As we prepare for the upcoming public hearing on SR1, there are key milestones being achieved in other regulatory streams as well — and all are critical to the success of SR1.
Draft Environmental Assessment Report and draft potential conditions
On January 4, 2021, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) released its draft Environmental Assessment Report (EAR) and draft potential conditions on the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir project and invited feedback up until February 3, 2021.
Alberta Transportation’s response recommended changes focused on primarily:
- how the federal government characterizes First Nations rights; changes to ensure the EAR “represent[s] the Government of Alberta’s current policies and legislation”
- conditions that relate to follow-up and monitoring programs
CRCAG filed a response on behalf of our membership, essentially requesting that the project not be delayed any further.
Once the IAAC issues its final EAR, the project can proceed to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change for approval.
AEP deems Environmental Impact Assessment complete
On February 3, 2021, AEP confirmed it had deemed the EIA complete, pursuant to Section 53 of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.
This determination of EIA completeness does not represent acceptance or approval of the proposed project. The EIA report has been referred to the natural resources conservation board who will issue a decision as to whether the project may proceed further in the regulatory process.
-Alberta Environment and Parks
Once NRCB approval is secured, the provincial regulatory review can progress to conclusion, followed by provincial cabinet approval of the project.
Currently Alberta Transportation has acquired apx. 20% of the land required for the project. We understand land discussions are ongoing and although voluntary sales are preferred, expropriation is an option. You can read more about that process here: Land Compensation Board – Expropriation process.
Construction will take two years to partially ready and three years to fully ready. Best case scenario: we have partial protection for the 2023 flood season.
You can read the February 2021 SR1 newsletter update from the province here.
If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to info@crcactiongroup.com.
Regards,
Your CRCAG Board