Marine Terminal Project on the North Shore of the Saguenay

Document reference number: 98

Draft Environmental Assessment Report

Version – July 2018

Catalogue No: EnXXX-XXX/XXXXF

ISBN: XXX-X-XXX-XXXXX-X

This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial purposes, and in any format, without charge or further permission. Unless otherwise specified, you may not reproduce materials, in whole or in part, for the purpose of commercial redistribution without prior written permission from the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3 or info@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

This document has been issued in French under the title: Terminal maritime en rive nord du Saguenay

Executive Summary

The Saguenay Port Authority (the proponent), a Canadian port authority, is proposing the construction and operation of a multi-user marine terminal in Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, Quebec, to serve the north shore of the Saguenay River. The terminal would include a wharf designed to accommodate bulk carriers of up to 100,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT) ^Footnote 1, a shiploader, and ore concentrate storage and handling facilities. The terminal's first client will be the mining company Arianne Phosphate, which has stated its intention of using this proposed wharf for shipping apatite concentrate that would be produced at the Lac à Paul mine and exported to international markets. Thus, the Saguenay Port Authority would handle all apatite, from the unloading of trucks to storage silos to the loading of ships.

Under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, the project is subject to an environmental assessment by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency), because it involves a designated activity as set out in paragraph 24 c) of the Schedule to the Regulations Designating Physical Activities.

"The construction, operation, decommissioning and abandonment of a new marine terminal designed to handle ships larger than 25 000 DWT unless the terminal is located on lands that are routinely and have been historically used as a marine terminal or that are designated for such use in a land-use plan that has been the subject of public consultation."

An environmental assessment of the Project was not required by the Government of Quebec pursuant to Quebec's Environment Quality Act. As a result, the Canada-Quebec Agreement on Environmental Assessment Cooperation does not apply to this environmental assessment. However, in order to foster collaboration in the spirit of this agreement for all port projects subject to an environmental assessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, the Agency invited experts from the Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques to join the various environmental assessment committees responsible for the review of port projects.

This environmental assessment report was completed following a technical review of the proponent's Environmental Impact Statement and supplemental materials and an evaluation of the potential environmental effects of the Project by the Agency with the support of the Federal Environmental Assessment Committee, which consists of:

Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Natural Resources Canada
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Health Canada
Transport Canada
Parks Canada
Laurentian Pilotage Authority
Canadian Coast Guard
Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques

During the environmental assessment process, the Agency also took into account the concerns and comments of the Essipit Innu, Pekuakamiulnuatsh (Mashteuiatsh), Innu of Pessamit and Huron-Wendat Nation First Nations. It also took into account the comments of the Groupe de recherche et d'éducation sur les mammifères marins, the Conseil régional de l'environnement du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Boréalisation, the Organisme de bassin versant du Saguenay, Eurekô!, the Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier and the public in general.

In conducting this EA, the Agency considered effects that the Project may have on the following environmental components:

Those which fall within federal jurisdiction, as described in subsection 5(1) of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012;
Those directly linked or incidental to federal decisions that enable the Project to be carried out, as described in subsection 5(2) of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012;
Species listed under the Species at Risk Act and their critical habitat, as well as species designated as "threatened" or "vulnerable" under the Quebec's Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species;
Species listed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.

The Agency considered those factors pursuant to subsection 19 (1) of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012.

The Agency has also reviewed and documented the potential effects of increased marine navigation related to the Project, due to concerns raised by the public and Aboriginal peoples.

The environmental assessment conducted by the Agency identified the following potential environmental effects:

Transboundary effects as a result of greenhouse gas emissions;
Loss of wetlands and land vegetation;
Effects on fish and fish habitat from changes to water and sediment quality, loss of habitat, and physical injury or mortality;
Disturbance to marine mammals, including the St. Lawrence beluga, due to subaquatic noise;
Disturbance to birds, their eggs and nests and removal of their habitat;
Effects on the little brown myotis, northern myotis, tri-coloured bat and the rock vole, which are species with special status;
Effects to human health from air contaminants, noise and light emissions;
Effects on Aboriginal use of lands and resources for hunting, fishing, gathering and cultural practices as a result of changes to access;
Effects on physical and cultural heritage, and archaeological and historical resources;
Effects on the practice on recreational activities such as fishing and recreational boating as a result of changes to access.

The proponent has committed to including mitigation measures in the Project that would minimize or compensate for its environmental effects. The Agency has identified key mitigation measures required to ensure that there are no significant adverse environmental effects, taking into account the mitigation measures proposed by the proponent, the views of government authorities, as well as comments received from First Nations and the public, and include:

A compensation plan to offset the loss of wetlands if the final permanent road design does not allow for complete avoidance;
A compensation plan to offset the loss of fish habitat;
Visual surveillance and cessation of activities if beluga whales or harbour seals are detected within an exclusion zone during construction;
Monitoring of the work to ensure that no incidental take of nests or eggs occurs, and the prohibition to carry out deforestation work between April 15 and August 15, to avoid the bird nesting period;
Measures to protect bats by installing bat houses;
Measures to minimize air contaminants, noise and light from the project that may have an impact on human health, and implement a protocol for receiving and responding to complaints related to these aspects of the project;
An ice-fishing management plan to allow the activity to be carried out safely in the Port of Saguenay jurisdiction area, particularly by First Nations;
Mitigation measures for accidents and malfunctions under the care and control of the proponent to avoid negative impacts on resources, particularly those related to recreational or Aboriginal fishing;
Measures to reduce the visual footprint of the project on the landscape (neutral color paint and matte finish, rapid re-vegetation of bare surfaces as the work is conducted);
Measures to handle and manage archaeological and historical resources in consultation with First Nations;
A communication plan to share information related to the project to users practising water-based and hunting activities, including the location and timing of construction activities related to the project and the schedule of the ships in dock;
Procedures to allow the public and First Nations to share with the proponent their concerns about the project's adverse environmental effects, including visit to and use of the territory, the movement of heavy vehicles, air quality and noise or vibrations levels, as well as procedures for the proponent to note and respond to concerns received in a timely manner and demonstrate how the concerns raised have been resolved;
Measures to require the proponent to participate in regional initiatives related to the monitoring, assessment or management of cumulative environmental effects on belugas and to report annually to the Agency on progress in the implementation of proposed measures to reduce risks on belugas, including those to limit future increases in underwater noise.

The Agency has established mitigation measures and the requirements of a follow-up program that will be presented to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change when making her decision regarding the significance of the adverse environmental impacts of the Project.

If the project were to go ahead, the Agency considers that the proponent should implement an environmental monitoring program and a follow-up program to ensure compliance with laws and regulations, validate the accuracy of the impact assessment and verify the effectiveness of the mitigation measures. These programs would allow the proponent to make the necessary adjustments. The results would be submitted to the Agency for review in collaboration with federal authorities and would be shared with representatives of the Essipit Innu First Nation, Pekuakamiulnuatsh (Masteuiatsh) First Nation, Pessamit Innu First Nation and the Huron-Wendat Nation.

The Agency considers that, given the application of mitigation measures, the Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

This draft environmental assessment report and the potential environmental assessment conditions are being released for public and First Nations review and comment.

The Agency will take into account the comments received when drafting the final environmental assessment report and potential conditions, which it will submit to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to inform her decision as to whether the project is likely to have significant adverse environmental effects.

In the event that the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change ultimately decides that the project is likely to cause significant adverse effects, the Minister will refer the matter of whether those effects are justified in the circumstances to the Governor in Council. If the Governor in Council determines that these effects are justified in the circumstances, the Minister will establish the conditions for carrying out the project in her decision statement under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012. The conditions set out by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change would become legally binding on the proponent.

Executive Summary
Table of Contents
List of Tables
List of Figures
List of Abbreviations and Acronyms
1 Introduction
2 Project Overview
3 Purpose of Project and Alternative Means under Consideration
- 3.1 Context and Purpose of Project
  - 3.1.1 Comments received
  - 3.1.2 Agency Analysis and Conclusion
- 3.2 Alternative Means of Carrying Out the Project
  - 3.2.2 Comments received
  - 3.2.3 Agency Analysis and Conclusion
4 Consultation Activities and Advice Received
5 Geographical Setting
- 5.1 Physical Environment
- 5.2 Human Environment
6 Expected environmental changes
7 Predicted Effects on Valued Components
8 Other Effects Considered
9 Impacts on the Rights Recognized in Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982
10 Conclusions and Recommendations of the Agency
11 References
12 Appendices

List of Tables

Table 1 Valued components selected by the Agency
Table 2 Physical activities of the project and description of activities by development stage
Table 3 Opportunities for First Nations participation
Table 4 Participation options offered to the public
Table 5 Estimates of Direct and Indirect Greenhouse Gas Emissions Related to the Project
Table 6 Fish species likely to be found in the study area
Table 7 Special-status bird species potentially present on the project site
Table 8 Bat species that may be present and their statuses

List of Figures

Figure 1: Project location
Figure 2: Limited and Landscape Study Areas
Figure 3: Extended Study Areas
Figure 4: Main components of the terminal project, including the infrastructure in conjunction with the first client (mining company Arianne Phosphate)
Figure 5: Computer-generated picture showing an aerial view of the terminal project in the operation and maintenance phase with the infrastructure of the first confirmed client (mining company Arianne Phosphate)
Figure 6: Plausible scenario of the terminal being used by all potential clients (maximum capacity)
Figure 7: Example of a combined wall wharf (view in section A, top view B)
Figure 8: Location of terminal alternatives.
Figure 9: Wetlands and forest stands in the limited study area
Figure 10: Freshwater fish habitat in the limited study area
Figure 11: Presence of the St. Lawrence beluga and the harbour seal in the Saguenay River
Figure 12: Distribution of the terrestrial and wetland environments used by birds in the project's zone of influence
Figure 13: Use of the Territory near the Project Site by the Essipit Innu, Pekuakamiulnuatsh and Pessamit First Nations and the Huron-Wendat Nation
Figure 14: Range of visibility and scale of the project's visual influence
Figure 15: Area of archaeological potential – First Nations
Figure 16: Visual simulations of the project seen by an observer located at Anse à Pelletier
Figure 17: Visual simulations of the project seen by an observer on a cruise ship.
Figure 18: Potential interactions between the dispersal of an oil slick and the sensitive environments, according to the worst-case spill scenario
Figure 19: Potential interactions between the dispersal of an oil slick and the sensitive environments, according to the worst-case spill scenario – extended study area
Figure 20: Boundaries of the critical habitat of the St. Lawrence beluga (line connected by dots)

List of Abbreviations and Acronyms

the Act: Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012
the Agency: Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
EA: environmental assessment
EIS: environmental impact statement
CO₂ eq: equivalent in carbon dioxide
project: Marine Terminal Project on the North Shore of the Saguenay
Proponent: Saguenay Port Authority

1 Introduction

1.1 Brief introduction of the project

The Saguenay Port Authority (the proponent), a Canadian port authority, is proposing the construction and operation of a multi-user marine terminal in Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, Quebec, to serve the north shore of the Saguenay River (Figure 1). The terminal has a wharf designed to accommodate bulk carriers of up to 100,000 dead weight tonnes ^Footnote 2 (DWT), a ship loader, and concentrated ore storage and handling facilities. The first client will be the mining company Arianne Phosphate, which has stated its intention of using this proposed wharf for shipping apatite concentrate that would be produced at the Lac à Paul mine to outside markets. Thus, the Saguenay Port Authority would handle all apatite, from the unloading of non-standard trucks to storage silos to the loading of ships.

1.2 Purpose of the Draft Environmental Assessment Report

This draft environmental assessment report provides a summary of the information and analyses that the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) took into account when establishing whether the marine terminal project on the north shore of the Saguenay is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, after taking into account the proposed mitigation measures.

When making decisions under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change will take into account the final environmental assessment report, which includes comments from Aboriginal peoples, the public, the proponent, federal authorities and the Government of Quebec on the draft report. The Minister may request additional information or may require that additional measures be taken in response to comments received on the draft report from the public and Aboriginal peoples.

Figure 1: Project location

Figure 1: Project location

Source: WSP: Environmental impact statement

1.3 Scope of Environmental Assessment

1.3.1 Environmental assessment requirements

The project is subject to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 because it involves activities that are designated by the Regulations Designating Physical Activities (the Regulations). More specifically, the project includes the construction, operation, decommissioning and abandonment of a new marine terminal designed for accommodating ships of over 25,000 DWT, which meets the description and thresholds set out in section 24(c) of the Schedule of the Regulations.

Based on the project description submitted by the proponent, the Agency screened the project to decide whether an environmental assessment was required under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012. On April 27, 2015, the Agency invited the public to provide comments on the designated project and its potential environmental effects. Based in part on the comments received, the Agency determined that an environmental assessment was required and this assessment began on June 11, 2015.

The scope of the federal environmental assessment establishes the framework and limits of the analysis conducted by the Agency. The Agency determines the regulatory and legislative requirements of an environmental assessment, the involvement of the federal authorities in the environmental assessment, the factors to be considered, the selection of valued components and the spatial and temporal boundaries.

An environmental assessment of the project was not required by the Government of Quebec pursuant to Quebec's Environmental Quality Act. As a result, the Canada-Quebec Agreement on Environmental Assessment Co-operation does not apply to this environmental assessment. However, in order to foster co-operation in the spirit of this agreement for all port projects subject to an environmental assessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, the Agency has invited experts from the Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (MDDELCC) to join the various environmental assessment committees responsible for the review of port projects. Hence, the Quebec government was involved in all phases of the federal environmental assessment process for the Marine Terminal Project on the North Shore of the Saguenay, and made significant contributions to defining the public consultation strategy for this project. As members of the Environmental Assessment Committee, MDDELCC experts raised issues and concerns that were forwarded to the proponent in the Agency's requests for information. MDDELCC experts then gave their advice with respect to the project's potential effects on the issues of concern to them.

1.3.2 Elements considered in the assessment

As required by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, the environmental assessment examined the significance of potential adverse environmental effects that are within federal jurisdiction pursuant to subsection 5(1):

Fish and fish habitat
Migratory birds
Aquatic species (marine plants)
Environmental effects that impact on Aboriginal peoples, such as on their physical and cultural heritage
Effects that cross provincial or international boundaries (for example, greenhouse gasses).

Under subsection 79(2) of the Species at Risk Act, the Agency, as the responsible authority, must identify the project's adverse effects on species listed on the List of Wildlife Species at Risk (Schedule 1 to the Species at Risk Act) and their critical habitats. The environmental assessment therefore took the adverse effects of the project on these species into consideration. If the project proceeds, preventive measures provided for in the applicable recovery strategies and action plans, as well as all additional measures identified in the environmental assessment and deemed necessary by the Minister, must be taken to avoid, lessen, and monitor those effects. Species designated by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada are also discussed in the Draft Environmental Assessment Report.

The following decisions or exercise of powers under other federal legislation may also be required before the project can commence:

An authorization under section 35 of the Fisheries Act for serious harm to fish
An agreement or permit obtained under section 73 of the Species at Risk Act, for engaging in activity affecting a listed wildlife species, any part of its critical habitat or its residences
Approvals under sections 6 or 9 of the Navigation Protection Act for works that restrict navigation
Exercise of powers granted to the Saguenay Port Authority under sections 28 and 46 of the Canada Marine Act to operate a port and acquire lands necessary for carrying out the project.

Therefore, in accordance with section 5(2) of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, the environmental assessment considered changes to the environment (atmosphere, sound and light, as well as surface and ground water) that could result from these decisions and exercise of powers, as well as any effects on health, socio-economic conditions, physical or cultural heritage, as well as constructions, locations or matters of historical, archaeological, paleontological or architectural interest.

Pursuant to subsection 19(1) of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, the federal environmental assessment took the following factors into account:

The environmental effects of the project, including the environmental effects of malfunctions or accidents that may occur in connection with the project and any cumulative environmental effects that are likely to result from the project in combination with other physical activities that have been or will be carried out
Significance of the environmental effects
Comments from the public
Mitigation measures that are technically and economically feasible, that would mitigate any significant adverse environmental effects of the project
The requirements of the follow-up program in respect of the project
The purpose of the project
Alternative means of carrying out the project that are technically and economically feasible and the environmental effects of any such alternative means
Changes to the project that may be caused by the environment
Environmental effects of marine shipping associated with the project that do not fall under the responsibility of and are not monitored by the proponent and that play out in the Saguenay River as far as its mouth in the St. Lawrence River.

The Agency reviewed and documented the potential effects of the increase of marine traffic related to the project because of concerns raised by the public and Indigenous peoples. The information collected may be used by the federal government as part of programs or initiatives under federal jurisdiction related to marine traffic and its effects, especially the Oceans Protection Plan available on the Transport Canada website: https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/oceans-protection-plan.html. Under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change may require, in the form of conditions, that the proponent implement specific mitigation measures to avoid significant environmental effects under its control. Since ships outside Saguenay Port Authority facilities or area of jurisdiction are not under the proponent's control, the potential effects that could result cannot be governed by the conditions set forth in the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012.

In addition to public comments, the Agency also considered comments from Aboriginal peoples, as well as local and Aboriginal traditional knowledge during its analysis.

1.3.3 Selection of valued components

The valued components assessed by the Agency are presented in Table 1. The Agency focused its assessment of the effects on the valued components within federal jurisdiction, pursuant to section 5 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012), and on species at risk, pursuant to subsection 79(2) of the Species at Risk Act (SARA).

Table 1 Valued components selected by the Agency
Valued Component	Legislative Requirements	Rationale
Transboundary Effects – Greenhouse Gasses	5 (1)(b)(ii) CEAA 2012	The project would result in emissions of greenhouse gasses that could contribute to increased atmospheric levels worldwide and climate change. Effects on atmospheric greenhouse gas levels are assessed, since they affect changes crossing provincial or international borders.
Wetlands and vegetation, including special-status species*	5 (2)(a) CEAA 2012 79 (2) of the SARA	The project infrastructure development would lead to deforestation which could affect wetlands, forests of phytosociological interest and special-status plant species*.
Fish and fish habitat including invertebrates, species at risk* and marine plants	5 (1)(a)(i) and 5(1)(a)(ii) CEAA 2012 79 (2) of the SARA	The project would result in habitat loss and changes to surface water quality and currents that are likely to affect marine fish, invertebrates and their habitat, including special-status species* and marine plants.
St. Lawrence belugas and other marine mammals, including other special-status species*	5 (1)(a)(i) CEAA 2012 79 (2) of the SARA	The project could result in the disturbance and mortality of marine mammals, including special-status species*, such as the St. Lawrence beluga, due to subaquatic noise and the movement of ships.
Birds, including special-status species*	5 (1)(a)(iii) CEAA 2012 – migratory birds 5 (2)(a) CEAA 2012 – non-migratory birds 79 (2) SARA	The project would lead to a loss of habitat for migratory and non-migratory birds, including special-status species*, due to the clearing of the site and the construction of marine facilities, and could lead to disturbances due to the change in the levels of noise and light.
Special-status terrestrial mammals*	5 (2)(a) CEAA 2012 79 (2) of the SARA	The project would result in loss of habitat and disturbance to special-status terrestrial mammals*, including bats.
Human health	5 (1)(c) CEAA 2012 – Aboriginal peoples 5 (2)(b)(i) CEAA 2012 – local people	The project would cause changes to air and surface water quality, as well as to the noise and light environment, which would likely affect human health of the local people and Aboriginal peoples.
Current Aboriginal use of lands and resources for traditional purposes	5 (1)(c) CEAA 2012	The project would produce changes to the environment, especially to the terrestrial environment, as well as to fish and fish habitat, which could have an impact on Aboriginal peoples' current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes.
Physical and cultural heritage	5 (1)(c) CEAA 2012 – Aboriginal peoples and 5(2)(b)(ii) CEAA 2012 – local people population	The project would transform the landscape and could cause disturbances to historical or archaeological sites with respect to Aboriginal peoples and the local people.
Socio-economic conditions	5 (1)(c) CEAA 2012 – Aboriginal peoples 5 (2)(b)(i) CEAA 2012 – local people	The project would result in loss of terrestrial habitat, transform the landscape and may affect fish and fish habitat, as well as marine mammals in connection with accidents, malfunctions and the increase of traffic. This would have an impact on the socio-economic conditions of Aboriginal peoples and the local people, especially in terms of access to tourism activities and recreational and commercial fishing as well as to fishing and trapping.

* Special-status species include species on lists under federal and provincial legislation. Effects to species at risk are assessed under section 79 of the Species at Risk Act and take into account species for which the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) recommends a change in status or their addition to the list of species at risk.

1.3.4 Methodology and approach

Spatial Boundaries

Spatial boundaries identify the geographic areas within which the potential effects from the project may occur. The proponent established a limited study area of 87.8 hectares, which corresponds to the project's infrastructure footprint in terrestrial and marine environments and the immediate vicinity (Figure 2). The proponent then established the study areas adapted to each valued component according to the different geographical ranges to adequately describe the existing conditions of the receiving environment before the project, and to assess the potential effects of the project on each valued component. For example, when establishing the spatial boundaries of the landscape study area, all the possible points of view on the port facilities projected within a radius of approximately 25 kilometres were included (Figure 2).

The proponent defined an extended study area to assess broader issues such as the assessment of cumulative effects on beluga whales and documentation of the effects of traffic beyond the proponent's control. The extended study area takes into consideration the Saguenay River and its shores, the Dubuc Bridge in the City of Saguenay upstream from the project site, all the way to its mouth into the St. Lawrence River (Figure 3).

The definitions of the spatial boundaries of the study areas given by the proponent were used in Chapter 6 of this report, unless otherwise specified in the Agency's analysis and conclusions. For example, for the assessment of the environmental effects of the project on bats, the Agency asked the proponent to redefine the local study area so that it corresponded to the project's area of influence on bats so as to adequately assess the effects of the project on these species.

Temporal Boundaries

Temporal boundaries are set to take account of all project activities likely to cause adverse environmental effects. With respect to this environmental assessment, the temporal boundaries considered include the project's lifecycle, namely the construction and operation of the terminal, as well as the construction, operation and decommissioning of the specific infrastructure that the terminal's clients need. Project activities related to each of these phases are described in Table 2. The Agency used the temporal boundaries defined by the proponent in the impact statement, but added clarifications with respect to potential clients of the terminal for the adequate assessment of the potential environmental effects of the project:

Construction: The construction of the multi-user infrastructure (access road, ship loader, wharf and storage area adjacent to the wharf) as well as infrastructure required for the terminal's first client (ore unloading and storage site, conveyor) will begin and continue for a period of two to three years starting from the date of the decision made under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012.

Operation: The terminal will begin to operate after the construction of the multi-user infrastructure and facilities related to the terminal's first client and will continue beyond 40 years. The terminal's operation phase therefore includes the construction of any new infrastructure that may be required to allow other clients to use the terminal's services. The facilities required for the storage and transshipment of the ore or materials of the terminal's clients will be in operation during the service life of the related projects.

In the case of the terminal's first client, the facilities for unloading of trucks and storing apatite ore will be in operation over a period estimated at 26 years.

Decommissioning and abandonment: No abandonment date has been scheduled for the wharf or the multi-user infrastructure, namely ship loading facilities (ship loader) and their related infrastructure (access road, administration building, well for drinking water, electrical building). This multi-user infrastructure is proposed for long-term use and would be dismantled only if the proponent decides to cease its port operations.

Dismantling of the specific facilities required by terminal clients is scheduled for the end of the service life of their related projects. In the case of facilities related to apatite storage and transshipment, approximately 12 months would be needed to dismantle them.

Figure 2: Limited and Landscape Study Areas

Figure 2: Limited and Landscape Study Areas

Source: WSP/GCNN, March 2016

Figure 3: Extended Study Areas

Figure 3: Extended Study Areas

Source: WSP: Environmental impact statement

Assessment of effects

The Agency, in collaboration with the federal committee (see section 4.3), defined and assessed the project's adverse environmental effects based on the proponent's Environmental Impact Statement, additional information requested, comments received from the public and Aboriginal peoples, and the views of the federal government and the Government of Quebec. The Agency examined the potential environmental effects on the valued components identified in Table 1, both the project's direct effects and the effects that may result from anticipated changes to the environment (atmospheric, sound and light, as well as surface and ground water), and determined the residual effects after taking into account the implementation of mitigation measures and monitoring programs. The Agency then determined the significance of residual effects for each valued component. Should the Agency has identify significant adverse residual effects, the likelihood of such effects occurring has also been assessed in accordance with the Agency's Operational Policy Statement: Determining Whether a Project is Likely to Cause Significant Adverse Environmental Effects under the CEAA, 2012. This methodology is different from the one used by the proponent, which integrates the likelihood of occurrence as a criterion for determining the significance of all effects assessed. However, The Agency retained the proponent's methodology for assessing the magnitude of effects (indicated as the intensity), which incorporates the environmental value of the components and the degree of disturbance that is established by considering the frequency of effect expected.

The Agency used the following criteria to characterize the significance of residual effects after mitigation measures, with each criterion being adapted to the valued component assessed:

Magnitude: the amount of change or severity of the effect relative to baseline conditions considering the environmental value of the valued components and the frequency of an effect.
Extent: the geographic area over which an effect will occur.
Duration: the period of time over which an effect will occur.
Reversibility: the reversible or irreversible nature of an effect.

The Agency assigned three levels for each criterion. For example, duration, as a criterion, was rated either as short, medium or long-term. The Agency also took into account current federal and provincial regulatory standards, criteria and guidelines to determine the significance of the residual effects. Appendix A defines the Agency's assessment criteria for each valued component. In certain cases, the Agency accepted the proponent's criteria, thresholds and characterization of residual effects as being adequate for the purposes of assessing environmental effects under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012. However, the Agency defined its own criteria for assessing effects and conducted the assessment differently than the proponent for some valued components. To make it easier for the public to understand, the Agency has also defined, in Annex A, a significance threshold that describes what the Agency considers to be a significant effect for each valued component. The differences in assessment are noted in the sections on changes to the environment and relevant valued components in Chapters 6 and 7. The Agency then used a grid that combines the levels assigned to each of the criteria (magnitude, extent, duration, reversibility) to determine the significance of each of the residual effects for each valued component (see Appendix B). Appendix C summarizes the Agency's assessment of residual effects following mitigation measures.

2 Project Overview

2.1 Project Location

The Saguenay Port Authority (the proponent) proposes the establishment of a multi-user marine terminal on the north shore of the Saguenay River. The facilities would be located within the limits of the municipality of Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, in the Fjord-du-Saguenay Regional County Municipality (MRC), as shown in Figure 1 (Chapter 1).

The centre of the site where the facilities are slated to be built has the following geographic coordinates: 48° 24' 04" North and 70° 43' 23" West. The land in question is located between the towns of Sainte-Rose-du-Nord and Saint-Fulgence. The land at the project site is currently zoned as recreational according to the Fjord-du-Saguenay MRC Development Plan. The regional zoning must be legally changed and this change must be endorsed by the MRC so that the projected industrial facilities may be developed.

A road built south of Highway 172 would provide access to the site. This private road, access to which would be controlled by a gatehouse, would be owned by the mining company Arianne Phosphate up to the property limit of the terminal site. Arianne Phosphate would grant access rights to the Saguenay Port Authority and its users for the portion of the road belonging to it, i.e. between Highway 172 and the terminal site.

In terms of maritime aspects, the project site is currently located outside the Saguenay Port Authority's area of jurisdiction established under the Canada Marine Act. The proponent has submitted a request to the Canadian Minister of Transport to change its current area of jurisdiction to include the baie des Ha! Ha!, as well as the area downstream from its current boundaries to those of the Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park. This new area of jurisdiction would include the project site, currently in a non-regulated area, and give the proponent the legitimacy and the means to act as the local marine coordinator since it would have the powers to manage marine shipping throughout the Saguenay River sector between the marine park and its current facilities at Grande-Anse. The Agency will therefore take into account the increased powers of marine shipping management that could be granted to the proponent in its recommendations to the Minister.

2.2 Project Components

This proposed project is a multi-user terminal. Although only one user is known at the moment by the Saguenay Port Authority, these components and activities described below, whose environmental effects are analyzed, are those anticipated for maximum operation by more than one user.

For the purposes of the environmental assessment, the proponent considered a plausible, albeit extreme, scenario of the potential maximum use of the terminal on the Saguenay's North Shore that could occur, should all anticipated clients were to come forward. This scenario includes two high-volume bulk (long-term) clients, a low-volume bulk (long-term or short-term) client, and cargo (sporadic) clients.

Although the terminal could accommodate ships up to 100,000 dead weight tonnes (DWT), the scenario described by the proponent considers that clients would use ships of 50,000 DWT. The wharf would only be able to accommodate one ship at a time.

The Arianne Phosphate mining company would be the first confirmed high-volume bulk client that plans to ship three million tonnes per year of apatite ore by truck via a non-standard road to the terminal. The multi-user components of the terminal project, as well as those related to the activities of Arianne Phosphate, are illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 and include a wharf, a storage area adjacent to the wharf, a non-standard truck unloading area and storage silos built at the top of the cliff, conveyors between the silos and the ship loader built on the wharf, as well as an access road and a paved non-standard road and supporting facilities.

Figure 6: illustrates the plausible scenario of additional infrastructure construction being required by unconfirmed potential clients (high-volume bulk mining company, low-volume bulk mining company and general cargo clients).

Figure 4: Main components of the terminal project, including the infrastructure in conjunction with the first client (mining company Arianne Phosphate)

Figure 4: Main components of the terminal project, including the infrastructure in conjunction with the first client (mining company Arianne Phosphate)

Source: WSP: Environmental Impact Statement

Figure 5: Computer-generated picture showing an aerial view of the terminal project in the operation and maintenance phase with the infrastructure of the first confirmed client (mining company Arianne Phosphate)

Source: WSP: Environmental impact statement

Figure 6: Plausible scenario of the terminal being used by all potential clients (maximum capacity)

Figure 6: Plausible scenario of the terminal being used by all potential clients (maximum capacity)

Source: Response to Information Request No. 1, WSP

The second potential high-volume client could be a mining company with equivalent annual tonnages, the same types of transshipment, conveyor loading, and ship. The ore would be conveyed to the terminal by 120-tonne tractor trailers on the non-standard road. It would be necessary to build the ore storage infrastructure (silo or hangar) as well as a new conveyor to transport this ore to the wharf conveyor. The wharf conveyor and the ship loader would serve the two mining clients in turn.

The potential low-volume bulk mining client would use the storage area adjacent to the wharf to store the ore. The ore would be transported by truck on the paved access road (Figure 4).

Potential cargo clients could be in forestry or industry and would use the storage area adjacent to the wharf to store off-standard cargo (very heavy loads, prefabricated parts or large structures) or products from manufacturing firms for export via ships. As with the low-volume bulk mining client, cargo would be trucked on the paved access road between the wharf and the unpaved, non-standard road giving access to Highway 172.

Considering the proponent's proposed operating scenario, the project components subject to this environmental assessment are as follows (Figures 4 and 6):

Wharf: The wharf is a combined wall gravity wharf (Figure 7) and would consist of a main facade wall (110 piles and sheet piling connected together) secured in place at the top by a series of steel tie rods and anchor blocks. The back of the wall would consist of caissons that would be backfilled and covered with paving. Rip rap would be installed on the bed of the Saguenay River at the foot of the wharf to stabilize the structure. The wharf would be about 280 metres long and be between 55 and 85 metres wide depending on the profile of the shore, for an average of 71 metres. The wharf is designed to support a rail-mounted ship loader, conveyor and electrical building for the operation of equipment.

Storage area adjacent to the wharf: The storage area adjacent to the wharf, measuring approximately 27,000 square metres located behind the wharf, would allow for the transshipment of ore (other than apatite) and miscellaneous general cargo, the manoeuvring of vehicles and the development of sedimentation basins for runoff from the access road, the wharf and the area itself. Blasting would be necessary so that the basin could be developed; this blasting would expose a rock face about 65 metres high and 280 metres wide.

Unloading areas for trucks: For the needs of the first client, the truck unloading area would measure approximately 8,060 square metres at the top of the cliff. Two hydraulic hoists would be used to lift the trucks and unload the apatite concentrate contained in closed trailers to a conveyor that would transfer the apatite to a buffer ditch with a capacity of 180 tonnes.

The tilting unloading platform would allow the apatite concentrate to fall onto a forced air conveyor at a rate of 1,200 tonnes per hour (tph). The 82-metre-long conveyor for conveying material to a storage area (silo and dome) would be inserted into a closed tubular gallery 1.8 metres in diameter. A dust collector with filters would control fugitive dust emissions from unloading trucks and would send them back to the pit, where they would be mixed with the main flow of apatite.

For the needs of a future mining client of the same calibre, a second truck unloading area would be developed to the northeast of the apatite truck unloading area, in the space available between the access road to the terminal and the non-standard road. This unloading area, which would include ore unloading and conveyance infrastructure, would occupy a ground area similar to that developed for apatite.

Ore storage area: An ore storage area of 57,000 square metres would be developed at the top of the cliff. For the needs of the first client, a silo with a total capacity of 70,000 tonnes and a dome with a capacity of 130,000 tonnes would be built side-by-side. The silo and dome would be entirely automated for efficient management of storage.

For the needs of a future mining client of the same calibre, a silo or a hangar would be built to store ore north of the storage infrastructure planned for apatite inside the 57,000 square metre storage area.

Conveyors: For the needs of the first client, various conveyor systems with a total length of approximately 600 metres would convey apatite concentrate from the trucks to the silo or storage dome at the top of the cliff, then from these storage areas to a transfer silo of 700 tonnes built on the wharf. For the needs of a future mining client of the same calibre, another conveyor system would need to be built between the ore storage area and a new transfer silo that would need to be built on the wharf.

A wharf conveyor, which can be used by more than one client (one client at a time), would then transport the ore from the transfer silo (apatite or other ore) to the ship loader at a speed of 2,700 tph.

Ship loader: A ship loader with a telescopic loading spout for loading the ship would be built on the wharf. This ship loader may be used by more than one client (one client at a time).

Roads: From the northern property limit of the terminal site, the Saguenay Port Authority will build a paved access road approximately 800 metres long to provide access to non-standard trucks to the unloading area (Area 1). This access road would be built in continuation of the 6.8 km gravel access road that would be built by Arianne Phosphate to access the terminal site from Highway 172. A second paved access road of approximately 2.75 km would be built by the Saguenay Port Authority to access the wharf (Area 2). The access road to Area 2 would be used primarily by light trucks for maintenance, snow removal or, in case of emergency, to aid a bulk carrier's crew, as well as for the transport of ore (low-volume bulk unloaded directly on the wharf) or general cargo from future forestry or industrial clients that would use the area adjacent to the wharf to store their ore or cargo.

Supporting facilities: A number other facilities are planned, including an administrative building and a gatehouse controlling access to the site, an administrative building built behind the wharf to accommodate 12 employees, sedimentation basins for surface water, 3 wells for drinking water and septic systems, a main electrical room near the storage silos and a second near the wharf.

Figure 7: Example of a combined wall wharf (view in section A, top view B)

Figure 7: Example of a combined wall wharf (view in section A, top view B)

Source: WSP, March, 2018.

2.3 Project Activities and Timetable

The activities required to carry out the multi-user terminal project are described in Table 2 by phase of the project's lifecycle, ranging from construction to dismantlement of the terminal clients' infrastructure. No abandonment date has been scheduled for the wharf or the multi-user infrastructure, namely ship loading facilities (ship loader) and their supporting infrastructure (access road, administration buildings, well for drinking water, electrical buildings). This multi-user infrastructure is proposed for long-term use and would be dismantled only if the proponent decides to cease its port operations. Dismantling of the specific facilities required by terminal clients, however, is scheduled for the end of the service life of their related projects. The activities of the terminal's first client, Arianne Phosphate, are estimated to be over 26 years.

Table 2 Physical activities of the project and description of activities by development stage
Construction of infrastructure for the first client (apatite mining company): Duration of approximately 2 years
Site preparation	Deforestation and clearing of an area of 387,000 square metres. Installation of culverts, drainage ditches, trenching work, compaction, grading and site cleanup.
Land construction	Blasting and excavation of 970,000 cubic metres of rock to make way for a wharf handling area. Construction of the truck unloading area, apatite concentrate storage area (silo and dome), conveyors and transfer towers. Construction of the ship loader. Construction of all service buildings, including two electrical rooms, development of drinking water supply systems (3 wells) and wastewater treatment for the administrative buildings. Construction and paving of the access road to the unloading area (800 metres) and access road to the wharf (2.75 km). Development and paving of the storage area adjacent to the wharf (27,000 square metres).
Marine construction	Construction of the wharf, including partial backfilling of the coast so that the machinery can move forward and the vibro-sinking of 110 piles.
Transport, movement and operation of machinery	Use, maintenance and movement of heavy equipment and vehicles.
Waste recycling and disposal	Storage of waste in an appropriate bin that will regularly be picked up by a specialized firm. Recycling and recovery of non-hazardous waste.
Restoration	Backfilling embankments stripped bare during work and revegetation.
Construction of infrastructure specific to other potential clients: Duration of less than 2 years
Land construction	Use of already deforested areas at the top of the cliff for the construction of a hangar or other storage structure, as well as an access road and unloading area for another high-volume bulk ore client. Development infrastructure required for the storage of equipment for potential low-volume bulk and cargo clients, such as holding structures, in the wharf handling area itself.
Operation: Duration of a minimum of 26 years (first client)
Marine terminal use	Operation by only one user Berthing and logistical support (for example by tugboats if required) of ships up to 50,000 dead weight tonnes. No facilities are planned for pumping and managing wastewater from ships. Loading of apatite concentrate (30 hours/ship). Maximum multi-user operation (plausible scenario) Berthing and logistical support (for example, by tugboats if required) of ships up to 50,000 dead weight tonnes. Loading of the concentrate of another high-volume bulk client (30 hours/ship). Loading of the concentrate of another low-volume bulk client (48 hours/ship). Loading a cargo client (24 hours/ship).
Traffic	Operation by only one user Approximately 60 ships per year with a nominal capacity of 50,000 dead weight tonnes for the shipment of apatite concentrate. Maximum use (plausible scenario) The terminal's maximum use capacity is estimated at 140 ships per year (2 x 60 ships of 50,000 dead weight tonnes for high-volume bulk clients and 2 x 10 ships of 20,000 dead weight tonnes for low-volume bulk clients and cargo clients).
Transport, movement and operation of machinery	Operation by only one user Receiving of 2 trucks of 120 tonnes continuously every 20 minutes / unloading of trucks (between 12 and 19 minutes). Use, maintenance and movement of heavy equipment and vehicles. Maximum use (plausible scenario) Two high-volume bulk clients: receiving of 4 trucks continuously every 20 minutes / unloading trucks (between 12 and 19 minutes). One low-volume bulk client: receiving of 6 trucks per hour, 140 days per year / ore moved into or out of the handling area in 14 days by ship. One cargo client: Receiving of 2 trucks per day for 140 days per year / cargo moved into or out of the handling area in 14 days by ship. All clients: Use, maintenance and movement of heavy equipment and vehicles.
Waste recycling and disposal	For all operating scenarios (only one client and multi-user) The transshipment area would be drained so that the runoff goes to a sedimentation basin prior to being discharged into the environment. Surface water captured on each side of the access road and along the conveyors and around the perimeter of the areas would flow into separate sedimentation basins. The storm water flows from the wharf area would be divided by two; the storm water would be captured by sumps and redirected to a catch basin, which would have an outflow. Waste would be quickly reclaimed and transported to authorized sites. Cargo waste would be returned to the owner or disposed of in accordance with the regulations.
Decommissioning of facilities related to specific activities of terminal clients: Duration of approximately 1 year for high-volume bulk mining clients
Dismantling of facilities	All equipment used for unloading and loading trucks carrying apatite (or other high-volume bulk ore) and for ship loading will be dismantled when the client stops operating, approximately 26 years after the start of operations for the first client. Dismantling of infrastructure related to potential clients of bulk ore or cargo using the wharf area for storage would take less than one year since there would be minimal infrastructure.
Waste disposal	Recyclables would go to the appropriate sites and potentially hazardous waste from the demolition of the infrastructure related to the transshipment of ores or general cargo from the potential clients would be managed according to their characteristics.

3 Purpose of Project and Alternative Means under Consideration

The information gathered on the project's context, purpose and alternative means is used to inform the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to support her decision-making when she considers the Agency's recommendations regarding the significance of the project's environmental effects.

3.1 Context and Purpose of Project

The Saguenay Port Authority wishes to expand its activities and service to the north shore of the Saguenay River by developing a new multi-user marine terminal. The proponent states that this project would allow the development of the natural resources found in a vast northern territory that is currently not serviced by the marine mode of transport. The north of the region is composed of a number of non-standard roads, originally used by the forestry sector, but these roads do not lead to port facilities or railways. Exports from this territory must therefore be transported on (standard) public roads to reach Grande-Anse, located on the south shore and the only deep-water port in the region.

The impetus for this project is the need expressed by mining company Arianne Phosphate to export apatite concentrate from a terminal that would be located on the north shore of the Saguenay River. At present, Arianne Phosphate is the only client identified for the proposed terminal. The proponent has specified that it would proceed with the construction of the north shore marine terminal once it has the assurance that a client will use the terminal. The proposed project, however, aims to provide turnkey infrastructure to meet the needs of a number of potential smaller-scale clients or to accommodate another client of similar calibre while maintaining a continuous flow of operations (see Chapter 2).

The proponent states that its project is in keeping with recent government efforts to diversify the economy, especially with the creation of the "Plan Nord" ^Footnote 3 development and enhancement program and the implementation of the "Maritime Strategy". ^Footnote 4 The project was identified as a regional priority in the transport sector by a working group set up following the Sommet économique régional du Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean in June, 2017. ^Footnote 5 The proponent adds that the territory that the terminal could service has recognized and diversified mining potential, especially for industrial minerals (apatite, granite, peat, calcite, wollastonite) and high-technology metals (niobium, tantalum, vanadium). Given Canada's current lumber exports, the proponent believes that a new north shore terminal would also foster the diversification of markets for the region's forestry sector, which includes a sawmill and wood processing plants located less than 80 kilometres away.

Against this backdrop, the proponent points out that through this multi-user project, basic infrastructure would be built for use by a number of clients at the outset, primarily the wharf, the storage area behind the wharf, the access road and common services. These elements to be used by different types of users are related to construction work that would be difficult to complete when the terminal is in full operation. For example, expanding the storage area behind the wharf for a second client would require blasting that could damage infrastructure in place. Thus, the wharf area was designed to encompass 27 hectares, rather than the 12 hectares that would be sufficient for Arianne Phosphate. Choosing this multi-user concept means that the rock wall behind the wharf would be increased from 25 metres to 40 to 65 metres.

The proponent states that expanding or modifying the multi-user infrastructure while the terminal is in full operation would entail significant costs, unacceptable operating constraints, and additional environmental effects because of the short production cycles of the known client (mining company Arianne Phosphate). Supporting facilities required for other high-volume users, such as a second ship loading system intended for another ore or storage structures (silo, hangar), would have fewer constraints and could be built while terminal operations are ongoing.

In connection with the concerns received regarding the choice of a new site on the north shore as opposed to using the existing infrastructure at Grande-Anse for exporting apatite or other potential resource-based clients north of the Saguenay River, the proponent provided additional information, including a number of analyses of transport alternatives carried out by Arianne Phosphate. The proponent specified that the scenarios for shipping large volumes of ore by truck and then by train from the apatite mine to the Grande-Anse terminal involve more transshipments (truck-train-boat) and a greater distance travelled between the mine and the terminal. This increases transport costs and makes these scenarios economically unviable. The proponent states that transporting large volumes of ore by train to the Grande-Anse terminal would involve significant logistical limitations related to the co-use of the Roberval-Saguenay railway line by other users. The proponent also argued that these scenarios would have a greater impact on residential areas, which would increase in number along the corridors assessed.

In response to the concerns raised about the project's effects on ongoing efforts to have the Saguenay Fjord recognized as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage site, the proponent considers that the presence of the terminal should not result in any environmental effects on the portions of the Fjord that could meet UNESCO criteria. According to its analysis, the project would be part of a portion of the Saguenay River already featuring port facilities at Grande-Anse on the opposite shore. This means that the portion of the Fjord targeted by the project currently does not comply with UNESCO World Heritage Convention guidelines for selecting sites.

3.1.1 Comments received

Government authorities

The Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (MDDELCC) indicates that according to the state of knowledge of mining development, there is currently no potential for development or exploitation of another mining deposit in the area of influence of the project. Thus, the MDDELCC is of the opinion that the construction of a multi-user marine terminal is undesirable and justified, and favors a single-use terminal dedicated to the Arianne Phosphate mine.

The MDDELCC is of the opinion that the multi-user project would entail significant additional encroachment on the seabed, shore or land and that its implementation would significantly and irreversibly alter the landscape of the fjord.

The ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatique (MDDELCC) expressed concerns that the project and the terminal's future multi-user use could alter the physical heritage of the site. Furthermore, given the uncertainly of clients other than Arianne Phosphate coming to use the terminal, MDDELCC stated that it had grave concerns about the environmental effects of a multi-user wharf compared with the effects to be expected were the terminal to be developed for one client only. In addition, a wharf dedicated to a single client would reduce the impacts associated with blasting, in particular by reducing the volumes of rock to be extracted, the height of the rear wharf and the duration of the work

First Nations

The Pekuakamiulnuatsh, Essipit Innu, and Pessamit First Nations also expressed concerns about the possibility of the terminal project, because of its effects on the landscape, being carried out without the assurance of a first client. The Essipiunnuat ^Footnote 6 said that there is a great deal of historical, toponymic and other literature demonstrating the importance of the Saguenay Fjord. The Essipit Innu First Nation also emphasized its involvement with other partners to have the Saguenay fjord designated as an UNESCO World Heritage site. The Saguenay Fjord also represents a site of national interest for the Huron-Wendat Nation.

Public

The public expressed concerns similar to those raised by MDDELCC and the First Nations and also called into question the choice of a site on the north shore where a railway cannot be constructed due to the topography, which would force potential clients to ship by truck with the concomitant air and noise pollution. The proponent provided an assessment of the project's trucking-related effects considering the maximum possible use of the terminal by more than one client, and the number of trucks required for each of these clients. These effects have been detailed in Sections 6 and 7 of this report.

3.1.2 Agency Analysis and Conclusion

The Agency reviewed the information the proponent submitted on the context and purpose of the project and considers that the proponent has satisfactorily justified the purpose for its multi-user wharf project for the needs of an environmental assessment. The Agency is satisfied with the proponent's responses to the concerns raised, as well as explanations provided for the environmental effects of the project's multi-user design, the rationale for choosing a site on the north shore and the fact that a first client will have to be confirmed before starting construction work on the terminal.

3.2 Alternative Means of Carrying Out the Project

In the Environmental Impact Statement, the proponent identified alternative means of carrying out the project that are economically and technically feasible. The proponent described general environmental effects associated with each alternative and the rationale for the choice of the preferred alternative. Alternative means were considered for the following project components: location of the marine terminal and type of wharf.

The proponent explained why it did not provide an analysis of alternatives for some of the potential activities identified in the guidelines resumed hereafter. The approach channel: no approach channel is necessary since the water at the site is very deep. Anchorage areas: in this sector of the Saguenay River, the pilots themselves determine where the anchorage areas are when required given that the water is very deep and there is little traffic. Apatite concentrate transport systems and ship loading: the proponent has opted for fully closed efficient systems with a minimum number of mechanical parts (less dust and noise). Finally, no dredging or maintenance are required for the proposed project.

Marine terminal location

Three alternatives were identified as possible locations for the marine terminal on the north shore of the Saguenay River following a detailed analysis of the transport options for apatite concentrate between the Lac à Paul mine and the north shore of the Saguenay River (Figure 8). These three sites are located in the same section of the Saguenay River between the Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux and the Pourvoirie du Cap au Leste. The "upstream" site is located near the Jalbert Islands west of the Pelletier River, while the "centre" site is located near the Anse à Pelletier, very close to the limits of the municipalities of Saint-Fulgence and Sainte-Rose-du-Nord. The "downstream" site is located not far from the "centre" site, but in the municipality of Sainte-Rose-du-Nord. These three sites were assessed for the minimization of the following:

The length of the truck route between the mine and the terminal
Environmental constraints (wetlands, protected areas, forest stands of interest, nesting sites of birds at risk, number of watercourse crossings, disturbance of landscape areas);
Technical and economic constraints (areas at risk of ground motion);
Disturbance of inhabited areas (distance from residences, preferring the road corridor between Highway 172 and the terminal site in sectors where there is already disturbance);
Construction costs.

The next sections provide a summary of the comparative analysis of the three alternatives:

The downstream alternative in Sainte-Rose-du-Nord was selected by the proponent. The main element that led to the choice of this site was the fact that it is far from the dwellings located in the Anse à Pelletier sector more than three kilometres away. The proponent stated that the site selected has fewer biological resources than those in the coastal area according to inventories. The site also has a bottom configuration with a slope that is steeper to the right of the wharf and is deemed more conducive to ship manoeuvres, and which would limit the footprint of wharf infrastructure on the seabed.

The road and operation area would be less expensive to build at the upstream alternative located in the municipality of Saint-Fulgence. However, this alternative site contains a large area of aquatic plants in the coastal area and is located near the highest number of dwellings at Anse à Pelletier about 900 metres away. The site is also close to the Jalbert Islands, a vacation spot and prime area for kayaking.

The centre alternative, located in Saint-Fulgence between the upstream and downstream alternatives, has the highest construction costs due to the need to build a tunnel for non-standard trucks (Figure 8). Although the environmental constraints are similar to the chosen alternative, the presence of a building on the adjacent property and a residence 435 metres away is a major constraint justifying the proponent's rejection of the centre alternative.

Figure 8: Location of terminal alternatives.

Figure 8: Location of terminal alternatives.

Source: WSP/GCNN 2016: Environmental Impact Statement

Type of wharf

Ten potential wharf concept alternatives were assessed by the proponent: wharf on piles, two floating wharves and four gravity wharves. The use of a barge-mounted loader was also assessed. The various concepts were assessed based on their advantages for multi-user use, constructability and operability, construction costs, maintenance costs, and minimized effects on the environment. According to the proponent, only the wharves on piles and gravity wharves fulfilled the project's multi-user objectives. Some of the alternatives were therefore not retained, despite fewer effects on the environment in terms of encroachment on the seabed.

Wharf on piles: A wharf erected on a series of piles spread out under the entire surface of the wharf and fixed in the bedrock at the bottom of the watercourse.

Floating wharf: A wharf whose surface floats and is anchored to the shoreline by walkways for pedestrians or small service vehicles. It may be necessary to anchor some piles to the bottom of the watercourse for its installation.

Gravity wharf: A wharf that rests on solid structures, such as concrete caissons or metal structures (sheet piling), anchored to the bottom of the watercourse and filled with crushed rock. The surface of the wharf is built over this embankment.

Barge-mounted loader: This is not a wharf per se. A series of mooring dolphins (metal or reinforced concrete piles) are placed in the water parallel to and far enough from the shore so that ships can dock there. A barge is placed between the shore and the ship and serves as a bridge to install a conveyor so that ships may be loaded.

According to the proponent, gravity wharves would be the best technical and economic option because they offer more opportunities for multi-user use; their greater bearing capacity means that they can support a greater bulk or cargo weight. Gravity wharves would also be less expensive to maintain. From among the various gravity wharf options, the proponent has retained a combined wall gravity wharf concept because it does not require blasting of the seabed and hence has fewer effects on the environment. The combined wall gravity wharf consists of a sheet pile wall (interlocked steel beams) and piles anchored to the bedrock at the bottom of the watercourse. The space between the wall and the shore is then filled with rock excavation materials to form the wharf surface. Encroachment on the seabed would be about 18,200 square metres.

The proponent will conduct geotechnical studies at the final plans and specifications stage in order to demonstrate the feasibility of this option. In the event that a gravity wharf cannot be built, the proponent proposes to build a wharf on expanded piles. Encroachment on the seabed would be half of what it would be with a gravity wharf, about 9,000 square metres, despite the higher number of piles, and would not require backfilling. Expanded piles would be more costly in terms of construction and maintenance, however, and would not have the bearing capacity required for heavy loads, which could restrict its use by multiple users.

With respect to the assessment of other types of wharf that would have ensured the integrity of the shore and coast and would not have required the excavation of the cliff, the proponent responded that these types of wharf would not apply to their project of meeting the needs of a wide variety of clients and products that are still unknown. The proponent said that the design retained is essential in order to take advantage of the full capacity of the infrastructure and offer services that are adequate for multi-user handling, including sporadic or short-term transits.

3.2.2 Comments received

Government authorities

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has asked for more information regarding the potential effects of a wharf on expanded piles and especially subaquatic noise. The proponent responded that the wharf on expanded piles option has more piles to drive into the seabed and, as a result, the work generating subaquatic noise work would take longer than that required for a gravity wharf. However, there would be less (9,000 square meters) encroachment on the seabed than for the combined wall gravity wharf (18,500 square metres).

The Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (MDDELCC) requested that the proponent justify why it did not assess the possibility of building other types of wharf that would have made it possible to ensure the integrity of the shore and coast and would not have required cliff excavation. The proponent replied that excavation of the cliff would be necessary to develop an area behind the wharf for storage of equipment to serve several clients.

The MDDELCC is not in favor of the chosen wharf variant considering its encroachment of 18,600 square meters on the marine environment, as it considers that the justification for a multi-user marine terminal has not been demonstrated. The MDDELCC is of the opinion that the variant of pile dock with prefabricated slab evaluated by the proponent (variant 3 in the impact study), presents a better balance between the "environment" and "economic / technical" components, if we exclude the multi-user component in the choice of wharf. The proponent responded that the wharf version with prefabricated slab has not been selected as it would not allow the project as proposed.

First Nations

The First Nations consulted did not express specific concerns about the alternative means submitted for carrying out the project.

Public

The public questioned the choice of the project site in a currently undeveloped area of the Saguenay Fjord. The proponent pointed out that the primary purpose of building the terminal was to meet the need of the mining company Arianne Phosphate which, following an analysis, identified the north shore of the Saguenay River as the most effective area for transporting minerals to markets. It added that this location would have the benefit of serving other potential resource-based clients north of the Saguenay River.

Questions were raised as to whether the proponent had considered the possibility of building minimal infrastructure for the sole purpose of loading apatite for the only known client. The proponent responded that the proposed project was a multi-user wharf and not a wharf dedicated solely to the Arianne Phosphate mining company. Concerns were also raised that the proponent favoured technical and economic criteria in choosing the type of wharf to the detriment of environmental criteria since, among the alternatives presented, it did not choose those with the least environmental impact. The proponent responded that certain alternatives initially presented were not retained, despite their lesser environmental impact in terms of encroachment on the seabed, since they did not allow for multi-user use.

3.2.3 Agency Analysis and Conclusion

The Agency reviewed the proponent's assessment of the alternative means and its responses to concerns raised. As for the location of the terminal and the type of wharf, the proponent identified the technically and economically feasible alternative means, identified the environmental effects, and chose the preferred alternative of a combined wall gravity wharf to be submitted for a full assessment. The Agency notes that the proponent will conduct geotechnical studies at the final plans and specifications stage in order to demonstrate the feasibility of the combined wall gravity wharf option. In the case where a gravity wharf cannot be built, the proponent proposes to build a wharf on expanded piles. The proponent adequately justified that no alternative analysis was conducted for certain potential activities set out in the guidelines, particularly for dredging, since no dredging is required for the proposed project.

The Agency is satisfied with the responses the proponent provided to concerns raised. The Agency is satisfied that the proponent has sufficiently assessed alternative means of carrying out the project for the purposes of assessing the environmental effects of the project under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012.

4 Consultation Activities and Advice Received

Public and Aboriginal consultations strengthen the quality and credibility of environmental assessments. Among other things, local and traditional knowledge about a project's physical location can help to identify and address potential environmental effects at an early stage of an environmental assessment. For the Marine Terminal Project on the North Shore of the Saguenay, the Agency, together with the federal environmental assessment committee, conducted a number of public and Aboriginal consultation activities. The proponent also conducted public and Aboriginal consultations.

4.1 Aboriginal consultation

4.1.1 Aboriginal consultation led by the Agency

The federal government has a duty to consult and, where appropriate, to accommodate Aboriginal groups when it contemplates decisions that might adversely impact established or potential Aboriginal and treaty rights. Indigenous consultation is also undertaken more broadly as an important part of good governance, valuable policy development and sound decision making. Moreover, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (2012) requires that federal environmental assessments take into consideration changes to the environment that may affect Aboriginal peoples, in areas such as:

Health and socio-economic conditions;
Physical and cultural heritage;
Current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes;
Structures, sites or things that are of historical, archaeological, paleontological or architectural significance.

For the purposes of the environmental assessment, the Agency served as Crown consultation coordinator to facilitate a whole-of-government approach to consultation. The First Nations that were invited to participate in consultations included those whose potential or established Aboriginal or treaty rights could potentially be adversely affected by the project. These are:

Innu First Nation of Essipit;
Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh);
Pessamit Innu First Nation;
Huron-Wendat Nation.

The proposed project could have direct environmental effects on the Innu First Nation of Essipit, as it would be located on land that is the subject of claims by that Nation. The project could also cause cumulative environmental effects on land that is the subject of common claims by the Innu First Nations of Essipit, the Pekuakamiulnuatsh and the Innu of Pessamit. The project could also cause direct or cumulative environmental effects on the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes, and on the natural and cultural heritage, in a territory where the Huron-Wendat Nation asserts rights.

The Agency supports Aboriginal participation through its Participant Funding Program, which is aimed at encouraging the participation of Indigenous peoples in the consultations regarding the environmental impact statement and the draft environmental assessment. A total of $138,030 from the Participant Funding Program was allocated to the Innu First Nation of Essipit, the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation, the Pessamit Innu First Nation, and the Huron-Wendat Nation.

The Agency proposed consultation plans detailing the consultation activities proposed to the Innu First Nation of Essipit, the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation, the Pessamit Innu First Nation, and the Huron-Wendat Nation during the various phases of the environmental assessment and conducted consultation activities based on the needs expressed by the First Nations consulted. The Agency consulted the First Nations through a variety of methods including phone calls, emails, letters, and in-person meetings. The Agency provided regular updates to the Aboriginal groups to keep them informed of significant developments in the environmental assessment process and elicit their feedback. The Agency invited the Innu First Nations to submit written observations on the project description, the draft guidelines for the preparation of an environmental impact statement by the proponent, the summary of the environmental impact statement and the associated documents (see Table 4.1). The Huron-Wendat Nation also confirmed its intent to participate in the environmental assessment of the project at the environmental impact statement analysis phase and was asked to provide written submissions on the environmental impact statement summary and associated documents, including the proponent's guidance document concerning the potential effects of the project on the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes and the natural and cultural heritage of the Huron-Wendat Nation.

For the fourth consultation period, the Agency is inviting the First Nations to comment on the content, findings and recommendations in this draft environmental assessment report, and in particular about the impacts of the project on their rights. The Agency is also inviting the First Nations to comment on the document of potential conditions set as part of the project's environmental assessment, available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry. These are potential conditions that the Agency recommends to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change if she concludes that the project is not likely to result in significant adverse environmental effects as referred to in Section 5 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (2012).

Table 3 Opportunities for First Nations participation
Consultation	Dates
Project description (Innu)	April 27, 2015, to May 19, 2015 E-consultation through the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry
Draft guidelines for the preparation of an environmental impact statement by the proponent (Innu)	June 11, 2015, to July 11, 2015 E-consultation through the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry
Summary of the environmental impact statement and the associated documents (Innu)	September 14, 2016, to October 25, 2016 E-consultation through the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry Public open house on October 4, 2016 (Innu) Public session on October 5, 2016 (Innu) Work meeting with the federal committee and the proponent on October 17, 2016 (Innu)
Summary of the proponent's environmental impact study and responses to the Agency's request for information no. 3 concerning the potential effects of the project on the Huron-Wendat Nation	February 27 to April 23, 2018 Consultation on the documents submitted by the proponent

The Agency held a technical meeting with the three Innu First Nations on October 17, 2016, in its Quebec offices. The federal environmental assessment committee and the proponent attended the meeting and the Agency heard the First Nations' concerns. After the meeting, the three Innu First Nations sent their shared comments on the potential environmental effects of the project and the accuracy of the information provided by the proponent in its environmental impact statement. The concerns raised related mainly to the potential effects of increased shipping on economic activities such as marine mammal watching and the urchin fishing practiced by the First Nations at the mouth of the Saguenay River. Concerns were also raised about the potential effects of an oil spill on marine mammals at risk, including beluga whales, as well as on species that are important to the practice of Innu Aitun, ^Footnote 7 ie, migratory birds, fish and seals. The Innu asked to participate in any archaeological work, if any.

The Huron-Wendat Nation sent its written comments in the form of a memorandum filed with the Agency on April 23, 2018. The comments made concern a multitude of issues, including those related to the respect of the rights, activities and interests of the Nation; the participation of the Nation in the development of mitigation measures, archaeological work, as well as environmental monitoring and compensation; and the rectification of the information in the impact study to include information on the Huron-Wendat.

Potential environmental effects with respect to Aboriginal peoples are discussed in sections 7.7, 7.8, 7.9 and 7.10 and impacts on potential or established Aboriginal or treaty rights are discussed in Chapter 9. Annex F contains a summary of concerns raised by the First Nations during the environmental assessment process and includes both the proponent and Agency responses. All of these comments have been considered in preparing this report.

4.1.2 Aboriginal consultation and engagement activities organized by the proponent

The proponent indicated that its consultation with the Aboriginal peoples began on June 30, 2015, during a meeting that it organized to present its project to the Innu First Nation of Essipit, the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation, and the Pessamit Innu First Nation, which the Agency also participated in. During the meeting, most of the issues identified were related to shipping at the mouth of and in the Saguenay River. The Innu First Nation of Essipit also mentioned the importance of protecting the historic Pelletier River portage site (archaeological heritage) located just over 2.5 kilometres from the site proposed for the future facilities.

The proponent committed to carrying out archeological testing before any work in the low-potential sector identified and invited representatives from the Innu First Nation of Essipit to participate in that work.

The proponent carried out a sector study on Aboriginal knowledge and use of lands and resources by the Innu First Nations in the project's local and extended study areas. The proponent also contacted the Innu First Nations to determine whether or not they had information or data that should be taken into consideration in the development of the project and its effects assessment. The proponent reported that, in the course of those discussions, no concerns were raised with respect to the effects of the facilities on the land environment, but the information that was communicated by the Innu First Nations made it possible to enhance the inventories and the analysis of the project's effects. The proponent said that it was continuing its consultations with the Innu First Nations on the terminal design and construction plans.

When the proponent was informed in November 2017 of the concerns of the Huron-Wendat Nation regarding potential effects of the project on their current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes and their natural and cultural heritage, the proponent undertook consultation procedures with that Nation. The proponent met with the Huron-Wendat Nation on December 22, 2017.

4.2 Public Consultation

4.2.1 Public consultation held by the Agency

The Agency provided three opportunities for the public to participate in the environmental assessment process by commenting on the project description, the draft environmental impact statement guidelines and the summary of the proponent's environmental impact statement. The Agency is now inviting the public to provide comments on the content, findings and recommendations set out in the draft of this environmental assessment report and the document of potential conditions.

The Agency supported public participation in the environmental assessment through its Participant Funding Program. A total of $49,200 was allocated to the following organizations to review and comment on the environmental impact statement or its summary, the draft environmental assessment report, and the document of potential conditions set as part of the project's environmental assessment: the Association des propriétaires de l'Anse à Pelletier (which commented as the Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier), the Conseil régional de l'environnement et du développement durable du Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Eurêko! and the Organisme de bassin versant du Saguenay.

To announce the consultation periods and the Participant Funding Program, the Agency posted notices on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry website as well as in local media and several local businesses. In addition, the people and groups that expressed an interest in the project were directly informed through an email distribution list. Paper copies of the draft environmental impact statement guidelines and the summary of the environmental impact statement were placed at the public's disposal in public locations in Saint-Fulgence and Sainte-Rose-du-Nord.

During the consultation period on the proponent's environmental impact statement, the Agency held an open-house session (themed booths) followed by a public moderator-led session in the Town of Saint-Fulgence. There were 30 people who participated in the open-house session and 90 people who attended the public session.

A number of federal and provincial department representatives acting as experts on the technical committee responsible for the environmental assessment—namely Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Transport Canada, Parks Canada, the Laurentian Pilotage Authority and the Quebec Department of Sustainable Development, the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change—were present at the activities. The proponent, the Saguenay Port Authority, was also in attendance.

The dates of the consultations held, along with the means used to enable members of the public to submit their comments, are detailed in Table 4.2.

Table 4 Participation options offered to the public
Consultation	Dates
Project description	April 27, 2015, to May 19, 2015 E-consultation through the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry
Draft guidelines for the preparation of an environmental impact statement by the proponent	June 11, 2015, to July 11, 2015 E-consultation through the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry
Summary of the proponent's environmental impact statement and the associated documents	September 14, 2016, to October 18, 2016 E-consultation through the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry Open house on October 4, 2016 Public session on October 5, 2016

The groups who commented were as follows: Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier, Organisme de bassin versant du Saguenay, the Groupe de recherche sur les mammifères marins (GREMM), Boréalisation, Eurêko!, the Coalition pour que le Québec ait une meilleure MINE!, and the Conseil régional de l'environnement et du développement durable du Saguenay Lac-Saint-Jean and Nature Québec. A number of citizens from neighbouring towns also provided comments. All of the comments received, and the opinions of departmental experts, were posted on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry website.

The public expressed concern about the project's effects on noise, air quality and the landscape as a result of the construction and operation of the terminal. Concerns were also raised concerning the anticipated effects of increased shipping on beluga whales, recreational and tourism activities, and the risk of shipping accidents and malfunctions. A number of observations were made on the purpose of the project and alternative solutions. Members of the public also expressed support for the project from an economic standpoint.

Annex G contains a summary of concerns raised by the public during the environmental assessment process and includes both a proponent and Agency response. All of these comments were considered in preparing this report.

After taking into consideration the comments received from the First Nations and the public during the consultation on the draft environmental assessment report, the Agency will finalize and submit the final environmental assessment report to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to inform her decision on the environmental assessment of this project.

4.2.2 Public participation activities organized by the proponent

In March and April 2015, and in April and May 2016, the proponent held information and consultation meetings on the terminal project with certain stakeholders in order to hear their concerns. The Saguenay Port Authority met with the following groups and individuals: the Association de pêche blanche, the Conseil régional de l'environnement et du développement durable du Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, the Corporation des pilotes du Bas-Saint-Laurent, the Canadian Coast Guard, the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM), the Regional County Municipality of Fjord-du-Saguenay, the municipality of Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, the municipality of Saint-Fulgence, the Parc Aventures Cap-Jaseux, the Saguenay–Saint-Lawrence Marine Park, the owner of the property adjacent to the project, the Pourvoirie du Cap au Leste, Tourisme Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, visitors to Neil Lake and the Comité ZIP Saguenay–Charlevoix. Information on the project and the status of the environmental assessment process was also provided to the public on the proponent's website and through electronic newsletters.

The comments and concerns that the proponent received related to the rationale for the project, notably to demonstrating the multi-purpose function of the terminal, the preservation of the natural landscape, nuisance due to noise, vibrations, dust and odours, as well as to the impact that an increase in shipping activities would have on recreational and tourism activities and the ecosystem of the Saguenay River, including the effects on beluga whales and other marine mammals.

Before the meetings organized by the proponent in the spring of 2015 and 2016, pre-consultation meetings were conducted by the primary client in mind for the terminal, ie, the Arianne Phosphate mining company, that was proposing an apatite mine project. Those meetings were aimed at obtaining an overview of the main concerns of the stakeholders involved in the possible construction of a marine terminal on the north shore of the Saguenay. The Arianne Phosphate mining company met with the following groups and individuals: the Regional County Municipality of Fjord-du-Saguenay, the municipality of Saint-Fulgence, the municipality of Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, the Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier, the land and business consultation table, visitors and residents of Neil Lake, and the residents near the project who might be affected by it. The Arianne Phosphate mining company provided a summary of those meetings to the Saguenay Port Authority. According to the proponent, a number of groups with which meetings were held expressed their support for the terminal project because it would result in economic development, while others expressed their concerns about the inconvenience that the project might cause to area residents and users. Expectations were also expressed regarding a thorough assessment of the project's effects.

4.3 Participation of federal government experts

Federal departments provided relevant expertise and knowledge for the project, depending on their area of expertise, pursuant to Section 20 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (2012). They provided advice to help determine whether a federal environmental assessment was necessary and participated in the review of the draft guidelines for the environmental impact statement. The following government authorities provided opinions following their review of the proponent's impact statement and the preparation of this environmental assessment report: Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Health Canada, Transport Canada, Laurentian Pilotage Authority, Parks Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard.

More specifically, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which has regulatory and legal responsibilities under the Fisheries Act and the Species at Risk Act, provided comments and information concerning (1) the project's potential negative effects on fish and fish habitat, marine mammals (including the assessment of the effects of underwater noise), marine plants, aquatic species at risk (including beluga whales and Atlantic wolfish) and fishing by Indigenous people, (2) the potential negative effects of accidents and malfunctions, and (3) fish habitat mitigation and compensation measures. As part of the environmental assessment of the Marine Terminal Project on the North Shore of the Saguenay, Fisheries and Oceans Canada stated that the proponent should apply for authorizations under the Fisheries Act to carry out the project.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has regulatory and legal responsibilities under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (1999), the Migratory Birds Convention Act (1994), and the Species at Risk Act, and can take actions with respect to compliance with Subsection 36(3) of the Fisheries Act. Environment and Climate Change Canada provided comments and information relative to the project's potential negative effects from the perspective of water management and water quality, quality of sediments, air quality and greenhouse gases, migratory birds and their habitats, terrestrial species at risk, particularly bats, and in terms of accidents and malfunctions and emergency response plans.

Natural Resources Canada, which has regulatory and legal responsibilities under the Explosives Act and the Explosives Regulations (2013), contributed its expertise with respect to earthquake risks, storage of explosives, sediment stability and rockfall hazards.

Health Canada provided comments and information relative to the project's potential negative effects on health that might be caused by changes in air quality, noise, contamination of traditional food sources and potable water quality.

Transport Canada has regulatory and legal responsibilities under the Navigation Protection Act and Canada Shipping Act (2001) and provided its expertise and advice with respect to changes to the environment that might interfere with navigation, the federal navigation system, accidents and malfunctions, emergency response plans, vessel berthing and unberthing, and ballast water management.

The Laurentian Pilotage Authority and the Canadian Coast Guard contributed their expertise relative to navigation-related accidents and malfunctions on the Saguenay River, particularly with respect to vessel berthing and unberthing.

Parks Canada provided comments and information relative to the project's potential negative effects on the landscape, marine mammals, and fish and fish habitat, more specifically with respect to the potential cumulative effects related to navigation in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park.

4.4 Participation of Quebec government experts

Quebec government representatives participated in the activities of the environmental assessment committee in the same capacity as the federal experts by providing opinions from its experts within the Quebec Department of Sustainable Development, Environment and the Fight against Climate Change, the Department of Forests, Wildlife and Parks, and the Department of Health and Social Services.

The issues raised by various Quebec government experts concerned the biological, physical, and human environment. In particular, they provided comments and information on the justification of the project, as well as the project's potential negative effects on air, water and soil quality, on plants and species at risk, including bats, beluga whales and harbour seals, land use and archaeological heritage, including built and landscape heritage, as well as comments and information pertaining to technology-related hazards, and emergency measures.

5 Geographical Setting

5.1 Physical Environment

Geomorphology and hydrology

The proposed marine terminal project on the north shore of the Saguenay will be located in the Saguenay Fjord, a narrow, deep river valley carved in the Canadian Shield. The Saguenay Fjord extends 120 kilometres from its mouth at Tadoussac to Saint-Fulgence. The Saguenay River shoreline is linear and characterized by steep rock cliffs and banks with only a limited area of shallow sediments; some small, deeply incised deep coves with sand and gravel substrates are also present. The Saguenay River has an estimated discharge of 1,500 cubic metres per second and a varying submarine topography with basins up to 240 metres deep. Because of the Saguenay Fjord's unique physical and historical features, a number of regional partners, including the Essipit Innu First Nation, joined together in an initiative aimed at gaining recognition for the fjord as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site. Although the Saguenay Fjord was not among the sites selected on December, 2017 for inclusion on Canada's Tentative List for World Heritage Sites ^Footnote 8, it nonetheless has special importance for the region's various stakeholders. The Saguenay Fjord is also a site of national significance for the Huron-Wendat Nation.

The Saguenay River is the outlet of the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean watershed, which covers an area of 78,000 square kilometres. In the project area, the Saguenay River has the typical estuarine circulation found in fjords with large water flows, in which a freshwater surface layer about 5 to 15 metres thick flows downstream, while a layer of saltwater from the St. Lawrence Estuary flows at depth. This saltwater layer is subject to a regime of semi-diurnal tides (two low and two high tides per day) with an average amplitude of 4.2 metres, reaching more than 6.6 metres during large tides. Near the project site, there are two small lakes, Neil and Brock lakes, as well as the Pelletier River. There are also two unnamed watercourses within the boundaries of the project's limited study area.

Aquatic wildlife

According to all the sources consulted by the proponent, the Saguenay is home to some 80 species of fish; some are freshwater species (e.g. white sucker) but most are marine species, such as the redfish and the Atlantic cod. Species that migrate between fresh water and salt water, such as the brook trout, the rainbow smelt and the American eel, are also found there. Eleven species of fish likely to be found in the study area or the Saguenay Fjord have special status, at the provincial level and/or the federal level, including the American shad, listed as vulnerable under Quebec's Act Respecting Threatened or Vulnerable Species, and the Atlantic wolfish, listed as special concern under the Species at Risk Act.

Marine mammals, such as the humpback whale and the fin whale, have been observed in the St. Lawrence River, at the mouth of the Saguenay. The beluga whale and the harbour seal have been seen as far up the Saguenay River as the project site. The beluga whale is listed as endangered under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). With regard to marine invertebrates, the Saguenay River is home to cold-water corals and sponge species, as well as snow crab and about a dozen species of shrimp.

Terrestrial and marine vegetation

The vegetation found on the north shore of the Saguenay River is representative of the transition zone between the deciduous forest and the boreal forest. The tree stratum is dominated by red pine, eastern white cedar, and black spruce; the shrub stratum is dominated by sweet gale, broad-leaved meadowsweet, and black crowberry. Some mature red pine stands are present. Owing to the predominantly rocky banks, the aquatic plant beds found along the Saguenay River are generally characterized by a low density in the project area and in the downstream portion of the river. Farther upstream in the Saguenay, the banks are not as steep, providing more favourable conditions for the establishment of riparian vegetation.

Terrestrial wildlife

The species of large mammals that occur, or are likely to occur, in the region include moose, black bear and white-tailed deer. This region also offers diversified and suitable habitat for some 20 species of small and medium-sized mammals, such as the coyote and the snowshoe hare, as well as bats, including three species listed as endangered under the Species at Risk Act, namely the northern myotis, the little brown myotis, and the tri-colored bat. In the surveys conducted on the proponent's land, a total of 91 species of birds were found, including the Canada Warbler, a species designated threatened under the Species at Risk Act and likely to be designated as threatened or vulnerable under Quebec's Act Respecting Threatened or Vulnerable Species.

Ecologically sensitive areas

In the region of the proposed terminal project, there are five different ecologically sensitive areas: the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, the Fjord du Saguenay provincial park (terrestrial) (Figure 2), located 3 kilometres to the east, the Marais-de-Saint-Fulgence Important Bird Area (IBA), located 14 kilometres to the west, and five waterfowl gathering areas, located between 11.5 and 25 kilometres from the project site, as well as a heronry in the baie des Ha! Ha!, 14 kilometres away.

Climate

The region has a mild subpolar, subhumid climate with no dry season. The annual mean temperature is 2.4°C. Total annual precipitation is 1,179.5 mm on average (rain and snow). The narrow corridor of the Saguenay is conducive to the concentration of winds, and in the study area, the direction of the winds, which influence wave formation, varies considerably, ranging from west-north-west, south-east to north-east.

5.2 Human Environment

Land tenure and population

The project will be located on private land on the north shore of the Saguenay River in the municipality of Sainte-Rose-du-Nord near the boundaries of the municipality of Saint-Fulgence, with populations of approximately 400 and 2,000, respectively. These municipalities are part of the Regional County Municipality (RCM) of Fjord-du-Saguenay, which has a population of approximately 20,500. The City of Saguenay, the region's largest urban centre, is located some 27 kilometres from the project site and has a population of about 145,000.

Territories of aboriginal peoples

The proposed project site is located on the ancestral territory, known as Nitassinan, of the Essipit Innu First Nation and could affect the Nitassinan Southwestern Part, claimed jointly by the Innu Essipit, Pekuakamiulnuatsh (Mashteuiatsh), and Innu of Pessamit First Nations. The reserve territories of these three Nations are located approximately 100 kilometres to the east (Essipit), 110 kilometres to the west (Mashteuiatsh) and 160 kilometres northeast (Pessamit) of the marine terminal project site, respectively. The proponent has indicated that these three Nations do not carry on traditional activities in the forest or terrestrial environment in the immediate vicinity of the proposed marine terminal. However, members of these Innu Nations engage in ice fishing on the Saguenay River, especially in the Sainte-Rose-du-Nord sector. The Essipit Innu First Nation uses the area at the mouth of the Saguenay River to operate marine mammal observation tours and they also take part in the commercial urchin fishery, together with the Pessamit First Nation, in the St. Lawrence River at the mouth of the Saguenay.

The project area could have archaeological potential for the Huron-Wendat Nation, since the Saguenay River was used by their ancestors for travel and traditional activities. Moreover, the proposed project could have effects on a territory on which the Huron-Wendat Nation asserts rights. The main use territory called Nionwentsïo borders the south shore of the Saguenay River, but the Nation indicates that the local study area and the extended study area are use today by members of the Huron-Wendat Nation, especially for fishing. This Nation's reserve territory is located approximately 180 km southwest of the project site.

Socio-economic activities

The region's main economic activities are tertiary sector activities such as tourism, retail and public services. Aluminum processing, forestry products and construction are also sources of employment. The agriculture, forestry and mining sectors are important pillars of the economy in municipalities near the proposed terminal site. In 2011, the unemployment rate was 6.7% in the City of Saguenay, 9.3% in Saint-Fulgence and 20.8% in Sainte-Rose-du-Nord.

Because of problems of contamination by various toxic substances in the past, commercial fishing for marine species including molluscs has been prohibited in the Saguenay River since at least 1985, and commercial fishing for freshwater species has been prohibited since 2011.

There are a number of recreation and tourism attractions near the project site, including the Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux, the Cap au Leste Outfitter, the Fjord du Saguenay provincial park, the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, the Véloroute du Fjord du Saguenay and the New France site. Activities include water sports (recreational boating, beaches and swimming, ocean kayaking), wildlife activities (sport fishing and hunting, trapping, wildlife watching), camping, off-road motorized trekking (snowmobile and quad), and non-motorized trekking (cycling, hiking, snowshoeing, dogsledding) and historical interpretation activities.

The Saguenay River is used for commercial shipping. Approximately 200 merchant ships, 38 cruise ships and 1,000 commercial tour boats, especially for marine mammal watching, travelled on the Saguenay Fjord in 2010 and 2011. The Saguenay Fjord with its beautiful vistas, which are virtually uninterrupted by built elements, is a tourism draw, especially for international cruise ships that call at the Bagotville wharf. The number of cruise ships in the region is on the rise, increasing from 8 ships in 2008 to 38 in 2015.

Industrial activities in the vicinity of the project include the Saguenay Port Authority's Grande-Anse marine terminal and Rio Tinto Alcan's port facilities at the baie des Ha! Ha!, both located on the south shore of the Saguenay. A variety of goods are imported and exported through these two port facilities, particularly wood pulp, de-icing salt, coal, caustic soda, liquid pitch (petroleum product), aluminum and general cargo.

6 Expected environmental changes

The Agency has reviewed the environmental changes that are likely to be caused by the Project and that could have a residual adverse effect on the valued components discussed in Chapter 7. The Agency paid particular attention to anticipated changes to the atmospheric, light and sound environments, as well as to the ground water, surface water, sediments and soils. The following subsections describe the baseline condition and the essential elements of the Proponent's analysis and present the opinions from the expert departments, the First Nations and the public on which the Agency based its conclusion on the significance of the effects of environmental changes on fish and fish habitats (Section 7.3), birds (Section 7.5), land mammals (Section 7.6) and human health (Section 7.7).

6.1 Atmospheric Environment

This section presents issues related to air quality, including the dispersion of particulate matter in the air. The Project's effects on air quality were considered by the Agency because of their potential effects on human health, birds, and aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. According to the Proponent, residual adverse effects to air quality would be moderate, would occur continually throughout the life of the Project, would be experienced locally and would be reversible after the completion of the Project. The Proponent concluded that the effects on air quality, after considering the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, would be insignificant for all phases of the Project.

6.1.1 Baseline condition

The Project site is located in a wooded sector where there are few industrial activities. The nearest industrial activities are located on the opposite bank of the Saguenay River, namely the Grande-Anse terminal located 8 kilometers away from the site and the Rio Tinto port facilities located 13 kilometers away from the site in the baie des Ha! Ha! The residences closest to the project site are 1.3 kilometres away. Because of the undeveloped nature of the area surrounding the Project site, the Proponent considers the current air quality in the area to be very good. Environment and Climate Change Canada confirms that, according to the National Pollutant Release Inventory, there are no significant sources of airborne emissions of contaminants in the immediate area of the Project.

6.1.2 Proponent's assessment of environmental effects

Anticipated Effects

Following the Environmental Assessment Committee's comments on the initial modelling studies, the Proponent has produced a model showing five scenarios for the construction and operation phases, taking into account an operation scenario with a moving ship (WSP/GCNN, March 2017). The modelling domain used by the Proponent extends on both sides of the projected facilities, over an area of 12 kilometres by 12 kilometres, and allowed measurement of the Project's effects on air quality for the 13 sensitive receptors, being the private residences located near the Project. The substances selected for modelling are three categories of particulate matter (total particulate matter and PM₁₀ particulate matter and PM_2.5 fine particulate matter), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide (CO) and 19 metals and metalloids, including crystalline silica (SiO₂). The air emission concentrations were modelled using the generic initial concentrations prescribed by the ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatique (MDDELCC) for projects in northern areas and remote from other sources of air contaminant emissions. ^Footnote 9 For PM_2.5, the concentration value was based on data from the Pémonca station, located west of Lac Saint-Jean, as suggested by MDDELCC. Atmospheric emissions modelling took into account five years of meteorological data.

For the construction scenarios, the emission sources included in the model are material transport and vehicle exhaust, loading and unloading of materials, bulldozing, boring, blasting, crushing and screening, and wind erosion of storage areas. For the operation scenarios, the emission sources are represented by material transport and vehicle exhaust, dust collectors, ship loading and exhaust fumes from ships at the pier. An additional operation scenario was modelled to include the movement of a ship and considers the same sources as in the previous scenario, to which the moving ship's exhaust emissions were added. Among the five scenarios studied, two scenarios (one under construction and one in operation) considered mitigation through vegetation cover, which would reduce the spread of emissions by 80%.

The Proponent compared the results of the modelling conducted with the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards established by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) and the Quebec Clean Air Regulation. The scope of provincial standards is established from 300 metres beyond the boundaries of a project site, meaning the standards apply and must be respected only beyond that limit.

Depending on the results of the Proponent's various modelling scenarios, the contribution of road transport (trucking) is major and may represent up to 93% of total particulate matter (total particulate) emissions for some scenarios. Exceedances of the Clean Air Regulation standards were noted for total particulate matter in the majority of scenarios, and these exceedances occur on the site and in the periphery (beyond site boundaries). However, the Proponent considers that the effects of these exceedances would be small because they would not reach the sensitive receptors.

More specifically, for the construction scenario, the standards of the MDDELCC Clean Air Regulation are not respected for total particulates, but no exceedance is observed at the sensitive receptors. Modelled concentrations for PM_2.5 meet the 24-hour standard set by MDDELCC, which is the maximum average emissions allowable over a 24-hour period, as well as the annual standard of the CCME criteria. The other modelled substances (CO, NO₂, SO₂, metals and metalloids) meet the applicable provincial air quality standards.

The results of the operation scenarios with and without ship movement conducted by the Proponent are virtually identical. The total particulate matter and PM_2.5 fine particulate matter concentrations modelled exceed the 24-hour standard for MDDELCC and the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) criterion. However, the annual CAAQS criterion is met for PM_2.5. At the sensitive receptors, PM_2.5 concentrations are below the 24-hour standards for the provincial standards and the CAAQS criteria. As for the other modelled substances (CO, NO₂, SO₂, metals and metalloids), they respect the provincial atmosphere quality standards in force.

The vegetation-mitigated construction scenario with the integration of an additional 80% mitigation rate generally results in a decrease in the modelled concentration of total particulate matter and PM_2.5, but this does not prevent exceedances of standards for total particulate matter. The concentration of total particulate matter exceeds the MDDELCC 24-hour standard within the scope of the standards and criteria but is respected for the sensitive receptors. The PM_2.5 fine particle concentrations modelled meet the requirements for the scope of the MDDELCC standards and criteria and for the CAAQS criteria.

With respect to the scenario with vegetation cover mitigation, total particulate matter concentrations meet the 24-hour standards in effect in the scope of provincial standards and for the sensitive receptors. PM_2.5 concentrations exceed the 24-hour standard in the scope of the MDDELCC standards and criteria and the CAAQS criterion, but there is no exceedance in PM_2.5 concentrations measured at sensitive receptors.

Proposed Mitigation Measures, Monitoring and Follow-Up

The Proponent has proposed measures to reduce the effects on air quality caused by the Project; the main measures are presented below (see Appendix E for the full list):

Use machinery that meets Environment and Climate Change Canada's emissions standards for on-road and off-road vehicles;
Spray dry soil as needed to minimize raising of dust during stripping or levelling operations by keeping the surface moist;
Spray unpaved roads with water and dust control liquid to limit dust dispersion;
Do not perform any work handling granular materials in high winds or when the wind is blowing toward the nearest neighbourhood; otherwise, use dust control liquid to minimize raising of dust;
Inspect machinery before use and on a regular basis to ensure good condition and proper operation, particularly of exhaust and pollution-reduction systems;
Regularly inspect equipment dedicated to suppressing dust and repair defects as soon as possible;
Handle and transport dust collected by dust collectors so that there is no loss of dust into the atmosphere that is visible more than 2 metres from the emission source. If this dust is not recycled, it must be stored, deposited or disposed of on-site, provided that the required measures are taken to prevent any atmospheric dust release that is visible more than 2 metres from the emission source.

The Proponent has committed to implementing a dust management plan to limit the spread of air emissions beyond the project site by avoiding raising dust by using dust control liquid on unpaved roads, avoiding handling of granular materials in high winds, setting the vehicle speed limit at 40 km/h on the project site and installing dust collectors during material unloading and handling (WSP/GCNN, December 2017, Appendix 2-36). The Proponent would also implement an air quality monitoring program and a system for managing and resolving air quality-related complaints.

The objective of the air quality monitoring program would be to measure the impact of project activities on local and regional air quality and to ensure compliance with applicable provincial standards and criteria (MDDELCC Clean Air Regulation) and the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards. Monitoring of total particulate matter, fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and crystalline silica would be conducted for all phases of the Project.

