DECISION

November 10, 2005 -- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Transport Canada have completed the comprehensive study of the Orca Sand and Gravel Project and on October 10, 2005 determined to take the following course of action. The authority may exercise any power or perform any duty or function with respect to the project because, after having taken into consideration the comprehensive study report, the responsible authority is of the opinion that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

As detailed in the environmental assessment report, mitigation measures have been required for the project to address:

• air quality
• water quality
• water quantity
• soil quality
• noise levels
• fauna at risk (as defined under the Species at Risk Act)
• mammals and/or their habitat
• birds and/or their habitat
• fish and/or their habitat
• flora at risk (as defined under the Species at Risk Act)
• current use of land and resources for traditional purposes by aboriginal persons
• structure, site or thing of historic, archaelogical, paleontological or architectural significance

A follow-up program has been implemented to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment of a project and/or determine the effectiveness of any measures taken to mitigate the adverse environmental effects of the project. It is estimated this program will start on October 10, 2005 and continue until October 10, 2035.

For more information or how to obtain a full description of the follow-up program and its results, please contact: