Using a set of criteria and indicators, the evaluation will identify the preferred route for the Community Access Road, temporary infrastructure and aggregate sources with the least potential for negative effects, greatest opportunity for mitigating negative effects and greatest benefit to the community. Alternatives #1 and #4 will be evaluated against the following (which are listed in no particular order):
Natural Environment
- Air quality;
- Noise;
- Peatlands;
- Physiography, Geology, Terrain and Soils;
- Surface water (e.g., lakes, rivers, ponds, creeks) and groundwater;
- Significant ecological features and protected sites;
- Vegetation communities, including wetlands and muskeg;
- Wildlife and fish; and
- Species at Risk.
Socio-economic and Cultural Heritage
- Archaeological sites;
- Community wellbeing;
- Community services and infrastructure;
- Changes to land use and access for industrial / commercial business activity; and
- Human Health.
Technical
- Route length;
- Aggregate availability;
- Construction implementation;
- Capital cost;
- Safety; and
- Maintenance cost.
Indigenous Knowledge
- Traditional use of land and resources, including Indigenous and Treaty Rights;
- Cultural and spiritual sites;
- Indigenous landscapes; and
- Reserve land.
The criteria represents important features and are used to predict whether the proposed Community Access Road may result in effects on the environment or people through its construction and operation.
Are there other criteria you suggest we consider?