the EIS Guidelines.
The EIS/Application will include a general description of the existing biophysical and human environment including the surrounding regional area. Project-specific studies will be described in detail within baseline conditions section of each VC chapter.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 6: Air Quality
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
54
6 AIR QUALITY
6.1 Introduction The EIS/Application will introduce the air quality assessment, describe the rationale for selecting air quality as a VC and identify linkages to other sections of the EIS/Application. Air quality refers to the ambient environment in the vicinity of the proposed Project site. Interactions between the proposed Project and ambient air quality are expected because of the air contaminant contributions to the receiving environment that would occur during construction and operation phases. Results from the air quality assessment will also inform the vegetation, wildlife, freshwater aquatic, and health assessments.
6.2 Scope of Assessment The air quality assessment will focus on the emissions sources (routine and abnormal) associated with the proposed Project, including the construction and operation of the LNG facility, marine terminal, associated infrastructure, and shipping activities (between the terminal and Triple Island pilotage station). The EIS/Application will include a description of legislation, guidelines, best management practices, and guidance documents that are relevant to management of air quality.
The Guidelines for Air Quality Dispersion Modeling in British Columbia (BC MOE 2008) recommends that project effects representing 10% of the ambient air quality objective for the criteria air contaminants should be captured within the modeling domain. For all criteria air contaminants, results of the CALPUFF air dispersion model will determine the distance of this threshold from the center of the LNG facility. Usually the threshold is reached within 10 km from the center of the LNG facility. However, to ensure Prince Rupert is included within the assessment area, the LAA for the air quality assessment is a 30 km by 30 km square centered on Lelu Island. The RAA is a 50 km by 50 km square centered on the LNG facility. The LAA and RAA will be adjusted as needed depending on the model results.
The assessment will also define technical boundaries that include limitations in scientific information, data analyses, and interpretation.
6.3 Baseline Conditions Baseline conditions will be described as set out in the EIS Guidelines. The EIS/Application will provide the following information to characterize current conditions:
Regional climate
Baseline ambient air quality.
The dispersion modeling technical data report will be included as an Appendix to the EIS/Application. It will include the following details:
Existing regional facilities and their emissions
Project-related emissions
Dispersion modeling of selected substances of interest for base, project, and application (base + project) cases.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 6: Air Quality
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
55
6.4 Effects Assessment The effects assessment will be completed according to the methods outlined in the EIS Guidelines and described in Section 4.1.4 of this document. This will include:
Analytical methods
Assessment of potential effects
Mitigation
Characterization of residual effects
Determination of significance.
Table 11 provides a summary of the potential effects of the proposed Project on air quality that will be considered in the assessment and the measurable parameters that will be used to quantify these effects. The measurable parameters used to assess potential effects are based on criteria air contaminants listed in the BC and Canada regulatory ambient air quality objectives.
Information from dispersion modeling will be used to facilitate the assessment of potential acidification of ecosystems (see Section 10). A screening level assessment will be completed and carried forward if a full acidification assessment is required.
Table 11: Potential Effects on Air Quality
Potential Adverse Effects Measurable Parameters
Increase in criteria air contaminant concentration levels within 15 km of the proposed Project; including Port Edward and Prince Rupert.
Concentrations of criteria air contaminants (CACs):
SO2, NO2, PM2.5, PM10, CO, VOCs and H2S.
6.5 Cumulative Effects The EIS/Application will identify the foreseeable future projects that may affect the regional air quality. A cumulative effects assessment will include the:
Methods and rationale used to identify these other developments
Descriptions of any potential adverse effects to air quality resulting from these developments.
The effects of the future cases will be aggregated with the proposed Project and baseline cases to assess the cumulative effects within the RAA. The significance of predicted potential cumulative effects and the proposed Project contribution to cumulative effects will then be assessed using the methods outlined in Section 4.2.
6.6 Conclusion This section of the EIS/Application will include a brief summary of the predicted residual effects and cumulative effects of the proposed Project on air quality and a conclusion on the significance of these effects.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 7: Greenhouse Gas Management
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
56
7 GREENHOUSE GAS MANAGEMENT
7.1 Introduction The EIS/Application will introduce the greenhouse gas management section and describe the rationale for its inclusion in the EIS/Application. GHG management refers to the measurement and management of GHGs, namely CO2, CH4, N2O, PFCs, HFCs and SF6 emitted from the facility. The proposed Project’s GHG emissions of concern will be quantified for the construction and operation phase of the Project.
7.2 Scope of Assessment The GHG management section will focus on the emission sources associated with the Project construction and operation of the natural gas liquefaction process. The EIS/Application will include a description of legislation, guidelines, best management practices, and guidance documents that are relevant to GHG management. The EIS/Application will discuss anticipated GHG emissions of the proposed Project in relation to federal and provincial policies and targets for GHG reduction, such as British Columbia’s Climate Action Plan.
7.3 Baseline Conditions The EIS/Application will provide information on provincial and federal GHG policy and legislation. It will also provide information on current provincial and federal GHG emission levels.
7.4 Effects Assessment The effects assessment will be completed according to the methods outlined in the EIS Guidelines. This will include an assessment of effects on GHG reduction targets and GHG management options for the proposed Project.
7.5 Conclusion This section of the EIS/Application will include a brief summary of greenhouse gas management for the Project and a conclusion on the effects on provincial and federal GHG reduction targets.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 8: Acoustic Environment
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
57
8 ACOUSTIC ENVIRONMENT
8.1 Introduction The EIS/Application will introduce the acoustic environment assessment, describe the rationale for its selection as a VC, and identify linkages to other sections of the EIS/Application (e.g., wildlife and health). Interactions between the proposed Project and acoustic environment are expected because of a variety of activities during construction, such as operation of heavy equipment and pile driving, and during operation of the LNG facility itself.
8.2 Scope of Assessment The EIS/Application will quantify acoustic emissions associated with construction and operation of the proposed Project. A major emphasis in the assessment will be on emissions generated by gas processing and liquefaction equipment, and power generation. Residents of the town of Port Edward live within 1 km of the proposed Project. At the time of the assessment, any permanent or seasonal residences, First Nations reserves and temporary use areas within 2 km of the proposed Project boundary, such as cabins, ceremonial use areas, fishing and hunting camps, would be identified as sensitive receptors.
The EIS/Application will include a description of the British Columbia Noise Control Best Practices Guideline (BC OGC 2009), and any other legislation, guidelines, best management practices, and guidance documents that are relevant to management of noise levels. It will also expand on the rationale for the spatial boundaries provided in Table 6 and Table 7.
8.3 Baseline Conditions Baseline conditions will be described as set out in the EIS Guidelines.
8.4 Effects Assessment The effects assessment will be completed according to the methods outlined in the EIS Guidelines and described in Section 4.1.4 of this document. This will include:
Analytical methods
Assessment of potential effects
Mitigation
Characterization of residual effects
Determination of significance.
Table 12 provides a summary of the potential effects of the proposed Project on the acoustic environment that will be included in the assessment and the measurable parameters that will be used to quantify these effects. Project effects will be greatest during operation of the proposed Project, when emissions would be generated by gas processing and liquefaction equipment and power generation.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 8: Acoustic Environment
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
58
Table 12: Potential Effects on Acoustic Environment
Potential Adverse Effects Measurable Parameters
Increase in ambient sound levels Overall equivalent continuous A-weighted sound level
A-weighted Day (dBA, Ld)
A-weighted Night (dBA, Ln)
A-weighted Day-Night levels (dBA, Ldn)
Significant sources of noise will be identified, described and quantified in terms of noise emissions. Subsequently, sound levels over the entire LAA and at the identified receptors will be calculated for the proposed Project in accordance with the procedures stipulated by the BC OGC’s British Columbia Noise Control Best Practices Guideline. Operational noise level predictions will be made using Cadna/A computer modeling software, or another proven computational tool. Acoustic modeling will be conducted in accordance with the ISO 9613 standard (propagation standard commonly accepted by numerous regulatory bodies and noise practitioners). The modeling results will be used to assess compliance with the guideline. Appropriate mitigation measures will be recommended, as may be required to achieve compliance and/or reduce area noise effects.
8.5 Cumulative Effects An assessment of the proposed Project’s potential contributions to cumulative effects on the acoustic environment will be provided using the methods outlined in Section 4.2.
