Development Plan for the Belledune Industrial Harbour Sector

Transcription

Development Plan for the
Belledune Industrial Harbour Sector
(Phase I)
Village of Belledune, New Brunswick
January 24, 2012
Prepared for Village of Belledune
Project No. 10002.01 – R03 (Final)
January 24, 2012
File: 10002.01 – R03 (Final)
Village of Belledune
2330 Main Street
Belledune, NB
E8G 2X9
Attention: Mr. Andy Flanagan
Re:
Development Plan for the Belledune Industrial Harbour Sector (Phase I)
We are pleased to provide a final report of the above noted development plan.
January 24, 2012
__________________________
David J. Purdue, P. Eng.
DP/pb
Enclosures
10002.01-R03 (Final).doc
Development Plan for the Belledune
Industrial Harbour Sector (Phase I)
Table of Contents
Table of Contents.......................................................................................................................... ii
Appendices .................................................................................................................................. iv
List of Figures .............................................................................................................................. iv
List of Tables................................................................................................................................ iv
1.0
Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 1
2.0
Background Information .................................................................................................... 1
3.0
Geology............................................................................................................................. 4
4.0
5.0
6.0
3.1
Geology Overview ................................................................................................. 4
3.2
Engineering Properties .......................................................................................... 6
Grading ............................................................................................................................. 8
4.1
Moderate Grading ................................................................................................. 8
4.2
Maximum Grading ................................................................................................. 8
Hydrogeology .................................................................................................................. 13
5.1
Water Sources and Demand ............................................................................... 13
5.2
Bedrock Yield Data.............................................................................................. 14
5.3
Possible Impacts to the Groundwater System..................................................... 15
Overview of Regulatory Setting....................................................................................... 16
6.1
Environmental Assessments ............................................................................... 16
6.1.1
6.2
6.3
Environmental Setting ......................................................................................... 19
6.2.1
Species of Conservation Concern ........................................................ 19
6.2.2
Wetlands............................................................................................... 20
6.2.3
Fish Habitat........................................................................................... 20
6.2.4
Sensitive Areas..................................................................................... 22
Socio-Environmental Setting ............................................................................... 22
6.3.1
6.4
Environmental Assessment Timeline.................................................... 17
Cultural Features .................................................................................. 22
Site Specific Environmental Constraints and Approvals...................................... 23
6.4.1
Environmental Constraints.................................................................... 23
6.4.2
Regulatory Approvals ........................................................................... 26
ii
6.4.3
Compensation....................................................................................... 27
6.4.4
Options for the Regulatory Process...................................................... 28
7.0
Stakeholder Consultation ................................................................................................ 29
8.0
Proposed Technical Terms of Reference Phase II ......................................................... 34
8.1
Development of a Conceptual Land-Use Plan .................................................... 34
8.2
Hydrogeological Study ........................................................................................ 35
8.3
Watercourse Assessments.................................................................................. 35
8.4
Compliance Monitoring Plan ............................................................................... 36
9.0
Phase I Summary of Key Conclusions ............................................................................ 37
10.0
References...................................................................................................................... 38
iii
Appendices
A ACCDC Report
B Mapping from Archaeological Services
List of Figures
Figure 1
Industrial Sector Site Plan ........................................................................................... 3
Figure 2
Bedrock Geology......................................................................................................... 5
Figure 3
Pre/Post Contours Moderate Grading ......................................................................... 9
Figure 4
Pre/Post Three Dimensional Moderate Grading ....................................................... 10
Figure 5
Pre/Post Contours Maximum Grading....................................................................... 11
Figure 6
Pre/Post Three Dimensional Maximum Grading ....................................................... 12
Figure 7
Driller Estimated Well Yield Within 7-km of the Port of Belledune ............................ 14
Figure 8
Preliminary Environmental Constraints ..................................................................... 21
List of Tables
Table 1
Summary of Engineering Properties ......................................................................... 7
Table 2
Environmental Assessment Timeline ...................................................................... 18
Table 3
NBENV Rock Quarry Setbacks1 .............................................................................. 24
Table 4
Setbacks for the Top and Base of a Mineral Aggregate Excavation1 ...................... 25
Table 5
Setbacks for Any Quarry Building, Structure, Equipment or Site Intended for any
Operation, Production, Repair, Maintenance or Staging1 ........................................ 25
Table 6
Parties Consulted .................................................................................................... 29
iv
1.0
Introduction
The Village of Belledune retained GEMTEC Limited to conduct a preliminary scoping study of
land availability around the Port of Belledune as it relates to the development of an industrial
sector after the land has been used for quarry development. The study components are as
follows:
 A desktop assessment of hydrological issues related to quarry development;
 A desktop review of pre and post quarrying contours;
 A review of current land, infrastructure and socio-environmental issues within potential
quarry development areas;
 An overview of the regulatory requirements associated with the development, operation
and expansion of quarries; and
 A draft Request for Proposal to complete the next phase of the study (Phase II – an
integrated land development plan for the Belledune Industrial Harbour Sector).
A map of the industrial sector is illustrated in Figure 1.
2.0
Background Information
The Village of Belledune covers an area of 189 square kilometres. Although there is large
industrial infrastructure in Belledune, it accounts for only a small portion of the land area at
28 square kilometres (less than 15%). Housing accounts for a relatively small portion of the land
mass with a total of 770 dwellings. Significant recreational/tourism areas abound; however, they
are primarily cited either along the coast or in the Jacquet River watershed. Existing and
potential quarry areas are located to the southeast of the residential area.
The Village of Belledune is the major industrial centre for the northern half of the province.
Industries in the Village include the Xstrata Smelter, NB Power Belledune Thermal Generating
Station, Chaleur Sawmill, a wood pellet plant, several aggregate producers, and a ready-mix
concrete plant. Regionally, the Village and Port are in close proximity to a base metal mining
sector, a pulp mill, and a well-established fishing industry.
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The Port of Belledune is a key asset that supports the majority of the industrial initiatives. The
Port is a year round deep-water facility specializing in bulk cargo handling. The Port has just
undergone its most significant expansion in its 40+ year history with the completion of
Terminal 3, a new Roll-On/Roll-Off truck terminal, a barge terminal, and a new modular
fabrication facility. Improvements also included harbour and channel dredging, dredge
containment cells, the creation of more than 40 acres of lay-down space, and an improved cold
water intake pipe system to the Smelter.
The Village and Port are well positioned to attract new business from the trucking and
fabrication sectors, as well as the growing energy and resource based activities in the Arctic and
near Arctic. The Port has also been used to ship high quality local aggregates to export
markets.
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DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE
BELLEDUNE INDUSTRIAL HARBOUR
SECTOR, PHASE 1, BELLEDUNE, NB
Drawing
INDUSTRIAL SECTOR SITE PLAN
Scale
1:30000
0
File No.
100020106
1000
Drawing
FIGURE 1
2000m
Revision No.
0
3.0
Geology
3.1
Geology Overview
The Belledune area is geologically complex with a variety of rock types spanning a wide range
of geological time. This area has been part of the historic mining belt in northern New
Brunswick. More recently aggregate production and the export of aggregates has been seen as
a possible economic driver for the area, especially given the recent infrastructure investments at
the Port of Belledune.
Surficial geology in the area consists of a mixture of morainal and marine sediments, generally
ranging from a veneer to 3 metres in thickness. Surficial geology maps indicate that there are
also areas where bedrock outcrops and there is little to no overburden. This type of landscape
can favour quarry development, as there is little overburden to strip to access bedrock.
The bedrock geology in the Belledune area can generally be focused on what is known as the
Elmtree Inlier (Webb, 2006), which is composed of Ordovician-aged rocks that are
unconformably overlain by Silurian rocks of the Chaleurs Group. The Chaleurs Group rocks
generally consist of conglomerate, sandstone and calcareous sandstone, limestone and minor
mafic volcanic rocks and are generally considered to have low potential as aggregate material.
The Ordovician aged rocks consist of three formations: Devereaux Formation, Pointe Verte
Formation and Elmtree Formation. It is primarily the Devereaux Formation and to a lesser
extent, the Pointe Verte Formation that are considered for exportable aggregate material.
Bedrock units are illustrated in Figure 2.
The Pointe Verte Formation is located to the east and west of the Devereaux Formation and is
in general, comprised of pillowed alkali basalt and breccia with minor interbedded wacke,
underlain by sandstone and shale. The former Atcon Construction Inc. quarry was opened in
1996 and operated intermittently according to local and international demand. The quarry site is
now currently inactive however; both export and construction aggregate were produced from the
basaltic breccia, pillowed basalt, minor diabase dykes and sedimentary rocks. (Webb, 2006).
The Devereaux Formation rocks are broken into two members including a mafic volcanic unit,
which consists of tholeiitic pillow basalt with minor lithic wacke and quartzose wacke, shale and
chert. The other member known as the Black Point Member is dark brown to green, fine-to
coarse-grained gabbroic rocks. Bedrock geology maps for the Belledune area indicate that the
mafic volcanic unit occurs north of the Black Point Member gabbroic rocks and according to
Webb (2006), the gabbroic rocks account for 70% of the formation. This overall formation is of
particular interest as these basaltic and gabbroic rocks have been used extensively as
aggregate materials.
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LEGEND
REGULATED WETLANDS
PROVINCIALLY SIGNIFICANT
WETLANDS
GEOLOGICAL CONTACT
BONAVENTURE GROUP
CHALEUR GROUP
DEVEREAUX FORMATION
Basaltic flows, minor sandstone,
shale and chert
BR-71-89
ELMTREE FORMATION
POINTE VERTE FORMATION
Gabbro, minor mafic and felsic dykes
Sandstone and shale
Basltic flows and breccias
SAMPLE LOCATION
LVB-06-03
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R-A-97
R-B-97
R-D-97
BR-68-89
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BR-78-89
BEDROCK GEOLOGY
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BL-02
BL-03
BL-05
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BEL-B-B1-05
DMVB-01-03
BEL K G3 05
BEL L G2 05
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FIGURE 2
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3.2
Engineering Properties
There are currently two active quarry operations located within the mafic volcanic unit of the
Devereaux Formation: Roy’s Trucking & Landscaping Ltd and the Blanchard Group. As cited in
Webb (2006), Roy’s Trucking & Landscaping Ltd. currently operates a quarry that has been
active since 1996. It supplies processed aggregate, breakwater stone and armour stone for
various construction projects. The Blanchard Group Quarry has operated annually since its
establishment and also supplies various grades of crushed material and armour stone. Notably,
this quarry also produces aggregate used for high-quality Portland cement concrete (PCC). All
aggregate material from both quarries undergo various engineering quality tests to satisfy
various construction and regulatory criteria, in accordance with CSA, ASTM and NBDOT
standards.
The results of a number of engineering property tests were sourced from the Webb (2006)
report. An interpretation of these test results in terms of use as concrete and asphalt aggregates
is presented in Table 1. Only test results in or near the industrial zone were included.
One very important parameter is the resistance of an aggregate source to alkali-aggregate
reactivity (AAR). AAR is in general terms, the reaction between the aggregate and the Portland
Cement Concrete (PCC). This produces deterioration in the concrete in the form of expansion
and cracking, which can compromise the integrity of the structure. Rock types that have been
identified as most likely to be reactive are argillite, calcareous argillite, argillaceous limestone,
greywacke, calcareous greywacke, quartzite, slate, schists, gneiss, meta-rhyolitic tuff, metabasalt, and meta-basaltic tuff (DeMerchant et al., 1999). Many of these rock types are
predominant in New Brunswick and in particular, the Belledune area. Several tests have been
developed to measure the severity of AAR. These tests generally record the rate at which
specially prepared mortar bars expand due to AAR. A short-term, 14-day test referred to as an
accelerated mortar bar test (CSA A23.2-25A and ASTM C1260) has been developed as a
preliminary screening too. The test is known to be more conservative than long-range tests. The
long-range test is referred to as CSA A23.2-16A and is conducted over a 1-year period (2 years
for NBDOT). Several of the accelerated tests have been conducted in the area, the results are
indicated in Table 1. Test locations are indicated on Figure 2. In general, none of the tests
conducted on samples within the industrial sector passed the accelerated test. Again this does
not preclude being able to pass the long-term 1 or 2 year test. It should be noted that the
samples did meet the thresholds for the majority of the index tests for concrete.
Future studies should endeavour to compile existing long-term AAR tests and undertake
additional sampling and testing.
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Table 1
Summary of Engineering Properties
Test Limit
(Maximum)
BEL-B-B1-05
BEL-K-G3-05
BEL-L-G2-05
AT-2-03
R-A-97
R-B-97
R-D-97
BR-68-89
BR-69-89
BR-78-89
BL-02
BL-03
BL-05
DMVB-01-03
0.10% @
14 Days
X
X