The Proponent would also install a weather station at the start of the Project to determine the appropriate positioning of the ambient air monitoring stations. This weather station would also be useful for supporting the interpretation of air quality data obtained as part of the air quality monitoring.

6.1.3 Views expressed

Government authorities

Environment and Climate Change Canada considers that the modelling area used by the Proponent, extending 12 km by 12 km on both sides of the Project site, is an acceptable study area and respects the MDDELCC guidelines.

Based on the Proponent's air quality modelling results, Environment and Climate Change Canada considers that Project activities could have a negative effect on air quality if mitigation measures are not adopted during the construction and operation phases of the Project. In particular, the modelled concentrations of total particulate matter and PM_2.5 exceed Canadian air quality standards for the basic construction and operation scenarios for the terminal. Exceedances are also observed for the two scenarios that are "mitigated by vegetation." Indeed, despite an 80% mitigation rate attributed to vegetation cover, the modelled concentrations for all circumstances do not comply with the standards and criteria in effect for total particulate matter and PM_2.5. However, the mitigation measures planned by the Proponent should be sufficient to mitigate the negative effects on air quality, particularly the measures of using dust control liquid on unpaved roads and not performing work in high winds or when the wind is blowing toward the nearest neighbourhood.

When operating the new terminal under the Maximum Use Scenario (Chapter 2), Environment and Climate Change Canada considers that the modelling results may be underestimated due to the absence of certain elements, particularly emissions from trucks transporting materials on the section of road between the gate house and the pier. However, additional emissions should not be significant if the proposed mitigation measures are rigorously applied. Since road transport (trucking) contributes the majority of particulate matter emissions, Environment and Climate Change Canada recommends that the Proponent pay particular attention to controlling the emission of dust from these operations, in order to limit emissions.

In order to protect the receiving environment (watercourses, migratory bird habitats, species at risk habitats), Environment and Climate Change Canada recommends ensuring that the dust control liquids are not harmful to the environment. If chloride-based dust control liquids are used, salt spreading equipment should be rinsed at the Project site. The rinsing water should be treated or disposed of according to best practices. Environment and Climate Change Canada refers the Proponent to the Best Practices For The Use And Storage Of Chloride-Based Dust Suppressant, available upon request from the following website: http://www.ec.gc.ca/nopp/roadsalt/reports/chlorideBP/en/toc.cfm. Environment and Climate Change Canada also notes that while ensuring that blasting operations are done safely, it would be preferable to carry out blasting under favourable weather conditions that would limit the deterioration of air quality during construction.

Environment and Climate Change Canada recommends using the CAAQS to compare Project emissions and monitor air quality. The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment has established CAAQS for PM_2.5, ozone (O₃), sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). The CCME has also established new CAAQS for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) that will come into effect in 2020 and 2025. Thus, the Proponent may have to update the interpretation of the results obtained (construction and operation) to reflect the new requirements for nitrogen dioxide. In addition, according to the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, owners or operators of facilities that meet the reporting criteria are required to report to the National Pollutant Release Inventory.

The MDDELCC recommends establishing the location of the air quality monitoring station from the results of the atmospheric dispersion study. The MDDELCC requests to be consulted on the final monitoring program of the air quality as well as on the results of this monitoring. In the event that the mitigation measures prove to be less effective than anticipated, the MDDELCC indicates that the proponent should commit to put in place additional mitigation measures in order to meet the standards and criteria of Québec Clean Air Regulation. Considering that no exceedance of the standards and criteria of the Regulation on the cleansing of the atmosphere is anticipated at the first sensitive receivers and that the application of the dust management plan would minimize the impact of exceedances from a distance of 300 meters from the different project facilities, the MDDELCC considers that this aspect of the project is acceptable, as long as the proponent agrees to asphalt the portions of road deemed problematic.

The views expressed by government authorities regarding the human health effects of Project-related changes to the atmospheric environment are discussed in Section 7.7.

First Nations

The First Nations consulted did not comment on the atmospheric environment.

Public

The Conseil régional de l'environnement et du développement durable du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean [Regional Council for Environment and Sustainable Development] surveyed the public in Saint-Fulgence and Sainte-Rose-du-Nord located near the site targeted by the Project (CREDD, 2016). The survey showed that 17% of the public was concerned about the Project's impact on air quality. Residents located near the project site pointed out that not all of the residences that may be affected by changes in air quality seemed to have been considered in the Proponent's impact study (Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier, 2016). The update of the Proponent's modelling, carried out according to the recommendations of Environment and Climate Change Canada and the MDDELCC, considers all residences that may be affected by changes in air quality in its grid of sensitive receptors, including the residences of Anse à Pelletier (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

Citizens and environmental organizations in the region raised concerns about the Project's effects on air quality, particularly regarding dust emissions, as well as the monitoring and corrective measures that would be implemented as needed. Questions were raised as to how the Proponent would ensure that the various proposed follow-ups on the Project's effects, including on air quality, are reported to local and regional communities (EURÊKO, 2016; Bouchard, 2016; Lord, 2016). The observations expressed by the public regarding the human health effects of Project-related changes to the atmospheric environment are discussed in Section 7.7.

6.2 Sound environment

This section presents the issues related to the sound environment on land, particularly the dispersion of noise produced by machinery during the construction phase and by terminal activities during the operation phase. The Project's effects on the sound environment on land were considered by the Agency because of their potential effects on human health, birds and land mammals. According to the Proponent, the negative residual effects on the sound environment would be small, given that the site is restricted and enclosed by hills and that the simulations show that the standards and regulations regarding noise would be respected. The Proponent concludes that the effects on the sound environment would be insignificant, given the optimization of the Project, the implementation of mitigation measures and the proposed monitoring (WSP/GCNN, March 2017; WSP/GCNN, 2016).

6.2.1 Baseline condition

According to the Proponent, the surrounding environment is heavily forested, with hilly terrain. The region is rarely visited, except by area residents, including those from Anse à Pelletier and Neil and Bouchard lakes, occasional hunters and users from the Cap au Leste outfitting operation located more than 3 km east of the proposed project site. The only current sources of ambient noise modification for residents and users of the territory are all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles in winter, local traffic on forest roads and Highway 172 nearby. The Resolute Forest Products sawmill, now closed, was located at the junction of Highway 172 and the access road for the proposed terminal and had been a major source of noise in the area for a long time (WSP/GCNN, 2016).

The Proponent considers that wooded environments with low human activity, such as the proposed project site, present a highly variable sound environment, depending on weather conditions and noisy seasonal activities. The sound environment can be dominated by birds singing or trees rustling in strong winds, or occasionally by activities such as off-roading or snowmobiling. In comparison, the sound environment in urban areas is relatively constant from one day to the next, where background noise is generated by road traffic and urban activities. The level of the sound environment in the project area is very low at times—less than 30 dBA. ^Footnote 10 During quiet periods, background noise may be heard from sources far from the site, such as Highway 172 (WSP/GCNN, 2016).

6.2.2 Proponent's assessment of environmental effects

Anticipated Effects

According to the MDDELCC sectoral policy concerning noise levels from construction sites (MDDELCC, 2007), this noise should not exceed 55 dBA during the day and 45 dBA at night. During the operation phase, noise levels due to projects should not exceed 55 dBA during the day and 50 dBA at night, according to MDDELCC's Note d'instructions 98-01.

With respect to federal recommendations for noise produced by a construction site for more than one year or during the operation phase, the Proponent relies on Health Canada's recommendation in the document Useful Information for Environmental Assessments (Health Canada, 2010). Health Canada suggests that mitigation measures be proposed if the highly annoyed population percentage ^Footnote 11 (%HA) predicted for a specific receptor (such as a home) changes by more than 6.5% between Project and baseline noise environments, or when Project-related noise is in excess of 75 dB.

The Proponent has carried out simulations to estimate the noise that would be produced during the busiest periods in terms of equipment and noisy work during the construction phase, especially during the site preparation (deforestation, grubbing, earthwork) and excavation of the cliff (boring, blasting). Construction work would be carried out during the day over a period of 12 hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.). The simulations predict sound levels that will be perceived by the sensitive receptors, mainly residents and wildlife located near the Project. Depending on the provincial or federal criteria used, the sound levels produced by the noisiest construction work that would be perceived at residences closest to the project site would vary between 29 and 40 dBA. In order to consider the fact that sounds may be more disruptive in a quiet environment such as the Project site, the Proponent has adjusted the modelling results upward, adding 10 dBA to the estimated noise level to evaluate the highly annoyed population percentage (%HA). According to the Proponent, the highly annoyed population percentage would vary from 0.1 to 0.4 %HA during the construction phase.

During the operation phase, noisy activities would be carried out day and night, except on weekends (truck transportation stops), and would include truck traffic and unloading at the project site, as well as loading activities of ships at the pier. During vessel loading, the associated noise would occur over a continuous 30-hour period. Depending on the provincial or federal criteria used, the sound levels produced during the operation phase that would be perceived at residences closest to the project site would vary between 32 and 46 dBA. As with the construction phase, the Proponent adjusted the modelling results upward by adding 10 dBA to the estimated noise level to estimate the highly annoyed population percentage (%HA), which would range from 1.7 to 4.7 %HA during the operation phase.

The simulations show that the sound levels that would be perceived at the sensitive receptors are below the MDDELCC guideline criteria for noise levels from a construction site and the criterion in MDDELCC's Note d'instructions 98-01 for the operation phase. Similarly, results at the sensitive receptors would be lower than the change criteria in the highly annoyed population percentage (%HA) used by Health Canada to characterize noise disturbance. Noise emissions from the potential dismantling of various terminal customers' infrastructure would be lower than those generated during the construction and operation phase and would therefore also meet the standards and criteria at the provincial and federal levels.

The Proponent also assessed the impact of blasting activities (vibration, air overpressure and fly rock) on nearby residences and on marine wildlife (fish and mammals) (WSP/GCNN, 2016). The Proponent estimates that at a distance of one kilometre, the vibration (measured as maximum particle velocity in millimetres per second: mm/s) would be in the range of 0.04 to 0.11 mm/s for explosive charges from 25 to 100 kilograms.

The human threshold of perception is 0.25 mm/s. With respect to air overpressures, the Proponent estimates that with explosive charges of 100 kilograms, the detonations would be audible at the nearest residences, but would not reach the thresholds recommended by the United States Bureau of Mines (129 dB) (WSP/GCNN, 2016). Finally, the Proponent estimates that a 210-metre perimeter is needed around blasting to avoid any effects related to possible flying rock. This perimeter should be established both on land and on the Saguenay River.

Proposed Mitigation Measures, Monitoring and Follow-Up

In order to reduce negative effects on the sound environment, the Proponent undertakes to implement the following mitigation measures:

Using technologies to control and minimize noise from operations. (WSP/GCNN, January 2018);
Equipping all equipment on site with white sound back-up alarms, excluding transit equipment
(e.g. 10-wheel craftsman trucks) or equipment used for short periods. The back-up alarms must comply with the criteria specified in Section 3.10.12 of the CNESST Safety Code;
Turning off all unused electrical or mechanical equipment, including trucks waiting for a load for over five minutes. The circulation of equipment on site must be planned to be as far as possible from the sensitive areas;
Prohibiting the use of engine brakes within the construction site area;
Prohibiting the slamming of truck tailgates when unloading materials. Truckers will be informed of this requirement;
Arranging non-noisy equipment (e.g. stopped truck) or materials (e.g. piles of wood, light embankments) to shield residences from noisy work;
Maintaining noisy equipment and keeping the mufflers and catalysts of the machinery (anti-pollution system) in good condition;
Complying with the Act Respecting Explosives and its implementing regulation, the Regulation under the Act Respecting Explosives, and implementing the necessary measures to ensure compliance with the requirements contained within. The Contractor must also comply with the Guidelines for the Use of Explosives In or Near Canadian Fisheries Waters;
Prohibiting the detonation of explosives that produce or are likely to produce a peak particle velocity greater than 13 mm/s in a spawning ground during the egg incubation period;
Installing a blasting mat to retain particles in the work area;
Controlling dust emissions from boring;
Applying a safety perimeter of at least 250 metres to the Saguenay River during blasting near the marine environment to protect boaters from the potential impacts of air overpressure and the risk of fly rock;
Applying a safety perimeter of at least 210 metres to the land around a blasting to protect the population, the users of the area and the workers.

The Proponent indicates that in a situation where noise levels are noisier than expected and reach the criteria of 55 dBA at day or 50 dBA at night, additional mitigation measures would be put in place to reduce the noise made by the construction. (WSP/GCNN. March 2017, p. 153).

At the Agency's request, the Proponent proposed a sound climate monitoring program during construction and a monitoring program during operations in order to determine the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures. If noise standards are exceeded (more than 3 dBA during construction and 1 dBA during operation), the Proponent will implement additional mitigation measures to reduce the noise level to comply with noise limits (WSP/GCNN, December 2017).

Monitoring during the construction phase would involve recording noise (sampling) over a 24-hour period once per season on a day when the planned activities are the noisiest (clearing, excavation, drilling, blasting). The monitoring program during the operation phase would involve sampling the noise over a period of 24 hours between May and October during vessel loading activities, which are considered the noisiest. Monitoring will be conducted once a year for the first three years of operation. If the limit is exceeded during the third year, the Proponent would conduct additional monitoring the following year and as long as the situation is unresolved and the limit is exceeded during the last monitoring session. The Proponent also proposes to conduct sound monitoring each time the terminal increases its capacity by accommodating new clients on a regular basis. This monitoring would not apply to occasional clients. In the event of a complaint, the Proponent undertakes to conduct a spot check of sound standard compliance.

6.2.3 Views expressed

Government Authorities

Health Canada considers it important to implement a noise monitoring program to verify the accuracy of the modelling and the actual effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures. In particular, this monitoring would make it possible to validate the conclusions of the environmental impact assessment with respect to noise and, if necessary, to implement additional mitigation measures to ensure that health is protected (Health Canada, 2018). The Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques considers that the sound component of the project related to the transport of apatite concentrate is acceptable insofar as the emergence of noise in relation to the ambient level is a basic criterion in the proponent's approach in considering citizens' complaints and in setting up mitigation measures (MDDELCC, April 2018).The views expressed by government authorities on the human health effects of Project-related changes in the acoustic environment are discussed in Section 7.7.

6.3 Light environment

This section identifies the issues associated with changes in the light environment, in particular an increase in artificial light at night. The effects of the Project on the light environment were considered by the Agency due to their potential effects on human health and wildlife, in particular birds and bats. The Proponent concludes that the Project would result in changes in the brightness of the sky that were barely perceptible and would not give rise to light trespass issues ^Footnote 12 on land or along the shores of the Saguenay River (WSP/GCNN, March 2017), because the levels of light on land would not change at the property boundary and would be temporarily changed on the Saguenay River during vessel loading. The effects on the light environment would not be significant during any of the Project phases, due to the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures.

6.3.1 Baseline scenario

The main sources of artificial light in the project area are the boroughs of the City of Saguenay, namely Chicoutimi, Jonquière and La Baie. The municipality of Saint-Fulgence and the port facilities of Grande-Anse are also sources of light, but these sources merge with the light produced by the City of Saguenay, which emits a great deal of light. The analysis of the quality of the light at night and the artificial light at night carried out by the Proponent confirms that the proposed Project site has low light levels. According to the surveys conducted by boat on the Saguenay River, there are very few sources of artificial light on the north bank of the Saguenay River in the proposed project area, as a result of which the night landscape is very dark. However, a slight decrease in the brightness of the night sky is visible in the area of the Sainte-Rose-du-Nord municipality, because it is located close enough to the City of Saguenay (36 kilometres away) for its impact on the night sky to be perceived. (WSP/GCNN, 2016).

6.3.2 Proponent's assessment of environmental effects

Anticipated Effects

The Proponent performed modelling to estimate the effects of the Project on the light environment during the construction and operation of the terminal. The Proponent estimates that during operation and maintenance there will be little effect on the brightness of the night sky, because the facilities will emit a very low amount of artificial light at night. The expected effects during construction would be even smaller since light emissions would be substantially lower than those expected during operation.

The Proponent measured and evaluated the brightness of the night sky and light trespass, because these parameters may be affected by artificial light at night (WSP/GCNN, 2016). The spatial boundaries of the study area in terms of the light environment were determined based on the areas where light from the Project would potentially be visible. These boundaries extend from the City of Saguenay, at the western border, to the municipality of Sainte-Rose-du-Nord in the east, southwards to the borough of La Baie and the municipality of Saint-Fulgence to the north, and include the Saguenay River (WSP/GCNN, 2016). The Proponent carried out a survey of sensitive human and biological environments that are likely to be affected by an increase in artificial light at night from the proposed terminal. In order to characterize the existing light conditions and demonstrate the effects of the Project on the light environment, the Proponent conducted field surveys in the area targeted by the Project and placed sensitive receivers in certain locations, in particular at Anse à Pelletier, Anse au Sable, in the Neil Lake area and near the planned wharf location.

During construction and decommissioning, temporary work site infrastructure will be set up (parking, trailers for the workers, warehouses, storage areas, and so on) which will result in the temporary emission of artificial light at night. These emissions were not taken into account by the Proponent in its modelling, because they involve a low level of light compared to the facilities that would be involved in terminal operations. During the operation phase, artificial light at night would be produced by the lighting equipment for the facilities and by operations relating to transshipment, warehousing and handling ore concentrates and other general goods, as well as by the presence of ships and associated loading activities. The artificial light would be at its maximum when ships are dockside. The Proponent considered this "worst case" scenario to be permanent in order to analyze its effects, even though in reality the artificial light will be at much lower levels when no ships are dockside. An illuminated access road approximately 1.7 kilometres long between the storage area and the wharf will be a permanent source of lighting during the operation phase. The Proponent has estimated that there would be little difference in the levels of artificial light produced in summer compared to winter, although the most intense conditions would occur in winter, due to the presence of snow and the absence of leaves in the trees.

The Proponent states that the Project's sky glow should not be very visible for residents near the terminal, in particular due to the presence of lights in the borough of Chicoutimi. Lighting levels at the property line during operation at 1.5 metres from the ground would be zero on land. The equipment required for loading ships would involve a certain level of light on the Saguenay River, which would in general be lower than 2 lux, ^Footnote 13 which is a mid-level light environment, compared with a low light environment, which would be at 1 lux, and a high light area, which would be at 5 lux (WPS/GCNN, May 2016). During the loading of a vessel, light levels could increase temporarily in its immediate periphery, up to a maximum of 12.7 lux in the summer and slightly more in the winter.

Proposed Mitigation Measures, Monitoring and Follow-Up

The Proponent has proposed measures to reduce the Project's impact on the light environment, the main components of which are set out below (see Appendix E for the complete list):

Limiting the emission of light toward the sky by using light fixtures that produce subdued and uniform lighting that will meet actual lighting needs, and whose luminous flux will be directed toward the surface requiring illumination;
Limiting the period and length of use of lighting by installing timers and movement detectors and by encouraging workers to turn out lights. Lighting will be planned to ensure the level of light that is required for worker and equipment safety, while minimizing luminous flux. Sources of light will be extinguished in areas where lighting is not required on a permanent basis;
Paying particular attention to the direction in which lights from mobile sources are pointing to avoid lighting the area toward the Saguenay;
Reducing the contrast levels of the buildings by using finishes with low levels of reflectance and colours that blend in with the natural landscape (e.g. avoiding the colour red). The structures on the site will be in neutral colours to absorb light reflection;
Limiting deforestation and maintain vegetation to serve as visual screens. Quickly planting vegetation in cleared areas;
Minimizing sources of ultraviolet light, and red and white lights.

As part of its monitoring program, the Proponent undertakes to ensure that working methods do not result in the emission of light directly toward the Saguenay River and that all of the proposed mitigation measures are implemented in an appropriate manner. No specific monitoring activities are proposed for the lighting environment.

6.3.3 Views expressed

Government authorities

The MDDELCC asked the Proponent to evaluate the effects of artificial light on aquatic fauna, in the event of a higher level of traffic at the terminal. The Proponent responded that the effects of artificial light were evaluated on the basis of a "worst-case" scenario, which currently corresponds to a ship dockside during loading operations. The modelling results show that the effects on aquatic fauna will be low. In particular, this is due to the high natural turbidity of the Saguenay River's surface water, which considerably limits the penetration of light into deeper areas, and the fact that the artificial light that is emitted would not be directed toward the river. (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

First Nations

First Nations have not expressed any specific concerns about the artificial light that might be caused by the Project.

Public

Residents near the proposed project site have indicated concerns about the potential effects that they may experience due to the effects of the Project on light at night (Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier, 2016; Lord, 2016). The Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean regional environmental and sustainable development board stressed the importance of properly documenting the potential effects of the Project on bats, in particular the effects of artificial light at night that may cause significant negative effects on some bat species (CREDD, 2016). The responses provided by the Proponent to these concerns are set out in the sections relating to human health (Section 7.7) and land mammals (Section 7.6) with respect to bats.

6.4 Surface water, groundwater, soils and sediments

This section deals with issues related to the quality of surface water and groundwater, as well as that of associated soils and sediments. Because of the potential impact on human health and aquatic fauna, the Agency took into consideration the project's effects on the quality of surface water in terrestrial and marine environments, as well as on the quality of groundwater. The proponent believes that the project's effects on surface water and groundwater quality, with the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures taken into account, will not be significant during all phases of the project.

6.4.1 Baseline condition

Two intermittent watercourses (T1 and T2) flow through the restricted study area and into the Saguenay River. They would only serve as a water supply source for nearby homes. Petroleum hydrocarbons (C10-C50) exceeding the quality criteria for the protection of aquatic life were measured in the T2 watercourse when water samples were taken (WSP/GCNN, May 2016). The proponent explained that the measured values correspond to the reference values of the natural environment and that there would be no known or observed contamination of the characterized watercourse. The analysis does not make it possible to specify whether these compounds are of natural biogenic origin or come from a contamination source.

Because the Saguenay River water in the area of the project site is salty, it is said to be a marine environment. The proponent reported exceedances of the quality criteria and standards for the protection of aquatic life in Quebec (MDDEFP, 2013) and for the quality of the current marine water, particularly with respect to aluminum. However, the proponent said that it is likely that these exceedances correspond to the natural percentage concentration of aluminum in the water. The exceedances could also be related to the presence of many aluminum smelters in the region (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

According to the proponent, marine environment sediments are generally of good quality in the study area, although some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and few measured metals exceed the rare effect level and threshold effect levels of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (WSP/GCNN, May 2016). The proponent also said that the existing data suggest that there are no specific soil quality problems in the restricted study area. In addition, the proponent is carrying out a characterization of the initial condition of the soil before project construction activities begin, based on the Guide de caractérisation physico-chimique de l'état initial des sols avant l'implantation d'un projet industriel [guide to physical and chemical characterization of initial soil conditions prior to the start of industrial projects] (MDDELCC, 2016).

The proponent did not characterize the groundwater during the impact study because there is no anticipated impact on the groundwater; however, the proponent has promised to carry out a study to determine the baseline groundwater quality prior to the start of the construction work. The proponent also indicates that the drinking water wells of residents near the project site are not in the same watershed as the project site.

6.4.2 Proponent's assessment of environmental effects

Anticipated effects

Surface water

The proponent said that the project activities during the construction phase that may have effects on surface water and sediments are forest clearing (use of machinery and transport of timber), crossing of watercourses, site preparation work, movement of machinery and the transport of materials, as well as wharf construction work (blasting, vibration-causing pile and sheet-pile driving, and installation of rip-rap and gabions). The potential effects on water quality in the affected watercourses (T1 and T2) and the Saguenay River are primarily the input of sediments into the water and water contamination caused by road salt or toxic products following an accident, such as a spill (WSP/GCNN, May 2016). There is also a risk that the use of explosives and the reuse of blasted rock in the construction of the wharf and in backfilling operations in various locations on the site will contaminate the water with nitrogen compounds present in the explosives (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

The proponent proposes the use of a type of water-resistant explosive that reduces the amounts of nitrates or other contaminants dissolved in the water and thus decreases the risks of contamination. In addition, the construction work would involve the use, refuelling and maintenance of machinery that could cause accidental spills of oil or hazardous materials that might contaminate the soil or enter the aquatic environment.

During the operations and maintenance phase, the following project activities may have effects on the surface water: movement of trucks, transport of materials, maintenance of facilities, use of de-icing agents in winter, management of wastewater and dumped snow, and management of waste and hazardous materials.

Groundwater

The proponent said that in the event of a spill of petroleum products or other chemical substances, the groundwater could be affected, would flow into the Saguenay River, and might re-emerge and mix with nearby surface water (WSP/GCNN, March 2017). Areas that might be affected are located downstream from the at risk facilities, such as truck unloading areas, the knoll, the storage silo and the sedimentation catchments. The proponent promises to monitor groundwater quality in order to detect any water contamination. The mitigation measures will also help to reduce the risks of spills or contamination of the area to a minimum.

Proposed mitigation, monitoring and follow-up measures

The proponent has not submitted a detailed water management plan for the construction and operation phases. Nevertheless, the proponent has promised to implement a series of measures to mitigate environmental effects on surface water and groundwater quality. The objectives of these measures are summarized below (see Appendix E for the complete list):

By channelling into separate networks of ditches, separate clean water from potentially contaminated water (water from areas affected by activities) in order to collect it, verify it and treat it before discharging it into the environment;
Protect riparian strips along watercourses;
Prevent and minimize the presence of suspended solids in the water, particularly through the use of turbidity curtains during wharf construction work;
Maintain sedimentation catchments and water treatment systems;
Implement best practices for the use of explosives in order to avoid contamination by nitrogen compounds, in particular by using emulsion explosives with limited dissolving capacity;
Properly manage waste, residual materials and hazardous materials;
Prevent and take action in cases of accidents and malfunctions.

To ensure that the work does not alter the water quality, the proponent proposes the implementation of a monitoring and follow-up program during the construction phase and the operating phase. A sampling station would be set up at the point of discharge into the temporary sedimentation catchments during the construction phase, as well as at the point of discharge into the permanent retention basin during the operating phase (WSP/GCNN, December 2017). The proponent has submitted parameters that will be monitored (WSP/GCNN, December 2017, Table 2-14) and provided a general description of the measures that will be implemented in cases of exceedances of set standards for contaminants.

The proponent will set up a water quality monitoring program for the T1 and T2 watercourses and for the marine environment near the projected wharf, including monitoring of the quality of the water downstream from the blasting sites, in order to monitor changes in the concentrations of suspended solids, ammonia nitrogen and nitrates. The proponent also proposes to carry out bi-annual groundwater monitoring (spring and summer) by installing a network of monitoring wells around facilities at risk of affecting groundwater quality (WSP/GCNN, March 2017, pages 129−130). This monitoring would be preceded by a characterization study prior to the start of the work in order to determine a groundwater baseline condition.

6.4.3 Expressed opinions

Government authorities

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) believes that if all the mitigation measures proposed by the proponent are implemented in a timely manner, the volume of water to be treated and the project's effects on the quality of surface water in both the terrestrial and marine environments will be kept to a minimum.

However, ECCC finds that are still some uncertainties as to the effectiveness of the proposed water treatment method (treatment basins and clean-out openings) for treating any type of potential water contamination in terms of both contaminant load and volume of water to be treated. Consequently, ECCC is of the opinion that water quality monitoring and follow-up are essential in order to detect and prevent any contamination of surface water, groundwater and Saguenay River water by suspended solids, ammonia or nitrates resulting from blasting work, as well as other potential contaminants, such as chlorides, metals and petroleum hydrocarbons (C10-C50). In the operational phase, Environment and Climate Change Canada recommends that dissolved phosphorus be included in water quality monitoring to verify the presence of apatite. Based on the results of the monitoring program, ECCC recommends that the proponent make provision for additional mitigation measures should the volume of the storage basins prove to be insufficient to treat the site's water, despite their being designed to handle increased water flow (10% increase). ECCC also recommends that the final water management plan during the construction phase be submitted to the federal authorities for analysis and recommendations prior to the start of the work.

With respect to the blasting activities, ECCC recommends including the following additional measure with those already listed by the proponent:

Draw up and implement an explosives management and handling plan, which could include training and employee awareness-building, spill management, a water quality monitoring program, etc.

ECCC believes that ships would not have a significant effect in terms of re suspending potentially contaminated sediments located near the project wharf, given the presence of rock and very deep water in the area of the wharf.

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) believes that the interactions between the groundwater and the surface water have been identified and properly documented by the proponent, and agrees with the mitigation measures and monitoring plans proposed by the proponent. However, NRCan recommends adding bicarbonate (HCO₃-) to the parameters that would be monitored in order to calculate the ion balances of major ions and monitor changes in the groundwater.

First Nations

The First Nations' observations relative to water and sediment quality are dealt with in Section 7.3 on fish and fish habitat, Section 7.7 on human health, Section 7.8 on current use by Indigenous people, Section 8.1 on accidents and malfunctions, and Section 8.4 on effects of navigation beyond the proponent's control.

Public

The public's observations relative to the quality of water, including potable water, and sediments are dealt with in Section 7.3 on fish and fish habitat, Section 7.7 on human health, Section 8.1 on accidents and malfunctions, and Section 8.4 on effects of navigation beyond the proponent's control.

7 Predicted Effects on Valued Components

7.1 Transboundary Environmental Effects – Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are atmospheric gases that absorb and re-emit infrared radiation resulting in the warming of the lower levels of the atmosphere. They are recognized as being one of the causes of climate change that can have various impacts on ecosystems and human health (Canadian Environmental Assessment Act [CEAA], 2016). The main greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆), ozone (O₃), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and perfluorocarbons (PFCs). Greenhouse gas estimates are usually reported in units of tonnes of carbon dioxide ^Footnote 14 per year (CEAA, 2016). These gases disperse at the global scale and, for the purposes of CEAA 2012, are considered to have transboundary environmental effects.

According to the Agency, significant adverse transboundary environmental effects will occur if emissions from the project amount to a significant contribution to provincial and national GHG emissions.

At the end of its analysis, the Agency finds that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse transboundary environmental effects, because the volume of the project's GHG emissions will not make a significant contribution to provincial and national GHG emissions:

The total volume of emissions that would be generated per year under the maximum terminal operations scenario would be about 108.7 kilotonnes ^Footnote 15 of CO₂ eq., which is equal to about 0.13% of Quebec's total GHG emissions and 0.015% of Canada's total GHG emissions, based on 2014 emission levels recorded by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).

The following subsections describe the baseline conditions, as well as the key factors in the proponent's analysis, and provide departments' expert opinions that the Agency used as a basis for its findings as to the importance of transboundary environmental effects resulting from the project's GHGs.

7.1.1 Baseline conditions

Under Quebec's Regulation respecting mandatory reporting of certain emissions of contaminants into the atmosphere, the Quebec government gathers data on GHGs emitted by Quebec companies. As a result, anyone who operates an establishment that releases an amount of GHGs into the atmosphere equal to or higher than 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year is required to report emissions every year. At the federal level, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (1999), the reporting threshold has been reduced from 50 to 10 Kt. Since 2017, all facilities that emit the equivalent of 10,000 tonnes (10 Kt) or more of GHGs in carbon dioxide equivalent units (CO₂ eq.) per year are required to submit a report on their emissions to ECCC (Canada Gazette, 2017).

In 2014, total GHG emissions in Quebec were 82.08 megatonnes ^Footnote 16 of CO₂ eq., while total GHG emissions across Canada were 732.4 Mt of CO₂ eq. The sector producing the most GHG emissions in Quebec in 2014 was transportation (road, air, marine and rail) with 33.67 Mt of CO₂ eq. (MDDELCC, 2016).

In 2016, 596 facilities in Canada reported a total of 263 Mt of total GHG emissions under ECCC's Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) accounted for the bulk of reported total emissions (94%), while emissions of methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) accounted for 4% and 1%, respectively, (ECCC, 2018). In 2016, the biggest quantity of GHG emissions in Canada was generated in three industrial sectors, i.e., mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction, accounting for 33% (87 Mt of CO₂ eq.). This was followed by the public utilities sector, primarily those utilities associated with electricity production from fossil fuels, accounting for 32% (85 Mt of CO₂ eq.), then the manufacturing sector, accounting for 29% (77 Mt of CO₂ eq.). Of the Canadian facilities reporting emissions in 2016, the upper third (about 30%) emitted 250 or more Kt of CO₂ eq. (ECCC, 2018).

7.1.2 Proponent's effects assessment

Anticipated effects

The GHGs assessed by the proponent for the construction and operations phases are carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O). The GHG emissions taken into consideration during the Terminal construction phase are emissions arising from the transportation of materials and the operation of equipment, machinery and vehicles on the site. During the operations phase, the GHG emissions taken into consideration are those arising from trucks transporting apatite concentrate and other ores or cargo that may go through the terminal, from vessels transiting to the terminal, as well as emissions related to the production of electricity needed for the project site. The emissions caused by the trucking of apatite concentrate and other materials were estimated by taking into consideration trucks transiting between Arianne Phosphate Inc.'s Lac à Paul mine (Terminal's prime client), or other possible sites at a similar distance for another client, and the Terminal. Note that the emissions related to the transportation of apatite were estimated as part of the environmental assessment carried out by the Quebec government for the Lac à Paul mine project. The proponent submitted them as indirect emissions related to its project over which it has no control. The emissions that would come from ships were estimated for the period during which they would be in the project study area, i.e., over a distance of 10 kilometres or less from the Terminal. These emissions include those produced by tug boats that might be used. Some sources were excluded from the proponent's modelling because of their low contribution during the project or because it was impossible to make an accurate estimate. These sources are possible air conditioning associated with machinery and vehicles, ships transiting to the operating Terminal, the bringing of machinery to the project site, and the use of a generator to produce power for site lighting during the construction phase (WSP/GCNN, 2016).

The proponent assessed GHG emissions according to two scenarios, i.e., one with its prime client, Arianne Phosphate Inc., and the other a maximum operations scenario including three additional clients, as described in Chapter 2. The proponent believes that most of the sources of emissions during the operations phase would be indirect because they are not under its control, i.e., emissions caused by ships, by trucking off site by terminal clients to bring in their equipment, and by the production of necessary electricity by Hydro-Québec for the Terminal's operations. The proponent's estimates are shown in Table 5 below.

Table 5 Estimates of Direct and Indirect Greenhouse Gas Emissions Related to the Project
Activity	Type of Emission	Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Kt CO₂ eq.)*	Total (Kt CO₂ eq.)
Construction
Machinery on the site	Direct	18.9	18.9
Transportation of materials	Indirect	0.747	0.747
TOTAL Construction			19.6 over two years
Single Client Operations
Trucking of apatite concentrate, on site	Direct	0.153	0.153
Ships	Indirect	1.326	49.73
Trucking of apatite concentrate, off site	Indirect	48.333
Electricity at the Terminal	Indirect	0.072
TOTAL for Single Client Operations			49.9 per year
Additional emissions related to maximum operations scenario
Trucking of cargo, on site	Direct	0.186	0.186
Ships	Indirect	1.680	58.582
Trucking of cargo, off site	Indirect	56.902	58.582
TOTAL for Maximum Operations Scenario (single client operations + additional emissions)			108.7 per year

* Kt CO₂ eq. = megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

GHG emissions related to construction of the Terminal are estimated to be 19.6 Kt of CO₂ eq. over a period of about two years. Most of these emissions would be direct because they are associated with the operation of machinery on the worksite. Activities related to Terminal operations with a single client would produce an average of 0.153 Kt of CO₂ eq. in direct emissions per year. Indirect emissions not under the proponent's control would be about 49.7 Kt of CO₂ eq. per year, the bulk of which, i.e., 48.3 Kt of CO₂ eq., would come from the trucking of apatite concentrate outside the project site boundaries. These trucking emissions are related to Arianne Phosphate Inc.'s Lac à Paul mining operations and have been assessed by the Quebec government. Similarly, the direct emissions that would be related to the trucking on the project site under the maximum operations scenario would be about 0.186 Kt of CO₂ eq. per year. The additional indirect emissions resulting from the transportation of cargo of various clients by truck outside the project site under the maximum operations scenario are estimated to be 56.9 Kt of CO₂ eq., for a total of direct and indirect emissions of 108.7 Kt of CO₂ eq. per year under the maximum operations scenario (WSP/GCNN, December 2017).

The proponent finds that the project's indirect emissions during the operations phase with a single client would have little effect, because they would only amount to about 0.2% of the emissions coming from the road and marine transportation sector and 0.06% of the province's total emissions. The project's contribution would be about 0.01% towards the total amount of Canada's emissions.

In order to reduce the project's GHG emissions, the proponent undertakes to implement the following mitigation measures:

Adopt an energy efficiency program for the Terminal buildings;
Promote the use of energy-efficient electrical equipment;
Promote the use of natural gas-powered generators during the construction phase and the use of emergency natural gas-powered generators in operations;
Limit the amount of idling of motorized equipment;
Use motorized equipment that is in good operating condition;
Use equipment in accordance with energy-efficient construction and fit-up standards, procedures and operating methods;
Give priority to the use of electricity-powered equipment in terminal operations;
Where feasible, provide electricity for docked ships from the land grid and reduce the use of or turn off on-board generators.

7.1.3 Observations received

Government authorities

GHG emissions caused by development projects are analyzed by ECCC, as well as by the ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatique (MDDELCC), as part of their respective environmental protection mandates. These departments asked the proponent to provide a detailed and quantified assessment of the GHGs that would be produced by the project, including GHGs that would be produced by docked ships and vehicles travelling within the study area, and of all GHGs that would be produced in the case of a maximum operations scenario. The MDDELCC also suggested to the proponent that the latter propose mitigation measures to reduce as much as possible GHG emissions under the proponent's control by, for example, providing electricity from the land grid to docked ships that request it in order to reduce the use of generators on board ships. The proponent responded that he would not already provide power to the ship, as cargo ships currently do not have a power connection system. However, he undertakes to offer the service if the customers request it.

ECCC believes that the GHG emissions that would be produced by the project have been assessed in accordance with its recommendations and methodologies recognized and described in Quebec's regulations. Based on the proponent's submitted findings, ECCC finds that the project's contribution to GHG emissions would not be significant at the local, provincial or federal level and should not have an impact on Canada's overall GHG emissions. This department also finds that the mitigation measures submitted by the proponent are adequate and should help to reduce the project's GHG emissions if implemented appropriately and in a timely manner. ECCC is also of the opinion that other measures, such as the following, could be implemented to reduce GHG emissions and be effective in the fight against climate change:

Optimize Terminal operations in order to reduce the amount of time that ships are docked;
Ensure that heavy machinery, vehicles and equipment are in good operating condition by carrying out regular maintenance;
Carry out excavation and backfilling work in such a way as to minimize the need for borrow materials and crushed stone from borrow pits located far from the project site;
Encourage and promote the hooking up of ships to the land electricity grid. Although the proponent does not currently consider this measure to be feasible, the proponent should nonetheless consider this option because of the rapid development of this technology.

ECCC also recommends consulting the Climate Change Plan for the Purposes of the Kyoto Protocol Implementation Act, which contains measures for combatting climate change: http://www.climatechange.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=Fr&n=AFAF156B-1, as well as the Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/climate-change/greenhouse-gas-emissions/regulations.html.

First Nations

The consulted First Nations did not express specific concerns about project-related GHG emissions.

Public

Concerns were raised to the effect that the proposed marine terminal would only be accessible by truck. Because the construction of a rail link is not possible because of the rugged terrain, all of the Terminal's possible clients will have to haul their equipment by truck as far as the Terminal, and this has the potential to generate high quantities of GHGs (Lord, 2016). Concerns were also raised about Arianne Phosphate Inc., the prime client, possibly submitting a project requiring the hauling of ore by truck over a distance of 474 kilometres (return trip) between the mine and the Terminal (Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier, 2016).

Observations were also received concerning the estimated GHG emissions that the project would produce and the measures proposed to reduce GHG emissions, such as, for example, equipping the Terminal with an electrification system allowing ships to use the port's electric power supply instead of their own fuel (Eurêko!, 2016), as proposed by the MDDELCC. The proponent provided detailed information on direct and indirect GHG emissions related to the Terminal construction and operations phases, and promised to make electrification available at the terminal if there was a demand for it.

7.1.4 Agency's analysis and conclusion

Effects analysis

The Agency calculated that the total emissions that the maximum Terminal operations scenario would generate per year would be about 108.7 Kt of CO₂ eq., taking direct and indirect emissions into consideration. These emissions amount to about 0.13% of total GHG emissions in Quebec and to 0.015% of total GHG emissions in Canada, based on 2014 emission levels recorded by ECCC. Total emissions (direct and indirect) under the project's maximum operations scenario would also amount to 0.3% of emissions in Quebec's transportation sector (road, air, rail and marine).

The Agency points out that the bulk (96%) of GHG emissions during the construction phase would be direct and come from the operation of machinery, and amount to 18.8 Kt of CO₂ eq. over two years. During the operations phase, under the maximum operations scenario, the GHG emissions would be indirect emissions amounting to almost the total volume of emissions, i.e., 99.6%. These emissions are not under the proponent's control and would come from the trucking of ore and cargo outside the Terminal's boundaries, from ships navigating within a 10 kilometre radius of the wharf, and from the production of electricity required for the Terminal. These indirect emissions would total 108.4 Kt of CO₂ eq. per year. The direct emissions under the proponent's control for the maximum operations scenario would be 339 tonnes of _CO₂ eq. per year and would be related to trucking activities on the site.

The Agency believes that the projected volume of direct and indirect GHG emissions from the project after implementation of the proponent's proposed mitigation measures would be low, compared with provincial and national emission levels. However, the GHG emissions are global in nature, long-term and irreversible because of the persistence of CO₂ in the atmosphere.

Key mitigation measures to avoid significant effects

The Agency has taken into account the proponent's proposed mitigation measures, the expert opinions of federal authorities and the Quebec government, and observations submitted by the public, and determined that the project would not produce significant adverse effects in terms of GHG emissions. Given the project's low contribution of GHG emissions to the province's total GHG emissions and those of the country as a whole, the Agency has not identified any key mitigation measure. However, the Agency believes that the proponent must implement every available mitigation measure that would help to reduce the project's contribution to GHG emissions.

Need for follow-up and requirements of follow-up

The proponent has not proposed a follow-up program to verify the accuracy of the GHG estimates. Given the project's low contribution of direct emissions, the Agency believes that such a program is not necessary in order to verify the projected transboundary effects or the effectiveness of the mitigation measures identified by the proponent. However, the Agency reminds the proponent that it will have to monitor and submit information concerning its GHG emissions to ECCC as well as to the Quebec Government every year if they exceed the reporting threshold set by ECCC. This threshold is currently 10,000 tonnes of CO₂ eq. per year.

7.2 Wetlands and vegetation, including special-status species

The analysis of the effects on wetlands and vegetation, including special-status species, takes into consideration wetlands as defined in the Federal Policy on Wetland Conservation, terrestrial vegetation, and forests of phytosociological interest. ^Footnote 17

In the Agency's view, a significant residual adverse effect on wetlands and vegetation is one that would result in the destruction of wetlands that could not be offset through a compensation plan, or the destruction of large areas of forests of phytosociological interest. The Agency's criteria for evaluating environmental effects and its grid for determining the significance of the effects are shown in Appendices A and B, respectively.

As a result of its analysis, the Agency concludes that, given the mitigation measures, the Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on wetlands and vegetation, including special-status species:

The proponent stated that the loss of wetlands would be prevented by modifying the route of the permanent access road in the final design phase. However, if these losses cannot be prevented, the proponent undertakes to offset them. In the proponent's worst-case scenario, a total of 1.4 hectares of wetland would be lost. The Agency would also ask the proponent to compensate for loss of hydrous environment.
Losses of terrestrial vegetation would total almost 40 hectares, and losses of forest stands of phytosociological interest would total almost 1 hectare. The losses are small, the forest cover is abundant in the vicinity of the project site, and measures will be implemented to mitigate the effects.

The following subsections describe the baseline condition, specifically of the wetlands and vegetation, and the essential elements from the proponent's analysis. They also present the input from federal authorities, First Nations and the general public on which the Agency based its conclusions regarding the significance of the project's effects on wetlands and vegetation, including special-status species.

7.2.1 Baseline condition

This section describes the baseline condition for wetlands and vegetation based on the information provided by the proponent. It may also include comments from the general public, First Nations and federal authorities. A description of the geographic setting, including general information on the terrestrial vegetation, is provided in section 5.1.

The proponent defined the spatial boundary as the limited study area for the description and the analysis of the project's effects on wetlands and vegetation (Figure 9).

For the purpose of characterizing the wetlands and vegetation, the proponent searched for existing information about the project area, using the databases of the Système d'information écoforestière (SIEF), the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife In Canada (COSEWIC) and the Centre de données sur le patrimoine naturel du Québec (CDPNQ). Field surveys were conducted in 2015 to clarify that information. The identification of forest stands of phytosociological interest is based on the method used by Hydro-Québec for its environmental studies (Nove Environnement 1990).

With regard to wetlands, federal land managers or other federal government authorities such as the Saguenay Port Authority must assess the environmental impacts of a project and take the Federal Policy on Wetland Conservation into account in their decision making regarding the project's effects on the wetlands. The adverse environmental effects must be identified and considered by integrating a sequential process to prevent, minimize, or, as a last resort, compensate for wetland degradation or loss of wetland functions. This sequential process was applied by the Saguenay Port Authority (Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2018, WSP/GCNN, December 2017).

Figure 9: Wetlands and forest stands in the limited study area

Figure 9: Wetlands and forest stands in the limited study area

Source: WSP/GCNN, December 2017

Wetlands

In the limited study area of the project, which has a surface area of about 88 hectares, the proponent identified five wetlands. They occupy 2.8 hectares of the total surface of the limited study area and are essentially composed of wooded peat bogs associated with the V1 (mature cedar grove) and V3 (regenerating softwood) forest stands (Figure 9). The proponent mapped the wetlands and assigned them an ecological value based on a method developed by WSP (WSP/GCNN, December 2016) (Figure 9, grey inset). To classify the wetlands, the proponent used groupings of criteria drawn from the scientific literature, including connectivity between the wetlands, the presence of one or more threatened species, and surface area. The proponent concluded that all of the wetlands in the limited study area have a low to very low ecological value. The small surface area, the absence of connectivity between the wetlands, the low plant diversity and the absence of threatened or vulnerable species are factors in the low values calculated (WSP/GCNN, May 2016, WSP/GCNN, March 2017, WSP/GCNN, December 2017).

Forest cover and a stand of phytosociological interest

The proponent stated that the land in the limited study area is covered by 81.7 hectares of woods which are made up mostly of mature forests and of stands that are regenerating after recent cutting. Conifer stands cover 35.9 hectares of the total surface of the limited study area, with mixed coniferous and deciduous stands occupying another 45.8 hectares. No exclusively deciduous stands were found. The proponent characterized seven forest stands in the limited study area. They are numbered as V1 to V7 and are identified in Figure 9.

The proponent reported the presence of a stand of phytosociological interest in the limited study area; it is identified as forest stand V7 in Figure 9 and is considered to be of phytosociological interest because it is made up of older trees. It is a low-density stand of red pine (few trees) occupying 2.3 hectares, in which the average age of the trees is over 90 years. The stand is located on the rocky outcrops along the Saguenay River, at the western boundary of the limited study area (WSP/GCNN, May 2016).

Plant species

The proponent states that the databases consulted do not mention observations of any special-status plant species in the limited study area. Habitats suitable for special-status plant species are found in the regional study area and the limited study area, but such species were not found in the 2015 plant surveys. The proponent also stated that no invasive alien plant species were identified during the field surveys (WSP/GCNN, May 2016).

7.2.2 Proponent's assessment of environmental effects

According to the proponent, tree clearing and site preparation activities, particularly grubbing, soil stripping and drilling, will result in losses of terrestrial vegetation, of a forest stand of phytosociological interest and potentially of wetlands. The proponent states that design criteria were applied to the initial development stages of the project in order to minimize the project's effects on terrestrial and riparian vegetation, reduce the size of the rights-of-way for the proposed infrastructure, limit fragmentation of forest cover and wetlands, and conserve a riparian strip at least 15 metres wide along the watercourses.

Based on the worst-case encroachment scenario related to tree clearing, 1.4 hectares could be lost in the wetlands in the V3 forest stand (Figure 9). Complete loss of all of this wetland's functions is anticipated within an area of 1.17 hectares. The remaining 0.24 hectares would be disturbed, but not completely destroyed, and the proponent states that it would be possible to maintain some hydrological, biogeochemical and ecological functions. To avoid much of the V3 wetland, the proponent undertakes to modify the road during the detailed engineering phase, after conducting a detailed survey of the limits of this wetland. Efforts would be made to avoid it completely, or, if that is not possible, to keep the losses to a minimum. If part of this wetland must be encroached upon, the proponent undertakes to offset the losses. The proponent therefore concludes that no residual effects on the wetlands in the V3 forest stand are anticipated (WSP/GCNN, May 2016, WSP/GCNN, December 2017).

The tree clearing will result in the loss of 38 hectares of terrestrial vegetation, which represents 43% of the limited study area. It is also anticipated that about 1 hectare consisting of a forest stand of phytosociological interest (V7), which represents about 40% of the total surface area, will be lost. In view of the limited area that will be deforested, the abundance of forest cover in the area around the project site, the application of mitigation measures to offset the deforestation, and the fact that the worksites and the disturbed areas would be revegetated, the proponent considers the impact of tree clearing to be low. Regarding the forest stand of phytosociological interest, even if specific mitigation measures are applied, the proponent considers that the impact is high (WSP/GCNN, May 2016).

For the plant species at risk, the proponent does not anticipate any residual effects, given that the information obtained from the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) and the Centre de données sur le patrimoine naturel du Québec (CDPNQ) [Quebec Natural Heritage Data Centre] combined with the results of the fall 2015 and summer 2016 plant surveys, did not reveal any occurrence of rare plants in the limited study area (WSP/GCNN, May 2016, WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

Mitigation and follow-up measures proposed by the proponent

To reduce the adverse effects on wetlands and vegetation, the proponent undertakes to implement mitigation measures to limit wetland and vegetation loss (see Appendix E for the complete list):

Move the route for the permanent access road farther to the east in order to completely avoid the V3 wetland. In the event that some wetland is lost, the proponent undertakes to explore options for compensation projects, in consultation with stakeholders. In the event that part of a wetland is disturbed by the tree-clearing work, in order to maintain hydrological, biogeochemical and ecological functions, the proponent proposes to ensure that the area is revegetated with woody and herbaceous species suitable for this type of habitat.
Limit the width of the deforested right-of-way for the permanent access road to a strict minimum where it passes through the forest stand of phytosociological interest and, to the extent possible, ensure that the road is routed through the largest gaps in the forest community.
Prior to tree clearing, identify the limits of the work areas (right-of-way, depot, etc.) and of the clearing to be done around each of them (branches to be pruned) so that those limits can be respected at all times during the work. Authorization will be obtained from the supervisor before cutting down trees. No cutting can take place without authorization from the Saguenay Port Authority.

The proponent proposes to implement follow-up for terrestrial and riparian vegetation. The monitoring program will consist of three follow-up surveys over a period of five years, starting in the facilities' first year of operation. Each would include:

follow-up of the establishment of invasive alien plant species in the zones restored and revegetated at the end of the construction period; and
follow-up of the survival rate of the reseeded and reforested plants in the revegetated areas, to ensure that vegetation is recovering in those areas.

7.2.3 Comments received

Federal government authorities

Environment and Climate Change Canada does not anticipate any loss of functions for the wetlands, including habitat for migratory birds and species at risk, given the commitments made by the proponent. In the event that wetlands are affected by the project, the proponent should conduct field surveys to identify the exact functions of the wetlands and document the losses, and also produce a plan for offsetting the net loss of wetland functions. Environment and Climate Change Canada supports the proponent's commitment to maintain hydrological, biogeochemical and ecological functions and, in the event of partial disturbance of a wetland, to ensure revegetation with woody and herbaceous species suitable for this type of habitat (Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2018).

The Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (MDDELCC), considers that the proponent must comply with the requirements of the Loi sur la concernant la conservation des milieux humides et hydriques with respect to the sequence "avoid and minimize" and so provide in the detailed engineering step the complete avoidance of the wetland encroachment area V3. The MDDELCC considers more extensively the hydrous water environments, ie the coastline of the rivers, and also includes their banks and their flood plains in the analysis of the effects of a project. As a result, the MDDELCC ask the proponent to compensate for the losses of the hydrous environment, not only associated with the coastline, but also with the shore and floodplains.

First Nations

The first three Innu First Nations consulted showed particular interest in the assessment of the project's effects on forest stands of phytosociological interest, namely a red pine stand more than 90 years old that the access road to the wharf would run through, and a white pine stand that would be affected by construction of the handling area behind the wharf. They asked how the proponent planned to offset the loss of these stands, in which the diameter at breast height (DBH) of some trees is as large as 50 centimetres. These forest stands are part of the First Nations' natural heritage – especially that of the Essipit Innu First Nation, since the project is located on its territory (Nitassinan) – and are scarce in the local study area. To reduce the loss of vegetation, the proponent would limit both the size of the handling area at the wharf and the width of the right-of-way for the access road to a strict minimum and, to the extent possible, would route the road through the largest gaps in the forest (where there are fewer trees). The proponent states that field validation of the age of the white pine stand in unit V6 confirmed that it was less than 90 years old. The white pine stand was therefore not considered a stand of phytosociological interest, as the method used by Hydro-Québec in the balsam fir–yellow birch domain in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region defines pine stands of phytosociological interest as those older than 90 years (Essipit, 2016, WSP/GCNN, March 2017). The three Innu First Nations also asked whether the proponent had conducted the surveys planned for summer 2016. The proponent had carried out the surveys on July 6 and August 19, 2016. Those surveys did not reveal any special-status plants in the limited study area (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

The Huron-Wendat Nation considered important to reiterate that the loss of a natural habitat, whatever it may be, is never insignificant. Regardless of whether these environments are rich ecosystems or not, the fact remains that they will no longer be available for wildlife and vegetation in the area. Maximum precautions and compensation should be required in any development project. Since wetlands are at risk throughout the province, the Huron-Wendat Nation recommends that a protection or compensation project equivalent to the area lost to the forested peatland be put in place. According to the Huron-Wendat Nation, it is important to understand that wooded peatlands act as carbon sinks, and the ecological services they provide must be protected.

Public

Concerns were raised by members of the public about the proponent's significance assessment, notably about the clearing of trees from 38 hectares of forest including a forest stand of phytosociological interest (M. Bouchard, 2016).

The Conseil régional de l'environnement du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean (CREDD) recommended that the proponent present the potential impacts of the loss of the stands of phytosociological interest and that possible ways to offset them be evaluated. The proponent stated that the road had to pass through this location due to significant technical constraints, but it proposed measures to reduce the loss of vegetation, namely limiting the width of the right-of-way to a strict minimum and, to the extent possible, ensuring that the road runs through the largest gaps in the forest community. Also, in the detailed engineering phase, additional measures would be considered, such as the possibility of increasing slope steepness in the area to further reduce the footprint. In addition, the CREDD recommended that the proponent provide more information about the potential impacts of dust emissions on terrestrial plants. The proponent undertakes to implement a dust management plan including control of emissions, set up a meteorological station, and implement a detailed air quality monitoring program. The CREDD strongly recommended that the monitoring program for terrestrial and riparian vegetation include monitoring of the establishment of invasive alien plant species during the construction, operation and maintenance phases. The proponent proposed a monitoring program including monitoring of the establishment of invasive alien plant species in the areas to be restored and revegetated at the end of the construction period (CREDD, 2016, WSP/GCNN March 2017).

7.2.4 Agency analysis and conclusion

Analysis of effects

The Agency's view is that, given the application of the key mitigation measures described below, the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on wetlands and vegetation, including special-status species. The project will not cause loss of wetlands that could not be offset by a compensation plan, nor will it cause destruction of forests of phytosociological interest.

The project has been optimized for minimization of the effects on wetlands and vegetation. Design criteria during the initial planning phase of the project enabled the proponent to limit the project's footprint on forests in the area and completely avoid the wetland in the V1 forest stand. According to the proponent's worst-case scenario, about 1.4 hectares of wetland would be lost. However, if these losses cannot be avoided, the proponent undertakes to offset them. Given the limited areas that will be deforested, the abundance of forest cover in the area of the project site, and the application of mitigation measures regarding deforestation, the Agency concludes that the loss of 38 hectares of terrestrial vegetation and 1 hectare of a forest stand of phytosociological interest is not significant.

Based on input from Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Agency concludes that the proponent's undertakings will prevent the loss of wetland functions, including serving as habitat for migratory birds and species at risk. In the event that wetlands are affected, the proponent must offset all net losses of wetland function as well as the loss of hydrous environment as requested by the Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques. The Agency concludes that the adverse environmental effects of the loss of wetlands and vegetation would be of moderate intensity and that they would occur throughout the entire lifespan of the project.

Key mitigation measures for preventing significant effects

The Agency determined the key mitigation measures required to ensure that there will be no significant adverse environmental effects on wetlands and vegetation, including special-status species. It has taken into consideration the mitigation measures proposed by the proponent, input from federal authorities, and comments received from First Nations and the general public:

In the final design of the permanent access road, demonstrate that every effort has been made to completely avoid the V3 wetland. If losses are unavoidable, develop, prior to construction and in consultation with First Nations and competent authorities, a compensation plan for wetland functions that reflects the Federal Policy on Wetland Conservation. The proponent implements the compensation plan in a timely manner;
As part of the compensation plan, the proponent shall, prior to the commencement of deforestation activities, carry out an inventory of the wetland functions affected by the project which must be compensated and submit the results of this inventory to the Agency at later 30 days after the end of the inventory;
The proponent shall develop, before construction and in consultation with the Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, compensation measures for any net loss in the hydrous environment, particularly for shoreline, riverbanks and floodplains due to excavation or backfilling within the designated project. The proponent submits the compensation measures to the Agency prior to the commencement of construction and implements these measures.

The Agency considers that, given the proposed mitigation measures, no monitoring or follow-up programs are necessary in order to verify the adequacy of the environmental assessment or to judge the effectiveness of mitigation measures regarding wetlands and vegetation.

7.3 Fish and fish habitat, including special-status species and marine plants

Analysis of the effects on fish and fish habitat takes into consideration eggs, spawn, larvae, fish and all areas on which fish depend to carry out their life processes, including spawning grounds and nursery, rearing and food supply areas as defined in the Fisheries Act. The Agency considered the fish species listed in Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) or designated under the Quebec Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species (LEMV). The Agency also considered marine plants as a component of fish habitat.

According to the Agency, a significant residual adverse effect on fish and fish habitat is one that would result in the death of a fish population or the permanent alteration or destruction of fish habitat and that could not be mitigated by an offsetting plan under the Fisheries Act. The Agency's criteria for evaluating environmental effects and its grid for determining the significance of the effects are shown in Appendices A and B, respectively.

Based on its analysis, taking into account the implementation of the mitigation measures, the Agency concludes that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on fish and fish habitat, including special-status species:

Construction of the wharf would encroach on 18,600 m² of marine environment in the fish habitat. That habitat loss would be offset under the Fisheries Act.
It is highly unlikely, given the mitigation measures that an increase in suspended solids concentrations or noise in the underwater environment would occur to the point where they would affect fish and fish habitat.
In the event that fish mortality cannot be avoided, it would be offset under the Fisheries Act.

The following subsections describe the baseline condition, particularly the freshwater and saltwater habitats likely to be frequented by fish, and the essential elements from the proponent's analysis. They also present the input from federal authorities, First Nations and the general public on which the Agency based its conclusions regarding the significance of the project's effects on fish, including special-status species, and their habitat.

7.3.1 Baseline condition

This section presents the baseline condition for fish and fish habitat based on the information provided by the proponent. It may also include comments from the general public, First Nations and federal authorities. The baseline condition for water quality is presented in section 6.4.

The proponent defined two main spatial boundaries for the purposes of describing the current conditions and analyzing the environmental effects. For marine fish and fish habitat, a local study area was selected that encompasses, to the west, Pointe aux Roches, Grande-Anse and baie des Ha! Ha! and, to the east, Anse à la Croix (Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay, south shore) and Anse au Sable (Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay, north shore). For freshwater fish and fish habitat, the proponent targeted the only habitats potentially exposed to the project's effects, namely the intermittent watercourses located within the limited study area (WSP/GCNN, May 2016).

To characterize the conditions for freshwater fish, the proponent reviewed the literature to find existing information about the project area. Some information was supplemented by surveys conducted in the field. For the marine environment, the proponent also reviewed the literature, then characterized the area by means of underwater surveys (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

According to the various sources consulted by the proponent for this study, the Saguenay River is home to some 80 species of freshwater or marine fish, the majority of which are marine species. The species typically found in freshwater generally occur in the top 20 metres of the water column, while the marine species are more likely to use the deep waters of the fjord.

Freshwater fish

Two intermittent watercourses are located within the limited study area: T1 and T2 (Figure 10). The proponent conducted field surveys of the watercourses and characterized them in order to identify the functions and potential fish habitat they offer. No fish were observed in either watercourse. The proponent concluded that there is no potential fish habitat in these watercourses, given the following characteristics:

lack of a hydrological connection with a body of water upstream;
impassable obstacles at the mouths of the watercourses where they meet the Saguenay River and at several locations along the watercourses;
insufficient flow, or underground flow, at certain locations along the watercourses;
too rapid flow at certain locations along the watercourses;
too steep overall slope of the watercourse.

Figure 10: Freshwater fish habitat in the limited study area

Figure 10: Freshwater fish habitat in the limited study area

Source: WSP/GCNN, May 2016

Outside of the limited study area, the proponent mentioned the Pelletier River, a tributary of the Saguenay River located about 2.8 km to the west of the project site. The proponent states that the presence of brook trout was reported in that river during surveys conducted while preparing the impact statement for the Lac à Paul mine project. Although the Quebec Department of Forests, Wildlife and Parks (MFFP) confirms the presence of Atlantic salmon in the Pelletier River, MFFP does not currently recognize it as a "salmon river.

Marine fish

Thirteen species of fish likely to be found in the study area or in the Saguenay fjord have special status at the provincial or federal level (Table 6) (WSP/GCNN, March 2017). The probability of these species being present in the wharf's zone of influence is very low to medium, except for the deepwater redfish and striped bass, for which the probability is high. This zone of influence extends, approximately, from 250 m upstream of the wharf to 750 m downstream of it, to a depth of about 50 m, which constitutes the marine portion of the limited study area.

Table 6 Fish species likely to be found in the study area
Species	Federal status – Species at Risk Act	Federal status –COSEWIC^*	Provincial status (Quebec) – Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species
American shad	None	None	Vulnerable
American eel	None	Threatened	Likely to be designated threatened or vulnerable
Striped bass	Extirpated	Endangered	-
Atlantic sturgeon	None	Threatened	Likely to be designated threatened or vulnerable
Atlantic wolffish	None	None	Likely to be designated threatened or vulnerable
Northern wolffish	Threatened	None	Likely to be designated threatened or vulnerable
Spotted wolffish	Threatened	Threatened	Likely to be designated threatened or vulnerable
Atlantic cod	None	None	Likely to be designated threatened or vulnerable
Thorny skate	None	Special concern	None
Smooth skate	None	Special concern	None
Atlantic salmon	None	Special concern	None
Acadian redfish	None	Threatened	None
Deepwater redfish	None	Endangered	None

* COSEWIC: Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.

The proponent stated that the underwater surveys conducted to characterize the benthic fauna did not detect highly sensitive habitat for any other fish species that might frequent the area, including the Atlantic wolffish. In proximity to the site of the planned wharf, the scarcity of aquatic grass beds, the presence of coarse or even rocky substrate, and the steep slope make it unsuitable for spawning. Regarding the characteristics of the environment and the species observed there, the proponent states that the planned project area appears to primarily offer fish conditions suitable for feeding, moving about, and resting. Many fish were observed during underwater surveys, but the species could not be identified. According to the proponent, however, these surveys did indicate the possible presence of juvenile redfish (mainly deepwater redfish), snakeblenny, lycode species, polar sculpin, gadiformes, osmeriformes and American sandlance. The proponent also reports that the presence of high densities of smelt and capelin larvae has been documented in the Cap Jaseux area (Sirois et al., 2009).

7.3.2 Proponent's assessment of environmental effects

Freshwater fish

According to the proponent, the characterization of watercourses T1 and T2 located in the limited study area revealed no potential fish habitat. Therefore, no effects are anticipated on freshwater fish and their habitat. However, the proponent points out that the construction and operation phases could alter the watercourses' characteristics and affect water quality and sediment quality in the watercourses.

Marine fish

The project's adverse effect on marine fish and their habitat, including special-status species, is potentially associated with the following:

Encroachment on fish habitat due to construction of the wharf;
Noise generated in the underwater environment by onshore blasting, drilling of holes for the piles, use of vibro-hammer piling equipment to drive piles and sheet pile walls, and ship traffic and loading operations; and
Resuspension of sediment in the environment.

Encroachment on fish habitat

The proponent estimates that the wharf will encroach on 18,600 m² of fish habitat, at higher high water large tide (HHWLT). The encroachment would result in destruction of fish habitat, as the piles and the rock-filled caissons of the wharf would rest directly on the river bottom, making it unavailable for wildlife (WSP/GCNN, December 2017). The majority of the total surface area that will be encroached on is low in richness, characterized by a very low density of organisms and limited biodiversity, since cover is relatively rare and the conditions are not suitable for spawning or rearing of any particular species. Only 19% of the habitats are considered to be rich environments offering conditions suitable for a wider variety of species that are present in greater numbers. According to the proponent, the habitat offers no particular advantages for fish other than movement (migration) or foraging. Regarding fish communities, given that no preferred habitat for fish is found on the project site, and that the physical alterations to fish habitat would be insignificant overall, the proponent considers it unlikely that effects would be felt on any particular species. The proponent's view is that the project's primary direct effect on fish and their biological activities would be the potential disruption of some movement or migration routes, which could force fish to detour around the wharf and, in some cases, make them more vulnerable to predators. The construction work would also cause mortalities for less mobile species, while other species would be likely to abandon the area. The proponent states that the anticipated number of mortalities is difficult to estimate, but would be proportional to the richness of the area, which is mostly low (WSP/GCNN, May 2016; WSP/GCNN, December 2017).

The proponent states that the choice of site for the terminal would allow for a limited area of encroachment, as there would be water near the shore deep enough for ships, and the location of the wharf would avoid the intertidal grass beds nearby. The combination-wall design for the wharf would create a larger area of encroachment compared to other designs, but mitigation measures would limit the effects on fish and fish habitat (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

According to the proponent, the construction of a wharf on the north shore of the Saguenay should not cause any significant geomorphological or hydrological changes likely to affect fish habitat, due to the fact that the substrate is mostly rocky and the richest habitats, which offer shelter and food, seem to lie beneath the thermohalocline, ^Footnote 18 i.e., below 15 metres deep. This deep layer of water is less exposed to sudden fluctuations in temperature or turbidity than layers closer to the surface. However, the top 15 metres of the water column contain migration corridors for many anadromous species, including rainbow smelt.

Underwater noise emissions

The proponent states that, during the construction phase, noise will be generated in the underwater environment by onshore blasting, drilling of the holes for the piles, and vibratory driving of piles and sheet pile walls. During the operation phase, the presence of additional ships in the waters of the Saguenay River and the loading of ships are likely to alter ambient noise levels. According to the proponent, noise in the underwater environment may mask some signals which the fish rely on for communication and foraging or may damage organs in fish if sound pressure levels are very high. According to the proponent's literature review, incubating eggs and larvae would also be likely to suffer lethal or sublethal effects. In the proponent's view, these effects would be insignificant, since the fish that frequent the area are likely to move to nearby available habitats and there would be little risk of physical effects to fish from the sound pressure levels. The proponent considers that the effect of the loading of ships on underwater noise cannot be predicted with certainty and proposes a measurement campaign to assess the noise generated by the loading of a ship, which would take place over a period of about 30 hours. The proponent's view is that implementing mitigation measures (presented later in this document) and adopting the methods that would do the least possible harm to aquatic fauna, such as use of vibratory rather than impact pile driving, would reduce the effects on fish and fish habitat (WSP/GCNN, May 2016; WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

Resuspension of sediment

During the construction phase, the proponent considers that blasting, drilling, vibratory pile driving or fill work could cause resuspension of sediment. Suspended sediment can interfere with the biological activities of fish, including respiration. The proponent is of the opinion that resuspension of sediment would be unlikely to adversely affect fish and fish habitat and states that sediment resuspended during drilling and vibratory pile driving would be quickly dissipated in the fjord, while sediment resuspended during fill work would be contained within the turbidity curtain installed at the upstream and downstream ends of the wharf after erection of the sheet pile wall. Section 6.4 of this report describes the potential effects of the project on surface water and groundwater quality as assessed by the proponent, as well as the proponent's proposed mitigation measures.

Proposed Mitigation Measures, Monitoring and Follow-Up

To reduce the adverse environmental effects on fish and fish habitat, the proponent undertakes to implement mitigation measures to limit encroachment on the habitat, propagation of noise in the underwater environment and resuspension of sediment. The key measures are as follows (see Annex E for the complete list):

Carry out the fill work in accordance with the plans and specifications in order to keep the effects associated with the underwater infrastructure (piles, sheet piles, rip-rap, gabion, etc.) to a minimum.
Ensure that no explosive is detonated in or near fish habitat or near explosives that produce or could produce an instantaneous pressure change greater than 100 kilopascals in the swim bladder of a fish.
For work near watercourses or water bodies, one minute before detonating the main charge, detonate small deterrent charges (using short fuses or detonation cords) to move fish away from the area.
Start noisy work, such as vibratory or impact pile driving, gradually so as to allow the aquatic fauna (including marine mammals) to move away from the critical area.
Carefully deposit the random fill on the river bottom, using an excavator and a crane when possible, for the most distant rip-rap sections. Do not open the clamshell bucket more than 1 metre from the bottom. Move the bucket carefully to limit resuspension of sediment. Handle the aggregate carefully with the hydraulic shovel so as to prevent any spill of stone that would accidentally introduce fine particles into the water.
Carry out work when waves are no higher than 1.5 metres, as it is difficult to handle loads stably when waves are higher.

The proponent undertakes to offset the direct encroachment of infrastructure on fish habitat, as required by the Fisheries Act. The compensation plan requires discussion and must be developed according to the guidelines of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Quebec Department of Forests, Wildlife and Parks. The proponent proposes to explore several compensation options which it considers technically and economically feasible for offsetting this loss. They include, but are not limited to, the following:

Expanding the intertidal grass beds located near the wharf, using a sediment trap or equivalent;
Installing artificial reefs in a bay in the area (e.g., baie des Ha! Ha!) or in deep water to create cover for fish;
Improving access to some rivers for Atlantic salmon, particularly the Mars River (in collaboration with local organizations); and
Acquiring further knowledge as part of the project to create a protected corridor for rainbow smelt and its habitat (in collaboration with local organizations).

The proponent proposes to implement a water quality monitoring program specifically for marine fish and fish habitat during the construction phase in order to assess conditions likely to have adverse effects on fish, and to put corrective measures in place if needed (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

Real-time monitoring of noise generated by the construction work is also proposed by the proponent for the first two weeks of noisy work in the water. This monitoring will enable validation of the simulation results, verify whether dead or injured fish are present, and develop corrective measures to be taken if needed. During the operation phase, the proponent proposes a campaign to measure underwater noise from the loading of ships; the measurement would take place over an approximately 30-hour period, which is the time required to load a ship. Monitoring of the compensation program is also planned in order to verify whether the plan's objectives are being achieved.

The proponent undertakes to develop and implement a five-year monitoring program for marine plants and intertidal aquatic grass beds, specifically any changes in grass beds H1 and H2, located near the planned wharf, during the operation phase. The monitoring would make it possible to document changes in the surface area, density and composition of the two grass beds. The monitoring program would involve three follow-ups over a period of five years, beginning in the first year of operation of the terminal. Before the start of construction work, the proponent would produce a report on the baseline condition of grass beds H1 and H2 so that gains or losses in surface area or density could be assessed.

As the proponent does not consider watercourses in terrestrial environments to be fish habitat, no monitoring program is planned for freshwater fish.

7.3.3 Comments received

Federal government authorities

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) considers the proponent's assessment of the effects of the construction of the terminal on fish and fish habitat to be satisfactory. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is of the opinion that the residual effects on fish and fish habitat are acceptable and can be offset (Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2018).

During the construction phase, it is likely that noise levels will be generated that could cause fish mortality. However, these effects can be mitigated by implementing noise-reduction measures. If the noise containment measures are insufficient to keep noise levels below the thresholds required to prevent fish mortality that will be included in the compensation plan. Fisheries and Oceans Canada's view is that there are still uncertainties concerning blasting in the terrestrial environment and that additional information must be provided as part of the process for obtaining authorization under the Fisheries Act, if applicable. The ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatique considers the disturbance of the marine environment related to blasting to be acceptable given the proposed mitigation measures. Regarding the resuspension of sediment, Fisheries and Oceans Canada considers the mitigation measures proposed by the proponent realistic and adequate.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada considers that the proponent has fulfilled the request from the Pekuakamiulnuatsh, Pessamit and Essipit First Nations for a compensation plan for the rainbow smelt. Compensation proposals for offsetting serious harm caused to fish have been submitted, including acquiring knowledge of the corridor frequented by the rainbow smelt in the Saguenay River. Fisheries and Oceans Canada states that, as presented by the proponent, the knowledge acquisition plan does not meet the Department's criteria for consideration as a compensation measure. However, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is of the view that the compensation program could be modified to add measures for restoring certain rainbow smelt habitats or spawning grounds.

In addition, Fisheries and Oceans Canada's view is that the monitoring and follow-up program proposed by the proponent is adequate for the construction phase and that long-term follow-up would be required in order to assess the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures.

The comments and recommendations of Environment and Climate Change Canada regarding water quality are presented in section 6.4, which covers surface water and groundwater quality.

First Nations

The Pekuakamiulnuatsh, Essipit and Pessamit First Nations have asked that the compensation program be linked to the rainbow smelt and that it allow measures to be put in place for restoration of some of the species' habitats or spawning grounds (Essipit, 2016). These three Innu nations have also expressed concern about the contaminated sediment that could be resuspended during the work and its impact on aquatic species at risk and on water quality. They requested that the quality of benthic sediment be monitored, at least during the terminal's construction phase. In the proponent's view, no sediment monitoring program is necessary, given that the water quality monitoring program will be implemented and will detect any water contamination and ensure that mitigation measures and water management structures will be effective at keeping resuspension of sediment to a minimum.

The Huron-Wendat Nation raised concerns about the rigor of marine inventories carried out for the impact study, considering that the project would cause an encroachment of 18,207 square meters in fish habitat. In 2016, the proponent completed a complementary characterization of the 2015 inventories of endobenthic fauna and marine fish, including video recordings. These data confirmed that the first 15 meters of depth at the target location for the wharf are usually completely devoid of benthic fauna. Nevertheless, observations of hydrozoans, northern cerianthes, barnacles, Henricia sea stars and anemones have been made, but in low abundance. No highly sensitive habitat for any of the potentially present fish species was identified at the project site. In the vicinity of the site chosen for the development of the wharf, the proponent indicates that the low presence of aquatic grass beds, the presence of coarse or rocky substrate, and the steep slope make it an unsuitable area for fish reproduction. The Huron-Wendat Nation expressed concern that the proponent is committed to offsetting the direct encroachment of infrastructure within fish habitat, but without specifying a percentage or area. The Huron-Wendat Nation wants to be involved in compensation work.

General public

Members of the public expressed concerns about destruction of fish habitat and about the special-status species that will be affected. In addition, questions were raised about the adequacy of the fish habitat characterization (M. Bouchard, 2016).

The Conseil régional de l'environnement du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean (CREDD) recommended that the proponent use the local study area to consider the project's effects on freshwater fish and their habitat and include a characterization of the permanent watercourse located there. The proponent considered that the project was unlikely to cause adverse effects on freshwater fish beyond the limited study area and therefore did not present an assessment of the effects for the local study area. CREDD also recommended that a simulation of sound level pressures resulting from ship-loading activities be conducted to assess their effects on fish and marine mammals. The proponent agreed to do this once operations begin, in order to obtain data (CREDD, 2016; WSP/GCNN, December 2017).

The Organisme de bassin versant du Saguenay (OBVS) questions the proponent's conclusions regarding the presence of fish in the watercourses in the limited study area and the geomorphological or hydrological changes that would result from the project. OBVS and CREDD take the view that the proposed mitigation measures for limiting suspended sediment are insufficient, and they question whether the alternative of installing a net to prevent fish from entering the work area, as proposed in the proponent's impact statement, is an adequate protection measure (OBVS, 2016; CREDD, 2016). The proponent rejected this method for reducing the effects on fish. It stated that a turbidity curtain remains the best choice for containing suspended sediment and demonstrated that this sediment retention technique would be effective during construction of the wharf. The proponent proposed monitoring during the construction phase to ensure that the work does not generate turbidity levels higher than in the natural environment; if the natural levels are exceeded on a continuing basis, work would be halted and the work method changed (WSP/GCNN, December 2017).

7.3.4 Agency analysis and conclusion

Analysis of the effects

The Agency's view is that, given the implementation of the key mitigation measures indicated below, the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on fish, including special-status species, or on fish habitat. The project will not cause alteration to fish habitat that limits or diminishes the ability of fish to use such habitat and that could not be offset by a compensation plan under the Fisheries Act.

The project was optimized to keep the effects on fish and fish habitat to a minimum. The chosen site would enable construction of a wharf that would encroach relatively little on fish habitat, since the water is deep enough to accommodate ships near the shore. The location of the wharf would also avoid the intertidal grass beds nearby. In addition, the encroachment would be largely on habitats that are deemed poor given that cover for fish is relatively rare and that the conditions are not suitable for spawning or rearing of any particular species, although juvenile redfish have been observed. The encroachment would be irreversible, but that loss of habitat could be offset by a compensation plan. The compensation plan that would be developed in collaboration with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) as part of the regulatory process could incorporate the concerns of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh, Essipit and Pessamit First Nations, who are asking that the compensation plan specifically include the rainbow smelt.

Based on input from Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Agency concluded that the proponent's proposed mitigation measures for limiting the resuspension of sediments appear to be realistic and adequate, and that the sound levels likely to be generated can be mitigated by implementing noise reduction measures. Uncertainty concerning blasting in the terrestrial environment would be dealt with through the process for obtaining authorization under the Fisheries Act. The Agency concludes that the adverse environmental effects attributable to habitat loss and disturbance from noise and resuspension of sediment would be of moderate intensity and would be felt throughout the life of the project.

Key Mitigation Measures to Avoid Significant Effects

The Agency has identified key mitigation measures required to prevent significant adverse effects on fish, including special-status species, and on fish habitat. It has taken into consideration the mitigation measures proposed by the proponent, input from federal authorities, and comments received from First Nations and the general public.

Take measures to control sediment entry into watercourses, particularly while diverting runoff.
Collect contact water from the project site and treat any that does not meet the pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act before releasing it into the environment, throughout all phases of the project.
The proponent installs and maintains a containment curtain of appropriate size and composition for use in the marine environment in the project area during all construction activities in the marine environment that may lead to the resuspension of sediments in the Saguenay River.
The proponent implement measures to prevent or avoid any effect on fish and fish habitat during all phases of the project when using explosives in waters frequented by fish or in close proximity to those waters. The proponent considers the Measures to Avoid Damage to Fish and Fish Habitat, including those of aquatic species at risk of Fisheries and Oceans Canada when developing these measures.
The proponent use emulsion explosives with limited dissolving capacity, or any other type of explosives that will ensure that an equivalent or smaller amount of nitrates and ammonia is dissolved in the environment.
Restore the riparian strips disturbed by the project's construction activities, as soon as possible after the disturbance occurs. At the same time, restore the natural sinuosity of the affected riparian strips.
The proponent shall not discharge any waste, woody debris or organic matter within 15 meters of any watercourse during all phases of the project.
Develop, before the start of construction in the marine environment and in consultation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, measures to limit underwater noise generated by construction work in the marine environment to a level of 183 decibels re 1 µPa2 –s (SELcum), and implement those measures throughout the duration of underwater construction, unless otherwise authorized by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Develop, to the satisfaction of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and in consultation with the First Nations, one or more compensation plan(s) to offset significant residual effects of the project. The proponent will submit the approved compensation plan(s) to the Agency before implementing it/them.

Need for monitoring and monitoring requirements

The Agency considered the mitigation measures proposed by the proponent, expert advice from federal authorities, and comments received from First Nations and the general public in identifying the following programs to verify the predictions of effects on fish and fish habitat and the effectiveness of mitigation measures:

Develop and implement, before the start of construction and in consultation with First Nations and the appropriate authorities, a follow-up program to verify the accuracy of the environmental impact statement and to verify the effectiveness of mitigation measures in relation to adverse effects on fish and fish habitat in the Saguenay River caused by changes in the quality of surface water and groundwater due to the project. Implement a monthly follow-up program during construction and the first five years of operation. Identify, in consultation with the First Nations and the appropriate authorities and based on the results of the follow-up program, whether additional monitoring is required after the fifth year of operation and, if so, how frequently. As part of the follow-up program,
- Monitor the concentrations of contaminants, including chloride, metals, C10–C50 petroleum hydrocarbons, dissolved phosphorus and suspended sediment;
- For monitoring of surface water quality, install and maintain a sampling station at the discharge point of the temporary sedimentation catchment during construction and a sampling station at the discharge point of the permanent retention pond during the operation phase; and
- Install and maintain a network of groundwater monitoring wells and, twice a year (spring and fall), check the groundwater quality parameters identified by the proponent in Table 59 of the proponent's response to the CEAA's request for information (CEAA 59; March 2017), and also monitor bicarbonate (HCO₃-).
Before the start of blasting activities and in consultation with the appropriate authorities, develop a monitoring program to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment concerning the project's adverse effects on fish and fish habitat caused by changes in the quality of surface water downstream from blasting sites. As part of the monitoring program, monitor concentrations of suspended sediment, ammonia nitrogen and nitrates. Implement the monitoring program during the construction phase.
Before the start of underwater construction activities, and in consultation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, develop a monitoring program to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment and the effectiveness of the mitigation measures for adverse environmental effects of blasting in the terrestrial environment and underwater noise in the marine environment on fish. Implement a monitoring program during the construction and operation phases, including checking for dead or injured fish. As part of the follow-up program, the proponent must do the following:
- During the first 14 days of construction, conduct real-time monitoring of levels of underwater noise generated by drilling, impact pile driving, vibratory pile driving, and onshore blasting to validate the results of the acoustic simulations of these activities carried out by the proponent for the environmental impact study.
- Once during the operation period, conduct real-time monitoring of underwater noise levels generated by ship-loading activities during the period required for loading a ship.
- Submit the results of this monitoring to the Agency and Fisheries and Oceans Canada no later than 30 days after completion of each monitoring.
Develop, before the start of the operation phase and in consultation with the appropriate authorities, a monitoring program to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment concerning the project's adverse effects on aquatic grass beds H1 and H2. As part of the follow-up program, monitor the surface area, density (number of stems per specified surface area) and plant composition (dominant and companion species) in each grass bed. Implement the monitoring program during the first five years of operation. Determine, in consultation with the appropriate authorities and based on the results of the follow-up program, whether additional monitoring is required after the fifth year of operation.

7.4 Marine mammals, including the St. Lawrence beluga

The analysis of the effects on marine mammals takes into consideration mainly the injuries and behavioural changes that may be caused in the local study area by underwater noise, as well as the risks of injury and mortality related to collisions with ships. The Agency considered the marine mammals listed in Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act or designated under the Quebec Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species. Marine mammals and their habitat are also protected under the Fisheries Act.

In the opinion of the Agency, a significant residual adverse effect on marine mammals is an effect that hinders the recovery of one or more species at risk that have a recovery strategy within the meaning of the Species at Risk Act or that have special status under the Quebec Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species, particularly the St. Lawrence beluga. This could also be an effect on the habitat or behaviour of marine mammals that would have an effect on regional population dynamics and would not be compensated through a compensation plan under the Fisheries Act. The criteria for assessing environmental effects and the matrix used to determine the significance of effects are provided in Appendices A and B, respectively.

Following completion of its analysis, and taking into account the implementation of mitigation measures, the Agency concludes that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on marine mammals, including special-status species:

An increase in noise in the underwater environment of sufficient magnitude to affect marine mammals in the local study area is very unlikely;
The risks of collision in the local study area are low given the small number of ships involved and the infrequent presence of marine mammals in the area;
Mitigation measures will be identified during the authorization process under the Fisheries Act in order to mitigate the effects of the underwater noise that will be generated during the construction of the project as well as the effects of blasting in the terrestrial environment.

The project is located outside the critical habitat of the beluga. The upstream limit of the critical beluga habitat in the Saguenay River is located near Sainte-Marguerite Bay (indicated by a white inset on Map 10), just over 50 kilometers downstream of the project site. However, the ships that would access the project site are expected to pass through this habitat on their way to and from the project site. The cumulative effects on the St. Lawrence beluga are addressed in section 8.3.

The following subsections describe the baseline conditions, particularly the habitats likely to be used by marine mammals and the species likely to be present at the project site, as well as the essential elements of the proponent's analysis. They present the opinions of the expert departments as well as of the First Nations and the public on which the Agency based its conclusions concerning the significance of the project's effects on marine mammals, including special-status species.

7.4.1 Baseline conditions

This section presents the baseline conditions concerning marine mammals and their habitats based on the information provided by the proponent. It may also contain comments received from the public, First Nations and government authorities.

Based on information received from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Parks Canada, the Groupe de recherche et d'éducation sur les mammifères marins (GREMM) and the Réseau d'observation des mammifères marins (ROMM), the proponent reports that the species likely to be observed in the project area are the St. Lawrence beluga and the harbour seal (Figure 11).

The beluga is listed as "endangered" under the Species at Risk Act and "threatened" under the Quebec Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species. Several threats which limit the recovery of the species are identified in the Recovery Strategy for the Beluga Whale (Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2012), including habitat loss and disturbance owing to anthropogenic noise caused by commercial shipping and marine mammal watching activities, as well as collisions with ships.

The harbour seal has no legal protection or status. Other species are likely to be present in the Saguenay River, mainly in or near the river mouth, between Sainte-Catherine Bay and Tadoussac, namely the humpback whale, the fin whale and the minke whale. The fin whale is likely to be designated threatened or vulnerable under the Quebec Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species.

The proponent reports that the type of habitat used by belugas varies seasonally. They are present in the Saguenay River in the summer, but are absent in the winter, when they concentrate either in the lower estuary or the northwestern Gulf of St. Lawrence, which remains partially ice-free throughout the winter. The proponent also indicates that, unlike harbour seals, which are more frequently observed in the Saguenay River as far upstream as Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, belugas are concentrated mainly in the downstream sector, between the river mouth and Sainte-Marguerite Bay, although incursions are occasionally observed upstream of the Saguenay – St. Lawrence Marine Park (WSP/GCNN, October 2017).

The proponent indicates that sightings confirm this occasional presence of the beluga in the local study area, although the type of activities in which the whales engage in this area is not documented in the literature (WSP/GCNN, March 2017). The activities of belugas in the Saguenay River involving rest, movements and feeding are reportedly more concentrated near Sainte-Marguerite Bay (Figure 11). Critical beluga habitat was the subject of a Ministerial Order issued in December 2017 to ensure its protection under the Species at Risk Act. This habitat is located mainly in the St. Lawrence River and includes the downstream portion of the Saguenay River as far as Sainte-Marguerite Bay (Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2012). The project site is located outside the critical beluga habitat and represents a small part of the range of the beluga and seal populations that use the Saguenay River and the St. Lawrence Estuary.