8.6 Conclusion This section of the EIS/Application will include a brief summary of the predicted residual effects and cumulative effects of the proposed Project on the acoustic environment and a conclusion on the significance of these effects.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 9: Ambient Light
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
59
9 AMBIENT LIGHT
9.1 Introduction The EIS/Application will introduce the ambient light assessment, describe the rationale for its selection as a VC, and identify linkages to other sections of the EIS/Application (e.g., wildlife and health). Interactions between the proposed Project and ambient light are expected because of the light sources expected to be in use for the proposed Project.
9.2 Scope of Assessment The EIS/Application will describe the light emissions associated with construction and operation of the proposed Project (including light from LNG carriers from shipping between the terminal and Triple Island pilotage station). The emphasis will be on light sources in use during operation as lighting would be needed to ensure safe work conditions during nighttime hours and to provide security for the workers and the facility. The EIS/Application will consider the potential effect that project lighting could have on the existing ambient light levels surrounding the proposed Project.
9.3 Baseline Conditions Baseline conditions will be described as set out in the EIS Guidelines.
9.4 Effects Assessment The effects assessment will be completed according to the methods outlined in the EIS Guidelines and described in Section 4.1.4 of this document. This will include:
Analytical methods
Assessment of potential effects
Mitigation
Characterization of residual effects
Determination of significance.
Table 13 provides a summary of the potential effects of the proposed Project on ambient light that will be included in the assessment and the measurable parameters that will be used to quantify these effects. Potential project effects on ambient light will be characterized in context of baseline conditions. Appropriate mitigation measures will be recommended to reduce potential effects from the proposed Project.
Table 13: Potential Effects on Ambient Light
Potential Adverse Effects Measurable Parameters
Change in ambient light Light spill- Light output from the proposed Project
Glare- The contrast between project lighting and background lighting
Sky glow- The ratio of upward directed light to total light
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 9: Ambient Light
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
60
9.5 Cumulative Effects An assessment of the proposed Project’s potential contributions to cumulative effects on ambient light will be provided using the methods outlined in Section 4.2.
9.6 Conclusion This section of the EIS/Application will include a brief summary of the predicted residual effects and cumulative effects of the proposed Project on the ambient light and a conclusion on the significance of these effects.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 10: Vegetation and Wetland Resources
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
61
10 VEGETATION AND WETLAND RESOURCES
10.1 Introduction The EIS/Application will introduce the vegetation and wetland resources assessment, describe the rationale for its selection as a VC, and identify linkages to other sections of the EIS/Application (e.g., wildlife resources and air quality). Interactions between the proposed Project and vegetation and wetland resources are anticipated because of the removal of vegetation during project construction and from air emissions during operations. Site clearing and preparation will remove all vegetation from the footprint, and may affect surrounding vegetation indirectly through changes in abiotic conditions (e.g., soil moisture, or light levels). Air emissions could affect vegetation directly through fumigation (SO2 and NO2) or indirect effect to vegetation resources via fertilization (nitrogen deposition) or by acidification of soils (potential acid input). Effects to vegetation from air emissions could include changes in vegetation health resulting in increased or decreased growth rates or loss of sensitive species.
10.2 Scope of Assessment The vegetation and wetland resources assessment in the EIS/Application will focus on listed plant species at-risk as defined by COSEWIC and the BC Conservation Data Centre; ecological communities at-risk; traditional use plants identified through consultation with interested Aboriginal groups; old forests; and wetlands. Loss of wetland will be described in the context of the Federal Policy on Wetland Conservation.
The EIS/Application will include a description of any legislation, guidelines, best management practices, and guidance documents that are relevant to the protection and management of vegetation on federal lands. The assessment will consider potential effects to vegetation through air emissions at a regional scale, using publicly available datasets and relevant scientific literature. Technical boundaries, which include limitations in scientific information, data analyses, and interpretation, will also be defined through the assessment process.
10.3 Baseline Conditions Baseline conditions will be described as set out in the EIS Guidelines. Baseline conditions of vegetation resources will be determined using a combination of desktop studies using publicly available information, terrestrial ecosystem mapping (TEM), and field surveys. Examples of publicly available information that may be used in the desktop studies include the BC Conservation Data Centre’s Species and Ecosystems Explorer, BC CDC Internet Mapping Service, and the North Coast Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping project (BC CDC 2013a, 2013b; BC MOFR and BC MOE 2010; Ecora 2013; RIC 1998a).
The TEM for the LAA will be completed according to the Standard for Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping in British Columbia at 1:1,000 scale (RIC 1998b). Ecosystems will be classified according to the Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification system and A Field Guide to Site Identification and Interpretation for the Prince Rupert Forest Region (Banner et al 1993a and 1993b). Identification and classification of wetland ecosystems will follow the Canadian Wetland Classification System (NWWG 1997) and Wetlands of British Columbia (MacKenzie and Moran 2004).
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 10: Vegetation and Wetland Resources
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
62
Field surveys include:
One set of spring (May) and summer (August) rare plant surveys following Protocols for Rare Plant Surveys (Penny and Klinkenberg 2012)
Terrestrial ecosystem mapping surveys to survey intensity level (SIL) 2 standards, following the methods contained in the Field Manual for Describing Terrestrial Ecosystems— Land Management Handbook 25 (BC MOF and BC MOE 2010).
Data collected during field surveys will be used to verify the TEM, identify ecological communities at risk; describe and classify wetlands; identify stands of old forest; and record abundance and distribution of non-native invasive plant species, traditional use plant species, and plant species at risk.
The EIS/Application will provide the following information for characterizing the baseline conditions for vegetation resources:
Descriptions of ecosystem units identified in the TEM completed for the proposed Project, including wetlands
Descriptions of ecological communities-at-risk identified through TEM and fieldwork
Identification of areas of old forest
A summary of rare plants identified through rare plant surveys and a query of the BC Conservation Data Centre and the SARA public registry
Information on the presence of non-native invasive plant species in the proposed Project area
A summary of species identified by Aboriginal groups as being of importance for cultural, spiritual, or traditional use, including vegetation used as country food, will be incorporated into the social and health assessments.
10.4 Effects Assessment The effects assessment will be completed according to the methods outlined in the EIS Guidelines and described in Section 4.1.4 of this document. This will include:
Analytical methods
Assessment of potential effects
Mitigation
Characterization of residual effects
Determination of significance.
Table 14 provides a summary of the potential effects of the proposed Project on vegetation and wetland resources that will be included in the assessment and the measurable parameters that will be used to quantify these effects. Potential project effects on vegetation and wetland resources will be characterized in the context of baseline conditions. Appropriate mitigation measures will be recommended to reduce potential effects from the proposed Project.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 10: Vegetation and Wetland Resources
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
63
Table 14: Potential Effects on Vegetation and Wetland Resources
Potential Adverse Effects Measurable Parameters
Change in abundance of plant species of interest
Estimated number of plants from the species of interest affected
Change in abundance or condition of ecological communities of interest
Area of ecological communities of interest affected (measured in hectares)
Change in wetland functions Area of wetland affected (measured in hectares)
10.5 Cumulative Effects An assessment of the proposed Project’s potential contributions to cumulative effects on vegetation and wetland resources will be provided using the methods outlined in Section 4.2.
10.6 Conclusion This section of the EIS/Application will include a brief summary of the predicted residual effects and cumulative effects of the proposed Project on vegetation and wetland resources and a conclusion on the significance of these effects.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 11: Terrestrial Wildlife and Marine Birds
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
64
11 TERRESTRIAL WILDLIFE AND MARINE BIRDS
11.1 Introduction The EIS/Application will introduce the terrestrial wildlife and marine birds assessment, describe the rationale for its selection as a VC, and identify linkages to other sections of the EIS/Application (e.g., air quality, acoustic environment, ambient light, and vegetation and wetland resources). Interactions between the proposed Project and wildlife are anticipated because of the disturbance to terrestrial and marine habitats during project development and vessel operations within the shipping channel (between the terminal and Triple Island pilotage station). Site clearing and preparation will remove vegetation from the footprint, and noise from the proposed Project may affect wildlife use of adjacent habitats.
11.2 Scope of Assessment The assessment of potential effects on terrestrial wildlife and marine birds in the EIS/Application will focus on effects from habitat loss or alteration (through vegetation clearing, construction and disturbance), wildlife mortality from project activities, and alteration of movement patterns to avoid project infrastructure and shipping LNG (between the terminal and the Triple Island pilot station). Potential effects of noise from the proposed Project may extend up to 1.5 km from Lelu Island.
The assessment will focus on potential effects of the proposed Project on:
Terrestrial wildlife and marine bird species at risk
Terrestrial wildlife (mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, invertebrates)
Marine birds
Wildlife habitat features
Wildlife species of importance identified by Aboriginal groups.