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.15% @
14 Days
X


N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
.04 @ 1 Yr
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
L.A. Abrasion
(CSA A23.2-16A)
35%














Micro Deval
(CSA A23.2-29A)
17




N/A


N/A
N/A
N/A




Mg2SO4 Soundness
(CSA A23.2-9A)
12%



N/A
N/A


N/A
N/A
N/A




Unconfined Freeze
Thaw
(CSA A23.2-24A)
6%



N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A




Flat and Elongated
(CSA A23.2-13A)
20%
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A




Test Method
Coarse Concrete Aggregate Tests
ASTM C1260
Accelerated Mortar
Bar
CSA A23.2-25A
Accelerated Mortar
Bar
CSA A23.2-14A
Asphalt Tests
Finer than
0.080 mm
(CSA 23.2)
Low Density
Material
(CSA A23.2-4A)
2%


X











0.5%
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A



N/A
Petrographic
Number
(MTO LS 609)
170
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A



N/A
Absorption
(CSA A23.2-12A)
1.5%



N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A







Notes:
X
Does not meet test requirement

Meets or exceeds test requirements
N/A
No information available
4.0
Grading
The general intent of the preliminary grading is to establish more or less upper bound aggregate
quantities that could be extracted from the industrial sector while still supporting post-quarrying
industrial development. To that end the volumes involved here would be indicative of an export
operation(s). It is anticipated that concrete aggregates would make up the majority of export
materials, as a result the grading scenario presented herein accounts for aggregate extraction
from primarily the Devereaux Formation and the Pointe Verte formation (green shaded zones on
the geology map). Given the scope of the grading under consideration it is assumed that there
will be impacts on wetlands and watercourses in these areas and that environmental
compensation will be required.
Base topographic mapping used for calculation purposes was obtained through NBGIC. The
NBGIC contours are only deemed accurate to ± 5 metres. The contours were adjusted slightly
for greater accuracy using several spot elevations provided by the Village of Belledune and
existing in-house data.
Based upon past experience and consultation with the Port of Belledune personnel it is
anticipated that the Port could accommodate shipments of up to 2 million tonnes ± per year
given its current infrastructure.
4.1
Moderate Grading
A topographic model was developed using the above noted base contours. An excavation
surface was developed using the following assumption. Grade the existing quarries to provide
positive surface drainage from the existing quarry floor surface to Turgeon Road following an
east-west direction at 0.5%. The resulting volume is thought to exceed 40 million cubic metres.
The pre/post contours are indicated in plan view on Figure 3. A three dimensional illustration is
presented on Figure 4.
Using a 2 million tonne per year shipping rate the resource would last 20 years ±.
4.2
Maximum Grading
Again a topographic model was developed using the methodology presented in 4.0 above. An
excavation surface was developed using the following assumption. Grade the quarry sites west
of Turgeon Road from the northern railroad easement in a southerly direction to Route 11 at
1%. Grade the quarry sites east of Turgeon Road from the current northerly municipal access
road in a southerly direction to Route 11 at 1%. The resulting volume is thought to exceed
120 million cubic metres. The pre/post contours are indicated in plan view on Figure 5. A three
dimensional illustration is presented on Figure 6.
Using a 2 million tonne per year shipping rate the resource would last 60 years ±.
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LEGEND
50
EXISTING CONTOURS, m
(ADJUSTED SNB)
50
PROPOSED CONTOURS, m
PROJECT AREA
40
40
50
60
55
70
50
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80
90
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85
PRE / POST CONTOURS
MODERATE GRADING
1 00
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400
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FIGURE 3
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MODERATE GRADING
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FIGURE 4
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50
EXISTING CONTOURS, m
(ADJUSTED SNB)
50
PROPOSED CONTOURS, m
PROJECT AREA
40
40
40
50
45
60
50
70
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MAXIMUM GRADING
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MAXIMUM GRADING
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5.0
Hydrogeology
This section discusses the potential impact of the large-scale bedrock grading plan (large
bedrock quarry) on the groundwater resources in the area. First, the existing water sources
within the Village and in the proposed development area are discussed, followed by a
description of the bedrock aquifers. Possible impacts from the development are presented and
additional information or studies required to more thoroughly assess these impact are also
discussed.
5.1
Water Sources and Demand
Water within the Village of Belledune limits is obtained from both surface water and groundwater
sources. A constructed intake on the Jacket River is utilized by the local smelter, which also
supplies a small subdivision with chlorinated water from the main pipeline supplying the smelter.
Consistent with a Water Resources Review Study conducted in 1979, most households still
obtain potable water from 30 to 50 metre deep drilled wells. Excluding industrial users, the water
demand by private residences is estimated as follows:
Estimated Demand*
Year
2006 (census)
Population
1711
m3/day
Igpm
777
171,100
* Per capita consumption assumed at 0.454 m3/day.
Industrial water use in the 1970s was estimated to be 33,000 m3/day or approximately 100 times
the residential use at that time. Current industrial use of fresh water is not known.
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5.2
Bedrock Yield Data
Groundwater yield data for specific bedrock units in this area is not available. The New
Brunswick Department of the Environment maintains a well log database that is compiled from
well driller’s reports. The database contains information on well depths, general rock types, and
estimated safe yields. Since the exact location of the drilled well is not provided, only a general
assessment of the broader area and not specific rock types is possible. Based on a desktop
review, there is only one residential well and one industrial well within a 1-km radius of the
proposed development area.
Based on a review of the NB Environment well log database, 47 groundwater wells were drilled
within a 7-km radius of the Port of Belledune from 1994 to 2009. The well depths ranged from
14 to 137 metres deep and averaged 44 metres. In terms of driller estimated well yields, 55% of
the wells had yields that were less than 9 litres per second (2 imperial gallons per minute –
igpm). A summary of the well yield information is presented below in Figure 7.
30
n = 47
26
2 wells >100 igpm
Number of Wells
25
20
15
10
6
4
5
2
3
2
1
1
0
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50
Driller Estimated Well Yield (igpm)
Figure 7
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Driller Estimated Well Yield Within 7-km of the Port of Belledune
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Since most of the residential development has taken place along Route 134, west and east of
the industrial lands, the yield estimates might not be entirely indicative of the proposed
development area where the bedrock is comprised of basalt and gabbro, which typically yields
less water than the surrounding sedimentary bedrock units. Past studies have described the
bedrock in the area as containing few aquifers of limited extent, but because of the lack of
development within the basalt and gabbro, we can only comment on what is “typical” of these
rock types (i.e., low yielding wells).
5.3
Possible Impacts to the Groundwater System
Quarries can affect the groundwater and surface water in a number of ways. The impacts can
be described in terms of short-term affects that can occur during development of the quarry and
long term affects which can persist long after quarry operations stop.
The short-term impacts are often associated with blasting and may include: well sloughing or
collapse, turbidity issues, reduction in well yield, and water quality issues. Given the remoteness
of the proposed development area and the absence of wells in the immediate area, the potential
for short-term impacts from blasting are considered minimal.
Long-term affects to the groundwater system may include:
 Lowering of local groundwater levels (readjustment of hydraulic gradients)
 Interruption of groundwater conduit flow paths by rock removal
 Temperature change (thermal impacts) in springs and surface – water streams
 Chemistry changes (e.g., acid rock drainage ARD)
