NOTICE OF DETERMINATION

August 4th 2022 – Transport Canada has determined that the proposed project at Kuujjuaq Airport is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

This determination was based on a consideration of the following factors:

• impacts on rights of Indigenous peoples;
• Indigenous knowledge;
• community knowledge;
• comments received from the public; and
• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

Mitigation measures taken into account for this determination are:

Protection of existing instruments

• Verify the presence of groundwater observation wells and water quality monitoring equipment in the work area. If necessary, take appropriate measures to protect these facilities and equipment.

Use of machinery

• Ensure that equipment and machinery are in good working order and free from hydrocarbon leaks.
• Perform maintenance, cleaning and refueling of equipment and vehicles in the areas provided for this purpose, on a waterproof surface, at a distance of at least 30 m from waterways and wetlands, and 15 m from drainage ditches.

Soil management

• During excavation work, if soil showing signs of contamination or residual materials are encountered, these must be stored on a waterproof membrane (place a membrane above the soil pile as well) or in a sealed container, analyzed and managed according to their levels of contamination in sites authorized to receive them by the MELCC. These soils or materials must not be reused on site. Immediately notify the airport manager.
• Upon completion of the work, all unused spoil must be managed off-site outside the TC property. They must be analyzed and placed in a site authorized to receive them by the MELCC. Shipping and disposal slips must be kept.
• Any backfill material imported onto the site must be clean, that is, less than criterion "A" of the MELCC Intervention Guide. A certificate of analysis of the quality of the backfill material is required.

Management of hazardous materials and hazardous waste

• The contractor must comply with all applicable regulations regarding the transport, storage, handling and disposal of hazardous materials and hazardous waste.
• Hazardous materials used during the work must be stored in a safe place and transported in sealed containers that are clearly identified and certified for the transport of dangerous goods.
• Hazardous waste must be managed and disposed of according to the regulations in force by a company that holds authorizations from the MELCC. Keep the hazardous waste transport manifest.

Waste management

• Provide a management and monitoring plan for construction waste by promoting its reuse and/or recycling. If they must be disposed of, dispose of them in an authorized site.
• The recovery of residual materials from construction and demolition work must comply with the MELCC's Regulation concerning the recovery of residual materials.
• The contractor must ensure that residual materials temporarily stored on site are not blown away.
• At the end of the work, remove the debris and leave the premises clean.

Accidents and Malfunctions

• Have an emergency response plan in case of accidental spillage of hazardous materials. Ensure that the intervention plan contains, at a minimum, an intervention diagram and an alert structure, and that in addition to being known to all workers on the site, it is placed in an easy place access for all employees;
• Appropriate fire extinguishers must be present on the work site.
• An emergency kit in the event of a hazardous material spill must be present at all times on the work site.
• In the event of a spill, recover any contamination, whether it is the spilled product, the soil or the water affected by this contamination and dispose of it according to the regulations in force. Notify the airport manager immediately. A rehabilitation report must be produced.
• Any spill with environmental consequences must be reported to the ECCC emergency services (1-866-283-2333) and to the MELCC Environmental Emergency Service (1-866-694-5454).

Permafrost

• Take into account the presence of measuring instruments for permafrost. Make sure to take the necessary precautions to avoid damaging the infrastructures related to permafrost measurement instruments.

Wetlands

• Make sure to maintain the water level at all times according to natural conditions and not to change the natural drainage of the environment.
• Restrict work to strictly necessary locations; that is to say at the places of removal and replacement of structures.
• Limit movement of machinery to areas necessary for the project.
• Prohibit any movement of wading machinery in the water.
• Perform maintenance and refueling of equipment and vehicles and any storage at a minimum distance of 30 m from the LHE of the watercourse and wetlands.

• Recover stripped topsoil for reuse in finishing if applicable.

Migratory birds

• If a nest containing eggs or nestlings of migratory birds is discovered near or in the work area, stop all noisy activities near the nesting site, protect the nest(s) with an area protection. Contact the Departmental Representative immediately (ECCC Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) will need to be contacted to ensure proper action is taken).
• Minimize the disturbance of migratory birds by favoring a work schedule so as to avoid sensitive periods; the general nesting period for the area including Kuujjuaq, according to ECCC, is from early May to mid-August.
• Limit clearing, stripping and deforestation to reduce the loss of bird habitat and restore the site immediately after the construction phase.

Transport Canada is satisfied that that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Therefore, Transport Canada may carry out the project, exercise any power, perform any duty or function, or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part.