The EIS/Application will include a description of legislation, guidelines, best management practices, and guidance documents that are relevant to management of wildlife and their habitats. The assessment will also define technical boundaries that include limitations in available scientific information, data analyses, and interpretation, as defined through the assessment process.
11.3 Baseline Conditions Baseline conditions will be described as set out in the EIS Guidelines. This section of the EIS/Application will provide the following information to characterize baseline conditions for the wildlife VC:
Summary of available existing wildlife inventory and habitat use information for terrestrial and marine habitats in the Prince Rupert area
Assessment of habitat availability for key wildlife species within the LAA derived from habitat suitability modeling based on terrestrial ecosystem mapping (TEM)
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 11: Terrestrial Wildlife and Marine Birds
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
65
Summary of important terrestrial wildlife and marine bird habitats and features (e.g., breeding colonies, staging areas, identified raptor nests, and dens)
Summary of the results of 2012 and 2013 field studies, including surveys for terrestrial wildlife, marine birds, diurnal and nocturnal raptors, breeding songbirds, amphibians and incidental observations of wildlife or wildlife signs
BC Conservation Data Centre (BC CDC) element occurrence records
A list of wildlife species identified on federal (COSEWIC and Schedule 1 of SARA) and provincial (red- and blue-listed) lists of species of conservation concern with the potential to occur in the assessment area
A list of wildlife species of cultural, spiritual, or traditional importance to First Nations with potential to occur in the assessment area, where relevant and available
Any other traditional ecological or community knowledge, where relevant and available.
11.4 Effects Assessment The effects assessment will be completed according to the methods outlined in the EIS Guidelines and described in Section 4.1.4 of this document. This will include:
Analytical methods
Assessment of potential effects
Mitigation
Characterization of residual effects
Determination of significance.
Table 15 provides a summary of the potential effects of the proposed Project on terrestrial wildlife and marine birds that will be included in the assessment and the measurable parameters that will be used to quantify these effects. Potential project effects on terrestrial wildlife and marine birds will be characterized in context of baseline conditions. Appropriate mitigation measures will be recommended to reduce potential effects from the proposed Project.
Table 15: Potential Effects on Terrestrial Wildlife and Marine Birds
Potential Adverse Effects Measurable Parameters
Change in habitat Change in amount of habitat (quantified in hectares) of ecological communities and / or high or moderate suitable habitat identified for Endangered or Threatened SARA-listed species
Change in wildlife mortality risk Qualitative estimate of increased wildlife mortality from the Project
Alteration of wildlife movements Change in movement patterns related to placement of project infrastructure
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 11: Terrestrial Wildlife and Marine Birds
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
66
11.5 Cumulative Effects An assessment of the proposed Project’s potential contributions to cumulative effects on terrestrial wildlife and marine birds will be provided using the methods outlined in Section 4.2.
11.6 Conclusion This section of the EIS/Application will include a brief summary of the predicted residual effects and cumulative effects of the proposed Project on terrestrial wildlife and marine birds and a conclusion on the significance of these effects.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 12: Freshwater Aquatic Resources
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
67
12 FRESHWATER AQUATIC RESOURCES
12.1 Introduction The EIS/Application will introduce the freshwater aquatic resources assessment, describe the rationale for its selection as a VC, and identify linkages to other sections of the EIS/Application. Interactions between the proposed Project and freshwater aquatic resources are anticipated because of the potential effects on watercourses present on Lelu Island. Watercourses in the surrounding area may also be affected by emissions of NOx and SO2 from the Project.
12.2 Scope of Assessment The description of freshwater aquatic resources in the EIS/Application will focus on fish with commercial, recreational, and aboriginal fisheries, or fish that support such a fishery, and species-at-risk. A major emphasis in the assessment will be on effects arising from the alteration, disruption or destruction of freshwater and estuarine fish and fish habitat associated with the construction of the components of the proposed Project on Lelu Island. The EIS/Application will include a description of legislation, guidelines, best management practices, and guidance documents that are relevant to the protection and management of these stocks. Technical boundaries, which include limitations in scientific information, data analyses, and interpretation, will also be defined, if necessary.
12.3 Baseline Conditions Baseline conditions will be described as set out in the EIS Guidelines. The EIS/Application will include baseline studies of the freshwater aquatic habitats potentially affected by the proposed Project and will document the quantity and quality of fish habitat by type and fish species assemblage using these habitats over time and space. The EIS/Application will provide the following information in written form and/or maps characterizing the baseline conditions for freshwater aquatic resources:
Fish species assemblages (by life-stage), relative abundance in accessible anadromous habitat unit types
Physical data, habitat assessment, basic water quality as related to freshwater fish and fish habitat, fish capture and meristic information as described by the Resource Inventory Committee (RIC 2001) for all habitat unit types.
12.4 Effects Assessment The effects assessment will be completed according to the methods outlined in the EIS Guidelines and described in Section 4.1.4 of this document. This will include:
Analytical methods
Assessment of potential effects
Mitigation
Characterization of residual effects
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 12: Freshwater Aquatic Resources
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
68
Determination of significance.
Table 16 provides a summary of the potential effects of the proposed Project on freshwater aquatic resources that will be included in the assessment and the measurable parameters that will be used to quantify these effects. Potential project effects on freshwater aquatic resources will be characterized in context of baseline conditions. Appropriate mitigation measures will be recommended to reduce potential effects from the proposed Project.
Table 16: Potential Effects on Freshwater Aquatic Resources
Potential Adverse Effects Measurable Parameters
Change in (permanent alteration or destruction of) fish habitat
Area of fish habitat permanently altered or destroyed (measured in square metres)
Increased fish mortality Estimated number of dead and moribund fish that are linked to a commercial, recreational or aboriginal fishery
Change in food and nutrient content Relative contribution of freshwater water output of the watercourses on Lelu Island compared to the output of the Skeena River
12.5 Cumulative Effects An assessment of the proposed Project’s potential contributions to cumulative effects on freshwater aquatic resources will be provided using the methods outlined in Section 4.2.
12.6 Conclusion This section of the EIS/Application will include a brief summary of the predicted residual effects and cumulative effects of the proposed Project on freshwater aquatic resources and a conclusion on the significance of these effects.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 13: Marine Resources
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
69
13 MARINE RESOURCES
13.1 Introduction The EIS/Application will introduce the marine resources assessment, describe the rationale for its selection as a VC, and identify linkages to other sections of the EIS/Application. Interactions between the proposed Project and marine resources are expected because of the in-water construction requirements for the marine terminal (including the trestle and berths), materials offloading facility, bridge from Lelu Island to the mainland, and shipping activities (during construction and operation). These include the potential for increased sedimentation and underwater noise, alteration and/or loss of fish habitat during in-water construction; mortality or physical injury of marine fish during construction; and the potential for effects associated with shipping LNG (between the terminal and Triple Island pilotage station) such as underwater noise.
13.2 Scope of Assessment The marine resources assessment will focus on the planned areas of disturbance or alteration associated with the marine Project components and the effects associated with shipping activities. The EIS/Application will include a description of legislation, guidelines, best management practices, and guidance documents that are relevant to the protection and management of marine resources including: fish with commercial, recreational, and aboriginal fisheries, or fish that support such a fishery; marine mammals; aquatic species-at-risk; and the habitat of these species (including water and sediment quality). Technical boundaries, which include limitations in scientific information, data analyses, and interpretation, will also be defined through the assessment process.
13.3 Baseline Conditions Baseline conditions will be described as set out in the EIS Guidelines. The EIS/Application will characterize baseline conditions for marine resources by providing the following information:
Descriptions of important ecological communities and marine fish habitat identified through fieldwork and literature reviews (e.g., eelgrass beds)
Descriptions of marine fish species (e.g., salmon, eulachon) in relation to the LAA and RAA
Descriptions of marine mammal species present in relation to the LAA and RAA
A summary of federally listed species and species of conservation concern identified through a query of SARA, COSEWIC assessments, and the BC CDC
Publically available baseline data on marine resources in the Prince Rupert area will be summarized in the EIS/application.
Field surveys include:
An intertidal survey around the MOF, marine terminal, and bridge from Lelu Island to the mainland using a transect-based sampling design based on DFO’s guidelines for assessing fish and fish habitat
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 13: Marine Resources
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
70
A subtidal survey around the marine terminal and materials offloading facility using a transect-based sampling design
Sediment core sampling to collect data on sediment size distribution and sediment quality (concentration of contaminants) based on Environment Canada guidelines for disposal at sea.