Based on topography, the likely area that would be impacted by lowering the water table is
currently undeveloped or is zoned for industrial development. These impacts can be evaluated
using groundwater models, such as visual Modflow; however, the models require site-specific
field data in order to produce reliable results. This data is currently not available and would need
to be collected. In addition, a number of bedrock quarries currently operate in the area and any
one of these could provide an opportunity for a pilot study. The potential impacts of these
quarries on the groundwater may provide a good indication of what might occur at a larger
scale.
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6.0
Overview of Regulatory Setting
6.1
Environmental Assessments
Environmental assessments are an approach used by both the federal and provincial
governments to determine the potential impacts of a project on the environment (i.e., species at
risk habitat, watercourse and wetland alterations, etc.) and the potential impacts of the
environment on the project (i.e., climate change, flooding, etc.). The environmental assessment
process is designed to assess all project components, from planning, construction, operation
and maintenance in perpetuity or until it is decommissioned. Both positive and negative impacts
of the project are identified, examined and a determination is made on the significance of these
impacts. When the negative impacts are determined to be minimal through the use of mitigation
measures and best management practices, approval for the project is granted. Under the New
Brunswick Clean Environment Act, an environmental impact assessment means “a process by
which the environmental impact caused by or resulting from an undertaking is predicted and
evaluated”. Under Section 16(1) of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, every
environmental assessment must include a consideration of the following factors:
 The environmental effects of the project, including environmental effects of malfunctions
or accidents and any cumulative environmental effects that are likely to result;
 The significance of those environmental effects;
 Comment from the public and other stakeholders;
 Mitigation measures that are technically and economically feasible to mitigate any
significant adverse environmental effects of the project; and
 Any other relevant matter to the environmental assessment that the responsible
authority may require to be considered, such as the need for the project and alternatives
to the project.
A review was conducted of Schedule A of the New Brunswick Environmental Impact
Assessment Regulation - Clean Environment Act. Based on this review, there are four (4)
potential triggers for a provincial Environmental Impact Assessment. As the project becomes
more defined more triggers may be determined. The four (4) triggers as listed in Schedule A are
as follows:
 all projects involving the transfer of water between drainage basins;
 all waterworks with a capacity greater than fifty cubic metres of water daily;
 all enterprises, activities, projects, structures, works or programs affecting any unique,
rare or endangered feature of the environment; and
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 all enterprises, activities, projects, structures, works or programs affecting two hectares
or more of bog, marsh, swamp or other wetland.
A review of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act revealed there are four potential
sections under the Act that could trigger a federal Environmental Assessment. As the project
becomes more defined more triggers may be determined. The potential triggers are as follows:
 The harmful alteration, disruption or destruction (HADD) of fish habitat that require the
authorization of the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans under subsection 35(2) of the
Fisheries Act or authorization under regulations made by the Governor in Council under
that Act.
 The construction of works in navigable water that require authorization of the Minister of
Transportation under paragraph 5(1)(a) of the Navigable Waters Protection Act.
 A license is required under subsection 7(1) of the Explosives Act.
 Federal Funding
The aforementioned triggers would lead to a type of environmental assessment known as a
screening. A screening is an approach to determine the environmental effects of a proposed
project and the need to eliminate or mitigate the adverse effects, to modify the project plan or to
recommend further assessment. The majority of federal environmental assessments are
screenings, however some projects trigger a comprehensive study. Comprehensive studies
tend to be for large projects with the potential for significant adverse environmental effects and
are described under the Comprehensive Study List Regulations.
A review of the Comprehensive Study List Regulations of the Canadian Environmental
Assessment Act indicated one potential trigger. A comprehensive environmental assessment
would be required for “the proposed construction, decommissioning or abandonment, or an
expansion that would result in an increase in production capacity of more than 35 per cent of, a
stone quarry or gravel or sand pit with a production capacity of 1 000 000 t/a or more”.
6.1.1
Environmental Assessment Timeline
A typical timeline for the studies and reporting required for both the federal and provincial
environmental assessment processes can be found in Table 2. Many of the studies required are
season dependent. Note the Department of Environment has a 90-day review period for all
Environmental Impact Assessment submissions.
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Table 2 - Environmental Assessment Timeline
Week Number 1
Jan
2 3
4
1
Feb
2 3
4
1
Mar
2 3
4
1
Apr
2 3
4
1
May
2 3
4
Year 1
July
June
1 2 3 4 1 2 3
Year 2
4
1
Aug
2 3
4
1
Sept
2 3
4
1
Oct
2 3
4
1
Nov
2 3
4
1
Dec
2 3
4
1
Jan
2 3
4
1
Feb
2 3
4
1
Mar
2 3
4
1
Apr
2 3
4
1
May
2 3
4
1
June
2 3 4
Technical Section
Project Scoping
Desktop Review1
REVIEW 2
REPORT
FIELD3
Archaeological and Heritage Resources
Atmospheric Environment
REPORT4
REVIEW
REPORT
FIELD
REPORT
FIELD
REPORT
Groundwater
REVIEW
Land Use and Economy
REVIEW
REPORT
Road Transporation Network
REVIEW
REPORT
Fish and Fish Habitat
REVIEW
Migratory Birds
FIELD
REVIEW
Rare Plants
REVIEW
Wetlands
REVIEW
Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat
REVIEW
FIELD
REPORT
FIELD
REPORT
FIELD
FIELD
Environmental Assessment Report3
4
Response to TRC Comments
FIELD
REPORT
FIELD
REPORT
FIELD
REPORT
90-day review by NBENV
NBENV
6
CEAA Screening
Notes:
1. The Desktop Review will include all VECs identified for the project. Further detail is provided for VECs with a field component
2. The timeframe to complete the initial review is colour-coded as blue
3. The timeframe to complete fieldwork is colour-coded as green
4. The timeframe to complete reporting is colour-coded as purple
4671.54/R02 Table 2 (EA Schedule).xls(Schedule-Tasks)
6.2
Environmental Setting
6.2.1
Species of Conservation Concern
Migratory Birds
The Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre (ACCDC) report (2011) identified 14 bird
species of conservation concern within a 5-kilometre radius of the project area. The ACCDC
report is attached in Appendix A. Of the 14 bird species identified, one (Canada Warbler) is
listed as Threatened on Schedule 1 under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). The Barn
Swallow (Hirundo rustica) and the Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) are listed as endangered by
COSEWIC (2007), but are not protected under SARA.
Based on predictive range map information provided by the ACCDC, three additional species
may potentially be present. These species include the Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus
histrionicus), the Barrow’s Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica) and the Red-shouldered Hawk
(Buteo lineatus). The Harlequin Duck and Barrow’s Goldeneye are listed as a species of special
concern on Schedule 1 under SARA. Based on the size of the project area and the potential
different habitat types, it is likely that these and other bird species at risk are present.
Migratory birds are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 and its
regulations. The Act states no person shall disturb, destroy or take a nest, egg, nest shelter,
eider duck shelter, or duck box of a migratory bird without a permit. Therefore, any vegetation
clearing should be conducted in the fall and winter between September 1 and May 1, outside
the typical bird-breeding season. Otherwise a bird survey should be conducted prior to vegetation
clearing.
Rare Plants
The ACCDC report (2011) also identified 26 plants species of conservation concern in the area.
Due to the size of the project area it is possible that plant species at risk are present. A rare
plant survey of the project area would be required to determine whether any plant species of
