Notice of Impact Assessment Decision with Reasons

Ottawa — March 15, 2021 — The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) decided that an impact assessment is required for the Value Chain Solutions – Heartland Complex Expansion Project (the Project) located in Alberta.

In accordance with subsection 16(2) of Impact Assessment Act (IAA), the Agency has taken into account each of the following factors:

  • the proponent's Detailed Project Description, and its response to the summary of relevant issues. The Agency is satisfied that, for the purpose of determining whether an impact assessment is required, this information provided by the proponent adequately characterizes the potential effects of the Project;
  • the possibility that carrying out the Project may cause adverse effects within federal jurisdiction and adverse direct and incidental effects;
  • adverse impacts that the Project may have on the rights of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982; and
  • comments received by the Agency from the public, Indigenous groups, federal authorities, and other jurisdictions in relation to the Project. These comments were reflected in the Summary of Issues.

The Project area has not been the subject of a federal regional environmental study. The proponent identified one federal relevant strategic assessment applicable to the Project, the Strategic Assessment of Climate Change, and several regional plans, including the Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Cumulative Effects Management System, the Capital Region Land Use Plan, the Northeast Capital Industry Monitoring and Plan, the Strathcona County Management Plans, and the Fort Air Partnership Air Monitoring Plan.

In light of the factors considered, the Agency is of the view that the Project may cause adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, including potential effects on fish and fish habitat, migratory birds, federal lands, or as a result of the exercise of a federal power or performance of a federal duty or function.

The Project may also cause adverse effects on Indigenous peoples and adversely impact their rights. As a result, the Agency has decided that an impact assessment under the IAA is required.

For further information on this impact assessment, please contact:

Value Chain Solutions – Heartland Complex Expansion Project
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
Suite 1145, 9700 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4C3
Telephone: 780-495-2037
Email: IAAC.Heartland.AEIC@canada.ca

Document Reference Number: 40

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