Water quality sampling to collect data on water chemistry, metals, nutrients, and total suspended solids.
13.4 Effects Assessment The effects assessment will be completed according to the methods outlined in the EIS Guidelines and described in Section 4.1.4 of this document. This will include:
Analytical methods
Assessment of potential effects
Mitigation
Characterization of residual effects
Determination of significance.
Table 17 provides a summary of the potential effects of the proposed Project on marine resources that will be included in the assessment and the measurable parameters that will be used to quantify these effects. Potential project effects on marine resources will be characterized in context of baseline conditions. Appropriate mitigation measures will be recommended to reduce potential effects from the proposed Project.
Table 17: Potential Effects on Marine Resources
Potential Adverse Project Effects Measurable Parameters
Change in (permanent alteration or destruction of) fish habitat
Area of fish habitat permanently altered or destroyed (measured in square metres)
Increased fish mortality and injury of fish or marine mammals
Probability of injuring or killing marine mammals, or fish that are linked to a commercial, recreational or aboriginal fishery
Change in behaviour of fish or marine mammals due to pressure waves or underwater noise
Timing, duration, and intensity of underwater sound levels
Change in water and sediment quality Estimated change in total suspended solids and concentration of contaminants
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 13: Marine Resources
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
71
13.5 Cumulative Effects An assessment of the proposed Project’s potential contributions to cumulative effects on marine resources will be provided using the methods outlined in Section 4.2.
13.6 Conclusion This section of the EIS/Application will include a brief summary of the predicted residual effects and cumulative effects of the proposed Project on marine resources and a conclusion on the significance of these effects.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 14: Economic Environment
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
72
14 ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
14.1 Introduction This section of the EIS/Application will introduce the assessment of economic effects, describe the rationale for selecting economic conditions as a VC and identify links to other sections of the EIS/Application. Both direct and indirect pressures on the regional economy are expected to occur because of the procurement of goods and services for construction and operation of the proposed Project. This economic environment assessment will only focus on potential adverse economic effects, such as competition for labor and increases in cost of living. Benefits of the proposed Project, including Aboriginal and local employment and procurement opportunities, employment income, and increased government revenue will be presented in Section 29 (Benefits to Canadians).
14.2 Scope of Assessment The assessment of economic effects will focus on the economic contribution of the proposed Project to local and regional economies. The EIS/Application will include a description of policies and best management practices that are relevant to minimizing economic pressures and maximizing benefits of major projects. It will also expand on the rationale for the spatial boundaries identified in tables Table 6 and Table 7. The EIS/Application will also define technical boundaries, if relevant, which include limitations in scientific information, data analyses, and interpretation as defined through the assessment process.
14.3 Baseline Conditions The current characteristics of the economic environment will be described in this section. Information will be obtained from existing literature and other data sources, where available.
This description will summarize:
Current economic conditions, including existing businesses and industry
Key economic indicators and trends in the absence of the proposed Project, based on ready available statistical data (Census Canada, BC Stats), and other published and non-published reports
Labour market, including employment/unemployment, current employers, available labour supply and level of education/skills/training of the labour force, based on data (Census Canada, BC Stats, and Service Canada), as well as primary information sources
Supply of goods and services in the region based on local government, chamber of commerce, and other published and non-published data, as well as primary information sources.
Information will be disaggregated (e.g., by sub-population, geographic area, and/or communities), where practicable.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 14: Economic Environment
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
73
14.4 Effects Assessment The effects assessment will be completed according to the methods outlined in the EIS Guidelines and described in Section 4.1.4 of this document. This will include:
Analytical methods
Assessment of potential effects
Mitigation
Characterization of residual effects
Determination of significance.
Table 18 provides a summary of the potential effects of the proposed Project on the economic environment that will be included in the assessment and the measurable parameters that will be used to quantify these effects. Potential project effects on the economic environment will be characterized in context of baseline conditions. The distribution of the potential effects will be discussed. Appropriate mitigation measures will be recommended to reduce potential effects from the proposed Project.
Table 18: Potential Effects on the Economic Environment
Potential Adverse Effects Measurable Parameters
Change in labour supply/demand within the LAA Labour availability (persons)
Skill levels
Adverse changes to economic activity Change in economic activity of other sectors
Adverse changes to municipal finances Municipal revenue
Cost of services
14.5 Cumulative Effects An assessment of the proposed Project’s potential contributions to cumulative effects on the economic environment will be provided using the methods outlined in Section 4.2.
14.6 Conclusion This section of the EIS/Application will include a brief summary of the predicted residual effects and cumulative effects of the proposed Project on the economic environment and a conclusion on the significance of these effects.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 15: Navigation and Marine Resource Use
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
74
15 NAVIGATION AND MARINE RESOURCE USE
15.1 Introduction This section of the EIS/Application will describe the rationale for selecting navigation and marine resource as a VC and identify linkages to other sections of the EIS/Application (e.g., marine resources). Interactions between the proposed Project, navigation and marine resource use are expected because marine project components (i.e., the marine terminal, and bridge from Lelu Island to the mainland) would interfere with local navigation. Also, up to one LNG carrier per day will visit the marine terminal at full build-out. The marine project infrastructure and movement of LNG carriers have the potential to interact with other marine users.
15.2 Scope of Assessment The assessment of effects on navigation and marine resource use will focus on potential effects arising from interactions between marine project components and users of navigable waters in the vicinity of Lelu Island, shipping activities related to construction, and potential shipping routes of LNG carriers (between the marine terminal and Triple Island). The assessment will include both direct and indirect effects on navigation. The EIS/Application will expand on the rationale for the spatial boundaries identified in tables Table 6 and Table 7. Technical boundaries, which include limitations in scientific information, data analyses, and interpretation, will also be defined through the assessment process.
15.3 Baseline Conditions Baseline conditions will be described as set out in the EIS Guidelines. This section of the EIS/Application will describe the approach and methods used to collect baseline marine traffic and resource use information required to support the assessment, and will identify the sources of this information. Baseline conditions will be characterized from primary and secondary data including:
Information from the PRPA
Current status of navigation aids, Coast guard responses, and communications
Shipping, commercial, and non-commercial use within the LAA and RAA
Geo-spatial and attribute information on shipping and marine transportation and resource use
Interviews with relevant stakeholders
Commercial, recreational, subsistence, and First Nations fisheries
Observational data on marine users within the vicinity of Lelu Island.
15.4 Effects Assessment The effects assessment will be completed according to the methods outlined in the EIS Guidelines and described in Section 4.1.4 of this document. This will include:
Analytical methods
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 15: Navigation and Marine Resource Use
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
75
Assessment of potential effects
Mitigation
Characterization of residual effects
Determination of significance.
Table 19 provides a summary of the potential effects of the proposed Project on navigation and marine resource use that will be included in the assessment and the measurable parameters that will be used to quantify these effects. Potential project effects on navigation and marine resource use will be characterized in context of baseline conditions. Appropriate mitigation measures will be recommended to reduce potential effects from the proposed Project.
Table 19: Potential Effects on Navigation and Marine Resource Use
Potential Adverse Effects Measurable Parameters
Interference with navigation Magnitude and duration of effect on navigation
Effects on fishing, recreation and marine use (including marine tourism)
Change in number and types of marine vessels as a result of the proposed Project (vessels/month)
Attribute data on marine uses along shipping channel (i.e., fishing, aquaculture)
Recreational activities/destinations overlapping with project infrastructure and project shipping channels (between the terminal and Triple Island pilotage station)
15.5 Cumulative Effects An assessment of the proposed Project’s potential contributions to cumulative effects on navigation and marine resource use will be provided using the methods outlined in Section 4.2.
15.6 Conclusion This section of the EIS/Application will include a brief summary of the predicted residual effects and cumulative effects of the proposed Project on navigation and marine resource use and a conclusion on the significance of these effects.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 16: Infrastructure and Services
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
76
16 INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES
16.1 Introduction This section of the EIS/Application will introduce the assessment of effects on infrastructure and services, describe the rationale for its selection as a VC, and identify linkages to other sections of the EIS/Application. Interactions between the proposed Project and infrastructure and services are expected as a result of the influx of temporary workers required during construction and permanent workers during operations.
16.2 Scope of Assessment The assessment of effects on infrastructure and services will focus on issues related to pressures on accommodations, transportation, utilities, communications, education, emergency, social, recreational services and infrastructure. The emphasis of the assessment will be on effects on Port Edward and Prince Rupert during construction and operations. The EIS/Application will include a description of legislation, guidelines, best management practices, and guidance documents that are relevant to minimizing negative effects on infrastructure and services. It will also expand on the rationale for the spatial boundaries identified in tables Table 6 and Table 7.