conservation concern are present.
Other Species of Conservation Concern
In addition to the bird species of conservation concern, one additional species was identified by
ACCDC (2011) within a 5-kilometer radius of the project area. This species is the Eastern
Cougar (Puma concolor pop. 1). GEMTEC Limited contacted Stewart Lusk (Biologist, Species
at Risk Program, New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources) for information regarding
Species at Risk. No records were found in the provincial database for species at risk in the
immediate vicinity of the site. However, it should be noted the absence of a species record for
an area does not establish their absence.
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6.2.2
Wetlands
As of March 2011, the New Brunswick Department of Environment relies solely on the publicly
available wetland mapping (http://geonb.snb.ca/geonb/) to determine the presence or absence
of regulated wetlands within a project area. Based on the publicly available wetland mapping
(http://geonb.snb.ca/geonb/), there are nineteen (19) regulated wetlands in the Belledune
Industrial Zone. The location of the regulated wetlands can be seen in Figure 8.
The identified regulated wetlands are subject to the Watercourse and Wetland Alteration
Regulation (REG # 90-80), of the New Brunswick Clean Water Act. Any proposed alteration
within these areas or within their 30 metre regulated buffers requires permitting through the
Department of Environment, Surface Water Protection Section and may require compensation.
In addition wetlands greater than two hectares in size are subject to the Environmental Impact
Assessment (REG 87-83) of the New Brunswick Clean Environment Act and other Acts and
Regulations.
6.2.3
Fish Habitat
There are 3 mapped watercourses within the project area. The watercourses can be seen in
Figure 8. Many of these watercourses are likely fish bearing. However, an assessment would be
required to determine the presence/ absence of fish. This would include spot electrofishing in
the proposed project area to determine the presence/absence of fish.
The identified watercourses are subject to the Watercourse and Wetland Alteration Regulation
(REG # 90-80), of the New Brunswick Clean Water Act. Any proposed alteration within these
areas or within the 30 metre regulated buffers requires permitting through the Department of
Environment, Surface Water Protection Section. Additionally, consultation with the Department
of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) would be required for fish bearing watercourses to determine if
authorization is required under the federal Fisheries Act for the Harmful Alteration, Disruption or
Destruction (HADD) of fish habitat.
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LEGEND
REGULATED WETLANDS
PROVINCIALLY SIGNIFICANT
WETLANDS
ARCHAEOLOGICAL TESTING
REQUIRED (80m BUFFER)
BELLEDUNE POINT
AREA
DENV QUARRY SPECIFIC
WATERCOURSE BUFFER
(60m)
CHAPEL POINT
SHORELINE
DENV QUARRY SPECIFIC
WETLAND BUFFER (60m)
ENVIRONMENTALLY
SIGNIFICANT AREA
BELLEDUNE
SHORELINE / HENRY
BROOK
54" CSP
48" CONCRETE PIPE
NOTE: GIVEN THE SIZE OF PROJECT
AREA, HABITAT FOR SPECIES AT RISK
BIRDS AND PLANTS IS LIKELY PRESENT.
THESE ARE NOT IDENTIFIED AT THIS
TIME.
Checked By
Drawn By
DJP
AGSD
Calculations By
Checked By
Date
DEC, 2011
32" CONCRETE PIPE
Project
30" CONCRETE PIPE
24" PLASTIC RIBBED PIPE
Drawing
36" CONCRETE PIPE
PRELIMINARY ENVIRONMENTAL
CONTRAINTS
30" CONCRETE PIPE
2 30" CONCRETE PIPES
Scale
1:30000
9' CSP
0
File No.
100020106
1000
Drawing
FIGURE 8
2000m
Revision No.
0
6.2.4
Sensitive Areas
The project area is not located within a protected NBENV wellfield or watershed area. No
environmentally significant areas as identified by the New Brunswick Nature Trust are located in
the project area. However, according to the ACCDC report (2011), three environmentally
significant areas were identified within 500 metres of the project area. Four additional
environmentally significant areas and two managed areas were identified within five kilometres
of the project area.
No National Wildlife Areas (NWAs), Migratory Bird Sanctuaries (MBSs) or Important Bird Areas
(IBAs) are located within 500 metres of the site (IBA 2011 and Environment Canada’s Protected
Areas Network 2011). Based on DNR mapping there are no deer wintering areas located on
crown land within the project area.
6.3
Socio-Environmental Setting
The Village of Belledune has a population of approximately 1700 persons having an average
age of 48. Regionally, employment sectors include fisheries, port operations, farming hospitality,
local government, construction, forestry, sawmills and the mining sector. Belledune is renowned
for its natural beauty derived from sand and sand/gravel mix beaches, Jacquet River watershed,
rolling farmland, and general rural atmosphere.
Industry also has a major presence on the landscape in Belledune, in particular, the Xstrata
Smelter and its land holdings and the Port and related infrastructure.
6.3.1
Cultural Features
The Archaeological Services Section of the New Brunswick Department of Wellness, Culture
and Sport was contacted for potential archaeological sites in this area. A pre-contact
archaeological site was identified to the northwest of the project area at the mouth of the
Belledune River. Archaeological Services indicated there to be a high potential for
archaeological sites within 50-metres of any watercourse or waterbody and medium potential for
archaeological sites between 50 and 80 metres from any watercourse or waterbody. An
archaeological survey of the project footprint area would be required to determine if
archaeological resources are present. Additionally, a Traditional Knowledge Study (TKS) may
be required. Mapping from Archaeological Services is attached in Appendix B.
The nearest Aboriginal communities include the Pabineau Band located south of Bathurst
(approximately 40 kilometres south of Belledune) and the Eel River Bar First Nation with three
reserves located near Dalhousie. Dalhousie is located approximately 50 kilometres north of
Belledune.
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6.4
Site Specific Environmental Constraints and Approvals
6.4.1
Environmental Constraints
Based on the desktop review of environmental information, the following environmental
constraints are present in the project area:
 Any proposed alteration within the identified watercourses or within the 30 metre
regulated buffers requires a Watercourse and Wetland Alteration permit.
 Any proposed alteration within the identified wetland areas or within the 30 metre
regulated buffers requires a Watercourse and Wetland Alteration permit.
 Alteration of fish bearing watercourses would require consultation with the Department of
Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to determine if authorization is required under the federal
Fisheries Act for the Harmful Alteration, Disruption or Destruction (HADD) of fish habitat.
 Any vegetation clearing should be conducted in the fall and winter between September 1
and May 1, outside the typical bird-breeding season.
 An archaeological walkover of the project area would be required, especially within the
areas deemed to be of high and medium potential.
 A rare plant survey of the project area would be required.
 Water Supply Source Assessment- For projects involving the withdrawal of groundwater
or surface water at a rate greater than 50 cubic metres per day.
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Additionally, the New Brunswick Department of Environment (NBENV) has setbacks for the
boundary of the final operational perimeter of proposed rock quarries. The setbacks and
distances are outlined in the table below:
Table 3
NBENV Rock Quarry Setbacks1
Setback
Distance
Right-of-way Boundary of a Public Highway2
30 metres
Any Public Highway Structure2
100 metres
Bank or Ordinary High Water Mark of a Watercourse or Wetland
60 metres
Boundary of an Area Designated as a Natural Protected Area or
as a Cultural Heritage Resource
100 metes
Foundation of a Building2
100 metres
Boundary of a protected area of a public water supply well
20 metres
Boundary of a protected area as designated by Reg 2001-83
(Clean Water Act) for drinking water supply watersheds
20 metres
Any adjacent residential property
50 metres
Any other adjacent property boundary
30 metres
Any water supply well2
600 metres
Notes:
1. From the document “Regional Approvals Program: Quarry Siting Guideline” (May 2009).
2. Unless with the written permission of the Minister of Transportation.
3. Unless written permission of the owner is obtained and submitted to the Department of Environment
for acceptance.
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The Village of Belledune and the Belledune District Planning Commission have setbacks for
mineral aggregate excavation and quarry buildings, structures and equipment in place. These
setbacks are laid out in the document entitled “Village of Belledune Rural Plan” (March 2008).