The proponent indicates that harbour seals were observed in the local study area during the various surveys conducted (Figure 11). The project area is reportedly used for feeding and rest activities, but the sites essential to harbour seals (haulout sites and breeding areas) appear to be located downstream of the local study area (WSP/GCNN, March 2017). According to the proponent, the harbour seal population in the St. Lawrence Estuary constitutes the only seal species resident year-round in the St. Lawrence. The proponent thus reports that the harbour seal is considered a key species of the estuary ecosystem and that it is considered important in the context of the proposed Marine Protected Area in the estuary and in the protection objectives of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park (WSP/GCNN, May 2016).

Figure 11: Presence of the St. Lawrence beluga and the harbour seal in the Saguenay River

Figure 11: Presence of the St. Lawrence beluga and the harbour seal in the Saguenay River

Source: Proponent's response to Information Request No. 1, WSP/GCNN, March 2017

7.4.2 Assessment of effects by the proponent

Anticipated effects

The proponent considers that the potential effects on marine mammals are essentially associated with the work that may generate underwater noise during construction of the wharf (blasting, pile driving, drilling of the pile sockets and installation of the sheet piling), with the noise generated by ships and the risk of collisions with ships during the operational phase (WSP/GCNN, May 2016). These effects could modify the behaviour of marine mammals, possibly inducing avoidance of the area, or cause injuries or mortality.

The proponent concludes that the residual effects on marine mammals will be non-significant during the construction and operational phases (WSP/GCNN, March 2017), mainly owing to the infrequent use of the local study area by marine mammals. Sightings of belugas are apparently rare and, although seals are observed more regularly, the local study area does not appear to contain any haulout or breeding sites for this species. The proponent considers that noise or the presence of ships would reduce the likelihood of marine mammals being present in the area. Construction-related noise would be perceived only near the project site. In addition, the proponent considers that the effects on the underwater acoustic environment during the construction and operational phases would be reversible, since they would be limited to the duration of noisy work or the presence of a ship.

Modification of behaviour or injury – blasting and noise

The proponent indicates that the noise produced during blasting, driving and drilling work could exceed the sound levels of the natural acoustic environment and induce effects (avoidance of the area, injuries or mortality) on marine mammals potentially present in the local study area, especially on the beluga, which uses a wide range of sounds to communicate and for echolocation. ^Footnote 19 The proponent considers that the planned mitigation measures, including stopping all work if a marine mammal is sighted within 600 metres and having a marine mammal observer on site at all times, will reduce the anticipated effects (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

The proponent indicates that, during the operational phase, the noise caused by vessels may also modify the natural acoustic environment and induce effects on marine mammals. According to the scenarios assessed by the proponent, the project would result in one or two ships a week docking at the wharf to meet the needs of the Arianne Phosphate mining company, and two or three ships a week under the maximum operation scenario involving several clients. The proponent conducted a study on the effects of the increase in ship traffic on the underwater acoustic environment in the Saguenay River (WSP, October 2017). According to this study, the exposure of belugas to noise from ships would temporarily exceed the limit of 120 decibels reported as potentially influencing their behaviour (Southall, 2007; Lesage, 2014). The duration of noise perceptible by belugas during the passage of a ship would be 17 minutes on average, most of which would be below 120 decibels, but with levels as high as 154 decibels.

The proponent's data suggest that the propagation of sound, in both the vertical and horizontal axis, is accentuated by reverberation off the rocky walls of the Saguenay River. In the horizontal axis, the noise of large ships would be perceptible over 3.2 kilometres on average when approaching a fixed point, a beluga for example, and over 4.4 kilometres when moving away from it. However, this propagation is limited to low frequencies, since high-frequency waves propagate less easily in water.

According to the proponent, belugas use audible sounds, of low and medium frequencies, to communicate, as well as very high frequency sounds (ultrasound), inaudible to humans, called clicks or buzzes, for echolocation and detection. This marine mammal also perceives sounds over a wide frequency band, with greater sensitivity for high frequencies (ultrasound). Consequently, the proponent indicates that ships which emit high frequencies are likely to affect the acoustic functions of belugas. However, the proponent concludes that the effects of these high frequencies on belugas would be non-significant, since high frequencies do not propagate over long distances (WSP, October 2017).

The proponent indicates that the project-related practices and operational procedures which would be implemented would provide guidelines and oversight for vessel movements and would mitigate the potential effects of noise on marine mammals.

Injury or mortality – collisions with ships

According to the proponent, the increase in ship traffic in the Saguenay River could potentially result in an increase in collisions with marine mammals, particularly the St. Lawrence beluga, and cause direct injuries resulting in mortality (WSP, October 2017). The proponent indicates that these collisions are more frequent where marine mammals concentrate, and where ship traffic is higher. In the event of a collision, the speed of the ships is closely correlated with the seriousness of the injuries as well as with individual mortality. According to the proponent, the literature indicates that most lethal or serious injuries in cetaceans are caused by ships with a minimum length of 80 metres as well as by ships moving at speeds greater than 14 knots (approximately 26 kilometres per hour), which could correspond to the ships that would use the planned wharf. The victims of collisions are usually newborns or gestating females. The proponent reports that it is not necessarily easy for a whale to detect the presence of moving ships despite the sound that they emit, in part owing to the masking ^Footnote 20 of sounds by ambient noise and reduction of the hearing acuity of whales related to long-term exposure to noise of anthropogenic origin, particularly in areas with heavy ship traffic. A ship's main sound source is the propeller, which is located at the stern of the vessel. When the cetacean is at the bow, this sound source is less pronounced. Indeed, the ship's hull creates a physical obstacle to the propagation of the sound of the propeller toward the bow of the ship, thus creating a sound deadening zone in front of the bow, where the risk of collision is the greatest (WSP, October 2017). However, the proponent reports that, according to the DFO science advisory report (DFO 2014), the risks of collision with large, slow-moving vessels are low given the beluga's high maneuverability and very acute hearing. The proponent therefore considers that the risks of collision with a ship in the local study area would be low, given the low probability that marine mammals will be present in the local study area and the fact that the ships would be travelling at low speed since they would be engaged in docking ^Footnote 21 or undocking ^Footnote 22 maneuvers (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

Mitigation and follow-up measures proposed by the proponent

The proponent indicates that, during the construction phase, the objective of the mitigation measures would be to allow marine mammals to move toward the areas upstream or downstream of the project site without being exposed to any disturbances related to the project's noise-generating activities (vibratory pile driving, drilling and blasting). Given the currents and the steep banks at the planned site for construction of the port infrastructures, several noise mitigation measures, such as work in cribs, would be technically or economically unfeasible in the context of the project. Where applicable, the installation of an air bubble curtain could be considered if warranted by the frequent presence of marine mammals. However, since the presence of belugas is rare in the vicinity of the planned construction zone, the proponent recommends instituting simple and easily attainable measures as a first step, i.e.:

Institute visual monitoring of the presence of belugas within a 600-metre exclusion zone, although this zone could be smaller depending on the construction methods chosen and the sound intensities generated. This monitoring would be carried out by qualified personnel, with the goal of suspending the work as soon as a beluga entered the exclusion zone. Work would be resumed only after a continuous 30-minute period of absence of marine mammals in the exclusion zone;
Gradually begin noisy work, such as drilling, vibratory pile driving and pile driving, so that marine mammals have an opportunity to move away from the critical zone;
Do not carry out any pile driving during the hours of darkness or on stormy days;
For blasting work in proximity to the Saguenay River, detonate scaring charges (progressive increase in strength, detonator caps or short lengths of detonating cord), one minute before setting off the main charge, in order to encourage marine mammals to move away from the site.

The proponent proposes to carry out real-time monitoring of the noise emitted by construction activities for the first two weeks of noisy in-water work. This monitoring would make it possible to validate the results of the simulations and to determine any necessary corrective measures. During the operational phase, the proponent proposes to measure the underwater noise associated with ship-loading operations for a duration of approximately 30 hours, i.e. the time required to load a ship.

7.4.3 Comments received

Government authorities

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is of the opinion that construction of the terminal on the north shore of the Saguenay should not cause any residual effects on marine mammals in the local study area, since the effects of the project can be mitigated or compensated, particularly through the implementation of noise reduction measures and the establishment of a marine mammal protection and monitoring zone.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is also of the opinion that the mitigation measures proposed by the proponent are still somewhat general at this stage and need to be developed in greater detail. The noise reduction measures, a protection zone and an appropriate monitoring radius for marine mammals (cetaceans and seals) will have to be determined based on the sound levels generated by the work methods to be used during the project, for example for pile driving and drilling. Fisheries and Oceans Canada recommends that the measures be determined based on the goal of ensuring that the animals are not exposed to a cumulative level of exposure over 24 hours greater than 178 decibels re 1 µPa2 –s (SELcum), and 181 decibels re 1 µPa2 –s (SELcum) for seals, which would make it possible to prevent injuries, such as damage to the inner ear causing temporary deafness.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada indicates that uncertainties remain concerning the effects of the blasting work since, at the time the environmental assessment was conducted, the detailed engineering was not sufficiently advanced to identify the specific work methods. However, Fisheries and Oceans Canada believes that these uncertainties can be managed through the authorization process under the Fisheries Act and that additional measures could be required.

With respect to the operational phase, Fisheries and Oceans Canada considers that the effects related to ship movements in the local study area have been satisfactorily assessed by the proponent. According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada's analysis, masking and disturbance effects are possible during the passage of freighters in the areas used by belugas. Marine mammals make intensive use of sounds for vital functions, such as the acoustic perception of their environment, navigation, communication and echolocation to hunt their prey.

The effects of ship traffic can result in a shrinkage over time and in space of the habitat that can be optimally used by belugas. This can translate into lost opportunities, i.e. less time or less space to forage or to forage efficiently, to detect or communicate with other whales or to detect dangers. Cumulative repetition of these lost opportunities over several days or during crucial periods of the annual cycle can lead to measurable impacts on vital parameters such as the ability to reproduce, eat and take care of the young.

According to the Fisheries and Oceans Canada science advisory (DFO 2018), the frequency and duration of changes in ambient sound conditions are indicators of the potential disturbance of belugas. The time during which the noise produced by a passing freighter is clearly distinguished from the ambient noise is estimated at 34 minutes for the frequencies used by belugas for communication and 14 minutes for the frequencies used for echolocation. The proponent's estimates of the percentage of exposure time to the noise generated by ships (WSP/GCNN, October 2017) are generally comparable to the estimates produced by Fisheries and Oceans Canada experts (DFO 2018), although different methodologies were used.

Concerning the risk of collision associated with the increase in the number of large-tonnage ships, Fisheries and Oceans considers this risk low for belugas and seals in the local study area since the ships would be moving at low speeds to carry out docking and undocking maneuvers.

Fisheries and Oceans considers that reduced vessel speeds in the immediate area of the terminal would reduce the risk of collisions with marine mammals (beluga whales, seals) and that the collision risk associated with an increase in the number of large vessels would be low for the beluga whale in the local study area.

In the opinion of the specialists of the Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques du Québec (MDDELCC), the probability of finding harbour seals in the local study area is greater than estimated by the proponent in the environmental impact statement, which indicates a low probability of occurrence. The proponent has corrected this information and confirms that the probability of occurrence of harbour seals in the local study area is somewhat higher than initially estimated. This information is based on observations of seals in the baie des Ha! Ha! made during surveys not specific to marine mammals (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

The MDDELCC specialists participated in the analysis, but indicated their limited expertise in understanding certain issues related to marine mammals, including beluga habitat or underwater noise. In these cases, these experts rely on their federal counterparts. However, since the beluga is a threatened wildlife species under the Quebec's Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species, this issue remains fundamental and the MDDELCC emphasizes its interest in keeping informed on the opinions on these subjects.

First Nations

The Innu Nations and the Huron-Wendat Nation are concerned about the situation of the beluga. The Innu Nations emphasized the importance of conducting beluga monitoring during the project, requesting that work be suspended if an animal is seen within 600 metres of the work area, as proposed by the proponent (Agency, October 2016). They also raised concerns about the effect of the ships on echolocation and on mother and calf bonding. The proponent conducted a study on underwater noise (WSP/GCNN, October 2017) and provided an update of its assessment of the cumulative effects on the beluga at the Agency's request (WSP/GCNN, December 2017).

The Huron-Wendat Nation is concerned about the overall effect of the project on the beluga, although it notes that it is possible that for the local study area, no direct effect is anticipated. Due to the Beluga's sensitivity to vessel movement in its habitat, the increase in marine traffic generated by this project could potentially impact this species. The Nation wishes to participate in the follow-up activities that will be carried out in connection with the beluga whale (Huron-Wendat Nation, April 2018).

Public

Concerns were raised about the potential effects of the addition of 120 project-related ship movements, i.e. 60 round-trips annually over a distance of nearly 100 kilometres in the Saguenay River, over and above the current freighter traffic directly in the critical habitat of the beluga, a species recently designated endangered (Bouchard, October 2017).

Members of the public have reported and documented the occasional presence of belugas in the Anse à Pelletier area, not far from the project site (Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier, October 2017; Lord, October 2016). The proponent corrected the information initially presented in the environmental impact statement based on the available scientific data sources, in order to take the knowledge of local communities into account. In fact, the initial environmental impact statement indicated that the beluga sightings farthest upstream in the Saguenay River were located approximately 5 kilometres downstream of the project site.

The GREMM indicated that it agrees with the proponent that the potential effects of the construction and operation of the terminal on St. Lawrence belugas may be considered low and non-significant in the local project area. However, it raised concerns about the adverse effects of the increase in ship traffic on the beluga in the Saguenay River, and about how the proponent has addressed the issue of cumulative effects (GREMM, October 2016). The proponent conducted a study on underwater noise (WSP/GCNN, October 2017) and provided an update of its assessment of the cumulative effects on the beluga at the Agency's request (WSP/GCNN, December 2017). The cumulative effects on the beluga are addressed in section 8.3.

The Conseil régional de l'environnement et du développement durable du Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean (CREDD) considers that, given the current level of uncertainty and the lack of information about the effects of noise on the beluga and the harbour seal, and given the special protection status of the beluga, the residual effects should be considered moderate and significant by the proponent.

The CREDD asked the proponent to justify the proposed distance of 600 metres for the monitoring of marine mammals during the work on the basis of data obtained from simulations and the scientific literature. The proponent indicated that this distance would be reviewed based on the construction methods chosen and the sound intensities generated in order to prevent noise effects on marine mammals. The CREDD recommends that the effectiveness of a marine mammal observer be demonstrated in the environmental impact statement and if necessary supplemented by new monitoring methods. The CREDD recommends monitoring the noises emitted during the construction phase in order to ensure that the mitigation measures are effective and that the thresholds for marine mammals are not exceeded. The proponent proposes conducting real-time monitoring of the noise emitted during the construction phase and taking corrective action to minimize the noise if necessary.

7.4.4 Agency analysis and conclusion

Analysis of the effects

Taking into account the implementation of the key mitigation measures indicated below, the Agency considers that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse effects on marine mammals, including special-status species. The construction and operation of the marine terminal would not adversely affect the recovery of the St. Lawrence beluga in the project's local study area. In this area, the project would not modify the habitat in such a way as to cause changes in the behaviour of belugas and harbour seals that would have an effect on regional population dynamics. In addition, the project site would be located outside the critical beluga habitat. However, the ships that would access the project site are expected to pass through the critical habitat on their way to and from the project site. The cumulative effects on the St. Lawrence beluga are addressed in section 8.3.

The Agency notes that certain behavioural effects on marine mammals attributable to the underwater noise caused by the work would occur throughout the construction phase, i.e. over a two-year period. The effects of noise would also be perceived in the local study area during the loading of ships, for a period of approximately 30 hours, as well as during the passage, docking and undocking of ships, for the entire operational lifetime of the project. The effects would not occur during the winter, since belugas are not present in the Saguenay River at that time. The Agency has also considered the fact that the local study area is not used frequently by belugas during the summer period, since they are more present in and around the river mouth and Sainte-Marguerite Bay, and that the local study area does not include any haulout sites or rest areas for harbour seals.

It is possible that marine mammals will avoid the local study area during the construction phase and when ships are docked at the wharf during the operational phase owing to the effects of auditory masking (when a sound is rendered inaudible by another) and noise disturbance. The Agency relies on the opinion of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which considers that the establishment of measures to reduce underwater noise as well as a marine mammal protection and monitoring zone during the work would, and stopping these works when marine mammals enter the area, would reduce the risks. The Agency expects that the proponent will consult and obtain the approval of Fisheries and Oceans Canada in order to establish measures to be put in place so that so that marine mammals are not exposed to a cumulative level of exposure over 24 hours greater than 178 decibels re 1 µPa2 –s (SELcum) for belugas, and 181 decibels re 1 µPa2 –s (SELcum) for seals.

With respect to the direct mortality and injuries that belugas and harbour seals could suffer owing to blasting during the construction phase, the Agency has relies on the opinion of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which indicates that these effects could be avoided by the implementation of a blasting plan and appropriate mitigation measures, which would be determined during the regulatory compliance process under the Fisheries Act.

With respect to the risks of injuries or mortality attributable to collisions with passing ships, the Agency relies on the opinion of Fisheries and Oceans Canada indicating that the risks would be low in the local study area. The Agency considers that the ships approaching or departing from the terminal will be travelling at reduced speed. The Agency also considers that the limited number of project-related ships and the infrequent presence of belugas and harbour seals in the local study area, although seals are observed more frequently, reduce the risks of collisions.

The Agency has relied on the opinion of Fisheries and Oceans Canada in concluding that the sound levels likely to be generated can be mitigated by the implementation of noise reduction measures and, moreover, that the risks of collision are low. The uncertainty concerning the effects of blasting in the terrestrial environment would be addressed during the authorization process under the Fisheries Act. The Agency concludes that the adverse environmental effects attributable to noise disturbance would be of low intensity, particularly owing to the infrequent presence of marine mammals in the area. Although these effects would be present for the entire operational lifetime of the project, they would be limited to the local study area, which represents a small part of the range of the St. Lawrence beluga and harbour seal populations that use the Saguenay River and the St. Lawrence Estuary.

Key mitigation measures to avoid significant effects

Prior to commencement of construction in the marine environment and in consultation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, develop measures to mitigate the underwater noise generated by the construction work in the marine environment so that the cumulative 24-hour exposure level is less than 178 decibels re 1 µPa2 –s (SELcum) for beluga and 181 decibels re 1 µPa2 –s (SELcum) for seals, and implement these measures throughout the construction phase in the marine environment, unless otherwise authorized by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Among other measures, develop and implement gradual start up procedures for drilling, vibratory pile driving and pile driving activities to give marine mammals an opportunity to move away from the sources of underwater noise.
Prior to commencement of construction in the marine environment and in consultation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, develop and implement, throughout the construction phase in the marine environment, a protection zone and a visual monitoring program for belugas and harbour seals. In the context of the visual monitoring program:
- Prior to commencement of construction activities in the marine environment, carry out predictive acoustic modelling in order to determine at which distances each construction activity in the marine environment would cause a cumulative level of exposure to underwater noise over 24 hours greater than 178 decibels re 1 µPa2 –s (SELcum) for the beluga, and greater than 181 decibels re 1 µPa2 –s (SELcum) for the harbour seal, including activities occurring simultaneously, and the period or periods during which these activities would occur. Submit the acoustic modelling results to the Agency before undertaking these construction activities in the marine environment;
- Based on the results of the acoustic modelling carried out, establish and maintain during construction in the marine environment, protection zones corresponding to the distances of the construction activity for which the level of 24-hour cumulative underwater noise exposure should be 178 re 1 µPa2 –s (SELcum) for the béluga et 181 re 1 µPa2 –s (SELcum) for the harbour seal;
- Require that observers, who are qualified to carry out the observation of marine mammals, perform continuous visual monitoring of the protection zones and report to the proponent the presence of belugas or seals within their respective protection zone during each construction activity in the marine environment;
- If a beluga or harbour eal is observed in their respective protection zone by the marine mammal observers, halt or delay the commencement of construction activities in the marine environment until the beluga or harbour seal has left the protection zone and no beluga or seal has been observed in their respective protection zone for a continuous period of at least 30 minutes;
- Do not disturb or harass beluga whales or harbour seals in any of their respective zones of protection in order to remove them from the protection zone.
- Carry out construction activities in the marine environment only during daylight hours and not under conditions of low visibility (including fog).
Submit quarterly to the Agency, starting from the month during which the promoter begins the construction in the marine environment, the results of the activities carried out as part of the visual monitoring program for belugas and harbour seals.
Develop, to the satisfaction of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and in consultation with Indigenous groups, one or more compensation plans to address the serious residual harm associated with the implementation of the project. Submit the approved compensation plan or plans to the Agency prior to implementation.

Need for and requirements of follow-up

The Agency considered the mitigation measures proposed by the proponent, expert advice from federal authorities as well as the comments received from the First Nations and the public to determine the follow-up program intended to verify the predicted effects on marine mammals and the effectiveness of the mitigation measures:

Prior to commencement of the construction activities in the marine environment and in consultation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, develop a follow-up program in order to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment and determine the effectiveness of the mitigation measures in addressing the adverse environmental effects of underwater noise on marine mammals. Implement the monitoring and follow-up program during the construction and operational phases (same monitoring as for fish). During the implementation of the monitoring and follow-up program:
- Conduct real-time monitoring, for 14 days, of the levels of underwater noise emitted by the drilling, pile driving and vibratory pile driving activities and bank blasting activities to validate the results of the acoustic simulations carried out for these activities during the environmental assessment;
- Carry out, for the period of time required to load a ship, real-time monitoring of the levels of underwater noise emitted by ship-loading activities;
- Submit the monitoring results to the Agency and to Fisheries and Oceans Canada no later than 30 days following the end of each monitoring period.

7.5 Birds, Including Special-Status Species

Analysis of the effects on birds covers migratory and non-migratory birds, their eggs, nests and habitats, including the special-status species listed under federal and provincial legislation. Migratory birds include landbirds, ^Footnote 23 shorebirds, waterbirds and waterfowl listed in the schedule of the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994. Some of these species are listed in Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act or are designated under the Quebec Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species.

According to the Agency, significant residual adverse effects are caused by habitat loss and deterioration, incidental take ^Footnote 24 or any nuisance likely to result in the decline of a bird population or to hinder the recovery of one or more species at risk subject to a recovery strategy within the meaning of the Species at Risk Act or that have special status according to the Quebec Act Respecting Threatened or Vulnerable Species.

The criteria for assessing environmental effects and the grid for determining the significance of effects used by the Agency are provided in Appendices A and B, respectively.

Following completion of its analysis, and taking into account the implementation of the mitigation measures, the Agency concludes that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on birds, including special-status species:

The permanent and temporary losses of bird habitat would total 39 hectares and would potentially affect 163 breeding pairs. These losses would not result in any effects that would hinder the recovery of one or more species at risk within the meaning of the Species at Risk Act or that have a conservation status under the Act Respecting Threatened or Vulnerable Species, and there are also a number of alternative habitats in the area.
It is unlikely that the project will result in the mortality of migratory birds (incidental take) or the destruction of their nests or eggs. The disturbance would be limited to the project site. Tree and brush removal will take place outside the nesting period and particular attention will be paid during this work.

The following subsections describe the baseline conditions, particularly the habitats likely to be used by birds, and the essential elements of the proponent's analysis. They present the opinions of the expert departments as well as of the First Nations and the public on which the Agency based its conclusions concerning the significance of the project's effects on birds, including special-status species.

7.5.1 Baseline conditions

The proponent defined two main spatial boundaries to describe the current conditions and analyze the anticipated environmental effects on birds. A regional study area, corresponding to the section of the Saguenay River and its banks located between the Dubuc Bridge (approximately 27 kilometres upstream of the project site) and Sainte-Rose-du-Nord (approximately 12 kilometres downstream of the project site), was established for migratory birds, including special-status birds. A zone of influence of the project (Figure 12), corresponding to a 2-kilometre zone around the periphery of the planned infrastructures, was also established for all the birds that may be affected by the project (WSP/GCNN, 2016). The proponent also makes reference to the limited study area, which corresponds to the boundaries of the project site.

In order to draw up an accurate picture of the bird species that use the regional study area, the proponent relied on various existing data sources, conducted surveys using point count stations and noted observations during field visits in the forest. Based on all the data analyzed, 123 bird species may potentially be present in the regional study area on an annual basis.

In the limited study area identified in Figure 12, 91 species were counted during all the field surveys conducted by the proponent. A total of 55 species were observed during the nesting period, 31 species during the spring migration period and 37 species during the fall migration period. With respect to landbirds more specifically, the estimated population varies between 673 and 1,962 indicated pairs for the regional study area. Three birds of prey, 25 waterfowl species as well as six other waterbird species were observed (WSP/GCNN, 2016).

The proponent identified eleven special-status bird species (threatened or vulnerable or likely to be so designated, at risk, or identified by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) likely to be found in the regional study area, during both the nesting and migration periods (Table 7) (WSP/GCNN, 2016; WSP/GCNN, 2016a). Three special-status species were observed during the proponent's surveys, namely the Bald Eagle and the Rusty Blackbird, which were observed only during the migration period, and the Canada Warbler, which was observed during the nesting period. The project site, as well as the project's zone of influence, also contain several potential nesting habitats for the Canada Warbler. According to the proponent, Chimney Swifts may occur in the project's zone of influence, but no potential habitat was identified in the limited study area. For the Barn Swallow, only a low nesting habitat potential was identified in a grass bed located at the edge of the Saguenay River (WSP/GCNN, December 2017). Despite the fact that the limited study area and the project's zone of influence contain several hectares of potential habitat for the Eastern Wood Peewee, no individuals were observed during the surveys.

Table 7 Special-status bird species potentially present on the project site
Species	Federal status - Species at Risk Act	Federal status – COSEWIC*	Provincial status – Quebec Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species
Bald Eagle	None	Not at Risk	Vulnerable
Rusty Blackbird	Special Concern	Special Concern	Likely to be designated threatened or vulnerable
Canada Warbler	Threatened	Threatened	Likely to be designated threatened or vulnerable
Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow	None	Not at Risk	Likely to be designated threatened or vulnerable
Short-eared Owl	Special Concern	Special Concern	Likely to be designated threatened or vulnerable
Barn Swallow	Threatened	Threatened	None
Chimney Swift	Threatened	Threatened	Likely to be designated threatened or vulnerable
Least Bittern	Threatened	Threatened	Vulnerable
Eastern Wood Peewee	Special Concern	Special Concern	None
Yellow Rail	Special Concern	Special Concern	Threatened
Peregrine Falcon	Special Concern	Not at Risk	Vulnerable

* COSEWIC: Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada

The forest environments likely to be used by birds in the project's zone of influence include deciduous forests and deciduous-dominated mixed forests, the habitat that covers the largest area (60.5%), followed by coniferous-dominated mixed forests (13.7%) and coniferous forests (25.8%). Small wetlands are also present within these forest habitats. The proponent indicates that there are no open wetlands near the project, only three forested peat bogs are present and a few intermittent streams under forest cover. Figure 12 provides a breakdown of the terrestrial and wetland environments in the project's zone of influence.

Figure 12: Distribution of the terrestrial and wetland environments used by birds in the project's zone of influence

Figure 12: Distribution of the terrestrial and wetland environments used by birds in the project's zone of influence

Source: Environmental Impact Statement, WSP/GCNN 2016

7.5.2 Assessment of the environmental effects by the proponent

Anticipated effects

According to the proponent, the negative impact of the project on birds, including special-status species, is potentially related to:

The habitat loss resulting from the tree and brush removal required for construction of infrastructure, access roads and fill areas;
Disturbances owing to noise and light (presence of infrastructure and ships) and the risk of mortality (collisions);

Habitat loss

The proponent indicated that habitat loss is the main effect caused by the project on birds. The magnitude of these habitat losses is considered low to medium, even though the tree and brush removal will take place in winter, thereby avoiding the nesting period. The proponent considers that the residual effects of the project on birds would be non-significant, given the small area affected. Two types of habitats could be affected, namely deciduous forests or deciduous-dominated mixed forests and coniferous forests. A total of 163 breeding pairs of 45 species of forest birds could potentially be affected by the habitat loss, which represents 23.15 hectares in the deciduous forests and deciduous-dominated mixed forests and 16.23 hectares in the coniferous forests. The species that have the largest number of breeding pairs affected in the deciduous forest and deciduous-dominated mixed forest habitat are Swainson's Thrush, the Red-eyed Vireo and the Bay-breasted Warbler. The species the most affected in the coniferous forest habitat are the Tennessee Warbler, the Bay-breasted Warbler and the Nashville Warbler (WSP/GCNN, 2016).

In terms of special-status species, only the Canada Warbler was surveyed during the nesting period and four breeding pairs would be affected by the loss of 23.18 hectares of forest habitat (WSP/GCNN, 2016). The Eastern Wood Peewee, the Chimney Swift and the Barn Swallow could also be affected, since they may be present in the project's zone of influence.

The proponent concludes that the habitat losses would have non-significant effects on birds since other nesting sites are available nearby. According to the proponent, large contiguous forest tracts are available around the periphery of the project site and these habitats are generally not saturated in the regional study area. The proponent supported this argument with additional details concerning the Canada Warbler (WSP/GCNN, March 2017) by extrapolating the percentage of alternative habitats available around the area of disturbance associated with the project site based on the characteristics of suitable habitats for the species. According to the proponent, these alternative habitats represent 32% of the occupancy rate of the available habitats in proximity to the work zone.

On the whole, the proponent considers the magnitude of the project's residual effects on the Canada Warbler to be significant during the construction phase and non-significant during the operational phase (WSP/GCNN, December 2017). Despite the significance of the residual effects for this component, the proponent stresses that the effects will be limited to the cleared area and that several alternative habitats are available around the periphery of the project site.

Given the absence of potential habitat on the project site for the Chimney Swift and the low potential habitat for the Barn Swallow, the proponent does not anticipate any effects on these species, particularly since the probability of their presence in the few potential habitats identified in the project's zone of influence is low (WSP/GCNN, May 2017).

Disturbance

Noise, caused by infrastructure construction and traffic on the construction site, and the refueling and maintenance of machinery, could result in avoidance of certain noisy areas by birds, a reduction in the breeding success of certain species, as well as changes in terms of interspecies communication. Noise and vibrations from blasting could be perceived beyond the limited study area. Birds could avoid the work zone during blasting operations. This could have repercussions on the breeding of individuals by limiting the number and diversity of the species potentially present in the work zone. During the operational phase, the noise impact zone would be mainly related to the presence of the conveyor, unloading and storage areas, and transhipment activities on the wharf and vehicle traffic. However, the noise impact zone will not extend beyond the project's zone of influence. The probable effects of noise in the terrestrial environment will be related to machinery use. Consequently, the proponent expects that avoidance of the area by birds will be localized mainly in the limited study area and a few hundred metres around its periphery.

Disturbances caused by lighting are also anticipated during the operational and maintenance phase, particularly during ship loading operations. This night-time lighting could have an effect on migrating birds, by attracting groups of birds to the operations and diverting them from their migration route. This could happen particularly during foggy conditions, resulting in a collision-related mortality risk. However these effects are considered of minor significance by the proponent, since the project would cause little intrusive light in the terrestrial environment or toward the Saguenay River, taking into account the mitigation measures that would be implemented in order to reduce the adverse effects. In addition, the proponent considers that collisions with the type of infrastructure planned (buildings and ships) would be infrequent events. The proponent considers that, on the whole, the effects of noise and light disturbance would be minor, since they would be perceived discontinuously during the construction and operation periods and since alternative habitats are available nearby (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

Mitigation and monitoring measures proposed by the proponent

In order to reduce the adverse environmental effects on birds, the proponent undertakes to implement mitigation measures aimed at minimizing tree and brush removal, noise and light. The main mitigation measures are listed below (see Appendix E for the complete list):

No tree and brush removal work to be carried out between April 15 and August 15, in order to avoid the bird nesting period.
Clearly delimit the work areas at the site of the tree and brush removal activities in order to prevent any additional encroachment.
Revegetate the infrastructures used temporarily during the construction and layout of the site immediately after the end of the construction phase.
Limit skyward light emissions by using light fixtures that produce moderate, uniform lighting that will meet actual lighting needs and by ensuring that the luminous flux is directed toward the surface to be illuminated. The proponent points out that the light fixtures will not produce any light emissions outside an arc of 90 degrees and that particular attention will be paid in order to avoid orienting the portable lights from mobile sources toward the Saguenay River.
Minimize insofar as possible the period and duration of use of lighting by installing timers and motion sensors and by encouraging workers to turn off the lights. The lighting will be planned in order to ensure a level of light required for worker safety and the safe operation of equipment, while minimizing the luminous flux. When possible, light sources will be turned off in the areas where lighting is not required permanently.
Limit the movement of machinery and truck traffic to the right-of-way of access roads and work areas.
Require that the construction site supervisor ensure the proper maintenance of noisy equipment and that the mufflers and catalytic converters of machinery be kept in good condition in order to minimize noise.

The proponent has agreed to implement an environmental monitoring and follow-up program in order to minimize the potential impacts resulting from the implementation of the project on birds, which includes in particular the following actions:

Monitor the work in order to ensure that no incidental take of nests or eggs occurs; the areas where the work will take place will first be inspected before authorizing the work (if during the nesting period).
Institute an employee awareness and training program in order to inform employees about the presence of nests of migratory birds, including those of species at risk such as the Canada Warbler, and about the proper procedure to follow in the event that a nest is discovered.
In the event that a migratory bird nest is discovered (early or late nesting species), the proponent proposes several measures, including:
- Stopping all disruptive activities near the nest until nesting is over, i.e. until the chicks have permanently left the nest.
- Clearly identifying the nest by its GPS position and protecting the nest by establishing a buffer zone based on a protection distance appropriate to the species. This distance will depend on the species and will be determined by an experienced biologist. The nest itself should never be marked with flagging tape, since this could increase the risk of predation of the nest. Flagging tape should therefore be placed at the limit of the buffer zone.
- Collecting the following data: the species, the habitat and the stage of development of the nest (construction, presence of eggs, of young);
- Carrying out monitoring visits. The observer in charge of the monitoring must take steps to ensure that any disturbance of the birds is minimized.

In order to determine whether specific mitigation measures are necessary to protect the Canada Warbler, the proponent proposes to conduct a bird survey in the summer of 2018, prior to implementation of the project. The purpose of this survey will be mainly to verify the presence of the Canada Warbler, but also to determine, when possible, its density and abundance. The survey results will serve as the baseline conditions, and will also make it possible to verify the intervention options for creating or improving habitat conditions favourable to certain special-status bird species on the project site during the restoration phase. After this survey, an initial follow-up aimed specifically at special-status species would be carried out through a survey after five years of operation, followed by a final survey in the tenth year of operation (WSP/GCNN, December 2017).

7.5.3 Observations received

Government authorities

On the whole, Environment and Climate Change Canada considers that the description of bird fauna is well documented and representative of the study area. Each of the major biotopes has been surveyed in a manner relatively proportional to their area occupied in the study area (Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2018).

The restriction period on tree and brush removal activities established by the proponent is representative of the critical nesting periods of the migratory birds present in the study sector. Environment and Climate Change Canada is of the opinion that if the proponent implements all the mitigation measures identified, including the monitoring and follow-up program, they will help minimize the project's potential effects on migratory birds. This department points out that the proponent must carry out the project in such a manner as to protect migratory birds and avoid injuring, killing, taking or disturbing migratory birds or destroying, disturbing or taking their nests or eggs. To this end, the proponent must take into account the Avoidance Guidelines issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada. The measures that the proponent will institute must also comply with the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, the Migratory Birds Regulations and the Species at Risk Act.

With regard to the revegetation plan for temporary work areas, Environment and Climate Change Canada emphasizes that the planting methods and the species or groups of species used must be adapted to and take the natural conditions of the site into account. Revegetation can have an impact on the availability of habitats for migratory birds and species at risk. The revegetation work should take into account the different units of vegetation identified on the site in terms of species, arrangement and density of plants. For all revegetation work, the use of native species is required.

With respect to the Canada Warbler, a species at risk, Environment and Climate Change Canada is satisfied with the proponent's demonstration concerning the availability of suitable habitats for this species in the study area or near the site. However, Environment and Climate Change Canada is of the opinion that during the construction phase, and despite the application of mitigation measures, the tree and brush removal, grubbing, stripping and excavation activities would have residual adverse effects on the habitat of the Canada Warbler. Conducting surveys with reference stations in the study area before commencement of the work should make it possible to quantify the actual impacts of the project on species at risk, and more particularly on the Canada Warbler.

Like the proponent, Environment and Climate Change Canada considers that no significant adverse effects are anticipated on the Chimney Swift or the Barn Swallow from the implementation of the project. Environment and Climate Change Canada is of the opinion that if the proponent maintains the measures and commitments that it has identified, the potential impacts on the bird species at risk present in the study area resulting from the implementation of the project should be minimized.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has not expressed any particular concerns about the potential effects of the project on the Peregrine Falcon, despite the fact that its presence in the area has been reported by members of the public.

Indigenous groups

With respect to migratory birds, the Innu First Nation of Essipit raised concerns about the environmental effects of marine transportation, including spills of petroleum products as a result of potential accidents, on migratory bird hunting practices along the Saguenay River (Conseil de la Première Nation des Innus Essipit, 2016). This aspect is covered in section 7.8 on current uses by Indigenous peoples and section 8.1 on accidents and malfunctions.

The Huron-Wendat Nation emphasizes that it would be desirable for the proponent to protect 23.18 hectares of habitat near the project area in order to favor the Canada warbler population. Permanent protection would minimize the cumulative effects felt in the region, as other development projects will take place on the periphery of the area. In addition, the Nation indicates that it would be appropriate to have a monitoring program in order to validate the status of the Canada warbler population following the project.

Public

Concerns were raised by the public about the destruction of migratory bird habitat. It was also pointed out that the Peregrine Falcon is sighted regularly in the area even though that species was not mentioned in the study (Bouchard, 2016).

The Conseil régional de l'environnement et du développement durable du Saguenay–Lac Saint-Jean (CREDD, 2016) questioned the methodology used to conduct the bird surveys. The CREDD mentioned that the point count stations did not cover the entire zone of influence of the project. The proponent indicated that the habitats were covered in proportion to their presence in the study area and that access to the land influenced the location of the point count stations, particularly in the sector with rugged terrain.

The CREDD is also concerned about how the proponent plans to comply with the Act Respecting the Conservation and Development of Wildlife in the event that there are Canada Warbler nests in the study area. The proponent indicated that concrete mitigation measures would be put in place if active nests of migratory birds are discovered. Workers will be made aware of the potential presence of nests, and if a nest is discovered, disruptive activity near the nest will be halted until nesting is complete. A protection area will be clearly marked, and the nest will be monitored.

The CREDD questioned whether birds would move back into the revegetated areas of the site after the construction phase and believes that a monitoring program should be put in place to track changes in bird species use near the project site. The proponent proposed to conduct a survey in the summer of 2018 in order to verify opportunities for intervention to create favourable habitat conditions or improve habitat conditions for certain special-status bird species on the project site or along its periphery during the restoration phase. Follow-up during the operation phase to target the actual causes of impacts on special-status species is also proposed.

7.5.4 Agency analysis and conclusion

Effects analysis

The Agency is of the opinion that, taking into account the implementation of the key mitigation measures identified below, the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on birds, including special-status species. Habitat losses would affect a small area, and the project would not hinder recovery of one or more species at risk that are subject to a recovery strategy within the meaning of the Species at Risk Act or that have special status under Quebec's Act Respecting Threatened or Vulnerable Species.

The project was optimized so as to minimize the adverse environmental effects on birds. Habitat losses would affect a small area, and similar habitats are available near the project site for any birds, including species at risk, that would be disturbed by the work or by terminal activities during the operation phase. In addition, the project's zone of influence does not include any habitat that is unique or critical for the survival of any bird species. Habitat losses on the project site would be irreversible, but the revegetation of sites used on a temporary basis for construction would reduce that effect.

With respect to species at risk, only the Canada Warbler, which was confirmed to occur on the site, could be affected during the nesting period. However, the Agency notes that the project would be carried out in a manner that protects and avoids harming, killing or disturbing migratory birds or destroying or taking their nests or eggs. That objective could be achieved in a number of ways, including by carrying out tree and brush removal in the winter outside the nesting period. Workers will also be made aware that nests could be discovered, and a buffer would be created to protect the nests until the birds and chicks have left. The Agency is of the opinion that noise and light produced by the project could deter birds from using the area or alter their behaviour. The Agency considers that these sensory effects would be localized and would extend throughout the life of the project. However, the mitigation measures proposed by the proponent would reduce the adverse environmental effects. The Agency concludes that the residual adverse environmental effects due to sensory disturbances would be low to moderate in magnitude.

Key mitigation measures to avoid significant effects

The Agency has determined the key mitigation measures needed to ensure that there are no serious adverse environmental effects on birds, including special-status species. The Agency has taken into consideration the mitigation measures proposed by the proponent, the opinion of government authorities, and input from First Nations and the public. These measures are as follows:

The proponent shall carry out the designated project in a manner that protects migratory birds and avoids harming, killing or disturbing them or destroying, disturbing or taking their nests or eggs. In this regard, the proponent shall develop, taking into account Environment and Climate Change Canada's Avoidance Guidelines, a migratory bird management plan that includes mitigation measures, particularly measures related to key sensitive periods and locations for migratory birds, the risk of incidental take, and action to be taken in the event that migratory birds or nests are present. The measures implemented by the proponent in applying the plan shall comply with the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, the Migratory Birds Regulations and the Species at Risk Act. The proponent shall implement the migratory bird management plan during all phases of the designated project.
The proponent shall control lighting required for the construction, operation and decommissioning of the designated project, including direction, timing and intensity, to avoid adverse effects on migratory birds, while meeting operational health and safety requirements.

Need for and requirements of follow-up

The Agency considered the mitigation measures proposed by the proponent, expert advice from government authorities, and input from First Nations and the public in identifying the follow-up measures below which are aimed at verifying the predictions of effects on migratory birds and the effectiveness of the mitigation measures:

The proponent shall develop, prior to construction and in consultation with the appropriate authorities, a follow-up program to determine the effectiveness of the mitigation measures put in place by the proponent in the designated project area to avoid harm to bird species at risk and their eggs and nests. The proponent shall implement the follow-up program during all phases of the designated project, particularly in the fifth and tenth years of the operation phase. As part of the follow-up program, the proponent shall:
Conduct a survey to verify, prior to construction, the accuracy of the environmental assessment as it relates to the presence of special-status migratory birds, particularly the Canada Warbler, in the areas where tree and brush removal will be carried out as well as in the immediate vicinity of the designated project. The proponent shall use point count stations and transects to conduct the survey. If the proponent determines that modified or additional mitigation measures are required protect the migratory birds identified during the survey, the proponent shall develop those measures in consultation with First Nations and the appropriate authorities and shall implement the measures in a timely manner and monitor them.

7.6 Special-status terrestrial mammal species

The Agency defines special-status terrestrial mammal species as non-aquatic species that receive legal protection or are considered under federal or provincial legislation (the Species at Risk Act (SARA) or the Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species (LEMV), respectively) or for which the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) recommends a change in status or addition to the list of species at risk. Under subsection 79(2) of the Species at Risk Act, the Agency must identify the project's adverse effects on the mammal species that appear on the List of Wildlife Species at Risk (Schedule 1 of the Act) and their critical habitats. The Agency must also ensure that measures are taken to prevent, mitigate and control adverse effects on species at risk and that the appropriate monitoring and follow-up programs are implemented if the project is carried out. The measures must be consistent with all applicable recovery strategies and action plans.

In its analysis of the project's effects on special-status terrestrial mammal species, the Agency focused on habitat loss, mortality and disturbance of the animals' movements. The special-status species considered are three species of bats designated endangered under SARA, namely the tri-coloured bat, the little brown myotis and the northern myotis, and four species likely to be designated threatened or vulnerable under LEMV, namely the silver-haired bat, the hoary bat, the Eastern red bat and the rock vole. The Agency's criteria for evaluating environmental effects and its grid for determining the significance of the effects are shown in Appendices A and B, respectively.

According to the Agency, a significant residual adverse effect on special-status terrestrial mammals is an effect that would hinder recovery of one or more species at risk which have final recovery strategies under SARA or special status in Quebec under LEMV: in this case, the loss or disturbance of critical bat habitat (hibernacula ^Footnote 25).

In its analysis, the Agency concluded that, with the application of mitigation measures, the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on special-status terrestrial mammals:

The proponent's surveys of the potential sites did not detect any bat hibernacula or maternity roosts; ^Footnote 26 hibernacula are considered critical habitat under the Species at Risk Act for the listed bat species.
Acoustic surveys conducted during the breeding period revealed that, overall, there is little bat activity in the area.
Tree-clearing activities could affect some areas that may be frequented by the rock vole and cause the deaths of individuals, without adverse effects on the species' population dynamics.
The rock vole may be found over a large range in Quebec and has no legal protection status. The effects on this species may be reduced by implementing mitigation measures to protect watercourses and by avoiding wetlands.

The following subsections describe the baseline condition of the project area and the essential elements from the proponent's analysis. They also present the input from federal authorities, First Nations and the general public on which the Agency based its conclusions regarding the significance of the project's effects on special-status terrestrial mammals.

7.6.1 Baseline condition

Bats

The area surrounding the project site is potentially occupied by seven of the eight bat species found in Quebec (WavX, October 2017). These species are divided into two categories based on their behaviour: migratory and resident species (Table 8). In the fall, when weather conditions become harsher and the insects that bats feed on become scarcer, migratory bats fly south along the Atlantic coast, where they hibernate in hollow trees or layers of dead leaves; some even remain active. Resident bats spend the winter in Quebec and gather in hibernation sites known as hibernacula, which are usually underground habitats such as caves, abandoned mines or tunnels (WSP/GCNN, 2016).

A number of these species have special status under SARA, LEMV or COSEWIC (Table 8). Three of these species, namely the tri-coloured bat, the little brown myotis and the northern myotis, are significantly affected by white-nose syndrome, which is thought to have caused a drastic decline in their populations. It is an infection caused by a pathogenic fungus, often characterized by the appearance of fuzzy white patches on the bats' muzzles.

It affects the bats' tissues and muscles and attacks the immune systems of affected individuals, often resulting in death. Any site where one of these three species of bats has been observed in hibernation during the winter at least once since 1995 is identified as critical habitat in the recovery strategy for these species established under the Species at Risk Act (Environment Canada, 2015).

Table 8 Bat species that may be present and their statuses
Species	Behaviour	Federal status - Species at Risk Act	Federal status – COSEWIC*	Provincial status – Quebec Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species
Silver-haired bat	Migratory	None	None	Likely to be designated threatened or vulnerable
Hoary bat	Migratory	None	None	Likely to be designated threatened or vulnerable
Eastern red bat	Migratory	None	None	Likely to be designated threatened or vulnerable
Big brown bat	Resident	None	None	None
Little brown myotis	Resident	Endangered	Endangered	None
Northern myotis	Resident	Endangered	Endangered	None
Tri-coloured bat	Resident	Endangered	Endangered	None

* COSEWIC: Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.

Resident bat species use hibernacula when weather conditions are harsh. In the area, three species of bats are likely to use hibernacula: the big brown bat, the little brown myotis and the northern myotis (WavX, May 2017). However, no hibernacula were identified within the project's zone of influence or even beyond it. The proponent conducted field research to determine whether hibernacula were present on or near the planned worksite, including sites outside the limited study area, particularly near Lake Neil and in the cliffs along the Saguenay River near Cap à l'Est. Potential locations characterized by rocky headlands and cliff faces with rock scree were inspected for signs of use, including guano on the ground, signs of occupation on the inner walls of cavities, or bat carcasses. One cavity with low potential was found south of Lake Neil, but no signs of use by bats were observed.

During the summer, the seven bat species that may be present are likely to frequent the study area to feed and reproduce. The bats, depending on the species, may roost in buildings (in attics or via other bat access points in older buildings). They may also roost in natural structures such as cavities in large mature trees, or in cracks and crevices of cliffs. The big brown bat, the little brown myotis, the northern myotis and the silver-haired bat are likely to roost in buildings in the project area of influence to nurse and raise their young. Some species use trees, rocky outcrops with cracks, or cavities that provide a suitable microclimate for bats. These buildings or trees are therefore identified as maternity roosts. The proponent's visual inspection of the existing buildings did not detect any signs of bat maternity roosts (WavX, October 2017).

The proponent conducted fixed-location and mobile acoustic surveys during the summer, from June 16 to July 17, 2017, to identify the bat species present. Those surveys only indicated which species use the area. The proponent used an ultrasound detector to record the ultrasounds produced by the bats in flight. The mobile acoustic survey was conducted along the north bank of the Saguenay River, within a transect 4 kilometres long that was covered by boat (WavX, October 2017). Those surveys confirmed the presence of four bat species, namely the hoary bat, the silver-haired bat, the northern myotis and the big brown bat. However, only two appearances of big brown bats were recorded. The vast majority of bats whose presence was recorded were identified as hoary bats, a migratory species with a wide distribution in Quebec.

The surveys conducted by the proponent did not confirm the presence of bat hibernacula or maternity roosts. In addition, the acoustic surveys revealed that, overall, the areas was relatively inactive given the surveying effort expended, particularly for the hoary bat, which was the only species detected along the banks of the Saguenay River. According to the proponent, this low level of nocturnal activity may be explained by the absence of a body of water within the limited study area of the project. Bats come to water bodies to drink and to feed on the numerous insects present. For the majority of bats, the banks of the Saguenay River would offer low dispersal and foraging potential (WavX, October 2017).

Rock vole

In Canada, the rock vole's range includes Labrador, the Precambrian mountains in central Quebec and southwestern Ontario, New Brunswick, and Cape Breton in Nova Scotia (MFFP, 2001). This small rodent is found in the sugar maple–yellow birch and the spruce-dominated bioclimatic domains. Therefore, it could be observed over a large territory in Quebec. Specifically, the rock vole frequents various types of environments, such as cliffs with rocky outcrops on the edges of clearings in mountainous areas. This species seeks out sites with sources of water, near moist banks, between moss-covered rocks and near watercourses. Within its range, it lives in small, isolated colonies. Its home range is limited and it has little capacity for moving over long distances.

The rock vole is not listed as a species of concern by COSEWIC, but it is likely to be designated threatened or vulnerable under the Quebec Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species. According to the Quebec Department of Forests, Wildlife and Parks (MFFP), more in-depth knowledge is required in order to complete the assessment of the species' status in Quebec and to identify the threats facing it (MFFP, 2001). The rock vole is thought to be one of the rarest small mammals in Canada. The species' observed population densities have never been high.

The proponent did not conduct any specific survey for the rock vole on the project site. However, the species was captured in the area during surveys carried out at the Val-Jalbert historic site in 1946 and 1998. At the time, its habitat in that area consisted of limestone rocks on the banks of an underground river. This type of habitat is not very representative of the project study area.

7.6.2 Proponent's assessment of environmental effects

Anticipated effects: Bats

According to the proponent, the project's adverse effects on bats would be primarily associated with habitat loss caused by clearing of trees during the construction phase and disturbance caused by artificial light and noise during the construction and operation phases. The proponent considers that the residual adverse effects of the project on the four bat species found during the acoustic survey, namely the silver-haired bat, the hoary bat, the big brown bat and the northern myotis, would not be significant given the proposed mitigation measures and the monitoring program to be carried out. The residual adverse effects on these species would be felt most significantly on the roosts that could potentially be used within the limited study area of the project.

The three species detected during the acoustic survey – the silver-haired bat, the big brown bat and the northern myotis – are cavity-roosters, that is, they take refuge during the day in cavities or under the bark of snags. Although no natural diurnal roosting sites or maternity roosts were found, it is possible that the stands of mature and overmature trees may be used for these purposes by the three species. The proponent therefore concludes that the tree clearing planned for the construction phase of the project could cause the loss of natural roosting sites or maternity roosts for these species. However, this adverse effect would be limited due to the small area of the cutover and the fact that these species usually use a network of snags and cavity trees (WSP/GCNN, December 2017). The ability of nocturnal individuals to relocate in response to disturbance will depend on the availability of alternative roosting sites within a 2-kilometre radius of the limited study area.

Construction work generating a noise level above 109 decibels in the daytime could also cause individuals of all these species to relocate to quieter areas, generally sites with a noise level below 80 decibels (WSP/GCNN, December 2017). Noise and vibrations may disturb bats' sleep during the day, which in turn adversely affects their nocturnal activities (e.g., feeding and reproduction). Given that the hoary bat is diurnal and that its home range in summer covers several square kilometres, the proponent concludes that it would be relatively easy for individuals of that species to relocate to neighbouring coniferous stands in response to daytime disturbances.

The roadways and the gaps left in forest cover after the construction phase and after dismantling of the various clients' facilities and equipment at the end of their useful lives could potentially become new feeding habitats and dispersal corridors for the majority of the bat species. In the proponent's view, these openings could have a positive effect on the feeding habitat of some species, such as the hoary bat and the silver-haired bat.

Artificial lighting at night during the construction and operation phases could have adverse effects by attracting nocturnal bats to the lights. On the other hand, the northern myotis, which is diurnal, could respond by avoiding roosting sites that are brightly lit at night.

To reduce the adverse effects on special-status bats, the proponent undertakes to implement the following mitigation measures:

Tree clearing must be done outside of bats' birthing and juvenile nursing periods, i.e., outside the period June 1 to July 31.
Several (6 to 10) artificial alternative roosts will have to be installed before the blasting at least 1 km away from the blasting site. These roosts can be installed near the cottages, with the permission of the landowners. The proponent will also have to ensure that the artificial roosts are installed using a method recognized by an expert government department, for use as diurnal roosting sites or breeding sites by cavity-roosting species including the northern myotis.
If a bat maternity roost is discovered, the proponent will install a noise barrier a few metres from the roost to reduce noise generated by the machinery. The proponent will ensure that the barrier is constructed to the appropriate dimensions and at an adequate distance to be effective in reducing noise from the machinery.
The effects of artificial lighting must be minimized to protect the bats. For example, blue or white LED lights should not be used. Instead, yellow lights such as high- or low-pressure sodium vapour lamps, metal halide lamps or the equivalent may be installed in the limited study area.
Limit the projection of light toward the sky by using lighting fixtures that provide subdued, uniform lighting and that meet actual operational needs by directing light toward the surface to be illuminated.
Use lighting fixtures that do not emit light at angles greater than 90 degrees.
Limit, to the extent possible, the period and duration of the use of the lights by installing timers and movement detectors and by encouraging workers to turn off lights. The lighting will be planned to as to ensure the required levels of light for the safety of workers and the security of equipment, while keeping the luminous flux to a minimum. When possible, light sources will be turned off in areas where they are not required to be on all the time.
Install fixed lights to prevent light from spilling out of the spaces to be illuminated.

The proponent proposes a three-year monitoring program, including the construction, operation and maintenance phases, to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures. This monitoring will consist of an acoustic survey at four recording stations, the results of which would be communicated to the federal departments involved. The minimum duration of the survey will be 15 nights of recording per station during the bats' breeding periods. During installation of the ultrasound detectors, a complete survey can be carried out during the day to identify any snags likely to be used by bat species at risk. The artificial roosts will also be checked to determine whether they are being used and, if so, by which species. This verification will include a visual count of individuals and active use of an ultrasound detector to identify the bat species.

Given the small area of forest to be cleared and the proposed mitigation measures and monitoring program, it is the proponent's view that the potential cumulative effects on the northern myotis will be insignificant.

Anticipated effects: Rock vole

According to the proponent, the adverse effects of the project on the rock vole would be primarily related to habitat loss due to tree clearing during the construction phase, which will result in the loss of almost 40 hectares of potential habitat for a number of small wildlife species, including the rock vole. Although the rock vole's presence on the site has not been confirmed, the proponent considers that, if the species is present, loss of its habitat during the construction phase could have a significant impact, due to its status as a species likely to be designated threatened or vulnerable under the Quebec Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species.

The main habitats that will be lost due to the tree clearing consist of young and mature coniferous stands and regenerating stands. The proponent states that the tree-clearing work could affect a number of environments that may be frequented by the rock vole and lead to the loss of some habitats. Individuals may react to the tree-clearing activities by seeking new habitats, thereby becoming more vulnerable to predation while on the move. Circulation of equipment could also cause vole mortality, and some individuals could become trapped in their burrows or nests during the work. Since this species has a small home range and its movements are limited, the proponent considers that the effects could be significant (WSP/GCNN, 2016).

Because this species seeks habitats near water, its habitats can be avoided during the work by means of the buffer strips that will be established along the watercourses and by avoiding the wetlands as much as possible during the work. Once trees are planted on the decommissioned sites and begin to grow, the voles will be able to gradually move back into the plantations over the years.

To reduce the potential adverse effects on the rock vole, the proponent undertakes to implement measures for protecting watercourses, avoiding wetlands, and reducing noise. The key measures are the following (see Annex E for the complete list):

Before tree clearing begins, the limits of the work area (right-of-way, depot, etc.) and of the clearing to be done around these areas (pruning of protruding branches) will be clearly identified so that they can be checked easily at any time during the work. Authorization will be obtained from the site supervisor before cutting trees. No cutting can be done without prior approval from the Saguenay Port Authority.
Close-cut the trees and shrubs on the slopes of infilled areas and conserve the root systems.
Within the 15-m strip along a watercourse, it will be prohibited to pile organic material from soil stripping. It will also be prohibited to leave woody debris and other waste there. Runoff will be diverted to a vegetated area at least 20 m from the watercourse or intercepted by means of silt fencing or a sedimentation catchment.
Banks that have been altered will be restored, including stabilization of slopes and revegetation of soil surfaces.
The riparian strip damaged by the work will be restored on an ongoing basis as the work progresses, in such a way as to reproduce the natural shoreline of the watercourse.
The equipment and machinery used will be in good working order (antipollution system, filter bags, etc.). Their exhaust and antipollution systems will also be inspected and repaired as needed, in order to keep the noise generated to a minimum. The exhaust systems will conform to the Environment and Climate Change Canada emission standards for on-road and off-road vehicles. The engines of all construction equipment left unused for a certain period of time will be turned off, except for diesel-powered machinery in winter.
Quickly revegetate the constructed slopes and stripped surfaces on an ongoing basis as the work proceeds. Plant diverse species, including a mix of indigenous deciduous and coniferous tree species that grow naturally in the surrounding area. To speed up the revegetation process, plant trees of various sizes.

The proponent does not propose any specific monitoring program for small mammals, including the rock vole.

7.6.3 Agency analysis and conclusion

Federal government authorities

Environment and Climate Change Canada asked the proponent to conduct surveys to gather information about the presence of bat maternity roosts and hibernacula. The ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatique (MDDELCC) insisted that the proponent adequately document the potential for use by bats of the cliff that would be modified by blasting.

Environment and Climate Change Canada recommends that, before construction begins, a monitoring program be developed and implemented, including a specific procedure to be followed in the event that a maternity roost is discovered. A monitoring program for bats, especially the northern myotis, should be developed for each phase of the project in order to determine the effectiveness of the mitigation measures proposed by the proponent. Considering the implementation of this recommendation as well as the mitigation measures and the monitoring and follow-up programs proposed by the proponent, Environment and Climate Change Canada considers that the project's potential effects on the habitat of bat species at risk will be minimized, as will the cumulative effects on the northern myotis.

The Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (MDDELCC) considers that the measures proposed by the promoter are useful, but incomplete. Thus, in the event of the discovery of a bats maternity unit in a natural location, the MDDELCC believes that several additional measures, both in construction and operation and maintenance, would be necessary. For example, during the construction phase, the following measures should be considered: do the cutting beds at more than 50 meters from the maternity, do not direct the light beams towards the maternity, install the artificial dormitories within 800 meters of the maternity and out of the blasting peripheral area, control the speed on paths within 350 meters of a maternity. For the operation phase: control the noise and speed on the roads within 350 meters of the maternity by imposing a speed limit of 30 kilometers per hour, from sunset until morning during the occupation period and up to October 31.

The MDDELCC believes that monitoring should be carried out for each phase of the project, with a minimum follow-up of three years for the exploitation phase.

First Nations

The Innu First Nations and Huron-Wendat Nation expressed concerns about the project's potential effects in terrestrial environments on species at risk, including bats and the Canada warbler. The Huron-Wendat Nation raised the importance of carrying out inventories specific to bats at risk, in particular to establish a reference state before the completion of the monitoring proposed by the proponent. The proponent carried out fixed and mobile acoustic inventories in June and July 2017. The inventories did not confirm the presence of hibernacula or bats' maternity and reveal an overall low activity zone. The proponent proposes follow-up programs for bats and Canada warbler.

General public

Concerns were expressed about the significance of the effects on special-status species, especially bats. Some intervenors commented that the effects were underestimated and trivialized in the proponent's impact statement. The reduction in bat populations due to white-nose syndrome was also mentioned as a concern. Some members of the public wondered whether the proposed mitigation measures would provide adequate protection for intermittent watercourses in the affected area that could be used by the rock vole (Bouchard, October 2016).

7.6.4 Agency analysis and conclusion

Analysis of effects

The project would not hinder the recovery of terrestrial mammals that are SARA-listed (little brown myotis, northern myotis and tri-coloured bat) or likely to be designated in Quebec under the LEMV (hoary bat, silver-haired bat, Eastern red bat, rock vole).

Bats

The surveys did not detect any bat hibernacula or maternity roosts; bat hibernacula are considered critical habitat under the Species at Risk Act for listed bat species. Acoustic surveys conducted during the breeding period showed that there is little bat activity in the area. The probability that the work and operating activities will cause disturbance of diurnal species (hoary bat) and nocturnal ones (big brown bat, northern myotis and silver-haired bat) that may use the project site is considered high. However, the Agency considers that these effects would not be significant, considering the absence of hibernacula or maternity. The Agency is also considering that the implementation of the mitigation measures proposed by the proponent and the fact that the bats would be able to use other feeding areas nearby could reduce the effects on bats.

Rock vole

Although no survey was conducted to confirm the presence of the rock vole, the Agency is of the opinion that the tree-clearing work could affect some areas that may be frequented by the rock vole and cause the deaths of individuals, given their small home range and their low capacity to relocate. The species may be found over a large area in Quebec and currently does not benefit from any legal protection. Therefore, there is no recovery strategy for this species. Although it is likely to be designated threatened or vulnerable under the Quebec Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species, additional knowledge is required in order to complete the assessment of the species' status in Quebec and determine whether it is actually threatened and, if so, what threats it faces. Given the small surface area that will be disturbed by the project, compared to the range of the rock vole, the Agency considers that the project's effects are unlikely to adversely affect the rock vole's population dynamics and concludes that the project will not have a significant effect on the species. Implementation of mitigation measures for protecting the watercourses and avoidance of wetlands could reduce the potential effects on the rock vole.

Key mitigation measures for preventing significant effects

The Agency has identified the key mitigation measures required in order to ensure that there are no significant adverse environmental effects on special-status terrestrial mammals. It has taken into consideration the mitigation measures proposed by the proponent, input from government authorities, and comments from First Nations and the public. The key measures are as follows:

Perform tree-clearing work outside of birthing and juvenile nursing periods of bats: specifically, outside the two-month period from June 1 to July 31.
Before tree clearing begins, mark the areas where the trees will be cut. Do not cut outside those areas, unless the additional cutting is required for safety reasons.
Before blasting begins, install at least six artificial bat roosts at a distance of at least 1 kilometre from the blasting area. Maintain the roosts during the entire period when blasting activities take place. Ensure that the roosts are installed by a qualified person.
Control the lighting required for project activities during all phases of the project, including its direction, duration of use, intensity, colour and glare, so as to mitigate the project's negative effects on bats caused by sensory disturbance due to light, while meeting operational health and safety requirements.

Need for monitoring and monitoring requirements

To determine the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures, the proponent must implement a three-year bat monitoring program covering the construction, operation and maintenance phases, to include the following:

Prior to the start of construction, and in consultation with the appropriate authorities, develop a monitoring program to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment and evaluate the effectiveness of the mitigation measures for the project's adverse effects on bats. Implement the monitoring program during construction and during the first three years of operation. As part of the monitoring program, do the following:
- Monitor bats' use of the installed roosts;
- Develop and implement modified or additional mitigation measure if bat roosts are discovered in the project area.

7.7 Human health

Some of the environmental changes that could potentially have adverse effects on the First Nations' human health conditions include air quality degradation, higher noise levels and contamination of water or consumable fish.

According to the Agency, a significant residual adverse effect on human health implies a high risk of exposure to contaminants when levels are superior to air, food and water provincial and federal health protection standards and criteria, and when individuals are exposed to them on a regular or continuous basis. A significant residual adverse effect could also involve regular or continuous exposure to noise or light levels that exceed the health protection standards and criteria. The environmental effects rating criteria and the grid used by the Agency for determining the significance of the effects are shown in Appendices A and B, respectively.

As part of the Project, the health conditions of residents living in the vicinity of the Project and of those who fish, including First Nations members, could be affected. Air quality degradation, increased noise levels and contamination of water and fish are changes that could occur on land within a radius of less than 1 kilometre around the project site, as well as than in the Saguenay River.

As a result of its analysis, the Agency concludes, taking into account the application of the mitigation measures, that the Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on human health, including that of the First Nations:

The population, including the Essipit Innu First Nations, Pekuakamiulnuatsh, Pessamit and the Huron-Wendat First Nation, is said to have little exposure to the contaminants emitted by the Project. The project area is small and the nearest dwelling is 1.3 kilometres away. The First Nations reserve territories are outside the area of the Project's influence, all located more than 100 kilometres away;
It is unlikely that dust, metal, metalloid and other contaminant concentrations in the air, water or the flesh of fish will increase to a level exceeding health protection standards and criteria;
It is unlikely that noise and light levels will increase to levels that exceed health protection standards and criteria.

The following subsections describe the baseline condition and the essential elements of the Proponent's analysis. They present the views of expert government departments, the First Nations and the public, on which the Agency based its conclusion on the significance of the Project's effects on human health, including that of the First Nations.

7.7.1 Baseline condition

The baseline conditions for atmospheric, sound and light environments as well as for surface and groundwater that may affect health are presented in Sections 6.1 to 6.4. The following paragraphs present the baseline condition of land use by the local population and the First Nations in the area targeted for the Project based on the information provided by the Proponent. It may also contain comments received from the public, the First Nations and government authorities.

The nearest municipalities are Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, located 10 kilometres east of the project site, and Saint-Fulgence, 14 kilometres west of the site. According to information provided by the Proponent, approximately 40 seasonal (cottages) and permanent dwellings would be located within 2.5 kilometres of the proposed facilities. The closest dwelling would be located at Brock Lake, 1.3 kilometres from the project site, outside the limited study area (WSP/GCNN, May 2016). Two outfitters would be located 3 and 7 kilometres from the Project respectively. According to the Proponent, several recreational and tourism activities are practiced in the local study area, including fishing (WSP/GCNN, May 2016). However, the local study area has not been documented as a site of importance for open water or ice fishing (Section 7.10).

The Project would be located approximately 100 kilometres as the crow flies from the Essipit First Nation reserve and 110 kilometres and 230 kilometres respectively from the Pekuakamiulnuatsh and Pessamit First Nation reserves (WSP/GCNN, May 2016). The Huron-Wendat Nation (Wendake) reserve would be located 175 kilometres as the crow flies from the project site (WSP/GCNN, January 2018).

The Proponent indicates that following the various petitions addressed to the representatives of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh and Essipit First Nations, related to the occupation and the use of the land and resources, the representatives confirmed that the local study area is not occupied or used by the Innu, but that some members might practice winter ice fishing as traditional activities on the Saguenay River in the

Sainte-Rose-du-Nord area (WSP/GCNN, May 2016). Many Innu would rent fishing huts on the Saguenay River, outside the local study area, to fish for food (Transfert environnement et société, April 2016). The Proponent and the First Nations consulted did not document other First Nation land uses, such as for berry picking or hunting in the limited study area.

According to the Huron-Wendat Nation, research conducted by the Bureau du Nionwentsïo (Nionwentsïo office) shows that the area could be used in a contemporary manner by several members of the Huron-Wendat Nation (Nation huronne-wendat, 2017).

7.7.2 Proponent's assessment of environmental effects

Anticipated effects

For the three phases of the Project, the construction, operation and decommissioning, the Proponent considers that the potential sources of effects on human health are the same, namely:

Potential degradation of air quality related to the emission of contaminants into the atmosphere. These contaminants mainly include particulate matter (dust) and gaseous combustion compounds (exhaust gases).
An increase in noise level.
A potential increase in light intensity.
Potential water contamination.

Considering the non-significant environmental effects with respect to the atmospheric environment (Section 6.1), the sound environment (Section 6.2), the light environment (Section 6.3) and water quality (Section 6.4), the Proponent believes that there would be no significant adverse effects on human health, including that of the First Nations.

The Proponent estimates that the risks to human health from dust inhalation would be negligible outside the project site as modeled in (Section 6.1). He proposes a number of mitigation measures, including the implementation of a dust management plan to limit the spread of air emissions outside the project site (WSP/GCNN, December 2017).

The Proponent estimates that the health risks attributable to the increase in noise level (Section 6.2) would be low as the noise levels simulated for the construction, operation and decommissioning scenarios are lower than the change criterion in the percentage of Health Canada's highly affected population (% AH).

The Proponent believes that the increase in light intensity (Section 6.3) would not be sufficient to generate discomfort (WSP/GCNN, May 2016). The modeling carried out by the Proponent indicates that the residents in the project area will not be highly affected by the luminous halo resulting from the Project, as the luminous but modified environment will remain typical of a low light area. The Proponent indicates, however, that no one would be affected by the intrusive light, since the residents closest to the illuminated areas are located more than one kilometre from the project site boundary.

The Proponent states that the environmental risks of poisoning are primarily related to potential contamination of fish that may occur as a result of an accidental spilling of oil or hazardous materials into the aquatic environment (this is discussed in Section 6.4 on surface and underground water and in Section 8.1 on accidents and malfunctions). The Proponent estimates, however, that there would be little impact on fish considering the constant renewal of water by the downstream current of the Saguenay River on the surface and the deeper tidal stream. The impact study reveals the presence of certain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals in the sediments located at the location set aside for wharf construction (WSP/GCNN, March 2017). Given the low concentrations measured and the fact that no component of the Project would be likely to modify the concentrations in the environment, the Proponent considers that these contaminants would have no effect on the fish.

The Proponent states that the Project would have no potential effect on the quality and quantity of drinking water available in the residents' wells near the project site (Section 6.4) since these wells are not in the same watershed as the project site (WSP/GCNN, May 2016; WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

Mitigation and monitoring measures proposed by the Proponent

The Proponent has proposed a number of mitigation and monitoring measures to reduce the effects of the Project on the atmospheric environment (Section 6.1), the sound environment (Section 6.2), the light environment (Section 6.3) and water quality (Section 6.4).

7.7.3 Observations received

Government authorities

Health Canada considers that the establishment of a follow-up committee as proposed by the proponent (WSP / GCNN, May 2016) could address public concerns related to air quality and noise, share monitoring data with the community and, if necessary, identify and implement additional mitigation measures. The Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (MDDELCC) notes that concerns about noise, lightness, air quality and water quality have been raised by the public. In order to promote the best possible integration of the project in the host environment, taking into account the concerns and views of local and regional actors, the MDDELCC considers that the proponent must make the commitment to put in place a follow-up committee before the construction, if any. The proponent must also maintain this committee, both for the construction phase and the operating phase.

Atmospheric environment

Health Canada is of the opinion that if the concentrations of contaminants measured in the field at the follow-up prove to be similar to the concentrations modeled and presented by the Proponent (WSP/GCNN, March 2017), the Project is not expected to have an adverse effect on the health of neighbouring populations. This opinion is, however, dependent on the Proponent applying all of the proposed mitigation measures for the protection of air quality and more specifically those included in its dust management plan. Verification of the accuracy of the modeling and the actual effectiveness of the mitigation measures through its air quality monitoring program would also be very important. The MDDELCC is also of this opinion. In addition, MDDELCC considers that monitoring should be in place for the entire construction period and for the first three years of operation. It also considers that the dust management plan should be updated at least annually, based on findings made during operation.

Health Canada's advice also responds to the concerns of Environment and Climate Change Canada and the MDDELCC regarding the necessity for all mitigation measures planned to be put in place as well as the implementation of a dust management plan including monitoring of air quality.

Sound environment

Health Canada is of the opinion that if the noise levels measured in the field during construction and use of the terminal proves to be similar to the levels modeled by the Proponent, the Project is not expected to have an adverse effect on the health of neighbouring populations.

This opinion is, however, dependent on the Proponent applying all of the proposed mitigation measures to limit the noise generated by the Project. Verification of the accuracy of the modeling and the actual effectiveness of the mitigation measures through its sound quality monitoring program in the construction phase (WSP, October 2017) would also be very important.

However, Health Canada clarifies that adherence to the standards and criteria on which the Proponent based its assessment of the impact of the Project on the sound environment (e.g. % of AH increase - % of the population significantly impaired below 6.5%) is not necessarily a guarantee that there is no impact. In a very quiet environment, such as the one where the Project would be located, an increase in the sound level of about ten decibels for some receivers (as predicted by the Proponent's modeling WSP/GCNN, May 2016), although it respects the standards and criteria, could affect these receivers. Sound effects are highly dependent on the interference of noise with the activities that people are trying to carry out (e.g. sleep) in relation to their expectations of quietness and calm during these activities (Health Canada, January 2017).

Light environment

Health Canada states that it has no expertise in the health effects associated with changing the lighting environment.

Quality of water, traditional food sources and recreational activities

Health Canada considers it important to limit any resuspension of sediments in the water column during the construction and operation phases given the presence of certain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals in the sediments (WSP/GCNN, March 2017). PAHs are toxic to health and can bioaccumulate in fishery products that may be harvested near the project site (WSP/GCNN, May 2016) by local people or First Nations members. Environment and Climate Change Canada considers that the mitigation measures proposed by the Proponent would limit the resuspension of sediments during construction and that the operation of vessels would not have a significant effect on this aspect given the presence of rock and the extreme depth to the right of the wharf.

Health Canada suggests that protecting the quality of groundwater that could potentially be used as a source of drinking water is important. Although the Proponent states that the residents' wells would not be in the same watershed as the project site and that there would be no effect on the quality and quantity of water available, Health Canada is of the opinion that the Proponent's proposed groundwater monitoring program would be a good way to address the concerns expressed by the public. Health Canada's advice also agrees with Environment and Climate Change Canada's advice in section 6.4.2 regarding the need for a water quality monitoring in order to detect and prevent any release of harmful substances into the surface water, groundwater and the waters of the Saguenay River.

First Nations

The Essipit Innu First Nation raised concerns about the increased likelihood of a spill that could affect traditional foods near the terminal considering the increased risk of an accident related to increased marine traffic (Conseil de la Première Nation des Innus Essipit [Essipit Innu First Nation Council], 2016). This aspect is discussed in Section 8.1 on accidents and malfunctions.

The Essipit Innu First Nation is also concerned that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments that may be toxic to wildlife and humans may rise to the surface during construction of the wharf (CEAA, October 2016).

Public

The public has raised concerns about the protection of health and quality of life (Bouchard, 2016; CREDD, 2016; Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier, 2016; Lord, 2016). The effects addressed in connection with health concern the quality of air and drinking water as well as the sound and lights environments.

Some residents have said that they fear for the respiratory health of children, the elderly and people suffering from respiratory illnesses related to dust and more specifically, to fine particles, which may be generated by the Project (Bouchard, 2016). According to a survey conducted by Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean's Conseil Régional de l'Environnement et du Développement durable, the potential impact on air quality would also present a problem for a certain percentage of the population (CREDD, 2016). During public consultations organized by the Agency in Saint-Fulgence on October 4 and 5, 2017, citizens asked whether measuring stations would be installed to monitor air quality and how dust management would be ensured (ACEE, January 2017). In its air quality monitoring program, the Proponent confirmed that a weather station and stations monitoring the quality of ambient air would be installed near the Project (see Section 6.1 of this report). The Proponent would also implement a system for managing and resolving complaints related to air quality.

Concerns were also raised with respect to the potential risk of hydrocarbon or toxic substance spills, as well as the use of de-icing agents and dust controllers on the contamination of surface wells that supply homes in the area with drinking water (Bouchard, 2016). The Proponent suggested mitigation and water-quality monitoring measures (Section 6.4).

The public is also concerned about potential effects of noise levels related to the terminal's construction and operation (WSP/GCNN, May 2016; CREDD, 2016). Citizens remembered that during the consultation on the impact assessment, the acoustics specialist hired by the Proponent indicated that the quieter the area, the more sounds are perceived as irritations because they are not masked by a cacophony as they are in the city. Noises are perceived intensely in silence. L'Anse à Pelletier is a very quiet area (Bouchard, 2016).

During public consultations held on October 4 and 5, 2017, citizens also voiced concerns about the light and noise that would be associated with the Project and could harm residents' quality of life. Of particular concern were the effects of noise from intensive trucking and dock activities during the terminal's construction and operation, especially the propagation of sound and vibrations toward residences located near the project site. People were worried about the difference that might exist between the effect estimation models presented in the impact assessment and reality. Vibrations can also be a source of irritation. Also mentioned were the dynamiting planned for the terminal's construction that could produce pollution, mainly dust, and the noise that could adversely affect residents living near the project site (ACEE, January 2017).

7.7.4 The Agency's analysis and conclusion

Effect analysis

Given the application of key mitigation measures mentioned below, the Agency thinks that the Project is unlikely to have significant negative effects on the health of the population, including that of the Innu and Huron-Wendat First Nations (Appendix C).

To support its conclusions, the Agency is relying on the opinion of Environment and Climate Change Canada, which think that the concentrations of contaminants in the air during the Project's construction and operation would be compliant with provincial air quality standards and criteria and with the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment's Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards, if mitigation measures are put in place. The effect's intensity would be low-level, considering the mitigation measures implemented to ensure that the provincial and federal standards and criteria are respected for air and water quality and for noise emissions. Modifications to the atmospheric, acoustic and light environments would be localized because they would be experienced in a ray of less than one kilometre beyond the project site's boundary. The nearest residence is located 1.3 kilometres from the site. These low-level effects would last throughout the operation.

Given that the Project would be located in a very tranquil environment, the Agency thinks that the Proponent's monitoring program should include a complaint resolution system.

The Agency notes that the Project involves few human health risks associated with the effects of intrusive light in residences.

Based on the opinion of Natural Resources Canada (Section 6.4), the Agency has concluded that the Project does not involve the risk of contaminating the drinking-water wells of residences near the Project.

The Agency notes that the Project involves little risk of contaminating fish, including those that may be eaten as traditional food, since emissions of contaminants into the air and water will respect provincial and federal standards and criteria for air and water quality. The Agency also notes that the risk of contaminating fish by stirring up contaminated sediment during construction would be low, considering the presence of rock, the great depth to the right of the dock and the proposed mitigation measures.

Key mitigation measures to avoid significant effects

The Agency identified the principal mitigation measures necessary to ensure that there would be no significant adverse environmental effect on human health, including that of the Innu and Huron-Wendat First Nations.

It took into account mitigation measures suggested by the Proponent, the opinion of governmental authorities, and the comments made by First Nations and the public:

The proponent develops, before construction and in consultation with potentially affected parties and competent authorities, and implement, measures to mitigate dust emissions generated by the designated Project. These measures will take into consideration the ambient air standards and criteria set out in the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment's Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards and in the Quebec Clean Air Regulation. Notably, the Proponent will:
- Use dust controllers compliant with the Bureau de Normalisation du Québec's NQ 2410-300 standard for all activities that may generate dust;
- Not handle granular materials in high winds;
- Limit vehicle speed to 40 kilometres/hour on roads located within the designated Project's property lines and will require everyone to respect this limit;
- Use dust collectors during unloading and handling of materials.
The Proponent will not exceed the noise limits included in the Guidelines concerning sound levels coming from an industrial construction site and in the Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques's Note d'instructions 98-01 sur le bruit during, respectively, construction and operation.
The proponent develops, prior to construction and in consultation with potentially affected parties, a protocol for receiving complaints about air quality and exposure to noise and light produced by the designated Project. The Proponent will address every complaint received within the protocol's framework within 48 hours of receipt and will implement, in a timely manner, corrective measures to reduce changes to air quality and exposure to noise or light. The Proponent will implement the protocol during construction and operation.

Need for and requirements of follow-up

The Agency took into account monitoring programs that the Proponent proposed, the opinions of experts from federal authorities and observations presented by the public and the First Nations to identify the monitoring programs necessary to verify the anticipated effects on human health and the efficacy of mitigation measures:

The proponent develops, before construction and in consultation with potentially affected parties and competent authorities, a follow-up program to verify the appropriateness of the environmental assessment and to evaluate the efficacy of mitigation measures related to the designated Project's adverse effects caused by changes to air quality and impacting human health. Specifically, the monitoring program will include the following elements:
- Installing, before construction begins, a weather station on the designated Project's site to establish local weather conditions and determine the location of sampling sites on the basis of prevailing winds and maintaining the station during construction and operation;
- Monitoring, during construction and operation, concentrations of total particulate matter, fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and crystalline silica in the air, by using as a base of comparison the ambient air standards and criteria set out in the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment's Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards and in the Quebec Clean Air Regulation;
- Advising the Agency in writing within 24 hours of any exceedance observed by the Proponent of ambient air standards and criteria set out in the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment's Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards and in the Quebec Clean Air Regulation;
- Implementing modified or additional mitigation measures if the monitoring results show exceedances of the ambient air standards and criteria set out in the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment's Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards and in the Quebec Clean Air Regulation.
The proponent develops, before construction and in consultation with potentially affected parties and competent authorities, a follow-up program to verify the appropriateness of the environmental assessment and to evaluate the efficacy of mitigation measures related to the designated Project's adverse effects caused by changes to the acoustic environment and impacting human health. As a basis for comparison for the monitoring program, the Proponent will use noise limits specified in the Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques's Lignes directrices relativement aux niveaux sonores provenant d'un chantier de construction industriel and in the Note d'instructions 98-01 sur le bruit. Specifically, the monitoring program will include the following elements:
- Monitoring, during construction, noise levels over a 24-hour period once per season at the four receivers identified by the Proponent on Chart 1 of the Ambient Noise Monitoring Program during Construction submitted in response to the ACEE 2-40 request for information (December 2017). The monitoring took place on days on which construction activities were likely to generate noise, and which the Proponent identified in Section 1.2 of the Ambient Noise Monitoring Program during Construction, occurred;
- Monitoring, during the first three years of operation, noise levels over a 24-hour period once a year between May and October at the four receivers identified by the Proponent on Chart 1 of the Ambient Noise Monitoring Program during Construction submitted in response to the ACEE 2-40 request for information (December 2017). The monitoring was conducted on the days when the ships were loaded. Based on the monitoring program's results, the Proponent will determine whether further monitoring must be done after the third year in operation. At a minimum, the Proponent will do additional monitoring during the fourth year in operation if the monitoring results show that the noise limits in the Note d'instructions 98-01 sur le bruit have been exceeded during the third year;
- Implementing modified or additional mitigation measures in compliance with condition 2.6 to reduce noise levels if monitoring results show that noise levels exceeded the limits found in the Lignes directrices relativement aux niveaux sonores provenant d'un chantier de construction industriel durant la construction by more than three decibels or the noise limits found in the Note d'instructions 98-01 sur le bruit by more than one decibel during operation.

7.8 Aboriginal Peoples – Current Use of Lands and Resources for Traditional Purposes

In its Technical Guidelines for the Assessment of Current Use of Lands and Resources for Traditional Purposes, the Agency defines current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes as hunting, fishing, trapping, berry picking, cultural uses and other traditional uses of the land (for example, the gathering of medicinal plants or the use of sacred sites) and travel to participate in these activities. Current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes reflects practices or activities that are part of the distinctive culture of First Nations, which are common to First Nations and will likely be in the reasonably near future. The Agency considers uses that may have ceased because of external factors if they can reasonably be expected to resume once conditions are restored.

According to the Agency, a significant residual adverse effect is one that would result in a high degree of disruption of traditional practices or activities by altering the quantity and quality of available resources or access to traditional territory. The criteria for evaluating environmental effects and the effects identification matrix used by the Agency are shown in Appendices A and B, respectively.

The Agency examined whether the project could result in a change in access to the land, the perceived loss of resource quality (perception of contamination) and the availability of wildlife and plant resources for hunting, trapping and gathering to determine adverse effects on current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes.

For the purposes of its analysis, the Agency examined potential environmental changes that could have an impact on the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes in Innu territory (the Nitassinan, or ancestral homeland) and in the territory over which the Huron-Wendat Nation assert its rights (Nionwentsïo).

In fact, the project could have an impact on the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes, as well as on the natural and cultural heritage of a territory subject to joint claims by the Essipit Innu, Pekuakamiulnuatsh and Pessamit Innu First Nations (i.e. southwest part of the Nitassinan). It could also have an impact on the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes, as well as on the natural and cultural heritage of the Huron-Wendat Nation in its main territory (Nionwentsïo) and beyond. The effects on the natural and cultural heritage are examined in Section 7.9.

Based on its analysis, the Agency concludes that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes, given the implementation of the mitigation measures:

The construction, operation and closure of the project would result in little change in access to traditional territory and land use;
The project is unlikely to result in changes in abundance of fish species commonly caught.

The subsections that follow describe the reference state and the key components of the proponent's analysis, and provide expert departmental opinions as well as advice from the First Nations and the public on which the Agency has based its conclusion on the significance of the project's effects on the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes.

7.8.1 Reference state

The project site is located in the Nitassinan, the ancestral homeland of the Essipit or Essipiunnuat Innu First Nation. According to the proponent, the local study area is at the junction of the boundaries of the Nitassinan of the First Nations of Essipiunnuat and Pekuakamiulnuatsh and the southwest part of the Nitassinan (WSP/GCNN, May 2016). The limited study area is entirely within the Nitassinan of the Essipit Innu, on municipal territory. Figure 13 consists of a map indicating the ancestral territory of the Essipit Innu, Pekuakamiulnuatsh and Pessamit Innu First Nations, as well as that of the Huron-Wendat Nation.

According to the WSP/GCNN environmental impact statement published in May 2016, the Essipit Innu First Nation owns reserve land 40 km northeast of Tadoussac on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, near Les Escoumins Bay, and located about 100 km east of the project as the crow flies. The Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh) owns reserve land 6 km from Roberval on the west shore of Lac Saint-Jean, or approximately 110 km west of the project. Lastly, the Pessamit Innu or Pessamiulnuat First Nation owns reserve land 54 km southwest of Baie-Comeau on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, or approximately 160 km from the project. The Nitassinan of Mashteuiatsh covers 79,062 km². The Nitassinan of Essipit covers 8,403 km², and the Nitassinan of Pessamit covers 137,829 km².

Wendake is located in the Capitale-Nationale administrative region, 175 km from the project site as the crow flies, and is surrounded by Quebec City. The reserve covers approximately 4.36 km² and is bordered by the St. Charles River, known to the Huron-Wendat Nation as "Akiawenhrahk", or "trout river." The Huron-Wendat Nation recently acquired a larger inhabitable territory, which was converted into a reserve. (Bureau du Nionwentsïo, April 2018).