16.3 Baseline Conditions Baseline conditions will be described as set out in the EIS Guidelines.
This section of the EIS/Application will describe the approach and methods used to collect baseline social information (e.g., demographic data, housing information) required to support the assessment, and will identify the sources of this information. Baseline data collection focuses on the development of information needed to describe current and anticipated social conditions. This information will help establish the “backdrop” of local and regional conditions against which the effects of the proposed Project will be assessed and benchmarks for identifying and evaluating incremental effects. The baseline data will describe both prevailing conditions, and trends affecting these conditions. It will characterize baseline conditions, and will include information relating to:
Official community plans
Regional governance
Housing and accommodations
Community services
Emergency services
Sewage and water treatment facilities
Garbage collection & disposal and recycling facilities
Transportation infrastructure
Energy and utilities
Communications infrastructure
Recreational resources.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 16: Infrastructure and Services
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
77
Infrastructure and services will be described using statistical information, published reports, academic literature and other qualitative data sources, where appropriate. Key informant interviews with representatives from appropriate government departments/agencies (municipal and provincial) and other organizations will be completed as required.
16.4 Effects Assessment The effects assessment will be completed according to the methods outlined in the EIS Guidelines and described in Section 4.1.4 of this document. This will include:
Analytical methods
Assessment of potential effects
Mitigation
Characterization of residual effects
Determination of significance.
Table 20 provides a summary of the potential effects of the proposed Project on infrastructure and services that will be included in the assessment and the measurable parameters that will be used to quantify these effects. Potential project effects on the infrastructure and services will be characterized in context of baseline conditions. Appropriate mitigation measures will be recommended to reduce potential effects from the proposed Project. The effects assessment will reference PETRONAS standards and relevant corporate experience developing LNG facilities in other jurisdictions worldwide.
Table 20: Potential Effects on Infrastructure and Services
Potential Adverse Effects Measurable Parameters
Effects on community services and infrastructure
Number of workers and their dependents for each phase
Change in demographic composition
Demand and supply of community infrastructure and services (e.g., education, social services, etc.)
Parameters based on infrastructure and services affected (e.g., police officers/1,000 people)
Effects on traffic and pressure on transportation infrastructure
Daily traffic volume (vehicle/day)
Air traffic
Traffic incidents in Port Edward and Prince Rupert
Change in housing availability and affordability
Housing supply and demand (units)
Housing cost
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 16: Infrastructure and Services
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
78
16.5 Cumulative Effects An assessment of the proposed Project’s potential contributions to cumulative effects on infrastructure and services will be provided using the methods outlined in Section 4.2.
16.6 Conclusion This section of the EIS/Application will include a brief summary of the predicted residual effects and cumulative effects of the proposed Project on infrastructure and services and a conclusion on the significance of these effects.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 17: Visual Quality
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
79
17 VISUAL QUALITY
17.1 Introduction This section of the EIS/Application will introduce the assessment of effects on visual quality describe the rationale for its selection as a VC, and identify linkages to other sections of the EIS/Application. Interactions between the proposed Project and visual quality are expected as the proposed Project (including shipping LNG between the terminal and Triple Island pilotage station) may be visible from viewpoints within Port Edward and local recreational areas within the vicinity of Lelu Island.
17.2 Scope of Assessment As the proposed Project is anticipated to alter the viewscape from Port Edward and from the water (including locations of potential importance to Aboriginal people), the EIS/Application will consider changes in the visual quality relative to baseline conditions, in consideration of visual quality objectives, and identified important viewpoints. The EIS/Application will also expand on the rationale for the spatial boundaries identified in Table 6 and Table 7. Technical boundaries, which include limitations in scientific information, data analyses, and interpretation, will also be defined through the assessment process.
17.3 Baseline Conditions This section of the EIS/Application will describe the approach and methods used to collect baseline information required to support the assessment, and will identify the sources of this information. Baseline information related to visual quality will be obtained from the following sources:
Viewshed analysis of proposed Project facilities to identify area of potential visibility
Information interviews to identify potential sensitive viewpoints, including residences and recreation sites
Photographic and attribute information from field observations at selected viewpoints.
17.4 Effects Assessment The effects assessment will be completed according to the methods outlined in the EIS Guidelines and described in Section 4.1.4 of this document. This will include:
Analytical methods
Assessment of potential effects
Mitigation
Characterization of residual effects
Determination of significance.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 17: Visual Quality
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
80
Table 21 provides a summary of the potential effects of the proposed Project on visual quality that will be included in the assessment and the measurable parameters that will be used to quantify these effects. Potential project effects on visual quality will be characterized in context of baseline conditions. Appropriate mitigation measures will be recommended to reduce potential effects from the proposed Project.
Table 21: Potential Effects on Visual Quality
Potential Adverse Effects Measurable Parameters
Change in visual quality Change in existing visual condition
Change in visual quality objective class
Change in landscape attributes contributing to visual sensitivity.
17.5 Cumulative Effects An assessment of the proposed Project’s potential contributions to cumulative effects on visual quality will be provided using the methods outlined in Section 4.2.
17.6 Conclusion This section of the EIS/Application will include a brief summary of the predicted residual effects and cumulative effects of the proposed Project on visual quality and a conclusion on the significance of these effects.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 18: Community Health and Well-Being
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
81
18 COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
18.1 Introduction The EIS/Application will introduce the assessment of community health and well-being, describe the rationale for its selection as a VC, and identify linkages to other sections of the EIS/Application (e.g., infrastructure and services). Interactions between the proposed Project and community health are anticipated because of the influx in temporary workers required during construction, and the potential for adverse effects on community health indicators and health outcomes.
18.2 Scope of Assessment The community health and well-being assessment will focus on potential project effects on community health factors in local communities within the LAA. The EIS/Application will include a description of any legislation, guidelines, best management practices, and guidance documents that are relevant to minimizing effects on community health. It will also expand on the rationale for the spatial boundaries identified in Table 6 and Table 7. Technical boundaries, which include limitations in scientific information, data analyses, and interpretation, will also be through the assessment process.
18.3 Baseline Conditions This section of the EIS/Application will describe the approach and methods used to collect baseline data required to support the assessment, and will identify the sources of this information. Baseline data collection focuses on the development of information needed to describe current and anticipated community health conditions. This information will help establish the “backdrop” of local and regional conditions against which the effects of the proposed Project will be assessed and benchmarks for identifying and evaluating incremental effects. The baseline review will consider both prevailing conditions, as well as trends. Baseline information is derived from academic literature, published and unpublished reports (i.e., government, industry, community), Statistics Canada data, and key informant interviews (i.e., hospital administrators). It will characterize baseline conditions, and will include information relating to:
Local health services and infrastructure
Community health determinants/indicators
Community cohesion and resilience determinants/indicators
Health data such as birth and death rates, disease incidence, accident rates.
Community health conditions will be described using existing and publicly available literature and other data sources, where appropriate. Discussions with representatives from appropriate government departments/agencies (municipal and provincial) and other organizations (e.g., Aboriginal groups and community organizations) will be completed as required. Information will be disaggregated (e.g., by sub-population, geographic area, and/or communities), where practicable.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 18: Community Health and Well-Being
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
82
18.4 Effects Assessment The effects assessment will be completed according to the methods outlined in the EIS Guidelines and described in Section 4.1.4 of this document. This will include:
Analytical methods
Assessment of potential effects
Mitigation
Characterization of residual effects
Determination of significance.
Table 22 provides a summary of the potential effects of the proposed Project on community health and well-being that will be included in the assessment and the measurable parameters that will be used to quantify these effects. Potential project effects on the community health and well-being will be characterized in context of baseline conditions. The distribution of the potential effects will be discussed. Appropriate mitigation measures will be recommended to reduce potential effects from the proposed Project.
Table 22: Potential Effects on Community Health and Well-Being
Potential Adverse Effects Measurable Parameters
Change to social determinants of health Population (demographics, rate of change)
Education, employment and income
Housing
Community cohesion
Physical and mental health conditions (e.g., drug and alcohol use, divorce rates, increased gambling, etc.)
Supply and demand of health infrastructure and services
Demand associated with physical health
Demand associated with mental health
Demand associated with health and safety site inspections
Recreation opportunities
Change in diet and nutrition Change in the composition of diets (proportion of country foods to market foods)
18.5 Cumulative Effects An assessment of the proposed Project’s potential contributions to cumulative effects on community health and well-being will be provided using the methods outlined in Section 4.2.
