Notice of Determination

Vancouver, BC – March 17, 2025 – Fisheries and Oceans Canada has decided that the Babine dock replacement project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.
In making this determination, Fisheries and Oceans Canada considered the following factors and mitigation measures:
Factors
•    Impacts on rights of Indigenous peoples: engagement has confirmed that the activities within the project will not have a negative impact on their rights
•    Indigenous knowledge: project activities will not negatively impact the surrounding traditionally used land and water
•    Comments received from the public: One public comment was received, however, it was unrelated to the project. 

Mitigation Measures
To minimize disturbance to habitat, a summary of this process is outlined below: 

•    Minimize the introduction of sediments (e.g., silts, clays and sand) into the watercourse or downstream reaches of the watercourse. 
•    Fish passage is to be maintained during and upon completion of the works.
•    Do not deposit any substances deleterious to fish or fish habitat directly or indirectly into the watercourse or downstream reaches of the watercourse. 
•    Fish passage will be maintained throughout the project. The project has been designed to use existing materials on-site (where possible) to reduce the volume of materials and equipment needed to import to the remote project location by helicopter. Instream and riparian construction mitigation for the project will be implemented during project works.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is satisfied that there is little potential for the project to cause adverse environmental effects on areas of federal jurisdiction. Environmental effects that are within provincial jurisdiction would be addressed through provincial regulations.
Therefore, Fisheries and Oceans Canada may 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.