According to the Huron-Wendat Nation, the project site is located on the northern boundary of its main territory, Nionwentsïo, which is protected by the Huron-British Treaty of 1760. The Nation also maintains that the delimitation of Nonwentsïo represents its main territory, and that its geographic scope could be broadened (Huron-Wendat Nation, November 2017). Moreover, it has pointed out the importance of understanding that this project will have effects that go beyond local issues, especially with respect to marine transportation (Bureau du Nionwentsïo, April 2018).

Figure 13: Use of the Territory near the Project Site by the Essipit Innu, Pekuakamiulnuatsh and Pessamit First Nations and the Huron-Wendat Nation

Figure 13: Use of the Territory near the Project Site by the Essipit Innu, Pekuakamiulnuatsh and Pessamit First Nations and the Huron-Wendat Nation

Source: Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

Project site and the Nitassinan of the Innu First Nations

The study on Indigenous knowledge and use of resources by the Innu Nations submitted by the proponent (Transfert environnement et société, September 2016) states that First Nations were present in the Saguenay River estuary as early 6,000 to 3,000 years ago. The study was corroborated by the Essipit Innu, Pekuakamiulnuatsh and Pessamit Innu First Nations. The shores of the Saguenay River and, in particular, those of Sainte-Marguerite Bay, were occupied by large Indigenous communities as early as 6,000 years ago. Later on, the Innu First Nations lived along the tributaries of the Saguenay River and, at one time, along the shores of the Saguenay Fjord.

The Innu travelled the Saguenay River, which is included in the expanded study area, to get to other rivers and portage routes that led them into the interior of the territory (Transfert environnement et société, September 2016). The Innu's historical use and occupation of the extended study area are corroborated by more than 100 historical references describing the toponymy, portages, hunting grounds and occupation sites (Conseil de la Première Nation des Innus Essipit, November 2016).

According to the proponent, the Essipit Innu and their ancestors also used the forest for hunting and trapping land mammals, and the coastline for salt water fishing and hunting seals and migratory birds. The shores of the Saguenay provided a wealth of resources, including sea-run salmonids. Salmon were likely fished at the mouth of the four salmon rivers flowing into the Saguenay: the Rivière-à-Mars River, the Petit-Saguenay River, the St-Jean River and, on the north shore, the Sainte-Marguerite River (Transfert environnement et société, September 2016).

The beaver reserve lots, for which the Innu First Nations hold exclusive fur trapping rights, are located more than 50 km northeast of the project site. Therefore, fur trapping does not take place in the extended study area (Transfert environnement et société, September 2016).

Several Innu families continue to practise traditional hunting and fishing activities in Upper and Lower Saguenay areas. The territories to the north of the Saguenay are still frequented by members of the Essipit Innu First Nation (Transfert environnement et société, September 2016).

According to the proponent, there are currently no traditional or economic activities taking place within the limited study area, because this area is privately owned land. Few Innu go to the site itself. The proponent points out that the Essipit Innu ice fish for food in two sectors of the Saguenay River (WSP/GCNN, May 2016): Anse-à-Benjamin (La Baie) and Sainte-Rose-du-Nord. This is apparently the only activity practised in the local study area. Apparently, The Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation also practises winter fishing (in Mashteuiatsh). However, according to the proponent, no fishing huts have been seen near the projected wharf infrastructure. The known ice fishing sites used by the local population are located further up the Saguenay River at Anse à Pelletier and to the east of the Jalbert Islands (WSP/GCNN, May 2016). Moreover, the immediate project site is rarely visited by ice fishers because of the craggy shores that limit access to the river (WSP/GCNN, December 2017).

Ice fishing is currently banned within the jurisdiction of the Saguenay Port Authority, except for the Saint-Fulgence sector, for which an agreement was reached between the municipality and the proponent. The project site is not located in this area. However, the proponent has applied to Transport Canada for permission to extend its jurisdiction up to the boundaries of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, which would include the terminal project sector. The ban on ice fishing could therefore apply to the project sector in the future, limiting access to ice fishers.

The project site and the Nionwentsïo of the Huron-Wendat Nation

The Huron-Wendat also used the Saguenay River for their traditional activities (Huron-Wendat Nation, November 2017). According to the Huron-Wendat Nation, their Iroquoian ancestors frequented the Saguenay Fjord and sites such as Pointe-aux-Alouettes located in the St. Lawrence River at the mouth of the Saguenay River, as corroborated by a number of archeological sites and artifacts.

According to the Huron-Wendat Nation, as early as the 17th century and even before, their ancestors would travel to the Saguenay to trade and maintain diplomatic relations, and they reached an agreement with the Algonquians establishing the Saguenay River as the northeast boundary of the Huron-Wendat's traditional territory (Huron-Wendat Nation, November 2017). The territory, known as Nionwentsïo, or "our magnificent territory," corresponds to the territory frequented by the Huron-Wendat at the time of the Huron-British Treaty of 1760.

When it prepared its environmental assessment report, the Agency did not have all the information needed to support its assessment of the effects of the project on current use by the Huron-Wendat Nation. Discussions between the Agency, the proponent and the Huron-Wendat Nation in March 2018, and consultations with the Nation regarding the preliminary environmental assessment report should allow the Agency to complete its analysis.

The Huron-Wendat Nation told the Agency that many of its members use the territory surrounding the project site, as well as the entire Saguenay River (Huron-Wendat Nation, November 2017). It also told the proponent that current traditional activities have been documented in the local and extended study areas, namely navigation and fishing (Huron-Wendat Nation, April 2018):

Potential effects are anticipated because of the presence and movement of ships and the increase in marine traffic, particularly the risk of accidents and collisions and the inherent risk of spills. The impact is expected to be especially significant on fishing activities near the project site and on the Saguenay River, including near the mouth of the Saguenay River, during the operational phase of the project.
The increase in marine traffic would also have an effect on the Huron-Wendat's navigation of the Saguenay River. These effects could also be felt by the beluga whales, which are part of the cultural and natural heritage of the Huron-Wendat Nation, as is the ecological integrity of the territory in general. As mentioned earlier, the effects on the natural and cultural heritage are examined in Section 7.9.

According to preliminary information submitted by the Huron-Wendat Nation to the proponent, some Nation members fish at the mouth of the Rivière-à-Mars River located in the baie des Ha! Ha! in the local study area. Another Nation member fishes at the mouth of the Saguenay River and navigates the river between the Sainte-Rose-du-Nord sector and Tadoussac. Along this 100-kilometre route, there are various stopover and camping sites on the shores of the Saguenay River (Huron-Wendat Nation, April 2018).

7.8.2 Proponent's assessment of environmental effects

Anticipated effects

According to the proponent, the effects of the project on the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes are potentially related to changes in access and use of the territory associated with the perception of a loss of resource quality and a reduction in the success of ice fishing practised by some First Nations members. The proponent is proposing several mitigation measures to protect the fish and fish habitat, as well as the practice of ice fishing. These measures are outlined in Schedule E.

The proponent points out that the Essipit Innu practise winter fishing for food in two sectors of the Saguenay River (WSP/GCNN, May 2016): Anse-à-Benjamin (La Baie) and Sainte-Rose-du-Nord. This would be the only activity practised in the local study area. The Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation also practises ice fishing (in Mashteuiatsh). The proponent maintains that the project will have no residual adverse effect on the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes, considering that ice fishing will not be affected by the project and that no other use was identified by the Innu First Nations consulted (WSP/GCNN, May 2016).

In the absence of information about the uses made by the Huron-Wendat Nation, the proponent assumed that its members used the area in the same way as the Innu Nations and the general public. Potential sources of adverse effects on current Huron-Wendat use of lands and resources for traditional purposes examined by the proponent involved mainly the project's effects on the fishing practised by some Nation members (WSP/GCNN, January 2018). The proponent concluded that there were no significant effects on the Nation's current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes (WSP/GCNN, January 2018).

Change in access and use of the territory

The proponent does not anticipate any environmental effects on the current use of the territory by the Innu First Nations and the Huron-Wendat Nation as regards the limited study area during the various phases of the project, because they do not practise activities in the terrestrial environment and because the project would not have an effect on ice fishing (WSP/GCNN, May 2016). According to the proponent, based on the work that would be done during the winter, the ice might occasionally have to be removed near the wharf, which could cause the ice to break up along a few dozen metres of the Saguenay River.

During the operational phase, icebreakers clearing access routes to the terminal for cargo ships would open up the ice over an area approximately 100 m long by 3,600 m wide, corresponding to the path the icebreaker would take to get to the wharf from the Saguenay River's navigation channel, for a total loss of about 36 hectares of ice. The total area of ice affected by the icebreaker's passage would be limited to the area around the icebreaker's path. Because of the icebreaker's small size and the marine terminal's location at a bend in the Saguenay River, the proponent maintains that the icebreaker's wake would not destabilize large portions of the ice floe. The amount of time that the ice is disturbed would vary, depending on the frequency of the icebreaker's trips, because it would accompany each ship requiring its services. The proponent states that, after the ice breaker's passage, the wake would freeze over again with the cold weather and the local movement of the ice. The icebreaker's passage would not affect known fishing sites, such as the one at Anse à Pelletier. However, the proponent said that ice fishing would no longer be possible in the immediate area of the maritime terminal (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

Any expansion of the proponent's maritime jurisdiction to include the terminal project sector (described in Chapter 2) would make the proponent responsible for managing ice fishing in the sector. The proponent has not determined how ice fishing might be managed in the new sector, but is considering three options to ensure the continuation of safe ice fishing (WSP/GCNN, March 2017):

Status quo: prohibit ice fishing everywhere except in designated areas authorized by the Saguenay Port Authority and reach agreements with the authorities responsible for managing the sites. This is currently the case in the Saint-Fulgence sector;
Prohibit ice fishing everywhere except in designated areas and leave management of the authorized sites to the authorities currently in charge, which have an agreement with the Saguenay Port Authority;
Authorize ice fishing everywhere, except for areas near the wharves and the navigation channel; authorize ice fishing sites and reach agreements with the authorities responsible for managing recognized sites.

Change in wildlife and plant resources

The proponent believes that the project would have no effect on the abundance of either freshwater or salt water fish supporting traditional fishing activities (see Section 7.3 for information on fish and fish habitats). The proponent also believes that there would be no impact on aquatic birds supporting waterfowl hunting, because very few waterfowl can be found in the project sector during migration periods, except for the marsh areas along the Saguenay River near Saint-Fulgence (WSP/GCNN, May 2016).

Anticipated mitigation, monitoring and follow-up measures

Since it does not expect there to be environmental effects on access to the territory and the availability of resources, the proponent does not anticipate any mitigation, monitoring or follow-up measures related specifically to current use. However, it is proposing mitigation measures to protect fish and fish habitat (Section 7.3). It is also assessing management options that could make safe ice fishing possible in the future extended jurisdiction of the Saguenay Port Authority.

7.8.3 Opinions

Government authorities

Fisheries and Oceans Canada believes that the residual effects on fish and fish habitat are acceptable and can be offset. In addition, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada feel that the monitoring and follow-up program for fish and water quality proposed by the proponent is realistic and adequate for the construction phase, and that long-term follow-up would be required to assess and monitor the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, if the proponent implements all of the mitigation measures identified, they will help minimize the project's potential effects on migratory birds.

First Nations

Innu

The Essipit Innu First Nation said that it has no information as to whether the project site is used by its members for traditional purposes, either in the terrestrial environment or the aquatic environment where the wharf would be built (Essipit, 2015). However, the Innu nations have identified several concerns related to the project.

They mentioned the importance of setting up an offset program for rainbow smelt and asked that the offset measures include the restoration of habitats or spawning areas for the fish. These nations consider smelts the ideal prey for several other fish species and therefore an important link in the Saguenay ecosystem, with substantial economic and recreational tourism potential. They also requested measures to offset the loss of benthic fauna at the projected wharf site.

The effect of dynamiting on fish and marine mammals is also an issue for the Innu nations (Agency, October 2016).

The Innu nations are concerned about the environmental effects of maritime transportation, which is why they believe that this aspect should be included in the environmental assessment for the project. They are mostly concerned about the risk of accidents (malfunctions, collisions, spills, etc.) related to the increase in marine traffic and the arrival of future clients at the terminal. In particular, the Essipit Innu Nation expressed its concerns about the potential effects of maritime transportation on Innu cultural practices (Innu Aitun), such as hunting migratory birds and marine mammals and fishing at the mouth of the Saguenay River and along the coastline up to Les Escoumins. These concerns will be addressed in Chapter 9 on the project's impact on First Nations' rights.

The Innu nations also raised concerns about the potential effects of maritime transportation on the commercial fishing of green sea urchins, shrimp and snow crab (in partnership with the Pessamit Innu), as well as on a number of recreational tourism activities, including whale-watching cruises and tourist accommodations along the coast. (Essipit, 2015; CEAA, October 2016, Transfert environnement et société, September 2016). These socioeconomic aspects are addressed in Section 7.10. Marine transportation could also have an effect on future activities of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh, including commercial fishing at the mouth of the river. This aspect is addressed in the chapter on the impact of the project on First Nations' ancestral rights (Chapter 9).

The Innu First Nations also raised questions about the loss of a forest stand of phytosociological interest, i.e., a four-hectare white pine forest with red pine, black spruce and Eastern white cedar (Conseil de la Première Nation des Innus Essipit, November 2016). This aspect is addressed in Section 7.2 on wetlands and vegetation.

The Huron-Wendat

Like the Innu nations, the Huron-Wendat Nation also raised similar concerns, believing that the project's construction phase and navigation during the operational phase could have an impact on their fishing and navigation activities.

Accidents and malfunctions, and especially the risk of spills and collisions due to increased navigation are of particular concern to the Huron-Wendat Nation, because they could have a significant impact on their traditional fishing activities. The effects of project-related accidents and malfunctions are addressed in Section 8.1. The effects of accidents and malfunctions due to increased navigation beyond the proponent's control, particularly at the mouth of the Saguenay River, are addressed in Section 8.4.

The public

The public has not commented on the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes.

7.8.4 Agency analysis and conclusions

Given the key mitigation measures indicated below, the Agency concludes that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes.

Current uses in the sector concerned reported by the Innu First nations are limited to ice fishing by some of their members. The Huron-Wendat Nation mentioned summer fishing in the baie des Ha! Ha! and at the mouth of the river. The construction and operational phases of the project would result in little change in access to traditional territory and land use. The effects of navigation beyond the proponent's control are addressed in Section 8.4. The Agency believes that the project is not expected to have an impact on Indigenous fishing given the absence of a significant adverse effect on fish and fish habitat (Section 7.3).

In addition, the sector is not recognized as a significant fishing site for the First Nations consulted and the project would not adversely affect fish resources in the Saguenay River at any time of year. However, the Agency notes that the possible extension of the Saguenay Port Authority's jurisdiction could change the regulating of ice fishing in the sector.

The project site and the limited study area are not conducive to the presence of waterfowl. The project would therefore have no impact on this resource, its location or its abundance (Section 7.5).

The Agency has not received information from either the proponent or the First Nations concerning the presence of plant species of interest for the current uses of the projected terminal site.

The Agency concludes that the project would have little effect, since it would cause little or no change in the current use of lands and traditional resources by First Nations (ice and summer fishing) and few or no changes in the abundance of these resources.

However, the Agency is of the opinion that the project is only one of a series of activities on the Saguenay River and, based on the comments of the Innu First Nations and the Huron-Wendat Nation, it adds to the overall pressure on the nations' ability to exercise their rights and practise their traditional activities. The effects on First Nations' rights are addressed in Chapter 9. In addition, the Agency finds that the nations' concern with respect to the cumulative effects of the various maritime projects on the river is justified, although this is beyond its environmental assessment mandate. Section 8.4 on the effects of navigation beyond the proponent's control briefly addresses these issues.

Proposed mitigation, monitoring and follow-up measures

The Agency believes that the following mitigation measures are necessary to ensure that there are no significant adverse environmental effects on the use of lands and resources for traditional purposes:

Implement key mitigation measures for the protection of fish habitat set out in Section 7.3;
Implement key mitigation measures concerning accidents and malfunctions under the proponent's responsibility set out in Section 8.1 in order to avoid adverse effects on resources;
Develop, in consultation with the First Nations, an ice fishing management plan in order to allow for safe ice fishing in the Saguenay Port Authority's jurisdiction on the Saguenay River under the Canada Marine Act, if applicable. Implement the management plan during the operational phase. Describe in the management plan how the proponent took into account information provided by the First Nations and their points of view in the development of the plan. Submit the management plan to the Agency before the operational phase.

The Agency finds that no follow-up program is necessary to verify the accuracy of the expected results on the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes, since the project is expected to have little effect.

7.9 Physical and cultural heritage

The potential effects of the project on the physical and cultural heritage, specifically on the landscape, are among the concerns that have been raised by the public and First Nations. The Agency's view is that the physical and cultural heritage may include features such as the land or resources (eg: artifacts, objects or places), as well as structures, sites or items of significance, distinguished from the background by the value attributed to them (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, 2015). The geological formation of the Saguenay Fjord and archaeological relics, for example, both meet this definition.

For the purposes of the environmental assessment, the effects of the project on the physical or cultural heritage and on structures, sites and other items of historical, archaeological, paleontological or architectural significance must result from an alteration of the environment (changes to the plant cover, soil, water, fauna or habitat). The Agency's analysis takes account of the viewpoint of First Nations and of local people and covers the following elements:

Material objects, structures or human activities (for example, traditional crafts, fossilized remains, historic buildings);
Sites or places (for example, burial grounds, sacred sites, natural landscapes, cultural landscapes);
Attributes (for example, languages, beliefs).

The Agency defines significant residual adverse effects on the physical or cultural heritage or on structures, sites or items of historical, archaeological, paleontological or architectural significance as those entailing loss or alteration of some of their inherent characteristics in a way that compromises their long-term integrity or blocks access to important sites. The criteria for evaluating environmental effects and the Agency's scheme for determining the scale of the effects are shown in Appendices A and B respectively.

On concluding its analysis, the Agency finds that, given the application of mitigation measures, the project would not be likely to entail serious adverse environmental effects on the physical and cultural heritage:

The project location is outside the protected areas of the Saguenay Fjord, namely the Saguenay – St Lawrence Marine Park and the Fjord-du-Saguenay Park, and cannot be seen from either of these parks;
The project would not compromise the long-term integrity of the physical heritage of the Saguenay Fjord, since the stretch of the fjord to which the project applies is already characterized by the existing infrastructure of the Grande-Anse marine terminal, and the proportion of the shoreline disturbed is trivial relative to the entire fjord.
? The project is unlikely to compromise the integrity of cultural heritage or structures, sites or items of historical, archaeological, paleontological or architectural significance.

The following sub-sections lay out the baseline conditions and essentials of the proponent's analysis. They also present the opinions of the competent government departments, First Nations and the public on which the Agency relied in reaching its conclusions on the seriousness of the effects of the environmental changes on the physical or cultural heritage and on structures, sites or items of historical, archaeological, paleontological or architectural significance.

7.9.1 Baseline conditions

This section spells out the baseline conditions of the physical and cultural heritage, based on the information provided by the proponent. It may also contain input received from the public, First Nations and governmental entities.

Physical heritage

The proponent has rated the effects on the physical heritage by examining the project's effects on the visual environment. He defines the visual environment as being composed of the actual landscape, representing a set of interacting natural and human ecosystems, the visible landscape, as perceived, and a symbolic landscape resulting from the values assigned to it by observers (taken from Létourneau et al. 2013).

The Saguenay Corridor, through which the river and the fjord ^Footnote 27 run, links Lac Saint-Jean to the St Lawrence Estuary. The proponent states that the Saguenay Fjord stretches for 120 kilometres and offers breathtaking vistas, punctuated by headlands, sheer cliffs and almost vertical rock walls, generally inaccessible except by water (WSP/GCNN, 2016). The marine portion of the Saguenay fjord is part of the Saguenay – St Lawrence Marine Park (SSLMP), managed jointly by the governments of Canada and Quebec, with participation by shoreline communities. Certain portions of the land bordering the SSLMP fall within the limits of the Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park, managed by the Société des établissements de plein-air du Québec. Both parks are part of the physical heritage and are considered of great value in terms of science, conservation and natural beauty. The proposed project site lies upstream from the two parks.

A regional initiative to have the Saguenay Fjord recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) was launched by several regional partners, including the Innu of Essipit First Nation. However, the site did not appear on the tentative list of world heritage sites in Canada in December 2017. Nonetheless, the information presented in the proponent's impact study shows that the Saguenay Fjord constitutes a major focal point and a unifying factor for developing the region's economy and tourism and recreational potential (WSP/GCNN, 2016). It is also a site of national interest for the Huron-Wendat Nation.

The project would be located on the north shore of the Saguenay, in a section of the river known as the North Arm of the fjord, specifically part of the undeveloped wooded slope between Anse à Pelletier and Cap à l'Est. There are a few dwellings and buildings scattered here and there along Highway 172, which provides access to the planned terminal site. A few secondary roads give access to year-round and seasonal homes on the shores of the larger lakes in the vicinity of the project, among them Lake Neil and Lake Bouchard, and to Pointe aux Pins Bay, near the Jalbert Islands, and Anse à Pelletier (Figure 14). At Cap Jaseux, west of the project site, Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux hosts nearly 20,000 visitors a year and offers recreational and tourist activities such as hikes along the shores of the fjord and a launch ramp for kayaks.

Figure 14: Range of visibility and scale of the project's visual influence

Figure 14: Range of visibility and scale of the project's visual influence

Source: Environmental impact study, WSP/GCNN 2016

On the south shore of the Saguenay, the Cap-à-l'Ouest peninsula opposite the project site is forested except for the port facilities of Grande-Anse, administered by the proponent, and formerly cultivated enclaves. The land is mostly given over to agroforestry, except for the slopes along the fjord, which are wooded and mainly used for recreation and tourism.

The proponent reports that apart from the use of recreational and tourist sites by riparian residents and users, enterprises offer boating excursions and cruises on the North Arm. Observers enjoy long and open views of the shores and of the wooded summits of the surrounding hills, including those where the project will be.

Cultural heritage and historical and archaeological sites

Historically, the Saguenay Fjord served as an access route to the riches of the hinterland and as a trade and communication axis. Today, in the environs of the project, the population is concentrated mainly within the urban limits of the borough of Chicoutimi (Canton-Tremblay) and Saint-Fulgence on the north shore of the river and in the boroughs of Chicoutimi and La Baie on the south shore (Figure 14).

The proponent reports that there was a Euro-Canadian presence in the local study area long before the Saguenay region was opened up to logging in 1938. When the Chicoutimi trading post was established in 1676, it was already known to be part of an active hunting territory. Anse à Pelletier was a prized and busy hub for trading in pelts (furs). Historical data also refer to the use of the territory east of Anse à Pelletier, in particular logging camps around Lake Neil, and occupancy of site known as "Le Petit Glaude", probably comprising a family home and a sugar shack.

The proponent reports that the historical use of the territory and its resources, documented by the Innu along the Saguenay River, confirms the human presence along the Saguenay River. However, no known occupation site has been flagged in the limited study area following consultation of the various sources of information (resource persons and literature), including the study of archaeological potential conducted in the area targeted by the project and filed by the proponent with the impact study (Subarctique, 2014). Though a few archaeological sites have been identified in this study at the mouths of the main tributaries of the Saguenay River, the potential of the hinterland in this region is poorly documented.

According to data from archival maps from the 18th century, there were two portages of interest to the Innu First Nations of Essipit, Pekuakamiulnuatsh and Pessamit (Essipit, 2016) located in the project area. Both routes cross the local study area, but without penetrating the limited study area. One ran from the mouth of the Pelletier River to Little Lake Saint-Germain, and the other from the small bay between Anse à Pelletier and Cap à l'Est to the Sainte Marguerite River. The Huron-Wendat Nation, too, have told the proponent that the Saguenay River was frequented by their ancestors both in transit and for the practice of traditional pursuits. Accordingly, the Huron-Wendats have erected a number of camps on the shores of this river at places where archaeological evidence of the presence of their ancestors has been found. According to the Huron-Wendat, the project site may harbour archaeological artifacts linked to their nation (Huron-Wendat Nation, November 2017).

The archaeological potential study, carried out by Subarctique (2014) on the basis of mapping and documentation (without a site inventory or survey), identifies two areas of low archaeological potential on the project site (Figure 15). These areas are likely to harbour traces of prehistoric or early historic occupations.

Sector 6, with an estimated area of 63,556 square metres, is located near the dock access road, but will not be affected by the work (Figure 15). Sector 7, with an estimated area of 10,974 square metres, is located near the shore of the Saguenay River and crossed by the access road to the dock. The Subarctique study (2014) specifies, though, that sectors potentially containing more recent relics, dating from the periods of colonization and logging, have not been considered.

Figure 15: Area of archaeological potential – First Nations

Figure 15: Area of archaeological potential - First Nations

Source: Environmental Impact Study, WSP/GCNN 2016

7.9.2 Proponent's assessment of the effects

Anticipated effects – Physical heritage

According to the proponent, the adverse effects of the project on the visual environment would result chiefly from the exposure of a rock wall 65 metres high and 280 metres wide and the erection of industrial structures (silos, shed, quay, conveyor, etc). The scale of the effect would be variable, depending on how the changes would appear to an observer, defined by what the observer can see, what value he attaches to the view and the distance of the potential points of observation. Observers located in landscape units R2, R3 and R4 along the Saguenay River (Figure 14) would be most affected by the project. The other landscape units assessed, including sectors of the Saguenay – St Lawrence Marine Park and the Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park, are out of sight of the project site.

In the construction phase, the proponent concludes that the adverse effects would be minor on all the landscape units assessed, with two exceptions, where major adverse effects are foreseen. The proponent's assessment indicates that the intensity of the effects will be strong and will be of average duration (over a year), and the effects would be irreversible for the landscape unit on the north arm of the Saguenay, which includes the project site (unit R2) and the one at the confluence with the downstream part of the fjord facing the project (unit R3).

In the operating phase, the proponent rates the residual effect as insignificant for all landscape units, given the mitigation measures being proposed, such as replanting of areas disturbed by the work and use of camouflaging paint on infrastructure. He nonetheless acknowledges that locally in unit R2, the residual effect will be significant for users of this stretch of the fjord (kayakers, boaters, cruise passengers, etc) and for some residents of Anse à Pelletier (west of the project) and Anse au Sable (opposite the project). This is explained by the fact that the growth of vegetation will do little to reduce the visibility of the installations, especially the exposed rock wall behind the dock as seen by these observers (Figure 16). The proponent bases this conclusion on the great environmental value attached to this landscape by these observers and on the irreversible character of the effect.

Methodology

To assess the effects on the landscape ("visual" component in the impact study, WSP/GCNN, 2016), the proponent defined a landscape study area subdivided into 16 distinct landscape units, representing 5 types of landscape: riverine, urban, agricultural, hilly and lacustrine. He then rated the degree of landscape disturbance in terms of the visibility of the changes wrought and the planned new structures and infrastructure, as seen by an observer located in each landscape unit. The degree of visibility can be seen as the level of visual influence of the infrastructure on an observer as shown in Figure 14. The level of visual influence is not uniform among landscape units, since it depends on where an observer stands. The proponent considered the following influence levels, established on the basis of the distance between an observer and the project, to illustrate the significance of the visual perception of the infrastructure:

Area of strong influence: covers a radius of about ten times the overall height of the infrastructure, amounting to a radius of 645 metres given the height of the exposed rock wall;
Area of moderate influence: covers a radius of about 100 times the overall height of the infrastructure, amounting to a radius of 6.45 kilometres;
Area of low influence: covers the sectors within which the infrastructure remains visible, the limit being set at 25 kilometres.

According to the proponent, in the construction phase the project would change the visual environment and aesthetic quality of the portion of the fjord targeted by the work because of clearcutting and land preparation to expose the rock face (soil stripping, dynamiting of the cliff). Construction of access roads, industrial infrastructure (silo, dome, shed, transfer tower, conveyors) and the dock (wharf, traffic area, ship loader) would also entail changes to the visual environment. Construction of the terminal would add new industrial infrastructure to a portion of the shoreline of the fjord hitherto little disturbed by human activity.

Within landscape unit R2, the visual influence of the infrastructure would be non-existent for residents at the mouth of the Pelletier River and in the curve of Anse aux Sable. The visual influence of the infrastructure would still be strong for residents of Anse à Pelletier, who have long and open views on the fjord, and owners of holiday homes at the western end of Anse au Sable.

Pleasure boaters, cruise passengers, sea kayakers and other occasional users of landscape units R2 and R3 would also see their visual environment altered during construction of the terminal. The visual influence of the infrastructure is considered non-existent for the location of the Cap au Lest outfitters, the Cap à l'Est lighthouse, the New France site, the Saguenay – St Lawrence Marine Park and the Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park, since these sites are out of sight of the project location.

During the operational phase, activities that would have effects on the visual environment and the aesthetic quality of the landscape are essentially associated with the physical presence of various installations at the marine terminal and on the land and shoreline, likewise the occasional berthing of a ship at the dock. The arrival of new clients, increasing the amount of infrastructure, may have some effects on the landscape. According to the maximum operation scenario submitted by the proponent (see chapter 2), additional storage infrastructure (silo or shed) north of the silo and dome planned for stockpiling apatite (on cleared land) and a conveyor for moving material to the dock conveyor would need to be built. This infrastructure would be visible from shoreline properties, public places and tourist sites with a direct view of the project site, as well as from the water, for observers on pleasure craft or cruise ships plying the Saguenay in landscape units R2, R3 and R4 (Figure 14). According to the proponent, the visual influence of this infrastructure would be strong for residents of Anse à Pelletier and the home on Anse au Sable, since the top of the silo and dome for storing apatite or other storage structures for future clients, the exposed rock face along the shore and the dock would remain visible, even allowing for the mitigation measures.

For the decommissioning phase, the proponent plans to remove only the infrastructure associated with the terminal's clients (silo, shed, conveyor). Multi-purpose installations (access road, dock, traffic area and ship loader) will not be dismantled. Removal of the large client-related industrial infrastructure and restoration work, including site replanting and reforesting, at the end of work will help attenuate the terminal's visual footprint.

In response to the concerns raised by the public and First Nations to the effect that the marine terminal project on the north shore could hinder efforts to register the Saguenay Fjord as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the proponent says that river landscape R2, targeted for the terminal, is already characterized by the presence of port infrastructure at the Grande-Anse marine terminal on the south shore. These conditions mean that the stretch of the fjord targeted by the project already falls short of UNESCO's guidelines set out in the World Heritage Convention for selecting sites, but that the terminal's presence should entail no environmental effect on those portions of the fjord that do meet UNESCO's criteria.

Mitigation measures and follow-up proposed by the proponent

In order to reduce the adverse effects on the landscape and the perceived visual environment, the proponent undertakes to implement the following mitigation measures:

Paint site structures and the marine terminal (silo, dome, service buildings, conveyors, etc) in neutral colours with a mat finish to blend in with the colours of the surrounding natural environment and reduce their reflectance;
Promptly replant the scree and denuded surfaces as the work proceeds. Provide for diversified planting comprising a mix of indigenous hardwood and softwood species typical of the surrounding area. In order to expedite plant growth, plant stands of mixed sizes;
At the foot of each dynamited rock face, dig drainage trenches so that a screen of trees can be planted. Replant the base of the exposed rock surfaces with hardwoods (balsam poplar) and softwoods (cedar), arranged alternately and spaced 5.5 metres centre to centre. The saplings would be about 150 centimetres tall on planting. Plant as promptly as possible after completion of work on roads and assorted adjoining areas;
At the crest of each dynamited rock face visible from the water, plant rustic climbing vines, regularly spaced 3 metres apart centre to centre, so as to cloak the exposed rock surfaces in greenery.

Simulations run by the proponent make it possible to visualize the effects of the project and the mitigation measures, as they would be seen by different observers located in the project's areas of visual influence, especially by the residents of Anse à Pelletier (Figure 16) and by observers on a cruise ship heading for La Baie (Figure 17). These visual simulations were carried out considering only the known infrastructure of the primary client, Arianne Phosphate. Future installations (shed, conveyor) which may be required for new clients would be built on surfaces already disturbed by the work. The proponent estimates that the mitigation measures will achieve their optimum visual efficacy after some 20 years, given the height reached by the tree stands and their effectiveness in integrating the installations visually into the surroundings and in reducing their visibility to various observers with a view of the site.

The proponent further undertakes to monitor the integration of the work into the visual environment of the Saguenay Fjord, including rigorous maintenance of the infrastructure and an annual inspection (WSP/GCNN, mars 2017). Photographs taken five years after the end of the work will be used to compare the actual visual effects on the landscape with expectations derived from the simulations and validate the efficacy of the mitigation measures applied. Remedial measures would be enacted as needed. Photographs would then be taken every two years from the same points to track how the vegetation evolves. A monitoring committee (local relations committee) would also be set up to provide contact with the public and oversee the upkeep of the visual environment mitigation measures (WSP/GCNN, mars 2017).

With regard to the arrival of new clients, the proponent states that all applicable regulatory processes will be applied to ensure that the environmental effects associated with a new client's project are assessed and appropriate mitigation measures are taken, in particular for the physical heritage. The proponent, being a federal authority, has obligations in that regard under section 67 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012.

Figure 16: Visual simulations of the project seen by an observer located at Anse à Pelletier

Figure 16: Visual simulations of the project seen by an observer located at Anse à Pelletier

Source: Environmental Impact Statement, WSP / GCNN 2016

Figure 17: Visual simulations of the project seen by an observer on a cruise ship.

Figure 17: Visual simulations of the project seen by an observer on a cruise ship.

Source: Environmental Impact Statement, WSP / GCNN 2016

Anticipated effects – Cultural heritage, historical and archaeological sites and structures

According to the proponent, the adverse effects of the project on cultural heritage are related to site preparation activities and the construction of a culvert to cross the watercourse and of an access road to the dock and its peripheral slopes (WSP/GCNN, May 2016). This work involves excavation or backfill that can result in soil or sediment disruption or the injection of additional backfill. This could cause accidental breakage of objects, displacement of artifacts, exposure of archaeological relics or, conversely, the addition of backfill materials that may limit access to relics related to the First Nations or to the Euro-Canadian presence.

The proponent considers that the work would disrupt the quality and integrity of this element only slightly, since no high-potential site has been identified. Moreover, the mitigation measures would allow for the identification, retrieval and preservation of the cultural heritage, or of things of archaeological significance in the event of a discovery during the work. The effects would be irreversible, but localized and deemed unlikely in view of the mitigation measures. The proponent indicated that the design of the road could not be optimized so as to avoid the sectors identified as having archaeological potential because of technical criteria related to the area's rugged terrain. The proponent agrees to include the First Nations workforce in possible archaeological digs on identified potential sites and elsewhere on the project site, in the event of an archaeological discovery (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

The proponent specified that during the operating and dismantling phase, no activity is likely to disrupt the cultural heritage, since no other excavation work will take place and the access road to the dock will remain in place.

Mitigation and follow-up measures proposed by the proponent

To reduce the adverse effects on the cultural heritage, the proponent agrees to implement the following mitigation measure during the construction phase:

Conduct an archaeological inventory prior to carrying out the tree-clearing and site preparation work within the area with archaeological potential where the work is to take place. If the presence of archaeological relics is confirmed, organize an archaeological dig in the sector under threat of destruction.
If, during the work, relics of historical or archaeological interest are discovered, immediately inform the site supervisor and make arrangements to protect the site. Under the Cultural Heritage Act, it is prohibited to remove anything whatsoever and to displace objects and relics. Suspend the work in the area until the Minister of Culture and Communications authorizes resumption of the work.

The proponent agrees to conduct archaeological monitoring during the work in the areas of low archaeological potential affected by these activities in order to implement the above-mentioned mitigation measures. The proponent concludes that no follow-up program is required.

7.9.3 Observations received

Government authorities

Physical heritage

Parks Canada considers that the methodology used by the proponent is consistent with existing best practices for conducting impact studies on the visual environment. The concepts and the nature of the data collected have been tailored to the receiving environment and project issues. Moreover, Parks Canada considers that the spatial limits and reference data used by the proponent are sufficient and fair for assessing the effects on the landscape. With regard to the proposed mitigation measures, Parks Canada points out that high exposure to wind, unfavourable weather conditions and freezing of plants added to the base and crest of the rock walls would have an impact on the regrowth and sustainability of plant life (balsam poplar, cedars and vines) and that the actual visual effect of these plants is overestimated in visual simulations. It was suggested that the proponent assess the possibility of planting over a broader area (about 30 metres) and consider a larger variety of plants to ensure successful planting. The proponent pointed out that the size of the handling area behind the dock is viewed as minimal for preserving the multi-purpose character of the terminal. In this context, the proponent deems that it is impossible to develop a 30-meter band of vegetation, as this would require moving the wall back about another 25 metres, resulting in an increase in the height of the wall of almost 10 metres and the dynamiting of an additional volume of approximately 500,000 cubic metres of rock. As for plant species, the proponent argues that the balsam poplar and conifers, such as cedar, promote healthy growth under difficult conditions. The proponent would monitor the plants and apply any needed corrective measures, such as, for example, seeding new identified problem areas, replacing dead trees with other species (white pine, red pine, black spruce) or planting more trees in certain areas. Other corrective measures would also be implemented, as needed, such as repainting structures and adjusting the lighting (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

Since the proposed mitigation measures do not focus directly on the main visual nuisance, namely, the rock wall resulting from the excavation of the work area behind the dock, the Quebec department of sustainable development, environment and the fight against climate change and Parks Canada have suggested that alternatives to terracing-style (shelf- or step-style) excavation patterns be assessed. The proponent agrees that the effects on the proposed vertical excavation visual cannot be minimized any further. He however explained that terracing-style was excluded from the possible options because of technical problems related to the geology of the site and to safety. A block of stone detaching from the crest of a wall would be propelled much further away (springboard effect) with a terracing-style design than if the wall was excavated vertically, as chosen by the proponent. In addition, shelf-style cutting would lead to greater encroachment inland and major additional removal of landfill that would need to be relocated on the site, thereby having a greater impact on the landscape. The proponent also considers that the regrowth of plants on the shelves is uncertain owing the thinness of the soil and of the ice (WSP/GCNN, December 2017).

As mentioned previously, the Saguenay Fjord was not chosen as a site to be added to Canada's Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. Parks Canada confirmed the proponent's interpretation to the effect that the Saguenay Fjord site does not meet the World Heritage's high standard of outstanding universal value with respect to the value of its geological heritage or the value of its cultural heritage. However, the site has the potential of demonstrating outstanding universal value with respect to its biological productivity. Consequently, Parks Canada is of the opinion that the presence of the Marine Terminal on the North Shore is not likely to generate any probable environmental effects on efforts to register the Saguenay Fjord as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage site as long as it has no impact on the Saguenay's biological productivity.

The ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatique (MDDELCC) considers negligible the measures proposed by the proponent to reduce the effects of the project on the landscape on the north shore of the Saguenay. The MDDELCC is of the opinion that the effects of the project with the proposed multi-user design would contribute to maximizing an already significant change in the landscape that would be caused by the installation of a terminal aimed at a single user, thus creating an irreversible scar in the event of the cessation of port activities. For this reason, the MDDELCC favors a marine terminal for the use of a single client. This choice would reduce the height of the rock wall at the back of the wharf and its overall footprint.

First Nations

Physical heritage

The Pekuakamiulnuatsh and the Innu of Essipit First Nations are involved with other partners in designating the Saguenay Fjord as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Fjord is an important element of the cultural heritage of these First Nations. The Innu of Essipit First Nation is also very sensitive to the maintenance of the integrity of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park.

The Huron-Wendat Nation emphasized that the Saguenay Fjord is a site of national interest to them. They raised concerns about the potential effects of increased navigation on the Beluga whale, which is part of the Huron-Wendat Nation's cultural and natural heritage, as well as the ecological integrity of the territory more generally. The effects of the project on the beluga are discussed in sections 7.4 (marine mammals) and 8.3 (cumulative effects).

Cultural heritage, historical and archaeological sites and structures

Even before the proponent's environmental impact study was tabled, the Innu of Essipit, the Pekuakamiulnuatsh and the Innu of Pessamit First Nations informed the Agency of their willingness to collaborate and take part in possible archaeological work that may be required to complete construction of the terminal. They also provided clarifications to correct the information presented by the proponent in his environmental impact study on the historical use of the land and its resources, including the following elements:

The shores of the Saguenay feature sites that accommodated large groups (6,000) of Indigenous Peoples prior to the present, particularly in Baie Sainte-Marguerite;
Both archaeological and documentary research indicate that some sections of the Saguenay shores were conducive to resource development, particularly anadromous salmonids ^Footnote 28. Salmon fishing was likely practiced at the mouth of the four salmon rivers flowing into the Saguenay;
Many ancient portages linking the Saguenay to the hinterlands cross through the extended study area, as defined by the promoter in the environmental impact study. Two of these ancient portages cross the local area under study and link it to the Sainte-Marguerite River, without however crossing the restricted area under study;
The Innu's use and historical occupancy of the extended study area, as defined by the proponent in the environmental impact study, covers over 100 historical references, both in terms of toponymy and portages, hunting grounds and occupancy sites.

The Huron-Wendat Nation is concerned about the potential effects of the project on their archaeological heritage and considers that they should have been consulted by the proponent prior to the assessment process (Huron-Wendat Nation, November 2017). Thus, the Nation could have contributed to the impact study along with other relevant information concerning the Huron-Wendat, both prehistorically and historically. The impact study omits to mention the previous presence of the Huron-Wendat Nation, which is unacceptable for this Nation (Nionwentsïo Office, April 2018). In addition, the Huron-Wendat Nation insists on the importance of its involvement in archaeological work related to the project. The Nionwentsïo Bureau reiterates that it must be closely involved, as soon as possible in these steps, including the choice of the archeology firm that will carry out the interventions. Assistants of Huron-Wendat archaeological excavations should also be present during the work to be done in the field.

The Public

Physical heritage

A number of citizens and environmental groups have voiced their concerns about the development of an industrial marine terminal in an undeveloped sector of the Saguenay Fjord, which is viewed as an element of great value for the region's physical heritage (CREDD, 2016; Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier, 2016; Blackburn, 2016; Lord, 2016). Several of the region's players have supported the project to include the Saguenay Fjord on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Some citizens pointed out that the Anse à Pelletier landscapes are recognized for their natural beauty and actually show very little evidence of human activity. They refer to the comments of historian Russel-Aurore Bouchard, who describes this area as the "green diamond" of the Saguenay (Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier, 2016).

According to a survey conducted by the Conseil régional de l'environnement et du développement durable du Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean (CREDD) (Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean regional council on the environment and sustainable development), altering landscapes ranks second in concerns related to the project's environmental effects, just behind the effects on water quality (CREDD, 2016). The CREDD pointed out that the proponent only takes into consideration docked ships into his assessment of visual effects and fails to consider sailing ships, which also have a visual impact.

Some citizens (Lord, 2016; Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier, 2016) believe that this marine terminal, particularly the exposed rock wall of the cliff, would have a significant and irreversible effect on the landscape and that no mitigation measures could negate these effects. They mentioned that the construction of a port at this long pristine rock face would break the unity of the landscape. Some citizens have asked that an alternate shelf (or step) excavation method, on which trees would grow and fit more naturally into the landscape, be assessed.

Conversely, some people fear that step-style (terracing-style) excavation would have a greater visual effect (Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier, 2016). The proponent's answers regarding this alternative are discussed in the previous section on Observations received from government authorities. Concerns were also raised about the effectiveness of the infrastructure maintenance measures, particularly to avoid the deterioration of the condition of the paint and the actual effectiveness of the planting of vines to mitigate the visual effect of the rock wall. Moreover, some citizens deplored the fact that visual simulations, carried out for year 1 and year 20 of the project, present only one user. They fear that the expansion of the storage areas as a result of the arrival of other clients will further alter the landscape. Other citizens also questioned the method used by the proponent to assess the effects on the landscape, as well as the use of the synthesized images to simulate the effects rather than using actual photographs.

Some observations received referred to the fact that the effect on the landscape of a project of this scale, suggesting permanent alteration of the landscape, should not be limited to what can currently be seen from areas occupied or used by human beings. The effect should also take into consideration the very nature of the landscape that is affected, how human beings might use it in the future, and its value. The rarity of the geological formation of the Fjord has also been underscored. Fjords at this latitude and of this length are extremely rare (Lord, 2016). Some citizens referred to the world's recognition of the beauty of the Saguenay Fjord landscapes. It was also mentioned that the project site will offer vistas that will be visible not only from dwellings, but also from the Anse à Pelletier beach and the Saguenay River.

Cultural heritage, historical and archaeological sites and structures

The public has not expressed any specific concerns about the cultural heritage.

7.9.4 The Agency's analysis and conclusion

Analysis of effects

Given application of the mitigation measures indicated below, the Agency considers that the project is unlikely to generate significant adverse environmental effects on the physical and cultural heritage. In the long term, the project would not compromise the integrity of the physical heritage of the Saguenay Fjord for the entire landscape units that have been assessed. The adverse effects on a structure, a site or a thing of historical, archaeological, paleontological or architectural importance are deemed non-significant (Annex C).

Physical heritage

The project would create a permanent, localized alteration of the landscape as a result of an exposed rock wall of 65 metres high and 280 metres wide, and the development of an industrial infrastructure on a natural and relatively undeveloped shore of the Saguenay Fjord. However, the Agency noted that the section of the fjord where the project will enfold is already characterized by the existing infrastructure of the Grande-Anse Marine Terminal, which is located on the Saguenay River, and that the proportion of the disrupted shore (280 metres) is of smaller scale in comparison with the fjord as a whole which is 105 kilometres long. The Saguenay Fjord is an environment that is highly valued by the First Nations and the people living in the region. The downstream portion of the fjord is protected and enhanced within the limits of the Saguenay– Saint-Laurent Marine Park (aquatic environment) and the Saguenay Fjord Park (terrestrial environment). The project site lies upstream from these protected areas. The visual influence of this infrastructure on these sectors would be non-existent, since users cannot possibly see the project site from anywhere in the two parks. The Agency therefore considers that the effects of the project on the landscape would not, in the long term, compromise the integrity of the physical heritage of the Saguenay Fjord. However, in spite the mitigation measures proposed by the proponent to reduce the project's effects on the landscape, they do not allow for complete mitigation of the visual effects for observers located in landscape units R2 and R3, more particularly for residents of Anse à Pelletier, Anse au Sable and users sailing on the Saguenay River in the project area during the development phase.

The Agency has reviewed the impact on the landscape that could be caused by the infrastructure planned for storing apatite and that which may be required for future users (additional shed or silo), as estimated by the proponent in his maximum operations scenario. However, given that this scenario is hypothetical and the actual visual impacts that could be related to the facilities or to the operations of future users could differ significantly from what has been estimated, the Agency concludes that the following general mitigation measures should be implemented:

The proponent shall consult the First Nations and other potentially affected parties prior to undertaking any major change to the project that is deemed likely to create adverse environmental effects, when, for example, a new user becomes a user of the designated project, and the proponent shall advise the Agency in writing, within 60 days of initiating any project change;
When informing the Agency of any project change, the proponent shall provide the Agency with a description of the potential adverse environmental effects created by these project changes, the mitigation measures and the follow-up requirements to be implemented by the proponent, as well as the findings of the consultation with First Nations and other local parties involved.

Cultural heritage, historical and archaeological sites and structures

The site preparation activities and the construction of a culvert and an access road to the dock could result in accidental breakage of objects, displacement of artifacts, or exposure of archaeological relics. Conversely, these activities could lead to the addition of landfill materials that may limit access to the relics related to the First Nations or to the Euro-Canadian presence. The risks would be compensated for by the low archaeological potential of the sites affected by the work and the mitigation measures proposed by the proponent.

The Agency concludes that possible work to allow for the arrival of new clients could create impacts on the cultural heritage. This risk seems, however, mitigated by the fact that the sites targeted for the development of new structures for other clients, that is, the work area at the crest of the cliff where the silos and the storage shed (Figure 17) are located, do not involve any area of archaeological potential.

Key mitigation measures to avoid significant effects

The Agency has determined the necessary key mitigation measures so that the completion of the project does not create significant adverse environmental effects on the physical and cultural heritage. It has taken into consideration the mitigation measures proposed by the proponent, the opinions of government authorities, and the observations received from the First Nations and the public. These measures are as follows:

The proponent shall paint the structures of the designated project, including the silo and the dome, the storage shed, the service buildings and the conveyor, in colours that harmonize with the natural environment of the areas adjacent to the designated project, using a mat finish paint with low level reflectance;
The proponent shall plant, in a consistent manner, the constructed slopes, the bare surfaces, the riparian buffers and the base of the dynamited rock walls as the construction work is completed so as to reach a variety and abundance of vegetation comparable to that of the areas adjacent to the designated project. To do so, the proponent shall use native deciduous species;
The proponent shall plant, in a consistent manner, the entire crest of the dynamited rock walls that are visible from the Saguenay River with species of rustic drooping vines;
The proponent shall have a qualified person carry out an archaeological inventory, in consultation with the First Nations, in the archaeological potential zone No. 7 identified by the proponent on map No. 9-2 of the environmental impact study prior to the start of the tree-clearing work and site preparation;
The proponent shall, for any structure, site or thing of historical, archaeological, paleontological or architectural significance discovered by the proponent during the archaeological inventory or discovered by the proponent or brought to his attention by a First Nation or another party during construction:
- Immediately halt work at the location of the discovery;
- Delineate an area of with a radius of at least 30 meters around the discovery as a no-work zone. The no-work requirement shall not apply to actions required to be undertaken to protect the integrity of the discovery;
- Have the location of the discovery assessed by a qualified individual in terms of the Quebec Cultural Heritage Act and the identification, retrieval and preservation of structures, sites or things of historical, archaeological, paleontological or architectural significance;
- Inform the Agency and the First Nations within 24 hours of the discovery, and allow the monitoring the archaeological work by the First Nations;
- In consultation with the First Nations and relevant authorities, comply with all applicable legislative or legal requirements respecting the discovery, by recording, transferring and safekeeping structures, sites or things of historical, archaeological, paleontological or architectural significance.

Need for follow-up and follow-up requirements

Uncertainties have been raised regarding the effectiveness of mitigation measures involving planting at the base and at the crest of the rock wall, as well as those related to the painting of infrastructure. To verify the predictions of effects on the physical heritage as well as the effectiveness of the planned mitigation measures, the proponent shall implement a program to follow-up the integration of the work into the visual environment of the Saguenay Fjord, including:

Prior to construction and in consultation with the First Nations, the competent authorities and the other local parties involved, the development of follow-up requirements to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment and determine the effectiveness of the mitigation measures related to the adverse effects of the environmental changes caused by the project on the physical heritage of the Saguenay Fjord;
As part of the follow-up requirements, the proponent shall:
- Monitor the integrity of the coating of project structures (including the paint);
- Monitor the growth, composition and abundance of vegetation;
- Monitor the environmental effects of the project on the physical heritage using photographs taken from the same points of observation as those used by the proponent in visual simulations carried out for the environmental assessment and taken at least two years after the end of construction, every two years thereafter and up to at least 25 years following the end of construction;
- Share the results of the follow-up requirements with the First Nations and the local parties involved and consult them to develop and implement the amended or additional mitigation measures.

No follow-up program for cultural heritage is deemed necessary.

7.10 Socio-economic conditions

The analysis of effects on socio-economic conditions focuses on environmental changes caused by the project in relation to the socio-economic activities carried out by the population and First Nations, including hunting, recreational and commercial fishing, trapping, harvesting, recreational activities, seasonal camping, and outfitting. The analysis of effects on current use by Aboriginal peoples is dealt with in section 7.8.

According to the Agency, a significant negative residual effect on socio-economic conditions is one that profoundly disrupts the practice of activities in economic or recreational zones of great significance, such as a defined fishing area used regularly by local anglers or a heavily visited recreational activity area. The environmental effects rating criteria and the significance of effects determination grid used by the Agency can be found in Appendices A and B, respectively.

Upon completing its analysis, the Agency concluded that, considering the implementation of mitigation measures, the project is not likely to have significant negative effects on socio-economic conditions:

Hunting, summer fishing and ice fishing activities are insignificant in the sector and are not very likely to be affected;
Recreational activities, including water activities, could be temporarily disrupted during construction or when vessels are present either at the wharf or while docking or undocking, but would not be interrupted;
During the operational phase, traffic that could disrupt recreational water activities at the project site is expected to be low, and the area is already frequented by commercial vessels.

The sub-sections that follow describe the baseline condition, particularly land use by local and regional communities, and the core components of the proponent's analysis. They present expert departmental opinions and the opinions of First Nations and the public that the Agency used to reach a conclusion on the significance of the project's impact on socio-economic conditions.

7.10.1 Baseline condition

This section presents the baseline socio-economic condition based on information provided by the proponent. It may also contain comments received from the public, First Nations, and government authorities. A description of the human environment, including general information on socio-economic activities, is provided in section 5.2.

The proponent has defined a local study area as a spatial boundary for the description and analysis of the project's effects on socio-economic conditions. On the north shore of the Saguenay River, it extends to Route 172 and encompasses Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux, Pourvoirie du Cap au Leste, and the west end of the Saguenay Fjord National Park. In the south, it includes the Grande-Anse Marine Terminal, the riparian portion of the urban perimeter of the La Baie borough in Saguenay, and all of baie des Ha! Ha!, and extends east to the west end of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. In its analysis, the proponent also considered activities carried out in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, as well as the commercial fishing and water activities that take place on the Saguenay River.

The proponent indicated that the local study area is part of the Saguenay− Lac-Saint-Jean tourist region, and that recreational tourism investments make a considerable economic contribution to the region. Top tourist traffic generators in the vicinity of the project site are the Saguenay Fjord National Park, Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux, Pourvoirie du Cap au Leste, Site de la Nouvelle-France ,and Véloroute du Fjord du Saguenay (WSP/GCNN, May 2016).

The west end of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, Quebec's only protected marine environment, butts up against the eastern part of the local study area. This portion of the local study area, which cuts through the park, is protected with the aim of ensuring general protection of marine ecosystems, their structures and functions, and habitats and species that tolerate sampling. Many products and services are offered in the park, such as sea kayaking and fishing.

Various types of recreational tourism activities are carried out in the local study area. The top ones include water activities (pleasure boating, beaching and swimming, sea kayaking), wildlife activities (sports fishing and hunting, trapping and wildlife viewing) and off-roading (snowmobiling and ATV riding). These are described below. Other activities also take place, particularly non-motorized excursions (biking, hiking, snowshoeing and dogsledding), camping, and historical interpretation. Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux and Pourvoirie du Cap au Leste, two private recreational tourism areas, are located 6.5 kilometres west and 2.5 kilometres southeast, respectively, of the project site.

Water activities and international cruises

Pleasure boating on the Saguenay River takes place from May to November, with traffic increasing in the summer from June to September. Local cruises are offered by Les Croisières du Fjord. The company's water shuttles take routes that pass south of Cap à l'Est, thus avoiding the project area. However, steps are currently being taken to add the Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux sector to the loop offered by Les Croisières du Fjord. Guided boat or zodiac marine mammal watching tours in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park offered by various companies are concentrated at the mouth of the Saguenay River in the Tadoussac and Baie-Sainte-Catherine sectors. International cruise ships that take the Saguenay River during cruise ship season, which runs from May to October, proceed to the Bagotville wharf in baie des Ha! Ha! and also pass south of Cap à l'Est.

Fishing, hunting and trapping

Commercial fishing for marine species is prohibited in the Saguenay River; however, recreational fishing is permitted. Most freshwater species present in the Saguenay River can be fished year-round. From May to October, the main species in open waters popular among sports anglers in the Saguenay River, in the local study area, are brook trout (sea trout) and anadromous rainbow smelt. Anadromous rainbow smelt is fished mainly from wharves. Fishing for groundfish (rockfish, Atlantic cod, Greenland cod and Greenland halibut) is not very well documented, but is insignificant according to the proponent. Wading is reported in a few places on the banks of the Saguenay River in the local study area and in the vicinity. In the winter, ice fishing for groundfish is a very popular recreational tourism activity in the region, both culturally and economically. Some companies offer guided fishing packages or ice fishing cabin rentals on the Saguenay River in the vicinity of the project site. Ice fishing takes place between Saint-Fulgence and Petit-Saguenay, including near the project site, across from Anse à Pelletier, where a dozen cabins are generally set up. The species fished there are groundfish (rockfish, Atlantic cod, Greenland cod and Greenland halibut) and rainbow smelt, the latter being the most caught species in the Saguenay River.

The proponent states that sports hunting contributes substantially to economic activity in Saguenay− Lac-Saint-Jean. In the local study area, moose, black bear and small game hunting is permitted. The proponent confirms moose hunting in the limited study area, as well as the presence of two hunting stands. Waterfowl hunting is apparently fairly insignificant in the Anse à Pelletier sector and further west towards Cap Jaseux. Trapping in the region targets mainly the following species: grey wolf, Canadian lynx, red fox, coyote, American marten, beaver, common muskrat, otter, American mink, long-tailed weasel, and short-tailed weasel. Considering the private ownership of the land and limited access to it due to barriers, very poorly developed access and rugged terrain, the proponent believes that it is not very likely that trapping of fur-bearing animals is significant or practised by many individuals in the vicinity of the project site.

Land traffic

Snowmobiling is one of the main winter tourism products in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. The local study area includes many trails intended for this activity. ATVs are also quickly growing in popularity, and a discontinuous network of trails runs through many parts of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean.

7.10.2 Proponent's assessment of effects

Anticipated effects

Pleasure boating

The proponent indicates that, during the construction phase, work in the Saguenay River and blasting operations could inconvenience pleasure boaters and kayakers navigating near the work area, and may pose a safety risk. During the operational phase, the presence of vessels and noise caused by the operation of wharf infrastructure could cause pleasure boaters and kayakers frequenting this part of the Saguenay River to move further offshore or towards areas better suited to their activity.

The proponent is of the opinion that the residual effect associated with the risk of nuisance and reduced safety for pleasure craft users on the Saguenay River would not be significant. There are fewer water activities in this part of the Saguenay River than in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park sector. Furthermore, commercial shipping activities already take place there, due to the presence of the Grande-Anse wharf located across from the project site. Reduced pleasure boating traffic is not expected. The proponent is proposing to implement mitigation measures specific to blasting work close to the marine environment to ensure safety for Saguenay River users (WSP/GCNN, May 2016; WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

Local and international cruise ships

As presented in section 7.9, despite the mitigation measures, the proponent found that the visual effects of project infrastructure cannot be mitigated completely for users navigating on the Saguenay River in the project sector during the operational phase. According to the proponent, these effects on scenery should not affect cruise ship activities on the Saguenay River, particularly those of Les Croisières du Fjord. The routes taken by this company's water shuttles and tour boats pass south of Cap à l'Est, thereby avoiding study sector waters. Similarly, international cruise ships that take the Saguenay River during cruise ship season, which runs from May to October, would not be affected by the project, as they proceed to the Bagotville wharf in baie des Ha! Ha! and also pass south of Cap à l'Est, about 4 kilometres from the project site. Guided boat or zodiac marine mammal watching tours in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park are concentrated at the mouth of the Saguenay River in the Tadoussac and Baie-Sainte-Catherine sectors. The proponent concludes that the project would therefore not affect these activities (WSP/GCNN, May 2016).

Activities associated with the maritime terminal, primarily arriving and departing vessels, could affect water shuttle trips on the Saguenay River if the Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux sector is eventually added to the shuttle's loop. As this portion of the Saguenay River already has commercial maritime traffic and the proponent would contact Les Croisières du Fjord to agree on activity alignment measures, the proponent deems the intensity of this effect to be low.

Fishing

Construction activities could disrupt occasional anglers fishing from boats, and pose a risk to their safety. Ror wading, there are no fishing sites on the banks of this sector, because of its inaccessibility and the presence of rocky escarpments. The proponent therefore does not expect this activity to be affected.

Ice fishing activities in the Anse à Pelletier sector would not be affected. As described in section 7.8, the proponent believes that because of its limited extent and its location in a bend of the Saguenay River, the wake from the icebreaker would likely not destabilize large portions of the ice floe. The duration of the disturbance to the ice cover would vary, depending on the frequency of icebreaker crossings, which would occur with every vessel in case of ice cover. The proponent believes that, following an icebreaker crossing, the furrows would freeze over again as a result of the local displacement of ice and frost action. The proponent indicates that ice fishing would not be possible in the immediate vicinity of the project, but notes that the sector is not currently very popular with ice anglers, because of its limited accessibility (WSP/GCNN, December 2017).

The possible expansion of the proponent's maritime area of jurisdiction to include the terminal project sector (described in chapter 2) would place responsibility on the proponent for ice fishing management in this sector. The proponent is considering various options, as described in section 7.8, to make this activity safe to carry out in this expanded area.

Hunting and trapping

During the construction phase, the loss of forest habitat would lead to the displacement of small game and fur-bearing animals towards more suitable nearby habitats. The proponent deems these effects to be negligible, as moose can remain near work areas if habitats are favourable, and as the density of other wildlife species of interest is low (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

During the construction and operational phases, the noise generated could disrupt hunting and trapping activities in the private woodlots located near the work area. The proponent believes that the residual effect of the noise on large game would be very low during the construction and demolition phases, and low during the operational phase, according to the modelling results (section 6.2). In addition, the proponent indicates that the intensity of the effect on sports hunting would be low, as this sector is frequented by only a small number of hunters. The area is difficult to access because the land is private, there are barriers on private roads, the road network is not very well developed, and the terrain is rough (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

Land traffic

The proponent states that, during the construction and operational phases, transportation of equipment, construction materials and workers could impair road, snowmobile, ATV and bike traffic on Route 172 and on local and forest roads. This transportation would also pose a safety risk and would contribute to the deterioration of the routes taken. During the operational phase, access to some project structures and facilities could entail an accident risk for users and workers in the vicinity of the site.

According to the proponent, the residual effect would not be significant, as it believes that Route 172, which provides access to the project site, has low traffic flow and is able to support the road traffic associated with the project. During the operational phase, icebreaker crossings in front of the site to provide access to the wharf would prevent snowmobiles from operating safely. The proponent is of the opinion that the effect would be low, as no marked snowmobile or ATV trail crosses the limited study area.

Residents and tourists

Construction work could cause some annoyances for residents and tourists, including noise, vibrations, dust, and artificial light emission at night. Construction work, primarily excavation, earthworks, drilling, blasting and crushing, could disrupt the soundscape, thereby affecting the tourism experience for visitors to Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux and Pourvoirie du Cap au Leste. However, the proponent believes that the distance separating these tourist sites from the project site would significantly limit this effect. Various mitigation measures to minimize noise pollution during construction would reduce the effects of noise. These measures are presented in section 7.7 on human health. For the transportation of construction materials, equipment and workers, which could interfere with the movements of clients visiting these tourist sites, no effect is expected, because the vehicles required to build the terminal would take a private road.

Mitigation measures proposed by the proponent

To reduce negative environmental effects on socio-economic conditions, the proponent is committed to implementing mitigation measures designed to limit the inconvenience for residents, tourists and recreational users (WSP/GCNN, May 2016):

Implement the mitigation measures planned to limit degradation of the atmospheric environment (section 6.1), sound environment (section 6.2), and light environment (section 6.3);
Inform the departments and ministries concerned, municipal authorities, locals, and the area's users of the work schedule. Implement a communication plan before work begins;
Plan for appropriate signage outside the work area to inform the public about the nature of the project, the various project phases, the work schedule, the scope of the work, and the contact information for the site manager;
Regularly inform locals and the area's users of work progress, in order to disrupt their activities as little as possible;
Where possible, carry out the work on weekdays during normal work hours (from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.);
Secure hazardous areas by putting up protective fences;
Set up a security perimeter of at least 250 metres on the Saguenay River during blasting near the marine environment, in order to protect pleasure boaters from potential impacts of excessive air pressure and the risk of flying rocks;
Set up a security perimeter of at least 210 metres on land around the blasting area, to protect locals, the area's users and workers;
Contact Les Croisières du Fjord to prevent project activities from conflicting with the future water shuttle connection to Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux.

To reduce the effects of construction-related transportation on the road network and road users during construction, the proponent is committed to implementing the following measures:

Keep traffic open on public roads and streets during the work;
Maintain and clean the routes taken and take all necessary measures so as to not impede the flow of other road users. Repair any damage caused to road infrastructure when and as required;
Plan for appropriate signage on Route 172 at the junction of the future project site access and on the road, and at the intersections of Du Lac Neil, Du Lac Brock and De la Sablière roads located between the two branches of the Pelletier River, to inform users of the frequent truck traffic route.

The proponent is committed to assessing the management options that could permit safe ice fishing in the future Saguenay Port Authority area of jurisdiction.

The proponent undertakes to create a monitoring committee (neighbourhood watch committee), consisting of representatives of citizens' associations, recreational tourism businesses, municipalities, and the Saguenay Port Authority (WSP/GCNN, May 2016; WSP/GCNN, March 2017; WSP/GCNN, December 2017). The role, objectives, composition, rules and other aspects of the committee would be developed at a later date, then presented to members of the committee for validation and adaptation if necessary, before work starts. The method proposed is essentially based on interviews with community organization representatives and the area's users. These meetings would provide information on the following topics:

The project's actual effects;
The project's implications for use of the area in sectors adjacent to the project;
The local and regional communities' concerns and expectations, particularly with regard to air quality, sound level, vibrations, heavy vehicle traffic, and road conditions;
The effectiveness and relevance of the proposed mitigation and enhancement measures.

7.10.3 Comments received

Government authorities

The ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatique (MDDELCC) recommended that the proponent create a monitoring committee comprising residents from Anse à Pelletier. The proponent committed to creating this committee before the start of construction. The MDDELCC also asked the proponent to specify whether it would undertake to include, in its environmental monitoring program, a component to monitor the effects of the presence and operation of the maritime terminal on Pourvoirie du Cap au Leste and Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux, and to monitor the economic spinoffs at the various project phases. The proponent stated that it cannot undertake such monitoring, as it would be risky to say whether an increase or decrease in site visits would be connected to the project's operations. The MDDELCC also asked the proponent to present the mitigation measures that it plans to implement for anglers in the winter if it turns out that the fishing areas are altered as a result of icebreaker crossings, and suggested that the proponent amend its current rules on banning ice fishing in the port area. As specified in section 7.9.2, the wake from the icebreaker would likely not destabilize large portions of the ice floe, and the proponent is considering various options to allow the activity to be carried out safely in the expanded area of jurisdiction (WSP/GCNN, May 2016; WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

First Nations

The comments received from First Nations regarding the project's potential effects on socio-economic activities pertain mainly to the possible effects of increased navigation on user safety from the Saguenay Fjord to the St. Lawrence River, including for international cruise ships, kayaks, ferries, fishing boats, sea urchin fishing, and marine mammal watching zodiacs. These issues are dealt with in section 8.4 (Effects of navigation beyond the proponent's control) and section 9 (Impacts on rights).

Public

Concerns were expressed about the project's effects on activities such as kayaking, swimming, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, and the use of a sandy beach located upstream of the project site (M. Bouchard 2016; Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier 2016; G. Lord 2016). The proponent indicated that only the small enclosed beach located immediately upstream of port facilities, next to a grass bed, could be altered by the presence of the wharf and adjacent protective structures. The proponent stated that the presence of the wharf would hinder the dissipation of wave and current energy, and would lead to localized erosion of the enclosed beach upstream of the wharf. For this reason, the proponent determined the intensity of the residual effects on sediment dynamics to be moderate. It also indicated that no decline in kayaking and pleasure boating activities is expected. Kayakers could be forced further away from the project site, but the proponent believes that the change in course would have a very limited impact on the activity in this sector, as there is little vessel traffic at the wharf. For the first client, one to two vessels a week are expected at the wharf, each requiring about 30 hours to be loaded with ore. The proponent's maximum operational scenario (chapter 2) plans for two to three vessels a week, with the same loading time. The proponent states that the project would allow for only a single vessel to dock at the wharf at any time.

Concerns were raised regarding the project's effects on agriculture, harvesting and agrotourism development (M. Bouchard 2016; M. Blackburn 2016; Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier 2016). The proponent stated that recreational harvesting is not very common among the sector's tourists and residents in the limited study area, and that there is no commercial harvesting activity in the local study area. The proponent indicated that this activity can be practised at numerous locations in the area (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

Concerns were raised about the risk of collision with large game (L. Villeneuve 2016; CREDD 2016; M. Bouchard 2016). The installation of a fence was proposed on either side of the road to reduce this risk. The Conseil régional de l'environnement du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean recommended that the proponent identify and detail the measures intended to control transporter speed. The proponent proposes limiting the speed to 40 kilometres per hour on the project site. It says that there is reason to believe that many species would avoid the sector, which would reduce the risk of collision (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

Concerns were raised regarding the icebreaker's route, which would prevent ice fishing and other activities that sustain local merchants (A. Larouche 2016; G. Lord 2016). The proponent indicated that no effect is expected, because the icebreaker's route should be located about 2 kilometres from the ice fishing sector in Anse à Pelletier. The icebreaker's crossing would not alter the connection between the bank and the ice floe, and would not cause the ice floe to be significantly displaced (WSP/GCNN, December 2017). Concerns were also expressed as to the possibility of continued fishing in the port area of jurisdiction, which might be expanded. If the proponent's area of jurisdiction were to be expanded to include the project site, the proponent stated that it is currently exploring options to reconcile winter navigation and ice fishing, while ensuring everyone's safety and complying with its obligations and regulations governing these activities (WSP/GCNN, December 2017).

A member of the public suggested that a monitoring committee be created for the residents of Anse à Pelletier, who are worried about the project's impact on their quality of life (G. Lord 2016). The proponent proposed creating a monitoring committee (neighbourhood watch committee) before the start of construction, consisting of community representatives, including a representative from the Association des propriétaires de l'Anse à Pelletier (also called Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier) (WSP/GCNN, May 2016; WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

7.10.4 Agency analysis and conclusion

Analysis of the effects

Considering the implementation of the key mitigation measures specified below, the Agency is of the opinion that the project is not likely to have significant negative effects on socio-economic conditions. The project's construction and operational phases would not profoundly disrupt the practice of activities in economic or recreational zones of great significance, such as a defined fishing area used regularly by local anglers or a heavily visited recreational activity area. Recreational activities, including water activities, could be temporarily disrupted during construction or when vessels are present, either at the wharf or while docking or undocking, but would not be interrupted. The Agency also considers that during the operational phase, traffic that could disrupt recreational water activities at the project site is expected to be low, and that the area is already frequented by commercial vessels. Hunting, summer fishing and ice fishing activities are insignificant in the sector and are not very likely to be affected.

The Agency agrees with the proponent that the construction and operational phases of the project could force pleasure boaters and kayakers frequenting this part of the Saguenay River to move further offshore or towards areas better suited to their activity. However, lower user traffic is not expected, because users are used to the presence of commercial vessels in these waters and because project-related vessel traffic would be low, thus limiting disruptions to water activities. Mitigation measures are also planned to ensure pleasure boater and kayaker safety. The Agency considers that the implementation of mitigation measures intended to inform marine resource users of maritime traffic associated with the project's construction and operational activities, such as the development of a communication plan before the start of work, could reduce safety risks related to the practice of activities in the vicinity of the project site.

The Agency agrees with the proponent that the project should not have an effect on the international cruise ship industry, as it is located at a sufficient distance (approximately 4 kilometres) from the route taken by cruise ships docking at the Bagotville wharf. However, the project infrastructure would be visible to an observer on a cruise ship, as described in chapter 7.9.

The Agency agrees with the proponent that the project would have little effect on fishing (wading, in open waters or on ice), particularly due to the limited accessibility of banks at the project site and the fact that the sector is not very popular among anglers because of its difficult access. In addition, icebreakers coming to the terminal to clear the way for vessels would not have any effect on ice fishing in the Anse à Pelletier sector.

As for the project's effects on hunting and trapping outside the limited study area, the Agency agrees with the proponent that environmental disturbance, particularly noise, would be very minor during the construction and operational phases, because the noise level that could disturb wildlife and hunters would not be very high.

The Agency also considers that the project would not lead to a loss of hunting sites outside the limited study area, and that it would affect only a small number of hunters on the outskirts of this area. The proponent is also planning mitigation measures to ensure user safety in the vicinity of the project site.

For land traffic, the Agency agrees with the proponent that Route 172, which provides access to the project site, has low traffic flow and is able to support the road traffic associated with the project. The project would have a limited effect on snowmobiling, as no marked snowmobile or ATV trail crosses the limited study area.

The Agency notes that the experience of water and outdoor (hunting, fishing and recreational tourism) enthusiasts could be affected by changes to the environment, particularly the scenery (see section 7.9 on natural and cultural heritage). However, the Agency is of the opinion that these people could continue to carry out their activities by occasionally adapting their practices, as these activities would be occurring near industrial infrastructure. The Agency considers that the development of a communication plan to disseminate project information to users engaged in water and other activities could reduce the disturbance of quality of life, by allowing the area's users to adapt their practices, both on land and in the water.

The Agency also considers that the implementation of mitigation measures to reduce the project's effects on the scenery (section 7.9) and increased noise (section 7.7 on health) could help to preserve, as far as practicable, the experience of water and outdoor enthusiasts.

Key mitigation measures for avoiding significant effects

The Agency has identified the main mitigation measures required to ensure that there will be no significant negative effects on socio-economic conditions. It has taken into consideration the mitigation measures proposed by the proponent, input from government authorities, as well as comments from First Nations and the general public:

Implement the measures identified in section 7.7 (Human health), to prevent significant negative effects on human health, including that of First Nations;
Implement the measures identified in section 7.9 (Natural and cultural heritage), to prevent significant negative effects on scenery;
Develop, prior to construction and in consultation with First Nations and potentially affected parties, and implement, during the construction and operational phases, a communication plan in order to disseminate project-related information to users engaged in water, hunting, fishing and recreational tourism activities in the local study area. The communication plan would include the following information:
- The location and time of project-related construction activities, particularly temporary restrictions in the marine environment and traffic notices in the land environment attributable to construction activities and project-related security perimeters;
- A schedule of vessel presence at the wharf;
- Ways for First Nations and other users of the marine environment to provide the proponent with feedback on the negative effects on navigation due to vessels docking or undocking or entering the Saguenay Port area of jurisdiction, established under the Canada Marine Act, as well as the way in which the proponent would respond to such feedback in a timely manner.
Develop, prior to construction and in consultation with First Nations and potentially affected parties, procedures enabling them to share their concerns with the proponent regarding the project's negative environmental effects, particularly with regard to use of the area, heavy vehicle traffic, air quality, noise levels and vibrations, and the procedure for the proponent to note the concerns received, respond to them in a timely manner, and show how the concerns raised were addressed. Implement these procedures during the construction and operational phases.

Need for and requirements of follow-up

The Agency did not identify a follow-up program specific to the effects on socio-economic conditions in order to verify the anticipated effects and the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures. Follow-up programs pertaining to the socio-economic context were identified for other valued components analyzed as part of the environmental assessment, including fish, marine mammals, human health, and natural and cultural heritage. Further details about the follow-up program can be found in chapter 10.

8 Other Effects Considered

8.1 Effects of accidents and malfunctions

In the context of the environmental assessment, an "accident" is defined as an unexpected and sudden event involving project components or activities that could result in damage to the valued components. A "malfunction" denotes an inability on the part of equipment or a system to function as planned, leading to damage to the valued components.

The main risks of accidents and malfunctions associated with the project are hydrocarbon (petroleum products) or hazardous material spills, apatite spills, fires, explosions and nitrogen oxide emissions. The valued components that could be affected by accidents or malfunctions are vegetation and wetlands, fish and fish habitat, birds, marine mammals, special-status terrestrial mammals, human health, current use of the area by the public, current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes by First Nations, and socio-economic conditions.

Following completion of its analysis, the Agency concludes that the likelihood of accidents or malfunctions of sufficient magnitude that would lead to significant adverse residual environmental effects for the above-mentioned valued components is low:

The proponent has clearly identified the risks inherent in its project and plans to implement preventive measures, including adequate design, inspection and maintenance of infrastructure;
The proponent plans to develop a detailed emergency response plan to ensure a rapid and effective response in the event of an accident or malfunction.

The following subsections describe the essential elements in the proponent's analysis and present the opinions of the expert departments as well as the opinions of the First Nations and the public on which the Agency based its conclusions concerning the significance of the effects of accidents and malfunctions.

8.1.1 Identification of the risks of accidents and malfunctions

Accidents or malfunctions can occur at any time from the start of project construction until after its closure. The proponent described the potential effects of possible accidents and malfunctions on the environment, for both the terrestrial environment and the marine environment, based on the different phases of the project, and presented a risk analysis (WSP/GCNN, December 2017). For each risk listed, the proponent presents the causes and the consequences.

Terrestrial environment

The potential environmental risks associated with the construction work in the terrestrial environment and in small watercourses identified by the proponent are an accidental spill of hydrocarbons or hazardous materials (paints, solvents, cleaning products, and oils and greases), fire, explosion or gas emissions during blasting activities.

According to the proponent, the risks of accidents and malfunctions during the operation phase in the terrestrial environment would be related to the activities of transport and handling of materials on the site and more particularly the activities related to the delivery and transhipment of apatite concentrate. The environmental risks would be the same as those listed for the construction phase and also include the risk of an accidental spill of apatite concentrate.

Marine environment

During the construction phase, the main accident risks that would have effects on the marine environment are associated with the wharf construction work, development of the operations area along the river bank, and construction work on the access road and related drainage works which could cause an accidental spill of hydrocarbons or hazardous substances. During the operation phase, the main environmental risks for the marine environment are an accidental spill of hydrocarbons, hazardous substances or apatite concentrate. The risk analysis identified the following worst-case accident scenarios:

The grounding of a ship;
The sinking of a ship;
A collision between ships or with a fixed structure;
A fire/explosion aboard a ship;
A failure or malfunction during a refuelling activity.

8.1.2 Assessment of the effects by the proponent

For each type of accident, the proponent identified the potential effects, the probabilities of occurrence, the level of seriousness and the risk level. The proponent also identified the prevention and control measures as well as the emergency response measures. Consequently, the proponent has agreed to develop an emergency response plan adapted to the project based on the existing plan for the Port of Grande-Anse. The proponent considers that the implementation of this emergency response plan should ensure in particular that any spill will be managed quickly and effectively in order to minimize the effects on the site. The complete list of the prevention and control measures proposed by the proponent is provided in Appendix E.

The proponent assessed the environmental effects for accident scenarios at the project site. The potential accidents related to road transport outside the project site, as well as to shipping on the Saguenay River waterway, other than directly opposite the project site, were not assessed, since they are outside the proponent's control. However, in section 8.4 of this report, the Agency examined and documented the potential effects of the project-related increase in shipping traffic, owing to the concerns raised by the public and Indigenous peoples.

The proponent presented an assessment of the environmental effects on the terrestrial environment and freshwater aquatic environment, as well as on the marine environment (see Tables 2-66c and 2-66d of WSP/GCNN, December 2017). The valued components that are likely to be affected by accidents and malfunctions are vegetation and wetlands, fish and fish habitat, birds, marine mammals, special-status terrestrial mammals, human health, the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes by First Nations, and socio-economic conditions.

Terrestrial environment

Hydrocarbon, hazardous material or apatite spill

The worst-case scenario assessed by the proponent would involve a hydrocarbon spill from a tank truck refuelling machinery or a mobile tank. A portion of the spilled hydrocarbons could flow by runoff and reach an intermittent stream or the banks of the Saguenay. The effects on the biological components could involve the loss of habitat or plant species, mortality of birds or terrestrial wildlife that were in contact with the product, avoidance of the contaminated area by wildlife, the absorption, ingestion and bioaccumulation in certain organs of contaminated individuals, a reduction in feeding, rearing and wintering grounds when habitats are contaminated, and a reduction in reproductive success or recruitment for birds and fish. The proponent does not anticipate any effects on the human environment.

The proponent assessed as medium the risk level of a spill of petroleum products or of hazardous materials in the terrestrial environment owing to the small quantities of petroleum products that would be stored and the implementation of prevention and control measures, such as the presence of recovery kits in trucks and in proximity to tanks, and the development of response procedures that would be included in the emergency response plan. In the proponent's opinion, the risk level associated with an accidental spill of apatite is low owing to its very low level of seriousness and low probability of occurrence.

Fire and explosion

The risk of fire can be related to improper handling of petroleum products, an explosion following an incident during the use or storage of explosives, or an electrical defect in the heating system. An explosion could occur as a result of a defect in a gas cylinder, improper handling of explosives, or an accident involving a transport vehicle. For these two types of accidents, the impacts on the biological environment are the more or less long-term loss of habitat or of plant species on which wildlife species depend, potential mortality of wildlife species, and a reduction in feeding, breeding or rearing grounds of wildlife species. The impacts on human health are mainly related to the safety of workers and users of the project site. Depending on the intensity of the fire and weather conditions, the consequences could be as serious as loss of human life on the site. The emission of smoke outside the site could alter air quality. However, the impact of an explosion or fire on the surrounding populations is unlikely according to the proponent. In the proponent's opinion, the risk level of fires or explosions, based on the risks to people, property and the environment, is medium owing to the high level of seriousness but low probability of such events.

Nitrogen oxide emissions

The use of ammonium nitrate in explosives during the construction phase can be accompanied by the emission of nitrogen dioxide, a toxic gas. These potential emissions would occur only in the event of a misfire. Nitrogen dioxide emissions can cause adverse effects on the respiratory system of animals and workers on the site and cause local damage to vegetation. In the proponent's opinion, the probability of occurrence is very low and the risk level is low.

Marine environment

Hydrocarbon or hazardous material spill

The credible worst-case scenario analyzed by the proponent is the spill of a volume of 10,000 litres of fuel during a refuelling activity at the wharf. The proponent conducted trajectory modelling of the contaminants likely to be released into the marine environment. Considering a maximum response time of eight hours, the analysis shows that the hydrocarbons would be carried downstream a maximum distance of 9.6 kilometres. The proponent states that, during refuelling activities, constant attention would be paid to ensure that fuel is transported in a manner compliant with the Quebec Transportation of Dangerous Substances Regulation (R.S.Q., c. C 24.2, r. 43). In addition, the company responsible for supplying the fuel would be required to provide proof that its safety and emergency procedures comply with best practices in the field. These procedures would be included in the proponent's emergency response plan. The proponent states that, in the event of a major spill of petroleum products in the Saguenay, it would promptly notify the Alerting and Warning Network of the Canadian Coast Guard, which would then assume responsibility for coordinating the response and all the responders, namely:

The ship (if a ship is involved);
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC);
The Eastern Canada Response Corporation Ltd. (ECRC); and
The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG).

Figures 17 and 18 illustrate the potential interactions between the probable dispersal of the modelled oil slick as well as the sensitive components of the marine environment present in the area impacted according to the dispersal scenarios. The downstream dispersal of an oil slick could potentially run along the river bank before moving away from shore at Cap à l'Est and travelling a little further downstream in the Saguenay River. Such an event would occur near the shore and would involve relatively limited quantities of petroleum products. Modelling was carried out assuming a slick of 10,000 litres. The proponent indicates that it is much more probable that a spill would involve a smaller quantity, whether in the case of a failure or malfunction during a refuelling activity or a leak from a tank of a bulk carrier (WSP/GCNN, December 2017).

Figure 18: Potential interactions between the dispersal of an oil slick and the sensitive environments, according to the worst-case spill scenario

Figure 18: Potential interactions between the dispersal of an oil slick and the sensitive environments, according to the worst-case spill scenario

Source: Port of Saguenay, February 2018

Figure 19: Potential interactions between the dispersal of an oil slick and the sensitive environments, according to the worst-case spill scenario – extended study area

Figure 19: Potential interactions between the dispersal of an oil slick and the sensitive environments, according to the worst-case spill scenario - extended study area

Source: Port of Saguenay, February 2018

The analysis of the effects of a hazardous material spill is similar to the analysis performed for a hydrocarbon spill. The nature and quantities of hazardous material involved would determine the magnitude of the effects, but the planned mitigation measures would be essentially the same. Hazardous material or hydrocarbon spills could cause numerous effects, including:

The mortality of individual fish, marine mammals or seabirds that were in contact with the spilled product;
The avoidance of the contaminated area by wildlife;
The absorption, ingestion and bioaccumulation in certain organs of contaminated individuals;
The degradation of feeding, rearing or breeding grounds when habitats are contaminated;
A reduction in the size of marine mammal populations;
A reduction in the reproductive success of seabirds or recruitment in fish.

The effects on the human environment would be limited to kayakers, recreational boaters and hikers, who would have to avoid the area during this accident. According to the proponent, there are no known ice fishing sites, commercial fishing areas, shellfish beds or drinking water intakes in the sector located between the terminal and Cap à l'Est.

In the proponent's opinion, the risk level for all types of hazardous substance or hydrocarbon spills in the marine environment is medium. In view of the planned mitigation measures and the application of an emergency response plan, the residual effects may be considered non significant.

Apatite spill

An accidental apatite spill could occur during improper operation of the concentrate loading systems. The main impact of a spill in the marine environment would be settling of the concentrate on the bottom. A small amount of dissolution could also occur. The environmental effects of an accidental apatite spill in the environment are low, even negligible, since apatite is relatively inert and does not contain heavy metals. According to the proponent, such a spill would therefore have no effect on the proliferation of algae or on benthic fauna. The effect could very likely only be perceived in the area near the wharf.

8.1.3 Comments received

Government authorities

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) asked the proponent to develop accident scenarios in the terrestrial environment and in the marine environment, to model the consequences of a case of the credible worst-case scenario, to detail the emergency measures and the response strategies based on the various accident scenarios, and to describe the sensitive components and environments that would be affected by the different types of accidents and malfunctions. The proponent provided this information in the various documents that it submitted during the environmental assessment (ECCC, 2018).

ECCC suggests certain measures to limit the impacts of spills or leaks of petroleum products. For example, the department recommends that the proponent not undertake refuelling operations or carry out equipment maintenance in locations where an accidental spill could affect waters frequented by fish.

In addition, these operations must be carried out on an impermeable surface equipped with a collection system so that hydrocarbons cannot reach surface water or groundwater. Appropriate spill response equipment and clean-up materials must be available during all transfers of fuel or hazardous substances and in all areas where vehicles are serviced.

ECCC is satisfied with the description and the mapping of the sensitive components, and notes that since the surface currents opposite the terminal site always flow downstream, the Pelletier River, and other sensitive sites such as the waterbird concentration areas near Saint-Fulgence upstream of the site, would not be affected by a spill at the terminal site.

ECCC recommends that the proponent add the mapping of the sensitive components of the environment to its emergency response plan in order to guide the response as quickly as possible in the event of an accident or malfunction. ECCC also recommends that the proponent periodically update the mapping of the sensitive components in order to take any changes in the environment into account, if necessary.

Concerning the risk of an apatite spill, ECCC is of the opinion that the effects of an accidental spill in the terrestrial environment would be limited to the terminal site and that the environmental risk would be minimal owing to the nature of the substance. ECCC recommends that the proponent ensure that response equipment is available on site to facilitate a rapid response if necessary. In the event of a major apatite spill in the marine environment, ECCC asks that the proponent institute response measures in order to recover the spilled apatite. Generally, ECCC is of the opinion that the information that the proponent plans to include in its emergency response plan is appropriate.

Transport Canada asks that the proponent prepare its own emergency procedures for spill prevention and response. All the partners operating within the port facilities will have to incorporate these procedures in their practices. Transport Canada points out that the proponent must have an initial response procedure in the event of a spill, which must be included in its emergency response plan and implemented prior to any subsequent intervention by other competent authorities. Transport Canada asks that the proponent include in its emergency response plan specific and detailed measures concerning the management of spills of hazardous substances other than petroleum, and specific measures based on the quantity and potential location of an apatite spill (Transport Canada, 2017).