18.6 Conclusion This section of the EIS/Application will include a brief summary of the predicted residual effects and cumulative effects of the proposed Project on community health and well-being and a conclusion on the significance of these effects.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 19: Human and Ecological Health
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
83
19 HUMAN AND ECOLOGICAL HEALTH
19.1 Introduction The EIS/Application will introduce the human and ecological health assessment and describe the rationale for its inclusion as a VC. The proposed Project may interact with human or ecological health through a number of pathways:
Potential degradation of ambient air quality may result in health risks to people or wildlife
Increased noise and ambient light levels could affect the health of local people
Suspension of historic organic and metal contaminants in sediment during dredging may affect marine biota through direct uptake or through food chain effects, and may also affect humans consuming country foods.
Potential effects on worker health will not be considered in the EIS/Application as this is regulated under applicable federal and/or provincial occupational health and safety legislation and regulations.
19.2 Scope of Assessment The human and ecological health assessment in the EIS/Application will focus on issues associated with sensitive human receptors and with ecological receptors (i.e., plants, invertebrates, wildlife). These potentially occur through activities or emissions in the construction, operation and decommissioning phases of the proposed Project. The human health risk assessment will evaluate the potential effects arising from exposure to airborne CACs (i.e., SO2, NO2, PM2.5, PM10, CO, and H2S.), light and acoustic emissions from the facility, terminal, and shipping traffic (between the terminal and Triple Island pilotage station). Human and ecological health concerns associated with the potential exposure of marine biota (including those consumed as country foods) to historic contaminants that may be redistributed during dredging will also be addressed. The ecological health risk assessment will evaluate the potential for health risks to ecological receptors as a result of predicted changes to air quality or potential chemical changes to the marine environment related to construction and dredging activity in the marine environment.
The EIS/Application will include a description of legislation, guidelines, best management practices, and guidance documents that are relevant to minimizing effects on human and ecological health. It will also expand on the rationale for the spatial boundaries identified in tables Table 6 and Table 7. Technical boundaries, which include limitations in scientific information, data analyses, and interpretation, will also be defined through the assessment process.
19.3 Baseline Conditions Baseline conditions will be described as set out in the EIS Guidelines. The baseline conditions for measurable parameters relevant to air, noise, and aquatic effects to human and ecological health will be described in this section. Baseline conditions related to air quality, marine water quality, and sediment quality will be presented. Information will be obtained from literature, existing data sources, and noise and air baseline reports. To minimize duplication of information, references will be made to relevant sections of the air quality, ambient light, acoustic environment, and marine resources VCs where appropriate. As necessary, communications or interviews with representatives from the BC MOE and Ministry of Health will be carried out to fill data gaps.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 19: Human and Ecological Health
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
84
19.4 Effects Assessment The effects assessment will be completed according to the methods outlined in the EIS Guidelines and described in Section 4.1.4 of this document. This will include:
Analytical methods
Assessment of potential effects
Mitigation
Characterization of residual effects
Determination of significance.
Table 23 provides a summary of the potential effects of the proposed Project on human and ecological health that will be included in the assessment and the measurable parameters that will be used to quantify these effects. Potential project effects on human and ecological health will be characterized in context of baseline conditions. Appropriate mitigation measures will be recommended to reduce potential effects from the proposed Project.
Table 23: Potential Effects on Human and Ecological Health
Potential Adverse Effects Measurable Parameters
Change in human health Concentration ratio (non-cancer health risks from inhalation or drinking water exposure)
Hazard Quotient (non-cancer health risks from food/dermal exposure)
Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (cancer risks from long-term exposure via inhalation or oral/dermal exposure)
Change in ecological health Risk Quotient (health risks to populations from long-term exposure via oral/dermal pathways; or health risks to community based on concentration in exposure medium)
19.5 Cumulative Effects An assessment of the proposed Project’s potential contributions to cumulative effects on human and ecological health will be provided using the methods outlined in Section 4.2.
19.6 Conclusion This section of the EIS/Application will include a brief summary of the predicted residual effects and cumulative effects of the proposed Project on human and ecological health and a conclusion on the significance of these effects.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 20: Archaeological and Heritage Resources
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
85
20 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HERITAGE RESOURCES
20.1 Introduction The EIS/Application will introduce the archaeological and heritage assessment, describe the rationale for its selection as a VC, and identify linkages to other sections of the EIS/Application (e.g., Current Use of Lands and Resources for Traditional Purposes). Interactions between the proposed Project and archaeological and heritage resources are anticipated because of the location of the LNG facility on Lelu Island. Interactions between the proposed Project and archaeological and heritage resources, if encountered, are likely to occur from site preparation activities during project construction. In particular, the clearing of vegetation and any ground disturbing activities, have the potential to disturb archaeological and heritage resources.
20.2 Scope of Assessment The archaeological and heritage resources assessment in the EIS/Application will focus on resources including objects and sites identified through the proposed Project Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA) and through engagement with interested First Nations. The emphasis of the assessment will be on effects arising from the alteration or destruction of resources during construction of the LNG facility on Lelu Island. The EIS/Application will include a description of legislation, guidelines, best management practices, and guidance documents that are relevant to the protection and management of these archaeological resources. It will also expand on the rationale for the spatial boundaries identified in Table 6 and Table 7. Technical boundaries, which include limitations in scientific information, data analyses, and interpretation, will also be identified through the assessment process.
20.3 Baseline Conditions The EIS/Application will provide the following information to characterize the baseline conditions for archaeological and heritage resources:
Information on the location and nature of previously recorded archaeological sites in the proposed project development area and in the RAA will be obtained through desktop review
Detailed AIA field work on Lelu Island and on the mainland in the vicinity of the proposed bridge to Lelu Island
Field work on Lelu Island (federal land) will be completed in accordance with BC Association of Professional Archaeologists (APA) professional standards and guidelines of PRPA following federal heritage policies
The AIA on the mainland would be conducted in accordance with the British Columbia Archaeological Impact Assessment Guidelines, and under a Heritage Inspection Permit issued by the BC Archaeology Branch pursuant to Section 14 of the Heritage Conservation Act.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 20: Archaeological and Heritage Resources
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
86
20.4 Effects Assessment The effects assessment will be completed according to the methods outlined in the EIS Guidelines and described in Section 4.1.4 of this document. This will include:
Analytical methods
Assessment of potential effects
Mitigation
Characterization of residual effects
Determination of significance.
Table 24 provides a summary of the potential effects of the proposed Project on archaeological and heritage resources that will be included in the assessment and the measurable parameters that will be used to quantify these effects. Potential project effects on archaeological and heritage resources will be characterized in context of baseline conditions. Appropriate mitigation measures will be recommended to reduce potential effects from the proposed Project.
Table 24: Potential Effects on Heritage and Archaeological Resources
Potential Adverse Effects Measurable Parameters
Alteration or destruction of heritage sites Number damaged or destroyed
Alteration or destruction of archaeological sites Number damaged or destroyed
Alteration or destruction of culturally modified trees (CMTs) Number damaged or destroyed
20.5 Cumulative Effects An assessment of the proposed Project’s potential contributions to cumulative effects on archaeological and heritage resources will be provided using the methods outlined in Section 4.2.
20.6 Conclusion This section of the EIS/Application will include a brief summary of the predicted residual effects and cumulative effects of the proposed Project on archaeological and heritage resources and a conclusion on the significance of these effects.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 21: Current Use of Lands and Resources for Traditional Purposes
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
87
21 CURRENT USE OF LANDS AND RESOURCES FOR TRADITIONAL PURPOSES
21.1 Introduction The EIS/Application will introduce the current use of lands and resources by Aboriginal people, describe the rationale for its selection as a VC, and identify linkages to other sections of the EIS/Application. Interactions between the proposed Project and current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes by Aboriginal people are anticipated because of the potential effects of the proposed Project on use of Lelu Island and the adjacent marine areas.
21.2 Scope of Assessment The current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes by Aboriginal people assessment in the EIS/Application will focus on potential effects on access to Lelu Island and the adjacent marine areas. The EIS/Application will also expand on the rationale for the spatial boundaries identified in Table 6 and Table 7.
21.3 Baseline Conditions The EIS/Application will describe the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes by Aboriginal people as set out in the EIS Guidelines. This will focus on marine resource use of the area for fishing, shellfish harvesting, and gathering seaweed. Hunting, trapping, and other traditional uses of the land in the area will also be discussed. Information will be used from publicly available sources and from traditional use studies, if made available.
