[Ottawa, Ontario] – [July 24, 2024] – The National Capital Commission has determined that the proposed project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects with the application of all recommended mitigation measures.

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;

• the temporary nature of the proposed installation, and the reversibility of the effects. 

• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures; and

• the components of the environment that are within the legislative authority of Parliament identified in the "Definitions" section of the Impact Assessment Act

Mitigation measures will be implemented to address potential adverse effects on the following components of the environment:

• migratory birds;

• species at risk;

• groundwater;

• surface water and/or wetlands;

• soil quality;

• air quality;

• vegetation;

• human health and wellbeing; and 

• historical resources 

Some of the mitigation measures considered for this determination are:

• Implement an erosion and sediment control plan to stabilize disturbed areas and prevent erosion into water bodies. 

• Implement an Emergency Spill Response Plan to address spill containment and clean-up. 

• Implement a soil management plan by a qualified consultant to safely remove and dispose of contaminated soil following all federal or provincial regulations. 

• Clean all heavy equipment and ensure free of invasive species prior to accessing federal lands to prevent the spread and introduction of invasive species. 

• Implement tree protection fencing around trees to avoid damage or impacts to critical root zones. 

• Conduct tree and vegetation removals outside of Environment Canada's bird nesting window on federal lands (April 8 to October 15) to prevent disturbance or harm to nesting birds and their young.

• No milkweed plants may be cut during the Monarch's active season (June 1 to October 15) without prior approval. 

• Follow the Department of Fisheries and Oceans letter of advice and put in place recommended mitigation measures. Keep a copy of the letter on site for the duration or work. 

• Isolate the staging area to prevent wildlife from entering.

• Upon completion of construction, all disturbed areas must be reinstated using native seed mixtures to prevent the spread of invasive plant species.

• Ensure appropriate pedestrian control measures, such as construction signage, are implemented and visible to protect users.

• Conduct daily visual inspections of the work site prior to start up for the duration of the works to ensure mitigation measures are working correctly.

After reviewing the comments received and conducting an internal review of effects, the National Capital Commission is satisfied that the implementation of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, as long as all mitigation measures are applied. Therefore, the National Capital Commission 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.

For questions or requests, please contact IA-EI@ncc-ccn.ca