Natural Resources Canada asks that the proponent ensure, during the construction phase, that the blasting does not result in any rockfall near homes within a radius of approximately 1 kilometre from the work zone, by minimizing the peak particle velocity during explosions (Natural Resources Canada, 2018). According to the ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatique (MDDELCC), the vibrations and flyrock that may be caused by the blasting should not have any impact on the houses located closest to the project site. There continues to be a low risk of accidental flyrock which, in the department's opinion, justifies the ban on marine traffic when blasting is being carried out in the work zone (MDDELCC, April 2018).

First Nations

The Innu First Nation of Essipit is concerned about the risks of hydrocarbon spills owing to the increased ship traffic in the Saguenay River and the potential resulting contamination of the environment in the sector of the mouth of the Saguenay River. This First Nation is particularly concerned about the impacts of a spill on special-status species (belugas, harbour seals), species of economic interest (sea urchins, marine mammals) as well as species of importance for the practice of Innu Aitun (migratory birds, fish, seals). The mouth of the Saguenay River is a commercial green sea urchin fishing area; this species is harvested by the Innu First Nation of Essipit and the Innu First Nation of Pessamit (Essipit, 2016). The effects of accidents and malfunctions related to marine traffic in the sector of the mouth of the Saguenay River are not under the proponent's control and are covered in section 8.4.

The Huron-Wendat First Nation is concerned about the increase in ship traffic, which could result in risks of accidental spills, which could in turn have impacts on traditional Huron-Wendat fishing activities in the local and extended study areas. The Huron-Wendat First Nation pointed out in its brief that it is difficult to assume that the risk of a hydrocarbon spill in watercourses is unlikely and that the dismantling work does not pose any risk to the marine environment. The First Nation also has questions about the response measures that will be included in the emergency response plan. The Nation is requesting that the proponent finalize its emergency response plan and have it validated by the appropriate authorities before the Minister authorizes the project (Bureau du Nionwentsïo, 2018). ECCC has therefore asked the proponent to prepare and implement mitigation strategies and emergency plans and develop response capacities proportional to the environmental risks of accidents and malfunctions of its project. ECCC is of the opinion that the information that the proponent plans to include in its emergency response plan is appropriate. The Agency notes that the proponent will submit its emergency response plan to Environment and Climate Change Canada and Transport Canada before the commencement of work.

Public

Many residents of the Anse à Pelletier area as well as the Conseil régional de l'environnement et du développement durable (CREDD) [regional environment and sustainable development council] of Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean expressed concerns about the risk of accidental spills of hydrocarbons, hazardous substances, suspended matter and apatite in the Saguenay River and the potential impacts of these spills (CREDD, 2016; Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier, 2016).

The Organisme de bassin versant du Saguenay (OBVS) [Saguenay watershed organization] is concerned about the limited accesses to the Saguenay River, which could make it difficult to implement the emergency response plans in the event of an accidental spill in particular (OBVS, 2016).

8.1.4 Agency analysis and conclusion

Taking into account the mitigation measures, the response measures and the emergency response plan that the proponent has agreed to implement, the Agency considers that the likelihood of accidents or malfunctions of sufficient magnitude that would lead to significant adverse residual environmental effects on vegetation and wetlands, fish and fish habitat, birds, marine mammals, special-status terrestrial mammals, human health, the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes by First Nations or socio-economic conditions is low.

Identification of risks and effects

The Agency is satisfied with the characterization and assessment of the potential project-related accidents and malfunctions presented by the proponent. The proponent responded to the comments of the government authorities, the First Nations and the public. The Agency notes that the proponent took the risks of accidents or malfunctions into account in the project design in order to prevent the risks.

The proponent also took into account the concerns of the government authorities about the risks associated with its project, and has undertaken to implement the emergency and response plans in the event of an accident.

Key mitigation measures to avoid significant effects

The Agency took into account the mitigation measures proposed by the proponent and the advice of the expert government authorities to identify the key mitigation measures required so that the project does not cause significant adverse environmental effects in the event of accidents or malfunctions:

The proponent shall take all reasonable measures to prevent accidents and malfunctions that may result in adverse environmental effects.
Prior to construction, the proponent shall consult with First Nations and relevant authorities on the measures to be implemented to prevent accidents and malfunctions.
Prior to construction and in consultation with First Nations and relevant authorities, the proponent shall develop an accident and malfunction response plan in relation to the designated project. The accident and malfunction response plan shall include the types of accidents and malfunctions that may cause adverse environmental effects.
The proponent shall implement the appropriate measures described in the response plan, and in the event of an accident or malfunction with the potential to cause adverse environmental effects, the proponent shall:
- Notify, as soon as possible, First Nations, potentially affected parties, and relevant authorities of the accident or malfunction, and notify the Agency in writing no later than 24 hours following the accident or malfunction. For the notification to First Nations and the Agency, the Proponent shall:
  - Indicate the date on which the accident or malfunction occurred;
  - Provide a description of the accident or malfunction; and
  - Provide a list of any substances potentially released into the environment as a result of the accident or malfunction.
The proponent shall implement immediate measures to mitigate any adverse environmental effects associated with the accident or malfunction.
The proponent shall submit a written report to the Agency no later than 30 days after the day on which the accident or malfunction occurred. The written report shall include:
- A description of the accident or malfunction and of its adverse environmental effects;
- The measures that were taken by the proponent to mitigate the adverse environmental effects of the accident or malfunction;
- Any views from First Nations and advice from relevant authorities received with respect to the accident or malfunction, its adverse environmental effects and the measures taken by the Proponent to mitigate these adverse environmental effects;
- ? A description of any residual adverse environmental effects and any modified or additional measures required by the proponent to mitigate residual adverse environmental effects; and
- ? Details concerning the implementation of the accident or malfunction response plan.
The proponent shall submit a written report to the Agency, no later than 90 days after the day on which the accident or malfunction occurred, on the changes made to avoid any recurrence of the accident or malfunction and any modified or additional measures implemented to mitigate and monitor residual adverse environmental effects and to carry out any required progressive reclamation, taking into account the information provided in the written report submitted earlier. The report shall include all additional views from First Nations, potentially affected parties and advice from relevant authorities received by the proponent.
Prior to construction, the proponent shall develop a communication plan in consultation with First Nations. The proponent shall implement the communication plan and keep it up to date during all phases of the project. The communication plan shall include:
- The types of accidents and malfunctions requiring the proponent to notify the respective First Nation;
- The manner by which First Nations shall be notified by the proponent of an accident or malfunction and of any opportunities for the First Nations to assist in the response to the accident or malfunction; and
- The contact information of the representatives of the proponent that the First Nations may contact and of the representatives of the respective First Nations to which the Proponent provides notification.

8.2 Effects of the Environment on the Project

The analysis of the effects of the environment on the Project takes into account environmental factors that could affect the Project and lead to adverse environmental effects, such as forest fires, earthquakes and extreme weather conditions related to climate change or not.

Environmental factors could damage terrestrial and aquatic infrastructure and increase the risk of accidents and malfunctions, including navigation in the vicinity of the Project, which could cause a facility shutdown or a spill. The adverse environmental effects that could be caused by accidents and malfunctions can be found in Section 8.1.

8.2.1 Proponent's Assessment of Environmental Effects

The proponent evaluated several factors that could have an effect on the Project, including weather conditions, sea level rising, forest fires and ground movements, including seismic activities. The proponent noted that the technical design of the Project was carried out taking into account all the risks identified above and safety factors, including equipment type, the choice of material and best practices. All construction would be designed and installed in strict accordance with the Quebec Construction Code, which deals, among other things, with earthquake standards in force in Quebec (RBQ and P. Marceau, 2013) (WSP / GCNN, May 2016).

With respect to the effects of the environment on navigation in the vicinity of the Project, the proponent indicated that under the Pilotage Act, all foreign vessels over 35 metres in length that navigate the St. Lawrence River must be piloted by a local pilot of the Laurentian Pilotage Authority from Les Escoumins for environmental and safety reasons. This obligation also applies to vessels using the Saguenay River. Pilots of the Laurentian Pilotage Authority have the knowledge and experience of the waters of the St. Lawrence River and the Saguenay Fjord, and are able to better identify risks to navigation and to proceed in a safe manner, minimizing or avoiding the risk of accidents.

The environmental factors evaluated by the proponent that could affect the Project are described below.

Weather conditions

The proponent based its analysis of the potential effects of future changes in weather conditions on the project by the year 2100 from forecasts made by Ouranos (2015) compared to the conditions of the 1979-1999 period.

Therefore, according to Ouranos (2015), there could be a decrease in the average wind speed in the summer as well as a small increase in winter winds, which would increase the strength of the waves. The proponent is of the view that the risks posed to the Project by the waves are primarily related to potential effects on navigation.

The ice regime could change by 2100 (Ouranos, 2015) as a result of temperature increases in winter and a decrease in the duration of frost seasons. The ice cover may be less extensive, less thick and may be shorter in duration. The proponent noted that this phenomenon could be, in the long term, favourable for the Project by allowing an improvement of winter shipping conditions.

The proponent indicated that the support of the Laurentian Pilotage Authority for the safe planning of ship maneuvers would make it possible to operate in such a way as to prevent risks to safety and the environment and that overall procedures and navigation practices would be implemented and rigorously applied. In the event of certain weather conditions (winds, waves, ice), the pilot of the vessel, a certified pilot on the St. Lawrence and the Saguenay River from Les Escoumins, would provide support for the safe planning of maneuvers, thus reducing the risk of 'accident.

The proponent noted that Ouranos forecasts (2015) show that the number of rainy days, extreme weather conditions such as thunderstorms and tornadoes, and the water content of the snow in the Central Quebec region will increase by 2100. The proponent considers these forecasts as part of the natural climate variability and points out that the infrastructure would be designed to meet these conditions. Therefore, he considers that the effects of these climatic variables on the Project should be zero. In addition, the proponent considers that the intensity of storms historically experienced in Quebec should not change in the future to the point of requiring specially adapted construction standards. Compliance with construction standards should be able to meet expected storm fluctuations.

Sea Level Elevation

It is possible that a rise in sea levels will be felt in the Saguenay Fjord by 2100 (Ouranos, 2015). However, the proponent indicated that there is no foreseeable impact on sea-level rise, at least in the short or medium term. The rock cliff on which the infrastructure of the terminal would be built makes unlikely any damage to the facilities. The wharf would be anchored to the rock and the design of the facilities would take into account the variability of the water level and the ice cover, which is more important in the short term than the variability of these parameters in the long term.

Forest Fires

It is expected that by 2100 (Ouranos, 2015), climate change will increase conditions favourable for forest fires, increasing the number of fires as well as their severity, particularly in the Project area. The proponent indicated that the proximity of the Project to regional airports and the number of municipal fire departments should allow for early detection of any fire and the deployment of a rapid and effective strike force, as needed. The proponent considers that the risk of damage caused by a forest fire is low and not significant.

Ground Movements

The Project area is within the most active seismic zone in Eastern Canada. According to the National Earthquake Database (NEDB), 64 earthquakes were recorded within a 50-kilometre radius of the Project, with magnitudes varying between 0.5 and 5.9 (Natural Resources Canada, 2016). The proponent indicated that few major earthquakes occurred except for an earthquake of 5.9 in 1988. The proponent considers the layout of the Project is on a site that is not conducive to flooding or landslides, which means that the only concerns during an earthquake are associated with the vulnerability of the facilities. He specified that all constructions will be designed and installed by abiding strictly to the Quebec Construction Code, which deals with the seismic standards in force in Quebec (RBQ and P. Marceau 2013). The proponent is of the view that while it is difficult to predict all risks, a potential earthquake should not have a significant impact on the Project infrastructure.

8.2.2 Comments received

Government authorities

Environment and Climate Change Canada notes that the proponent considered climate change in the design of permanent storm water management structures (treatment systems, retention ponds and culverts) so that the structures will be adequately sized to the flow rate increased by 10%.

Natural Resources Canada has not expressed any seismic hazard concern in the Project area, but deems that the references used by the proponent to determine seismic zoning in the environmental impact statement are general and should not be used for designing structures. Natural Resources Canada recommends that the proponent consult the Geological Survey of Canada's website to access the updated seismic zoning (2015). Depending on the information available, the proponent should be able to assess the ground movements to be considered for the design of the proposed works.

First Nations

First Nations did not provide comments related to the effects of the environment on the Project.

Public

Concerns were raised by the public regarding landslide risk as the project area is considered at risk and earthquakes have occurred near the project site, near des Jardins de Sophie in Saint-Jean Vianney and La Baie, each one with a similarly soil condition where the infrastructure would be built (M. Bouchard, 2016). The proponent indicated that the risk of gravitational movement is rather low within the restricted study area and that no scar of a landslide has been observed. He explained that the small thickness and the nature of the surficial deposits (usually till), as well as the vegetation in place, do not favour major landslides despite steep slopes (WSP / GCNN, March 2017).

8.2.3 Agency's analysis and conclusion

The Agency considers that the proponent took into account environmental factors that could affect the Project were accounted for in the design of the terrestrial and aquatic site structures, that potential accidents and malfunctions related to these factors had been documented and an appropriate emergency response plan was in place. Information associated with accidents and malfunctions is set out in section 8.1. The Agency deems that it is unlikely that environmental effects will have significant adverse effects on the Project.

8.3 Cumulative Environmental Effects

Cumulative environmental effects are defined as the effects on the environment that are likely to result from a project when a residual effect combines with the effects of other projects or human activities that have been or will be carried out. The cumulative effects assessment was guided by the Agency's Operational Policy Statement – Assessing Cumulative Environmental Effects under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (March 2015).

Under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, the environmental effects considered in the cumulative effects assessment are those in areas of federal jurisdiction as described in section 5 (see section 1.3). The Agency focussed its analysis on the St. Lawrence beluga whale, based on the following criteria: the potential significance and probability of occurrence of cumulative environmental effects, the level of concern expressed by the public, First Nations and government authorities, including Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the status or condition of the valued component.

The Agency excluded the following valued components from its cumulative effects assessment: transboundary effects (greenhouse gases), wetlands and vegetation, fish and fish habitat, birds, terrestrial mammals, human health, current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes by Indigenous peoples, natural and cultural heritage, and socioeconomic conditions. The Agency bases its decision on the absence or insignificance of the anticipated residual effects of the project on these components and the fact that there is little likelihood that these effects will combine with those of other past, current or future projects in the environment in which the project will be carried out.

According to the Agency, a significant cumulative effect on the St. Lawrence beluga whale would be a combined effect of past, current and future projects, specifically changes in underwater noise levels, that could harm its recovery as a species at risk subject to a recovery strategy under the Species at Risk Act. The Agency's criteria for evaluating environmental effects and its grid for determining the significance of the effects are shown in Appendices A and B, respectively.

In section 7.4, the Agency concludes that the effects of the project on marine mammals, including the St. Lawrence beluga, were insignificant. The Agency is of the view that, when taken in isolation, the effects of the project on the beluga are not significant. However, while the effects are insignificant, the Agency feels that they could combine with the effects of other past, current or future activities or projects.

As a result of its analysis, the Agency concludes, taking into account the application of the mitigation measures, that the project is not likely to cause significant cumulative effects on the St. Lawrence beluga in the extended zone:

The contribution of the project to the increase in anthropogenic pressure related to increased navigation in critical habitat of the St. Lawrence beluga would be low;
Several initiatives are underway to identify measures to mitigate the effects of marine transportation, including underwater noise, on marine ecosystems and more particularly on the St. Lawrence beluga, including the Fisheries and Oceans' Action plan to reduce the impact of noise on belugas and other marine mammals at risk in the St. Lawrence Estuary and the development of a cumulativeiImpact assessment framework for marine activities by Transport Canada;
The proponent proposed several measures to reduce the traffic generated by the first customer who would use the terminal, in addition to initiatives to limit the future increase of underwater noise in the Saguenay River and to improve knowledge of its effects on the St. Lawrence beluga.

The following subsections describe the method and scope of the cumulative effects assessment, the baseline conditions, including past, present and future activities or projects in the broader project area, and the key elements of the proponent's analysis. They present the advice provided by the expert departments, First Nations groups and general public on which the Agency based its conclusion on the significance of the cumulative effects of the project on the St. Lawrence beluga and other special-status species.

8.3.1 Approach and scope

The proponent carried out a cumulative effects assessment in accordance with the guidelines described in the Agency's operational policy statement entitled Addressing Cumulative Environmental Effects under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012. The proponent also based its assessment on the approach described in the Cumulative Effects Assessment Practitioners' Guide prepared by Hegmann et al. (1999). This approach involves the following steps:

Identification of valued components;
Determination of spatial and temporal boundaries for each valued component;
Identification, description and selection of past, current or future projects, actions or events that could interact with one of the valued components;
Description of past trends for each valued component selected;
Identification of cumulative effects for each valued component selected;
Development of mitigation measures and follow-up of cumulative d effects.

The proponent established the spatial boundaries for the assessment of the cumulative effects on marine mammals in the broader project area (Figure 10, section 7.4), which encompasses the Saguenay River from the municipality of Saguenay to its mouth in the St. Lawrence River, as well as the boundaries of the beluga's critical habitat (Figure 20).

The proponent conducted a study to document the increase in noise levels that would be audible to belugas following construction of the project, as well as the cumulative effects of existing shipping activities, the anticipated increase in ship traffic and other port projects under development in the Saguenay River (WSP, October 2017). To this end, the underwater noise has been measured at several points in the Saguenay River in June 2017, and at different depths, during the passage of vessels up and down the Saguenay River. The data collected and traffic forecasts estimated by the proponent for the 2030 horizon allowed him to estimate the increase in noise levels from ships typically used for commercial navigation activities in the Saguenay River, specifically:

Noise levels produced by ships at the various frequencies,
Duration of exposure of belugas to noise and the 3D spatial extent of the noise; and
Increased noisy periods for belugas associated with navigation.

According to the proponent, 225 ships currently transit the Saguenay River every year. The maximum operating scenario of the proposed terminal with multiple customers would be 140 ships in 2030. When this traffic is combined with the anticipated expansions at nearby port facilities of Grande-Anse, Bagotville, Rio Tinto and possibly GNL Québec (Énergie Saguenay project), the proponent estimates the additional annual vessel traffic of at 410 ships in 2030. The proponent states that these are optimistic forecasts, representing the extreme maximum values of increased large ship traffic. According to these forecasts, the total number of vessels on the Saguenay River could therefore be 635 in 2030.

Figure 20: Boundaries of the critical habitat of the St. Lawrence beluga (line connected by dots)

Figure 20: Boundaries of the critical habitat of the St. Lawrence beluga (line connected by dots)

Source: Beluga recovery plan, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (2012)

8.3.2 Potential cumulative effects on the St. Lawrence beluga

Proponent's assessment of cumulative environmental effects

Baseline conditions

The beluga is an endangered species that is protected under the Species at Risk Act. The species' range in the St. Lawrence gulf and estuary and in the Saguenay fjord is divided into zones that are used depending on the season and the species' biological requirements, i.e., feeding, calving and wintering grounds. The St. Lawrence estuary beluga population is believed to currently number close to 1,000 individuals, down from between 7,800 and 10,100 in the early 1900s. The proponent reports that the initial decline was due primarily to overhunting, which was banned in 1979.

According to the species' recovery plan (Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2012), the threats to the St. Lawrence estuary beluga population include:

Industrialization and pollution, which may be responsible for chronic diseases such as cancer observed in stranded animals;
The small population size and low genetic diversity (consanguinity), which may affect the reproductive rate;
Habitat loss and disturbance, including anthropogenic noise caused by commercial navigation and marine mammal watching activities;
Competition for food resources with commercial fishermen and increasing populations of other marine mammals, including some seal species.

Periods without noise

At the request of the Agency, based on the advice of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the proponent focussed its cumulative effects assessment on the effects of increased ship traffic on underwater noise levels audible to belugas through a study involving sampling of noise from commercial ships in the Saguenay River (WSP, October 2017). The proponent indicates that this study shows that there would be no noise in the Saguenay River from large ships for 95.7% of the time that the beluga is present between May and October under the scenario presenting the highest traffic increase, and that would bring to 635 the total number of ships annually in 2030. Traffic-generated noise associated solely with the project facilities (140 ships) would appear to be minimal according to the proponent, since it would add only 113 hours of transitory noise in the Saguenay River from May to October, inclusively. In other words, for 97.4% of the time during which belugas are present in the Saguenay River, there would be no noise from ships associated with the project.

In its study, she proponent indicates that the mouth of the Saguenay River has not been taken into account in the calculation of periods without noise. The mouth of the Saguenay River is a sector of critical beluga habitat characterized by very high noise levels associated with the continuous operation of ferries between the two shores. In May and June, the proponent indicates that the natural sound environment occur only 9.4% of the time, primarily at night.

Noise intensity

In terms of intensity, sound pressure levels measured of a large ship transiting the river temporarily exceed the limit of 120 decibels, at a reference pressure of one micropascal (broadband) reported as being able to disrupt beluga behaviour. The average duration of noise audible to belugas generated by a transiting ship is 17 minutes, and during most of that time, sound pressure levels are well below 120 decibels, at a reference pressure of one micropascal. Therefore, the proponent is of the view that, unless a beluga is following a ship at a close distance, it would be minimally exposed to traffic noise associated with the project facilities.

The proponent indicates that data collected as part of the project suggest that reverberation off the submerged rock faces of the Saguenay River facilitates sound propagation, both horizontally and vertically. The configuration of the Saguenay is such that is it difficult for belugas to laterally or vertically distance themselves from the ships' trajectory. Exposure of belugas to noise is limited, however, to an average duration of 17 minutes for each large vessel transit. Recordings taken by the proponent confirm the emission of high-frequency sound waves by the vessels, but their contribution to the noise signature of the vessels analyzed could not be precisely quantified. However, since ultrasound (i.e., high-frequency waves) does not propagate in water as easily as low-frequency waves, the proponent is of the view that they will likely be audible to belugas only in the immediate proximity of the ships.

Proponent's conclusion

The proponent concludes that traffic resulting from the project facilities, at one ship transit every six days (for the scenario with a single client), does not appear to be of concern compared to current traffic levels. The resulting additional noise exposure would remain well below the level that already exists in the St. Lawrence shipping channel, an area that overlaps with critical habitat for the beluga (WSP, October 2017).

The proponent indicates that the Working Group on Marine Traffic and Protection of Marine Mammals (G2T3M) suggested that the shipping industry voluntarily reduce ship speeds to 10 knots in a particularly sensitive sector of the St. Lawrence estuary at the Saguenay River characterized by whale aggregation areas (Lesage et al. 2014). This speed reduction would reduce noise levels and risks of collisions between ships and marine mammals. The proponent is of the view that marine carriers have so far implemented this voluntary measure and that no regulations imposing speed reductions would be needed at this stage. The proponent indicates that there is a willingness on the part of government, navigation companies and marine mammal research and protection groups to implement effective measures to protect the beluga, while maintaining the safety requirements and economic benefits of navigation (WSP/GCNN, August 2016). Despite uncertainties regarding ship traffic in the St. Lawrence estuary, the proponent believes that the initiatives by G2T3M should make it possible to reduce pressure on the beluga, at least in terms of disturbance, risks of collision and noise from transiting ships.

In 2016, a working group was created by the Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Species at Risk Management team to prepare an action plan to mitigate the risks posed by noise to the marine mammals of the St. Lawrence estuary, particularly the beluga. The purpose of the action plan is to propose concrete research, management or awareness measures to reduce the impact of threats to the recovery of species listed under the Species at Risk Act. The action plan is expected to be published in 2018.

Given the endangered status of the beluga, the proponent expects that the government authorities will order navigators to follow precautionary principles and mitigation measures, in addition to the G2T3M initiatives, to minimize stress to belugas as well as risks associated with navigation, while considering current and potential ship traffic. The proponent concluded that the cumulative effect on belugas would be moderate, thus not significant. It feels that the intensity of the cumulative effects on the beluga in its critical habitat would be moderate and would be felt regionally (broader project area and critical habitat) and over the long term.

Proposed mitigation measures, monitoring and follow-up

Following an expert advice from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Fisheries and Oceans Canada, March 2018), the proponent undertakes to implement the following initiatives and measures to reduce the risks to belugas:

Raise awareness among clients of the port and promote any agreement to reuse the importers' ships for exporting merchandise to avoid two transits through the critical habitat of the beluga and thereby reduce noise levels in its critical habitat;
Develop a recognition program (eg based on "Green Award" and ECHO Program) or incentives for improvements to reduce ship noise based on the results of the action plan to reduce the impact of noise on the beluga whale and other marine mammals at risk in the St. Lawrence Estuary (indicator of the Green Alliance for underwater noise ^Footnote 29);
Create a dedicated fund (Saguenay Fund) using part of the port dues of vessels that do not have Green Award accreditation. The Saguenay Fund would be used to fund environmental projects associated with the Saguenay River (indicator of the Green Alliance for underwater noise);
Increase the awareness of port tenants and owners of vessels that call at the port of the issue of underwater noise by distributing relevant information on underwater noise, marine mammals and sensitive areas (indicator of the Green Alliance for underwater noise);
Promote the collection of data on whales by vessels entering the port, port users and pilotage associations under a recognized program having a publicly accessible database in accordance with an established protocol or via a recognized application (such as Whale Alert or Whale Report) (indicator of the Green Alliance for underwater noise);
Initiate, with the G2T3M, a working group to find possible actions to reduce underwater noise in the Saguenay. The working group could include, but not be limited to, representatives from Transport Canada, G2T3M, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Parks Canada, the Saguenay Port Authority, Rio Tinto, the Corporation des pilotes du Bas Saint-Laurent (CPBSL), the Canadian Coast Guard and the Quebec Maritime Strategy. Measures accepted by all stakeholders could thus be put in place.
The proponent also undertakes to implement the following measures to reduce vessel traffic associated with the activities of its first client. The proponent considers that the implementation of these measures would result in a reduction of the annual vessels required for the transport of apatite from 60 to between 20 and 30 vessels, a decrease of 50 to 66%.
Ensure that the Arianne Phosphate customer undertakes, with the agreement of its customers, to maximize the use of bulk import vessels for Rio Tinto that are currently leaving empty. The use of these vessels would reduce their annual total number on the Saguenay from approximately 30 to 40 vessels per year. This represents a goal for Arianne Phosphate and can be achieved in a few years of operation.
Ensure that the Arianne Phosphate customer undertakes, with the agreement of its customers, to maximize the use of vessels of 72,000 tonnes of capacity in order to reduce their annual total number on the Saguenay of about 10 vessels without take into account the reuse that will lead to further reduction. This represents a goal for Arianne Phosphate and can be achieved in a few years of operation. This new transport pattern will require a redefinition of the capacity and storage mode (silos) on the terminal site over the next few months.

8.3.3 Comments received

Government authorities

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is of the opinion that the anticipated increase in marine traffic related to the project would have a low risk of negative impact on the beluga population of the St. Lawrence Estuary. However, this risk although low, is added to those already existing and which probably have a role to play in the current decline of this population which is under multiple pressures, including exposure to higher or lower levels of noise depending on the areas frequented by beluga whales (Fisheries and Oceans, March 2018).

The proponent's forecast calculations for the large vessels of the port facilities located upstream of the Saguenay Fjord until 2030 indicate an increase in marine traffic in a section of the beluga's critical habitat that is currently very quiet. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is of the view that increased human pressures, specifically with the elevated noise levels in a sector of the beluga's critical habitat that is currently relatively quiet, i.e. the Saguenay River, pose an increased risk of harm to this endangered population.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Parks Canada experts say that the greatest concern, however, is related to the increase in noise emissions in currently not very noisy habitats, which can be considered as acoustic refuges, such as Sainte-Marguerite Bay which is part of the beluga's critical habitat. Fisheries and Oceans Canada's analysis shows that the risk of negative effects will be greater for individuals frequenting the fjord upstream of the mouth area, as this sector is currently not very noisy. According to Parks Canada experts, the increase in navigation is also an issue at the mouth of the Saguenay River. According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, this increase in noise would have the effect of masking the sound perception and consequently the disturbance of the beluga.

In order to ensure the peace and quiet of females and young during the critical birth period, Parks Canada stresses that access to Baie Sainte-Marguerite is prohibited for boats from June 21 to September 21. This new measure came into force in 2018 and was announced in the May 2018 monthly edition of Canadian Coast Guard Notices to Mariners (https://www.notmar.gc.ca/publications/monthly-mensuel/east-est-06-18-en.pdf). The ban on entry into Baie Sainte-Marguerite applies to non-commercial boats, including kayaks. Commercial vessels could enter part of Baie Sainte-Marguerite in exceptional circumstances for safety reasons.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is of the opinion that the mitigation measures proposed by the proponent to reduce the annual number of vessels required for Arianne Phosphate from 60 to 20 or 30 vessels, a decrease of 50 to 66%, is a concrete solution which would help reduce noise at the source by directly reducing the number of vessel crossings for this client (Fisheries and Oceans Canada, June 2018). Fisheries and Oceans Canada emphasizes, however, that the sustainability of the effectiveness of these measures is dependent on a third party.

In addition to the measures to which it has committed, the proponent proposes initiatives aimed at raising the awareness of the terminal's customers about the problem of noise, the establishment of a recognition program or incentives to limit the increase of underwater noise in the Saguenay River and to improve knowledge of its effects on the beluga whale. The proponent also proposes to initiate, with G2T3M, a multi-stakeholder working group to develop solutions to reduce underwater noise in the Saguenay River.

As a result, Fisheries and Oceans Canada considers that the implementation of all of the proposed measures and a long-term follow-up program to demonstrate the effectiveness of the measures identified by the working group would contribute to reducing the risk negative impact on the beluga population of the St. Lawrence Estuary. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is also of the opinion that the involvement and collaboration of the various stakeholders involved in navigation on the Saguenay River is an essential condition in order to adequately and sustainably address the cumulative effects of marine traffic on this endangered population (Fisheries and Oceans Canada, June 2018).

As part of the Oceans Protection Plan, and more specifically the marine cumulative effects assessment initiative, the Government of Canada will establish a shared approach to better understand the potential cumulative effects of regional marine activities. Transport Canada will work with Aboriginal peoples, local stakeholders and coastal communities to identify key concerns and develop a cumulative effects assessment framework.

This national framework will enable evidence-based decisions to guide economic growth while preserving marine ecosystems. In addition, it will develop tools specific to each region of Canada that can be applied to current and future vessel traffic and mitigate environmental effects, including effects on marine mammals. One of the six pilot areas selected for this initiative is the St. Lawrence River. Transport Canada is also leading the federal government's efforts to identify, assess and implement measures to mitigate the impact of marine transportation and vessel traffic on marine ecosystems, including underwater noise from marine ships and ship collisions with endangered whales. This work is done in close collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Canadian Coast Guard, the marine industries, universities, non-governmental organizations and international partners.

Since 2000, the Quebec government has designated the St. Lawrence beluga as "threatened" under the Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species (CQLR, chapter E-12.01), which is the most critical status. As such, the Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks (MFFP) can undertake various actions, in collaboration with stakeholders and in complementarity with those under the federal government, to promote the recovery of this population. These actions include co-management of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park with Parks Canada and Sépaq, steps to ensure the legal protection of its habitat, contribution to the creation of new marine protected areas and participation in consultation to facilitate the reconciliation of uses, particularly in the context of the deployment of the Quebec Maritime Strategy.

The 2018-2019 Québec Economic Plan provides $ 13 million to the MFFP to fund biodiversity conservation initiatives, particularly to improve knowledge of wildlife populations in precarious situations, including beluga of the St. Lawrence. Among the priorities identified by the Government of Quebec is the reconciliation of navigation and beluga protection in the Saguenay and the St. Lawrence estuary, which will be carried out through, among other things, the establishment of a scientific program and consultation.

First Nations

The Innu First Nations and Huron-Wendat Nation are concerned about the status of the beluga. The Innu Nations highlighted the importance of assessing the cumulative effects on the beluga and on other special-status species in the project area.

Specifically, the Essipit Innu First Nation stated that it was very sensitive to the future of the beluga whale and to the maintenance of the integrity of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park (Essipit, November 2016). The Innu First Nations also expressed concern about the effects of the propagation of shipping noise in the Saguenay on aquatic wildlife, including the beluga, particularly given that the Saguenay River is a constricted area, which could have an effect on sound propagation (Agency, October 2017). The proponent conducted a study on underwater noise from commercial vessels in the Saguenay River that addresses the issue of sound reverberation off the rock faces of the river (WSP, October 2017).

The Huron-Wendat Nation is concerned about the overall effect of the project on the beluga, although it notes that it is possible that no direct effect is anticipated for the local study area. Given the susceptibility of the beluga to ship movements in its habitat, the increased vessel traffic caused by this project could potentially have impacts on this species. The Huron-Wendat Nation wishes to participate in the follow-up activities that will be carried out respecting the beluga.

To address the concerns of the First Nations and expert departments regarding other special-status species, including at-risk bats and birds, the Agency asked the proponent to conduct a more comprehensive evaluation of the cumulative effects of the project. The proponent concluded that, given the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, habitat loss and disturbance caused by the project would not contribute significantly to the cumulative effects on special-status bat and bird species and that the cumulative effects would be low to very low in magnitude, and therefore insignificant. The Agency supports the advice of Environment and Climate Change Canada, which is satisfied with the cumulative effects assessment conducted by the proponent and is of the view that the proposed mitigation and follow-up measures should minimize the potential effects on these species.

Public

The public expressed concern about the status of the endangered beluga, which occasionally swims up the Saguenay River to Saint-Fulgence, and about the cumulative effects of navigation in the Saguenay River, which could increase given the potential projects identified (Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier, October 2016; CREDD, 2016; Lord, 2016; GREMM, 2016; Nature Québec, 2016, Boréalisation, 2016, OBV Saguenay, 2016).

Considering the large number of projects currently being studied that are likely to increase marine traffic in the critical habitat of the beluga, the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM) recommends accelerating the preparation of a comprehensive assessment of ambient noise and sound propagation throughout the critical habitat of the beluga in order to determine whether acoustic refuges exist and to identify how they can be protected (GREMM, 2016). According to GREMM, this information is essential to developing an effective strategy for protecting the St. Lawrence beluga and assessing the impact and acceptability of projects such as the construction of a marine terminal on the north shore of the Saguenay, which would result in elevated noise levels in the beluga's critical habitat.

The organization Boréalisation believes that the St. Lawrence beluga is at imminent risk of extinction. The recent designation of the species as endangered must be interpreted as an indication that the carrying capacity of the Saguenay River ecosystem has been exceeded (Boréalisation, 2016).

The Conseil régional de l'environnement et du développement durable du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean (CREDD) recommended that the proponent undertake to implement the action plan being developed by the G2T3M addressing the threat posed to the St. Lawrence Estuary beluga by anthropogenic noise. CREDD also recommends that the proponent implement the action plan aimed at documenting the presence of threats to St. Lawrence Estuary harbour seals. That plan was developed by the Table de concertation sur le phoque commun, an initiative of the Marine Mammal Observation Network. The proponent responded that it could not confirm that the committee's recommendations would be implemented since they had not yet been made public. In addition, it indicated that the recommendations would be of a general nature (research, reduction, conservation, communication and awareness) and would be more difficult to apply for a specific proponent such as the Saguenay Port Authority (WSP/GCNN, March 2017). The proponent nonetheless undertook to implement mitigation measures to reduce the effects of noise associated with the project on harbour seals (section 7.4).

Concerns were raised that the proponent had not conducted an assessment of the project's cumulative effects on the landscape (CREDD, 2016; Lord, 2016). The addition of the project infrastructure to the already existing infrastructure of other marine projects and the increased presence of ships in the Saguenay River would give the fjord an industrial character that would be in contrast with its natural character (CREDD, 2016). The residents of Anse à Pelletier and the users of Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux would end up with two industrial ports (Lord, 2016).

The proponent provided additional information related to the cumulative effects on the landscape. According to the proponent, two sectors in the vicinity of the project are characterized by industrial infrastructure, namely the port at Grande-Anse, and the Rio Tinto facilities and Agésilas-Lepage wharf, which serves cruise ships, both in baie des Ha! Ha! Potential projects that could modify the landscape are the Énergie Saguenay liquefied natural gas project and a plant for the BlackRock Metals mine that could be in addition to the existing Grande-Anse port facilities. Although these projects would modify the landscape, the proponent feels that the river's landscape is already characterized by the presence of the Grande-Anse terminal and its major port facilities (WSP/GCNN, March 2017). Considering the vast size of the Saguenay River and localized nature of the landscape changes associated with the various projects mentioned and given that most views of the Saguenay River do not show all the planned or current industrial sites at once, the proponent is of the view that the cumulative effects on the landscape are generally insignificant. However, it believes that there will be a noticeable, but insignificant, cumulative effect for observers of Anse à Pelletier and Cap Jaseux (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

8.3.4 Agency analysis and conclusions

The Agency is of the opinion that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse cumulative effects on the St. Lawrence beluga, as it would not be detrimental to the recovery of the species. The intensity of the cumulative effect, however, would be moderate given that the beluga is designated as endangered under the Species at Risk Act and that human pressures in the critical habitat of the St. Lawrence beluga, to which the project would contribute, pose an increased risk of harm to the population. The effects would be long-term in duration, as they would be felt throughout the entire period of operation of the multipurpose terminal, which has an estimated minimum life of 26 years, but could be much longer, depending on potential future clients. The effects are partially reversible, i.e. the effects of the elevated underwater noise levels on the belugas would cease between vessel transits.

Increased human pressure on the St. Lawrence beluga

As mentioned in the Beluga Recovery Plan (Fisheries and Oceans, 2012), the noise from marine traffic in the St. Lawrence estuary is of concern, as it risks harming the auditory apparatus of belugas or hide their sound perception, an essential tool for communicating, navigating and foraging. Given the small size of the population, even activities that affect a small number of individuals could have a serious impact on its general status. It is also important to take into account the cumulative, or even synergistic, effect of these threats on the St. Lawrence beluga population (Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2012).

According to the proponent's estimates, the Saguenay River would remain free from the noise of large vessels 95.7% of the time the beluga whale is present, between May and October, considering the completion of all the potential projects currently known, i.e. an increase of 410 vessels on the Saguenay River by 2030. This scenario would bring to 635 the total number of vessels that could use the Saguenay River annually in 2030. The contribution of marine traffic related to the project would be 140 vessels by 2030 according to the maximum operating scenario, which represents 2 to 3 vessel movements per week directly related to the project.

The Agency relies on the advice of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which considers that the risk of a negative impact on the beluga population of the St. Lawrence Estuary caused by the increase in marine traffic related to the project would be low, although it adds to the pressures on this species at risk, and that implementation of the mitigation measures proposed by the proponent, in connection with the Arianne Phosphate operations, would contribute to reducing the risks for the beluga whale. Navigation in the beluga's critical habitat, particularly in the very noisy sector of the mouth of the Saguenay River, is not under the control of the proponent. To this end, the Agency supports the opinion of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which considers that the involvement and collaboration of the various stakeholders involved in navigation on the Saguenay River is essential in order to adequately and sustainably address the cumulative effects of the maritime traffic on the beluga population. Concerted actions could thus be identified and put in place by all users contributing to underwater noise in order to promote the recovery of this endangered species.

The Agency notes that the status of the St. Lawrence beluga is an important issue for Innu and Huron-Wendat First Nations, as well as for the public. Concerns have been raised about the effects of past, current and future effects in the marine environment, particularly in respect of a potential increase in navigation in the beluga's critical habitat, which would contribute to the decline of the St. Lawrence beluga population.

Existing measures and underway initiatives

The Agency notes that measures such as the ban on boats entering the Baie Sainte-Marguerite and the speed limit at the mouth of the Saguenay River at 15 knots announced by Parks Canada, as well as the implementation of voluntary speed reduction at 10 knots proposed by the G2T3M in a high-risk area of the St. Lawrence Estuary, help reduce the risk of disturbance for the beluga population.

The Agency also notes that several initiatives are underway, including the Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Action plan to reduce the impact of noise on beluga whales and other marine mammals in the St. Lawrence Estuary, which will be released shortly. Transport Canada is also developing a framework for assessing the cumulative effects of marine activities, particularly for the St. Lawrence River. Transport Canada is also pursuing collaborative efforts with industry, the scientific community, and various governmental, non-governmental, and international organizations to identify, assess, and implement measures to mitigate the impacts of marine transportation and the movement of ships on marine ecosystems, including underwater noise from ships and collisions of ships with endangered whales.

To properly assess the potential impacts of underwater noise on the beluga of the St. Lawrence Estuary, a five-year research program was put in place by a Fisheries and Oceans Canada scientific team, in the wake of the Oceans Protection Plan. The results will be used to map the acoustic quality of their environment, to determine the areas and periods of greatest or lowest probability of impact that may affect their survival and the recovery of this protected population under the federal Species at Risk Act in Canada, and to support the implementation of science-based mitigation measures.

Finally, note the scientific program of the Government of Quebec to reconcile navigation and beluga protection in the Saguenay and the St. Lawrence Estuary.

The Agency considers that the participation of the proponent, and eventually its customers, in these initiatives is essential in order to achieve a concerted and effective implementation of the measures that will be identified to mitigate the effects of maritime transport, including underwater noise, on marine ecosystems, particularly on marine mammals, including the endangered St. Lawrence beluga whale.

Key mitigation measures

The Agency has identified the key mitigation measures required to ensure that there is no significant adverse environmental effect on the Beluga whale. It considered the proponent's proposed mitigation measures, the opinion of government authorities, as well as comments received from First Nations and the public. In addition to the mitigation measures provided in section 7.4., the Agency recommends the following measures:

The Proponent shall participate, at the request of relevant authorities, in regional initiatives related to the monitoring, assessment or management of cumulative environmental effects, including cumulative environmental effects on beluga caused by commercial navigation on the Saguenay River, likely to result from the project in combination with other physical activities that have been or will be carried out, should there be any such initiative(s) during construction or operation of the project;

The Proponent shall implement any mitigation measure that is technically and economically feasible or follow-up program identified through any regional initiative described above and which is under its responsibility pertaining to cumulative environmental effects on beluga caused by commercial navigation on the Saguenay River;
Le Proponent shall inform the Agency, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and First Nations annually of progress made in the implementation of the mitigation measures proposed by the Proponent in section 3 of the response to the 4th Information Request (June 2018) to prevent or reduce cumulative environmental effects on beluga caused by commercial navigation on the Saguenay River. The Proponent shall report the results of discussions with Arianne Phosphate about Arianne Phosphate's commitments to maximise the re-use of ships and to use ships with greater capacity (up to 72,000 deadweight tons).

The proponent indicates that the proposed new transportation pattern, i.e. the use of 72,000 dwt vessels, would require a redefinition of the capacity and storage mode (silos) at the project site in the coming months. The Agency proposes conditions to mitigate environmental effects that may be related to project modifications. Thus, the proponent would be required to consult with First Nations and potentially affected parties prior to initiating these changes and provide the Agency with a description of the potential adverse environmental effects as well as mitigation measures and follow-up requirements to implement by the proponent, as well as the outcome of the consultations, before initiating changes to the project.

The Agency is satisfied with the information provided by the proponent concerning the cumulative effects on birds, bats, and natural heritage (landscape).

8.4 Effects of marine shipping that are beyond the proponent's control

8.4.1 Background to the environmental assessment

As part of the environmental assessment of the project, the general public and the First Nations identified increased shipping at the mouth of the Saguenay River as one of the key concerns associated with the project. The increase in shipping associated with the project would occur on territory which is the subject of claims by the Innu First Nations of Essipit, Pekuakamiulnuatsh (Mashteuiatsh) and Pessamit. That shipping would also affect territory over which the Huron-Wendat Nation is asserting rights. The participants in the environmental assessment consider that the increase in commercial shipping would result in a higher risk of accidents and could impact the ecosystems and biodiversity of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park.

The Agency asked the proponent to document the environmental effects of commercial shipping on the Saguenay River as far as its mouth, where it meets the St. Lawrence Estuary. This section of the Saguenay River, which includes parts of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park and the critical habitat of the beluga, extends beyond the area controlled by the proponent. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada cannot make decisions concerning the environmental effects of shipping on this section of the Saguenay River and cannot impose conditions for this activity, which is beyond the proponent's control. The purpose of this request was to obtain information about the current situation regarding navigation on the Saguenay River and the potential effects of the increase in navigation associated with the project.

If the Minister of Environment and Climate Change determines, under section 52 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, that the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, the Governor in Council must then determine whether those effects are justifiable under the circumstances. The information in this section of the Agency's report could be considered by the Governor in Council. This information may also be taken into consideration by federal departments, including Parks Canada, Transport Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, in delivering their programs and fulfilling their respective regulatory duties regarding navigation or its effects.

8.4.2 Proponent's description of marine navigation on the Saguenay River

For the purpose of producing a description of the existing environment and an analysis of the effects and risks associated with an increase in marine shipping on the Saguenay River, the proponent defined the boundaries of the extended study area, which encompasses the entire Saguenay River over a distance of 120 kilometres between Tadoussac and the city of Saguenay. It includes the mouth of the Saguenay and the Batture de Pointe-aux-Vaches and the Batture aux Alouettes in the St. Lawrence River. Those boundaries encompass the entire potential zone of influence of shipping directly associated with the Saguenay River. It also takes into account the worst-case shipping-accident scenarios, i.e., the area within which the environmental effects could be felt (WSP/GCNN, May 2016). The temporal boundary was defined as the previous ten years for historical shipping data, with predictions of shipping increases until 2030.

Description of marine navigation on the Saguenay River

Current navigation

The proponent states that on the Saguenay River, commercial navigation is currently directed to four commercial wharfs: the Marcel-Dionne wharf at the Grande-Anse marine terminal, the Agésilas-Lepage wharf at Bagotville, and the Powell and Duncan wharfs at the Port-Alfred port facilities belonging to Rio Tinto. A number of industrial enterprises that import and export merchandise by water have facilities along the upstream portion of the Saguenay River. The proponent estimates that those wharfs are currently used by about 225 ships per year, with some month-by-month fluctuations. The proponent states that there are fewer ships on the Saguenay River during the months of January, February and March (an average of 25 to 28 ships per month) and that September and October are the busiest for shipping (an average of 45 to 54 ships per month) (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

According to the proponent's analysis, for the entire period from 2014 to 2016, on about 30% of the days of the year, two to three vessel movements per day were observed on the Saguenay River. On all the other days, there were just one or no vessel movements (WSP/GCNN, March 2017). According to an overview of navigation in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park from May to October 2007 (Chion et al., 2009), each year about 200 commercial vessels, 40 cruise ships and 1,000 vessels for commercial excursions, including whale observation, travel on the Saguenay River. The mouth of the Saguenay River is the area of the Marine Park and critical habitat of the St. Lawrence beluga where marine traffic is more intense. Those figures do not include the activities of the Société des Traversiers du Québec at the mouth of the Saguenay River, which continue year-round. Except for an increase in cruise ships over the past ten years, the small year-to-year fluctuations demonstrate overall stability of maritime traffic in the area (WSP/GCNN, May 2016).

According to 2016 data from the Laurentian Pilotage Authority (APL 2016; data provided to the Saguenay Port Authority), there were 5,241 vessel transits (commercial vessels and others, including tugs, barges and large yachts) registered on the Saguenay River from June 22, 2004, to March 8, 2016. Of that number, 60% were bulk carriers of various sizes, almost 20% were cargo ships carrying various merchandise, 10% were tankers, and almost 7% were cruise ships.

The proponent reports that at the mouth of the Saguenay River the Société des traversiers du Québec operates two or three ferries per day, depending on the period of the year, providing the link in Route 138 between Tadoussac and Baie-Sainte-Catherine (Chion et al., 2009). In 2013–2014, the total number of crossings was 42,595. With departures every 13 minutes in summer and curvilinear trajectories due to the strong tidal currents in the area, the ferries could present an obstacle to shipping on the Saguenay River (WSP/GCNN, May 2016).

The proponent also reports that a certain number of other types of vessels use the Saguenay River: most frequently, patrol ships belonging to the Canadian Coast Guard, Parks Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (WSP/GCNN, May 2016). In winter, icebreakers open the navigation channel. Occasionally, the river is used by service ships, such as research ships, inspection and maintenance vessels, navigation aids, dredges and barges (Chion et al., 2009).

Future navigation

The proponent states that over the next few years, the implementation of various projects involving marine transportation on the Saguenay River could lead to a significant increase in marine shipping. That increase would result in effects beyond the control of the proponents (WSP/GCNN, May 2016).

By 2030, the proponent estimates that about 635 commercial vessels per year could be travelling up and down the Saguenay River, and that that increase could bring about a decrease in the number of days without vessel movements, which is currently about 35% of days, and an increase in the number of days with one to four vessel movements (WSP/GCNN, March 2017), which was estimated at about 64% of the days in the period from 2004 to 2016. The federal port authorities are not responsible for those ships except when they are moored at their facilities or within their area of jurisdiction.

As described in Chapter 2, the proponent estimates that the completion of the Marine Terminal project on the North Shore of the Saguenay would add 140 ships per year, taking into consideration the maximum operating capacity, including 60 ships for the mining company Arianne Phosphate.

Regarding the ferry service at the mouth of the Saguenay River, the proponent reports that the three existing ferries are slated to be replaced by two ferries with increased load capacity, which would decrease the number of crossings per year. There would thus be a smaller number of ferry crossings each year between Baie Sainte-Catherine and Tadoussac.

The construction of a natural gas liquefaction complex at Grande-Anse by GNL Québec would add 160 ships per year. The BlackRock Metals project would generate marine traffic amounting to 20 ships per year on the Saguenay River starting in 2019, based on currently known schedules.

As part of the Quebec Maritime Strategy, the Saguenay Port Authority was designated as an industrial port area. That designation could lead to implementation of some projects at the Grande-Anse marine terminal. The proponent estimates that, within a 10–15-year time horizon, in addition to the average of 50 ships that arrived from 2005 to 2014, 50 additional ships could arrive at the existing Grande-Anse terminal.

The proponent also predicts growth in the number of cruise ships in the coming years, particularly in the summer. It estimates that up to 75 cruise ships per year could use the Saguenay River.

Recently, the mining company Arianne Phosphate signed a memorandum of agreement with Rio Tinto on potential sharing of marine shipping services. Arianne Phosphate could eventually use the ships transporting Rio Tinto's apatite concentrate to international markets. The ships that arrives carrying raw materials to the Rio Tinto facilities could leave the Saguenay River loaded with Arianne Phosphate's apatite concentrate, which could potentially eliminate the need for 60 additional ships per year in the Saguenay River. The proponent did not take the potential re-use of ships into account in its estimate of the increase in vessel traffic by 2030 (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

Legislative and regulatory framework for marine shipping on the Saguenay River

There is a strict legislative and regulatory framework for marine transportation in Canada and the activities associated with it. A number of acts and regulations must be complied with in order to meet the requirements of the government authorities and the International Maritime Organization.

Government authorities

Transport Canada

Transport Canada develops and administers the policies, regulations and programs for protecting the marine environment, reducing the environmental effects of marine pollution incidents in Canadian waters, and ensuring public safety.

In addition, Transport Canada administers or participates in administering a number of acts regarding marine transport and supervises the 18 Canadian port authorities, conducting regular evaluations and inspections of the port authorities and the ships. Transport Canada sets and monitors port and marine facility service standards.

Canadian Coast Guard

The Canadian Coast Guard is a federal government organization under the responsibility of the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. It is responsible for search and rescue at sea, maintenance of navigation aids (buoys, icebreakers, etc.), responses to pollutant spills (oil, chemical products) and transporting supplies to isolated Arctic communities along the Canadian coasts.

Port Authorities

The powers of Canadian port authorities are defined in the Canada Marine Act and its Port Authorities Operations Regulations, SOR/2000-55. Within their respective areas of jurisdiction, the port authorities have many powers, including entry/movement/departure clearances, speed limits, tug assistance, securing of ships, turning of propellers, and shifting on lines.

Parks Canada

On behalf of the Government of Canada, Parks Canada co-manages the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park with the Government of Quebec. The marine park is established by two acts to reflect the respective jurisdictions of the governments of Canada and Quebec. The Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park Act of Canada applies across the entire water column of the Marine Park to the ordinary high water mark. The purpose of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park Act is to maximize the use of existing federal legislation to recognize the responsibilities of other federal departments in achieving the objectives of the marine park. This Act was passed in 2002, and amended in 2017, the Regulation respecting activities at sea in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park (SOR / 2002-76), which notably regulates activities at sea to enhance protection of marine mammals.

Regulated maritime activities

Incident response

Transport Canada is the primary regulatory department; it manages and operates Canada's Ship-source Oil Spill Preparedness and Response Regime. Transport Canada also supports the Canadian Coast Guard in preparation for and responses to marine pollution incidents.

The Eastern Canada Response Corporation (ECRC) is certified by Transport Canada – Marine Safety, as a Response Organization under the Canada Shipping Act (CSA) (http://www.ecrc-simec.ca/en/about/ecrc/). Its role is to provide marine oil spill response services on request in the event of an oil spill.

The proponent reports that in the event of a ship-source marine oil spill, the ship is responsible for initiating response measures and contacting the Canadian Coast Guard without delay (WSP/GCNN, December 2017). Ships carry sufficient absorbents on board to contain a minor spill, especially one that occurs between the vessel and the wharf. For this type of spill, the wharf personnel and ship's crew will respond. If the ship's crew members or the Coast Guard decide that they are unable to completely contain the spill, the ship's caption must call ECRC.

Following the call from the ship's personnel, ECRC contacts Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to report that they have been mobilized and to obtain a model of the consequences of the spill. ECCC must provide that information, including the location of sensitive areas, within a short timeframe. That information is used to decide on the response strategy: contain the slick in the centre of the river, or divert it to stop it from spreading. In its assessment of accidents and malfunctions associated with the project (section 8.1), the proponent estimated that it would take eight hours to contain a slick dispersed on the Saguenay River following a spill at the wharf (WSP/GCNN, December 2017).

Navigation on the Saguenay River

The proponent states that Quebec has various rules concerning shipping in the waters of the St. Lawrence and the Saguenay River. Any Canadian ship heavier than 3,300 gross tonnes or longer than 80 metres or any foreign ship longer than 35 metres is subject to compulsory pilotage. These ships are under the conduct of a pilot licensed by the Laurentian Pilotage Authority who has extensive knowledge of the St. Lawrence River between Les Escoumins and Quebec City, as well as the Saguenay River. The licensed pilot who has the conduct of a ship is responsible to the ship's captain for safe navigation of the ship. The Laurentian Pilotage Authority Regulations set out the minimum number of pilots required for ships subject to compulsory pilotage. The speed of a vessel under the conduct of a pilot must be adjusted moment-to-moment based on the situations encountered, which may involve protection of marine mammals, infrastructure, structures, shorelines, ice cover, etc.

The pilot is responsible for controlling the movement of the vessel at all times, including during berthing and unberthing, and also for safe navigation of the vessel.

In the Marine Park, marine activities are also regulated by the Marine Activities in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park Regulations, some of whose articles apply to all types of vessels, including the merchant marine.

Vessel speeds

There is no regulation setting out a maximum speed for commercial vessels transiting the St. Lawrence River and its tributaries, except for section 19 of the Marine Activities in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park regulations, which prohibits navigation in the park at speeds higher than 25 knots (Parks Canada, October 2012). In addition, a January 1, 2017, amendment to those regulations prohibits vessels from moving faster than 15 knots in the mouth of the Saguenay between May 1 and October 31 of each year, but this prohibition does not apply to cargo ships. In addition, the proponent reports that the Working Group on Marine Trafficking and Marine Mammal Protection (G2T3M) ^Footnote 30, composed of governmental and non-governmental organizations and co-chaired by Parks Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, has proposed to the marine transportation industry to reduce, on a voluntary basis, the speed of vessels at 10 knots in a particularly sensitive area of ??the St. Lawrence Estuary facing the Saguenay River with whale aggregation areas. The purpose of this measure is to protect the whales from collisions and the beluga's sound environment on the south shore of the Estuary, which is relatively less busy with vessels. Since 2013, the Canadian Coast Guard has issued an annual Notice to Mariners concerning the application of this measure in the Estuary near the mouth of the Saguenay. These voluntary based reductions in speed apply from May 1 to October 31 of each year (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

8.4.3 Proponent's Description of the Existing Environment

Existing marine environment

The Saguenay Fjord is among the longest in the world; it extends for 105 kilometres and its width varies from 1 to 6 kilometres. The rising tide brings rich resources from the marine estuary into the Saguenay: an inflow of cold, salty, well-oxygenated water loaded with plankton to the deepest depths of the Saguenay River (WSP/GCNN, May 2016). Hundreds of species of algae and benthic and pelagic fauna are found there (Ménard et al., 2007).

As described in section 7.4, two marine mammals are resident species of the St. Lawrence: the St. Lawrence beluga, which is designated endangered under the Species at Risk Act and the Quebec Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species (COSEWIC 2014), and the harbour seal. The area near the mouth of the Saguenay River, especially at Baie Sainte-Marguerite, is a high-residency area ^Footnote 31 for belugas. Harbour seals have frequently been observed along the Saguenay River, between the mouth and Sainte-Rose-du-Nord. The abundant food resources found in the ecosystems of the Saguenay Fjord draw a number of other marine mammal species there at various times of the year, including the blue whale, designated endangered under the Species at Risk Act, the Minke whale, the fin whale, designated a species of concern under the Species at Risk Act, the humpback whale, the harbour porpoise, the harp seal and the grey seal.

The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park also provides excellent feeding, rest and wintering areas for numerous bird species, including Barrow's goldeneye, which is designated a species of concern under the Species at Risk Act. The islands in the St. Lawrence Estuary at the edge of the Marine Park are recognized as critical breeding areas for many species of birds that depend directly on the water and the tidal flats for their food.

Existing human environment

The proponent states that along the Saguenay River, the human population is essentially concentrated in the city of Saguenay, which has about 146,300 residents. The smaller municipalities of Saint-Fulgence, Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, Baie-Sainte-Catherine and Tadoussac are located along the shores of the Saguenay River, closer to its mouth.

Two administrative bodies are responsible for the aquatic portion of the fjord: the Saguenay Port Authority in its area of jurisdiction surrounding the port of Grande-Anse; and the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park in the downstream portion of the river as far as its mouth, where it meets the St. Lawrence. Much of the shoreline in this section is part of the Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay, which is under provincial jurisdiction.

Activities practised on the Saguenay River are commercial shipping, recreational boating, tourist cruises, tourist excursions, ferry service between Tadoussac and Baie-Sainte-Catherine, canoeing and kayaking, recreational summer fishing and ice fishing, subsistence and commercial fishing by Indigenous peoples, hunting of migratory birds, scuba diving, wildlife observation, and various aquatic activities (swimming, windsurfing, kitesurfing, etc.).

Many of these activities are practised in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. The section at the mouth of the Saguenay, between Tadoussac and Baie-Sainte-Catherine, is known to have the most intense concentration of human activities within the marine estuary of the St. Lawrence and the Saguenay Fjord. However, the marinas at Tadoussac, Sacré-Coeur (Anse-de-Roche), Anse-Saint-Jean and Saguenay (boroughs of La Baie and Chicoutimi) and the marine rest areas and other facilities at Petit-Saguenay, Baie-Éternité and Sainte-Rose-du-Nord also draw considerable recreational boat and kayak traffic in the upstream portion of the Saguenay. Within the region, almost 75% of recreational activities occur on the Saguenay River. Recreational boating, kayaking and other aquatic tourist activities are practised in the fjord from May to October every year, with activity peaking in July and August.

Within the boundaries of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, in 2007 there were about 20 companies offering whale-watching excursions, operating about 60 boats in the downstream portion of the Saguenay River and in the St. Lawrence River; one company was operated by the Innu First Nation of Essipit. In 2009, it is estimated that almost 275,000 people participated in those excursions (SOM, 2006). In 2017, about 90% of the excursions were concentrated in the section at the river's mouth and in a 5- to 10-kilometre-wide aquatic strip along the shore between Tadoussac and Les Escoumins (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

Due to past industrial-source mercury contamination of sediment in the Saguenay River, commercial fishing for marine species has been prohibited for several decades. Commercial fishing for diadromous species (eels, tomcod, etc.) was allowed until 2011. Before the 1970s, people fished for shrimp, snow crab and cod in the Saguenay River, in addition to herring, smelt and capelin near Sainte-Rose-du-Nord and the city of Saguenay. In 1996, the Saguenay floods covered the contaminated sediments with a thick layer of clean sediment, which appears to have significantly improved environmental quality in the area. However, commercial fishing is still prohibited. In addition, recreational harvesting of shellfish is prohibited along the entire Saguenay River due to toxicity, and on the beaches and tidal flats at Tadoussac and Baie-Sainte-Catherine due to pollution (WSP/GCNN, May 2016).

The proponent states that recreational fishing is practised and has been growing for many years. In the summer, sport fishing for rainbow smelt and anadromous brook trout is practised in the Saguenay River. During the annual salmon run, salmon are fished in the Sainte-Marguerite, Petit-Saguenay, Saint-Jean and Mars rivers. However, recreational ice fishing is the most intense activity, taking place from January to March at Anse-Saint-Jean, Rivière-Éternité, Saint-Félix-d'Otis, Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, Saint-Fulgence and the city of Saguenay. More than 80% of the annual fishing effort is expended in the city of Saguenay borough of La Baie. The proponent notes that, for safety reasons, the Canadian Coast Guard has established a safety zone of about 100 metres of ice between the channel and the shacks (WSP/GCNN, May 2016).

Commercial fishing for green sea urchins, snow crab and Greenland halibut are reported in the portion of the St. Lawrence in the extended study area and beyond (fishing area 9). Fishing for green sea urchins is concentrated near the mouth of the Saguenay, specifically on the Batture aux Alouettes, and is practised by the Innu First Nations of Essipit and Pessamit (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

The proponent also mentions other activities practised in the Saguenay. There are unsupervised beaches at La Baie, Cap-Jaseux, Petit-Saguenay and Tadoussac. At La Baie, two other nautical activities of interest, kitesurfing and windsurfing, are practised, especially in the Saint-Fulgence area. Scuba divers are attracted to Saint-Fulgence and Cap Éternité, and also to the underwater rock walls at Île Saint-Louis and those farther downstream at Anse-de-Roche and farther upstream at Sainte-Rose-du-Nord (WSP/GCNN, May 2016).

Lastly, the proponent notes that hunting of waterfowl on the Saguenay River is mainly concentrated in the marsh at Saint-Fulgence, which is also a popular site in the region for year-round observation of shorebirds (WSP/GCNN, May 2016).

8.4.4 Methodology used by the proponent

The proponent identified the main sources of the known effects of marine transportation, and the activities associated with it, as follows: movement of vessels, routine environmental releases resulting from their operation, anchoring of vessels, shipwrecks and sinking of vessels, and accidental spills. For each of these identified sources of effects of the anticipated intensification of marine transport in the Saguenay River and its mouth, the proponent described the environmental and social effects.

8.4.5 Proponent's assessment of the effects of marine navigation associated with the project

The proponent states that the increase in vessel traffic in the Saguenay River would be relatively low because it would be spread out throughout the year. The proponent predicts that the number of vessel movements on the Saguenay River should increase, reaching a maximum of 4 to 6 movements per day by 2030. It notes that the risks of accidents or malfunctions associated with this increase in marine traffic are low, but would be higher in the most sensitive areas:

The mouth of the Saguenay, due to the current density of marine traffic and this area's importance to the regional economy;
The coves and bays along the Saguenay, since they are inhabited areas used for a variety of activities;
The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, which contains a part of the critical habitat for the St. Lawrence beluga;
The area of the proposed port facility, due to the associated increase in traffic.

The proponent is of the opinion that the responsibility for implementing management practices for protecting the most sensitive areas must be assumed by the authorities in charge of managing navigation and authorizing projects in those areas.

Vessel movements

The proponent states that the increase in ship-generated waves ^Footnote 32 resulting from the higher number of vessel movements, especially during the ice-free period, could lead to intensification of the erosion processes that are already occurring at certain locations along the Saguenay River. That could cause degradation or loss of habitat for some species that use the intertidal areas for one or more of their biological functions. Because granite cliffs predominate in the area, the effect would be limited to certain portions of the bays and coves along the Saguenay River, particularly Baie Sainte-Marguerite, Baie Éternité, Baie Sainte-Rose-du-Nord and Anse Saint-Jean. At the mouth of the Saguenay River, Batture de la Pointe-de-Vache could be more affected by coastal erosion at high tide, while Batture aux Alouettes would be relatively unaffected because of the many natural breakwaters (reefs, islets, tidal flats). Lastly, inhabited areas that have a serious erosion problem would not be significantly affected by vessel traffic, since they are located upstream from the planned sites of new port facilities.

The increase in vessel movements could lead to more collisions with marine mammals, especially St. Lawrence belugas, and a higher risk of collision with other vessels at the mouth of the Saguenay.

The extension of the navigation period due to the passage of additional ships would result in an increase in the sources of underwater noise in the Saguenay River. The mouth of the Saguenay is currently identified as the noisiest part of the marine estuary and would be particularly affected by this increase in underwater noise. The granite cliffs along the river could amplify the reverberation of sound waves, and this effect would be more marked in the narrower sections because of the shorter natural noise attenuation distance. Such a change in sound levels could cause marine mammals and fish to avoid the area or modify their behaviour (navigation, diving, respiration or vocalization). However, based on a study conducted in the Saguenay River (WSP, October 2017), the proponent believes traffic would remain low enough that, even with the larger number of vessel movements, there would not be a significant decrease in the number of noise-free periods.

Artificial light from additional vessels would be added to that associated with current vessel traffic. The proponent states that, currently, the busiest periods for marine transport on the Saguenay River are at night and late in the morning (Chion et al., 2009), and that the increase in light sources at night could cause changes in the behaviour of some species. In the extended study area, marine mammals and birds would likely be most affected.

The increase in vessel movements could create noisier conditions for some people living near the river and have an impact on recreational boating and other uses of the Saguenay River for recreation and tourism. For example, the proponent states that ship-generated waves could disrupt nautical activities such as kayaking and recreational boating.

Releases

The proponent notes that the volume of the various releases associated with marine transportation (ballast water, ^Footnote 33 routine releases, etc.) would be higher than current volumes, with a consequent increase in the risk of pollution. However, management of these releases is strictly regulated, and the flow of the Saguenay River is abundant. Therefore, the proponent does not anticipate any notable degradation of water quality in the extended study area. The areas where the risks of degradation would be highest are the mouth of the river, where the intensity of marine traffic is already high, and near the existing and planned port infrastructure.

Mooring

The proponent states that the number of vessels anchored in the mooring areas of port facilities would increase in the coming years. There could be a higher risk of collisions with marine mammals and groundfish. In the proponent's view, this effect would be negligible in the Saguenay River, as the new port infrastructure would be upstream of the marine mammal observation areas. On the other hand, the proponent estimates that the number of ships anchored simultaneously should remain low enough so as not to hinder the movement of, or injure, large fish such as the Greenland shark or the Atlantic halibut.

Accidental spills

The proponent considers that the probability of an accident would increase with the intensification of marine shipping in the Saguenay River. A hydrocarbon spill could occur as a result of a collision or the sinking of a vessel. The highest-risk areas would be in and near the mouth (due to high density of traffic), the 25-kilometre-long narrowest section between Anse à la Boule and Île Saint-Louis (due to more difficult navigation conditions, and near port facilities or wharfs.

The environmental and social effects of a hydrocarbon spill in the Saguenay River would be considerable. Although the rocky cliffs are not very sensitive to contamination from hydrocarbons, the action of tides, waves and currents would quickly move the oil slick to more sensitive shoreline downstream, and upstream when the tide is rising. This upstream movement could carry hydrocarbons to areas containing wetlands, spawning grounds of rainbow smelt, and conservation areas for aquatic birds. Contamination of those environments could compromise the biological activities of many species, including some with special status, as well as human use of the shoreline for recreational activities such as swimming.

The proponent states that a spill could also hinder the recovery of special-status species such as the St. Lawrence beluga and the Barrow's goldeneye. Contamination of their critical habitats could lead these species to avoid the Saguenay River and thereby compromise their survival. This is more likely to happen if a spill should happen in the 25 kilometres of the narrowest stretch of the river. That is the critical habitat of the beluga, and seals are also seen at numerous locations there. The estuary of the Sainte-Marguerite River is a beluga calving area, and it is also the route taken by the salmon and brown trout that frequent this river, which is highly prized for sport fishing. The Centre Interuniversitaire de Recherche sur le Saumon Atlantique conducts a great deal of research there.

A major hydrocarbon spill could have adverse effects on tourism and fishing, particularly fishing by the Innu and Huron-Wendat First Nations. These effects would be felt more strongly in and near the mouth of the Saguenay, in the towns and villages along the shores (bays and coves) and in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. This could lead to a considerable slowdown in the economy for local communities, Innu First Nations and the region. The proponent states that, in the event of a major spill, it would take many years before activities (e.g., cruises in the fjord, kayaking, camping, etc.) could resume. However, the proponent emphasizes that this is unlikely to occur, given that there is no history of such events and that no petroleum products are transported on the Saguenay River. Any hydrocarbon spill would involve the fuel in the ship's tanks for running the vessel, and the quantity would be small. In addition, navigation is closely managed by on-board pilots when the navigation channel is at least 1 kilometre wide.

The proponent considers that if such an accident occurred, the risk of serious impacts on the environment would be low. Given that on average, over the course of a year, just over one vessel per day travels on the Saguenay River, the proponent considers that compliance with the pilotage regulations in effect would ensure an adequate level of safety. Even with the potential increase, which could mean that up to 4 to 6 vessels could pass each other, the proponent considers that the risk is still low.

Concerning past spills in the Saguenay River, the proponent reports that, according to the Transportation Safety Board database, the overall quantities of hydrocarbons spilled have been relatively low: a few dozen litres at most. In general, those events do not have significant effects on the aquatic environment when they are dealt with quickly and effectively. Clearly, that was not the case for the 80,000-litre diesel fuel spill at the Powell wharf, when a tug sank at the wharf. Special measures had to be taken in that case.

8.4.6 Comments received

Government authorities

Transport Canada states that the proponent's description of marine transport in the Saguenay River is adequate and generally reflects the regulations in effect, the responsibilities of the various stakeholders and the emergency response procedure.

Transport Canada considers that marine shipping is currently being conducted safely on the St. Lawrence River and the Saguenay River. Pilotage is compulsory on the Saguenay River and on the St. Lawrence River upstream of Les Escoumins. When any commercial vessel will be travelling through that section, a pilot with experience navigating those waters must come aboard the vessel and direct its navigation. The Laurentian Pilotage Authority, which licenses pilots, states that it ensures that the pilots maintain a high level of skill. Pilots must meet the Canadian and international regulatory requirements, which continue to evolve, and must receive sufficient training to enable them to berth and unberth a vessel safely at the projected infrastructure.

Transport Canada emphasizes that its National Aerial Surveillance Program for preventing pollution (surveillance and tactical support) has contributed significantly to reducing hydrocarbon releases in Canadian waters and conducts frequent surveillance patrols.

It is the opinion of Transport Canada that use of the Saguenay River by additional vessels associated with the project should not be problematic in terms of marine safety, as marine commercial shipping is regulated and under pilotage in the Saguenay.

Under the Oceans Protection Plan, specifically the initiative for assessing the cumulative effects of marine shipping, the Government of Canada will develop a collaborative approach for the purpose of better understanding the potential cumulative effects of regional marine activities. Transport Canada will work with Indigenous peoples, local stakeholders and coastal communities to identify the key concerns and develop a framework for assessing the cumulative effects. This national framework will enable evidence-based decisions to direct economic growth while preserving marine ecosystems. It will also make it possible to develop tools for each region of Canada that can be applied to current and future vessel movement and mitigate the environmental effects. One of the six pilot areas selected for this initiative is the St. Lawrence River. The initial results from this initiative are expected within the next few years.

Transport Canada stresses that one of their mandates is to serve the public interest by promoting a safe, secure, efficient and environmentally responsible transportation system, including by reducing the impact of marine shipping on the environment. In this context, Transport Canada leads federal efforts to identify, assess, and implement measures to mitigate the impacts of marine shipping and vessel traffic on marine ecosystems such as the impacts of underwater noise from vessels and ship strikes on endangered whales. This work is done in close collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Canadian Coast Guard, marine industries, academia, non-governmental organizations, and international partners.

According to experts at Parks Canada, the increase in shipping would be the same for the entire Saguenay River; the mouth of the river would not be affected more than the upstream portions. The biggest concern is the increase in noise in habitats that are currently quiet, which can be considered as acoustic refuges for belugas, such as Baie Sainte-Marguerite (part of the beluga's critical habitat). The narrowness of the Fjord naturally increases the proximity of vessels to ecosystem components and other anthropogenic uses. Conflicts of use with recreational activities are also a source of concern throughout the fjord, although the increase in vessel traffic at the mouth of the Saguenay is also an issue in terms of use management and effects on wildlife. The difficulty of recovering hydrocarbons in the Saguenay, particularly in the downstream portion where the currents are the strongest, and the potential consequences on the St. Lawrence Estuary, are also elements of concern.

First Nations

Ice fishing for food, whale-watching and other excursions, and commercial fishing for green sea urchin, shrimp or snow crab are all important for the Innu First Nations of Essipit and Pessamit. Their concerns are largely related to spills that could occur with increasing numbers of ships circulating at the mouth of the Saguenay River, and especially to the effects they could have on First Nations activities and the resources in the area.

The Huron-Wendat Nation is also concerned about the risk of accidents and collisions with ships during traditional Huron-Wendat fishing activities.

The Innu First Nations of Essipit, Pekuakamiulnuatsh and Pessamit are of the opinion that, during the operation and maintenance phase, the increase in marine traffic and the presence and movement of marine transport vessels in the local study area and the extended study area could pose risks of accidents and collisions. Accidental spills could have effects on some activities, such as subsistence fishing, commercial fishing and recreational tourism businesses, carried out in those areas by the First Nations.

One of the biggest concerns the Innu First Nations have about the project is potential incidents associated with the increase in vessel traffic, related to

Safety, given the presence of other users of the Saguenay Fjord as far downstream as the St. Lawrence (international cruise ships, kayaks, ferries, fishing boats, Zodiacs for marine mammal observation, etc.); and
Spills, which would have effects on special-status species, species of economic interest (sea urchin, snow crab or marine mammals) and those that are important to traditional pursuits (innu-aitun) (migratory birds, fish, seals).

The Innu First Nations point out that vessel movement is an issue that goes beyond the project overseen by the Saguenay Port Authority and that a global approach must be taken to determining the effects of the growth in marine traffic (Essipit, November 2016). The Innu First Nations would like the analysis of those effects to be conducted through a comprehensive process, with all concerned stakeholders participating and cooperating. For that reason, the Innu First Nations also request that a regional study be conducted on the increase in marine shipping in the St. Lawrence (middle estuary and marine estuary) and in the Saguenay Fjord.

The Huron-Wendat Nation raises the same concerns about this issue and are critical of the fact that every port development project is studied separately and that none of them take all of the cumulative effects into account. The Huron-Wendat state that characterizations are required in order to measure the real cumulative effects of the proposed project, particularly regarding marine transport (Bureau du Nionwentsïo, April 2018).

The Innu First Nations raise concerns about fuelling of ships and about management of residual materials and ballast water. The proponent responded that the project does not propose refuelling facilities for ships, but only smaller tanks for the vehicles used on the site. The proponent states that, if a ship absolutely must be refuelled, it would be done using a tanker, on an ad hoc basis. Refuelling this way would be very costly, since sources of fuel are scarce and far away (Agency, October 2017). Regarding ballast water, Transport Canada notes that federal regulations require ships to submit a report 96 hours before arriving in regulated waters, including a plan for managing ballast water. There is no systematic sampling, but the records enable Transport Canada inspectors to follow up. Transport Canada also states that there is a danger of contamination during release of ballast water if it is fresh water, but not if it is saltwater. There is a regulation prohibiting the release of wastewater from ships into the Saguenay River.

The Innu First Nations ask the Agency whether sufficient compensation funds are available to cover the annual income from a major activity (green sea urchin fishing, whale-watching cruises) that could be disrupted by an oil spill during the entire period when the activity is halted. Transport Canada notes that, in addition to the Ship-Source Oil Pollution Compensation Fund (SOPF), which can be used to compensate fisheries workers, there is also the 1992 International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund (IOPC Fund), which can be used to offset income lost from activities such as fishing or tourism. In addition, under the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, 2001, the proponent must have insurance to cover its civil liability.

Lastly, the Innu Nations also express concern about erosion of shorelines due to the increase in vessel traffic associated with the project, or ship-generated waves, and its effect on ice dynamics. They request that a study be conducted on this. The proponent's response is that due to the predominance of granite cliffs along the shoreline, the effect of ship-generated waves is limited to certain portions of the bays and coves distributed along the Saguenay, in particular Baie Sainte-Marguerite, Baie Éternité and Baie Sainte-Rose-du-Nord and Anse Saint-Jean. The proponent refers to a study by Villeneuve (2001) showing that for most shorelines where the centre of the channel is more than 300 m from shore, erosion is mainly due to vessel traffic. Beyond 600 metres, erosion is more likely to be caused by the effect of naturally generated waves. Between those two distances, the relationship is linear. Although the study described the ship-generated waves upstream from Quebec City, the proponent believes that it provides the basis for a realistic discussion.

The proponent states that the bays or tidal flats along the Saguenay River are far from the channel (all more than 1.5 kilometres, except for Baie Sainte-Marguerite, which is 500 to 600 metres from the channel. The proponent considers that the effect of ship-generated waves is negligible in these places, compared to the erosion that may be caused by wind (waves) or currents. Similarly, the fracturing of the ice resulting from ships passing through this section would not be exacerbated by increased vessel traffic. Since the Saguenay waterway must already be opened by an icebreaker during the winter, the proponent is of the opinion that the additional vessel traffic associated with the terminal project on the north shore of the Saguenay River, or other potential projects, would not cause additional ship-generated waves or fracturing of ice (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

General public

A number of organizations and individuals raised concerns about the effects of underwater noise on belugas in the Marine Park. These effects are discussed specifically in section 7.4 on marine mammals and section 8.3 on the cumulative effects on belugas.

Some organizations are worried that the Saguenay River will become the route for transporting the natural resources extracted under Quebec's Plan Nord ^Footnote 34 (Boréalisation, 2016; Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier, 2016). Boréalisation (2016) raises the issue of intensification of industrial uses in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park and believes that limits to industrial development must be dictated by the carrying capacity of the ecosystem. It notes that too much vessel traffic cancels out the mitigation measures of good navigation and that quantitative limits to vessel traffic must be set. According to Boréalisation, it is the Agency's responsibility to determine the ecosystem's carrying capacity and to set conditions limiting shipping within the Marine Park. Boréalisation makes the point that there are other options for marine shipping that would avoid the Marine Park – for example, building a terminal at Forestville. The Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier (2016) puts forward similar views, noting that the fjord is not an industrial highway and that its biodiversity must be protected for future generations.

Nature Québec (2016) deplored the fact that no overall strategic plan exists for optimizing land and marine transport in connection with the Plan Nord. It states that a strategic environmental assessment must be conducted to assess the cumulative effects of the multiple mining transportation projects (land and marine) in the region and in the context of the Plan Nord.

The Organisme de bassin versant du Saguenay (OBVS) (2016) states that the limited access points to the Saguenay Fjord make it difficult for recovery crews to implement conventional emergency response plans and measures in the event of a shipwreck or an accidental spill. The OBVS believes that an emergency response plan specific to the Saguenay River is needed (Organisme de bassin versant du Saguenay, 2016). Nature Québec also notes that it would be impossible to contain a petroleum spill under ice cover (Nature Québec, 2016).

8.4.7 Issues identified by the Agency

According to the information provided by the proponent, and taking into account all of the existing and potential projects, marine traffic on the Saguenay River could increase to 635 vessels per year by 2030, which is equivalent to a maximum of 4 to 6 vessels per day. Current traffic is about 225 vessels per year. Based on the analysis of the information provided by the proponent about the environmental and socio-economic effects and the comments received from the First Nations and the general public, the Agency has identified the following issues related to the increase in shipping on the Saguenay River:

The disturbances caused by ships and the potential consequences of hydrocarbon spills on the natural environment and on the recreational, tourist and economic activities that depend on it (kayaking, recreational boating, marine mammal observation, recreational and commercial fishing, including sea urchin fishing);
The effects of underwater noise generated by ships and the risks of collisions with marine mammals in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, especially species at risk such as the St. Lawrence beluga;
The erosion of the shoreline in sensitive areas of the Saguenay River.
The risks associated with this increase in marine transport would be low, but more serious in the most sensitive areas:
The mouth of the Saguenay, due to the current high density of vessel traffic and the importance of this area for the regional economy and the presence in the area of marine mammals;
The coves and bays along the Saguenay, as they are inhabited areas where a variety of activities are practised;
The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, which contains wildlife habitat including the critical habitat of the St. Lawrence beluga;
The areas around the projected port facilities, because of the associated increase in traffic.

Members of the public, environmental organizations and First Nations emphasized the importance of conducting a strategic or regional environmental assessment to assess the cumulative effects of multiple projects on the environment, including the port projects.

9 Impacts on the Rights Recognized in Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982

This chapter presents the information that the Agency currently has regarding the project's potential impacts on the rights of the First Nations consulted and the key mitigation measures identified in order to avoid them, mitigate them or address them appropriately. Appendix F summarizes the issues of concern raised by the First Nations during the environmental assessment process.

In order to assess the project's potential adverse impacts on the rights of the Innu First Nations of Essipit, Pessamit and Pekuakamiulnuatsh, as well as the Huron-Wendat Nation, the Agency selected and examined the rights categories and interests corresponding to the following criteria:

Practices, traditions and customs. Will the project have an impact on the cultural values that underpin the way of life, cultural well-being and health of the community or individuals within a First Nation with respect to its practices, customs or traditions? The impact can be linked to culturally important sites, traditional resources, activities and species. The impact can be of a physical, sensory (noise, visual quality, etc.), cultural or spiritual nature.
Stewardship. Is the project likely to have an impact on the planning and management of traditional resources and territories? Aboriginal governance and decision-making authority can be expressed in the form of specific laws, protocols, standards, powers and language.

For each of these criteria, the Agency has identified three levels of impact: low, moderate and high. The elements it used as a basis on which to determine the levels of impact for each criterion can be found in Appendix A. For example, the levels used to assess the "Practices, traditions and customs" criterion are defined as follows:

Low: Little to no decrease in the group's ability to exercise its rights in relation to its practices, customs and traditions. Little to no decrease in the group's ability to exercise rights related to culturally important sites, traditional resources, activities and species, or to access these.
Moderate: May have an impact on the group's ability to exercise rights related to its practices, customs and traditions. May result in a decrease in the group's ability to exercise rights related to culturally important sites, traditional resources, activities and species, or to access these.
High: Impacts are likely to affect the group's ability to exercise its rights in a manner consistent with its practices, customs and traditions. A wide variety of culturally important sites, traditional resources, activities and highly significant species are likely to be affected, which could lead to a decreased ability of the group to access or exercise its rights.

For each of these impacts, the Agency also described the likelihood, extent, duration, frequency and reversibility. Each element is also assessed on a three-point scale: low, moderate or high (see Appendix A). Thus, the impact on one criterion may be low, but the likelihood of that impact can be high.

The Agency also analyzed the regional, historical or cumulative context within which impacts on rights could occur. The purpose of this analysis is to document whether the project is carried out in a region where impacts linked to past, present or future activities or projects exist that would compound the project's effects and would result in the project potentially hindering the exercise of rights, for example, in a highly valued region. The Agency used the levels defined in Appendix A for its analysis.

Lastly, the Agency presents the concerns raised by the First Nations regarding the effectiveness of the mitigation measures proposed by the proponent and explains how they were taken into account in identifying key Agency actions deemed necessary to avoid significant adverse environmental effects. The Agency is now seeking the views of the First Nations concerning the project's potential impacts on rights and the effectiveness of the key mitigation measures proposed in the Agency's draft environmental assessment report in order to prevent or minimize these impacts.

The section that follows documents the rights recognized by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 and the needs expressed by the First Nations with a view to exercising them. The Agency then presents its assessment of the project's impacts on these rights. This assessment could change following consultation with First Nations on the draft environmental assessment report.

9.1 Rights recognized by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982

The Agency notes that there is overlap between the land claims and declarations of the Innu First Nations and of the Huron-Wendat Nation in the extended project area. The Agency has no mandate to make a determination on these issues. In this chapter, the Agency provides an account of the views on land occupation proposed by each First Nation, with respect for their respective positions, in order to assess the project's impacts. Figure 13 in section 7.8 contains a map showing the traditional land of the Innu First Nations of Essipit, Pekuakamiulnuatsh and Pessamit, as well as that of the Huron-Wendat Nation.

9.1.1 Innu First Nations—regional and historical context

History of land occupation by the Innu

The project site is on Nitassinan ancestral land of the Innu First Nation of Essipit or Essipiunnuat. According to the proponent, the local study area is located where the boundary of the Nitassinan of the Essipiunnuat and Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nations intersects with the boundary of the Southwestern Portion of Nitassinan (WSP/GCNN, May 2016). The limited study area would be located entirely in the Essipit Innu Nitassinan, on municipal territory.

According to the impact study (WSP/GCNN, May 2016), the Innu First Nation of Essipit has reserve land located 40 kilometres northeast of Tadoussac on the north bank of the St. Lawrence River, close to Escoumins Bay, and would be located approximately 100 kilometres east of the project site, as the crow flies. The First Nation of Pekuakamiulnuatsh (Mashteuiatsh) has reserve land located 6 kilometres from Roberval, on the western shore of Lac Saint-Jean, approximately 100 kilometres west of the project. Lastly, the Innu First Nation of Pessamit or Pessamiulnuat has reserve land located 54 kilometres southwest of Baie-Comeau on the north bank of the St. Lawrence River, approximately 160 kilometres from the project site. The Mashteuiatsh Nitassinan covers an area of 79,062 square kilometres. The Essipit Nitassinan covers an area of 8,403 square kilometres, while the Pessamit Nitassinan is 137,829 square kilometres.

According to the Transfer Environment study (September 2016), at the end of the 16^th century, the Innu at the mouth of the Saguenay River were at the centre of one of the main fur trading routes and the largest fur trading area in North America. When Europeans arrived in the mid-17^th century, the Innu controlled the area at the mouth of the river and had given it the Innu name of Ushatshisheku.

This study also mentions a large trading network among Indigenous Nations extending from Labrador to the Great Lakes, and from Abitibi to New England. The Innu had an in-depth knowledge of the territory, especially its waterways, on which they determined who had the right of passage. The Saguenay was the main regional access into the interior, where the Innu spent their winters. This access was gained by moving upriver through portaging and using navigable streams. The Saguenay River was an important channel of communication for the Innu, as it connected Tadoussac, a significant summer gathering place for a number of Indigenous Nations, to more northern regions such as Hudson's Bay (Transfer Environment and Society, September 2016; WSP/GCNN, August 2016; Council of the Innu First Nation of Essipit, November 2016).

Thus, several ancient portage routes, most of which were still able to be used up until the 20^th century, connecting the Saguenay to the interior territories, cross the extended study area. Two of these ancient routes cross the local study area and join up with the Sainte-Marguerite River (Council of the Innu First Nation of Essipit, November 2016; Transfer Environment and Society, September 2016).

