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
Erosion and Sediment Control Failure may occur during any phase of the Project due to
extreme precipitation events. Such an event could result in the erosion of in-situ soils, resulting
in a release of sediment to receiving watercourses. This could affect the VECs described above
through changes to water quality, and potential adverse environmental effects to fish and fish
habitat.
Standard erosion and sediment control measures, including the use of sediment and silt
fencing, check dams, placement of rip-rap and geotextiles, as outlined in the conditions of
NB Power’s WAWA permit (Conditions of Approval No. 10, 11, 13, 15, 16 and 21) will be
followed. Inspection and monitoring of erosion and sediment control measures will be
conducted daily during all phases of the Project, particularly during and after extreme
precipitation events that result in visible overland flow of water. Erosion and sediment control
structures found to be damaged will be repaired immediately and any other remedial action will
be taken as necessary.
In consideration of planned and existing mitigation, the potential adverse environmental effects
on Water Resources, the Aquatic Environment, Land use and Economy, Heritage Resources,
and Current Use of Land and Resources for Traditional Purposes by Aboriginal Persons from an
unplanned Erosion and Sediment Control Failure are rated not significant.
4.4.3.5 Fire
Fire has the potential to interact with the Atmospheric Environment, the Terrestrial Environment,
Land Use and Economy, and Current Use of Land and Resources for Traditional Purposes by
Aboriginal Persons, as indicated by their ranking of 1 in Table 4.6. There is a heightened
potential for Fire during Construction activities due to the nature of the Project and increased
activity at the site. There are no features of the future Operation of the Project that would
increase the risk of Fire compared to the current operation of the NFGS. The potential
environmental effects of Fire during future Decommissioning and Abandonment activities will be
assessed in a future Decommissioning and Abandonment plan.
A Project-related Fire could occur during any phase of the Project due to an equipment
accident, human carelessness, or natural causes such as a forest Fire under dry conditions, but
the potential for occurrence is greater during Construction of the Project due to increased
human activity on the site. If a Fire were to occur as a result of the Project, the immediate
concern would be for human health and safety; additional concerns include habitat loss, direct
mortality to wildlife, and loss or damage of property. The emissions from a Fire would likely
consist mainly of smoke (particulate matter) and CO 2 , but could also include CO, NO x , SO 2 , and
other products of incomplete combustion. A large Fire could cause air pollution and possible air
contaminant levels greater than the ambient air quality standard over distances of several
kilometres, but such cases would be of short duration and are not expected to occur.
Proper materials management (i.e., of fuel and other hazardous materials) and operational
procedures (i.e., storage, handling and transfer) in accordance with NB Power’s Emergency
Response Plan – Spills (NB Power 2010b) will reduce the potential for, and extent of, accidental
Page 70 June 15, 2011