Case Studies of Cumulative Effects Assessment and Management in Western and Northern Canada (Part 2)
Moderator: Lorraine Seale, Alan Erlich, Graham Seagel
Presentations
Cumulative Environmental Effects Management of Uranium Mining in Northern Saskatchewan Using GIS
Presenter(s): Robert Moroz
The potential for cumulative effects in Northern Saskatchewan is rising as the region experiences increased industrial activity, primarily from uranium exploration and mining development. In response, Cameco Corporation is developing new approaches for quantitatively assessing cumulative impacts. Baseline and operational environmental monitoring programs provide direct information for use in assessments, but are spatially limited. To address these limitations, surrogate environmental indicator information is being integrated with environmental monitoring data using GIS to identify areas for further evaluation and assessment.
Terms of Reference for Caribou Impact Assessment and Monitoring
Presenter(s): Stephen Lines
Based on my review of terms of reference (guidelines) for environmental impact statements, I find that proponents would benefit from clear direction concerning what factors to consider when assessing impacts on caribou. The approach taken to develop the guidelines is an ecosystemic approach, meaning that information concerning both natural and human factors influencing caribou populations are required to predict and verify development impacts on caribou. Implementing the guidelines requires a cumulative and collaborative approach to caribou impact assessment and monitoring.
Rejection on Cultural Grounds: Cumulative Cultural Effects and RFFDs in the Upper Thelon River Basin
Presenter(s): Alan Ehrlich
The Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board recently rejected four proposed uranium exploration developments in the Upper Thelon River basin, based on the cultural importance of the Upper Thelon basin. Cumulative effects were important considerations in these EIAs. This talk will use case studies to explore the relevance of scale in impacts of a spiritual nature, EIA as a driver land use planning and the application of reason in considering foreseeable developments.
Does Study Area Affect a CEA Outcome?
Presenter(s): Tobin Seagel
Cumulative effects assessments are only as meaningful as the data and assumptions they are built from. Good design is critical. This paper explores how much the choice of the size of a study area impacts the outcome of a CEA. A case study of Plutonic Power’s Green Power Corridor, 24 potential run-of-river hydropower projects in coastal British Columbia, guides the discussion.