Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA) Registration for the ...

REVISED PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) REGISTRATION
FOR THE NEPISIGUIT FALLS GENERATING STATION MODIFICATION AND REHABILITATION PROJECT
metasedimentary and mafic volcanic of the Tetagouche Group that is intersected by a series of
major and minor northeast trending faults (NBDNR 2007).
The ecodistrict is characterized by its waterways including the Jacquet, Tetagouche and
Nepisiguit Rivers. The Nepisiguit River is used for navigation and fishing, despite the presence
of natural barriers (i.e., falls) along its length. These are often portaged by those navigating the
entire system.
Forested area in the LAA consists of intermediate to mature intolerant hardwoods such as white
birch (Betula papyrifera), trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides), and red maple (Acer rubrum);
and softwood species such as red spruce (Picea rubens), black spruce (Picea mariana), balsam
fir (Abies balsamea), and scattered eastern white pine (Pinus strobus). Wildlife in the area is
not expected to be of an unusual abundance or diversity (NBDNR 2007). The LAA does not
contain any important or specialized habitat, and is typical of northern New Brunswick.
3.5.1 Wildlife
According to the AC CDC, there have been nine wildlife species (8 birds and 1 mammal) of
conservation concern have been previously observed within a 5 km radius of the PDA, of which
three species are ranked S2 or higher (AC CDC 2010).
One “regionally endangered” under NB ESA avian species, Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus
leucocephalus), was recorded in the AC CDC database as being observed within a 5 km radius
of the PDA. Bald Eagles nest in conspicuous stick nests, usually at or near the tops of large
trees, such as white pines.
Two “Threatened” under COSEWIC avian species, Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagic) and
Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) were recorded in the AC CDC database results as
being observed within a 5 km radius of the Project. The Chimney Swift typically nests in
chimneys, though other structures such as hollow tree trunks can be used, and is associated
with urban settings, though it also forages and breeds over a variety of natural habitats including
river-edge forest, the edge of tropical lowland evergreen forest and second-growth scrub. The
Common Nighthawk traditionally nests on the ground in open areas such as burns and
clearcuts.
The AC CDC report recorded possible occurrences of two other rare or uncommon avian
species within a 5 km area of the Project, although no specific observations have been made.
The Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) is commonly found along rocky coasts and nests
inland up streams and rivers. The Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) can be found in
forests with open understory, especially bottomland hardwoods, riparian areas, and flooded
swamps.
Page 28 June 15, 2011