Port Burwell, Ontario – February 23, 2024 – Transport Canada and DFO have determined that the proposed Port Burwell Marina Floating Docks 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: 

Water Quality

• Docks, boats, and all equipment used for installation and removal should be clean and free of sediment or other deleterious substances and should be maintained in good working order.
• Any in-water work to be completed during a fish timing window must be reviewed and approved by DFO and/or the Province as required, prior to commencing work.
• Repair and maintenance of the docks and associated works will take place on land at least 15m from the watercourse.
• Avoid introducing sediments (e.g., silts, clays and sand) in the water
• Develop and implement an erosion and sediment control plan to avoid or minimize the introduction of sediment into any waterbody during all phases of the work, undertaking or activity; and
• Conduct all in-water works, undertakings or activities in isolation of open or flowing water to reduce the introduction of sediment into the watercourse
• Monitor the watercourse to observe signs of sedimentation during all phases of the work, undertaking or activity and take corrective action
• Develop and implement a response plan to avoid a spill of deleterious substances.
• All materials and equipment should be maintained in good working order to prevent leaks or other deposition of deleterious substances

Fish and Fish Habitat

• Limit impacts on riparian vegetation to those approved for the work, undertaking or activity.
• Limit access to banks or areas adjacent to waterbodies.
• Avoid disturbing or removing aquatic vegetation, natural wood debris, rocks, sand or other materials from the banks, shoreline or the bed of the waterbody.
• Replace/restore any other disturbed habitat features and remediate any areas impacted by the work, undertaking or activity.
• Conduct in-water undertakings and activities during periods of low flow.
• Develop and implement a Sediment Control Plan to minimize sedimentation of the waterbody during all phases of the work, undertaking or activity.
• Develop and implement a response plan to avoid a spill of deleterious substances.

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

Therefore, Transport Canada and DFO 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.