21.4 Effects Assessment The effects assessment will be carried out according to the methods set out in Section 4.1.4 and in a manner that is consistent with and satisfies the objectives of the effects assessment methodology requirements set out in the EIS Guidelines. This will include:
Analytical methods
Assessment of potential effects
Mitigation
Characterization of residual effects
Determination of significance.
Table 25 provides a summary of the potential effects of the proposed Project on current use of lands and resources by Aboriginal people that will be included in the assessment and the measurable parameters that will be used to quantify these effects. Potential project effects on current use of lands and resources by Aboriginal people will be characterized in context of baseline conditions. Appropriate mitigation measures will be recommended to reduce potential effects from the proposed Project.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 21: Current Use of Lands and Resources for Traditional Purposes
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
88
Table 25: Potential Effects on Current Use of Lands and Resources for Traditional Purposes
Potential Adverse Effects Measurable Parameters
Changes to current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes by Aboriginal people
Quantitative changes in preferred harvested species
Changes in, or restrictions on, preferred identified harvesting methods
Quantity and quality of identified valued traditional use locations and access corridors where use or access to those locations is changed
Quantity of affected identified and valued culturally important natural landforms and natural features
Quantity, quality, and accessibility of similar alternate locations where traditional use of the land and resources remains unaffected by the proposed Project
Qualitative changes in the experience of using the land and resources for traditional purposes
21.5 Cumulative Effects An assessment of the proposed Project’s potential contributions to cumulative effects on current use of lands and resources by Aboriginal people will be provided using the methods outlined in Section 4.2.
21.6 Conclusion This section of the EIS/Application will include a brief summary of the predicted residual effects and cumulative effects of the proposed Project on current use of lands and resources by Aboriginal people and a conclusion on the significance of these effects.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 22: Accidents or Malfunctions
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
89
22 ACCIDENTS OR MALFUNCTIONS The assessment of effects of potential accidents or malfunctions will be completed as set out by the EIS Guidelines. The assessment will include an explanation of how those events were identified, and potential consequences (including potential environmental effects). For this assessment, an “accident” is defined as an unexpected occurrence or unintended action that can result in an adverse environmental or human health effect and a “malfunction” is defined as the failure of a piece of equipment, a device, or a system to function normally that can result in an adverse environmental or human health effect.
The specific accidents or malfunctions to be considered include:
Emergency flaring and emergency LNG facility shutdown
Explosion or fire
Fuel or hazardous material spill (at the storage or loading facilities (from mobile equipment and storage vessels)
LNG spill (release at the storage or loading facilities)
Marine vessel allision (vessel striking another fixed vessel or object), grounding or collision (two moving vessels), including:
Marine vessel allision with the LNG terminal or grounding
Marine vessel collision with another vessel
Marine vessel collision with a marine mammal.
For each event, the assessment will include:
A description of the event.
The methodology for assessing the potential risk of each event
Descriptions of consequences
Descriptions of likelihood of the scenario occurring
The identification of proposed measures to reduce the likelihood of the event
The assessment of effects and/or consequences that may result from such events
The identification of measures to mitigate the effects/consequences
The conclusions on the potential risk of the accident or malfunction.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 23: Effects of the Environment on the Project
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
90
23 EFFECTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT ON THE PROJECT
The assessment of effects of the environment on the proposed Project will be completed as set out by the EIS Guidelines. The environmental assessment will consider the changes to the proposed Project resulting from the following natural events:
Extreme storm conditions (a 1 in 100 year storm event)
1 in 2,475 year seismic event
Tsunami
Forecasted sea level rise resulting from climate change. Where relevant and possible, the implications of such climate induced changes to the extreme weather events given above will also be assessed.
For each of the above environmental factors, the EIS/Application will identify:
The methodology for assessing the potential risk of an event
Descriptions of consequences
Descriptions of likelihood of the hazard occurring
The assessment of effects and/or consequences that may result from such hazard
The identification of measures to mitigate the effects/consequences
The conclusions on the potential risk of the effects of the environment to the proposed Project.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 24: Summary of Proposed Environmental and Operational Management Plans
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
91
24 SUMMARY OF PROPOSED ENVIRONMENTAL AND OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT PLANS
The EIS/Application will provide a list of the environmental management and operational plans for construction and operation of the proposed Project.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 25: Changes to the Environment
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
92
25 CHANGES TO THE ENVIRONMENT The changes to the environment from the proposed Project will be described as set out in the EIS Guidelines. The EIS/Application will include sections that summarize the following changes to the environment from the proposed Project:
Changes to components of the environment within federal jurisdiction
Changes to the environment that would occur on federal or transboundary lands
Changes to the environment that are directly linked or necessarily incidental to federal decisions.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 26: Effects of Changes to the Environment
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
93
26 EFFECTS OF CHANGES TO THE ENVIRONMENT The effects of changes to the environment from the proposed Project will be described as set out in the EIS Guidelines. The EIS/Application will include sections that describe:
Effects of changes to the environment with respect to Aboriginal peoples, on:
Health and socio-economic conditions
Physical and cultural heritage
Current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes
Any structure, site or thing that is of historical, archaeological, paleontological or architectural significance.
Effects of changes to the environment that are directly linked or necessarily incidental to federal decisions, including:
Health and socio-economic conditions
Physical and cultural heritage
Any structure, site or thing that is of historical archaeological, paleontological or architectural significance.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 27: Aboriginal Rights and Related Interests
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
94
27 ABORIGINAL RIGHTS AND RELATED INTERESTS
27.1 Aboriginal Rights For the purposes of the EIS/Application, the term “Aboriginal Rights” means the same as “Aboriginal Interests” as defined in the BC EAO section 11 Order.
The discussion of potential effects on Aboriginal Rights from the proposed Project will be provided as set out in the EIS Guidelines. This section of the EIS/Application will also incorporate findings of the VC chapters in the EIS/Application that are relevant to Aboriginal Rights, including proposed mitigation measures. This section applies to Aboriginal groups listed in Schedule B of the section 11 Order.
The Aboriginal groups discussed in this section will include:
Metlakatla First Nation
Lax Kw’alaams First Nation
Gitxaala Nation
Kitselas First Nation
Kitsumkalum First Nation.
For each Aboriginal group this section will include:
A description of the Aboriginal rights of each group identified through secondary research techniques or provided directly through consultation activities. This will include background information on ethnography, language, governance, and reserves.
TEK and TLU information, as available
A summary of consultation activities
A description of potential adverse effects of the proposed Project on Aboriginal Rights
A description of measures to avoid or reduce potential adverse effects on Aboriginal Rights
A characterization of the residual adverse effects on Aboriginal Rights after mitigation. A determination of the significance of residual adverse effects on Aboriginal Rights will not be provided.
A description of cumulative effects related to the proposed Project assessed in the VC chapters in the EIS/Application that are relevant to Aboriginal rights.
A summary of any outstanding Aboriginal right issues identified by Aboriginal groups.
27.2 Other Matters of Concern to Aboriginal People Other matters of concern to Aboriginal People (and their related interests) will be discussed as set out in the EIS Guidelines.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 27: Aboriginal Rights and Related Interests
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
95
This section will include:
An identification of other matters of concern to Aboriginal people with respect to potential social, economic, environmental, heritage and health effects of the proposed project (to the extent not already identified in Section 27.1 above or in Section 21, Current Use of Lands and Resources for Traditional Purposes)
A description of measures to address potential effects on other matters of concern to Aboriginal people
Characterization of the potential effects after mitigation
A description of how these matters of concern have been addressed from the perspective of PNW LNG.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 28: Summary of the Assessment
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
96
28 SUMMARY OF THE ASSESSMENT The EIS/Application will provide a summary of the assessment as set out in the EIS Guidelines. This will include a series of tables that summarize the following information:
Potential effects on the environment, adverse impacts on potential Aboriginal rights and related interests, and public concerns
Mitigation measures and commitments
Residual and cumulative effects
Significant adverse environmental effects
Comments from the public
Comments from Aboriginal groups
Relationship of VCs to Aboriginal groups rights and related interests.
Examples of the format of key tables are provided below.