The setbacks and distances are outlined in the following tables:
Table 4
Setbacks for the Top and Base of a Mineral Aggregate Excavation1
Setback
Distance
Any Street Line
30 metres
Lot Lines (other than a road or highway mentioned above)
15 metres
The Bank of any Watercourses, Body of Water or Wetland
60 metres
Any Existing Dwelling or Institutional Building
200 metres
An Existing Residential Zone (R Zone) or Mixed Zone (Mx Zone)
200 metres
Notes:
1. From the document “Village of Belledune Rural Plan” (March 2008).
Table 5
Setbacks for Any Quarry Building, Structure, Equipment or Site Intended for
any Operation, Production, Repair, Maintenance or Staging1
Setback
Distance
Any Street Line
10 metres
Lot Lines (other than a road or highway mentioned above)
10 metres
The Bank of any Watercourses, Body of Water or Wetland
30 metres
Any Existing Dwelling or Institutional Building
50 metres
An Existing Residential Zone (R Zone) or Mixed Zone (Mx Zone)
50 metres
Notes:
1. From the document “Village of Belledune Rural Plan” (March 2008).
Furthermore, the Village of Belledune Rural Plan has provisions for excavation permits, fencing,
signage, hours of operation, slope, excavation above water table and rehabilitation. Mineral
aggregate excavation may only occur on land zoned as RU- 1.
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6.4.2
Regulatory Approvals
Based on the environmental setting of the project area the following permits, licences, and
authorizations may be required:
 An Authorization for Works or Undertakings Affecting Fish Habitat from the Department
of Fisheries and Oceans under the Fisheries Act.
 A Watercourse and Wetland Alteration (WAWA) Permit from the New Brunswick
Department of Environment in accordance with the Watercourse and Wetland Alteration
Regulation under the Clean Water Act.
 A quarry permit from the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources (DNR) under
the Quarriable Substances Act. This permit is only required if the quarry is located on
crown land.
 An Approval to Operate from the New Brunswick Department of Environment under the
Clean Air Act and the Clean Environment Act.
 A New Brunswick Petroleum Storage Site License. This license is required for a quarry
with a storage tank system with a total capacity of 2000 litres or more.
 An Authorization or exemption under the Navigable Waters Protection Act from
Transportation Canada, Navigable Waters Protection Program.
 Work Permit – a permit may be required for forest clearing and other activities conducted
on forested land during the designated fire season.
 Blasting Code Approval Regulation - Municipalities Act (blasting operations conducted in
a quarry located within the boundary of a municipality).
 Development Permit- Issued by municipality or planning commission.
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6.4.3
Compensation
Alteration of the identified watercourses and wetlands may require compensation through the
Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Department of Environment, respectively.
Consultation with the departments would be required to determine if and what compensation
would be required. Outlined below are typical compensation ratios and cost estimates for
watercourses and wetlands.
Fish Habitat
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has a policy of No Net Loss of fish habitat
productive capacity, therefore any works that cannot be mitigated and thus cause the harmful
alteration, disruption or destruction (HADD) of fish habitat require compensation.
Compensation requirements associated with proposed works are usually determined by
applying a compensation ratio of 3:1 to the established HADD area of the project. DFO
2
estimates the potential cost for compensation projects at approximately $21/m ; however, the
cost is ultimately project dependent. Potential candidate compensation options are normally
selected on the basis of local opportunities, constraints on the productive capacity of existing
habitats, and DFO’s hierarchy of preference for compensation options.
For example a small culvert replacement covering an area of 2 metres wide by 30 metres long
would result in a HADD area of 60 m2. Applying the compensation ratio of 3:1 would require a
compensation amount of 180 m2 at an approximate cost of $3,780.
If all stream lengths located within the potential quarry areas were to be impacted the area to be
compensated for would be 45,000 m2 (15,000 m of stream length x estimated 3 m width).
Applying the compensation ratio of 3:1 would give a total compensation amount of 135,000 m2
at a cost of approximately $2,800,000.
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Wetlands
The New Brunswick Department of Environment has a policy of No Net Loss of regulated
wetlands. Therefore, compensation is required for any alterations in a regulated wetland. The
compensation requirement for lost regulated wetland area is 2:1. Wetland compensation
projects are typically estimated to have a potential cost of $25,000/ hectare.
The 19 wetlands located within the Belledune Industrial Zone range in size from 4,130 m2
(0.413 ha) to 126,326 m2 (12.3 ha). Applying the 2:1 ratio would give compensation amounts
ranging from 8,260 m2 (0.826 ha) to 246,652 m2 (24.7 ha). If all wetlands were impacted the
total compensation amount would be 968,602 m2 (96.7 ha) at an approximate cost of
$2,417,500. If all wetlands located within the potential quarry areas were to be impacted the
total wetland compensation area would be 25,000 m2 x 2 (2:1 compensation ratio) to give
50,000 m2 (50 ha). Applying the potential compensation cost of $25,000/ ha gives a total
compensation amount for the potential quarry areas of ~ $ 1,250,000.
6.4.4
Options for the Regulatory Process
There are two potential approaches to the provincial Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
process. The first approach would be to conduct a single broad assessment of all identified
quarriable areas. This would involve defining the environmental constraints and compensation
requirements for these areas. The advantage of a single, large-scale approach is that
environmental constraints would be known up front. Potential quarry operators would only
require environmental permits that directly relate to their specific operations. These operators
would not be required to re-assess the environmental features of the site, resulting in cost
savings to the quarry operators. This option may be advantageous to the Village of Belledune in
promoting quarry development in the area.
The second approach places all environmental permitting requirements on the potential quarry
operator. This would require each new potential quarry operator to identify the environmental
constraints, compensation requirements and issues specific to that quarry site. The advantage
of this option to the Village of Belledune is the Village would incur no cost.
The federal permitting process does not lend itself to a single application. Therefore, individual
potential quarry operators would be required to conduct a federal environmental assessment as
triggered. The federal assessment process is independent of the provincial process.
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7.0
Stakeholder Consultation
For Phase I, the parties outlined in the table below were identified for consultation. A working
group formed by the Village of Belledune developed the stakeholder consultation list. It was
explained to each stakeholder that the Village has formed a working group to examine quarry
development within the Belledune Industrial Zone and how it could help to increase surface area
available for future commercial and industrial activities. Additionally, it was explained at the
present time a desktop review of the environmental constraints and regulatory requirements
was being conducted. Each stakeholder was asked for any comments or concerns they would
like noted.
Table 6
Parties Consulted
Stakeholder
Contact
Village of Belledune
Andy Flanagan
Port of Belledune
Tracy Eddy
Xstrata Zinc Smelter
Bob Butler
Business New Brunswick
Denis Roy
Invest NB
Joel Richardson
Infrastructure Canada
John Medcof*
New Brunswick Department of
Environment
Gaetan Landry
Dennis Cyr (Forester Regional Forestry)
New Brunswick Department of Natural
Resources
James Walker
(Acting Manager Geological Surveys)
Luc Gagnon (Manager Regional Biology)
New Brunswick Department of
Transportation
Darren Matchett
Department of Fisheries and Oceans
Fernand Savoie
Transport Canada
Margie White
Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat
Martha Gorman
Roys Trucking and Landscaping
Daniel Roy
Blanchard Ready Mix
Rene Blanchard
Chaleur Sawmill
Duane Woods
Envirem Technologies Inc.
Rodney Fry
CN Rail
Fiona Murray
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Stakeholder
Contact
Belledune Regional Environmental
Association (BREA)
Tom Moore
Belledune District Planning Commission
Marc Bouffard
Enterprise Chaleur