In the 20^th century, the territories of hunter-gatherers were managed by families or multi-family groups associated with a watershed or sub-watershed, under the authority of an experienced hunter. This, in part, was to ensure an equitable distribution and the sustainability of the territory's resources. Families who needed to cross these lands to reach their own ancestral territories were allowed to engage in subsistence hunting, although the families that controlled the lands had exclusive rights to trap fur-bearing animals. The territorial lands associated with the local study area correspond to the territory of Marc Denis, a hunter from an old Essipit Innu family. Access to resources in the aquatic and riparian ecosystems characteristic of the extended area was unconstrained (Council of the Innu First Nation of Essipit, November 2016; Transfer Environment and Society, September 2016).

Land claims and negotiations

The Agreement-in-Principle of a General Nature (APGN) signed in 2004 presents a potential territorial scope of the Innu First Nations (see Figure 13 in section 7.8) that is yet to be defined, as it is not covered by an agreement. The terminal project on the north bank of the Saguenay is not located in an area proposed for full ownership, or Innu Assi. ^Footnote 35 The project site, however, is located in the Essipit Nitassinan, namely the traditional territory in which the Innu would be able to exercise recognized fishing, hunting and trapping rights upon signing a future treaty. Furthermore, ships accessing the terminal would navigate on territory known as the "Southwestern Portion."

The area referred to as the Southwestern Portion is traditional territory common to the three Innu First Nations consulted as part of the project, namely the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation, the Innu of Essipit, and the Innu of Pessamit. According to the APGN, it is an area in which the Innu could exercise recognized fishing, hunting and trapping rights under the future Petapan Treaty. According to section 3.4.2 of the APGN, the precise status of the Southwestern Portion should be finalized prior to the signing of the treaty. In a submission to Quebec's Bureau d'audiences publiques sur l'environnement (BAPE) as part of the evaluation of shale gas issues in 2014, the Innu of Essipit and Pessamit stated that the Southwestern Portion is roughly equivalent to the Quebec City and Charlevoix regions, including part of the Laurentides Wildlife Reserve, the Parc national des Grands-Jardins, and by extension the portion of the lowlands between Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade and Beaupré (Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan, Innu Council of Essipit, and Innu Council of Pessamit, 2014).

Practice of Innu Aitun, fragmentation of the territory

The practice of Innu Aitun ^Footnote 36 is defined in the APGN as all activities, either traditional or contemporary, particularly those associated with the occupation and use of their land for the operation of recreational tourism businesses. In their submission to the BAPE, the Pekuakamiulnuatsh, the Innu of Essipit, and the Innu of Pessamit placed great importance on their territory in terms of identity. The continued practice of their culture depends on it. In the submission, the Essipiunnuat say the following about the connection between their traditional land and their identity:

[Translation]

As with all other First Nations, their Nitassinan is directly connected to their identity, as this is the means through which their Innu Aitun (know-how) and way of life is passed on from generation to generation. The Nitassinan of the Essipit is the cornerstone of the history of the Essipiunnuat, and has been for over 10,000 years.However, with the contemporary period, the opening up of Nitassinan to colonization, and subsequently to the forestry industry and tourism, considerably reduced and fragmented their territory and by that very fact, weakened and diminished their sociocultural practices. The Essipiunnuat have nonetheless adapted to socio-historical changes and today have integrated their Innu Aitun into their recreational-tourism enterprises, within which they proudly express their identity.

The three Innu First Nations state that it is very important for them to exercise increased authority over the development of their territory in order to preserve the exercise of their rights (Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan, Innu Council of Essipit, and Innu Council of Pessamit, 2014).

The Regroupement Petapan, which represents the Innu Nation of Pekuakamiulnuatsh and the Innu of Essipit and Nutashkuan, states, with respect to the principles that underpin the negotiation of the Petapan Treaty, ^Footnote 37 that maintaining the connection to the entire Nitassinan is of critical importance. The Regroupement considers this connection to be one of the fundamental elements on which rests the culture of the Innu First Nations it represents: [translation] "We have consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining this connection to government bodies. . . . Relinquishing the recognition and perpetuation of this connection, or giving up the pursuit of our activities on Nitassinan, has never been an acceptable negotiation route for us. We have to reconcile this reality with the presence of Quebecers on the same territory." The Regroupement Petapan ^Footnote 38 further adds:

[Translation]

Innu society is going through great cultural changes. Over the past fifty years, the Innu have been gradually dispossessed of their traditional hunting, fishing and trapping territory. Clearcutting, the construction of massive dams, the establishment of private clubs, particularly along salmon rivers, and the advent of outfitters had, little by little, deprived the Innu of the practice of their traditional activities (Innu Aitun) and their economic lifeblood, in addition to marginalizing them.

The Pekuakamiulnuatsh stated in their submission to the BAPE in 2014 that their ancestral territory is the basis of their culture and is an essential element to its preservation. In this submission, they point out that the very identity of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh is intrinsically connected to the territory, as it is a place of values, social, spiritual and sacred rites, and economic, educational, political and symbolic activities that have not stopped evolving in spite of the constraints and impediments encountered over countless decades. The First Nations of Pekuakamiulnuatsh, the Innu of Essipit and the Innu of Pessamit also pointed out in this submission that the most significant impact of the activities authorized on their ancestral territories is the increasing fragmentation of those territories, which constantly changes their access to these, and the distribution and density of the traditional resources used in their Innu Aitun practices. They indicate that this phenomenon often results in significant adverse impacts, in addition to cumulative impacts. In that respect, they explain that the often adverse cumulative and synergistic effects of the increased activity on the territory and resources are still, unfortunately, little-known, as they are poorly documented, but that they remain a source of apprehension that must be taken into account prior to further development on the Nitassinan of these First Nations (Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan, the Innu Council of Essipit, and the Innu Council of Pessamit, 2014).

9.1.2 Huron-Wendat Nation—regional and historical context

History of the occupation of the territory by the Huron-Wendat

The territories affected by the project and its extended study area are on the edges of or within Nionwentsïo. Nionwentsïo is the primary territory of the Huron-Wendat Nation, outside of which members of the Nation practise traditional activities and whose boundaries may evolve (Nionwentsïo Office, November 24, 2017). According to the Huron-Wendat Nation, Nionwentsïo, which means "our magnificent territory", extends from the north bank of the St. Lawrence River, between the Saint-Maurice and Saguenay Rivers, along the south bank of the St. Lawrence, all the way to the Lac-Mégantic area (Nionwentsïo Office, April 23, 2018).

The Transfer Environment study submitted by the proponent mentions that upriver from Tadoussac, for approximately 100 kilometres until the mouth of the Chicoutimi River, eleven archaeological sites revealed vestiges documenting the period from 6,000 to 3,000 B.C. The mouths of the main rivers of the Saguenay Estuary were used by proto-Iroquois groups and then by Iroquois in order to use marine resources and resources in the interior (Transfer Environment and Society, September 2016). To that end, the Huron-Wendat Nation states as follows in its memorandum to the Agency (Nionwentsïo Office, April 23, 2018):

[Translation]

It is important to remember that the Huron-Wendat are an ancient and great Iroquoian civilization of farmers and fisher-hunter-gatherers, representing at least 30,000 to 40,000 individuals, who frequented a vast territory extending from the Gaspé Peninsula, through the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the St. Lawrence Valley to the Great Lakes. According to our own traditions and customs, the Huron-Wendat are intimately connected to the St. Lawrence River and its estuary, which is the main route for its activities and way of life. The Huron-Wendat formed alliances and exchanged goods with other First Nations through networks that spanned the continent.

Assertions and land negotiations

The Huron-Wendat Nation holds 1760 Anglo-Huron Treaty rights. The rights granted to the Huron-Wendat Nation under this treaty are the freedom to carry on their customs and religion, and the right to trade with the English. The text of the treaty also provides that the rights guaranteed by the treaty can be exercised over the entire territory frequented by the Huron in 1760, so long as the carrying on of the customs and rites is not incompatible with the particular use made by the Crown of this territory.

In its memorandum to the Agency on this project (Nionwentsïo Office, April 23, 2018), the Huron-Wendat Nation shares its view on how the treaty signed in 1760 should be interpreted:

[Translation]

In Sioui ^Footnote 39, in 1990, the Supreme Court of Canada unanimously recognized that the Treaty provided constitutional protection to the Huron-Wendat Nation's territory and rights and freedoms. Among other things, the Supreme Court confirmed that ‘for a freedom to have real value and meaning, it must be possible to exercise it somewhere', in this case, ‘over the entire territory frequented by the Huron' at the time.

Furthermore, the Huron-Wendat Nation reiterates that navigation is crucial to the exercise of fishing rights, according to the Supreme Court of Canada, because it relates to access to the territory where the fishing rights are exercised (Nionwentsïo Office, April 23, 2018). It also explains in this memorandum that:

[Translation]

The rights and freedoms protected by the Treaty include, but are not limited to , freedom to trade, freedom of religion, the right to practice customs such as hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering and traditional rites, quiet enjoyment of the Nionwentsïo, and, more generally, the right to self-government. This treaty of peace and alliance sealed the nation-to-nation relationship and the treaty partnership between the Crown and the Huron-Wendat Nation. Consequently, the Huron-Wendat Nation's Aboriginal and land rights are entrenched in the Canadian Constitution by section 35. This protection extends to the modern and contemporary exercise of these rights as the rights safeguarded by the Treaty are not restricted to rights practised today. This constitutional protection applies to traditional activities that used to be practised but are no longer practised today.

According to the Huron-Wendat Nation's website, the Council of the Huron-Wendat Nation developed an integrated strategy in 2008 for asserting rights, holding consultations, creating economic levers, and negotiating with governments and proponents on the Nionwentsïo Territory. ^Footnote 40 In September and October 2008, the Huron-Wendat Nation provided the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development with a map of Nionwentsïo. The Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development acknowledged the Huron-Wendat's intent to submit a comprehensive claim and confirmed that, upon receipt, this claim would be evaluated in accordance with the Comprehensive Land Claims Policy.

Despite the creation of a discussion table on the Huron-British Treaty, which was active between 2011 and 2012, the Huron-Wendat and the Government of Canada were unable to agree on the geographic scope of the Huron-British Treaty. In 2014, the Huron-Wendat Nation reactivated its application for a judicial review, and, in accordance with the Federal Court's decision, a discussion process was launched to address the differences between the Huron-Wendat Nation and the Innu First Nations in question regarding the territory that the APGN should cover, a process involving these First Nations and the governments of Canada and Quebec. ^Footnote 41

Practice of traditional activities, territorial fragmentation

In its memorandum to the Agency regarding this project, the Huron-Wendat Nation relies not only on the Huron-British Treaty, but also on sections 12(1) and 25 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) to establish the Huron-Wendat's right to freely practise its religious customs and practices and to access its religious and cultural sites (Nionwentsïo Office, April 23, 2018).

The Huron-Wendat point out that their customs are an integral part of their way of life and culture and have always been omnipresent in their spheres of activity. Whether from a historical or contemporary perspective, these customs influence many aspects of the Nation's life, such as its governance, the way in which it expresses diplomacy and builds alliances or even trades and develops economically and socially, its spiritual practices, its cultural activities, the transfer of its traditional knowledge and the importance it places on its language (Nionwentsïo Office, April 23, 2018). In its memorandum to the Agency (Nionwentsïo Office, April 23, 2018), the Nation states that the "sacred relationship with Mother Earth, nature and the precious resource nature offers" are also an expression of the customs of the Huron-Wendat Nation, whose religion [translation] "is based on alliances with the spiritual world which reveals itself through animals, traditional sites and practices, and the nature of the Nation's territory". It notes in this regard that [translation] "religious practices involve a particularly profound and sacred connection with the Creator, the deceased, ancestors and the land".

In the Huron-Wendat Nation's view, its identity is directly connected to its land: [translation] "The land is at the very heart of the Huron-Wendat identity. Protecting the land and the Huron-Wendat's special relationship with the land is essential to preserving Huron-Wendat customs and oral traditions, as well as their transmission to young people and future generations" (Nionwentsïo Office, April 23, 2018).

This relationship concerns the portions of the territory served by the St. Lawrence River, of which the Saguenay River is a tributary, and to which the Saguenay Fjord is closely linked (Nionwentsïo Office, April 23, 2018):

[Translation]

The St. Lawrence River, the ‘Great River' in the Huron-Wendat oral tradition, is located in the heart of Nionwentsïo and is the ‘highway' the Huron-Wendat have used since time immemorial to travel to the lands where they historically practised—and continue to practise—their traditional activities, such as hunting, fishing, trading and gathering plants. The ‘Great River' is therefore central to the Huron-Wendat Nation's identity and culture.

The Huron-Wendat Nation believes that the many activities practised on its territory pose the biggest threat to the Huron-Wendat's rights and interests (Nionwentsïo Office, April 23, 2018).

During the Agency's recent consultations, Nionwentsïo Office representatives shared their concerns about the impacts of the various proposed port terminals currently being assessed by the Agency in the St. Lawrence and Saguenay rivers. The Huron-Wendat Nation's concerns about the possible effects of these projects include erosion, spills, invasive alien species, habitat loss, dredging, anchoring and an increase in shipping. Huron-Wendat Nation representatives have shared their fears about an increase in shipping and the effects of such an increase, mainly in connection with its cumulative impacts. Even though, as they say, port administrations believe that this increase will be negligible for each individual project, the overall increase in shipping worries the Nation because it feels it will be substantial (meeting between the Agency and the Nionwentsïo Office, January 12, 2018).

For the Huron-Wendat Nation, the impacts of the various proposed ports currently being assessed by the Agency on the exercise of its rights will amplify the many past and future impacts on its lands. The Nation finds that its access to many of the resources it requires to exercise its rights is already limited. These resources include many species of fish, such as eel, striped bass, sturgeon, walleye, bass and salmon. Other species, such as sweet grass, the plants in Lac St-Pierre, and even migratory birds, are less and less accessible. According to the Nation, access to the St. Lawrence River has also decreased considerably as a result of the moves experienced by the Nation's members, partly because of the conversion of public land into land for private or tourism use, or because of the waves created by ships. The Nation's last remaining access points have therefore become very precious to the Nation (meeting between the Agency and the Nionwentsïo Office, January 12, 2018; Nionwentsïo Office, April 23, 2018).

The possibility of not being able to continue to exercise its hunting and fishing rights is one of the sources of concern for the Huron-Wendat Nation. Its representatives have noted that there are often hunting or fishing conflicts and that these practices are disappearing. In this regard, the Nation wants the federal government to look at the proposed marine terminals from a more regional perspective and to assess their cumulative impact (meeting between the Agency and the Nionwentsïo Office, January 12, 2018).

The Huron-Wendat Nation informed the Agency that it wants to continue to live from the resources of its territory even though development is reducing its ability to do so according to traditional ways. The Nation also informed the Agency that it wishes to invest in development projects on its territory and to use these projects as opportunities for increasing its members' capacity (meeting between the Agency and the Nionwentsïo Office, November 9, 2018).

9.2 Potential adverse impacts of the project on rights recognized by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982

9.2.1 Innu First Nations

The potential impacts of the project for the rights of the Innu First Nations would be related to:

the exercise of their practices, traditions and customs, including the practice of Innu Aitun;
- the exercise of fishing rights,
- the exercise of their right to hunt,
- economic freedom,
- health implications,
- conservation of the natural and cultural heritage;
stewardship (planning and managing traditional territories and resources);
the regional, historical or cumulative context; and
the effectiveness of accommodation and mitigation measures.

Proponent's assessment

The Agency has asked the proponent, through its guidelines, to present its perspective on the potential adverse impacts of the various project components and activities (for all phases) on established or potential Aboriginal or Treaty rights. This assessment has to compare the exercise of the identified rights in future conditions if the project is realized and if it is not. The proponent also has to present any First Nations perspectives submitted to the proponent.

Regarding the Innu First Nations, according to the proponent, no fully owned lands, heritage sites, Innu parks, or Innu planning and development areas provided for by the APGN are in the project's local study area (WSP/GCNN, May 2016). The proponent also discusses the right to practise Innu Aitun on Nitassinan and the Innu First Nations' genuine participation in managing the land, environment and natural resources in anticipation of complementary agreements. The proponent further notes that [translation] "according to the studies and consultations performed regarding the Essipit and Mashteuiatsh communities, the territory covered by the local study area is not currently occupied by the Innu. Some members, however, apparently fish for food in winter on the Saguenay and at La Baie and Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, outside the limited study area. No other traditional, cultural, recreational or commercial activities are being practised by the Innu in the local study area." The proponent therefore does not expect any environmental effects on the Innu First Nations' current use during the construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning phases of the project.

According to the proponent, the various project components and activities (for all phases) will have no potential adverse environmental impacts on any established or potential Aboriginal or Treaty rights of the Innu First Nations. The proponent therefore did not identify any specific mitigation or accommodation measures. The proponent nonetheless proposes the implementation of mitigation measures for the protection of fish and their habitat in the project sector presented in section 7.3 as well as measures in the event of accidents and malfunctions under the proponent's responsibility, as presented in section 8.1, to prevent adverse effects on resources.

In addition, the proponent plans to continue its exchanges and discussions with the Innu First Nations in order to negotiate an economic agreement to allow Aboriginal businesses or individuals to work on the construction site during the various stages of the project. It believes that this would have a positive residual effect.

Any shipping that is outside the proponent's control does not fall under the scope of the environmental assessment, but its effects were documented by the proponent under paragraph 19(1)(j) of CEAA 2012.

As presented in section 8.4, the proponent believes that the increase in shipping as a result of the project would be fairly low in the Saguenay River because it is spread out over one year. According to the proponent's forecasts, the number of ship movements on the Saguenay River is expected to increase to up to four to six per day by 2030. It believes that the risk of accidents or malfunctions associated with this increased shipping in the extended study area is low, but would be higher in more sensitive areas, such as at the mouth of the Saguenay, given the current maritime traffic density and the importance of this industry for the region's economy.

Agency analysis of practices, traditions and customs

Impacts on hunting and fishing rights

The project would have little effect on winter and food fisheries on the Saguenay River in the project sector or on migratory bird and seal hunting. In section 7.8, the Agency added a measure to the measures presented by the proponent in order for the proponent to develop an ice fishing management plan in consultation with the First Nations so that this activity may be carried out safely in the Saguenay Port area of jurisdiction. The management plan would include a description of the manner in which the proponent gave consideration to the viewpoints and information received from the First Nations during the plan's development. The proponent should also submit the management plan to the Agency before operations begin. The Agency finds, in section 7.8, that in light of the key mitigation measures identified, the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes. The Agency believes that these measures could help preserve fishing rights.

The Innu First Nation of Essipit also practises commercial green sea urchin, shrimp and snow crab fishing at the mouth of the Saguenay River. In the case of the snow crab fishery, it does this in co-operation with the Innu First Nation of Pessamit.

The Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation mentioned that an increase in shipping would likely have an impact on the First Nation's future economic activities, including the commercial fishery, particularly in connection with the signing of the Petapan Treaty currently being negotiated and under which members of this community expect to be granted commercial or community fishery permits (Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan, May 20, 2015).

Impacts on economic activity and the practice of Innu culture

The Innu First Nation of Essipit raised concerns about the environmental effects of shipping, including accidents, on species that are important to the practice of Innu culture (Innu Aitun), such as migratory birds, fish and seals. On wrapping up its analysis, the Agency concludes that the likelihood of accidents or malfunctions on a scale that would lead to significant adverse residual environmental effects is low. The Agency also identified in section 8.1 a number of key mitigation measures required to prevent significant adverse environmental effects from being caused by the project in the event of accident or malfunction.

Recreational tourism is an integral part of the practice of Innu Aitun (see section 9.1.1) for the Innu First Nation of Essipit. The Essipit Innu operate recreational tourism businesses that may be adversely impacted by the risk of accidents and malfunctions associated with any shipping that does not fall under the responsibility of the proponent at the mouth of the Saguenay River. These socio-economic activities could be incorporated into the Petapan Treaty, which is currently being negotiated.

Belugas are particularly important for the Essipit Innu, especially in connection with the recreational marine mammal observation activities run by this First Nation in the area at the mouth of the Saguenay River.

On completion of its analysis, the Agency concludes that, considering the implementation of the key mitigation measures identified in section 8.3, the project is not likely to cause significant cumulative adverse effects on the St. Lawrence beluga. The Agency believes that these measures could help preserve the practice of Innu culture.

Health impacts

Many Innu rent fishing huts on the Saguenay River, outside the local study area, to fish for food (Transfert environnement et société, April 2016). The proponent and the First Nations consulted did not document any other uses of the territory by the First Nations, such as gathering berries or hunting in the limited study area. Following its analysis, the Agency concludes that, with the implementation of the mitigation measures identified in section 7.7, the project is unlikely to have any significant adverse environmental impacts on human health, including the health of the First Nations. The Agency notes that the project has a low risk of contaminating fish, including fish that may be eaten as country food, since the concentrations of suspended solids, metals, metalloids and other contaminants in the air, water or fish are unlikely to increase to the point where they would exceed health protection standards and criteria. The risks of fish contamination through resuspension of contaminated sediments during construction are also low because of the presence of rock and the wharf's substantial depth.

Impacts on natural and cultural heritage

The Innu First Nations indicated that they wanted to be involved in archaeological matters, including any archaeological work. The proponent documented the presence of areas with low archaeological potential at the project site, but since there have not been any comprehensive studies in this area, the possibility remains that other sites will be discovered. In the event of discoveries, mitigation measures are proposed to prevent significant effects. The Innu Nations also noted the importance to them of the Saguenay Fjord and many sites and waterways that are part of their cultural heritage. The Innu First Nation of Essipit in particular is very concerned about the future of the beluga and about preserving the integrity of the Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park. Following its analysis, the Agency concludes that, with the implementation of the mitigation measures identified in section 7.9, the project is unlikely to have any significant adverse environmental impacts on the natural and cultural heritage. This is due in part to the fact that the project site is located outside the protected area of the Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park and that the project is unlikely to compromise the integrity of the cultural heritage of any structures, sites or things that are of archaeological significance. With regard to the beluga, as noted above, the Agency concludes that, with the implementation of the mitigation measures, the project is unlikely to have any significant adverse cumulative effects on the St. Lawrence beluga.

Agency conclusions regarding impact on practices, traditions and customs

The Agency believes that the potential adverse impact of the project's implementation on the Innu First Nations' exercise of their practices, traditions and customs will be low to moderate, depending on the First Nation concerned. The project is likely to have little impact on fishing rights, since the project site is not a heavily used area. The project could have a moderate impact on the group's ability to exercise its rights in relation to its practices, traditions and customs, in particular because of the potential effects of accidents, such as oil spills, on the practice of Innu Aitun, such as recreational tourism or fishing businesses.

The Innu First Nations' ability to exercise their rights relating to important cultural sites might also be diminished, since the project may affect archaeological sites. For the Pessamit and Pekuakamiulnuatsh Innu First Nations, the project would cause little or no reduction in their ability to exercise their rights pertaining to their practices, traditions and customs, since the project is not located on their Nitassinan.

The likelihood, extent, frequency, duration and irreversibility of the impacts on practices, traditions and customs are described below.

Likelihood: The likelihood that the project will have impacts on practices, traditions and customs is as follows:
- Low with respect to the practice of Innu culture, including fishing. The effects on fishing or recreational tourism activities at the project site or at the mouth of the Saguenay River that the Innu First Nations anticipate are related to accidents and not to the mere presence of ships. The likelihood of an accident is low, in view of the existing navigation rules and the fact that the Saguenay River does not have a history of accidents.
- Low with respect to health impacts, since the concentrations of suspended solids, metals, metalloids and other contaminants in the air, water or fish are unlikely to increase to the point where they would exceed health protection standards and criteria.
- Low with respect to project impacts on natural and cultural heritage, since the project is unlikely to compromise the integrity of the cultural heritage of any structures, sites or things that are of archaeological significance.
Extent: regional. The geographic extent of the impact on practices, traditions and customs is far-reaching, as it could occur over the entire region, principally because of the expected increase in shipping and its effects.
Duration, frequency and irreversibility:
- Duration: moderate for spill-related effects or effects on things of archaeological significance. The impacts on practices, traditions and customs could persist for up to one generation.
- Frequency: low to moderate. The impacts on practices, traditions and customs associated with things that are of archaeological significance would occur only in the construction phase, while the spill-related impacts on practices, traditions and customs could occur sporadically over the entire life of the project.
- Irreversibility: high. The impacts on practices, traditions and customs are unlikely to be reversible, either partially or fully, since they are likely to persist beyond a generation.

Agency analysis of stewardship

The purpose of this criterion is to evaluate whether the project is likely to have an impact on the planning and management of traditional territories and resources. Aboriginal governance and decision-making authority can be expressed in the form of specific laws, protocols, standards, powers and language. An analysis was performed using the information currently available to the Agency; that analysis could change following consultations on the draft environmental assessment report.

In the environmental assessment of the terminal project on the north shore of the Saguenay, the Innu First Nations argued that, by virtue of their rights and interests, they should determine what form the development of their territory should take, and that compensation in the form of an agreement with the proponent and the government was necessary for the project (Council of the Innu First Nation of Essipit, July 16, 2015).

The Innu First Nations indicated that the project could have an impact on the practice of Innu Aitun, specifically in connection with the effects of increased shipping and potential accidents and malfunctions resulting therefrom. The Innu First Nation of Essipit and the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation also explained that the project could have an impact on future fishing rights under the Petapan Treaty currently being negotiated.

The Innu First Nation of Essipit also told the Agency that, by virtue of its Aboriginal title, it had the right to make its own choices regarding the development and use of its traditional territory, Nitassinan. For its part, the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation indicated that shipping accidents could have an impact on its rights and interests, including commercial fishing, which is covered as an economic activity in the upcoming Petapan Treaty. By virtue of these rights and interests, the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation feels it has the right to make its own choices regarding the development and use of its ancestral land.

Agency conclusions regarding impact on stewardship

On the basis of the currently available information, the Agency believes that the project's impact on stewardship by the Innu First Nations could be low to moderate. The project is likely to have an impact on the planning and management of traditional territories and resources, since it would be implemented on the Nitassinan of the Innu First Nation of Essipit. It could also have impacts on the stewardship of the three Innu First Nations because of the increase in shipping on the Saguenay River and its potential effects on fishing and the practice of Innu Aitun. Work on an impact and benefits agreement between the proponent and the Innu First Nations is in progress. The Agency currently has no information on how much co-operation there is between the two parties, what is being discussed and whether the agreement would address the First Nations' stewardship concerns. The Agency nevertheless believes that such an agreement could help mitigate the impacts on the First Nations' stewardship.

The likelihood that the project will have an impact on the Innu First Nations' stewardship and the impact's duration, frequency and irreversibility are described below.

Likelihood: low to moderate. The project could have impacts on the stewardship of the three Innu First Nations.
Extent: local to regional. With regard to geographic extent, the impact on stewardship would be low for the Innu First Nation of Essipit in connection with the effects at the project site, while the impact would be high for the three Innu First Nations in connection with the effects of shipping on the Saguenay River.
Duration, frequency and irreversibility:
- Duration: high. The impacts on stewardship—both the infrastructure-related impacts at the project site and the shipping-related impacts on the Saguenay River—would persist beyond a generation.
- Frequency: moderate to high. The impacts on stewardship could occur sporadically or intermittently in connection with the presence of ships on the Saguenay River or continuously in connection with the infrastructure at the project site.
- Irreversibility: moderate to high. The impacts on stewardship of the Saguenay River could occur during periods of heavy ship traffic. The impacts on stewardship at the project site are unlikely to be reversible, either partially or fully, since they are likely to persist beyond a generation.

Agency analysis of impacts on regional, historical or cumulative context

The current uses reported by the Innu First Nations in the project area are confined to winter fishing by some members. The project would be located on the Nitassinan of the Innu First Nation of Essipit, but that Nation has not reported any current uses on land at the project site. Although there are other uses of the land on their Nitassinan, including resort development and existing shipping on the Saguenay River, the project would not have any cumulative effects that might have an impact on the exercise of rights.

The Innu First Nations, particularly the Innu First Nation of Essipit and the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation, questioned the Agency about the validity period of the environmental assessment. They asked whether elements of the assessment, such as the data on traditional activities (Innu Aitun), which are dynamic and change over time and in space, would be updated should the project be carried out only in a few years' time. They also asked whether, in the event of new clients coming on board, complementary assessments would be performed prior to authorization and implementation. In the case of new clients, they wanted to know at what stages and how the First Nations could express their concerns and present their views on the issues surrounding the new facilities. In the document of potential conditions, the Agency proposes the following two conditions to address this concern:

The proponent shall consult the First Nations, competent authorities and potentially affected parties before making any change in the project that is likely to have adverse environmental effects, including when a new user becomes a user of the designated project, and shall notify the Agency in writing no later than 60 days before making any change in the project.
The proponent shall provide the Agency with a description of the potential adverse environmental effects resulting from any change in the designated project, the mitigation measures and monitoring requirements to be followed by the proponent, and the results of the consultation with the First Nations, competent authorities and potentially affected parties.

The Innu First Nations also expressed concern about the potential effects of increased marine traffic on the safety of other users from the Saguenay Fjord to the St. Lawrence River and the effects of spills that would impact special status species (beluga, harbour seals), species of economic interest (sea urchins, marine mammals) and species of importance for the practice of Innu Aitun (migratory birds, fish, seals). Consequently, the Innu First Nations requested that the project fit in with a comprehensive temporal or regional vision of commercial shipping on the Saguenay River (Council of the Innu First Nation of Essipit, November 1, 2016). Any shipping that is outside the proponent's control does not fall within the scope of the environmental assessment, but its effects are documented in the assessment in accordance with paragraph 19(1)(j) of CEAA 2012 and discussed in section 8.4. According to the proponent's forecasts, the number of vessel movements on the Saguenay River is expected to increase to a maximum of roughly four to six movements a day by 2030.

This estimate is based on the operating capacity of the North Shore marine terminal project and current and future projects, including the Énergie Saguenay Project, which contribute or are likely to contribute to increased shipping on the Saguenay River. The Agency notes that on the basis of the information provided, the risks of accidents or malfunctions associated with this increase in shipping are low but would be higher in the most sensitive areas, such as the mouth of the Saguenay, because of the current density of marine traffic and the sector's importance in the region's economy.

The Innu First Nations indicated that they are aware that the proponent by itself could not address their concerns about the increase in shipping. They therefore requested a regional study on the increase in shipping in the St. Lawrence River (middle estuary) and the Saguenay Fjord (Council of the Innu of Essipit, May 2017).

Agency conclusions regarding impact on the rights of the Innu First Nations based on regional, historical or cumulative context

The fragmentation of the Innu First Nations' land was taken into account in the Agency's analysis. With respect to the regional, historical or cumulative context, the project's impacts in the local study area would be low, since the project would be carried out in an area where there is development, but the project is unlikely to have cumulative effects that could impede the exercise of rights at the project site.

The impacts of project-related shipping that is outside the proponent's control would be moderate in the extended study area, when the regional, historical or cumulative context is considered, since there are other land uses, including proposed or current projects, within the Innu First Nations' territory that could have impacts on the exercise of their rights. Project-related shipping that is outside the proponent's control could have cumulative effects on fishing or the practice of Innu Aitun, particularly in the event of accidents or malfunctions (such as a spill).

The likelihood, extent, duration, frequency and irreversibility of these impacts are analyzed below.

Likelihood: low to moderate. Cumulative effects are unlikely to occur at the project site, but could occur because of shipping that is outside the proponent's control, for example in the event of a spill.
Extent: local to regional. The geographic extent of the cumulative effects on the exercise of rights is small at the project site (local) and large in the regional study area, as the impact on rights could occur over the entire region, notably in the event of an accident leading to a spill.
Duration, frequency and irreversibility: high.
- Duration: high. The impact on rights could persist beyond a generation in the event of a spill.
- Frequency: moderate. The impact on rights could occur sporadically over the life of the project.
- Irreversibility: high. In the event of a spill, the impacts on the exercise of rights are unlikely to be reversible, either partially or fully, since they are likely to persist beyond a generation.

Concerning the impacts of the increase in shipping that is outside the proponent's control, the Agency notes, as mentioned in section 8.4, that government initiatives in this regard are in progress, in particular under the Oceans Protection Plan, specifically the Cumulative Effects of Marine Shipping initiative, through which the Government of Canada will develop a shared approach to better understand the potential cumulative effects of regional marine activity. Transport Canada will work with Indigenous peoples, local stakeholders and coastal communities to identify the main concerns and develop a framework for assessing the cumulative effects. That national framework will support evidence-based decision-making to guide economic growth while preserving marine ecosystems. It will also help develop region-specific tools that can be applied to current and future vessel movements and mitigate the environmental effects. One of the six pilot sites for this initiative is the St. Lawrence River. Initial results are expected in the next few years.

In the Agency's view, the government initiatives being developed regarding the cumulative effects of shipping will partly address the concerns raised by the First Nations regarding the impacts of those cumulative effects on rights, including fishing rights.

Concerns of the Innu First Nations regarding the effectiveness of mitigation and accommodation measures

In a letter to the Innu First Nations on September 14, 2016, the Agency requested comments on the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures and monitoring programs. The Innu First Nations raised some concerns about the effectiveness of the mitigation and accommodation measures for minimizing the impacts on their rights.

For example, the Innu First Nation of Essipit and the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation told the Agency that, by virtue of their rights and interests, accommodation measures should be agreed between them and the government or the proponent, so as to mitigate the adverse effects of a project by means of an impact and benefits agreement (IBA). At a meeting between the Agency and the proponent on July 16, 2015, the Innu First Nations stated the following: [TRANSLATION] "The First Nations would like to see the development of a project with the best compromise between environmental, social and economic interests. In addition to mitigation and harmonization measures, the First Nations are seeking benefits in terms of jobs and contracts for community members and businesses." (Council of the Innu First Nation of Essipit, July 2015)

The Innu First Nation of Essipit said that, because of its Aboriginal title, accommodation measures should be agreed between the government or the proponent and the First Nation, so as to mitigate the adverse impacts of a project on Nitassinan. It stated that those measures could be identified in an IBA (Council of the Innu First Nation of Essipit, May 2015). The Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation made the same comment, by virtue of its future rights and interests following the signing of the Petapan Treaty, which is currently being negotiated (Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan, May 20, 2015).

The proponent is not committing to any specific mitigation or accommodation measures, since it has not observed any impacts on the rights of the Innu First Nations. Nevertheless, it stated that it is in discussions with the Innu First Nations to conclude an economic agreement. No agreement has been confirmed at this stage, however. The Agency believes that such an agreement could help mitigate the impacts on the First Nations' stewardship.

The Innu First Nation of Essipit and the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation expressed concerns about the environmental impact of shipping, including potential accidents, on migratory birds and marine mammal hunting and on fishing in the mouth of the Saguenay and along the coastline to Les Escoumins. They also expressed concerns about the impact of potential accidents and malfunctions on economic activities (e.g., commercial fishing, whale-watching cruises, lodging, and recreational tourism along the coastline), the future of the beluga and the integrity of the Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park. Following its analysis, the Agency is of the opinion that there is little likelihood of accidents and malfunctions that would have significant adverse residual environmental effects. The proponent clearly identified the risks inherent in its project and would take preventive measures, including proper design, inspection and maintenance of infrastructure and development of an emergency plan that would enable it to respond rapidly and effectively in the event of accidents or malfunctions. The Agency's position is also based on Transport Canada's opinion, which is that shipping currently operates safely on the St. Lawrence and the Saguenay, in part because pilotage is mandatory on the Saguenay and the St. Lawrence from Les Escoumins onward. In addition, the Agency has identified, in section 8.1, a number of key mitigation measures required to ensure that the project does not have any significant adverse environmental effects in the event of accidents or malfunctions; those mitigation measures include the following:

prior to construction, the proponent shall consult the First Nations and competent authorities on the measures needed to prevent accidents and malfunctions;
prior to construction and in consultation with the First Nations and competent authorities, the proponent shall develop a response plan in case of accidents or malfunctions associated with the designated project. The accident/malfunction response plan shall specify the types of accidents and malfunctions that could have adverse environmental effects.

In connection with accidents and malfunctions, the Innu First Nations expressed concerns about the compensation fund in the event of a spill, especially an oil spill. They wanted to know if this fund would be sufficient to compensate for a First Nation's loss of annual revenue from a major activity, such as the green sea urchin fishery or marine mammal-watching cruises, for the entire period the activity would be halted. The Agency's position is based on Transport Canada's opinion, which is that, in addition to the Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund (SOPF), ^Footnote 42 which compensates fishing industry workers, the 1992 Fund, one of the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOIPCF), ^Footnote 43 provides compensation for economic losses in industries such as fishing and tourism. Furthermore, under the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, 2001, ^Footnote 44 the proponent is required to have civil liability insurance.

The Innu First Nations raised concerns about the impact of increased shipping in the Saguenay Fjord on shoreline erosion and ice dynamics. Shipping and its effects outside the immediate area of the proposed terminal are outside the proponent's control and beyond the scope of the environmental assessment, in part because the proponent would not be able to implement mitigation measures. Nevertheless, the Agency asked the proponent to provide a more comprehensive analysis of those potential environmental effects, which is summarized in section 8.4.

With regard to shoreline erosion, the proponent believes that increased wave action due to more frequent vessel movements outside its control could intensify the erosion processes already under way along the Saguenay River. Because of the preponderance of granite cliffs, this effect would be confined to certain portions of the bays and inlets scattered along the Saguenay River and at its mouth. However, Batture aux Alouettes would be relatively unaffected because of the many natural wave-breaks (reefs, islets, strands).

With regard to ice dynamics, the proponent believes that since the Saguenay Waterway has to be opened up, over most of its length, by an icebreaker during the winter, the additional ship traffic associated with the terminal project on the north shore of the Saguenay or other potential projects would not result in additional wave action or ice fracturing. The Agency is satisfied with the information provided by the proponent concerning the potential effects of increased shipping on shoreline erosion and ice dynamics.

During the analysis of the impact study, the Innu First Nations expressed concern about the fact that the proponent had not taken into account an eastern white pine stand of phyto-sociological interest, which includes red pine, black spruce and cedar, over a surface area of four hectares. In response to questions from the Agency, the proponent confirmed that, to reduce vegetation loss, it would keep the size of the wharf's cargo handling area and the width of the access road right-of-way to an absolute minimum and, where possible, route the road through the largest gaps in the stand (where there are fewer trees). The proponent indicated that field validation of the age of the eastern white pine stand in Unit V6 had confirmed that the stand was less than 90 years old. The eastern white pine stand was not taken into account as a stand of phyto-sociological interest because the Hydro-Québec method used recognizes only eastern white pine stands that are 90 years old or more as stands of phyto-sociological interest in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region's balsam fir-yellow birch forest (Essipit, 2016; WSP/GCNN, March 2017). The three Innu First Nations also asked whether the proponent had performed the flora inventories scheduled for the summer of 2016. The proponent carried out the inventories as planned in the summer of 2016, specifically on July 6 and August 19. The inventories found no special status plants in the limited study area (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

Even before the proponent's environmental impact study was submitted, the Innu First Nation of Essipit, the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation and the Pessamit First Nation informed the Agency of their willingness to cooperate and participate in potential archaeological work that may be required during the terminal's construction. The proponent made a commitment to conduct archaeological surveys before construction and to have the Innu First Nations take part in the work. The Agency also identified a number of key mitigation measures (see section 7.9) to prevent significant impacts on archaeological heritage, including a requirement that the proponent notify the First Nations of any discovery within 24 hours and allow the First Nations to supervise the archaeological work. The key mitigation measures also specify that, after consulting the First Nations and competent authorities, the proponent must comply with all legislative or legal requirements relating to the discovery, including registering, transferring and protecting any structures, sites or things of historical, archaeological, paleontological or architectural significance.

9.2.2 Huron-Wendat Nation

The project's potential impacts on the rights of the Huron-Wendat Nation are in the following areas:

Its practices, traditions and customs, including
- Fishing rights
- Conservation of the natural and cultural heritage
- Right to trade
Stewardship (planning and management of resources and traditional territories)
Regional, historical or cumulative context
Effectiveness of accommodation and mitigation measures

Proponent's assessment

In response to an enquiry by the Agency, the proponent provided information about the project's potential impact on current use for traditional purposes (section 7.8) and on the Huron-Wendat Nation's cultural heritage (section 7.9), but it said nothing about the project's impact on the Nation's rights. Nevertheless, the proponent is planning to implement mitigation measures concerning the protection of fish and fish habitat in the project area (section 7.3) and measures concerning accidents and malfunctions for which the proponent is responsible (section 8.1) to prevent adverse effects on resources.

The proponent and the Huron-Wendat Nation have initiated discussions on the possibility of reaching an economic agreement, which will cover, in particular, employment and subcontracting for construction of the project and the possibility of forming an economic partnership.

Agency analysis on practices, traditions and customs

Impacts on fishing and hunting rights

The Huron-Wendat Nation informed the Agency that the project's construction phase and the associated vessel movement during the operating phase could have an impact on fishing and navigation activities by the Nation's members on the Saguenay River. The Huron-Wendat Nation also indicated that the risks of accidents and collisions with ships due to increased vessel movement could significantly affect traditional Huron-Wendat fishing activities, including navigation by its members. The Huron-Wendat Nation did not express any concerns about hunting.

The Agency concludes in section 7.8 that, in view of the key mitigation measures identified, the project is unlikely to have significant adverse environmental effects on the current use of the land and resources for traditional purposes. In the Agency's opinion, the measures could help preserve the fishing rights.

Impacts on freedom to follow customs and religion

In its submission to the Agency concerning the terminal project on the north shore of the Saguenay River (Nionwentsïo Office, April 23, 2018), the Huron-Wendat Nation pointed out that access to the territory and its resources was vital, in particular to ensure it has the freedom to follow its customs and religion. The Nation believes that its members' access to the territory that it has historically frequented, whether inside or outside Nionwentsïo, is protected by the Huron-British Treaty of 1760.

Following its analysis, the Agency concludes that, with the implementation of the mitigation measures identified in section 7.10, the project is unlikely to have any significant adverse impacts on socio-economic conditions, including boating or fishing activities. Those measures include implementation of a communication plan to provide information about the project to users practising boating, hunting, fishing and recreational tourism activities in the local study area. In the Agency's opinion, the measures could help preserve the fishing rights and the practice of customs.

In its submission to the Agency (Nionwentsïo Office, April 23, 2013), the Huron-Wendat Nation noted the importance of its trading practices in maintaining its customs. As concerns this project, on the basis of the freedom to trade guaranteed by the Huron-British Treaty and the need for a flexible and liberal interpretation of treaties so that they can evolve over time, it is appealing to the Crown in the following terms:

[TRANSLATION]

Today, the notions of "mutual protection", "resource sharing", "fair return" and "alliances" between the Crown and the Nation, notions covered in Sioui, can lead to the formation of mutually beneficial business partnerships between the Huron-Wendat Nation, the Crown and proponents of development projects.

The Crown is bound by honour, fiduciary obligations, and its commitment as a treaty partner to protect, respect and facilitate the Huron-Wendat Nation's exercise of its rights and freedoms with respect to trade and its integration and participation in the economy by giving it preferential status in any trade and partnership opportunities that may arise, or by ensuring that such status is recognized.

Impacts on natural and cultural heritage

According to the Huron-Wendat Nation, it has a sacred duty to ensure that Huron-Wendat archaeological and cultural heritage is honoured and protected (Nionwentsïo Office, April 23, 2018). After reading the proponent's archaeological potential study, the Huron-Wendat Nation informed the Agency that it felt it should have been involved prior to the assessment process. It also emphasized the importance of its involvement in the archaeological work related to the project. The proponent documented the presence of areas with low archaeological potential on the project site, but since there have not been any comprehensive studies in this area, the possibility remains that other sites will be discovered. In the event of discoveries, mitigation measures are proposed to prevent significant effects.

In its discussions with the Agency regarding the terminal project on the north shore of the Saguenay, the Huron-Wendat Nation stated that the territory's ecological integrity was part of its natural heritage (meeting held on November 9, 2017). Following its analysis, the Agency concludes that, with the implementation of the mitigation measures identified in section 7.9, the project is unlikely to have any significant adverse environmental impacts on the natural and cultural heritage. This is due in part to the fact that the project site is located outside the protected area of the Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park and that the project is unlikely to compromise the integrity of the cultural heritage of any structures, sites or things that have archaeological significance.

The Huron-Wendat Nation also expressed concern about the project's potential effects on the beluga and stated its interest in participating in monitoring of the species (Nionwentsïo Office, April 23, 2018). With regard to the beluga, the Agency concludes that, with the implementation of the mitigation measures, the project is unlikely to have any significant adverse impacts on the St. Lawrence beluga. These issues are discussed in greater detail in section 7.4, on marine mammals, and section 8.3, on cumulative effects.

Agency conclusions regarding impact on practices, traditions and customs

On the basis of information on hand, the Agency believes that the adverse impact of the implementation of the project on the Huron-Wendat Nation's ability to exercise its practices, traditions and customs would be low. The project would result in little or no reduction in its ability to exercise its rights related to its practices, customs and traditions. There may also be little or no reduction in its ability to exercise its rights and access to important cultural sites, traditional resources, activities and species. However, the project may affect sites with an archaeological importance. This assessment may change following the information provided by the Huron-Wendat Nation during the consultation on the Agency's draft environmental assessment report.

Likelihood: The likelihood that the project has an impact on the exercise of practices, traditions, and customs would be:
- Low with respect to fishing and shipping. The information transmitted by the Huron-Wendat Nation indicate that customary fishing and shipping activities are carried out at various locations on the Saguenay River by members of the Nation. The anticipated effects on these activities are related to the increase in shipping and the risk of an accident that could result. The likelihood of an accident occurring is low, given that the Saguenay River does not have a history of accidents and given existing shipping rules.
- Low with respect to the freedom to follow its customs and religion. For the time being, the Agency does not have information that would allow it to conclude that the project could have an impact on these aspects.
- Low with respect to the project's impacts on natural and cultural heritage. As it is unlikely that the proposed project will compromise the integrity of the cultural heritage, structure, site or item that is of archaeological significance.
Extent: Regional. The geographic extent of the impact on the ability to exercise practices, traditions, and customs is high, since they could occur on a regional scale, mainly in connection with the increase in shipping and its effects.
Duration, frequency and irreversibility:
- Duration: Moderate for effects related to a spill or effects on items of archaeological significance. The impacts on the exercise of practices, traditions, and customs could last up to a generation.
- Frequency: Low to moderate. The impact on the exercise of practices, traditions and customs related to effects on items of archaeological significance would occur only in the construction phase, while the impact on the exercise of practices, traditions and customs related to the effects of a spill may occur sporadically during the entire project life cycle.
- Irreversibility: High. It is unlikely that the impact on the exercise of practices, traditions and customs would be reversible, wholly or in part, because the impacts would likely persist beyond one generation.

Agency analysis of stewardship

This criterion is used to assess whether the project is likely to have impacts on the planning and management of resources and traditional territories. Aboriginal governance and decision-making authority can be expressed in the form of specific laws, protocols, standards, powers and language. Based on the information currently available to the Agency, an analysis was made that could be subject to change, following consultation on the draft environmental assessment report.

In its submission, the Huron-Wendat Nation informed the Agency that the role of land steward was part of an internal structure used to identify its rights and interests, analyze potential projects on its land, propose recommendations, plan Huron-Wendat Nation Council interventions and align Nation members' activities with those of other users of the environment (Office of Nionwentsïo, April 23, 2013). According to the Huron-Wendat ^Footnote 45 website, the Office of Nionwentsïo was asked to implement the tools required to ensure the systematic and orderly occupation of the Nation's ancestral land and affirm its rights and interests.

The Huron-Wendat Nation also mentions that in its submission, [translation] "it is essential for the values, identity and signature of the Nation to be acknowledged, respected and conserved in all development projects on Nionwentsïo and beyond, which evidently includes those in which it is a business partner". In support of this land use vision, the Huron-Wendat Nation recalls its right to self-governance under the Anglo-Huron Treaty; the Sioui decision; section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982; and section 32 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. As a result, [translation] "any development project that affects—or may affect—the Nation's Treaty rights must be carried out in close co-operation with it, which requires its direct involvement, both upstream and downstream of the project, throughout its life cycle, in keeping with the land management rights and resources of the Nation, and in accordance with its values, principles and customary laws." (Office of Nionwentsïo, April 23, 2018).

Agency conclusions regarding impact on stewardship

With the information currently available, the Agency assesses the impact of the project on stewardship of the Huron-Wendat Nation as being low to moderate considering that the Huron-Wendat Nation stated that any developments that affect or could affect the treaty rights of the Nation must be done in close collaboration with it and that the Agency does not have information on the level of collaboration between the proponent and the Nation.

However, the Agency notes that there have been discussions between the proponent and the Huron-Wendat Nation regarding the possibility of establishing an economic agreement (WSP/GCNN, April 2018). The Huron-Wendat Nation advised the proponent of its interest in economic development, including the possibility of reviewing various forms of financial or investment partnership in the project and that these undertakings would be facilitated if they were overseen by an Impact and Benefits Agreement with the Huron-Wendat Nation (WSP/GCNN, April 2018). The Agency does not have information at this time whether such an agreement would address the concerns of the Huron-Wendat Nation in connection with stewardship. However, the Agency is of the view that such an agreement could mitigate the impact on stewardship of the Huron-Wendat Nation.

The likelihood that the project will have an impact on the stewardship of the Huron-Wendat Nation, its extent, duration, frequency and irreversibility is described below.

Likelihood: Low to moderate. Impact of the project on the Huron-Wendat Nation stewardship may occur.
Extent: Regional. The geographic extent of the impact on stewardship would be high, given the effects of shipping on the Saguenay River.
Duration, frequency and irreversibility:
- Duration: High, the impact on rights would persist beyond a generation.
- Frequency: Moderate to high, the impact on stewardship could occur at sporadic or intermittent intervals in connection with the presence of ships on the Saguenay River or consistently in relation to infrastructure on the project site.
- Irreversibility: Moderate to high, the impact on stewardship on the Saguenay River could occur during heavy influx of ships. As for the impact on the project site stewardship, it is unlikely that it will be reversible, wholly or in part, because the impact would likely persist beyond a generation.

Agency's analysis of the impact of the project on the exercise of rights in a regional, historical, or cumulative context

The Huron-Wendat Nation mentioned the practice of summer fishing on the Bay of Ha! Ha! and the mouth of the Saguenay River by its members. The construction and operation of the project would result in little change in access to traditional territory and land use. While there are other land uses on their territory, including existing shipping on the Saguenay River, the project would not add cumulative effects that could have an impact on the exercise of rights.

The Huron-Wendat Nation raised the issue of a cumulative loss of access to its land, resulting in a decreased ability to exercise its rights, whether on land or in water. However, the Huron-Wendat Nation acknowledged that the current documentation on the cumulative impacts of the project on the Huron-Wendat Nation's rights, activities and interests was still incomplete. This is particularly since the Huron-Wendat Nation is currently documenting customary activities performed by its members in the project's expanded study area, primarily on and along the Saguenay River. The Huron-Wendat Nation is continuing a complementary impact study on the proposed marine terminal on the North Shore of the Saguenay.

Like the Innu First Nations, the Huron-Wendat Nation also expressed concerns about the effects of increasing shipping and the cumulative impact of the various planned port projects on the St. Lawrence River and the Saguenay River, namely on marine mammals such as the beluga. With respect to the beluga whale, the Agency concludes that as a result of the application of mitigation measures, the project is not likely to cause significant adverse effects on the St. Lawrence beluga. This issue is addressed in greater detail in section 7.4, which deals with marine mammals, and in section 8.3, which deals with the cumulative impacts.

The Huron-Wendat Nation deplores the fact that each port project is studied separately and considers it is unimaginable that the impacts of these projects will not have a cumulative impact. In addition, the Huron-Wendat Nation has requested that a study be conducted on the cumulative impacts of the various proposed port projects on the St. Lawrence River and that this same study be conducted for port projects on the Saguenay River. Any shipping that is outside the proponent's control does not fall under the scope of the environmental assessment, but its effects were documented in the assessment under paragraph 19(1)(j) of the CEAA, as presented in section 8.4. According to the proponent's predictions, the number of vessel movements on the Saguenay River is expected to increase by 2030, reaching a maximum of 4 to 6 movements per day. This estimate considers the maximum operation of the proposed marine terminal on the North Shore, as well as current and future projects, including Énergie Saguenay, which contributes to or is likely to contribute to increased shipping on the Saguenay River. The Agency notes that according to the information provided, the risk of accidents or malfunctions associated with this increased volume of marine transportation are low, but would be more pronounced in more sensitive areas, such as the mouth of the Saguenay River because of the current marine traffic density and the importance of this sector to the region's economy.

Agency conclusions regarding the impact on the rights of the Huron-Wendat Nation, following the regional, historical, or cumulative context

The fragmentation of the Huron-Wendat Nation has to be taken into account in the Agency's analysis. The site's regional, historical or cumulative context in which the project would be carried out would be low because the project would be carried out in an area where there is development, but it is not likely to cause cumulative effects that could interfere with the exercise of rights in a highly valued area.

The impact of shipping beyond the proponent's control would be moderate in the extended study area, taking into account the regional, historical or cumulative context,as there are other land uses, including current or proposed projects, on the Huron-Wendat Nation's territory which could affect the exercise of its rights. Indeed, shipping that is beyond the project proponent's control could have cumulative effects on fishing or shipping by members of the Huron-Wendat Nation, particularly in the event of accidents or malfunctions (e.g. a spill).

The likelihood, extent, duration, frequency and irreversibility of these impacts are analyzed below.

Likelihood. Low to moderate: cumulative impacts are unlikely to occur at the project site but may occur due to shipping that is beyond the proponent's control, e.g. in the event of a spill.
Extent. Local to regional: the geographic extent of cumulative impacts on rights is low at the project site (local) and high in the regional study area, since the impact on rights could occur at a regional extent, including in the event of an incident leading to a spill.
? Duration, frequency and irreversibility: high.
- Duration. High: the impact on rights could go beyond a generation in the event of a spill.
- Frequency. Moderate: the impact on rights could occur sporadically throughout the life of the project.
- Irreversibility. High: in the event of a spill, it is unlikely that the impact on rights will be reversible, be it wholly or partially, since it is likely that the impact will persist beyond one generation.

With respect to the impact of increased navigation beyond the proponent's control, the Agency notes, as mentioned in section 8.4, that government initiatives for this purpose are being developed. Particularly as part of the Oceans Protection Plan, more specifically the cumulative effects assessment of marine transportation initiatives, with which the Government of Canada will develop a collaborative approach to better understand the potential cumulative effects of regional marine activities. Transport Canada will work with Aboriginal peoples, local stakeholders and coastal communities to identify key concerns and develop a cumulative effects assessment framework. This national framework will make evidence-based decisions to guide economic growth while preserving marine ecosystems. In addition, it will develop tools specific to each region of Canada that can apply to current and future vessel traffic and mitigate the effects on the environment. One of six pilot projects selected for this initiative is the St. Lawrence River. The preliminary results of the Initiative are expected in the coming years.

The Agency considers that the government initiatives under development on the cumulative effects of shipping will make it possible to respond in part to concerns raised by First Nations about the impact of these cumulative effects on the rights, including fishing rights.

Furthermore, as mentioned in section 8.4, the Agency notes that government initiatives for this purpose are being developed, particularly as part of the Oceans Protection Plan, more specifically the cumulative effects assessment of marine transportation initiatives, with which the Government of Canada will develop a collaborative approach to better understand the potential cumulative effects of regional marine activities. Transport Canada will work with Aboriginal peoples, local stakeholders and coastal communities to identify key concerns and develop a cumulative effects assessment framework. This national framework will make evidence-based decisions to guide economic growth while preserving marine ecosystems. In addition, it will develop tools specific to each region of Canada that can apply to current and future vessel traffic and mitigate the effects on the environment. One of six pilot projects selected for this initiative is the St. Lawrence River. The preliminary results of the Initiative are expected in the coming years.

The Huron-Wendat Nation's concern about the effectiveness of the mitigation and accommodation measures

In a letter to the Huron-Wendat dated February 27, 2018, the Agency requested feedback on the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures and follow-up programs. The Huron-Wendat Nation is concerned by the lack of clarity in the implementation of all the mitigation measures proposed by the proponent, particularly when the potential impacts are deemed minor. It requests clear and precise mitigation measures (Office of Nionwentsïo, April 23, 2018). The Huron-Wendat Nation also expressed an interest in participating in the beluga monitoring activities.

The Agency recommends the implementation of several key mitigation measures in this report, including avoiding a significant impact on resources such as fish (section 7.3), as well as the practice of fishing and boating (section 7.10). The Agency ensured that these key mitigation measures were clearly formulated and also targeted several follow-up programs to verify the effectiveness of these mitigation measures. Furthermore, the potential conditions document, proposed at the same time as this report, includes the following conditions:

When consulting First Nations is a requirement of a condition set out in this document, the proponent shall contact each First Nation to reach an agreement with them as to how to meet the requirements of the consultation;
When consultation with First Nations is a follow-up program requirement, the proponent shall discuss with each of these First Nations the opportunities for this First Nation to participate in the implementation of the follow-up program, including assessing the results of the follow-up program and determining modified or additional mitigation measures, in compliance with condition 2.6.

The Huron-Wendat Nation is wondering about the intervention measures included in the emergency action plan proposed by the proponent, given the proximity of the Saguenay River. The Nation believes that it is difficult to assume that no marine risk will be caused as a result of the dismantling operations and that the risk of an oil spill is unlikely in the waterways. The Huron-Wendat Nation believes that the emergency plan must be finalized and validated before the Agency issues authorization to begin work (Office of Nionwentsïo, April 23, 2018). On wrapping up its analysis, the Agency concludes that the likelihood of accidents and malfunctions that would lead to significant adverse residual environmental effects is low: The proponent has clearly identified the risks inherent in its project and would implement preventive measures that include the adequate design, inspection and maintenance of infrastructure, as well as the implementation of an emergency plan that would allow it to respond quickly and effectively in the event of accidents or malfunctions. The Agency also relies on Transport Canada's viewpoint that marine shipping on the St. Lawrence River and the Saguenay River is safely carried out, particularly since pilotage is mandatory on the Saguenay River and the St. Lawrence River from Les Escoumins. Moreover, in section 8.1, the Agency identified several key mitigation measures required to ensure that the project does not cause significant adverse environmental effects in the event of accidents or malfunctions, including:

Before construction, the proponent consults First Nations and relevant authorities about the measures to be implemented to prevent accidents and malfunctions.
The proponent develops, prior to construction and in consultation with First Nations and the competent authorities, a contingency plan in the event of an accident or malfunction in connection with the designated project. The intervention plan in the event of an accident or malfunction specifies the types of accidents and malfunctions likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

In its submission the Huron-Wendat Nation recalls its right to self-governance under the Anglo-Huron Treaty. It considers that [translation] "any development project that affects—or may affect—the Nation's Treaty rights must be carried out in close co-operation with it, requiring its direct involvement, both upstream and downstream of the project, throughout its life cycle, in keeping with the land management rights and resources of the Nation, and in accordance with its values, principles and customary laws." (Office of Nionwentsïo, April 23, 2018).

The proponent is not committing to apply any specific mitigation or accommodation measures, since it has not identified any impacts on the rights of the Huron-Wendat Nation. The Huron-Wendat Nation informed the proponent of its interest in economic development, including the possibility of examining various forms of financial or investment partnership in the project and that these undertakings would be facilitated if they were overseen by a Huron-Wendat Nation Impact and Benefits Agreement (WSP/GCNN January 2018). The Agency does not have information at this time indicating whether such an agreement would address the Huron-Wendat Nation's concerns about stewardship. However, the Agency is of the view that such an agreement could mitigate the impact on the stewardship of the Huron-Wendat Nation.

9.3 Agency conclusions regarding impact on rights

Based on the analysis of environmental effects of the Project on the Innu and Huron-Wendat First Nations, the related mitigation measures described in chapters 7 and 8 and from the potential effects and mitigation measures presented above, the Agency is of the view that project-related activities could have a low to moderate impact on potential or established Aboriginal or treaty rights. The Agency considers that the proposed mitigation and accommodation measures should allow the practice of rights in a manner similar to before the Project.

The Agency recognizes that consultation is ongoing and further information regarding potential residual impacts may still be forthcoming. The observations formulated by First Nations in the Draft Environmental Assessment Report will be considered and will assist the Agency in finalizing its conclusions on potential impacts the Project may have on potential or established Aboriginal or treaty rights and interests.

10 Conclusions and Recommendations of the Agency

In preparing this Report, the Agency took into account the proponent's Environmental Impact Statement, its responses to information requests, and the views of the public, government agencies, and Aboriginal groups.

The environmental effects of the Project and their consequences have been determined using assessment methods and analytical tools that reflect current accepted practices by environmental assessment practitioners, particularly for assessing the impacts of potential accidents and malfunctions.

The Agency concludes that, given the application of the mitigation measures, the Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, as defined in CEAA 2012.

The Agency has identified mitigation measures and the requirements of a follow-up program that will be presented to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to help her in making her decision on the significance of potential adverse environmental effects of the Project. Should the Minister determine that the project is likely to cause significant adverse effects, the Minister will refer the matter to the Governor in Council as to whether the effects are justified in the circumstances. If the Governor in Council decides that these effects are justified in the circumstances, the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change will outline the conditions for carrying out the project in her decision statement under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012. Conditions issued by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change will become legally binding on the proponent.

11 References

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AGENCE CANADIENNE D'ÉVALUATION ENVIRONNEMENTALE. 2015. Orientation technique pour l'évaluation du patrimoine naturel et patrimoine culturel ou d'une construction, d'un emplacement ou d'une chose d'importance sur le plan historique, archéologique, paléontologique ou architectural en vertu de la Loi canadienne sur l'évaluation environnementale: http://publications.gc.ca/site/fra/9.699407/publication.html.

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BLACKBURN, M. Octobre 2016. Commentaires sur le projet de Terminal maritime en rive nord du Saguenay, présenté à l'Agence canadienne d'évaluation environnementale. 2 pages. Publié sur le Registre canadien d'évaluation environnementale: https://www.ceaa acee.gc.ca/050/documents/p80103/115972F.pdf

BORÉALISATION. Octobre 2016. Consultation publique sur le Projet de terminal maritime en rive nord du Saguenay et ses impacts environnementaux. Lettre adressée à l'Agence canadienne d'évaluation environnementale. Publié sur le Registre canadien d'évaluation environnementale: https://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/050/documents/p80103/115967F.pdf

BOUCHARD, M. Octobre 2016. Mémoire concernant le projet de Terminal maritime en rive nord du Saguenay, présenté à l'Agence canadienne d'évaluation environnementale. 17 pages. Publié sur le Registre canadien d'évaluation environnementale: https://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/050/documents/p80103/115966F.pdf

BUREAU DU NIONWENTSÏO. 15 avril 2018. Lettre à l'Administration portuaire du Saguenay: Informations concernant l'étude d'impact complémentaire réalisée par la Nation huronne-wendat dans le cadre du projet de Terminal maritime en rive nord du Saguenay. 1 page.

BUREAU DU NIONWENTSÏO. 23 Avril 2018. Mémoire de la Nation huronne-wendat, consultation sur l'examen de l'étude d'impact environnemental du projet de Terminal maritime en rive nord du Saguenay. Présenté à l'Agence canadienne d'évaluation environnementale. 35 pages.

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COLLECTIF DE L'ANSE À PELLETIER. Octobre 2016. Commentaires sur l'étude environnementale d'un projet de terminal maritime en Rive-Nord du Saguenay, présenté à l'Agence canadienne d'évaluation environnementale. 41 pages. Publié sur le Registre canadien d'évaluation environnementale: https://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/050/documents/p80103/115974F.pdf

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CONSEIL DE LA PREMIÈRE NATION DES INNUS ESSIPIT. 16 juillet 2015. Commentaires consolidés des trois Premières Nations innues sur le compte rendu de la réunion du 30 juin avec l'Administration portuaire du Saguenay et l'Agence canadienne d'évaluation environnementale.

CONSEIL DE LA PREMIÈRE NATION DES INNUS ESSIPIT. 1^er Novembre 2016. Examen de l'étude d'impact environnemental du projet de terminal maritime en rive nord du Saguenay. Lettre à l'Agence canadienne d'évaluation environnementale. 6 pages et annexes. Publié sur le Registre canadien d'évaluation environnementale: https://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/050/documents/p80103/116274F.pdf

Conseil régional de l'environnement et du développement durable du Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean (CREDD). Octobre 2016. Mémoire sur l'étude d'impact environnemental du projet de Terminal maritime en rive nord du Saguenay, présenté à l'Agence canadienne d'évaluation environnementale. 39 pages et annexes. Publié sur le Registre canadien d'évaluation environnementale: https://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/050/documents/p80103/115975F.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA (DFO). 2018. Potential effetcts of the construction of marine terminals in the Saguenay fjord on St.Lawrence beluga and its habitat. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Resp. 2018/025.

Entente de Principe d'ordre général entre les Premières nations de Mamuitun et de Nutashkuan et le Gouvernement du Québec et le Gouvernement du Canada. 31 mars 2004. En ligne. https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100031951/1100100032043

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12 Appendices

Appendix A Evaluation Criteria for Assessing Environmental Effects

Evaluation Criteria for Assessing Environmental Effects
Definitions
Reversibility	Degree to which the effect may be reversible.
Extent	Spatial area over which the effect occurs, categorized relative to the study areas established for the valued component (restricted study areas or project site, local study area, regional study area).
Intensity of the effect	Generally, the intensity of the impact indicates the degree to which the valued component under study is disturbed (change). The evaluation of the intensity takes into account the ecological and social context of the component. Intensity also includes the notion of timing, which refers to the component's life cycle (migration, reproduction, diet, etc.). Intensity may be low, moderate or high. A definition of intensity specific to each valued component is given below.
Duration of the effect	Duration means the temporal dimension of the effect. It evaluates the period of time during which the repercussions of an intervention are felt by the affected valued component as well as the frequency of these repercussions (continuous or discontinuous in nature). The duration of the effect may be short, medium or long.
All Valued Components
* Except for cross-border effects, for which only the significance of the project's contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is evaluated.
Reversibility	Reversible: Will recover completely after the rehabilitation of the project site. Partially reversible: Will partially recover after the rehabilitation of the project site or the effects on the valued component are reversible when activity ceases. Irreversible: The effects will remain, they are permanent and continuous.
Extent	Limited: The effects are limited to the project site and affect a limited surface area of a distribution range, a home range, a watershed or a trapline. Local: The effects spill over from the project site and affect a larger surface area of a distribution range, a home range, a watershed, a trapline or a neighbourhood of a city. Regional: The effects extend across the regional study zone, affecting large portions of several distribution ranges, home ranges, watersheds, traplines or even several neighbourhoods of a city.
Transboundary Effects (Greenhouse Gas Emissions)
Significance of the project's contribution to greenhouse gas emissions	Low: The project's emissions represent a low contribution to provincial or national greenhouse gas emissions. Moderate: The emissions represent a moderate contribution to provincial or national greenhouse gas emissions. High: The emissions represent a high contribution to provincial or national greenhouse gas emissions.
Wetlands and vegetation
Intensity		Low: The effect modifies the environment but does not limit or reduce the ecological functions of wetlands or destroys a small surface area of phytosociological forests. Moderate: The effect modifies the environment and limits or reduces the ecological functions of wetlands or destroys a small surface area of phytosociological forests, and the damage can be remediated through a compensation plan. High: The effect modifies the environment and limits or reduces the ecological functions of wetlands or destroys a small surface area of phytosociological forests, and the damage cannot be remediated through a compensation plan.
Duration		Short term: The effect is measurable during one growth season. Medium term: The effect is measurable over more than one growth season or during the first few years of operation. Long term: The effect occurs throughout project operation.
Importance threshold		A significant negative residual effect on wetlands and vegetation would lead to a loss of wetlands, which would not be able to be remediated through a compensation plan or the destruction of a large surface area of phytosociological forests.
Fish and Fish Habitat
Intensity		Low: The effect modifies a habitat but does not limit or reduce the fish's ability to use this habitat. Moderate: The effect modifies a habitat and limits or reduces the fish's ability to use this habitat, and the damage can be remediated through a compensation plan under the Fisheries Act. High: The effect modifies a habitat and limits or reduces the fish's ability to use this habitat, and the damage would not be able to be remediated through a compensation plan under the Fisheries Act.
Duration		Short term: The effect lasts for only one spawning or growth period. Medium term: The effect lasts for several (2-3) spawning or growth periods or one project phase. Long term: The effect lasts for multiple (more than 3) spawning or growth periods or several project phases.
Importance threshold		A significant negative residual effect on fish and fish habitats is an effect that would cause the death of a fish population or the permanent modification or destruction of a fish habitat, which would not be able to be remediated through a compensation plan under the Fisheries Act.
St. Lawrence Beluga and Other Marine Mammals
Intensity		Low: Detectable change in some individuals within a population, which has no effect on the population dynamic in the regional study zone. Similar habitats available on the periphery of the sites. No harmful effect on the recovery of one or more species at risk under the Species at Risk Act or species with a special status under the Quebec Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species. Moderate: Detectable change in numerous individuals or in an essential habitat, which does not have a negative effect on the population dynamic in the regional study zone. Similar habitats available on the periphery of the sites. No harmful effect on the recovery of one or more at risk species as part of a recovery program under the Species at Risk Act or on species with a special status under the Quebec Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species. The damage can be remediated through a compensation plan under the Fisheries Act. High: Detectable change in the majority of individuals or in an essential habitat, which has a negative effect on the population dynamic in the regional study zone. Few similar habitats available on the periphery of the sites. Harmful effect on the recovery of one or more at risk species as part of a recovery program under the Species at Risk Act or on species with a special status under the Quebec Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species. The damage would not be able to be remediated through a compensation plan under the Fisheries Act.
Duration		Short term: The effect lasts for only one calving season. Medium term: The effect lasts for several (2-3) calving seasons or one project phase. Long term: The effect lasts for multiple (2-3) calving seasons or project phases.
Importance threshold		A significant negative residual effect on marine mammals is an effect that would be harmful for the recovery of one or more at risk species as part of a recovery program under the Species at Risk Act or on species with a special status under the Quebec Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species, particularly the St. Lawrence beluga. It could be an effect on the habitat or behaviour of marine mammals, which would have an effect on the regional population dynamic and would not be able to be remediated through a compensation program under the Fisheries Act.
Birds
Intensity		Low: Low surface area of the habitat destroyed and no risk of mortality and disturbance. Similar habitats available on the periphery of the sites. No harmful effect on the recovery of one or more species as part of a recovery program under the Species at Risk Act or on species with a special status under the Quebec Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species. Moderate: Moderate surface area of habitats destroyed and low risk of mortality and disturbance. No harmful effect on the recovery of one or more at risk species as part of a recovery program under the Species at Risk Act or on species with a special status under the Quebec Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species. High: Large surface area of habitats destroyed and by-catch or harmful effect on the recovery of one or more at risk species as part of a recovery program under the Species at Risk Act or on species with a special status under the Quebec Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species.
Duration		Short term: The effect lasts for less than one breeding season/clutch or generation. Medium term: The effect lasts for several breeding seasons/clutches or generations or one project phase. Long term: The effect lasts for numerous breeding seasons/clutches or generations or several project phases.
Importance threshold		A significant negative residual effect on avian fauna is caused by the loss and deterioration of habitats, by a by-catch or any disturbance that might cause a decline in the bird population or might be harmful to the recovery of one or more at risk species as part of a recovery program under the Species at Risk Act or on species with a special status under the Quebec Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species.
Land Mammals with Special Status
Intensity		Low: Detectable change in some individuals within a population, which has no effect on the population dynamic in the regional study zone. Similar habitats available on the periphery of the sites. No harmful effect on the recovery of one or more species at risk under the Species at Risk Act or species with a special status under the Quebec Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species. Moderate: Detectable change in numerous individuals or in an essential habitat, which does not have a negative effect on the population dynamic in the regional study zone. Similar habitats available on the periphery of the sites. No harmful effect on the recovery of one or more at risk species as part of a recovery program under the Species at Risk Act or on species with a special status under the Quebec Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species. High: Detectable change in the majority of individuals or in an essential habitat, which has a negative effect on the population dynamic in the regional study zone. Few similar habitats available on the periphery of the sites. Harmful effect on the recovery of one or more at risk species as part of a recovery program under the Species at Risk Act or on species with a special status under the Quebec Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species.
Duration		Short term: The effect lasts for less than one breeding season/litter or generation. Medium term: The effect lasts for several breeding seasons/litters or generations or one project phase. Long term: The effect lasts for numerous breeding seasons/litters or generations or several project phases.
Importance threshold		A significant negative residual effect on land mammals is an effect that would be harmful to the recovery of one or more at risk species as part of a recovery program under the Species at Risk Act or on species with a special status under the Quebec Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species, especially the loss or disturbance of bat hibernacula.
Human Health
Intensity		Low: low health risks, with exposure to contaminants or environmental conditions at levels below the health protection standards and criteria. Residual effects are offset by mitigation and management measures making it possible to meet the applicable standards for air quality, water quality, food consumption, and ambient noise or light.. Moderate: health risks, with exposure to contaminants or environmental conditions at levels that are below but close to the health protection standards and criteria. Residual effects will persist despite mitigation and management measures and compliance with the applicable standards for air quality, water quality, food consumption, and ambient noise or light. High: health risks, with exposure to contaminants or environmental conditions exceeding the health protection standards and criteria. Residual effects are not offset by mitigation and management measures, and excesses over the applicable standards are to be expected for air quality, water quality, food consumption, and ambient noise or light.
Duration		Short term: the effects are limited to the construction phase. Medium term: the effects occur during the construction phase and continue during the first few years of operation before returning to baseline conditions. Long term: the effects last throughout the construction and operation activities.
Reversibility		Reversible: the human health-related changes are reversible if the exposure ends (i.e. temporary illness). Irreversible: the human health-related changes are irreversible and will persist even if the exposure ends (i.e. carcinogenic effects)
Significance threshold		A major residual adverse effect on human health is one that would result in a high risk of exposure to contaminants in the air, water and food at levels above the health protection standards and criteria or to an increase in the ambient noise or light in excess of the health protection standards and criteria, and people are exposed to them on a regular or ongoing basis.
Current Use – Indigenous Peoples
Intensity		Low: a detectable change in existing usage conditions and involves few or no behaviour changes to enable current Indigenous use to continue. Moderate: a detectable change in existing usage conditions that may involve substantial changes in current Indigenous use. The project has consequences that alter the quantity and quality of the available resources or access to the area such that current use is impacted. Some behaviours are altered, at least occasionally, but current use is not jeopardized. High: a significant change in existing usage conditions. The project has consequences that alter the quantity and quality of the available resources or access to the area. Current Indigenous use is no longer possible in the locations and methods preferred by the Indigenous people.
Duration		Short term: the effect is measurable over less than a month. Medium term: the effect is measurable over a period of a few months to a few years (2-3) or over one phase of the project. Long term: the effect spans several years (more than 3) or several phases of the project.
Significance threshold		A major residual adverse effect on current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes is one that significantly disrupts traditional practices or activities by altering the quantity and quality of the available resources or access to traditional territory.
Natural and Cultural Heritage
Intensity		Low: the effect does not much alter the characteristics of the unique nature of the natural or cultural heritage, of a structure, site or thing of historical, archaeological, paleontological or architectural significance, and does not compromise its integrity. No effect on access to sites of importance. Moderate: the effect results in the loss or alteration of certain characteristics of the unique nature of the natural or cultural heritage, of a structure, site or thing of historical, archaeological, paleontological or architectural significance, without compromising its integrity. Some behaviours are altered, at least occasionally, but access to sites of importance is not compromised for users. High: the effect results in the loss or alteration of the characteristics of the unique nature of the natural or cultural heritage, of a structure, site or thing of historical, archaeological, paleontological or architectural significance that undermines its integrity. The effect prevents access to sites of importance for users.
Duration		Short term: the effect is measurable over a few months or less. Medium term: the effect is measurable over a period of several months to a few years (2-3) or over one phase of the project. Long term: the effect spans several years (more than 3) or several phases of the project.
Significance threshold		A major residual adverse effect on the natural or cultural heritage, a structure, site or thing of historical, archaeological, paleontological or architectural significance or the landscape is one that would result in the loss or alteration of some of its unique characteristics in a way that compromises its long-term integrity or would prevent access to sites of importance for users.
Socio-economic Conditions
Intensity		Low: the effect results in little or no change in the behaviours required for carrying out the activity, or the area is not regularly used for that activity. Moderate: the effect results in substantial changes in the behaviours required for carrying out the activity, at least occasionally, and that activity is not jeopardized in regularly used areas. High: the effect results in substantial changes in the behaviours required for carrying out the activity and jeopardize that activity in regularly used areas such that it is no longer possible, most of the time, or using the preferred methods.
Duration		Short term: The effect is measurable over less than one month. Medium term: The effect is measurable over a period of a few months to a few years (2-3) or over one phase of the project. Long term: The effect spans several years (more than 3) or several phases of the project.
Significance threshold		A major residual adverse effect on socio-economic conditions is one that greatly disrupts the activities in areas of great importance (e.g., a defined fishing area that local fishers use regularly or a high-use recreational area).
Potential impacts on Indigenous Rights
Likelihood The certainty that a predicted impact on rights will occur during the life-span of the project (construction, operation, reclamation process).		Low: An impact to the right is unlikely but could occur. Moderate: An impact to the right is likely but may not occur. High: An impact to the right is highly likely or certain to occur.
Extent The geographic extent of the impact on the practice of rights. Can include quantitative and qualitative scales for characterizing geographic extent of impact.		Low: The impact to the right could occur in the project area. Moderate: The impact to the right could occur over a local area. High: The impact to the right could occur over a regional area.
Duration/Frequency/Reversibility Frequency - How often disruptions to the practice of a right may occur. Duration - The length of time that an impact to a right is experienced. Reversibility - Is the exercise of the right expected to resume in the same location and in an equivalent manner than it was practiced prior the project?		Low: The impact on rights will last beyond one generation. The impact to the right lasts < 5 years (i.e., approximate duration of construction phase). The impact would be confined to one discrete period during the life of the project. The impact may be reversed in the short term. Moderate: The impact to the right may last up to one generation. The impact will be greater than 5 years but not extend to a next generation. The impact would occur at sporadic, intermittent intervals (daily, weekly, monthly), and throughout the operation and decommissioning of the project. High: The impact to the right would occur constantly or during key timing of activities or environmental conditions (e.g. interference when harvesting is highest) for exercising the right, and potentially beyond the life of the project. The impact to the right is unlikely to be reversed either in whole or in part because the impact is likely to persist beyond one generation.
Practices, Traditions and Customs Whether there is an impact to cultural values that support a group's way of life, cultural well-being and community or individual health which is associated with its practices, customs and traditions. The impacts may be linked to culturally important places, traditional resources, activities, and/or species. The impact may be of a physical, sensory (noise, visual quality, etc.), cultural or spiritual nature.		Low: Little to no reduction in the ability of the group to exercise the right associated with its practices, customs and traditions. Little to no reduction in the group's ability to access or practice rights related to culturally important places, traditional resources, activities, and/or species. Moderate: There may be an impact in the ability of the group to exercise the right associated with its practices, customs and traditions. There may be a reduction in the group's ability to access or practice rights related with culturally important places, traditional resources, activities and/or species. High: Impacts are likely to affect the ability of the group to exercise the right in the preferred manner associated with its practices, customs and traditions. Multiple culturally important places, traditional resources, activities and/or species of high importance are likely to be impacted which would result in a reduction in the group's ability to access or practice the right.
Impacts in a regional, historic or cumulative context Is the Project occurring in an area where there are impacts of past, existing and future projects or activities? Cumulative impacts may have a regional or historic context and may extend to aspects of rights or an Indigenous group's history and connection to the landscape.		Low: The Project or activity would be in an area with few existing impacts and there is little development in the group's territory. The Project is not likely to have cumulative effects. Moderate: There are other land uses, including proposed or existing projects in the group's territory which may impact the practice of the right. The Project may result in cumulative effects. High: There are multiple other land uses, including proposed or existing projects, which impact the practice of the right. The Project may interact with the exercise of the right in an area highly valued given the cumulative context. The right which may be impacted by the project is not currently practiced in the preferred manner because of conservation issues, lack of access or government policy/programs.
Stewardship Is the Project likely to impact the planning and management of traditional lands and resources? Indigenous governance and decision-making authority may be expressed through specific laws, protocols, norms, power, and language.		Low: There is a high level of cooperation between the proponent and impacted group. The Project is compatible with the group's land use planning and management initiatives and traditional laws. Moderate: The impacted group has expressed some concern about impacts of the Project and has indicated that the Project may not be compatible with certain aspects of their land use planning and management initiatives and traditional laws. High: The Project would likely prevent or restrict use of areas identified as high importance and priority by the group. The impacted group has indicated that the Project would interfere with and is not compatible with their land use planning and management initiatives and traditional laws.
Concerns regarding effectiveness of Accommodation and Mitigation Measures Is the First Nation confident about the effectiveness of proposed mitigation or accommodation measures to avoid or minimize impacts on rights?		Low: Accommodation/mitigation measures were developed in collaboration with the group and/or there is a high level of confidence in the efficacy of the proposed accommodation/mitigation measures to avoid or minimize the impacts on the right. Moderate: Proposed accommodation/mitigation measures would not prevent impacts on rights and the group has some outstanding concerns regarding the efficiency of the measures to minimize impacts on the right. High: Proposed mitigation/ accommodation measures are considered by the group as unacceptable and/or insufficient.

Appendix B Summary of Environmental Effects Assessment

Magnitude	Extent	Duration	Reversibility	Significance	Magnitude	Extent	Duration	Reversibility	Significance	Magnitude	Extent	Duration	Reversibility	Significance
High	Regional (Extended study area)	Long	Low	Very high	M oderate	Regional (Extended study area)	Long	Low	High	Low	Regional (Extended study area)	Long	Low	Medium
			Partial	Very high				Partial	Medium				Partial	Low
			High	High				High	Medium				High	Low
		Medium	Low	Very high			Medium	Low	High			Medium	Low	Medium
			Partial	Very high				Partial	Medium				Partial	Low
			High	High				High	Medium				High	Low
		Short	Low	High			Short	Low	Medium			Short	Low	Medium
			Partial	High				Partial	Medium				Partial	Low
			High	High				High	Medium				High	Low
	Local (Limited study area)	Long	Low	High		Local (Limited study area)l	Long	Low	Medium		Local (Limited study area)	Long	Low	Low
			Partial	High				Partial	Medium				Partial	Low
			High	High				High	Medium				High	Low
		Medium	Low	High			Medium	Low	Medium			Medium	Low	Low
			Partial	High				Partial	Medium				Partial	Low
			High	Medium				High	Medium				High	Very Low
		Short	Low	High			Short	Low	Medium			Short	Low	Low
			Partial	High				Partial	Medium				Partial	Very Low
			High	Medium				High	Low				High	Very Low
	Project site	Long	Low	High		Project site	Long	Low	Medium		Project site	Long	Low	Low
			Partial	High				Partial	Medium				Partial	Low
			High	Medium				High	Low				High	Very Low
		Medium	Low	High			Medium	Low	Medium			Medium	Low	Low
			Partial	Medium				Partial	Medium				Partial	Very Low
			High	Medium				High	Low				High	Very Low
		Short	Low	High			Short	Low	Medium			Short	Low	Low
			Partial	Medium				Partial	Low				Partial	Very Low
			High	Medium				High	Low				High	Very Low
* Only residual effects with very high and high significance have a significant effect within the meaning of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act,2012.

Appendix C Agency's assessment of the adverse residual environmental effects – Summary

* Special-status species include the species that are listed under federal and provincial legislation. The effects on species at risk are assessed under section 79 of the Species at Risk Act and incorporate the species for which the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) recommends a change in status or addition to the list of List of Wildlife Species at Risk.