Table 26: Summary of Potential Effects on Aboriginal Rights and Related Interests and Measures to Address Effects
Potential Effects of the Project Measures to Address Effects
Table 27: Summary of Project Residual and Cumulative Effects
Potential Effect Project Phase Contributing
Project Activity or Physical Works
Proposed Mitigation/
Compensation Significance
Valued Component
Table 28: Summary of Mitigation Measures and Commitments
Number Proposed Commitment (Mitigation Measure) Timing
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 29: Benefits to Canadians
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
97
29 BENEFITS TO CANADIANS The EIS/Application will provide information on the benefits to Canadians as set out in the EIS Guidelines. This will include a description of:
Changes to the proposed Project since initially proposed
Benefits of the proposed Project.
The EIS/Application will include the following information:
Initial capital construction cost estimates including:
Costs for the land, buildings, and equipment associated with the proposed Project
Indication of the potential for use of local facilities and indication if these are currently under-utilized.
Estimated operating costs over the life of the proposed Project (for land, buildings and equipment) including:
Estimated annual operating costs (excluding labour)
Indication of how the costs are measured (i.e., current dollar value or Net Present Value)
Anticipated costs for decommissioning/closure/abandonment/reclamation.
Employment estimates including:
Direct employment, stated in number of person years, to be created by major job category (e.g., labour, management, business services) during construction and operation, distinguishing among full-time, part-time and seasonal workers
Wage levels, by major job category, for the construction and operating periods
Breakdown of the number of people that will be hired locally, provincially, nationally or internationally for the proposed Project
Potential for PNW LNG to use local human resources that are currently under-utilized
Relevant employment policies/practices
Indirect employment for the construction and operation phases of the proposed Project including any assumptions relating to industry specific multipliers or other multipliers used.
After determining the proposed Project’s staffing needs, PNW LNG will engage with Aboriginal groups, the public and stakeholders to determine their interest and potential for meeting staffing requirements. PNW LNG will potentially support training to assist individuals in meeting the requirements for employment or for providing contractor services. The EIS/Application will provide information on these efforts. The EIS/Application will also provide:
Contractor supply services estimates including:
List of the major types of businesses/contractors, broken down at the local, provincial, and national level that would benefit from the proposed Project
Value of supply of service contracts expected for both the construction and operation phases of the proposed Project
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 29: Benefits to Canadians
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
98
Information about PNW LNG’s local purchasing strategy, if any.
Annual government revenues for the construction and operation phases of the proposed Project including:
Local/municipal (property taxes, other)
Regional District (taxes, other)
Provincial (income tax, sales tax, lease, license and tenure, royalties, other)
Federal (income tax, Goods and Services Tax (GST), payroll taxes, other).
Anticipated overall contribution to British Columbia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Assumptions and reference information sources for the above information
Identification of proposed Project’s contributions to community development.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 30: Follow-up Program and Compliance Reporting
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
99
30 FOLLOW-UP PROGRAM AND COMPLIANCE REPORTING
A follow-up program is designed to verify the accuracy of the effects assessment and to determine the effectiveness of the measures implemented to mitigate the adverse effects of the proposed Project. The EIS/Application will describe the proposed follow-up program in sufficient detail to reliably verify predicted effects (or absence of them), and to confirm both the assumptions and the effectiveness of mitigation.
The EIS/Application will provide a clear description of the reporting structure as identified within the EMPs, monitoring plans and commitments, including monitoring required for all permits, authorizations and licenses.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 31: Conclusion
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
100
31 CONCLUSION The EIS/Application will:
Provide a summary of PNW LNG’s understanding of the BC environmental assessment process in promoting sustainable development while minimizing effect to environmental, economic, social, heritage and health values.
Provide a description of how the proposed Project aligns with the goal of the BC environmental assessment process.
Provide a statement on the overall significance of the proposed Project’s effects on the biophysical and human environment and its ability to mitigate them.
Request an environmental assessment certificate from the Government of British Columbia and a decision under section 52 of CEAA 2012 from the Canadian Minister of the Environment.
Confirm the need to successfully complete subsequent permitting/authorization processes prior to proceeding with the proposed Project construction, operation, and decommissioning.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 32: References
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
101
32 REFERENCES The EIS/Application will list the references used in preparing the EIS/Application. The references used to prepare this AIR are provided below.
Banner, A., W. MacKenzie, S. Haeussler, S. Thomson, J. Pojar and R. Trowbridge. 1993a. A Field Guide to Site Identification and Interpretation for the Prince Rupert Forest Region. Land Management Handbook No.26. Part 1. Ministry of Forests, Research Program.
Banner, A., W. MacKenzie, S. Haeussler, S. Thomson, J. Pojar and R. Trowbridge. 1993b. A Field Guide to Site Identification and Interpretation for the Prince Rupert Forest Region. Land Management Handbook No.26. Part 2. Ministry of Forests, Research Program.
BC Conservation Data Centre (BC CDC) 2013a. BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer. BC Ministry of Environment, Victoria, BC. Available at: http://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/.
BC Conservation Data Centre (BC CDC) 2013b. CDC Internet Mapping Service. BC Ministry of Environment, Victoria, BC. Available at http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/atrisk/ims.htm.
BC Environmental Assessment Office (BC EAO). 2013. Guideline for the Selection of Valued Components and Assessment of Potential Effects. 26 July, 2013. Available at: http://www.eao.gov.bc.ca/pdf/EAO_Valued_Components_Guideline_2013_07_30.pdf.
BC Ministry of Environment (BC MOE). 2008. Guidelines for Air Quality Dispersion Modelling in British Columbia. Environmental Protection Division, Environmental Quality Branch, Air Protection Section. Victoria, BC. March 2008. Available at: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/bcairquality/reports/pdfs/air_disp_model_08.pdf.
BC Ministry of Forests (BC MOF). 1998. Extension Note 21 –Biodiversity and Interior Habitats: The Need to Minimize Edge Effects. Available at: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/docs/en/en21.pdf.
BC Ministry of Forests and Range and BC Ministry of Environment (BC MOFR and BC MOE). 2010. Field Manual for Describing Terrestrial Ecosystems— Land Management Handbook 25. 2nd Ed.
BC Oil and Gas Commission (BC OGC). 2009. British Columbia Noise Control Best Practices Guideline. March 2009. Available at: http://www.bcogc.ca/node/8152/download.
Ecora Resource Group Ltd, (Ecora). 2013. North Coast Level R Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping. Project Final Report. Prepared for BC Ministry of Environment, Contract #; OT13ESD-070, Service Request WO#; WO13ESD-024. 24pp.
Health Canada. 2010. Useful Information for Environmental Assessments. Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.
MacKenzie, W. and J. Moran. 2004. Wetlands of British Columbia: A Guide to Identification. Handbook. No. 52. Resource Branch, British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Victoria, BC.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements Section 32: References
February 2014
Project No. 1231-10537
102
National Wetlands Working Group (NWWG). 1997. Canadian Wetland Classification System. Edited by: Warner, B.G. and C.D.A. Rubec. 2nd Ed. Available at: http://www.gret-perg.ulaval.ca/fileadmin/fichiers/fichiersGRET/pdf/Doc_generale/Wetlands.pdf.
Penny, Jennifer and Rose Klinkenberg. 2012. Protocols for Rare Plant Surveys. BC Conservation Data Centre and E-Flora BC. Available at: http://www.geog.ubc.ca/biodiversity/eflora/ProtocolsforRarePlantSurveys.html.
Resource Inventory Committee (RIC). 1998b. Standard for Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping in British Columbia. Ecosystems Working Group. Victoria, BC.
Resource Inventory Committee (RIC). 2001. Reconnaissance (1:20 000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory: Standards and Procedures, version 2. BC Fisheries Information Services Branch. Victoria, BC.
Resources Inventory Committee (RIC). 1998a. Standards for Broad Terrestrial Ecosystem Classification and Mapping for British Columbia: Classification and Correlation of the Broad Habitat Classes used in 1:250,000 Ecological Mapping. Version 2.0. Ecosystems Working Group. Victoria. BC.
Resources Inventory Committee (RIC). 1998b. Standard for Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping in British Columbia. Ecosystems Working Group, Terrestrial Ecosystems Task Force. May 1998. Available at: http://www.ilmb.gov.bc.ca/risc/pubs/teecolo/tem/tem_man.pdf.
Trites, R.W. 1952. The Oceanography of Chatham Sound, British Columbia. A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters of Arts. Department of Physics. The University of British Columbia.
Pacific NorthWest LNG Application Information Requirements
Section 33: Appendices
February 2014 Project No. 1231-10537
103
33 APPENDICES This section will include the appendices referenced in the EIS/Application.
Information prepared by professionals and provided under their professional seal will be identified in the EIS/Application and the related sealed studies will be included in an Appendix.