Pierre River Mine Project

TERRESTRIAL AENV SIRS 44 – 78
References
Question No. 66
Section 13.1
approximates current conditions. This is done to properly focus the EIA on the
project being proposed.
The CEMA SEWG modelling effort applies very uncertain estimates of changes
to the landscape over the next 100 years, and compares these changes to a predevelopment
scenario. While this effort is an interesting research project and a
useful long-term planning tool for the provincial government, it is not appropriate
for use in an EIA. Future scenarios with too much uncertainty do not facilitate a
realistic and useful impact assessment.
Wilson, B., J.B. Stelfox, K. Porter, M. Patriquin, M. Ingen-Housz. 2008a.
Summary of methodology for the development of the terrestrial
ecosystem management framework. 27 pp. Available online:
http://www.cemaonline.ca/component/option,com_docman/task,doc_do
wnload/gid,1486/
Wilson, B., J.B. Stelfox, M. Patriquin. 2008b. SEWG workplan facilitation and
modelling project data inputs and assumptions. 68 pp. Available online:
http://www.cemaonline.ca/component/option,com_docman/task,doc_do
wnload/gid,1487/
Request Volume 2, SIR 456a & c, Page 23-123.
In Response 456a Shell states The natural areas category used in the
heterogeneity and fragmentation analysis includes all undisturbed and reclaimed
vegetation types … This is distinguished from the human disturbed category used
in the assessment, which included cutblocks, agricultural areas and urban (e.g.,
municipalities and roads) and industrial (e.g., mines, seismic lines, well pads,
and pipelines) developments in the regional or local study areas.
66a Given that ‘natural areas’ is a term generally perceived as implying the area is
undisturbed, provide a justification for including reclaimed areas in the natural
areas category. Discuss the potential for misinterpretation given the
characterization of reclaimed areas as natural.
April 2010 Shell Canada Limited 13-53
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