Donald Hammond
Northern Construction
Alain Belanger
NB Power Belledune
Francine Thibodeau-Landry
Shaw Resources
Darrell Robinson
* Unable to reach for comment at this time.
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GEMTEC Limited has been in contact with the aforementioned parties on behalf of the Village of
Belledune. Many of those contacted have indicated comments and concerns. Several
individuals had no comment at this time. All parties contacted indicated they would like to be
consulted when more details are known. Described below is a summary of the major comments
and concerns raised by various stakeholders at this time:
 NB Power’s concerns were related to the proximity of quarry activities to their ash site
and groundwater wells. NB Power would be concerned that blasting, particularly to the
west of Turgeon Road may affect their sites. Seismic devices are already in place on the
ash site to ensure blasting from the Roy’s Trucking quarry does not have an impact.
Additionally, bottom ash leaves the plant daily and is trucked to the ash site, therefore
would be concerned that increased truck traffic in the area would affect the transport of
ash.
 Xstrata’s concerns were related to their water pipeline that crosses the Bennett Building
property and their slag pile located to the north of the Blanchard Quarry. There was little
concern for quarry development to the south of the railway line toward Route 11.
However, if a roadway was to cross the railway line on the eastern side of Turgeon Road
their slag pile may be affected. If this occurs, Xstrata would want to know what setbacks
from the property boundary would be in place.
 The Port of Belledune’s comments were related to the capacity of the Port to
accommodate the volume of aggregate to be exported. The production rate of quarry
aggregates should be scaled to the Port’s current infrastructure. In addition, a separate,
dedicated access to the Port may be required if the aggregate were to be transported by
truck to mitigate the increased truck traffic.
 CN Rail was concerned that increased truck traffic over the railway line could be a safety
issue. In addition, CN Rail indicated that if a quarry was developed close to an existing
line, the line may need to be moved. However, depending on the quarry location,
additional line may be added to allow for quarry access and the movement of aggregate.
CN Rail recommended that further consultation be held when more details are known to
ensure that existing lines in the region are not slated for abandonment due to low traffic
density and economic viability.
 Several branches (forestry, geological surveys and regional biology) of the New
Brunswick Department of Natural Resources were contacted. The forestry branch
indicated that it would need to be determined if there is silviculture, a forest industry or
protected forests in the area. Impacts if any to the forestry industry would need to be
investigated. The geological surveys branch indicated there is the potential for metallic
mineral deposits in the area and that there are current land claims. Puma Exploration
holds claims west of the Turgeon, north of Route 11. Therefore, there may be mineral
exploration occurring. The basalt and gabbro rocks have the most potential for metallic
minerals in the Belledune area. The Regional Biologist’s concerns were related to the
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presence of watercourses and wetlands in the area and the potential impact on fish and
waterfowl habitat. As well as the loss of migratory bird habitat. Crown land comprises a
small portion of the project area and most of this is designated as Industrial and Mining.
A small parcel of the Crown land is assigned to a Crown Timber Licensee for forestry
operations. There was no data regarding plant or animal species at risk or deer wintering
areas in the area.
 The New Brunswick Department of Transportation (NBDOT) indicated that depending
where the quarry was situated and if the rock was to be trucked, it may have concerns
with respect to the Road Class. Specifically, DOT needs to ensure that the proposed
trucking routes are designed to handle the volume and type of heavy truck traffic. If a
quarry were to use a designated DOT road then a setback permit and an access permit
would be required.
 Transport Canada indicated that if a navigable body of water or potential navigable body
of water were present, an application for a permit to them would be required.
Additionally, if a large tower were required for a quarry consultation with the Aviation
Group of Transport Canada would be required. If a Transport Canada property is
involved a permit, lease or license would be required.
 The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) indicated the scope of the project would
need to be established in order to determine whether a screening or comprehensive
study would be required. Additionally, it will need to be determined when consultation
with the First Nations will be undertaken. Fish habitat surveys and compensation would
be required.
 The Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat’s (AAS) comments were related to First Nations
consultation. Typically the closest First Nations as well as those located within the same
watershed and the Assembly of First Nations Chiefs are contacted for consultation.
A project description including the geographic scope and activities to be undertaken
should be forwarded to AAS so it can be determined which First Nations are to be
contacted and at what stage. AAS can aid with drafting a letter to First Nations to
determine if the area is used for traditional purposes.
 The owners of the three local quarries indicated they would like to comment, but would
require more information to do so. The owners wanted to know what triggered the
current study and what are the anticipated end results of the study. The owners would
like a meeting with the Village of Belledune to discuss the study further and to find out
how this will impact their quarries. It was also mentioned that any new quarries should
be subject to the same blast monitoring and environmental requirements as existing
quarries.
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 Denis Roy from Business New Brunswick indicated that due to the rock quality in
Belledune, other companies from outside the area would be interested in developing
new quarries. Mr. Roy indicated that it is important to develop a strategic development
plan so business in the area can be grown. A plan would be needed to export the rock
and to make sure have the maximum amount of land available for individual quarries to
be economically feasible.
 Marc Bouffard from the Belledune District Planning Commission indicated a clear plan
for the area is needed so that the integrity of the land can be preserved. Previously
quarries were given permission to proceed with no guidelines with respect to depth of
quarry floor. Need a clear vision for the area so when there is a re-zoning request, have
the tools to show the benefits and what the area will look like and how it can be used
after quarrying. Quarry floors should all be set to the same depth.
 Envirem Organics’ concerns were related to their compost site in the area. They would
be interested in what setbacks would be in place between quarries and other operations
(prefer 1 kilometre setback). Would be important that all quarries have a Certificate of
Approval and be required to conduct blast monitoring, vibration testing and seismic
monitoring on adjacent properties. There are monitoring wells and scales on their site
that may be impacted by blasting. It was mentioned that a water usage plan should be
developed for the area, as water supply can become an issue during the dry months.
Additionally, it was mentioned that quarries should be required to perform phased
reclamation as opposed to reclamation upon quarry closure.
 Chaleur Sawmill and Shaw Resources had concerns with respect to increased truck
traffic and how it would impact their operations. Both indicated it is an industrial area so
development is expected and encouraged.
GEMTEC Limited
10002.01 – R03 (Final)
33
8.0
Proposed Technical Terms of Reference Phase II
A technical terms of reference has been prepared in an effort to move forward with the next
phase of the project. The overall intent of the terms of reference is to:
 Develop a Conceptual Land-Use Plan
 Complete a hydrogeology study in support of future environmental assessments
 Complete initial watercourse assessments in support of future environmental
assessments
 Develop a Compliance Monitoring Plan
Subsequent environmental studies should be deferred at least until preliminary Phase II
outcomes are understood. The rationale being the costs involved with these studies.
8.1
Development of a Conceptual Land-Use Plan
The proponent shall prepare a conceptual land-use plan for the Belledune Industrial Zone. The
plan shall include:
