Environmental Licensing

On January 30, 2009, ESRA filed its application to begin the process for undertaking the environmental licensing process for the construction of the all-weather road to Berens River. This is the first step in proceeding with obtaining necessary environmental approvals .

The proposed alignment for the road extension in the vicinity of Bloodvein River crossing overlaps the western edge of Atikaki Provincial Park requiring an adjustment to the present park boundary. A notice of Environmental Act Proposal was published in the Winnipeg Free Press on Saturday, March 21, 2009.

Before construction can begin, federal and provincial approval has to be obtained through preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and other permits.

An EIA is a study that is prepared for large infrastructure project which could cause environmental, social, cultural or economic impacts. An EIA is used to assess the significance of benefits and impacts on the environment and communities and their way of life. If impacts are assessed, the project design will be altered to ensure that these impacts are mitigated, reduced or eliminated.

To undertake the EIA for the all-season road from PR 304 to Berens River first Nation, ESRA has enlisted SNC-Lavalin. As part of the undertaking, SNC will undertake public engagement, project definition, environmental assessment and the preparation of an EIA.

As part of this process, all identified issues will be studied in great detail by qualified individuals with the assistance and guidance of community members through community meetings and community traditional knowledge studies.

The tentative schedule for the EIA study is as follows:

  • Study started in January, 2009
  • Community meetings in March/April, 2009
  • Traditional knowledge studies in April/May, 2009
  • Assessment of environmental, social, cultural and economic benefits and impacts in May/June 2009
  • Comparison of the route options and selection of the best route in May/June and Preparation of an EIA document in July/August 2009
  • Community meetings to discuss the selected route in July, 2009
  • Submission of the EIA for government and community review in August, 2009

 

Press Release, November 5, 2009 – Environmental Impact Assessment Filed For All-Season Road Project (305kb)

Executive Summary – PR 304 to Berens River All Season Road Environmental Impact Assessment (5.47 MB)

PR 304 to Berens River All Season Road Environmental Impact Assessment – Manitoba Conservation Public Registry – www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/eal/registries/index.html

SNC Lavalin Presentation to the Communities – East Side Transportation Initiative (61 MB)

East Side Transportation Initiative Public Open House – Comment Sheet (25kb)

SNC Lavalin Newsletter – Volume 1, Issue 1 (June, 2009) (615kb)
Ojibway Translation:        http://www.eslw.snclavalin.com/ESLWrev-1-1-OJibwe.pdf
Oji-Cree Translation:        http://www.eslw.snclavalin.com/ESLWrev-1-1-OJ-cree.pdf
Cree Translation:             http://www.eslw.snclavalin.com/ESLWrev-1-1-Cree.pdf

SNC Lavalin Newsletter – Volume 2, Issue 2 (December, 2009) (608kb)
Ojibway Translation:       SNC Lavalin Newsletter – Volume 2, Issue 2 (December, 2009) (604kb)