Potential residual effects	Characterization of the potential residual effects	Significance of potential residual adverse environmental effects
Transboundary effects (greenhouse gases)
Total maximum emissions of 108.7 kilotonnes of CO₂ eq per year, which represents about 0.13% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Quebec and 0.015% of the Canadian total, according to the emissions levels recorded in 2014 by Environment and Climate Change Canada.	Significance of the project's contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions: Low – Direct and indirect emissions generated by the project represent a low contribution to provincial or national emissions. Under the maximum operation scenario, the project's direct emissions would not reach the reporting threshold of 10,000 tonnes of CO₂ eq per year set out in the reporting programs of the federal and Quebec governments.	Not significant The volume of direct and indirect GHG emissions generated by the project would not contribute significantly to GHG emissions on the provincial or national scale.
Vegetation and wetlands, including special-status species*
Losses of wetlands would be prevented during planning of the final route for the permanent access road. However, if losses of wetlands cannot be avoided, the proponent undertakes to offset the losses. In the worst-case scenario, a total of 1.4 hectares of wetlands would be lost. The Agency would also ask the proponent to offset the losses of wetlands. The losses of terrestrial vegetation would total almost 40 hectares, and the losses of forest stands of phytosociological interest would amount to almost 1 hectare. The surface area of the losses would be small, the forest cover is abundant in the area surrounding the project site, and the effects would be offset through application of mitigation measures.	Intensity: Low – The project would not cause alterations that would limit or reduce ecological functions of the wetlands, given that the losses will be offset if they cannot be prevented. The losses of terrestrial vegetation would occur over only a small surface area. Extent: Limited – The losses would be limited to the project site and would involve small surface areas of wetlands and vegetation. Duration: Long term – The losses of wetlands and vegetation would occur throughout the project life cycle. Reversibility: The habitat losses would be irreversible.	Not significant The residual effect would be low. The surface areas of wetlands and vegetation lost would be small, and the losses of wetlands and hydric habitats would be offset.
Fish and fish habitat, including special-status*, and invertebrates and marine plants
The construction of the wharf would encroach on 18,600 m² of marine environment within fish habitat. This alteration of fish habitat would be offset under the Fisheries Act. Given the mitigation measures, it is highly unlikely that suspended solids concentrations or underwater noise levels would increase to the point of affecting fish and fish habitat. In the event that fish mortality cannot be prevented, it would be offset under the Fisheries Act.	Intensity: Moderate – Serious harm to fish could be offset. Extent: Local – Habitat loss and disturbance would occur in the area immediately adjacent to the project site. Duration: Long – The effects would be felt throughout the entire project life cycle. Reversibility: Losses of habitat would be irreversible, but would be offset through the compensation plan under the Fisheries Act. The effects involving suspended matter or noise would be reversible, as they are associated with work on the site or the passage of ships.	Not significant The residual effect would be moderate. Habitat losses, fish mortality or disturbances that might be caused by the project could be offset through a compensation plan under the Fisheries Act.
Belugas in the St. Lawrence and other marine mammals, including other special-status species*
It is highly unlikely that noise will increase in the underwater environment to the point that it would affect the marine mammals in the local study area. The risk of collisions is low in the local study area, due to the small numbers of vessels and of marine mammals that use the area. Mitigation measures will be identified as part of the permitting process under the Fisheries Act to mitigate the effects of underwater noise that will be generated during the construction phase of the project, as well as the effects of blasting on land.	Intensity: Low – During the construction and operation phases, the increased underwater noise would affect only a few individuals (belugas and seals). The effects would be felt outside the belugas' critical habitat and would not hinder recovery of the species. Extent: Local – The effects would be felt near the project site, in the local study area, which represents a small part of the range of the beluga and seal populations that frequent the Saguenay River and the St. Lawrence Estuary. Duration: Long term and discontinuous – Disturbance from noise and light would be felt discontinuously, but throughout the construction and operation phases. The loss of habitat would be permanent. Reversibility: Reversible, since the disturbance from noise would stop after the construction phase and the increase in underwater noise would stop after a ship leaves the wharf.	Not significant The residual effect would be low. Construction and operation of the marine terminal would not hinder the recovery of the beluga in the St. Lawrence within the local study area of the project. In this area, the project would not cause changes in the behaviour of belugas and harbour seals that would affect those species' regional population dynamics.
Birds, including special-status species*
The permanent and temporary losses of bird habitat would total 39 hectares and potentially affect 163 breeding pairs. These losses would have no effect that would hinder recovery of one or more species that have been designated at risk under the Species at Risk Act or assigned a status under the Quebec Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species, and there are several replacement habitats in the area. It is unlikely that the project would cause mortality of migratory birds (incidental take) or destruction of their nests or eggs. The disturbance would be limited to the project site. Tree-clearing work will be done outside the breeding period, and particular care will be taken during that work.	Intensity: Low – During the construction and operation phases, a small surface area of habitat will be lost, and similar habitat is available at the edges of the sites for birds that may be disturbed by the noise or light generated by the construction work or by activities at the terminal. Extent: Limited to local – Habitat loss, disturbance from noise and light, and risks of collision would be felt in a small surface area limited to the project site (limited) or near the ships in the vicinity of the wharf (local). Duration: Long term and discontinuous – Disturbance from noise and light would be felt discontinuously, but throughout the construction and operation phases. Habitat loss would be permanent. Reversibility: Partially reversible in terms of disturbance, since the noise and light do not always have the same intensity. Irreversible in terms of habitat loss.	Not significant The residual effect would be low. The project would not hinder recovery of one or more special-status bird species, and several replacement habitats are available in the area.
Special-status terrestrial mammals*
Bats Surveys of the potential sites did not detect any bat hibernacula or maternity roosts; hibernacula are considered critical habitat under the Species at Risk Act for the listed bat species. The acoustic surveys conducted during the breeding period reveal that, overall, there is little bat activity in the area. Rock vole Tree-clearing work could affect some areas that may be frequented by the rock vole and cause the deaths of individuals, without interfering with the species' population dynamics. The rock vole may possibly be found over a large area in Quebec and has no legal protection. Implementation of mitigation measures for protecting watercourses and avoiding wetlands may reduce the effects on the species.	Bats Intensity: Low – During the construction and operation phases, the intensity would be low since no critical habitat would be affected and there is little bat activity in the project's zone of influence. Therefore, the disturbance from noise and light would affect only a few individuals and would have no effect on regional population dynamics. Extent: Limited – Disturbance from noise and light would be felt only in the area around the project site and would affect only a small part of the home ranges of the species that use the site. Duration: Long term – Disturbance from noise and light would be felt throughout the construction and operation phases. Reversibility: Irreversible, as no closure date is scheduled for the multi-user facilities. Rock vole Intensity: Low – During the construction phase, the project could cause the deaths of a few individuals without interfering with the species' population dynamics. Extent: Limited – Mortality and disturbance caused by the construction work would be felt only in certain locations on the work site. Duration: Medium term – The effects would be felt during one or two breeding periods during the construction work. Reversibility: Irreversible in terms of individual mortality; reversible to partially reversible in terms of alterations to the banks of the watercourses and wetlands that will undergo mitigation measures (revegetation).	Not significant The residual effect would be low. The project would not hinder recovery of the bats. Not significant The residual effect would be low to very low. The project would not interfere with the population dynamics of the rock vole.
Human health
People in the area, including the Innu Nations of Essipit, Pekuakamiulnuatsh and Pessamit and the Huron-Wendat First Nation, would experience little exposure to the contaminants released by the project. There is little development in the project area, and the nearest inhabited location is 1.3 kilometres away. The First Nations reserves are outside the project's zone of influence, as they are all located more than 100 kilometres away. It is unlikely that concentrations of dust, metals, metalloids and other contaminants in the air, the water or fish tissues will increase to a level exceeding health protection standards and criteria. It is unlikely that noise and light will increase to levels exceeding the health protection standards and criteria.	Intensity: Low, given the mitigation measures applied to ensure conformance with federal and provincial criteria on air quality, water quality and noise emissions. Extent: Limited – They will be felt within a radius of less than 1 kilometre from the boundary of the project site. Duration: Long term – These low-level effects would last throughout the construction and operation phases. Reversibility: Irreversible, as no closure date is scheduled for the multi-user facilities.	Not significant The residual effect would be low. The project should not cause a high risk of exposure to contaminants in air, food, or water or to noise or light levels exceeding health protection standards and criteria.
Indigenous peoples – Current use of lands and resources
The construction and operation of the project would result in little change in access to the traditional territory and in the use of the territory. It is unlikely that the project will result in changes in abundance of the fish species that are currently harvested.	Intensity: Low – The project would cause little or no change in behaviour or abundance of the resources and would enable continuation of current use by Indigenous peoples. Extent: Limited – The project would result in little or no change in access to the traditional territory, and any changes would be limited to the project site. Duration: Long – The changes in access to the traditional territory would last for the entire life cycle of the project. Reversibility: Irreversible – The changes in access to the territory would be irreversible because there is no end date scheduled for the marine terminal.	Not significant The residual effect would be low. The project would cause little or no disturbance of traditional practices or activities.
Natural and cultural heritage
Natural heritage The project site is located outside the protected areas of the Saguenay Fjord (i.e., the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park and the Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay), and the site is not visible from any point within those parks. The project would not compromise the integrity of the natural heritage of the Saguenay Fjord in the long term, as the part of the fjord where the project is planned already contains existing infrastructure, namely the Grande-Anse Marine Terminal, and the section of shoreline that would be disturbed (280 metres) is a very small portion of the entire fjord. Cultural heritage: elements of historical, archaeological, paleontological or architectural significance Site preparation activities, installation of a culvert and construction of the access road to the wharf could cause accidental breakage of objects, displacement of artifacts, or uncovering of archaeological remains. Conversely, the addition of fill material could restrict access to remains associated with the First Nations or the Euro-Canadian presence. The risks are offset by the limited archaeological potential of the sites where work is planned and by the mitigation measures proposed by the proponent.	Natural heritage Intensity: Moderate – During the construction and operation phases, the exposure of the cliff, the tree clearing, the presence of industrial infrastructure and the presence of ships at the wharf would alter the landscape, but would not compromise the integrity of the Saguenay Fjord's natural heritage. Extent: Local – The landscape alterations will be visible beyond the project site, but will be limited to a small section of the fjord. Duration: Medium to long term – Growth of the vegetation planted to reduce the visual impact of the project will be gradual over time; the cliff will remain exposed and the industrial infrastructure will remain visible despite these measures. Reversibility: Irreversible – Growth of the vegetation would contribute to gradually reducing the visibility of the infrastructure to local observers at Anse à Pelletier and Anse au Sable and from boats on the river. Cultural heritage: elements of historical, archaeological, paleontological or architectural significance Intensity: Low – The identified areas have low archaeological potential, and the mitigation measures will enable identification, recovery and preservation of cultural heritage, if applicable. Extent: Limited – The effects will occur in or near two areas with limited archeological potential on the work site. Duration: Short term – The effect is measurable for a period of a few months. Reversibility: In the event of an accident, the effect would be irreversible, as the initial conditions will be permanently altered.	Not significant The residual effect would be moderate. The project would alter the landscape locally (especially for residents of Anse à Pelletier and Anse au Sable and anyone navigating on the Saguenay River), but would not compromise the integrity of the natural heritage of the Saguenay Fjord in the long term. Not significant The residual effect would be low. It is unlikely that the project would compromise the integrity of cultural heritage or of structures, sites or things that are of historical, archaeological, paleontological or architectural significance.
Socio-economic conditions
Hunting, summer fishing and ice fishing activities are marginal in the area and unlikely to be affected. Recreational activities, including nautical activities, could be disturbed temporarily by the construction work or when ships are present (docked or during berthing or mooring manoeuvres) but would not be interrupted. During the operating phase, the frequency of ships expected at the project site that could disrupt nautical recreational activities is low, and commercial vessels already use the area.	Intensity: Low – The construction and operation of the project would not cause any effects that would significantly disrupt activities in the areas of high economic or recreational importance, and hunting, summer fishing and ice fishing activities in the area are marginal. Extent: Local – The disruption of these activities would extend beyond the project site but not over a vast area. Duration: Long term – the effect would occur over several years (more than 3) or several phases of the project. Reversibility: Irreversible – There is no planned closing date for the multi-user facilities.	Not significant The residual effect would be low. The activities could be disturbed temporarily during the construction phase or when ships are present (docked or during berthing or mooring manoeuvres) but would not be interrupted.

Appendix D Mitigation measures, monitoring and follow-up proposed by the Agency

The Agency has identified the main mitigation and follow-up measures necessary in order to ensure that there are no significant adverse environmental effects on the components considered in the federal environmental assessment of the project. The Agency has taken into consideration the mitigation measures proposed by the proponent, advice from government authorities, and comments received from First Nations and the public. These mitigation and follow-up measures were used to prepare the document on the potential environmental assessment conditions.

Valued Component	Key Mitigation Measures, Monitoring and Follow-up activitites
Wetlands and vegetation, including special-status species	During the final design of the permanent access road, the proponent shall demonstrate that every effort was made to completely avoid wetland V3. If losses are unavoidable, the proponent shall develop, prior to construction and in consultation with First Nations and the appropriate authorities, a wetland function compensation plan that takes into account the Federal Policy on Wetland Conservation. The proponent shall implement the compensation plan in a timely manner. As part of the compensation plan, the proponent shall carry out, prior to the start of tree-clearing activities, a survey of the wetland functions that are affected by the project and that must be compensated for, and the proponent shall submit the results of this survey to the Agency no later than 30 days following the end of the survey. Prior to construction and in consultation with the Quebec Department of Sustainable Development, Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change (MDDELCC), the proponent shall develop compensation measures for any net loss in the aquatic environment, including littoral zones, lakeshores, riverbanks and floodplains, attributable to excavation or fill work carried out during the designated project. The proponent shall submit the compensation measures to the Agency prior to the start of construction and shall implement these measures.
Fish and fish habitat, including special-status species and marine plants	The proponent shall take measures to limit the input of suspended matter into watercourses, particularly by capturing runoff water. The proponent shall collect the contact water from the designated project site and treat any water that does not meet the pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act before discharging it into the environment, during all phases of the designated project. The proponent shall install and maintain a silt curtain during all construction activities in the marine environment that may cause the resuspension of sediments in the Saguenay River. The proponent shall implement mitigation measures to avoid or prevent any serious harm to fish and fish habitat during all phases of the designated project when using explosives in or near water frequented by fish. When developing these measures, the proponent shall take into account the Measures to avoid causing harm to fish and fish habitat including aquatic species at risk issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. During construction, the proponent shall use emulsion explosives with low dissolution capacity or any other type of explosives with equivalent or lesser dissolution capacity for nitrate and ammonia in the environment. The proponent shall restore any riparian buffer strips disturbed by the construction activities of the designated project as soon as possible after the disturbance occurs. During this restoration process, the proponent shall restore the natural sinuosity of the riparian buffer strips affected. The proponent shall not discharge any waste, woody debris or organic matter within 15 metres of any watercourse during any phase of the designated project. Prior to the start of construction in the marine environment and in consultation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the proponent shall develop measures to mitigate the underwater noise generated by the construction work in the marine environment to a level of exposure less than 183 decibels, at a reference pressure of 1 micropascal, and implement these measures throughout the construction phase in the marine environment, unless otherwise authorized by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The proponent shall develop, to the satisfaction of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and in consultation with the First Nations, one or more compensation plans to address the significant residual harm associated with the implementation of the designated project. The proponent shall submit the approved compensation plan or plans to the Agency prior to implementation. Follow-up Prior to the start of the construction activities and in consultation with the First Nations and the appropriate authorities, the proponent shall develop a monitoring and follow-up program in order to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment and determine the effectiveness of the mitigation measures in addressing the adverse effects on fish and fish habitat in the Saguenay River caused by the changes in surface water and groundwater quality attributable to the designated project. The proponent shall carry out the monitoring and follow-up program monthly during the construction phase and the first five years of the operation phase. The proponent shall determine, in consultation with the First Nations and the appropriate authorities, and based on the results of the monitoring and follow-up program, whether it is necessary to conduct additional monitoring after the fifth year of operation and how frequently this monitoring should be conducted. As part of the monitoring and follow-up program, the proponent shall do the following: Monitor the concentrations of contaminants, particularly chlorides, metals, C₁₀-C₅₀ petroleum hydrocarbons, dissolved phosphorus and suspended matter. Install and maintain, for the monitoring of surface water quality, a sampling station at the discharge point of the temporary settling basins during the construction phase and a sampling station at the discharge point of the permanent retention basin during the operation phase. Install and maintain a network of groundwater monitoring wells and conduct semi-annual monitoring (spring and summer) of the groundwater quality parameters identified by the proponent in Table 59 of the proponent's response to information request CEAA 59 (March 2017), in addition to monitoring bicarbonate (HCO₃-) levels. Prior to the start of blasting activities and in consultation with the appropriate authorities, the proponent shall develop a monitoring and follow-up program to assess the effectiveness of the mitigation measures in addressing the adverse effects on fish and fish habitat caused by the changes in surface water quality downstream of the blasting sites. As part of the monitoring and follow-up program, the proponent shall monitor the concentrations of suspended matter, ammonia-N and nitrates. The proponent shall carry out the monitoring and follow-up program during the construction phase. Prior to commencement of the construction activities in the marine environment and in consultation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the proponent shall develop a monitoring and follow-up program in order to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment and determine the effectiveness of the mitigation measures in addressing the adverse environmental effects of blasting in the terrestrial environment and of underwater noise on fish. The proponent shall carry out the monitoring and follow-up program during the construction and operation phases. The monitoring and follow-up will include verifying the presence of dead or injured fish. During the implementation of the monitoring and follow-up program, the proponent shall do the following: Conduct real-time monitoring, for 14 days, of the levels of underwater noise emitted by the drilling, impact pile driving and vibratory pile driving activities and terrestrial blasting activities in order to validate the results of the acoustic simulations carried out by the proponent for these activities during the environmental assessment. Carry out, for the period of time required to load a ship, real-time monitoring of the levels of underwater noise emitted by ship-loading activities. Submit the monitoring results to the Agency and to Fisheries and Oceans Canada no later than 30 days following the end of each monitoring period. Before beginning operations and in consultation with the appropriate authorities, the proponent shall develop a monitoring and follow-up program in order to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment in addressing the adverse effects of the designated project on aquatic grass beds H1 and H2. As part of the monitoring and follow-up program, the proponent shall monitor the area, density (number of stems for a determined area) and plant composition (dominant and companion species) of each grass bed. The proponent shall carry out the monitoring and follow-up program during the first five years of operation. The proponent shall determine, in consultation with the appropriate authorities and based on the results of the monitoring and follow-up program, whether it is necessary to conduct additional monitoring after the fifth year of operation.
Marine mammals, including the St. Lawrence beluga	Prior to the start of construction in the marine environment and in consultation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the proponent shall develop measures to mitigate the underwater noise generated by the construction work in the marine environment so that the cumulative level of exposure over 24 hours is less than 178 decibels re 1 µPa2 –s (SELcum) for belugas and 181 dB re 1 µPa2 – s (SELcum) for seals, and implement these measures throughout the construction in the marine environment, unless otherwise authorized by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Among other measures, the proponent shall develop and implement gradual start up procedures for drilling, vibratory pile driving and impact pile driving activities to give marine mammals an opportunity to move away from the sources of underwater noise. Prior to the start of construction in the marine environment and in consultation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the proponent shall develop and implement, throughout the construction phase in the marine environment, a protection zone and a visual monitoring program for the beluga and the harbour seal. As part of the visual monitoring program, the proponent shall do the following: Prior to commencement of construction activities in the marine environment, carry out predictive acoustic modelling in order to determine at what distance each construction activity in the marine environment would cause a cumulative level of exposure to underwater noise over 24 hours greater than 178 decibels re 1 µPa2 –s (SELcum) for belugas and greater than 181 decibels re 1 µPa2 – s (SELcum) for seals, including for activities occurring simultaneously, and the period or periods during which these activities would occur. Submit the acoustic modelling results to the Agency before undertaking these construction activities in the marine environment. Based on the results of the acoustic modelling carried out, establish and maintain throughout the construction in the marine environment protection zones corresponding to the distances from the construction activity for which the cumulative level of exposure to underwater noise over 24 hours is likely to reach 178 decibels re 1 µPa2 –s (SELcum) for belugas and 181 re 1 µPa2 –s (SELcum) for harbour seals. Require that observers who are qualified to carry out the observation of marine mammals perform continuous visual monitoring of the protection zones and report to the proponent the presence of belugas or seals within their respective protection zone during each construction activity in the marine environment. If belugas or harbour seals are observed in their respective protection zones by the marine mammal observers, halt or delay the start of construction activities in the marine environment until the belugas or seals have left the protection zone and no belugas or harbour seals have been observed in their respective protection zones for a continuous period of at least 30 minutes. Refrain from bothering or harassing in any way belugas or harbour seals that may be present in their respective protection zones in an attempt to make them leave the protection zone. Carry out construction activities in the marine environment only during daylight hours and not under conditions of low visibility (including fog). Throughout the construction in the marine environment, the proponent shall submit monthly to the Agency the results of the activities carried out during the visual monitoring program for the beluga and the harbour seal. The proponent shall develop, to the satisfaction of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and in consultation with Indigenous groups, one or more compensation plans to address the significant residual harm associated with the implementation of the designated project. The proponent shall submit the approved compensation plan or plans to the Agency prior to implementation. Follow-up Prior to commencement of the construction activities in the marine environment and in consultation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the proponent shall develop a monitoring and follow-up program to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment and determine the effectiveness of the mitigation measures in addressing the adverse environmental effects of underwater noise on marine mammals. The proponent shall carry out the monitoring and follow up program during the construction and operation phases (same monitoring and follow-up as for fish). During the implementation of the monitoring and follow-up program, the proponent shall do the following: Conduct real-time monitoring, for 14 days, of the levels of underwater noise generated by the drilling, impact pile driving and vibratory pile driving activities and terrestrial blasting activities in order to validate the results of the acoustic simulations carried out for these activities during the environmental assessment. Carry out, for the period of time required to load a ship, real-time monitoring of the levels of underwater noise emitted by ship-loading activities. Submit the monitoring results to the Agency and to Fisheries and Oceans Canada no later than 30 days following the end of each monitoring period.
Birds, including special-status species	The proponent shall carry out the designated project in such a manner as to protect migratory birds and avoid injuring, killing, taking or disturbing migratory birds or destroying, disturbing or taking their nests or eggs. To this end, the proponent shall develop, taking into account the Avoidance Guidelines issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada, a migratory birds management plan, which includes mitigation measures, particularly measures related to the sensitive periods and locations for migratory birds, to migratory birds at risk of incidental take, and appropriate actions if migratory birds and their nests are present. The measures to be implemented by the proponent under the plan shall comply with the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, the Migratory Birds Regulations and the Species at Risk Act. The proponent shall implement the migratory birds management plan during all phases of the designated project. The proponent shall control the lighting required during the construction, operation and decommissioning of the designated project, including direction, timing and intensity, to avoid adverse effects on migratory birds, while complying with operational health and safety requirements. Follow-up Prior to construction and in consultation with the appropriate authorities, the proponent shall develop a monitoring and follow-up program in order to determine the effectiveness of the mitigation measures implemented by the proponent in the designated project area to avoid causing adverse environmental effects on bird species at risk, their eggs and nests. The proponent shall implement the monitoring and follow-up program during all phases of the designated project, particularly in the fifth and tenth years of the operation phase. As part of the implementation of the monitoring and follow-up program, the proponent shall do the following: Conduct a survey prior to construction in order to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment concerning the presence of special-status migratory birds, including the Canada Warbler, in the areas where tree cutting will be carried out as well as in the immediate periphery of the designated project. The proponent shall use listening stations and transects to conduct this survey. If the proponent determines that modified or additional mitigation measures are required in order to protect the migratory birds identified in the survey, the proponent shall develop those measures in consultation with the First Nations and the appropriate authorities and implement the measures in a timely manner and monitor them.
Special-status terrestrial mammal species	The proponent shall perform tree-clearing work outside the birthing and juvenile nursing periods of bats, i.e., outside the period from June 1 to July 31. Before any tree-clearing work takes place, the proponent shall mark out the areas where tree clearing will be carried out. The proponent shall not undertake any tree-clearing work outside these areas, unless required for safety reasons. Before any blasting activities take place, the proponent shall install at least six artificial bat roosts at a distance of at least one kilometre from the areas where the blasting activities will take place. The proponent shall maintain the bat roosts for the entire period during which blasting takes place. The proponent shall have the bat roosts installed by a qualified person. The proponent shall control the lighting required for the project activities during all project phases, including its direction, duration of use, intensity, spectrum colour and brightness, so as to mitigate the adverse effects of the project on bats caused by sensory disturbances due to light, while complying with operational health and safety requirements. Follow-up To determine the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures, the proponent shall implement a three-year bat monitoring and follow-up program covering the construction, operation and maintenance phases, to include the following: Prior to the start of construction and in consultation with the appropriate authorities, the proponent shall develop a monitoring and follow-up program to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment and to determine the effectiveness of mitigation measures in addressing the adverse effects of the designated project on bats. The proponent shall implement the monitoring and follow-up program during construction and during the first two years of operation. Under the monitoring and follow-up program, the proponent shall monitor the use made by bats of the bat roosts installed; and develop and implement modified or additional mitigation measures if any bat maternity roosts are discovered in the project area.
Human health	Prior to construction and in consultation with the Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier, the other potentially affected parties and the appropriate authorities, the proponent shall develop measures to mitigate dust emissions generated by the designated project that take into account the ambient air quality standards and criteria set out in the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment and the Quebec Clean Air Regulation. In particular, the proponent shall use dust control agents that comply with Standard NQ 2410-300 of the Bureau de normalisation du Québec for all activities that have the potential to generate dust; not work with granular material during high-wind conditions; limit the speed of vehicles to 40 kilometres/hour on roads within the designated project property boundaries and require all drivers to obey that speed limit; and use dust collectors when unloading and handling materials. The proponent shall not exceed the noise limits set out in the Lignes directrices relativement aux niveaux sonores provenant d'un chantier de construction industriel [guidelines on noise levels from industrial construction sites] and the Note d'instructions 98-01 sur le bruit [instruction note 98-01 on noise] of the Quebec Department of Sustainable Development, Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change (MDDELCC) during construction and operation, respectively. Prior to construction and in consultation with the Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier and the other potentially affected parties, the proponent shall develop a protocol for receiving complaints related to air quality and to exposure to light and noise generated by the designated project. The proponent shall respond to all complaints under the protocol within 48 hours of receipt of the complaints and shall implement, in a timely manner, corrective measures aimed at reducing changes in air quality, exposure to noise or exposure to light. The proponent shall implement the protocol during the construction and operation phases. Follow-up Prior to construction and in consultation with the Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier, the other potentially affected parties and the appropriate authorities, the proponent shall develop a monitoring and follow-up program to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment and to determine the effectiveness of the mitigation measures in addressing the adverse effects on human health caused by changes in air quality due to the designated project. The monitoring and follow-up program shall include installation, prior to the start of construction, of a weather station on the designated project site in order to ascertain local weather conditions and determine the position of sampling sites on the basis of the prevailing winds, and maintenance of the station during the construction and operation phases; monitoring, during the construction and operation phases, of air concentrations of total particulate matter, fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and crystalline silica, using as a basis of comparison the ambient air quality standards and criteria set out in the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment and the Clean Air Regulation of the Government of Quebec; notification of the Agency in writing, within 24 hours, of any exceedances observed by the proponent of the ambient air quality standards and criteria set out in the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment and the Quebec Clean Air Regulation; and implementation of modified or additional mitigation measures if the results of the monitoring and follow-up program show exceedances of the ambient air quality standards and criteria set out in the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment and the Quebec Clean Air Regulation. Prior to construction and in consultation with the Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier, the other potentially affected parties and the appropriate authorities, the proponent shall develop a monitoring and follow-up program to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment and to determine the effectiveness of the mitigation measures in addressing the adverse effects on human health caused by changes in the sound environment due to the designated project. As a basis of comparison for the follow-up program, the proponent shall use the noise limits referred to in the Lignes directrices relativement aux niveaux sonores provenant d'un chantier de construction industriel [guidelines on noise levels from industrial construction sites] and the Note d'instructions 98-01 sur le bruit [instruction note 98-01 on noise] of the Quebec Department of Sustainable Development, Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change (MDDELCC). The monitoring and follow-up program shall include the following: Monitoring, during construction, of noise levels over a 24-hour period once per season at the four receptors identified by the proponent on Map 1 in the Construction Phase Sound Environment Monitoring Program submitted in response to information request CEAA 2-40 (December 2017). The monitoring shall be conducted on days during which construction activities that have the potential to generate noise and that were identified by the proponent in section 1.2 of the Construction Phase Sound Environment Monitoring Program are being carried out. Monitoring, during the first three years of operation, of noise levels over a 24-hour period once per year between May and October at the four receptors identified by the proponent on Map 1 in the Operation Phase Sound Environment Monitoring Program submitted in response to information request CEAA 2-40 (December 2017). The monitoring shall be conducted on days during which the loading of ships is being carried out. The proponent shall determine, on the basis of the results of the monitoring and follow-up program, whether additional monitoring must be implemented after the third year of operation. At a minimum, the proponent shall carry out additional monitoring during the fourth year of operation if the results of the monitoring and follow-up program show an exceedance of the noise limits set out in the Note d'instructions 98-01 sur le bruit [instruction note 98-01 on noise] during the third year. Implementation of modified or additional mitigation measures pursuant to condition 2.6 to reduce noise levels if the results of the monitoring and follow-up program show exceedances by more than 3 decibels of the noise limits set out in the Lignes directrices relativement aux niveaux sonores provenant d'un chantier de construction industriel [guidelines on noise levels from industrial construction sites] during construction or exceedances by more than 1 decibel of the noise limits set out in the Note d'instructions 98-01 sur le bruit [instruction note 98-01 on noise] during operation.
Indigenous peoples – Current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes	The proponent shall Implement the key mitigation measures concerning the protection of fish habitat set out in section 7.3. The proponent shall implement the key mitigation measures concerning accidents and malfunctions under the proponent's responsibility set out in section 8.1 in order to prevent adverse effects on resources. In consultation with the First Nations, the proponent shall develop an ice fishing management plan with the goal of allowing this activity to be carried out safely in the area of jurisdiction of the Port of Saguenay established under the Canada Marine Act, where applicable. The proponent shall implement the management plan during operations. The management plan shall include how the proponent took into account the viewpoints and information received from the First Nations during the plan's development. The proponent shall submit the management plan to the Agency before the start of operations.
Physical and cultural heritage	The proponent shall consult the First Nations and other local parties involved prior to undertaking any major change to the project that is deemed likely to create adverse environmental effects, when, for example, a new user becomes a user of the designated project, and the proponent shall notify the Agency in writing within 60 days of initiating any project change. When notifying the Agency of any project change, the proponent shall provide the Agency with a description of the potential adverse environmental effects created by these project changes, the mitigation measures and the follow-up requirements to be implemented by the proponent, as well as the results of the consultations with the First Nations and other local parties involved. The proponent shall paint the structures of the designated project, including the silo and dome, hangar, service buildings and conveyor, in colours that harmonize with the natural environment in the areas adjacent to the designated project using a low-reflectance matte paint. The proponent shall revegetate in a uniform manner the constructed slopes, stripped surfaces, riparian strips and base of the blasted rock faces as the construction work on them is completed so that the composition and abundance of vegetation is comparable to the areas adjacent to the designated project. The proponent shall use native deciduous and coniferous species. The proponent shall revegetate in a uniform manner the entire top of the blasted rock faces that are visible from the Saguenay River with species of hardy trailing vines. Prior to the start of tree-clearing and site preparation work and in consultation with the First Nations, the proponent shall conduct an archeological inventory of archeological potential area number 7 identified by the proponent on Map 9-2 of the environmental impact statement. If a structure, site or thing of historical, archeological, paleontological or architectural significance is discovered by the proponent during the archeological inventory or is discovered by the proponent or brought to the proponent's attention by a First Nation or another party during the construction, the proponent shall immediately halt work at the location of the discovery; delineate an area of at least 30 metres around the location of the discovery as a no-work zone. The no-work requirement does not apply to measures necessary to protect the integrity of the discovery; have the location of the discovery assessed by an individual qualified under the Quebec Cultural Heritage Act for the identification, recovery and preservation of structures, sites or things of historical, archeological, paleontological or architectural significance; inform the First Nations within 24 hours of the discovery and allow the First Nations to monitor the archeological work; and following consultation with the First Nations and relevant authorities, comply with all applicable legislative or legal requirements relating to the discovery, in particular by recording, transferring and protecting structures, sites or things of historical, archeological, paleontological or architectural significance. Follow-up Prior to construction and in consultation with the First Nations, the appropriate authorities and other local parties involved, the proponent shall develop follow-up requirements to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment and to determine the effectiveness of mitigation measures in addressing the adverse effects of the environmental changes caused by the project on the physical heritage of the Saguenay Fjord. As part of the follow-up requirements, the proponent shall monitor the integrity of the external cladding and coatings of project structures (including the paint); monitor the growth, composition and abundance of the vegetation; monitor the environmental effects of the project on the physical heritage using photographs taken from the same vantage points as those used by the proponent in visual simulations carried out by the proponent as part of the environmental assessment (Figures 10-1 to 10-6 of the environmental impact statement) and taken at least two years after construction ends, and every two years thereafter until at least 25 years following the end of construction; and share the results of the follow-up requirements with the First Nations and the local parties involved and consult them concerning the development and implementation of modified or additional mitigation measures.
Socio-economic conditions	The proponent shall implement the measures set out in section 7.7 (Human health) to prevent significant adverse effects on human health, including the health of First Nations. The proponent shall implement the measures set out in section 7.9 (Physical and cultural heritage) to prevent significant adverse effects on the landscape. Prior to construction, and in consultation with the First Nations and potentially affected users, the proponent shall develop and implement, during the construction and operation phases, a communication plan in order to disseminate information about the project to users engaged in nautical activities and in hunting, fishing, recreational and tourism activities in the local study area. The communication plan shall include the following information: the location and time of project-related construction activities, including temporary restrictions in the marine environment and traffic advisories in the terrestrial environment resulting from the construction activities and the project-related security perimeters; and the ship docking schedule. The proponent shall inform the First Nations and other users of the marine environment of the procedure for providing feedback to the proponent about the adverse effects on navigation attributable to the ships engaged in docking and undocking maneuvers within the area of jurisdiction of the Port of Saguenay established under the Canada Marine Act, as well as how the proponent would respond to this feedback in a timely manner. Prior to construction, and in consultation with the First Nations and potentially affected users, the proponent shall develop procedures to allow them to pass on to the proponent their concerns about the adverse environmental effects of the project, in particular concerning the type and volume of use of the area, heavy vehicle traffic, air quality and the levels of noise and vibrations, as well as procedures so that the proponent can keep a record of the concerns received and respond to them in a timely manner and demonstrate how the concerns raised were resolved. The proponent shall implement these procedures during the construction and operation phases.
Effects of accidents and malfunctions	The proponent shall take all reasonable measures to prevent accidents and malfunctions that may result in adverse environmental effects. Prior to construction, the proponent shall consult with First Nations and relevant authorities on the measures to be implemented to prevent accidents and malfunctions. Prior to construction and in consultation with First Nations and relevant authorities, the proponent shall develop an accident and malfunction response plan in relation to the designated project. The accident and malfunction response plan shall include the types of accidents and malfunctions that may cause adverse environmental effects. The proponent shall implement the appropriate measures described in the response plan, and in the event of an accident or malfunction that could have adverse environmental effects, the proponent shall notify, as soon as possible, First Nations and relevant authorities of the accident or malfunction, and notify the Agency in writing no later than 24 hours following the accident or malfunction. For the notification to First Nations and the Agency, the Proponent shall indicate the date on which the accident or malfunction occurred; provide a description of the accident or malfunction; and provide a list of any substances potentially released into the environment as a result of the accident or malfunction. The proponent shall implement immediate measures to mitigate any adverse environmental effects caused by the accident or malfunction. The proponent shall submit a written report to the Agency no later than 30 days after the day on which the accident or malfunction occurred. The written report shall include a description of the accident or malfunction and of its adverse environmental effects; the measures that were taken by the proponent to mitigate the adverse environmental effects of the accident or malfunction; any views from First Nations and advice from relevant authorities received with respect to the accident or malfunction, its adverse environmental effects and the measures taken by the proponent to mitigate these adverse environmental effects; a description of any residual adverse environmental effects and any modified or additional measures to be taken by the proponent to mitigate residual adverse environmental effects; and details concerning the implementation of the accident or malfunction response plan. The proponent shall submit a written report to the Agency no later than 90 days after the day on which the accident or malfunction occurred outlining the changes made to avoid any recurrence of the accident or malfunction and any modified or additional measures implemented to mitigate and monitor residual adverse environmental effects and to carry out any required progressive reclamation, taking into account the information provided in the written report submitted earlier. The report shall include all additional views from First Nations and advice from relevant authorities received by the proponent since the initial views and advice were received by the proponent. Prior to construction, the proponent shall develop a communication plan in consultation with First Nations. The proponent shall implement the communication plan and keep it up to date during all phases of the designated project. The communication plan shall include the types of accidents and malfunctions requiring the proponent to notify each of the First Nations; the means by which First Nations shall be notified by the proponent of an accident or malfunction and of any opportunities for the First Nations to assist in the response to the accident or malfunction; and the contact information of the representatives of the proponent that the First Nations may contact and of the representatives of the respective First Nations to which the proponent provides notification.
Cumulative effects	The Proponent shall participate, at the request of relevant authorities, in regional initiatives related to the monitoring, assessment or management of cumulative environmental effects, including cumulative environmental effects on beluga caused by commercial navigation on the Saguenay River, likely to result from the project in combination with other physical activities that have been or will be carried out, should there be any such initiative(s) during construction or operation of the project; The Proponent shall implement any mitigation measure that is technically and economically feasible or follow-up program identified through any regional initiative described above and which is under its responsibility pertaining to cumulative environmental effects on beluga caused by commercial navigation on the Saguenay River; Le Proponent shall inform the Agency, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and First Nations annually of progress made in the implementation of the mitigation measures proposed by the Proponent in section 3 of the response to the 4th Information Request (June 2018) to prevent or reduce cumulative environmental effects on beluga caused by commercial navigation on the Saguenay River. The Proponent shall report the results of discussions with Arianne Phosphate about Arianne Phosphate's commitments to maximise the re-use of ships and to use ships with greater capacity (up to 72,000 deadweight tons).

Appendix E List of the Proponent's Main Mitigation and Follow-Up Measures

The proponent has determined mitigation and follow-up measures necessary in order to ensure that there are no significant adverse environmental effects on the components considered by the federal environmental assessment of the project. It should be pointed out that the Agency does not enforce the mitigation measures proposed by the proponent, but would enforce the conditions contained in a Minister's Decision Statement should a Decision Statement favourable to the implementation of the project be issued. The complete list of the mitigation measures proposed by the proponent is found in Appendix 149 of the response to Information Request No. 1 (WSP/GCNN, March 2017).

Valued Component	Proponent's Main Mitigation and Follow-Up Measures
Atmospheric environment	Use machinery that meets the emission standards of Environment and Climate Change Canada for on-road and off-road vehicles. Spray water on dried-out soil if necessary to minimize dust emissions during stripping or grading work, by keeping the surface wet. Spray unpaved roads with water and dust control agents to minimize dust dispersal. Avoid carrying out work involving the handling of granular materials during high-wind conditions or when the wind is blowing in the direction of the nearest neighbourhood, or use dust control agents to minimize dust emissions. Inspect machinery before use and on a regular basis to ensure that it is in good working order, particularly exhaust and pollution-control systems. Regularly inspect dust-control equipment and promptly repair any defects. Handle and transport the dust recovered by dust collectors so that there is no loss of dust into the atmosphere that would be visible more than 2 metres from the emission source. If the dust is not recycled, it must be stored or properly disposed of and the necessary measures taken to prevent any release of dust into the atmosphere that would be visible more than 2 metres from the source of emission. Follow-up The proponent has agreed to implement a dust management plan during the construction and operation phase, including a speed limit of 40 km/h for trucks in the construction phase and 50 km/h in exploitation. The proponent will also be instituting an air quality monitoring and follow-up program as well as an air quality management and complaint resolution system.
Acoustic environment	Use technologies that make it possible to control and minimize the noise from operations. Equip all construction site–based equipment (i.e., excluding non-permanent equipment, e.g., 10-wheel bulk transport trucks and equipment used for short periods) with white noise (broadband) back-up alarms. The back-up alarms must meet the criteria set out in section 3.10.12 of the safety code of the Commission des normes, de l'équité,de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST Safety Code). Turn off all electrical or mechanical equipment that is not being used, including trucks waiting more than five minutes to be loaded. Movement of construction equipment must be planned so as to keep it as far away as possible from sensitive areas. Prohibit the use of engine brakes within the construction zone. Prohibit the slamming of the rear panels of trucks during the unloading of materials. Efforts will be made to raise the awareness of truck drivers on this point. Arrange equipment (e.g., parked trucks) and materials (e.g., wood pile, light fill) that do not generate noise in order to create a sound barrier between work that generates noise and homes. Properly maintain noise-generating equipment and ensure that the mufflers and catalytic converters of machinery (pollution-control system) are in good working order. Comply with the Quebec Act respecting explosives and its implementing regulation, i.e., the Regulation under the Act respecting explosives, and take the necessary measures to ensure that the activities comply with the requirements set out therein. The contractor must also comply with the Guidelines for the Use of Explosives In or Near Canadian Fisheries Waters. Prohibit the detonation of explosives that produce, or are likely to produce, a peak particle velocity greater than 13 mm/s in a spawning bed during the period of egg incubation. Install a blast mat in order to keep particles within the work area. Control dust emissions from drilling. Establish a minimum 250-metre safety perimeter on the Saguenay River during blasting near the marine environment in order to protect recreational boaters from the potential impacts of air overpressure and from the risks of flyrock. Establish a minimum 210-metre safety perimeter in the terrestrial environment around a blasting site in order to protect the public, site users and workers. Follow-up The proponent has proposed an acoustic environment monitoring program during the construction phase and a follow-up program during the operational phase in order to determine the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures.
Luminous environment	Limit skyward light emissions by using light fixtures that produce moderate, uniform lighting that will meet actual lighting needs and by ensuring that the luminous flux is directed toward the surface to be illuminated. Minimize the period and duration of use of lighting by installing timers and motion sensors and by encouraging workers to turn off the lights. The lighting will be planned in order to ensure a level of light required for worker safety and the safe operation of equipment, while minimizing the luminous flux. Light sources will be turned off in the areas where lighting is not required permanently. Pay particular attention in order to avoid orienting the lights from mobile sources toward the Saguenay River. Reduce the levels of contrast of buildings by using finishes with low levels of reflectance and colours that harmonize with natural landscapes (e.g., avoid red). The structures on the site will be in neutral colours to absorb reflected light. Limit tree cutting and preserve the vegetation to provide visual screens. Promptly revegetate bare areas. Minimize the sources of ultraviolet, red and white light.
Effects on surface water, groundwater, soil and sediments	Use separate networks of ditches to collect clean water and potentially contaminated water (water from the work areas) so that it can be collected, tested and treated before it is discharged into the environment. Protect buffer strips along watercourses. Prevent and minimize inputs of suspended matter in the water, particularly by using turbidity curtains during wharf construction work. Maintain settling basins and water treatment systems. Implement best practices governing the use of explosives in order to prevent contamination by nitrogen-based compounds, particularly by using emulsion explosives with low dissolution capacity. Properly manage waste and hazardous materials. Prevent, and if necessary, respond to accidents and malfunctions.
Transboundary environmental effects – Greenhouse gas emissions	Adopt an energy efficiency program for terminal buildings. Promote the use of energy-efficient electrical devices. Promote the use of natural gas-powered generators in the construction phase and emergency generators in the operation phase. Minimize idling of motorized equipment. Use motorized equipment in good operating condition. Use equipment that meets construction and development standards and procedures and operate it in an energy-efficient manner. Use electrically powered equipment in the operation of the terminal whenever possible. Where feasible, supply electrical power to docked ships from the land-based network and reduce/turn off on-board generators.
Wetlands and vegetation, including special-status species	Move the route of the permanent road eastward in order to completely avoid wetland V3. In the event of a loss of wetland area, the proponent agrees to explore compensation project options by consulting local stakeholders. If tree cutting work results in partial disturbance of a wetland, in order to maintain hydrological, biogeochemical and ecological functions, the proponent proposes to ensure vegetation recovery by planting shrub and herbaceous species adapted to this type of habitat. Limit to the absolute minimum the width of the cleared strip of the permanent access road where it passes through the forest stands of phytosociological interest and, insofar as possible, plan the route of the road through the largest gaps in the plant community. Before carrying out tree-cutting work, identify the limits of the work areas (right-of-way, depot, etc.) as well as the limits of any necessary clearing of vegetation around these areas (pruning of interfering branches) so as to ensure that these limits are not exceeded at any time during the work. The authorization of the supervisor will be obtained before cutting down any trees. No trees may be cut without first obtaining authorization from the Saguenay Port Authority. Follow-up The proponent proposes to institute a monitoring and follow-up program for terrestrial and riparian vegetation. The follow-up program will include three follow-ups spread over a five-year period, beginning in the first year of operation of the facilities.
Fish and fish habitat, including special-status species and marine plants	Carry out the fill work in accordance with the plans and specifications in order to keep the effects associated with the underwater infrastructure (piles, sheet piles, rip-rap, gabion, etc.) to a minimum. Ensure that no explosive is detonated in or near fish habitat that produces, or is likely to produce, an instantaneous pressure change greater than 100 kP in the swimbladder of a fish. For work near watercourses or water bodies, one minute before detonating the main charge, detonate small deterrent charges (using short fuses or detonation cords) to move fish away from the area. Start noisy work, such as vibratory or impact pile driving, gradually so as to allow the aquatic fauna (including marine mammals) to move away from the critical area. Carefully deposit the random fill on the river bottom, using an excavator and a crane when possible, for the most distant rip-rap sections. Do not open the clamshell bucket more than 1 metre from the bottom. Move the bucket carefully to limit resuspension of sediment. Handle the aggregate carefully with the hydraulic shovel so as to prevent any spill of stone that would accidentally introduce fine particles into the water. Carry out work when waves are no higher than 1.5 metres, as it is difficult to handle loads stably when waves are higher. The proponent undertakes to offset the direct encroachment of infrastructure on fish habitat, as required by the Fisheries Act. The chosen compensation plan requires discussion and must be developed according to the guidelines of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Quebec Department of Forests, Wildlife and Parks (MFFP). Follow-up The proponent has undertaken to conduct real-time monitoring and follow-up of noise generated by the construction work for the first two weeks of noisy in-water work. The proponent has undertaken to develop and implement a five-year monitoring and follow-up program for marine plants and intertidal aquatic grass beds, specifically any changes in grass beds H1 and H2, located near the planned wharf, during the operation phase.
Marine mammals, including the St. Lawrence beluga	Institute visual monitoring of the presence of belugas within a 600-metre exclusion zone, although this zone could be smaller depending on the construction methods chosen and the sound intensities generated. This monitoring would be carried out by qualified personnel, with the goal of suspending the work as soon as a beluga enters the exclusion zone. Work would be resumed only after a continuous 30-minute period of absence of marine mammals in the exclusion zone. Gradually begin noisy work, such as drilling, vibratory pile driving and pile driving, so that marine mammals have an opportunity to move away from the critical zone. Do not carry out any pile driving during the hours of darkness or on stormy days. For blasting work in proximity to the Saguenay River, detonate small scaring charges (progressive increase in strength, detonator caps or short lengths of detonating cord), one minute before setting off the main charge, in order to encourage marine mammals to move away from the site. Follow-up The proponent proposes to carry out real-time monitoring and follow-up of the noise generated by construction activities for the first two weeks of noisy in-water work.
Birds, including special-status species	No tree-cutting work to be carried out between April 15 and August 15, in order to avoid the bird nesting period. Clearly delimit the work areas on the site of tree-cutting work in order to prevent any additional encroachment. Revegetate the infrastructure used temporarily during the construction and development of the site immediately after the end of the construction phase. Limit skyward light emissions by using light fixtures that produce moderate, uniform lighting that will meet actual lighting needs and by ensuring that the luminous flux is directed toward the surface to be illuminated. The proponent points out that the light fixtures will not produce any light emissions outside an arc of 90 degrees and that particular attention will be paid in order to avoid orienting the light from mobile sources toward the Saguenay River. Minimize insofar as possible the period and duration of use of lighting by installing timers and motion sensors and by encouraging workers to turn off the lights. The lighting will be planned in order to ensure a level of light required for worker safety and the safe operation of equipment, while minimizing the luminous flux. When possible, light sources will be turned off in the areas where lighting is not required permanently. Restrict the movement of machinery and truck traffic to the right-of-way of access roads and work areas. Require that the construction site supervisor ensure that noise-generating equipment is properly maintained and that the mufflers and catalytic converters of machinery be kept in good working order in order to minimize noise. Follow-up The proponent has agreed to implement an environmental monitoring and follow-up program in order to minimize the potential impacts resulting from the implementation of the project on birds. The proponent proposes to conduct a bird survey in the summer of 2018, prior to implementation of the project. After this survey, an initial follow-up aimed specifically at special-status species would be carried out through a survey after five years of operation, followed by a final survey in the tenth year of operation.
Special-status terrestrial mammal species	Tree clearing must be done outside the birthing and juvenile nursing periods of bats, i.e., outside the period from June 1 to July 31. Several (6 to 10) artificial alternative roosts will have to be installed before the blasting at least 1 km away from the blasting site. These roosts can be installed near the cottages, with the permission of the landowners. The proponent will also have to ensure that the artificial roosts are installed using a method recognized by an expert government department, for use as diurnal roosting sites or breeding sites by cavity-roosting species including the northern myotis. If a bat maternity roost is discovered, the proponent will install a noise barrier a few metres from the roost to reduce noise generated by the machinery. The proponent will ensure that the barrier is constructed to the appropriate dimensions and at an adequate distance to be effective in reducing noise from the machinery. The effects of artificial lighting must be minimized to protect the bats. For example, blue or white LED lights should not be used. Instead, yellow lights such as high- or low-pressure sodium vapour lamps, metal halide lamps or the equivalent should be installed in the limited study area. Limit skyward light emissions by using light fixtures that produce moderate, uniform lighting that will meet actual lighting needs and by ensuring that the luminous flux is directed toward the surface to be illuminated. Use lighting fixtures that do not emit light at angles greater than 90 degrees. Minimize insofar as possible the period and duration of use of lighting by installing timers and motion sensors and by encouraging workers to turn off the lights. The lighting will be planned in order to ensure a level of light required for worker safety and the safe operation of equipment, while minimizing the luminous flux. When possible, light sources will be turned off in the areas where lighting is not required permanently. Install fixed lights to prevent light from spilling out of the spaces to be illuminated. Follow-up The proponent proposes a three-year monitoring and follow-up program, including the construction, operation and maintenance phases, to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures.
Human health	The proponent has proposed a number of mitigation and follow-up measures listed above to reduce the effects of the project on the atmospheric environment, the acoustic environment, the light environment, and surface water, groundwater, soil and sediments.
Indigenous peoples – Current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes	Since no environmental effects on access to the area or on resources are anticipated, the proponent is not planning any measures to mitigate the effects or any monitoring or follow-up program specific to the current use.
Physical and cultural heritage	Paint structures on the marine terminal site (silo, dome, service buildings, conveyors, etc.) in neutral colours with a matte finish to blend in with the colours of the surrounding natural environment and reduce their reflectance. Promptly revegetate the slopes and bare surfaces as the work proceeds. Plant a varied mix of native hardwood and softwood species typical of the surrounding area. In order to promote faster plant growth, plant stands of mixed diameters. At the foot of each dynamited rock face, dig drainage trenches so that a screen of trees can be planted. Replant the base of the exposed rock surfaces with hardwoods (balsam poplar) and softwoods (cedar), arranged alternately and spaced 5.5 metres centre to centre. The saplings would be about 150 centimetres tall on planting. Plant as promptly as possible after completion of work on the roads and various adjoining areas. At the top of each dynamited rock face visible from the water, plant hardy trailing vines, regularly spaced 3 metres apart centre to centre, so as to conceal the exposed rock surfaces with vegetation. Follow-up The proponent also undertakes to follow up the integration of the structures with the visual environment of the Saguenay Fjord, including proper maintenance of the infrastructure and an annual inspection.
Socio-economic conditions	Apply the mitigation measures outlined above to minimize the degradation of air quality, noise nuisances and nocturnal artificial light emissions. Inform the government departments concerned, municipal authorities, the local population and users of the area of the work schedule. Develop a communication plan before the work begins. Post appropriate signage around the periphery of the work zone which will inform the population concerning the nature of the project, the various project phases, the project timetable, the scope of the work and the contact information of the site manager. Regularly inform the local population and users of the area about the progress of the work in order to minimize any adverse impacts on their activities. Insofar as possible, carry out the work during normal working hours (from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm) on weekdays. Secure the hazardous areas by installing protection fences. Establish a minimum 250-metre safety perimeter on the Saguenay River during blasting near the marine environment in order to protect recreational boaters from the potential impacts of air overpressure and from the risks of flyrock. Establish a minimum 210-metre safety perimeter in the terrestrial environment around a blasting site in order to protect the public, site users and workers. Establish communication links with cruise operator Les Croisières du Fjord in order to avoid any conflict between the activities of the marine terminal and the future marine shuttle link which will serve the Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux. To reduce the effects of transport activities on the road network and road users during construction, the proponent agrees to implement the following measures: Maintain the free movement of traffic on public roads and highways during the work. Ensure that the roadways used by vehicles and equipment serving the project site are maintained and kept clean, and take all necessary measures to avoid adversely affecting the free movement of other road users. Promptly repair any damage caused to this infrastructure. Post appropriate signage on Highway 172 at the junction of the future access road to the project site and on the project site, at the intersections with the roads leading to Neil Lake, Brock Lake and the sand quarry located between the two arms of the Pelletier River, in order to advise various road users of the frequent passage of trucks. The proponent agrees to assess the management options that would allow safe ice fishing in the future zone under the jurisdiction of the Saguenay Port Authority. Follow-up The proponent agrees to establish a follow-up committee (good neighbour committee) composed of representatives of citizen associations, recreational/tourism businesses, the municipalities and the Saguenay Port Authority.
Effects of accidents and malfunctions	Measures for preventing and controlling petroleum spills Marine environment Do not store petroleum products on the wharf site. Minimize the frequency of refuelling. During refuelling, constant attention will be paid to ensure that fuel is transported in a manner compliant with the Transportation of Dangerous Substances Regulation (R.S.Q., c. C-24.2, r. 43) administered by the Quebec Department of Transport (MTQ). In addition, the company responsible for supplying the fuel must provide proof that its safety and emergency procedures comply with best practices in the field. These procedures will be incorporated in the emergency response plan of the Port of Saguenay. All persons who will be working on the site will receive appropriate training on their duties (e.g., Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and will be informed of the associated hazards. In addition, they will be informed of all applicable control and emergency procedures. The marine operations involved in the activities of a port are governed by various acts and regulations that are intended to ensure safety and environmental protection. The marine regulatory structure includes the Canada Marine Act, the Pilotage Act and the Marine Transportation Security Regulations. All ship operators must comply with these acts and regulations. When a vessel more than 20 m in length enters the St. Lawrence Seaway, it is required to report to the Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) located at Les Escoumins. The decision is then made whether to assign one or two pilots to assist the ship's captain in navigating upstream toward the Saguenay. Terrestrial environment Prior to commencement of the work, the motorized equipment to be used on the construction site will be inspected in order to ensure that it is in good general working order and that there are no damaged parts that could cause leaks of petroleum products. This equipment shall continue to be regularly inspected and maintained. The fuel supply for the machinery will be provided by ground transport. All suppliers must comply with the federal Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act as well as with the Quebec Regulation respecting hazardous materials, and must develop safety and emergency procedures. If mobile tanks must be used, they will be installed on a diked enclosure. The contractor must hold a permit for the use of high-risk petroleum equipment if it installs or uses an above-ground storage tank with a capacity of 10,000 litres or more of diesel fuel or a tank of 2,500 litres or more of gasoline. Training will be given to the workers prior to the handling of equipment using petroleum products. The machinery parking, washing and maintenance areas as well as the equipment storage areas will be located at least 60 m from a watercourse. The movement of machinery and trucks will be restricted to the right-of-way of the access roads and work areas. The refuelling of machinery will be carried out under constant supervision and at a distance of at least 60 m from a watercourse. Maintenance on mobile equipment will be carried out in garages outside the work sites. Complete petroleum and hazardous materials spill kits, that are easily accessible at all times, will be present on the construction site and in the transport vehicles. They will include a sufficient supply of absorbent materials as well as clearly marked, impermeable containers designed to hold petroleum residues and other hazardous waste. Each piece of construction equipment will also contain a sufficient quantity of absorbents to permit a prompt response. The petroleum residues and other hazardous waste will be disposed of in accordance with the applicable acts and regulations. A strict plan governing truck traffic between the Arianne Phosphate facilities and the terminal will be drawn up. The movement of trucks will be restricted to the right-of-way of the access roads and work areas. The roadways will be inspected and maintained. Measures for preventing and controlling spills other than petroleum Marine environment The ships transiting the Saguenay are double-bottomed. The presence of pilot(s) aboard all merchant ships is mandatory. Terrestrial environment Solid products (water treatment) will be handled and stored on a concrete slab. Workers on the construction site as well as workers who handle water treatment products must have received training on the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). The Material Safety Data Sheets for the products used, during the construction phase as well as during the operation phase, will be available on the site. Personal protective equipment (safety goggles, gloves, protective clothing, etc.) must be worn when handling the products. Complete hazardous materials spills kits, that are easily accessible at all times, will be present on the site. They will include a sufficient supply of absorbent materials as well as clearly marked, impermeable containers designed to hold petroleum residues and other hazardous waste. Each piece of construction equipment will also contain a sufficient quantity of absorbents to permit a prompt response. The petroleum residues and other hazardous waste will be disposed of in accordance with the applicable acts and regulations. All hazardous materials must be stored in a location designated for this purpose. The hazardous materials storage area must be located far from vehicle traffic areas and at a reasonable distance from drainage ditches and catch basins as well as from any other sensitive components. The storage areas will comply with the Quebec Regulation respecting hazardous materials. They will be inspected periodically. Hazardous waste will be stored in a clearly marked and fenced pick-up area and must be protected from inclement weather by a waterproof tarp while awaiting loading and transport. If the waste is stored for more than 30 days, the pick-up area must include an impermeable shelter enclosed on at least three sides, with a roof and an impermeable floor forming a basin capable of holding the greater of the following volumes: 125% of the volume of the largest container or 25% of the total volume of all liquid-filled containers. The transport of hazardous materials will take place in accordance with the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act. Impermeable containers will be used to minimize the risks of spill in the event of a carrier accident. The movement of trucks carrying hazardous materials will be restricted to the right-of-way of the access roads and the work areas. Hazardous materials spill kits will be present in the transport vehicles. The maximum speed of trucks on the site will be limited to 50 km/h. Measures for preventing and controlling apatite spills Marine environment A crew member will verify the balanced distribution and secure stowage of apatite in the ship during loading as well as before the ship leaves the dock. Any apatite spill into the water during loading will be prevented by using a covered conveyor followed by a loader with a telescopic loading chute. An operator will be present in the ship loader at all times during loading. An emergency shut-off button will permit the immediate stoppage of the conveyor in the event of a problem. Terrestrial environment The Material Safety Data Sheet for apatite concentrate will be available and easily accessible to all workers. Posters providing information on the hazards and the response procedures in the event of a spill will be posted at strategic locations (storage and handling areas). The apatite concentrate will be transported in closed conveyors and will therefore not be exposed to the open air. Cameras will be installed to provide video monitoring of the entire length of the conveyor. The apatite concentrate will be stored and handled on concrete slabs. An operator will be present in the ship loader at all times when the feeder conveyor is operating. An emergency shut-off button will permit the immediate stoppage of the conveyor in the event of a problem. The movement of trucks transporting apatite will be restricted to the right-of-way of the access roads and the work areas. The maximum speed of trucks on the site will be limited to 50 km/h during operation. Fire prevention and control measures Terrestrial environment Workers whose duties involve handling or using flammable products will be trained on the hazards associated with the products as well as on the consequences of misuse. Warning signs will be posted at the locations where flammable products are stored in order to inform users about the applicable precautions when using these products. Procedures will be developed and implemented governing hot work (cutting, welding) as well as inspections of the work. Fire protection systems (extinguishers, automatic sprinkler systems, etc.) will be installed in the construction site buildings as well as in the permanent buildings in accordance with the applicable standards and codes. Work involving the use of a flame or requiring welding will be performed by persons with recognized credentials in the field. Authorization must be obtained before performing the work. An employee awareness-raising campaign will be carried out concerning the dangers of forest fires and the importance of taking precautions to prevent them. Work areas and roadways will be cleared of trees. A SOPFEU [Quebec fire-fighting agency] operations base is located in Roberval. This organization is involved in preventing, detecting and fighting forest fires. They carry out aerial reconnaissance to detect smoke that may indicate the presence of a forest fire and to initiate fire-fighting operations as quickly as possible and issue forest fire advisories to the public. SOPFEU publishes a daily map indicating fire danger ratings. The forest fire risk level as determined by SOPFEU will be consulted periodically. There are volunteer firefighters in Ste-Rose-du-Nord and Saint-Fulgence. If necessary, the fire department of the city of Saguenay can also respond. Explosion prevention and control measures Terrestrial environment In order to prevent any negligence or error, the handling and use of explosives will be entrusted to an accredited supplier specialized in this field. The workers handling explosives must have an explosives certificate issued by the Sûreté du Québec. To prevent any risk of a sudden explosion, the personnel must avoid shocks, friction and anything that could cause a spark. Any source of heat or open flame as well as other pyrotechnic or flammable materials will be removed before beginning the recovery of the products dispersed, since an explosive can explode when near an ignition source. Warning signs aimed at employees and contractors will be posted in the places where explosives are used, indicating the applicable precautions, the conditions of use and any other relevant information on the product. No-smoking signs will be displayed in all areas where explosives are handled. Management of the facilities used for the storage and preparation of explosives will also be under the responsibility of the specialized contractor, who must ensure that the storage conditions (location, distance, dimensions, etc.) will comply with the applicable provincial and federal provisions, including the Regulation respecting hazardous materials, the quantity-distance principles of the Explosives Regulatory Division (ERD), and the Guidelines for Bulk Explosives Facilities (Natural Resources Canada, 2014); explosives will be stored in a secure magazine, designed to prevent the intrusion of unauthorized personnel, and which is compliant with provincial and federal legislation governing explosives (R.S.Q., c. E- 22 and R.S.C., c. E-17) including the provisions concerning construction standards, safe distances from construction site buildings, protective measures, and the requirement that these facilities be well-ventilated and not exposed to humidity; the products used shall be clearly identified; emulsions and detonators shall be stored separately; and products stored together shall be compatible. Explosives will be transported by a specialized supplier, in accordance with the specifications issued under the Regulation respecting hazardous materials. The vehicles used to transport explosives will be equipped with a tracking device, and personnel who will transport the explosives will have the required training and competencies. Weather conditions (e.g., rain, winds) can influence the effectiveness of an explosion. If water is present in the blast holes, the detonation will not be as effective as during dry weather. A component of the explosives, ammonium nitrate, could also be transformed into vapours of nitrogen oxide, a toxic gas. Weather conditions must therefore be taken into account in determining the blasting schedule in order to reduce the risks of a misfire during blasting and to protect workers. Measures for preventing and controlling nitrogen oxide emissions Terrestrial environment Careful monitoring will be carried out during all blasting work in order to ensure that there are no gas emissions that could spread to the surrounding area. Blasting will be carried out during the day in order to detect any brown/orange smoke indicating the presence of nitrogen oxides. Weather conditions will therefore be taken into account in determining the blasting schedule in order to reduce the risks of a misfire during blasting and to protect the public and workers.
Cumulative effects	The proponent has not proposed specific mitigation measures to address the cumulative effects on birds or bats or on the physical heritage (landscape). Beluga Raise awareness among clients of the port and promote any agreement to reuse the importers' ships for exporting merchandise to avoid two transits through the critical habitat of the beluga and thereby reduce noise levels in its critical habitat; Develop a recognition program (eg based on "Green Award" and ECHO Program) or incentives for improvements to reduce ship noise based on the results of the action plan to reduce the impact of noise on the beluga whale and other marine mammals at risk in the St. Lawrence Estuary (indicator of the Green Alliance for underwater noise ^Footnote 46); Create a dedicated fund (Saguenay Fund) using part of the port dues of vessels that do not have Green Award accreditation. The Saguenay Fund would be used to fund environmental projects associated with the Saguenay River (indicator of the Green Alliance for underwater noise); Increase the awareness of port tenants and owners of vessels that call at the port of the issue of underwater noise by distributing relevant information on underwater noise, marine mammals and sensitive areas (indicator of the Green Alliance for underwater noise); Promote the collection of data on whales by vessels entering the port, port users and pilotage associations under a recognized program having a publicly accessible database in accordance with an established protocol or via a recognized application (such as Whale Alert or Whale Report) (indicator of the Green Alliance for underwater noise); Initiate, with the G2T3M, a working group to find possible actions to reduce underwater noise in the Saguenay. The working group could include, but not be limited to, representatives from Transport Canada, G2T3M, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Parks Canada, the Saguenay Port Authority, Rio Tinto, the Corporation des pilotes du Bas Saint-Laurent (CPBSL), the Canadian Coast Guard and the Quebec Maritime Strategy. Measures accepted by all stakeholders could thus be put in place. The proponent also undertakes to implement the following measures to reduce vessel traffic associated with the activities of its first client. The proponent considers that the implementation of these measures would result in a reduction of the annual vessels required for the transport of apatite from 60 to between 20 and 30 vessels, a decrease of 50 to 66%. Ensure that the Arianne Phosphate customer undertakes, with the agreement of its customers, to maximize the use of bulk import vessels for Rio Tinto that are currently leaving empty. The use of these vessels would reduce their annual total number on the Saguenay from approximately 30 to 40 vessels per year. This represents a goal for Arianne Phosphate and can be achieved in a few years of operation. Ensure that the Arianne Phosphate customer undertakes, with the agreement of its customers, to maximize the use of vessels of 72,000 tonnes of capacity in order to reduce their annual total number on the Saguenay of about 10 vessels without take into account the reuse that will lead to further reduction. This represents a goal for Arianne Phosphate and can be achieved in a few years of operation. This new transport pattern will require a redefinition of the capacity and storage mode (silos) on the terminal site over the next few months.

Appendix F Summary of Crown Consultations with First Nations

Appendix F includes comments received from First Nations that concern the proponent's Environmental Impact Statement and fall within the scope of this environmental assessment, as well as replies provided by the Saguenay Port Authority (the proponent or the SPA) and the Agency up until the time of publication of the draft Environmental Assessment Report on July 9, 2018. The comments received are presented according to the order of the chapters of the Environmental Assessment Report and have been grouped together and summarized.

First Nation	Comment or Concern	Summary of Saguenay Port Authority's Reply	Agency's Reply
Water Quality
Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh), Essipit Innu First Nation, and Pessamit Innu First Nation.	Concerns about the possible stirring up of contaminated sediments during the work and its impact on aquatic species at risk and on water quality. They requested that sediment quality and benthos be monitored, at least during the marine terminal construction phase.	The proponent is proposing a marine environment water quality monitoring program during the construction and operating phases. The proponent believes that no sediment monitoring program is necessary because the water quality monitoring program will help to detect any water contamination and to ensure that the mitigation measures and water management structures are effective in minimizing the re-suspension of sediments.	The Agency supports Environment and Climate Change Canada's opinion that the water quality monitoring program proposed by the proponent, as well as the mitigation measures for minimizing the re-suspension of sediments would help to prevent contamination of the water and benthos. The Agency proposes conditions whereby the proponent would have to set up a water quality monitoring program during the construction and operating phases, including the monitoring of concentrations of contaminants, particularly chlorides, metals, C10-C50 petroleum hydrocarbons, dissolved phosphorus and suspended solids.
Wetlands and Vegetation
Huron-Wendat Nation	Because wetlands are at risk across the province, the Huron-Wendat Nation recommends the implementation of a protection and compensation project for an area of forested peatlands equal in size to the area of forested peatlands lost. According to the Huron-Wendat Nation, it is important to understand that forested peatlands act as a carbon sink, and the ecological services they provide must be maintained.	The Saguenay Port Authority (SPA) undertook to avoid wetlands during the work or to compensate for any loss of wetlands if their loss cannot be prevented.	The Agency proposes conditions whereby the proponent would have to demonstrate that it has done everything to prevent losses of wetlands or, if their loss cannot be prevented, would have to propose a compensation plan for all losses of wetlands and waterways, for analysis by expert departments, and implement the said plan.
Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh), Essipit Innu First Nation, and Pessamit Innu First Nation.	Concern about the project's effects on a forest stand of phytosociological interest (four-hectare area of eastern white pine with black spruce and red pine and white cedars growing on rock). Question about how the proponent intends to compensate for the loss of these stands where the trunks of some trees are as much as 50 centimetres in diameter at breast height.	To reduce vegetation loss, the SPA would limit the size of the wharf handling area to a strict minimum, as well as the width of the access road right of way and, where possible, would locate the access road in the biggest open areas of the stand (where there are fewer trees). The proponent said that it had been confirmed in the on-site validation of the age of the eastern white pine in the V6 unit that this stand was less than 90 years old. The proponent has not proposed a compensation project.	The Agency finds that the SPA has optimized the project in such a way as to minimize the effects on vegetation. Given the restricted areas that will not be deforested, the abundance of forest cover in the area around the project site and the implementation of forest clearing mitigation measures, the Agency finds that the loss of 38 hectares of ground vegetation and about 1 hectare of a forest stand of phytosociological interest is not significant.
Fish and Fish Habitat
Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh), Essipit Innu First Nation, and Pessamit Innu First Nation.	Concern about the choice of compensation project for fish habitat losses. Comment in support of a compensation project for rainbow smelt. Request that the compensation measures also include restoration of some habitats or spawning areas for the species. Reasons: Rainbow smelt are a prey of choice for a number of other fish species and an important link in the Saguenay ecosystem, as well as a species of economic, recreational and tourism interest for the Region.	The SPA states that there are a number of capelin spawning areas between the Saint-Fulgence spit and the Chute-à-Caron dam. For a better understanding of the species' biology and its type of habitat, it proposes to continue acquiring knowledge, particularly of the downstream migration of larvae that hatch in great numbers in this corridor and end up in the baie des Ha! Ha! to search for food. The SPA notes that the DFO has already expressed its reservations about a knowledge acquisition project in the context of compensation measures. However, this project could round out the compensation plan if a slight deficiency is observed.	The Agency submitted this proposal to the proponent as well as to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) so that they could take it account in their enforcement of the Fisheries Act. At this stage in the process, the DFO is unable to rule on the relevance and adequacy of the proposed compensation projects submitted by the proponent to counterbalance serious damage caused to fish. Changes could be made to the compensation project for rainbow smelt to take into consideration the Innus' proposal of November 2016, which consists in implementing measures to restore some rainbow smelt habitats and spawning areas.
Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh), Essipit Innu First Nation, and Pessamit Innu First Nation.	Concern about the diversity of benthic fauna at the wharf site. Request for a compensation plan for the loss of benthic fauna.	The SPA conducted a supplementary characterization study in 2016. This was done by towing an underwater video camera in an area with depths of 0 to 20 metres. Because of the rocky substrate throughout the area, it was impossible for the grab sampler to penetrate deep enough into the substrate to obtain a sediment sample. The results indicate that benthic fauna are completely absent in the first 15 metres of depth. However, hydrozoans, Northern cerianthid, gooseneck barnacles, Henricia starfish and anemones were observed. Where present, these species are usually not very abundant.	The Agency is satisfied with the information provided by the proponent and supports the DFO's opinion that serious damage caused to fish, including benthic fauna, can be compensated under the Fisheries Act.
Huron-Wendat Nation	Concerns that no marine inventory has been submitted in the impact study, although the project would encroach upon 18,207 square metres of fish habitat. Concerns that the proponent is promising to compensate for the direct encroachment of infrastructure into the fish habitat, but without specifying the percentage or area. The Huron-Wendat Nation also reiterates that it wants to be involved in this compensation work.	In 2016, the SPA carried out a supplementary characterization study, including video recordings, in the 2015 inventories concerning endobenthic fauna and marine fish. In most cases, benthic fauna were completely absent in the first 15 metres of depth. However, hydrozoans, Northern cerianthid, gooseneck barnacles, Henricia starfish and anemones were observed. The proponent said that where present, these species are usually not very abundant (WSP/GCNN, March 2017). No highly sensitive habitat for any of the potentially present fish species was identified at the project site. Near the site selected for the construction of the wharf, the small quantity of aquatic grassbeds, the presence of a course, if not rocky, substrate, and the steep slope make the location not very conducive to spawning.	The Agency relies on the opinion of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which finds that the proponent did a satisfactory assessment of the effects on fish and fish habitat associated with the construction of the terminal. The Agency proposes conditions whereby the proponent must, in consultation with the First Nations, draw up and implement to the satisfaction of Fisheries and Oceans Canada a compensation plan for serious damage caused to fish.
St. Lawrence River Beluga Whales
Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh), Essipit Innu First Nation, and Pessamit Innu First Nation	Concern about the effects of navigation, particularly ship noise, on the future of beluga whales and maintenance of the integrity of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park.	The Saguenay Port Authority's impact study documented the project's potential effects, including cumulative effects, on St. Lawrence River beluga whales. The Saguenay Port Authority finds that the project's direct effects, as well as the cumulative effects, on St. Lawrence River beluga whales would be minimal. The proponent proposed several measures to reduce the traffic generated by the first customer who would use the terminal, in addition to initiatives to limit the future increase of underwater noise in the Saguenay River and to improve knowledge of its effects on the St. Lawrence beluga. The impact study and the SPA's replies to the Agency were also used to document the overall potential effects of increased navigation on the Saguenay River, including the effects of accidents and malfunctions that might arise in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park.	The Agency asked the SPA to document and analyze the project's potential effects on St. Lawrence River beluga whales as part of the environmental assessment. In addition, although the potential effects of navigation beyond the SPA's control, including accidents and malfunctions, are not included in the scope of the environmental assessment, the Agency asked the SPA to document the overall potential effects of increased navigation on the Saguenay River, in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park sector. The Agency is satisfied with the studies provided by the proponent concerning the project's direct effects and the potential cumulative effects on beluga whales. The Agency relies on the opinion of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and agrees with the proponent that the project's direct effects on beluga whales would be minimal taking into account the implementation of mitigation measures proposed by the proponent and ongoing initiatives to identify measures to mitigate the effects of maritime transport, including underwater noise, on marine ecosystems and more specifically on the beluga of the St. Lawrence. In the draft Environmental Assessment Report, the Agency also took into consideration the general information on navigation on the Saguenay River provided by the proponent in order to summarize the status of the situation and the possible effects of increased navigation.
Huron-Wendat Nation	Concerns about the effects of ship movements in the beluga whale habitat, and that the increased marine traffic caused by this project could have an impact on this species. The Nation wants to participate in future beluga whale monitoring activities.	The Saguenay Port Authority's impact study documented the project's potential effects, including cumulative effects, on St. Lawrence River beluga whales. The Saguenay Port Authority finds that the project's direct effects, as well as the cumulative effects, on St. Lawrence River beluga whales would be minimal. The proponent proposed several measures to reduce the traffic generated by the first customer who would use the terminal, in addition to initiatives to limit the future increase of underwater noise in the Saguenay River and to improve knowledge of its effects on the St. Lawrence beluga. The impact study and the SPA's replies to the Agency were also used to document the overall potential effects of increased navigation on the Saguenay River, including the effects of accidents and malfunctions that might arise in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park.	The Agency asked the SPA to document and analyze the project's potential effects on St. Lawrence River beluga whales as part of the environmental assessment. In addition, although the potential effects of navigation beyond the SPA's control, including accidents and malfunctions, are not included in the scope of the environmental assessment, the Agency asked the SPA to document the overall potential effects of increased navigation on the Saguenay River, in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park sector. The Agency is satisfied with the studies provided by the proponent concerning the project's direct effects and the potential cumulative effects on beluga whales. The Agency relies on the opinion of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and agrees with the proponent that the project's direct effects on beluga whales would be minimal taking into account the implementation of mitigation measures proposed by the proponent and ongoing initiatives to identify measures to mitigate the effects of maritime transport, including underwater noise, on marine ecosystems and more specifically on the beluga of the St. Lawrence. In the draft Environmental Assessment Report, the Agency also took into consideration the general information on navigation on the Saguenay River provided by the proponent in order to summarize the status of the situation and the possible effects of increased navigation. The Agency did not require a specific monitoring program for the beluga whale. On the other hand, the Agency proposes a condition that would require that the beluga presence be monitored during the work by the proponent in order to suspend the work in case of Beluga whale presence. The Agency also proposes a condition that would require the proponent to implement any follow-up program identified through any regional initiative, which would be under its responsibility, in relation to the adverse environmental effects on the beluga associated with the passage of commercial vessels on the Saguenay River.
Species at risk
Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh), Essipit Innu First Nation, and Pessamit Innu First Nation.	Concern about the compiling of additional inventories of plant species at risk that had been scheduled for the summer of 2016.	The SPA compiled additional inventories, as scheduled, in the summer of 2016, i.e., on July 6 and on August 19. These surveys, which were compiled using the same methodology as the one recommended for the 2015 inventory, did not reveal the presence of any special-status plant species in the limited study area.	The Agency is satisfied with the reply provided by the SPA.
Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh), Essipit Innu First Nation, and Pessamit Innu First Nation.	Concern about the assessment of cumulative effects on species at risk and birds, particularly the Canada warbler and bat species at risk.	To address the concerns of the First Nations and the expert departments about other special-status species, including bird and bat species at risk, the Agency asked the SPA to carry out a more complete assessment of the project's cumulative effects. The proponent concluded that, with the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, habitat disturbance and loss caused by the project would contribute little to the cumulative effects on bird species and bat species at risk, and that the cumulative effects would be minimal to very minimal, and therefore insignificant.	The Agency supports the opinion of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), which considers the proponent's analysis of the cumulative effects to be satisfactory and believes that the proposed mitigation and monitoring measures should minimize the potential effects on bird species and bat species at risk.
Huron-Wendat Nation	Concern about the assessment of cumulative effects on species at risk and birds, particularly the Canada warbler and bat species at risk. Concern about the compiling of a bat inventory to establish the reference state before implementing the monitoring program.	To address the concerns of the First Nations and the expert departments about other special-status species, including birds and bat species at risk, the Agency asked the SPA to carry out a more complete assessment of the project's cumulative effects. The proponent concluded that, with the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, habitat disturbance and loss caused by the project would contribute little to the cumulative effects on bird species and bat species at risk, and that the cumulative effects would be minimal to very minimal, and therefore insignificant. The SPA carried out stationary and mobile acoustic surveys in June and July 2017. The surveys did not confirm the presence of hibernacula or of bat maternity roosts, and identified an area with little activity of this species overall. The proponent is proposing mitigation measures during the work, as well as a monitoring program for bats and Canada warblers.	The Agency supports the opinion of ECCC, which considers the proponent's analysis of the cumulative effects to be satisfactory and believes that the proposed mitigation and monitoring measures should minimize the potential effects of bird species and bat species at risk. The Agency proposes monitoring conditions whereby the proponent would have to implement modified or additional mitigation measures to protect the birds, based on the findings of the monitoring inventories compiled. The proponent should also develop these measures in consultation with the competent authorities.
Huron-Wendat Nation	Request that the proponent promise to protect an appropriate area of land for Canada warblers and set up a monitoring program for this species.	The SPA is proposing that mitigation measures be implemented, particularly the requirement that forest clearing work be done outside the nesting period, and that a monitoring program be set up.	The Agency finds that the project would be carried out in such a way as to protect and avoid injuring, killing or disturbing migratory birds, and avoid destroying or taking their nests or their eggs. The Agency relies on the opinion of ECCC, which is satisfied with the proponent's demonstration of the availability of suitable habitats for Canada warblers either in the study area or in proximity to the site. The Agency proposes conditions whereby the proponent would have to develop a monitoring program—prior to construction and in consultation with the competent authorities—in order to assess the effectiveness of mitigation measures implemented to avoid causing adverse environmental effects to birds. The proponent would also be required to implement modified or additional mitigation measures to protect the birds, if required, based on the monitoring results, in consultation with the competent authorities.
Current Use of Lands and Resources for Traditional Purposes
Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh), Essipit Innu First Nation, and Pessamit Innu First Nation,	Concerns about the project's effects on community fishing, summer food fishing and ice fishing.	According to the proponent, the project's effects on the current use of land and resources for traditional purposes would potentially be associated with changes to access and use of the land related to the perception of a loss of quality of resources, and reduced success in ice fishing practised by some members of the Innu First Nations. The proponent believes that the project would have no residual adverse effect on the current use of land and resources for traditional purposes, given that ice fishing would not be affected by the project and that no other use had been identified by the Innu First Nations consulted. These effects could also extend to summer fishing. The proponent is proposing a number of mitigation measures to protect fish and fish habitat, as well as the practice of ice fishing.	The Agency proposes conditions whereby the proponent would have to implement key mitigation measures to protect fish habitat, as well as implement mitigation measures for accidents and malfunctions under the proponent's responsibility, in order to avoid adverse effects on the resources. The Agency also proposes a condition whereby the proponent would have to draw up, in consultation with the First Nations, an ice fishing management plan in order to allow the activity to be practised safely in the Port of Saguenay area of jurisdiction established under the Canada Marine Act, as applicable.
Huron-Wendat Nation	Concerns about the project's effects on fishing.	According to the proponent, the project's effects on the current use of land and resources for traditional purposes would potentially be associated with changes to access and use of the land related to the perception of a loss of quality of resources, and reduced success in ice fishing practised by some First Nations members. The proponent believes that the project would have no residual adverse effect on the current use of land and resources for traditional purposes, given that ice fishing would not be affected by the project and no other use had been identified at the project site by the Huron-Wendat Nation. These effects could also extend to summer fishing. The potential sources of adverse effects on the current use of land and resources for traditional purposes by the Huron-Wendat Nation that were examined by the proponent mainly concern the project's effects on fishing that would be practised by some Huron-Wendat Nation members. The proponent concludes that there are no significant effects on the current use of land and resources for traditional purposes where this Nation is concerned. The proponent is proposing a number of mitigation measures to protect fish and fish habitat, as well as the practice of ice fishing.	The Agency believes, given the mitigation measures proposed, that the project is not likely to have major adverse environmental effects on the current use of land and resources for traditional purposes. The construction and operating phases of the project would result in little change to access to the traditional territory and to use of the territory. The Agency believes that the project should not have any effects on Indigenous fishing, given that it would have no significant adverse effects on fish and fish habitat. The Agency proposes conditions whereby the proponent would have to implement key mitigation measures to protect fish habitat, as well as implement mitigation measures for accidents and malfunctions under the proponent's responsibility, in order to avoid adverse effects on the resources. The Agency also proposes a condition whereby the proponent would have to draw up, in consultation with the First Nations, an ice fishing management plan in order to allow the activity to be practised safely in the Port of Saguenay area of jurisdiction established under the Canada Marine Act, as applicable.
Natural and Cultural Heritage and Historical and Archeological Sites and Structures
Essipit Innu First Nation	Concern about the protection of the historic portage route along the Pelletier River.	The SPA has documented the concern about the use of the historic portage route in its environmental impact study. The SPA states that this portage route, or route leading into the interior, is located in the area of the Pelletier River, which is slightly more than 2.5 km upstream from the limited study area where the facilities would be constructed. Consequently, there is no work planned in this location. Nonetheless, the SPA carried out archaeological surveys prior to the work and had the First Nation participate in the work. The SPA points out that the site was identified by a professional archaeologist as being an area with low archaeological potential.	The Agency is satisfied with the SPA's undertaking in response to the information request. The conditions that might be imposed relative to the environmental assessment would require the SPA to compile an archaeological inventory in the area identified as having low potential, prior to the work and in consultation with the First Nations. The Agency is satisfied with the information related to the archaeological study that the SPA provided to the First Nation.
Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh), Essipit Innu First Nation, and Pessamit Innu First Nation	Request that the Innu First Nations be involved in possible archaeological work.	The SPA has undertaken to include Indigenous workers in possible archaeological digs on the identified site and elsewhere on the Marine Terminal lands on the north shore in the event of any archaeological discoveries. The SPA points out that the site was identified by a professional archaeologist as being an area with low archaeological potential.	The Agency is satisfied with the SPA's undertaking in response to the information request. The Agency proposes a condition whereby the proponent would have to compile an archaeological inventory, in consultation with the First Nations, in the area with archaeological potential Number 7 identified by the proponent on Map 9-2 in the environmental impact study, prior to the start of land clearing work and site preparation. Other conditions could be imposed on the proponent in the event of any discoveries during the compiling of the archaeological inventory of a building, site or thing with historical, archaeological, paleontological or architectural importance. These conditions would include the immediate cessation of work on the discovery site, an assessment of the discovery site by a qualified person, notification given to the First Nations within 24 hours following the discovery, and permission for the First Nations to monitor the archaeological work.
Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh) and Essipit Innu First Nation	Concern about preservation of the Saguenay Fjord. The Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh), and the Essipit Innu First Nation said that they had been involved, along with other partners, in the designation of the Saguenay Fjord as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many references in historical records and the toponymic literature attesting to the importance of the Fjord and of many sites and waterways that are part of the cultural heritage of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh) and the Essipit Innu First Nation, and shared with other Innu First Nations.	In reply to the concerns raised by the public and the First Nations to the effect that the Marine Terminal project on the north shore could jeopardize efforts to designate the Saguenay Fjord as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the proponent says that the area identified for the project already contains Grande-Anse Marine Terminal infrastructure on the south shore. This means that the portion of the Fjord of concern for the project is already not in compliance with UNESCO World Heritage Convention site selection criteria, and therefore that the Terminal's presence should not have environmental effects in the portions of the Fjord that may meet the UNESCO criteria.	The representations made by the Innu First Nations to UNESCO are outside the mandate of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency. However, the Agency reviewed the comments provided by the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh) and the Essipit Innu First Nation concerning the Saguenay Fjord's importance as a valued component of their cultural heritage. The Agency took these comments into account as part of the Agency's information requests submitted to the SPA. The Agency also took these comments into account in its analysis of the project's effects on the cultural heritage of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh) and the Essipit Innu First Nation. The Agency determined that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse effects to the natural and cultural heritage of these First Nations, because the project would not compromise the natural heritage of the Saguenay Fjord over the long term in the case of all of the assessed landscape units. Although the Saguenay Fjord site was not selected for inclusion with the sites added to the Tentative List of World Heritage Sites in Canada on December 20, 2017, the Agency recognizes the importance of the Saguenay Fjord site for these First Nations. The Agency therefore proposed conditions that would require the SPA to reduce the project's effects on the natural heritage by implementing mitigation measures to integrate the infrastructure into the landscape as much as possible. The Agency also proposed conditions that would require the SPA to consult the First Nations and propose new mitigation measures to reduce the effects on the natural and cultural heritage in the event that changes are made to its project in the future.
Huron-Wendat Nation	The Huron-Wendat Nation pointed out that the Saguenay Fjord is a site of interest to the entire First Nation.	In reply to the concerns raised by the public and the First Nations to the effect that the Marine Terminal project on the north shore could jeopardize efforts to designate the Saguenay Fjord as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the proponent states that the area identified for the project already contains Grande-Anse Marine Terminal infrastructure on the south shore. This means that the portion of the Fjord of concern for the project is already not in compliance with UNESCO World Heritage Convention site selection criteria, and therefore that the Terminal's presence should not have environmental effects in the portions of the Fjord that may meet the UNESCO criteria.	The Agency reviewed the comments provided by the Huron-Wendat Nation concerning the importance of the Saguenay Fjord as a valued component of their cultural heritage. The Agency took these comments into account as part of the Agency's information requests submitted to the SPA. The Agency also took these comments into account in its analysis of the project's effects on the cultural heritage of the Huron-Wendat Nation. The Agency determined that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse effects to the Huron-Wendat Nation's natural and cultural heritage, because the project would not compromise the natural heritage of the Saguenay Fjord over the long term in the case of all of the assessed landscape units. Although the Saguenay Fjord site was not selected for inclusion with the sites added to the Tentative List of World Heritage Sites in Canada on December 20, 2017, the Agency recognizes the importance of the Saguenay Fjord site for these First Nations. The Agency therefore proposed conditions that would require the SPA to reduce the project's effects on the natural heritage by implementing mitigation measures to integrate the infrastructure into the landscape as much as possible. The Agency also proposed conditions that would require the SPA to consult the Huron-Wendat Nation and propose new mitigation measures to reduce the effects on the natural and cultural heritage in the event that changes are made to its project in the future.
Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh), Essipit Innu First Nation, and Pessamit Innu First Nation.	Concern about inaccurate information submitted in the impact study concerning the pre-contact period and the period of early contact.	The SPA took this correct information into account, but stated that the clarifications made by the Essipit, Mashteuiatsh and Pessamit Indigenous communities did not change the assessment of the project's environmental and residual effects on the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes by the First Nations, which is outlined in the impact study.	The Agency took this information into account in its information request submitted to the SPA on November 15, 2016. The Agency agrees with the proponent that this information does not change the assessment of the project's environmental effects on the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes. However, the Agency used the information provided by the First Nations concerning the pre-contact period when it prepared the draft environmental assessment report so that the latter properly reflected the First Nations' traditional knowledge.
Health and Socio-Economic Issues
Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh), Essipit Innu First Nation, and Pessamit Innu First Nation.	Concerns about risks (the presence) of substances (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs]) rising to the surface and affecting the food chain and fish that might be consumed.	The SPA replied that the sediments in the study area overall are good quality, but there some PAH compounds and some metals that exceed the rare effect levels and the threshold effect levels. Because these substances are buried in the sediment, there would be little impact on the food chain.	The Agency supports the opinion of ECCC, which finds that the proponent's proposed mitigation measures would limit the re-suspension of sediments during the construction phase and that wave action would not have a significant effect on this aspect because of the presence of rock and the considerable depth of water in the area of the wharf.
Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh) and Essipit Innu First Nation	Request for accommodation measures by mutual agreement with the government and/or the proponent in order to mitigate the adverse effects of a project subject to an impact and benefits agreement (IBA). Reason: In accordance with their rights and interests, the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh) and the Essipit Innu First Nation believe that they have the right to make their own choices with respect to the development and use of their ancestral lands.	The SPA said that it was in discussions with these First Nations about a possible impact and benefits agreement.	Impact and benefits agreements are outside the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency's mandate and must be negotiated by the proponent and the First Nations concerned. However, the Agency is required to ask the First Nations involved whether the negotiated agreements address their environmental concerns. At the time of drafting of the preliminary report, the Agency found that no agreement between the SPA and the Innu First Nations had been signed. So the Agency is unable to take such an agreement into account in its analysis of the project's impacts, and finds that no accommodation measure has been adopted in this regard for the time being.
Essipit Innu First Nation	Suggestion of the Essipit Innu First Nation that the study area be enlarged to include a sea urchin fishing area of importance to the First Nation as well as a portion of the north shore (approximately up to the pilots' wharf in Les Escoumins).	In its impact study, the SPA dealt with the effects of navigation beyond its control on green sea urchin fishing in the St Lawrence River, at the mouth of the Saguenay River.	The Agency finds that the enlarged study area used by the SPA in its impact study helps to address the concern raised.
Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh), Essipit Innu First Nation, and Pessamit Innu First Nation	Concern about the effects of accidents and malfunctions that might result from increased marine shipping: Current economic activities of the Essipit Innu First Nation (e.g., on commercial fishing, whale watch cruises, and accommodation and recreation and tourism along the shore); future economic activities of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation, including commercial fishing.	The SPA says that an accidental oil spill could have negative repercussions for tourism and fishing, particularly fishing on the Batture aux Alouettes flats and shoals (sea urchin fishing). However, the SPA points out that an oil spill is not very likely because there is no history of oil spills and no oil is transported on the Saguenay River. In addition, navigation on the river is strictly monitored by Laurentian Pilotage Authority pilots on board vessels, in a navigation channel that is wide enough to prevent collisions between two vessels (minimum 1 kilometre in width). The SPA explains that the increase in transport would be relatively small because it would be spread out over the course of the year. The number of ship movements on the Saguenay River, while taking all foreseeable projects into consideration, could increase gradually over the years to a maximum of four to six ship movements per day, all projects taken into consideration. The mouth of the Saguenay River is an area more sensitive to this increase in traffic. The SPA states that the increase in navigation could potentially result in an increase in the number of collisions with marine mammals, particularly St. Lawrence River beluga whales. The noise produced by ships may result in avoidance behaviour by the marine mammals and by fish, or in changes to their communication and feeding behaviour. However, the SPA points out that the anticipated increase in navigation would still be small enough so as not to cause significant disruptions to the underwater noise environment.	The Agency understands that these concerns are related to the disturbance of marine mammals by ships and to the damages that an accidental oil spill could cause to the resource used for commercial fishing, as well as to wildlife and natural habitat supporting whale-watch cruise and recreational and tourism commercial activities. The Agency also understands that there are recreational and tourism commercial activities (cruises, accommodation) as well as commercial fishing of sea urchins in the area at the mouth of the Saguenay River. Ships that would use the projected terminal would transit through the mouth of the Saguenay River before reaching the terminal. However, marine transportation outside the immediate area of the projected terminal is not under the proponent's control and not part of the scope of the environmental assessment. Nonetheless, the navigation regulatory framework is strict, and Transport Canada is carrying out assessments and regular inspections of port authorities and vessels, which helps to reduce the risks of accidents.
Potential and established Indigenous and treaty rights
Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh), Essipit Innu First Nation.	Concern about the project's impacts on future community fishing activities that would be planned as economic activities in the future modern treaty being negotiated with the provincial and federal governments.	According to the proponent, the project's effects on the current use of land and resources for traditional purposes would potentially be associated with changes to the access to and use of the lands related to the perception of a loss of quality of the resources. The proponent believes that the project would not have any residual adverse effect on the current use of land and resources for traditional purposes. The proponent also concluded that there is no impact on rights.	The Agency believes the project's construction and operating phases would cause little change to access to the ancestral lands or to use of the lands. The Agency believes that the project should not have an effect on Indigenous fishing, given that it would not have a significant adverse effect on fish and fish habitat. The Agency proposes conditions whereby the proponent would have to implement key mitigation measures to protect fish habitat, as well as implement mitigation measures for accidents and malfunctions under the proponent's responsibility, in order to avoid adverse effects on the resources.
Essipit Innu First Nation	Concerns of the Essipit Innu First Nation about the environmental effects of marine transportation, including possible accidents, on the hunting of migratory birds and marine mammals and on fishing at the mouth of the Saguenay River and along the shore as far as Les Escoumins. Potential impacts on rights cited.	The SPA states that an accidental oil spill could have negative repercussions for tourism and fishing, particularly fishing (sea urchin fishing) by the Innu on the Batture aux Alouettes flats and shoals. However, the SPA points out that an oil spill is not very likely because there is no history of oil spills and no oil is transported on the Saguenay River. In addition, navigation on the river is strictly monitored by Laurentian Pilotage Authority pilots on board vessels, in a navigation channel that is wide enough to prevent collisions between two vessels (minimum 1 kilometre in width). The SPA explains that the increase in transport would be relatively small because it would be spread out over the course of the year. The number of ship movements on the Saguenay River, while taking all foreseeable projects into consideration, could increase gradually over the years to a maximum of four to six ship movements per day, all projects taken into consideration. The mouth of the Saguenay River is an area more sensitive to this increase in traffic. The SPA states that the increase in navigation could potentially result in an increase in the number of collisions with marine mammals, particularly St. Lawrence River beluga whales. The noise produced by ships may result in avoidance behaviour by the marine mammals and by fish, or in changes to their communication and feeding behaviour. However, the SPA points out that the anticipated increase in navigation would still be small enough so as not to cause significant disruptions to the underwater noise environment.	The Agency understands that these concerns are related to the disturbance of marine mammals by ships and to the damages that an accidental oil spill could cause to the resource used for commercial fishing, as well as to wildlife and natural habitat supporting whale-watch cruise and recreational and tourism commercial activities. The Agency also understands that there are commercial recreational and tourism activities (cruises, accommodation) as well as commercial fishing of sea urchins in the area at the mouth of the Saguenay River. Ships that would use the projected terminal would transit through the mouth of the Saguenay River before reaching the terminal. However, marine transportation outside the immediate area of the projected terminal is not under the proponent's control and not within the scope of the environmental assessment. Nonetheless, the navigation regulatory framework is strict, and Transport Canada is carrying out assessments and regular inspections of port authorities and vessels, which helps to reduce the risks of accidents.
Huron-Wendat Nation	Huron-Wendat Nation's concern about the cumulative impacts of various port terminal projects, including the project to building a terminal on the north shore of the Saguenay River, on its ability to exercise its rights, including fishing and navigation rights and rights of access to lands and biological resources necessary for fishing.	The SPA explains that the increase in transport would be relatively small because it would be spread out over the course of the year. The number of ship movements on the Saguenay River, while taking all foreseeable projects into consideration, could increase gradually over the years to a maximum of four to six ship movements per day, all projects taken into consideration. The mouth of the Saguenay River is an area more sensitive to this increase in traffic. The SPA states that the increase in navigation could potentially result in an increase in the number of collisions with marine mammals, particularly St. Lawrence River beluga whales. The noise produced by ships may result in avoidance behaviour by the marine mammals and by fish, or in changes to their communication and feeding behaviour. However, the SPA points out that the anticipated increase in navigation would still be small enough so as not to cause significant disruptions to the underwater noise environment.	The cumulative impacts of various port terminal projects assessed by the Agency have not been studied in a regional impact study for the time being. However, the Agency believes that the SPA took various marine terminal projects on the Saguenay River under consideration into account in its environmental impact study and in its replies to the Agency's questions.
Huron-Wendat Nation	Huron-Wendat Nation's concern about the risks of accidents and collisions with ships resulting from an increase in marine navigation that would have a significant impact on traditional Huron-Wendat fishing activities, including navigation by the Nation's members.	The SPA states that navigation on the river is strictly monitored by Laurentian Pilotage Authority pilots on board vessels in a navigation channel that is wide enough to prevent collisions between two vessels (minimum 1 kilometre in width). The SPA also explains that the increase in transport would be relatively small because it would be spread out over the course of the year. The number of ship movements on the Saguenay River, while taking all foreseeable projects into consideration, could increase gradually over the years to a maximum of four to six ship movements per day, all projects taken into consideration. The mouth of the Saguenay River is an area more sensitive to this increase in traffic. The SPA states that the increase in navigation could potentially result in an increase in the number of collisions with marine mammals, particularly St. Lawrence River beluga whales. The noise produced by ships may result in avoidance behaviour by the marine mammals and by fish, or in changes to their communication and feeding behaviour. However, the SPA points out that the anticipated increase in navigation would still be small enough so as not to cause significant disruptions to the underwater noise environment.	The Agency understands that ships that would use the projected terminal would transit through the mouth of the Saguenay River to get to the terminal. However, marine transportation outside the immediate area of the projected terminal is not under the proponent's control and not within the scope of the environmental assessment. However, these effects are documented pursuant to paragraph 19(1)(j) of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 and set out in Chapter 8.4 dealing with navigation beyond the proponent's control. Nonetheless, the navigation regulatory framework is strict, and Transport Canada is carrying out assessments and regular inspections of port authorities and vessels, which helps to reduce the risks of accidents.
Accidents and Malfunctions
Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh), Essipit Innu First Nation, and Pessamit Innu First Nation.	Concern about the possible impact of spills on special-status species (beluga whales, harbour seals), species of economic interest (sea urchins, marine mammals) and species of importance for the practice of Innu (Innu Aitun) culture (migratory birds, fish and seals).	The SPA modelled the movement of an oil slick in a credible worst-case scenario starting from the marine terminal wharf. The analysis that was done showed that the contaminant would be transported over a distance of at most 9.6 km downstream, for a maximum 8-hour response time frame. In addition, surface currents in the area of the site move down stream in all circumstances and remain parallel to the shore. They therefore go in a south-southwest direction and the dispersal of an oil slick downstream could therefore potentially stay close to the shore before moving out from shore in the area of Cap à l'Est and still heading slightly downstream. Consequently, the Pelletier River and other sensitive sites upstream from the project site, such as the waterfowl gathering areas (WGAs) near Saint-Fulgence or the heronry identified at the head of the baie des Ha! Ha!, cannot be affected by an oil spill occurring at the site of the terminal. The SPA believes that the effects of a spill would be minimal: Fish are present in the sector, but there is no known spawning area (along the shore or elsewhere); Marine birds are also likely to be present in the sector, but the sector is not considered to be a nesting area and the surveys carried out indicated that marine birds did not come to the sector frequently; Depending on the period of the year, marine mammals could be in the area (mainly harbour seals or beluga whales), although they are rarely seen in the portion potentially affected by a possible oil spill.
Navigation Beyond the Proponent's Control
Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh), Essipit Innu First Nation, and Pessamit Innu First Nation.	Concern about the monitoring of riverbank erosion resulting from increased ship traffic in the Saguenay Fjord.	The SPA believes that the increase in ship-generated waves resulting from increased ship traffic beyond its control, particularly during the ice-free period, could exacerbate the erosion process already under way in certain areas along the Saguenay River. Because of the predominance of granite cliffs, erosion would be limited to certain portions of bays and coves scattered along the Saguenay River, particularly Sainte-Marguerite, Éternité and Sainte-Rose-du-Nord bays and Saint-Jean cove. At the mouth of the Saguenay River, the banks along the Pointe-de-Vache flats could be more affected by coastal erosion caused by high tides, whereas the Batture aux Alouettes flats and shoals would be relatively spared because of the many natural wave-breaks (reefs, islets and flats). Lastly, inhabited areas with severe coastal erosion problems would not be significantly affected by increased ship traffic because they are upstream from the sites under consideration for the new port infrastructure.	For the purposes of this environmental assessment, the Agency is not assessing effects beyond the SPA's control, such as those related to navigation when ships are not under its control. Where the effects of navigation are concerned, the scope of the environmental assessment is limited to the immediate area of the projected terminal. The Agency asked the proponent to document the effects of navigation that were related to its project, but beyond its control. The Agency is satisfied with the information provided by the proponent in that regard.
Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh), Essipit Innu First Nation, and Pessamit Innu First Nation.	Concern about the importance of a study of the impact of increased marine traffic in the Saguenay Fjord on ice dynamics.	The SPA states that around mid-February, the ice cover is sufficiently thick to prevent flowing water from rising to the surface. Throughout the winter, a number of ships sail on the river and are always escorted by Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers. The duration of ice cover disturbance would vary, depending on the frequency of passage of the icebreaker that accompanies each ship when the river is ice-covered. The proponent believes that, because most of the Saguenay River waterway must be kept open by icebreakers during the winter period, the additional ship traffic associated with the terminal project on the north shore of the Saguenay River, or with other potential projects, would not result in additional ship-generated waves or additional ice-breaking.	For the purposes of this environmental assessment, the Agency is not assessing effects beyond the SPA's control, such as those related to navigation when ships are not under its control. Where the effects of navigation are concerned, the scope of the environmental assessment is limited to the immediate area of the projected terminal. The Agency asked the proponent to document the effects of navigation that were related to its project, but beyond its control. The Agency is satisfied with the information provided by the proponent in that regard.
Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh), Essipit Innu First Nation, and Pessamit Innu First Nation.	Concern about the safety of other users of the Saguenay Fjord up to the St. Lawrence River (international cruise ships, kayaks, ferries, fishing boats, zodiacs for observing marine mammals, etc.).	The SPA states that an increase in ship movements could disturb the tranquility of some riverside residents and have an impact on recreational boaters and other people using the Saguenay River for recreation and tourism purposes. For example, the proponent states that ship-generated waves could disrupt water activities, including kayaking and recreational boating.	For the purposes of this environmental assessment, the Agency is not assessing effects beyond the SPA's control, such as those related to navigation when ships are not under its control. Where the effects of navigation are concerned, the scope of the environmental assessment is limited to the immediate area of the projected terminal. The Agency asked the proponent to document the effects of navigation that were related to its project, but beyond its control. The Agency is satisfied with the information provided by the proponent in that regard.
Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh), Essipit Innu First Nation, and Pessamit Innu First Nation.	Concern about consideration given solely to navigation for the purposes of the project overseen by the SPA. Need to consider navigation as an issue that is more far-reaching than the project. An overall assessment of all current and future projects is required, and the impacts of increased marine traffic need to be determined. Provisions in the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act allow the Minister to request a regional study. Request that a regional study of increased marine transportation on St. Lawrence River (middle estuary) and in the Saguenay Fjord be carried out. The First Nations would like to see the impacts of navigation in the Saguenay Fjord looked at in a comprehensive, coordinated and collaborative process involving all stakeholders affected by this issue in order to protect the integrity of the Fjord.	The SPA identified the following issues related to increased navigation on the Saguenay River: By 2030, the potential increase in navigation on the Saguenay River could amount to 635 ships per year, or four to six ships per day, compared with 225 ships currently, i.e. less than one ship per day; The disturbance caused by ships and the potential effects of oil spills on the natural environment and on associated recreation, tourism and economic activities (kayaking, recreational boating, observation of marine mammals, and recreational and commercial fishing, particularly sea urchin fishing); The effects of underwater noise generated by ships and the effects of increased navigation on marine species found in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, particularly aquatic species at risk such as St. Lawrence River beluga whales; The effects of increased navigation on riverbank erosion in sensitive areas of the Saguenay River; The risks associated with increased marine transportation would be low, but would be higher in the most sensitive areas: The mouth of the Saguenay River, because of the current high volume of marine traffic and the importance of this sector for the Region's economy; Coves and bays located along the Saguenay River, because they are basically inhabited environments used for various activities; The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, which serves as the critical habitat for St. Lawrence River beluga whales; The projected port infrastructure sector, because of the associated increase in traffic.	Because marine navigation comes under federal government jurisdiction, the Agency asked the proponent to provide information on the effects of navigation that are outside the scope of the environmental assessment, which includes effects of navigation that are the proponent's responsibility and under the proponent's control. The federal government may use the information provided by the proponent on the effects of increased marine navigation for the purposes of programs or activities that fall under federal jurisdiction, such as Canada's Oceans Protection Plan (http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/canada-oceans-protection-plan.html).
Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh), Essipit Innu First Nation, and Pessamit Innu First Nation.	Concern as to whether the compensation fund is sufficient to cover annual incomes earned from a major activity (green sea urchin fishing, marine mammal observation excursions) that could be disrupted or halted by an oil spill for a long period.	This concern falls under federal government jurisdiction.	The Agency relies on the opinion of Transport Canada, which stated that in addition to the Ship-Source Oil Pollution Fund (SOPF) used to compensate fishing industry workers, there is the 1992 International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund (1992 IOPC Fund) used to provide compensation for economic losses, such as losses incurred in fishing or tourism activities. Additionally, under the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, 2001, the proponent must have insurance to cover its civil liability.
Other Concerns
Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Mashteuiatsh), Essipit Innu First Nation, and Pessamit Innu First Nation.	Concern as to whether the compensation fund is sufficient to cover annual incomes earned from a major activity (green sea urchin fishing, marine mammal observation excursions) that could be disrupted or halted by an oil spill for a long period.	Concern submitted to the federal government.	Transport Canada provided the following information regarding this matter: The Canadian system operates according to the "polluter pays" principle whereby it is the polluter's responsibility to pay the cleanup costs following the discharge of a pollutant, particularly the costs of activities related to or connected with surveillance and assessment of areas of pollution, mobilizing and demobilizing response equipment and resources, protective booming, containment, recovery, dispersal or destruction of the pollutant, shoreline mitigation and restoration, etc. (subsection 181(4) of the Canada Shipping Act 2001). In addition, carriers are required to have insurance under the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, 2001. In addition to the insurance that carriers must have, compensation may be awarded for damages with funds from the federal government's Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund (SOPF) and from the 1992 International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund (1992 IOPC Fund). As stated in the SOPF annual reports (http://sopf.gc.ca/?page_id=309), persons in the Canadian fishing industry may claim for loss of income caused by an oil spill from a ship. This fund, as well as the international fund, can be used to cover lost income related to marine mammal observation excursions. The requirements are set out in sections 101 and 103 of the Marine Liability Act. All losses must be documented, proven, reasonable and disaster-related. This may be difficult sometimes in the tourism sector, but the International Fund has specific criteria for this sector. See also the Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund Questions and Answers: http://sopf.gc.ca/?page_id=460 *Reply sent by email to the three First Nations on February 14, 2017.