1. A base plan of the industrial sector indicating future: road networks, municipal services
(water, sanitary, and storm), electrical and communication easements, this plan would
also indicate development phasing;
2. Locations of future quarries with applicable buffers in place;
3. Infrastructure requirements and their incorporation with quarry development;
4. A mass grading and drainage plan;
5. Potential areas for construction of engineered wetlands for wetland compensation
purposes, and storm water management purposes;
6. Locations of environmental features to be preserved; and
7. Prepare specific covenants necessary for industrial park development.
GEMTEC Limited
10002.01 – R03 (Final)
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8.2
Hydrogeological Study
The proponent shall prepare a comprehensive hydrogeological assessment. The intent of the
assessment is to:
1. Provide background groundwater level and chemistry data.
2. Determine hydraulic properties and variation of the bedrock including:
-
hydraulic conductivity
-
storage coefficient
-
infiltration rates
3. Define recharge and discharge areas.
4. Identify and quantify industrial groundwater users.
5. Determine the impact of large scale quarrying on groundwater resources.
The assessment will support future land use studies and environmental assessments. The
proponent shall prepare a specific methodology necessary to achieve the requirements stated
herein. The methodology will detail borings, monitoring, modeling, and timelines required for the
successful completion of the project.
8.3
Watercourse Assessments
The proponent shall conduct an assessment of all mapped watercourses within the identified
project area. The intent of the assessment is to:
1. Verify the presence and location of mapped watercourses;
2. Determine whether the watercourses are permanent, seasonal or ephemeral;
3. Determine whether the watercourses are fish bearing;
4. Update the hydrological map layer based on field observations.
This assessment will allow for determination of watercourses that will require compensation for
HADD and therefore future further investigation.
GEMTEC Limited
10002.01 – R03 (Final)
35
8.4
Compliance Monitoring Plan
The proponent shall develop a compliance-monitoring plan to ensure set quarry floor elevations
are followed. This plan will include sections on:
1. Resources needed to conduct the monitoring and oversee compliance issues
2. How the monitoring will be undertaken
3. Monitoring frequency
The monitoring and compliance plan will allow the regulators to ensure that quarries do not go
below the set quarry floor limits and ensure the land will be available for future commercial and
industrial purposes.
GEMTEC Limited
10002.01 – R03 (Final)
36
9.0
Phase I Summary of Key Conclusions
The information presented herein is detailed elsewhere in the body of the report. A summary of
a number of key conclusions is presented for clarity as follows:
 Approximately 40 to 120 million cubic metres can be extracted in the Basalt formations
while allowing surface drainage.
 Via trucking, 2 million tonnes per year ± can be shipped through the Port.
 Depending upon the grading model implemented the resource will last 20 to 60 years.
 The majority of the aggregate will suit general construction purposes based on
engineering properties conducted to date. In most instances, the engineering index
properties, in the Basalt formations support use as coarse concrete aggregate. Very little
AAR data was available during the preparation of the report. Comprehensive long-term
AAR testing of aggregates would be beneficial in terms of assessing specific concrete
aggregate sources.
 The risk to existing wells is low as groundwater flow is likely from the southwest to the
northeast; however, more field testing and modeling is required to confirm groundwater
conditions. These studies require a lengthy (typically 1 year) monitoring component.
 Future land use planning with respect to service and transportation corridors and
development nodes is required.
 Pending the outcome of environmental consultations, a provincial Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) and a comprehensive federal Environmental Assessment (EA) will
likely be required.
 Environmental compensation for 45,000 m2 of streams and 25 hectares of wetlands
within the quarriable area is in the range of 4 million dollars.
 Based upon the information at hand and the potential costs, environmental consultations
should be deferred until preliminary results from Phase II are determined.
GEMTEC Limited
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37
10.0 References
Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre (ACCDC). 2011. Data Report 4617: Belledune, NB.
Birdlife International, Bird Studies Canada and Canadian Nature Federation (IBA). 2011.
Important Bird Areas of Canada. Accessed October 18, 2011.
Website: http://www.ibacanada.com
DeMerchant, D.P., Fournier, B., Malhotra, V.M. May 1995. Alkali-Aggregate Reactivity in New
Brunswick. Natural Resources Canada, Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology.
44 pp.
DeMerchant, D.P., Fournier, B., Strang, F. April 2000. Alkali-Aggregate Research in New
Brunswick. National Research Council Canada (NRC) (Reprint from Canadian Journal of
Civil Engineering. Volume 27. Number 2. Pgs 212- 225).
Environment Canada’s Protected Areas Network (ECPAN). 2011. Accessed October 18, 2011.
Website: http://www.hww.ca/hww2.asp?pid=0&id=231&cid=4).
NBENV. New Brunswick Department of Environment. 2011. Online Well Log System. Accessed
October 18, 2011. Website: http://app.elg-egl.gnb.ca/0375-0001/index.aspx.
NBENV. Regional Approvals Program: Quarry Siting Guideline. May 14, 2009. Environmental
Management Division, Department of Environment. 2pp.
The Council of the Village of Belledune and the Belledune District Planning Commission.
Village of Belledune Rural Plan. March 2008. 208pp.
Webb, T.C. March 2006. Tidewater Export Opportunities for Bedrock Aggregate in Northern
New Brunswick. New Brunswick Natural Resources, Minerals, Policy and Planning.
MRR 2006-1 (on line). 43 pp.
GEMTEC Limited
10002.01 – R03 (Final)
38
Appendix A
ACCDC Report
DATA REPORT 4617: Belldune, NB
Prepared 31 October, 2011
by S.H. Gerriets
CONTENTS OF REPORT
1.0 Preface
1.1 Restrictions
1.2 Additional Information
2.0 Rare and Endangered Taxa
2.1 Flora
2.2 Fauna
Map 1: Flora and Fauna
3.0 Special Areas
3.1 Managed Areas
3.2 Significant Areas
Map 2: Special Areas
4.0 Taxa Lists
4.1 Fauna
4.2 Flora
4.3 Range Maps
5.0 Source Bibliography
1.0 PREFACE
The Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre (ACCDC) is part of a network of circa 85 NatureServe data centres and
heritage programs in 50 states, 10 provinces and 1 territory, plus several Central and South American countries. The
NatureServe network is more than 30 years old and shares a common conservation data methodology. The ACCDC was
founded in 1997, and maintains data for the jurisdictions of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island,
Newfoundland and Labrador. Although a non-governmental agency, the ACCDC is supported by 6 federal agencies,
plus 4 provincial governments, outside grants and data processing fees. URL: www.ACCDC.com.
Upon request and for a fee, the ACCDC reports known observations of rare and endangered flora and fauna, in and
near a specified study area. As a supplement to that data, the ACCDC includes locations of managed areas with some
level of protection, and also known sites of ecological interest. Data summarised in each report is attached as DBF files
which may be opened from within data software (Excel, Access) or mapped in GIS (ArcView, MapInfo, AutoCAD).
1.1 RESTRICTIONS
The ACCDC makes a strong effort to verify the accuracy of all the data that it manages, but it shall not be held
responsible for any inaccuracies in data that it provides. By receiving ACCDC data, recipients assent to the following
limits of use:
a.) Data is restricted to use by trained personnel who are sensitive to its potential threat to rare and endangered taxa.
b.) Data is restricted to use by the specified Data User; any third party requiring data must make its own data request.
c.) The ACCDC requires Data Users to cease using and delete data 12 months after receipt.
d.) ACCDC data responses are restricted to that data in our Data System at the time of the data request.
e.) Data is qualified as to location (Precision) and time (SurveyDate); cf Data Dictionary for details.
f.) ACCDC data reports are not to be construed as exhaustive inventories of taxa in an area.
g.) The non-occurrence of a taxon cannot be inferred by its absence in an ACCDC data report.
1.2 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please direct biological questions about ACCDC data to: Sean Blaney, ACCDC: (506) 364-2658, and technical data
queries to: Stefen Gerriets, ACCDC: (506) 364-2657.
For provincial information on rare taxa and protected areas, or information on game animals, deer yards, old growth
forest, archeological sites, fish habitat etc, please contact Stewart Lusk, NBDNR: (506) 453-2440.
Data Report 4617: Belldune, NB
page 2 of 5
2.0 RARE AND ENDANGERED TAXA
A 5km buffer around the study area contains 90 records of 41 taxa from 22 sources, a relatively moderate-to-high
density of records (quintile 4): 0.38 rec/km2.
2.1 FLORA
A 5km buffer around the study area contains 59 records of 26 vascular, 0 records of nonvascular flora (see attached
*ob.dbf).
2.2 FAUNA
A 5km buffer around the study area contains 31 records of 15 vertebrate, 0 records of invertebrate fauna (cf attached
*ob.dbf). No data-sensitive taxa were identified.
Map 1: Known observations of rare and/or protected flora and fauna within buffered study area.
page 3 of 5
3.0 SPECIAL AREAS
3.1 MANAGED AREAS
The GIS scan identified 2 Managed Areas with some degree of protected status, in the vicinity of the study area (see
attached *ma.dbf).
3.2 SIGNIFICANT AREAS
The GIS scan also identified 7 biologically significant sites in the vicinity of the study area; such sites are known for
exceptional biotic richness but may or may not have legal status (see attached *sa.dbf).
Map 2: Boundaries and/or locations of known Managed and Significant Areas within 5km of study area.
page 4 of 5
4.0 TAXON LISTS
Rare and/or endangered taxa within the buffered area listed in order of concern, beginning with legally listed taxa, with
the number of observations per taxon and the distance in kilometers from study area centroid to the closest observation.
[p] = vascular plant, [n] = nonvascular plant, [a] = vertebrate animal, [i] = invertebrate animal, [c] = community.
4.1 FLORA
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
scientific name
Zigadenus elegans ssp. glaucus
Ranunculus lapponicus
Stellaria longipes
Draba glabella
Goodyera oblongifolia
Cypripedium parviflorum var. makasin
Amerorchis rotundifolia
Blysmus rufus
Carex gynocrates
Sagina nodosa
Galium obtusum
Listera auriculata
Corallorhiza maculata var. maculata
Galium labradoricum
Botrychium simplex
Botrychium lanceolatum var. angustisegmentum
Carex recta
Carex vaginata
Geocaulon lividum
Comandra umbellata
Ranunculus gmelinii
Stellaria humifusa
Artemisia campestris ssp. caudata
Corallorhiza maculata
Botrychium campestre
Polygonum raii
common name
Mountain Death Camas
Lapland Buttercup
Long-stalked Starwort
Rock Whitlow-Grass
Menzies' Rattlesnake-plantain
Yellow Lady's-slipper
Small Round-leaved Orchis
Red Bulrush
Northern Bog Sedge
Knotted Pearlwort
Blunt-leaved Bedstraw
Auricled Twayblade
Spotted Coralroot
Labrador Bedstraw
Least Moonwort
Triangle Moonwort
Estuary Sedge
Sheathed Sedge
Northern Comandra
Bastard's Toadflax
Gmelin's Water Buttercup
Saltmarsh Starwort
Field Wormwood
Spotted Coralroot
Prairie Moonwort
Sharp-fruited Knotweed
prov. rarity prov. status
S1
S1
S1
S1
S2
S2
S2
S2
S2
S2
S2?
S2S3
S2S3
S2S3
S3
S3
S3
S3
S3
S3
S3
S3
S3
S3S4
SH
SH
COSEWIC obs
7
1
5
7
5
1
3
2
4
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
5
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
dist.km
4 ±0.5
9 ±0
4 ±0.5
3 ±0.1
2 ±5
2 ±5
2 ±5
4 ±1
3 ±5
3 ±1
5 ±1
1 ±5
0 ±10
9 ±0.1
8 ±0
6 ±0
6 ±0.5
3 ±5
2 ±0
6 ±0.5
9 ±0.1
6 ±0.5
3 ±0.5
2 ±0
4 ±0.5
4 ±1
prov. rarity prov. status
S3B
S3S4B
S3S4B
SU,SH Endangered
S3B
S1S2B
S3
S3B
S3B
S3B
S3B
S3B
S3S4B
S3S4B
S3S4B,S4S5N
COSEWIC obs
T
2
T
2
T
1
DD
1
NAR
3
3
1
1
3
1
6
2
1
2
2
dist.km
2 ±5
2 ±5
2 ±5
3 ±1
4 ±1
2 ±5
4 ±1
2 ±5
2 ±5
2 ±5
2 ±5
2 ±5
8 ±5
2 ±5
2 ±5
4.2 FAUNA
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
scientific name
Hirundo rustica
Dolichonyx oryzivorus
Wilsonia canadensis
Puma concolor pop. 1
Sterna hirundo
Hylocichla mustelina
Cepphus grylle
Molothrus ater
Mimus polyglottos
Riparia riparia
Larus delawarensis
Charadrius vociferus
Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
Tyrannus tyrannus
Coccothraustes vespertinus
common name
Barn Swallow
Bobolink
Canada Warbler
Cougar - Eastern pop.
Common Tern
Wood Thrush
Black Guillemot
Brown-headed Cowbird
Northern Mockingbird
Bank Swallow
Ring-billed Gull
Killdeer
Cliff Swallow
Eastern Kingbird
Evening Grosbeak
4.3 RANGE MAPS
The legally protected taxa listed below are linked to the study area by predictive range maps based upon expert
estimates of distribution. Taxa listed here but not in the observation data above, are unknown within the study area but
perhaps present. Ranges of rank 1 indicate possible occurrence, those of rank 2 and 3 increasingly less probable.
a
a
a
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
a
scientific name
Glyptemys insculpta
Histrionicus histrionicus
Bucephala islandica
Lechea maritima var. subcylindrica
Listera australis
Pterospora andromedea
Symphyotrichum laurentianum
Symphyotrichum subulatum (Bathurst pop)
Eriocaulon parkeri
Isoetes prototypus
Buteo lineatus
common name
Wood Turtle
Harlequin Duck - Eastern pop.
Barrow's Goldeneye (Eastern pop.)
Beach Pinweed
Southern Twayblade
Giant Pinedrops
Gulf of St. Lawrence Aster
Bathurst Saltmarsh Aster
Parker's Pipewort
Prototype Quillwort
Red-shouldered Hawk
prov. rarity
S3
S1B,S1N
S2N
S2
S2
S1
S1
S2
S2
S2
S2B
prov. status
Endangered
Endangered
Endangered
Endangered
Endangered
Endangered
Endangered
COSEWIC
T
SC
SC
SC
T
SC
NAR
SC
NAR
range
1
1
2
2
1
2
1
1
2
1
2
page 5 of 5
5.0 SOURCE BIBLIOGRAPHY
The recipient of this data shall acknowledge the ACCDC and the data sources listed below in any documents, reports,
publications or presentations, in which this dataset makes a significant contribution.
recs
22
13
12
10
7
5
4
4
4
3
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
source
Erskine, A.J. 1992. Maritime Breeding Bird Atlas Database. NS Museum & Nimbus Publ., Halifax, 82,125 recs.
Benedict, B. Connell Herbarium Specimens. University New Brunswick, Fredericton. 2003.
Blaney, C.S.; Spicer, C.D.; Popma, T.M.; Hanel, C. 2002. Fieldwork 2002. Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre. Sackville NB, 2037 recs.
Hinds, H.R. 1986. Notes on New Brunswick plant collections. Connell Memorial Herbarium, unpubl, 739 recs.
Tims, J. & Craig, N. 1995. Environmentally Significant Areas in New Brunswick (NBESA). NB Dept of Environment & Nature Trust of New Brunswick
Inc.
Tims, J. & Craig, N. 1995. Environmentally Significant Areas in New Brunswick (NBESA). NB Dept of Environment & Nature Trust of New Brunswick
Inc, 6042 recs.
Wilhelm, S.I. & et al. 2011. Colonial Waterbird Database. Canadian Wildlife Service, Sackville, 2698 sites, 9718 recs (8192 obs).
Clayden, S.R. 2007. NBM Science Collections databases: vascular plants. New Brunswick Museum, Saint John NB, download Mar. 2007, 6914 recs.
Benedict, B. Connell Herbarium Specimen Data . University New Brunswick, Fredericton. 2003.
Spicer, C.D. 2002. Fieldwork 2002. Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre. Sackville NB, 211 recs.
Hinds, H.R. 1999. Connell Herbarium Database. University New Brunswick, Fredericton, 131 recs.
Benedict, B. Connell Herbarium Specimen Database Download 2004. Connell Memorial Herbarium, University of New Brunswick. 2004.
Scott, Fred W. 1998. Updated Status Report on the Cougar (Puma Concolor couguar) [ Eastern population]. Committee on the Status of Endangered
Wildlife in Canada, 298 recs.
Lepage, D. 2009. Maritime Breeding Bird Atlas Database. Bird Studies Canada, Sackville NB, 143,498 recs.
Hinds, H.R. 2000. Flora of New Brunswick (2nd Ed.). University New Brunswick, 694 pp.
Erskine, A.J. 1999. Maritime Nest Records Scheme (MNRS) 1937-1999. Canadian Wildlife Service, Sackville, 313 recs.
Clayden, S.R. 1998. NBM Science Collections databases: vascular plants. New Brunswick Museum, Saint John NB, 19759 recs.
Bouchard, A. Herbier Marie-Victorin. Universite de Montreal, Montreal QC. 1999.
Benedict, B. Connell Herbarium Specimens, Digital photos. University New Brunswick, Fredericton. 2005.
Basquill, S.P. 2003. Fieldwork 2003. Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre, Sackville NB, 69 recs.
Amirault, D.L. 1995. Atlantic Canada Conservation Area Database (ARCAD).
Crain, D. 2007. Protected Natural Areas digital map. NBDNRE.
Appendix B
Mapping from Archaeological Services
65°50'0"W
4
ClDl-1
Ñ
Ó
Ñ
Ó
Legend
Ñ
Ó
o
o
!
Cemeteries 1
PlaneCrashApproxNov2010
PlaneCrashNov2010
Historic Period Sites
Precontact Sites
Protohistoric Sites
)
"
ë
ë
Unspecified Sites
Recorded Shipwrecks
Suspected Shipwrecks
New Brunswick Portage Routes
HistoricBuffer
PreconBuffer
ShipwrecksBuffer
UnknownBuffer
waterbody
Ñ
Ó
WATER_CODE
wetland
<all other values>
AQ
LK
ON
PN
RV
SL
watercourse
WATERCOURS
WA
<all other values>
1
2
High Potential
Medium Potential
NewBrunswickPortageRoutes_Bu
Predicted Flow Channel
Slope_demnb2
<VALUE>
Alluvial Sediments
0 - 25.36652904
25.36652905 - 60.23010614
60.23010615 - 72.92877099
72.928771 - 77.50883873
77.50883874 - 80.67965486
80.67965487 - 83.85047099
83.850471 - 89.83979034
0
0.4
0.8
1.6
2.4
3.2
Kilometers
65°50'0"W
Time: 12:56:24 PM
Date: 24/10/2011

Development Plan for the Belledune Industrial Harbour Sector

Transcription

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