Appendix G Summary of Public Concerns

Appendix G includes comments received from the public on the proponent's environmental impact statement that fall within the scope of the environmental assessment, as well as responses provided by the Saguenay Port Authority (the proponent) and the Agency up to the time of publication of the draft environmental assessment report on July 9 2018. The comments received are presented in the same order as the chapters of this environmental assessment report and have been grouped and synthesized.

The comments gathered by the Agency cover a broad range of concerns regarding the potential environmental impacts of the project. The issues most frequently raised concerned the following components:

Choice of location variants;
Effects of air and noise quality on human health;
Effects on the landscape;
Effects on wildlife;
Risk of accidents and malfunctions, particularly in connection with navigation and blasting;
Effects on the beluga;
Effects on sustainability of recreation activities.

Additional Comments

Participants in the environmental assessment provided their views on a wide range of issues that go beyond the scope of the environmental assessment of the project and are not detailed in the table below. These concerns include government greenhouse gas policies, the need to assess the cumulative effects of multiple mining transportation projects, direct socio-economic considerations such as project profitability or economic development projections related to the project, waste management, the effects of phosphate use on ecosystems, the possibility of constructing a LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) administration building, the alignment of the power grid to supply the project site, Canada's international image and project funding.

Origin	Comment	Summary of Proponent's Response	Summary of Agency's Response
Project Overview
G. Lord, Conseil régional de l'environnement et du développement durable du Saguenay - Lac-Saint-Jean (CREDD)	Source of funding and availability of funds for dismantling. The CREDD recommends that the Saguenay Port Authority plan a complete closure plan for the marine terminal, including the wharf and the ship loading and wharf equipment.	Dismantling of the infrastructure linked to the various clients is planned. No funds are set aside for this purpose. As for the port, the Saguenay Port Authority does not plan to dismantle the multi-user facilities, so there is no dismantling plan for the proposed project. The installations are flexible and are built with a long service life. There is also no dismantling plan for the Grande Anse wharf.	The Agency proposes a potential condition that would require the Saguenay Port Authority to develop a decommissioning plan, in consultation with First Nations and the appropriate authorities, and submit it to the Agency.
Project Justification and Alternatives
Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier, G. Lord, M. Bouchard.	Concerns about the location of the project site.	The construction of the terminal is aimed primarily at meeting a need of the Arianne Phosphate mining company, which identified, following an analysis, the north shore of the Saguenay River as the best place for transporting ore to markets. It adds that this location would therefore have the advantage of serving other potential clients from resource industries in the region north of the Saguenay River.	The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act 2012 (CEAA 2012) requires the assessment of the project as proposed by the Saguenay Port Authority. Under paragraph 19(1)(g) of CEAA 2012, an environmental assessment must take into account alternative means of carrying out a project that are technically and economically feasible, and their environmental effects. The Saguenay Port Authority assessed several site locations on the north shore and concluded that, based on an assessment of technical and economic criteria and consideration of the potential environmental effects, the downstream variant located at Sainte-Rose-du-Nord was the preferred project location according to the criteria used. It was this project that was assessed under CEAA 2012.
Organisme de bassin versant du Saguenay, Eurêko!, G. Lord, M. Blackburn, M. Bouchard, Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier.	Calls into question the project as a multi-user terminal and the infrastructure needed for clients that have not yet been identified. Concern about the lack of evaluation of future users that have not yet been identified.	The multi-user project proposes to develop from the outset basic infrastructure that can be used by a number of clients. These elements allowing multi-user use are related to work that would be difficult to carry out with the terminal fully operational. The Saguenay Port Authority provided an assessment of the potential effects of the project under a hypothetical maximum operating scenario by considering the other types of clients who could reasonably use the terminal.	The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA 2012) requires the assessment of the project as proposed by the Saguenay Port Authority. With regard to future users that have not yet been identified, the Agency proposes a potential condition that would require the Saguenay Port Authority to provide a description of the potential adverse environmental effects of any changes to the project.
Boréalisation, Collectif de l'Anse-à-Pelletier, M. Bouchard, Nature Québec, CREDD	Other options available for the export of Arianne Phosphate apatite concentrate such as the use of the existing Grande-Anse terminal.	The scenarios for transporting large volumes of ore by truck and then by train from the apatite mine to the Grande-Anse terminal involve a greater number of transhipments (truck-train-ship) and a greater distance travelled between the mine and the terminal.	The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA 2012) requires the assessment of the project as proposed by the Saguenay Port Authority. Under paragraph 19(1)(g) of CEAA 2012, an EA must take into account alternative means of carrying out a project that are technically and economically feasible, and their environmental effects. The Saguenay Port Authority assessed several site locations on the north shore and concluded that, based on an assessment of technical and economic criteria and consideration of the potential environmental effects, the downstream variant located at Sainte-Rose-du-Nord was the preferred project location according to the criteria used. It was this Project that was assessed under CEAA 2012.
Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier, Eurêko!, G. Lord, CREDD	The Ariane Phosphate mine environmental assessment was not included in the terminal project. Splitting of the environmental assessment of the Arianne Phosphate mine and of the port.	Saguenay Port will take care of all handling, from the unloading of trucks to the storage silos, and to the loading of ships with apatite ore from the Arianne Phosphate mine.	When the Quebec government began its environmental assessment process for the Arianne phosphate mine project, apatite mines were not subject to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA 2012). The regulations have since been amended to include apatite mines, but the CEAA specifies that in such situations, the Agency does not initiate a new EA when an EA has already been initiated by another jurisdiction. The Agency conducted an EA for the project subject to CEAA 2012, that is, the Saguenay North Shore Marine Terminal Project. The terminal project is not subject to an environmental assessment by the Government of Quebec. However, collaboration has been established with the Government of Quebec and a representative of the Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques sits on the environmental assessment committee. Government of Quebec experts were thus able to assess the project's environmental effects and send their opinions to the Agency.
Change to the Environment- Atmospheric Environment
M. Bouchard, Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier, CREDD	Difference between models of the sound environment (noise) and reality. The CREDD recommends that the model relating to noise and the analysis of subsequent residual effects be reviewed to consider the work to be carried out at night.	If there is a discrepancy between modelling and reality, the Saguenay Port Authority is committed to implementing the necessary corrective measures to ensure compliance with noise standards. Depending on the noise source, the mitigation measure will be adapted. In the event that noise levels are greater than expected and reach the 55 dBA daytime or 50 dBA nighttime criteria, additional mitigation measures would be put in place to reduce the noise caused by the work. To the extent possible, the work will be done during the week, during normal working hours (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.), and people in the surrounding area will be duly notified if work must be scheduled outside normal working hours. The Saguenay Port Authority cannot restrict the work period to daytime only, because various contingencies may arise and it wants to preserve this flexibility, which will be applied carefully and in a way that respects for the neighbouring community.	The Agency proposes a potential condition that would require that the Saguenay Port Authority not exceed the noise limits included in the Guidelines for Noise Levels from an Industrial Construction Site and in Instruction Note 98-01 on noise during the construction and operation phases.
Change to the Environment - Surface and Groundwater, Soil and Sediment
CREDD	The CREDD suggests the implementation of a water sampling plan on land as well as in the marine environment during the construction, operation and maintenance phases for watercourses within the defined boundaries.	The Saguenay Port Authority will implement a water quality monitoring program for watercourses T1 and T2 and for the marine environment.	The Agency is satisfied with the proponent's commitments regarding water quality monitoring in terrestrial and marine environments. Environment and Climate Change Canada is of the view that the monitoring and follow-up programs proposed by the Saguenay Port Authority during the construction and operation phases are adequate and will allow the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures to be verified and adaptive management to be carried out, if necessary.
CREDD	The CREDD recommends that a comparative analysis of different de-icing materials be conducted and that a less environmentally harmful type of material be used.	The use of de-icing salts for winter road maintenance also poses a risk to water quality, but the watercourses are intermittent, limiting the likelihood of potential contamination of the marine environment. The riparian buffer would reduce the likelihood of direct inputs of contaminants to the water. The Saguenay Port Authority proposes to carry out a water quality sampling campaign on watercourses T1 and T2 in the spring, particularly since de-icing products would be more likely to be found in watercourses during this period.	The Agency is of the view that mitigation measures will reduce the effects related to water contamination. Environment and Climate Change Canada is of the view that the monitoring and follow-up programs proposed by the Saguenay Port Authority during the construction and operation phases are adequate and will allow the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures to be verified and adaptive management to be carried out, if necessary.
G. Lord.	Contamination of water caused by boat bilge cleaning.	International ships operating in Canadian waters are subject to laws and regulations relating to ballast water management, including the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and more specifically the Ballast Water Control and Management Regulations. These regulations provide for good management of these waters in order to avoid contamination.	The Agency is satisfied with the responses provided by the Saguenay Port Authority.
G. Lord.	Resuspension of toxic substances during underwater work.	The impact statement revealed the presence of certain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals in the sediments located at the planned wharf site. Given the low concentrations measured and given that no component of the project is likely to modify concentrations in the environment, the Saguenay Port Authority considers that these contaminants would not have an effect on fish.	The Agency's response is based on Health Canada's opinion that it is important to limit any resuspension of sediment in the water column during the construction and operation phases, taking into account the presence of certain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals in the sediment. Environment and Climate Change Canada considers that the mitigation measures proposed by the Saguenay Port Authority would limit the resuspension of sediments during construction and that ship action would not have a significant effect on this aspect, given the presence of rock and the great depth at the wharf.
CREDD	Concerns regarding the measures that would be put in place by the Saguenay Port Authority to reduce areas of stripped ground surface, since bare soils are more vulnerable, particularly to contaminant spills.	The Saguenay Port Authority has proposed several mitigation measures to protect the soil and restore the environment, particularly during forest clearing, in order to reduce the loss of vegetation.	The Agency is satisfied with the information provided by the Saguenay Port Authority.
Transboundary environmental effects – Greenhouse gas emissions
Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier, Eurêko!, G. Lord.	Contribution to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions. Comments were received on the estimated greenhouse gas emissions that would be generated by the project and on proposed measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as providing the terminal with an electrification system that would allow ships to use the port's electrical system instead of their fuel.	The Saguenay Port Authority has provided details of direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions associated with the construction and operation phases of the terminal and is committed to making electrification available at the terminal in response to demand.	The Agency has relied on the opinion of Environment and Climate Change Canada in concluding that the mitigation measures presented by the Saguenay Port Authority for the project are adequate and, if implemented appropriately and in a timely manner, should help to reduce the project's GHG emissions.
Wetlands and vegetation
CREDD, M. Bouchard.	Potential impacts of loss of forest stands of phytosociological interest and request for assessment of compensation opportunities.	A loss of about one hectare of forest stands of phytosociological interest is expected. Considering the limited areas that will be cleared, the abundance of forest cover in the vicinity of the project site and the application of forest clearing mitigation measures, as well as the replanting of work areas and disturbed sites, the Saguenay Port Authority considers the magnitude of this effect as small.	The Agency considers that the project has been optimized to minimize effects on wetlands and vegetation. Design criteria during the initial planning of the project had the effect of limiting the project's footprint on forest areas in the sector. Considering the limited areas that will be cleared, the abundance of forest cover in the vicinity of the project site and the application of forest clearing mitigation measures, the Agency concludes that the loss of approximately 1 hectare of forest stands of phytosociological interest is not significant.
CREDD	Potential dust emission impacts on terrestrial flora.	The Saguenay Port Authority is committed to implementing a dust management plan that includes emission control, a weather station and a detailed air quality monitoring program.	The Agency is of the view that the implementation of a dust management plan will reduce dust emissions.
CREDD	Recommends monitoring the establishment of invasive exotic plant species during the construction, operation and maintenance phases.	The Saguenay Port Authority has proposed a follow-up program that includes monitoring the establishment of invasive exotic plant species in the areas that will be restored and replanted at the end of the construction period.	The Agency is satisfied with the commitment made by the Saguenay Port Authority in relation to the monitoring of invasive exotic plant species.
Fish and fish habitat and marine plants
Anse à Pelletier Collective, G. Lord.	Calls into question the type of wharf chosen given its encroachment into fish habitat and the criteria chosen to analyze the type of wharf to be built.	Ten possible wharf design alternatives have been evaluated by the Saguenay Port Authority. The construction of a wharf on the north shore of the Saguenay should not induce any significant geomorphological or hydrological changes likely to affect fish habitat. The choice of the combined wall wharf design would result in greater encroachment than other designs, but mitigation measures would limit the effects on fish and fish habitat.	The Agency is of the view that the Saguenay Port Authority has sufficiently assessed alternative means of carrying out the project for the purposes of assessing the environmental effects of the project. The Saguenay Port Authority has identified technically and economically feasible alternatives, identified the environmental effects and selected the preferred solution of a combined wall gravity wharf to be subjected to a full assessment.
CREDD, M. Bouchard.	Characterization of freshwater fish habitat should be extended to the local study area and the unknown nature of the substrate does not allow adequate characterization.	The Saguenay Port Authority has defined spatial boundaries to describe current conditions and analyze environmental effects. For fish and fish habitat in fresh water, the Saguenay Port Authority has targeted the only habitats potentially exposed to the project's effects, namely those in intermittent watercourses in the limited study area. The Saguenay Port Authority considers that the project is not likely to affect freshwater fish beyond the limited study area and therefore did not submit an effects assessment for the local study area. The Saguenay Port Authority indicated that, in the vicinity of the site chosen for the wharf development, the limited presence of aquatic plant beds, the presence of coarse or even rocky substrate, and the steep slope make it unsuitable for spawning.	The Agency is satisfied with the Saguenay Port Authority's characterization of fish habitat in its assessment of the effects on fish and fish habitat.
CREDD, Organisme de bassin versant du Saguenay.	Mitigation measures to protect fish and fish habitat from suspended solids (SS) should be added and an analysis of the establishment of a safety perimeter using nets is an appropriate measure and should be carried out.	Resuspension of sediment is unlikely to affect fish and fish habitat. It indicates that the resuspension of sediments during drilling and vibratory driving would quickly dissipate in the fjord, while those released during backfill work would be confined inside the turbidity curtain installed at the upstream and downstream ends of the wharf following the installation of the sheet pile wall. However, the Saguenay Port Authority undertakes to carefully deposit random fill materials on the bottom, using a power shovel when possible, as well as a crane, for the most distant riprap areas, not to open the grab bucket more than 1 metre from the bottom, to move the bucket gently in order to limit sediment resuspension and to maneuver the aggregate sparingly with the hydraulic shovel so as to avoid any stone spillage and thus accidental introduction of fine particles into the water. As regards the establishment of a safety perimeter using a net, the Saguenay Port Authority has not adopted this method to reduce the effects on fish. The Saguenay Port Authority has indicated that the containment curtain remains the best choice to contain suspended solids and has demonstrated that this sediment retention technique would be effective during wharf construction. It has proposed follow-up during the construction phase to ensure that the work does not generate high turbidity compared to the natural environment, and in the event of continuous exceedance, the work would be stopped to change work methods.	The Agency has relied on the opinions of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada in concluding that the mitigation measures proposed by the Saguenay Port Authority to limit sediment resuspension appear realistic and appropriate.
Organisme de bassin versant du Saguenay.	Protection of the H2 seagrass bed during machinery operations.	To prevent environmental disturbance, construction activities involving the use of machinery operating from the intertidal zone will be kept to a minimum. Traffic and operations will be conducted from the work areas and traffic routes identified for these purposes. In addition, since the area corresponding to the right-of-way of the future wharf is mainly characterized by the presence of a rocky foreshore, potential disturbances to shoreline areas therefore remain limited. The Saguenay Port Authority is committed to putting forward and carrying out over a period of 5 years a marine vegetation and intertidal seagrass bed monitoring program, more specifically with respect to changes in the H1 and H2 seagrass beds in the operating phase. Monitoring should make it possible to document changes in area, density and composition of the two seagrass beds.	The Agency is satisfied with the mitigation measures proposed by the Saguenay Port Authority. The Agency proposes potential conditions that would require the Saguenay Port Authority to develop, prior to the start of operations and in consultation with the appropriate authorities, a follow-up program to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment regarding the adverse effects of the designated project on the H1 and H2 beds.
Organisme de bassin versant du Saguenay.	Maintaining ice cover and the duration of ice cover in the local study area and farther upstream in relation to the conditioning of marine ecological components	The ice along the shoreline may be modified by the presence of port facilities and traffic and docking maneuvers of ships at the wharf. The wake of the icebreaker would not destabilize large portions of the ice pack. In addition, the Saguenay Port Authority described the magnitude of the effect on ice as moderate because of the habitats present, and the common nature of the type of seabed present in the study area.	The Agency is satisfied with the information provided by the Saguenay Port Authority. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is of the view that the construction of the terminal on the north shore of the Saguenay River should not have residual effects on fish and fish habitat.
Organisme de bassin versant du Saguenay.	Effects on corals, cold water sponges, benthic and nektonic invertebrates.	Mortalities of less mobile species would be caused by construction activities, while other species would be likely to leave the area. The Saguenay Port Authority indicates that the expected number of mortalities is difficult to assess, but would be proportional to the species richness in the sector, which is mostly low.	The Agency is satisfied with the information provided by the Saguenay Port Authority and, based on the opinion of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, it concludes that the construction of the terminal on the north shore of the Saguenay River should not have a residual effect on fish and fish habitat.
Marine mammals, including beluga whales
GREMM, G. Lord, Boréalisation, A. Larouche, M. Bouchard, CREDD, Organisme de bassin versant du Saguenay	Effects of noise, particularly ship loading, blasting on land and navigation on fish and marine mammals. The CREDD recommends an analysis of impacts on marine mammals based on disturbance thresholds of 120 dB re 1 μPa rms for continuous sources and 160 dB re 1 μPa rms for impulsive sources within the local zone. The CREDD recommends that the effectiveness of an observer be demonstrated in the impact statement and that, if necessary, this measure be supplemented by new monitoring methods. The CREDD recommends that noise generated during the construction phase be monitored to reassess whether mitigation measures result in exceedance of marine mammal thresholds. The CREDD recommends conducting a simulation of sound pressure levels resulting from blasting activities. The CREDD recommends that the Saguenay Port Authority conduct a simulation of sound pressure levels resulting from ship loading activities.	The Saguenay Port Authority concludes that the residual effects on marine mammals in the construction and operation phase are not significant, mainly because of the limited use of the local study area by marine mammals. The Saguenay Port Authority considers that the planned mitigation measures, including stopping work if a marine mammal is observed 600 metres away and having a marine mammal observer present at all times, starting noisy work gradually so as to allow marine mammals to move away from the critical area, and using scaring devices, will reduce the anticipated effects. The presence of an observer is essential when this type of work is being done. The observer must not be assigned any other duties and must be recognized for his or her expertise in the field of marine mammals (biologist, technician or relevant experience). Real-time monitoring of noise generated by site activities in order to validate simulation results, verify the presence of dead or injured fish and identify possible corrective measures, if necessary. For blasting on land, the charges used have been calibrated so as to avoid impacts on fish habitat and are therefore small in magnitude. The Saguenay Port Authority is of the view that the effects of ship loading on underwater noise are uncertain and proposes a measurement campaign to evaluate the noise produced during the loading of a vessel, which would take place over a period of approximately 30 hours.	The Agency proposes a potential condition that would require the Saguenay Port Authority to develop, prior to the start of construction in the marine environment and in consultation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, measures to limit underwater noise generated by marine construction to a24-hour cumulative underwater noise exposure level of less than 183 dB re 1 µPa² – s (SEL_cum), and to implement these measures throughout construction in the marine environment, unless otherwise permitted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Another potential condition would require the proponent to develop, prior to the start of construction in the marine environment and in consultation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and First Nations, and to implement, throughout construction in the marine environment, a visual monitoring program for the beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) and the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina). The Agency has relied on Fisheries and Oceans Canada's opinion that the construction of the terminal should not cause any residual effects on marine mammals in the local study area, since the project's effects can be mitigated and offset, in particular by the implementation of noise reduction measures and a marine mammal protection and monitoring zone. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is also of the view that the mitigation measures proposed by the Saguenay Port Authority remain general and should be elaborated on further. Noise reduction measures, a protection zone and a monitoring radius for marine mammals (cetaceans and seals) should be defined according to the noise levels generated by the working methods to be used during the work, for example for pile driving and drilling. Fisheries and Oceans Canada recommends that measures be established to ensure that animals are not exposed to a cumulative 24-hour exposure level greater than 178 decibels, at a reference pressure of one micropascal for belugas. Fisheries and Oceans Canada indicates that uncertainties remain regarding the effects of the blasting work, as the level of progress in detail engineering did not allow work methods to be identified during the environmental assessment. The Agency has relied on Fisheries and Oceans Canada's opinion, however, that these uncertainties can be managed through the Fisheries Act authorization process and that additional measures, such as a blasting plan, may be required. With respect to the operations phase, Fisheries and Oceans Canada considers that the assessment of navigational effects in the local study area was satisfactorily completed by the Saguenay Port Authority. According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada's analysis, masking and disturbance effects are possible when merchant vessels pass through areas used by beluga whales.
Organisme de bassin versant du Saguenay – Saint-Laurent, CREDD	Monitoring the beluga and determining the monitoring distance required for the beluga. The CREDD recommends that the Saguenay Port Authority justify the 600 m distance on the basis of data from simulations and scientific literature.	The Saguenay Port Authority proposes to implement a monitoring distance (600 metres) for monitoring by qualified personnel, which would be adjusted according to the construction methods used and the sound intensities generated in order to prevent noise impacts on marine mammals.	The Agency concurs with the opinion of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which considers that the implementation of a marine mammal protection and monitoring zone during the work would reduce risks by stopping the work when marine mammals enter the zone, until no beluga or whale is observed in the protection zone for a continuous period of at least 30 minutes. The Agency proposes a potential condition that would require the Saguenay Port Authority to develop, prior to the start of construction in the marine environment and in consultation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the First Nations, and to implement, throughout construction in the marine environment, a visual monitoring program for the beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) and the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) which would require observers who are qualified in marine mammal observation. The distance from the monitoring area would be established on the basis of simulations of noise caused by the work.
Citizen.	Effects of night work on beluga monitoring.	With respect to marine mammal monitoring, a visual observer should be stationed on shore throughout the daytime work period (no night work planned).	The Agency is satisfied with the information provided by the Saguenay Port Authority and has relied on the opinion of Fisheries and Oceans Canada in concluding that adequate noise reduction measures, a protection zone and a monitoring radius for marine mammals (cetaceans and seals) should be defined according to the noise levels generated by the work methods to be used during the work, for example for pile driving and drilling.
Birds
CREDD	The CREDD recommends that a monitoring program be implemented to monitor changes in bird species' use of areas near the project site.	For the Canada Warbler, monitoring would be conducted during the operation phase, with the aim of identifying the actual causes of impacts on special status species. Following the inventory that will be conducted in the summer of 2018, a first follow-up will be conducted after 5 years, and a final one after 10 years. At each follow-up, a validation will be done to determine if other activities, which take place on the periphery of the project, could have an influence on the results obtained.	The Agency proposes a potential condition that would require the Saguenay Port Authority to develop, prior to construction and in consultation with the appropriate authorities, a follow-up program to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment and to assess the effectiveness of mitigation measures implemented by the Saguenay Port Authority to avoid causing adverse environmental effects on birds, including migratory birds, their eggs and nests.
CREDD	The CREDD recommends that the Saguenay Port Authority further justify the location of point count stations for conducting the bird inventory.	The point count locations were distributed so as to cover the limited study area as much as possible. Access to the sector also influenced the location of these stations, particularly in the eastern sector where the terrain is rugged. Private land is also found in the eastern sector. The stations were positioned to cover different habitat types representative of the study area. Since the study area is small and the point count stations are 250 m apart, it is normal for there to be a small number of them within the boundaries of the limited study area. Outside this area, the anticipated impact on avifauna is mainly limited to access roads. It should also be noted that the habitats covered during the inventories are comparable to the other habitats found in the project's zone of influence.	The Agency has relied on the opinion of Environment and Climate Change Canada in concluding that, in general, the description of avifauna is well documented and representative of the study area. Each of the main biotopes has been inventoried proportionate to the area occupied in the study area.
CREDD	The CREDD recommends that the Saguenay Port Authority specify how it plans to comply with the Quebec Wildlife Conservation and Development Act in the event that there are Canada Warbler nests in the study area.	The Saguenay Port Authority indicates that during periods of risk of incidental capture, other than the forest clearing period, special attention will be paid to the presence of eggs and nests at the work site as will be specified in the management plan. Avoidance, mitigation and monitoring measures have been proposed by the proponent, including delineation of work areas to avoid further encroachment; inspection of work areas prior to authorizing work activities; and efforts to raise worker awareness of bird nests, in accordance with the bird management plan. During the construction phase of the project, the Saguenay Port Authority will document, using environmental monitoring reports, the presence of nests of migratory birds and species at risk, as well as the actions taken to ensure their protection.	The Agency proposes a potential condition that would require the Saguenay Port Authority to carry out the designated project in a manner that protects migratory birds and avoids injuring, killing or disturbing migratory birds or destroying, disturbing or taking their nests or eggs.
Terrestrial Mammals
M. Bouchard, A. Larouche	Loss of habitat for large wildlife, species at risk such as the vole and some bird and bat species.	Forest clearing would result in the loss of nearly 40 ha of potential habitat for small and large wildlife species, birds and bats. For terrestrial wildlife, the expected effects during the various phases of the project are not considered significant. This is also true for bats, with a positive effect nonetheless expected in the dismantling phase. Habitat loss for the endangered rock vole during the construction phase will have a significant effect, however. With respect to habitat loss for bird species in general, the magnitude of residual effects on birds and their habitat is considered moderate.	The Agency has relied on the opinion of Environment and Climate Change Canada in concluding that if the Saguenay Port Authority implements all identified mitigation measures, this will help minimize the potential effects of the project on migratory birds and, taking into account implementation of the mitigation measures proposed by the Saguenay Port Authority and the development of a monitoring program and a bat monitoring program prior to implementation of the project, Environment and Climate Change Canada considers that the Saguenay Port Authority will minimize the potential impacts of the project on the habitat of bat species at risk. The Agency proposes potential conditions to protect birds, such as requiring the Saguenay Port Authority to develop, before construction and in consultation with the appropriate authorities, a follow-up program to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment and to assess the effectiveness of mitigation measures implemented by the Saguenay Port Authority to avoid causing adverse environmental effects on birds, including migratory birds, their eggs and nests. Another potential condition would require the Saguenay Port Authority to avoid carrying out forest clearing in the designated project area between June 1 and July 31, inclusive, of each construction year and to develop, prior to the start of construction and in consultation with the appropriate authorities, a follow-up program to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment and assess the effectiveness of mitigation measures in relation to the negative effects of the designated project on bats.
Organisme de bassin versant du Saguenay.	Concern about likely environmental effects on herpetofauna. Calls into question the validity of the environmental impact statement data and the proposed mitigation measures. Concern about the displacement of herpetofauna to nearby replacement habitat.	The Saguenay Port Authority indicates that the environmental effects on herpetofauna will be felt particularly during the construction phase of the project and will be largely attributable to the loss of habitat, the risk of collision with vehicles and disturbances (noise and light) caused during the work and during the operation of the site. Overall, small areas will be cleared within the limited study area and many of the affected areas are on steep slopes that are less favourable to terrestrial species. The presence of suitable habitats in the vicinity of the project site will allow several species to move into these environments and the terrestrial wildlife and herpetofauna populations will not be compromised in any way. For terrestrial wildlife and herpetofauna, the expected effects during the various phases of the project are not considered significant.	The Agency is satisfied with the information provided by the Saguenay Port Authority and considers that the residual effects of the project on herpetofauna are not significant.
CREDD	The CREDD recommends that the proponent document the effects of noise and vibration on terrestrial wildlife or justify why this element is not included in the impact statement.	According to a recent meta-analysis of studies documenting the effect of noise on wildlife, the threshold at which noise effects are felt in terrestrial wildlife (including birds, mammals and herpetofauna) is 40 dBA (Shannon et al. 2015). Some groups of wildlife would be more tolerant of noise. Despite the fact that the noise level of blasting is above the tolerance threshold for terrestrial wildlife, blasting activities will mainly be located in three sectors of the limited study area. In addition, it should be noted that the noise caused by blasting will last for a very short time and will not be continuous. The anticipated effect is therefore less than that of continuous noise. Blasting activities will also take place after forest clearing, which will reduce the potential impact on wildlife since nesting habitats will no longer be available at the site of the work. It should also be noted that the work schedule is expected to cover a 12-hour period, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. There will therefore be no blasting activity outside this period, thus reducing the potential effects on wildlife, particularly on bat foraging activities which take place at night.	The Agency is satisfied with the information provided by the Saguenay Port Authority. The Agency proposes a potential condition that would require it to install, prior to the start of blasting activities on land, at least six artificial bat houses at a distance of at least one kilometre from the areas where these blasting activities will take place.
CREDD	The CREDD strongly recommends that a study on bats be conducted.	The Saguenay Port Authority conducted an inventory of bats which targeted maternity roosts, hibernacula and roosts in the project area.	The Agency is satisfied with the additional inventories carried out by the Saguenay Port Authority.
CREDD	Considering the anticipated significant negative effects on special status mammal species, including bats, the CREDD proposes to take into account the likely environmental effects of artificial light on mammals in the analysis of residual effects.	During the operation and maintenance phase, the artificial lighting used around traffic routes could have a negative impact by inducing nocturnal attraction behaviour of bats (Jung and Kalko 2010), in particular silver-haired bats and hoary bats. The northern bat, on the other hand, may adopt avoidance behaviour in brightly lit areas (Jung and Kalko 2010; Rowse et al. 2016). Taking into account the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures and the follow-up program that will be carried out, the project is not likely to have significant negative effects on the habitat of bat species at risk.	The Agency proposes a potential condition that would require the Saguenay Port Authority to control the lighting required for designated project activities during all phases of the designated project, including its orientation, duration of use, intensity, spectrum colour and glare, so as to mitigate the negative effects caused by sensory disturbances of lighting for bats and birds (including migratory birds), while respecting operational health and safety requirements.
A. Larouche	Air quality pollution and effects on animal and plant health.	The degradation of air quality related to emissions of contaminants into the atmosphere remains an important issue to consider, both in terms of potential impacts on human health and those on plants and animals. This is why atmospheric quality standards were established to assess the effect of a project in its receiving environment. Compliance with these standards ensures a safe environment for human health and the environment. For the construction, operation and maintenance and dismantling phases, the modelling carried out confirmed that the effects on air quality will not be significant.	The Agency has relied on the opinion of Environment and Climate Change Canada in concluding that despite exceedances of modelled particulate matter concentrations, the mitigation measures planned by the Saguenay Port Authority should be sufficient to mitigate the negative effects on air quality. The Agency proposes a potential condition that would require the Saguenay Port Authority to develop, prior to construction and with the appropriate authorities and potentially affected parties, measures to mitigate dust emissions generated by the designated project that take into account ambient air standards and criteria.
Human Health
M. Bouchard, A. Larouche, G. Lord	Air quality effects. Concern about the respiratory health of children, seniors and people with respiratory diseases in relation to dust, specifically fine particles and apatite concentrate. Requests that air quality monitoring be put in place.	The Saguenay Port Authority would implement an air quality monitoring program, and has confirmed that a weather station and ambient air quality monitoring stations would be installed at and near the project. The Saguenay Port Authority would also implement an air quality complaint management and resolution system.	The Agency has relied on Health Canada's opinion in concluding that if contaminant concentrations measured in the field are found to be similar to the modelled air quality concentrations, the project should not have a significant effect on the health of neighbouring populations. Based on the air quality modelling results, Environment and Climate Change Canada is of the view that the project activities are likely to cause adverse effects on air quality if mitigation measures are not implemented during the construction and operation phases of the project. The Agency proposes a potential condition that would require the Saguenay Port Authority to develop, prior to construction and with the appropriate authorities and potentially affected parties, measures to mitigate dust emissions generated by the designated project that take into account ambient air standards and criteria. Another potential condition would require the Saguenay Port Authority to develop, prior to construction and in consultation with potentially affected parties, and to implement, during all phases of the designated project, a protocol for receiving air quality and noise and light exposure complaints generated by the project. Another potential condition would require the Saguenay Port Authority to develop, prior to construction and in consultation with the appropriate authorities and potentially affected parties, a follow-up program to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment and to assess the effectiveness of mitigation measures with respect to adverse effects on human health caused by changes in air quality due to the designated project.
G. Lord, M. Bouchard.	Risk of contamination of surface wells used as drinking water supply. Requests that monitoring of the quality of drinking water from nearby wells be put in place.	The Saguenay Port Authority indicates that the project would have no potential effect on the quality and quantity of drinking water available in residents' wells near the project site since these wells are not located in the same watershed as the project site. A network of monitoring wells would be set up around facilities that could affect groundwater quality.	The Agency has relied on Natural Resources Canada's opinion in concluding that the project does not pose a risk of contamination of drinking water wells for dwellings in the vicinity of the project.
M. Bouchard, Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier.	Effect on noise, particularly because the surrounding environment is considered calm. Calls into question the effect of noise and artificial light which is not considered significant. Requests that noise monitoring be put in place.	The Saguenay Port Authority considers that the health risks attributable to the increase in noise levels would be low since the simulated noise levels for the construction, operation and decommissioning scenarios are lower than Health Canada's criterion for change in the percentage of the population who become highly annoyed (% HA). In the event that noise levels are found to be greater than expected and reach the 55 dBA daytime or 50 dBA nighttime criteria, additional mitigation measures would be put in place to reduce the noise generated by the work. A noise monitoring program during construction and operation is proposed to ensure the accuracy of the modelling.	The Agency has relied on the opinion of Health Canada in concluding that if the noise levels measured in the field during the construction and operation of the terminal are found to be similar to the levels modelled by the Saguenay Port Authority, the project should not have a negative effect on the health of neighbouring populations. However, this opinion is dependent on the Saguenay Port Authority's implementation of all mitigation measures aimed at limiting the noise generated by the project. Verification of the accuracy of modelling and the effectiveness of mitigation measures through the construction phase noise monitoring program is also very important. However, Health Canada states that compliance with the standards and criteria used by the Saguenay Port Authority to assess the project's impact on the acoustic environment does not necessarily guarantee that there will be no effect. In a very quiet environment, such as the one where the project would be located, an increase in the noise level of about ten decibels could affect certain receptors (as predicted by the proponent's models), even though the standards and criteria are met. The Agency proposes a potential condition that would require the Saguenay Port Authority to develop, prior to construction and in consultation with potentially affected parties, and to implement, during all phases of the designated project, a protocol for receiving air quality and noise and light exposure complaints generated by the project. Another potential condition would require the Saguenay Port Authority to develop, prior to construction and with the appropriate authorities and potentially affected parties, a follow-up program to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment and to assess the effectiveness of mitigation measures with respect to adverse effects on human health caused by project-related changes to the noise environment.
A. Larouche.	The blasting planned during the construction of the terminal could generate pollution, primarily dust, and noise that could adversely affect residents living near the project site.	Blasting could be felt by citizens in the area beyond the limited study area. During the construction phase, a portion of the emissions of particulates will come from blasting and excavation of a rock wall. However, these emissions are considered normal in the context of construction and are subject to standards that will be set out in the specifications and applied by contractors.	The Agency has relied on the opinion of Health Canada in concluding that if the noise levels measured in the field during the construction and operation of the terminal are found to be similar to the levels modelled by the Saguenay Port Authority, and if the contaminant concentrations measured in the field during follow-up are found to be similar to the concentrations modelled and presented by the Saguenay Port Authority, the project should not have a negative effect on the health of neighbouring populations. The Agency proposes a potential condition that would require the Saguenay Port Authority to develop, prior to construction and in consultation with potentially affected parties, and to implement, during all phases of the designated project, a protocol for receiving air quality and noise and light exposure complaints generated by the project.
G. Lord.	The dwellings are closer to the project site than indicated in the impact statement.	Despite the different descriptions of sensitive receptors presented in the EIS, the description in section 10.4.4.3 of the Environmental Impact Statement is adequate. Thus, within a radius of 2.5 km from the boundaries of the limited study area, there is a total of 34 cottages in different areas.	The Agency is satisfied with the information provided by the Saguenay Port Authority.
Eurêko! P.13, M. Bouchard, CREDD	Request to set up a monitoring committee with local and regional communities. The CREDD proposes the establishment of a project-specific web page to inform and consult individuals and organisations that are not members of the monitoring committee.	A monitoring committee (community relations committee) would be set up to ensure contact with citizens in order to maintain mitigation measures on the visual environment: share the results of the follow-up requirements with First Nations and local parties concerned and consult the latter to develop and implement modified or additional mitigation measures.	The Agency proposes a potential condition that would require the Saguenay Port Authority to develop, prior to construction and in consultation with potentially affected parties, and to implement, during all phases of the designated project, a protocol for receiving air quality and noise and light exposure complaints generated by the project. The Agency also proposes a potential condition that would require the proponent to publish in a widely accessible electronic format the annual reports, the results of the required archaeological inventory, follow-up reports, the communication plan, implementation schedules and any updates or amendments to these documents.
Aboriginal peoples – Current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes
A. Larouche	Calls into question the analysis of the effects on current use by First Nations.	According to the Saguenay Port Authority, the project's effects on current use of land and resources for traditional purposes would potentially be associated with changes in access and land use related to the perceived loss of resource quality and reduced success of ice fishing carried out by some First Nations members. The Saguenay Port Authority proposes several mitigation measures to protect fish and fish habitat, as well as ice fishing practices. The Saguenay Port Authority considers that there would be no residual negative effect of the project on the current use of land and resources for traditional purposes, considering that ice fishing would not be affected by the project and that no other use has been identified by the Innu First Nations consulted.	For the purposes of its analysis, the Agency examined potential environmental changes that could affect the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes on Innu traditional territory (Nitassinan or traditional territory) and on territory over which the Huron-Wendat Nation asserts rights (Nionwentsïo). Based on its analysis, the Agency concludes, taking into account the implementation of mitigation measures, that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes. The Agency proposes a potential condition that would require the Saguenay Port Authority to develop, prior to the start of operations and in consultation with First Nations and potentially affected parties, an ice fishing management plan to enable the safe practice of the activity in the Port of Saguenay area of jurisdiction established under the Canada Marine Act.
Natural and cultural heritage
A. Larouche, G. Lord, M. Bouchard, Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier, CREDD, M. Blackburn	Concern about the negative effects of the project on the landscape.	The negative effects of the project on the visual environment would be mainly related to the exposure of a 65-metre high and 280-metre wide rock wall and the development of industrial structures. The Saguenay Port Authority considers that the residual effect will be minor for all landscape units, taking into account the implementation of mitigation measures it is proposing, such as replanting of areas disturbed by the work and the use of paint to camouflage the infrastructure. However, it specified that the residual effect would be significant for users of the portion of the fjord at R2.	The Agency concludes that, taking into account the implementation of mitigation measures, the project would not likely cause significant adverse environmental effects on the natural and cultural heritage. The project site is located outside the protected sectors of the Saguenay Fjord, namely the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park and the Fjord-du-Saguenay Park, and the site cannot be seen from these parks. However, despite the mitigation measures proposed by the Saguenay Port Authority to reduce the project's effects on the landscape, they do not completely mitigate the visual effects for observers located in the R2 and R3 landscape units (residents of Anse à Pelletier, Anse au Sable and users navigating the Saguenay River in the project sector).
G. Lord	Calls into question the method used to assess landscape effects and the use of computer-generated images to simulate effects rather than using real photos.	The photographs taken in the field during the visual environment inventory were not of sufficient quality to perform adequate simulations. It was therefore decided to use a 3D model to create the viewpoints to illustrate. All the images present a very faithful picture of the current landscape and the various changes illustrated over time.	The Agency considers that the methodology used for computer-generated images makes it possible to represent the current landscape and estimated changes over time in a fairly realistic manner. The Agency has relied only on Parks Canada's opinion confirming that the methodology used by the Saguenay Port Authority is consistent with best practices used to conduct visual environmental impact studies. The concepts and nature of the data collected were adapted to the receiving environment and project issues. The spatial boundaries and reference data used are considered sufficient and accurate.
G. Lord, Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier	Evaluation of other means of creating the rock façade.	The visual effects of the proposed vertical excavation cannot be further minimized. Stepped vertical cutting was excluded from the possible options, particularly due to technical difficulties related to the geology of the site and safety. A block of stone that detaches from the top of a wall would be thrown much further (springboard effect) with a stepped design than if the wall is excavated by vertical cutting as selected by the Saguenay Port Authority. In addition, a stepped cut would result in greater encroachment inland and significantly more excavated material that would have to be placed on the site, further affecting the landscape. Regrowth of vegetation on the steps is also considered uncertain by the Saguenay Port Authority because of the thin layer of soil and ice.	The Agency considers the proponent's explanations to be sufficient. The environmental effects of the scenario selected have been assessed.
G. Lord.	Possibility of building several smaller infrastructures for the dome and silos instead of just one.	The advent of other users could lead to the construction of storage structures (silos or hangar) on the already cleared site north of the apatite silos, as well as an additional conveyor. These additional infrastructures would affect the same observers as those expected for apatite.	Although the Saguenay Port Authority has proposed mitigation measures to reduce the project's effects on the landscape, these do not prevent significant effects for observers located in the R2 and R3 landscape units, particularly residents of Anse à Pelletier, Anse au Sable and users navigating the Saguenay River in the project sector. The addition of l structures for new clients does not change this conclusion.
G. Lord, M. Blackburn.	Jeopardizing of the Saguenay Fjord's nomination as a UNESCO heritage site.	The Saguenay Port Authority indicates that the river landscape targeted for the terminal is already characterized by the presence of port infrastructure at the Grande-Anse marine terminal on the south shore. These conditions mean that the portion of the fjord covered by the project is already not in conformity with the guidelines established by the UNESCO World Heritage Convention for the selection of sites, and therefore that the presence of the terminal should not have an environmental effect on the portions of the fjord that may meet UNESCO's criteria.	Parks Canada confirms the proponent's interpretation that the Saguenay Fjord site does not meet World Heritage's high standard of outstanding universal value in relation either to its geological or cultural heritage values. However, the site has the potential to manifest outstanding universal value in relation to its biological productivity. Consequently, Parks Canada is of the view that the presence of the marine terminal on the north shore is not likely to have an environmental effect on efforts to have the Saguenay Fjord recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as long as it does not have an effect on the biological productivity of the Saguenay. Based on its analysis, the Agency concludes that, taking into account the implementation of mitigation measures, the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on the natural and cultural heritage. The Agency considers the proponent's explanations credible.
Collectifs de l'Anse à Pelletier.	Proper maintenance of green silo paint.	To ensure that mitigation measures are maintained, the Saguenay Port Authority is considering the following actions and follow-ups: contacts with citizens, via the monitoring committee (community relations committee); rigorous infrastructure maintenance; annual infrastructure inspection; photographs every 2 years from the same points of view as the visual simulations.	The Agency proposes a potential condition that would require the Saguenay Port Authority to develop, prior to construction and in consultation with First Nations, the appropriate authorities and potentially affected parties, a follow-up program to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment and to assess the effectiveness of mitigation measures with respect to the adverse effects of environmental changes caused by the designated project on the natural heritage of the Saguenay Fjord, including monitoring the integrity of the surfaces, including paint, of the project structures.
Socio-economic conditions
G. Lord, A. Larouche.	Effect of icebreaker passage on ice cover and possible expansion of the Saguenay Port jurisdiction zone on the practice of winter activities such as ice fishing.	The Saguenay Port Authority indicated that no effect is anticipated, as the icebreaker's track would be located about 2 kilometres from the ice fishing area in Anse à Pelletier. The passage of the icebreaker would not alter the link between the shoreline and the pack ice, nor would it cause any significant displacement of the pack ice. The Saguenay Port Authority has indicated that it is currently analyzing options to reconcile winter navigation and ice fishing uses, while ensuring everyone's safety, ensuring fulfilment of its obligations and compliance the regulations governing these activities.	The Agency proposes a potential condition that would require the Saguenay Port Authority to develop, prior to construction and in consultation with First Nations and potentially affected parties, a communication plan to disseminate information about the designated project to users engaging in boating, hunting, fishing and tourism activities in the local study area.
G. Lord, M. Bouchard, Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier, A. Larouche.	Effects on kayaking, swimming, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, as well as the use of a sandy beach in relation to landscape modification and safety.	The Saguenay Port Authority is of the view that there is much less boat traffic in this part of the Saguenay than farther downstream, that summer recreational fishing is a marginal activity and that the frequency of ship transits will be low. No drop in attendance is expected and these activities will be possible at all times.	The Agency proposes a potential condition that would require the Saguenay Port Authority to develop, prior to construction and in consultation with First Nations and potentially affected parties, a communication plan to disseminate information regarding the designated project to users engaging in boating, hunting, fishing and tourism activities in the local study area and to put in place procedures to allow users to communicate their concerns regarding the negative environmental effects of the project. The Laurentian Pilotage Authority states that when visibility is reduced, it is dangerous for a kayak to be near a ship. It is possible for a ship to avoid a kayak if it is spotted quickly. It is dangerous for a boat to be in front of the ship. A foghorn is sounded when a ship leaves the wharf or approaches an obstacle.
G. Lord, M. Blackburn, Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier, M. Bouchard.	Effects on tourism and recreational activities, particularly because of effects on the landscape.	The visual effects of the project infrastructure cannot be completely mitigated for users navigating the Saguenay River in the project area during the operation phase. According to the Saguenay Port Authority, these visual effects should have no effect on cruise activities on the Saguenay River. The Saguenay Port Authority cannot commit to monitoring the effects on businesses of the presence and operation of the marine terminal. Indeed, such monitoring presupposes that it will be possible to determine the precise causes of potential variations in company's business volume or traffic. However, it would be very risky to rule on whether an increase or decrease in use of a site could have any connection with the operation of the terminal.	The Agency is satisfied with the information provided by the Saguenay Port Authority.
G. Lord.	Decrease in business traffic due to the risks associated with the increase in truck transportation.	Route 172, which provides access to the project site, has low traffic flow and can accommodate the project-related road traffic.	The Agency is satisfied with the information provided by the Saguenay Port Authority.
M. Bouchard, M. Blackburn. A. Larouche.	Effects on agriculture and gathering of plants	The Saguenay Port Authority indicated that recreational harvesting is practiced marginally by cottagers and area residents in the limited study area, while no commercial harvesting activity is practiced in the local study area. The Saguenay Port Authority has indicated that this activity can be practiced in many places on the territory.	The Agency is satisfied with the information provided by the Saguenay Port Authority.
A. Larouche, M. Bouchard.	Contamination of agricultural land and crops, particularly by dust.	The residual adverse effects on air quality would be moderate in magnitude and would occur continually throughout the life of the project, would be experienced locally and would be reversible after completion of the project. The Saguenay Port Authority concluded that the effects on air quality, after taking into account the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, would not be significant during any project phase.	The Agency has relied on expert opinions in concluding that dust emissions should not contaminate agricultural land. Environment and Climate Change Canada is of the view that, despite exceedances of modelled particulate matter concentrations, the mitigation measures planned by the Saguenay Port Authority should be sufficient to mitigate the negative effects on air quality. Health Canada is of the view that if the concentrations of contaminants measured in the field are found to be similar to the modelled concentrations, the project should not have an adverse effect on the health of neighbouring populations.
G. Lord	Set up a monitoring committee for Anse à Pelletier residents who are concerned about their quality of life.	The Saguenay Port Authority has proposed setting up a monitoring committee (good neighbour committee) before construction begins, which would be made up of representatives of the community, including a representative of the Association des propriétaires de l'Anse à Pelletier (also known as the Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier).	The Agency proposes a potential condition that would require the Saguenay Port Authority to develop procedures for citizens to share concerns with the Saguenay Port Authority about the negative effects of the project.
Effects of Accidents and Malfunctions
Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier.	Resuspension of contaminated sediments.	Overall, the sediments in the study area are of good quality, but some PAH compounds and metals exceed rare effect concentrations and threshold effect concentrations. Considering that the concentrations obtained are above the rare effect level, but below natural background levels, no effects are expected in the study area.	The Agency took into account Health Canada's opinion that it is important to limit any resuspension of sediment in the water column during the construction and operation phases given the presence of certain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals in the sediment. The Agency has relied on the opinion of Environment and Climate Change Canada, which considers that the mitigation measures proposed by the Saguenay Port Authority would limit the resuspension of sediments during construction and that ship action would not have a significant effect in this regard.
Boréalisation, G. Lord.	Concern for the harmonization of uses in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. Risk related to the passage of merchant vessels; is the Saguenay River a risk area for shipping, particularly in winter?	The Saguenay Port Authority indicates that some activities are permitted and others are not in the marine park. Authorized uses in this area include commercial navigation, periodic maintenance dredging, scientific research activities, shellfish harvesting, and recreational activities such as boating, sea kayaking, angling and scuba diving.	Parks Canada has clarified that in the marine park, as in all marine protected areas in Canada, certain activities are permitted. For example, fishing is permitted. The limits associated with marine traffic depend on the issues specific to each environment. A project to study sound propagation in the Saguenay is currently being carried out in collaboration with Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Transport Canada indicates that all vessels are assessed in the same manner. Construction and operation of vessels are monitored. Global databases are used to identify ships at risk. In addition, a vessel must send a report 96 hours before arrival to enable Transport Canada to assess whether the vessel is at risk. If it presents a risk, it can be diverted. Most of the ships (75% to 80%) are regularly pass through our region. Transport Canada also ensures that vessel operations comply with the applicable regulations, including working conditions and crew training. The Saguenay is no more at risk than other watercourses; it is deep, which is why there is little risk of grounding. The main risk is associated with fog, but it is controlled by two radars that must be operational at all times. In the event of radar failure, no boats could enter the Saguenay.
Anse à Pelletier Collective G. Lord A. Larouche.	Risk of contamination due to accidents and ship malfunction.	Accidents or malfunctions may occur at any time from the start of construction of the mine site until after its closure. The proponent described the potential environmental effects of accidents and malfunctions and presented a risk analysis. There will be no oil transshipment, which reduces the risks. The Saguenay Port Authority would put in place an emergency response plan to prevent incidents and implement the necessary measures in a timely manner in the event of an accident.	The Agency has relied on the opinion of Environment and Climate Change Canada, which suggests certain measures to limit the consequences of a spill or leak of petroleum products. For example, the department recommends the proponent not undertake refuelling or equipment maintenance in places where an accidental spill could affect waters frequented by fish. Transport Canada requests that the proponent prepare its own emergency procedures for spill prevention and response. Taking into account the mitigation measures, response measures and emergency response plan that the proponent has committed to implement, the Agency considers that accidents and malfunctions are unlikely to occur in a manner that results in significant residual adverse environmental effects. The Agency considers that the measures that would be included in the proponent's emergency response plan would avoid significant effects on wildlife in the event of an incident, particularly a spill.
G. Lord.	Risk of contamination of the Pelletier River.	The Pelletier River is outside the limited study area. It was concluded that the project was not likely to affect freshwater fish beyond the limited study area and therefore did not present an assessment of effects outside the limited study area.	The Agency is satisfied with the information provided by the Saguenay Port Authority and has relied on the opinion of Fisheries and Oceans Canada in concluding that the assessment of the effects on fish and fish habitat related to the construction of the marine terminal was satisfactorily completed, both in terms of the extent of encroachments and the quality of the habitats affected.
M. Bouchard.	Risk of landslides or rockslides.	The Saguenay Port Authority has produced a geomorphological portrait of the area. Given the loads that will be used, the proponent considers that there are no zones at risk.	The Agency is satisfied with the information provided by the Saguenay Port Authority and has relied on the opinion of Natural Resources Canada in concluding that, based on the characterization of the site, the study area is partially covered with a thin veneer of till and sand (under 2 metres) and that in the absence of clay deposits, landslides similar to those of La Baie in 1910 or La Romaine in 2009 cannot occur as a result of blasting in the project area.
A. Larouche, M. Bouchard, L. Villeneuve, CREDD	Risk of collision with large wildlife species and risk of accidents due to increased road traffic. The CREDD recommends that measures to control the speed of carriers be identified and detailed.	During the construction phase, the risk of collision, although unlikely, could also occur since some species may remain close to construction sites. During the operation and maintenance phase, the risk of collision will be omnipresent since some species, particularly moose, may remain in the surrounding environment as long as good quality habitats are available. The activities that will take place will cause disturbance and there is reason to believe that several species will avoid the area, which will reduce the risk of collision. The maximum speed for vehicles travelling on the site access road (between Route 172 and the terminal) is 70 km/h, which is the speed limit for all forest roads of this type. For apatite trucks, the speeds will be 36 and 58 km/h (loaded and empty trucks) respectively. It has already been established, for safety reasons, that this speed should never be exceeded. At the terminal site, the maximum speed will be 40 km/h.	The Agency is satisfied with the responses of the Saguenay Port Authority.
M. Bouchard.	Contamination of water by surface water runoff of.	Runoff will be captured in ditches and treated, if necessary, before being released into the environment. The water collection system will recover all water in contact with, among other things, apatite dust that has escaped the control systems put in place.	The Agency is satisfied with the information provided by the Saguenay Port Authority and has relied on the opinion of Environment and Climate Change Canada in concluding that if all the mitigation measures proposed by the Saguenay Port Authority are implemented in a timely manner, the project's effects on freshwater quality in the terrestrial environment will be minimized. The Agency proposes a potential condition that would require the Saguenay Port Authority to collect contact waters from the project site and treat those that do not meet the pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act before releasing them into the environment during all phases of the project.
Organisme de bassin versant du Saguenay.	Restricted access to the Saguenay Fjord makes it difficult to implement conventional emergency plans and measures for crew recovery, shipwreck or accidental spills.	An assessment of the environmental effects associated with sensitive coastal and marine components in the event of a contaminant spill in the Saguenay was presented. The worst credible spill scenario was presented by modelling the probable trajectory of an oil slick (10,000 litres of fuel oil) on the Saguenay River along three different routes depending on the discharge point. The Saguenay Port Authority has an emergency plan based on its current activities. This plan will be amended to include the facilities and activities of the new terminal on the north shore of the Saguenay.	The Agency has relied on the opinion of Environment and Climate Change Canada in concluding that the Saguenay Port Authority has adequately assessed potential risks and failures and the marine environment and has provided a satisfactory description and summary mapping of sensitive elements. Environment and Climate Change Canada has provided a series of recommendations and encourages the Saguenay Port Authority to prepare spill contingency plans that take into account the risk of accidents and malfunctions and the specific conditions and sensitivities of their project.
Cumulative Effects
Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier, CREDD, Groupe de recherche et d'éducation sur les mammifères matins, Nature Québec, Boréalisation, Organisme de bassin versant du Saguenay.	Concerns regarding the situation of the beluga, which is endangered and occasionally travels up the Saguenay River to Saint-Fulgence, and the cumulative effects of navigation in the Saguenay River, which could increase in light of the potential projects identified. Request for an overall assessment of ambient noise.	The Saguenay Port Authority conducted a study to document the increase in noise to which the beluga could be exposed as a result of construction of the project, as well as the cumulative effects resulting from existing marine activities, the expected increase in traffic and other port projects under development along the Saguenay River. The Saguenay Port Authority concludes that the direct effects of the project on the St. Lawrence beluga and the cumulative effects would be minor.	The Agency concludes, taking into account the application of the mitigation measures, that the project is not likely to cause significant cumulative effects on the St. Lawrence beluga. The Agency also notes that several initiatives are underway, including the Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Action plan to reduce the impact of noise on beluga whales and other marine mammals in the St. Lawrence Estuary, which will be released shortly. Transport Canada is also developing a framework for assessing the cumulative effects of marine activities, particularly for the St. Lawrence River. The Agency considers that the participation of the proponent, and eventually its customers, in these initiatives is essential in order to achieve a concerted and effective implementation of the measures that will be identified to mitigate the effects of maritime transport, including underwater noise, on marine ecosystems, particularly on marine mammals, including the endangered St. Lawrence beluga whale.
CREDD, G. Lord.	Cumulative effects on the landscape that affect quality of life.	Considering the vast territory of the Saguenay River, the specific nature of the landscape changes associated with the various projects mentioned and that most views of the Saguenay River do not allow all proposed or existing industrial sites to be seen at a glance, the Saguenay Port Authority considers that the cumulative effects on the landscape are generally insignificant. However, it considers that there will be a perceptible but not significant cumulative effect for observers from Anse à Pelletier and Cap Jaseux.	The Agency is satisfied with the information provided by the Saguenay Port Authority concerning the cumulative effects on the natural heritage (landscape).
CREDD	The CREDD recommends that the Saguenay Port Authority reconsider the cumulative effects of the project on the five components considered in the analysis (water quality, fish habitat, aquatic wildlife, land use, quality of life).	With respect to land use and quality of life, the Saguenay Port Authority is of the view that the residual effect related to the risk of nuisance and risk to the safety of pleasure craft users on the Saguenay River would not be significant. There is less boat traffic in this part of the Saguenay River than in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park sector. In addition, commercial navigation activities are already taking place there due to the presence of the Grande-Anse wharf opposite the project site.	Cumulative environmental effects are defined as the effects of a project that are likely to result when a residual effect acts in combination with the effects of other projects or activities that have been or will be carried out. The cumulative effects assessment was guided by the Agency's Operational Policy Statement - Cumulative Environmental Effects Assessment (May 2013). The Agency is satisfied with the information provided by the Saguenay Port Authority concerning the project's effects on water quality, fish habitat, aquatic wildlife, land use and human health. Based on the opinion of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Agency concludes that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse effects on these components.
Navigation activities beyond the proponent's control
Boréalisation; Collectif de l'Anse à Pelletier	Concern that the Saguenay River and the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park may become the gateway for natural resources exploited under the Northern Plan.	The Saguenay Port Authority also states that the increase in transportation would be relatively small because of it would be spread over the year. The number of vessel movements on the Saguenay, considering all foreseeable projects, could gradually increase over the years to reach a maximum of about 4 to 6 vessel movements per day, considering all projects.	In this environmental assessment, the Agency does not assess effects that are beyond the control of the Saguenay Port Authority, such as those related to navigation of vessels not under its control. The scope of the environmental assessment is limited to the immediate area of the proposed terminal with respect to the effects of navigation. The Agency asked the proponent to document the effects of navigation related to its project but beyond its control. The Agency is satisfied with the information provided by the proponent in this regard. The Agency has relied on Transport Canada's opinion that the use of the Saguenay River by additional vessels related to the project should not be problematic, since commercial marine traffic is regulated and under pilotage on this water body.
Organisme de bassin versant du Saguenay; Nature Québec	Concern about limited access to the Saguenay Fjord that may make it difficult to implement conventional emergency plans and measures for crew recovery, shipwreck or accidental spills. Concern that recovering potential oil spills under ice cover would be impossible.	The Saguenay Port Authority points out that a major oil spill in the Saguenay River is unlikely given that there is no history and no transportation of oil along the Saguenay River. An oil spill would be linked to oil present in ships' fuel tanks for their propulsion and therefore involves small quantities. In addition, navigation management is rigorously monitored with pilots on board, in a navigation channel that is at least 1 kilometre wide. The proponent considers that the risk of such an accident having serious environmental consequences is low. For an average annual rate of barely more than one vessel transit per day along the Saguenay River, the proponent considers that, based on the pilotage rules in force, there is an adequate level of navigation safety. Even with the potential increase in traffic, which could represent up to 4 to 6 vessels crossing or passing one another, the proponent considers that the level of risk would remain low. Emergency measures are established for the Saguenay River and involve various responders, namely the Canadian Coast Guard, Transport Canada and the Eastern Canada Response Corporation (ECRC). In the event of a marine spill linked to a vessel, the vessel is responsible for initiating response measures and contacting the Canadian Coast Guard as soon as possible. In the event that the ship's personnel or the Coast Guard feel that they are unable to completely contain the spill, the ship captain must call ECRC. Following the call from the ship's personnel, ECRC will contact Environment and Climate Change Canada to report their mobilization and obtain modelling of the consequences of the spill. Environment and Climate Change Canada must provide this information in a timely manner, including the location of sensitive environments. This information is used to establish the response strategy, either to confine the slick to the centre of the river or to divert it in order to stop its spread.	In this environmental assessment, the Agency has not assessed effects that are beyond the control of the Saguenay Port Authority, such as those related to navigation when the vessels are not under its control. The scope of the environmental assessment is limited to the immediate area of the proposed terminal with respect to the effects of navigation. The Agency asked the proponent to document the effects of navigation related to its project, but beyond its control. The Agency is satisfied with the information provided by the proponent in this regard. The Agency has relied on Transport Canada's opinion that the use of the Saguenay River by additional vessels related to the project should not be problematic, since commercial marine traffic is regulated and under pilotage on this water body.
General Comments
M. Bouchard	Considers that more residual effects should be considered significant.	The Saguenay Port Authority indicates that all residual effects of the project on the various components, after the implementation of mitigation and enhancement measures (technically and economically feasible), are assessed as to whether they are significant or not. The criteria set out in the Agency's guidelines for the project were considered in assessing the significance of the residual effects of the project.	The Agency has relied on the expert opinions of the federal environmental assessment committee in its determination of whether mitigation measures are sufficient to conclude that the residual effects of the project on a given component are not significant. The Agency also proposes conditions that reduce uncertainty about the effectiveness of these measures and thus the anticipated residual effects.

Footnotes

Footnote 1

Deadweight tonnage: maximum weight that a ship can carry.

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Footnote 2

Dead Weight Tonnes: maximum weight that a ship can carry.

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Footnote 3

Société du Plan Nord of the Government of Quebec: https://plannord.gouv.qc.ca/en/

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Footnote 4

Maritime Strategy of the Government of Quebec: https://strategiemaritime.gouv.qc.ca/

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Footnote 5

Report of the Groupe de travail transports, Sommet économique régional Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean (June 2017): https://www.mamot.gouv.qc.ca/fileadmin/publications/sommet_economique_regional_2015/rapport_groupe_travail_transports.pdf

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Footnote 6

Essipit Innu First Nation.

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Footnote 7

Innu Aitun designates all activities, in their traditional or modern manifestation, relating to the national culture, fundamental values and traditional lifestyle of the Innu associated with the occupation and use of Nitassinan and to the special bond they have with the land. These include in particular all practices, customs and traditions, including hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering activities for subsistence, ritual or social purposes.

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Footnote 8

On December 20, 2017, the Government of Canada updated its Tentative List for World Heritage Sites, an inventory of natural and cultural heritage places with strong potential to be included on the World Heritage List. Properties can only be nominated for inclusion on the World Heritage List if they are included on a country's Tentative List. Parks Canada website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/culture/spm-whs/indicative-tentative

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Footnote 9

Guide d'instruction – Préparation et réalisation d'une modélisation de la dispersion des émissions atmosphériques –projets miniers (MDDELCC, January 2016); Table 1, p. 29.

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Footnote 10

dBA: A unit of sound measurement (decibel – dB), with the "A" weighting used to measure environmental noise, taking into account how the human ear would hear and interpret the sound being measured.

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Footnote 11

%HA: Highly-annoyed percentage of the population. Unit used by Health Canada to assess how an average community responds to a noise level.

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Footnote 12

Light trespass is defined as undesired light cast on a property or dwelling. It is a nuisance when it has an impact on the well-being or activities of individuals at that place. In particular, it can disturb sleep and meditation, prevent star gazing or simply interrupt the peace of a beautiful summer evening (see the Parc national du Mont-Mégantic's Astrolab website) (http://astrolab-parc-national-mont-megantic.org/en/light-pollution-2.what-is-light-pollution.light-trespass.htm).

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Footnote 13

Lux is a unit of measurement of illuminance, which is defined as the luminous flux received by a surface of unit area. One lux is the illuminance of a surface that receives the luminous flux of one lumen per square metre in a uniformly distributed manner.

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Footnote 14

CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O emissions are calculated by multiplying the emission rate of each substance by its global warming potential compared with the CO₂ equivalent.

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Footnote 15

One kilotonne (Kt) equals 1,000 tonnes.

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Footnote 16

One megatonne (Mt) equals one million tonnes.

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Footnote 17

Phytosociological: Phytosociology is the branch of science that studies the relationships between plant communities and their ecosystems, including human societies. In the context of the proponent's environmental impact statement, forest stands of phytosociological interest are older forests of interest to the people who live in the area.

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Footnote 18

Thermohalocline: a layer within a body of water where temperature and salinity change rapidly with depth.

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Footnote 19

Echolocation: method of locating and visualizing used by certain marine mammals which involves emitting sounds and listening to their echos to locate and identify objects in an environment, such as prey or other whales.

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Footnote 20

Masking: Masking occurs when a sound is rendered inaudible by a noise of the same duration as the original sound.

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Footnote 21

Docking: for a ship, the process of approaching a wharf or another ship in order to tie up.

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Footnote 22

Undocking: the process of a ship departing from its berth at a wharf.

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Footnote 23

"Landbird" refers to species whose life cycle is land-based and who occupy many habitats, ranging from forest interiors and edges, regenerating areas, open and urban environments, cliffs, emergent wetland vegetation, and manmade structures. This includes chiefly passerines, woodpeckers, raptors and owls, gallinaceans, doves, cuckoos, nightjars, swifts, hummingbirds and kingfishers. (Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2008)

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Footnote 24

This inadvertent harming, killing, disturbance or destruction of migratory birds, nests and eggs is known as incidental take. Incidental take, in addition to harming individual birds, nests or eggs, can have long-term consequences for migratory bird populations in Canada, especially through the cumulative effects of many different incidents. (https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/avoiding-harm-migratory-birds/overview.html)

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Footnote 25

A hibernaculum is defined as a habitat where a number of species and populations of cave-dwelling bats may gather to spend most of the winter in a state of hibernation (WavX, 2017).

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Footnote 26

A maternity roost is defined as a summer resting place where female bats nurse and raise their newborns.

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Footnote 27

A fjord is a deep, narrow glacier-scoured valley, often winding, sometimes very long, flooded by the sea after the melting of the glacier.

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Footnote 28

Anadromous: Refers to a fish species that reproduces in fresh water and matures in salt water.

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Footnote 29

https://www.green-marine.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/2018_Summary_PortsSeaway.pdf

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Footnote 30

The G2T3M is a working group, co-chaired by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Parks Canada Agency, composed of representatives from the following organizations: the St. Lawrence Shipoperators, Green Marine, the Lower St. Lawrence Pilots Corporation, the Shipping Federation of Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard, the Marine Mammal Research and Education Group, the Marine Mammal Observation Network, the St. Lawrence Economic Development Corporation, Transport Canada, the University of British Columbia and the Université du Québec en Outaouais.

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Footnote 31

A high-residency area is an area frequented by multiple belugas on a regular basis.

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Footnote 32

Ship-generated waves are the waves produced by the wake of a ship, which break on the shore, eroding it.

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Footnote 33

Ballast water is the water and suspended sediment brought on board a ship to control the vessel's stability.

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Footnote 34

The Plan Nord is an initiative of the Government of Quebec. Its purpose is to develop Quebec's mining, energy, social, cultural and tourism potential north of the 49th parallel. See https://plannord.gouv.qc.ca/fr/.

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Footnote 35

According to the Regroupement Petapan, Innu Assi: [translation] "refers to a territory that is smaller than Nitassinan, comprised of the current reservation, additional contiguous land, and a few sites with significant heritage value. On Innu Assi, the Innu can rely on their own government and laws to develop their society. The boundaries of the Innu Assi of the Mashteuiatsh, Essipit and Nutashkuan First Nations have largely been finalized." For more information on the scope of the various Innu Assi, see the Regroupement Petapan website: http://petapan.ca/page/innu-assi (in French only) (accessed 5 April 2018).

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Footnote 36

According to sections 1.2 and 1.3 of the APGN, Innu Aitun "designates all activities, in their traditional or modern manifestation, relating to the national culture, fundamental values and traditional way of life of the Innus associated with the occupation and use of Nitassinan and to the special bond they have with the land. These include in particular all practices, customs and traditions, including hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering activities for subsistence, ritual or social purposes. All spiritual, cultural, social and community aspects are an integral part thereof. The commercial aspects are, however, governed by the prevailing legislation of Canada and Quebec. Innu Aitun entails the utilization of animal species, plants, rocks, water and other natural resources for food, ritual or social purposes and for subsistence purposes in accordance with section 5.2.4."

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Footnote 37

Regroupement Petapan website, http://petapan.ca/page/les-5-principes-de-la-negociation (in French only) (accessed 5 April 2018).

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Footnote 38

Regroupement Petapan website, http://petapan.ca/page/pourquoi-negocie-t-on (in French only) (accessed 5 April 2018).

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Footnote 39

[1990] 1 SCR 1025

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Footnote 40

Huron-Wendat Nation website: http://wendake.ca/services/bureau-du-nionwentsio/bureau-de-nionwentsio/ (in French only).

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Footnote 41

Huron-Wendat Nation website: http://wendake.ca/services/services-juridiques/actualisation-traite-huron-britannique-de-1760/ (in French only).

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Footnote 42

Government of Canada's website: http://sopf.gc.ca

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Footnote 43

Website: https://www.iopcfunds.org

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Footnote 44

Transport Canada website: https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/oep-environment-liability-conv-bunker-oil-pollu-damg-1777.htm

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Footnote 45

Huron-Wendat Website: http://wendake.ca/services/bureau-du-nionwentsio/bureau-de-nionwentsio/

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Footnote 46

https://www.green-marine.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/2018_Summary_PortsSeaway.pdf

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Date modified:: 2019-03-01