Environmental Assessment Monitoring

Environmental Assessment/Monitoring

Environmental and Socio-Economic Impact Study

SENES Consultants Limited (SENES) was retained by Utilities Kingston to undertake a route selection, environmental and socio-economic impact assessment to select a Preferred Route for the new pipeline and to identify any environmental or socio-economic impacts associated with the Preferred Route. Mitigation measures designed to minimize impacts were also developed as part of the study. The study results were documented in the following environmental report, which conforms to the OEB’s Environmental Guidelines for the Location, Construction, and Operation of Hydrocarbon Pipelines and Facilities in Ontario (Fifth Edition, 2003).

Study Process

This reinforcement pipeline is being planned in accordance with Ontario Energy Board (OEB) regulations. The OEB acts as a regulatory body to ensure that the project is in the public’s interest, that it is necessary and that it meets all health, safety and environmental standards and regulations.

In order to gain approval from the OEB, Utilities Kingston will be filing a 'Leave to Construct' application that includes the environmental report. The environmental report documents that municipal, provincial and federal agency concerns have been addressed. In addition, concerns identified by landowners and the general public must be addressed.

Once completed, the environmental report is circulated to affected municipalities, conservation authorities and the Ontario Pipeline Co-coordinating Committee (OPCC), which is a group comprised of provincial government ministries. If requested, the environmental report is also circulated to landowners adjacent to the Preferred Route and to interest groups. Prior to submission of the Leave to Construct application to the OEB, Utilities Kingston should resolve all outstanding issues. The OEB may order a written or oral hearing, based upon the complexity of the project issues and the level of public concern. This study has been prepared in three phases:

Phase 1: Environmental Inventory and Features Mapping
Phase 2: Identification of Alternative Routes and Selection of a Preliminary Preferred Route
Phase 3: Environmental Impact Assessment and Mitigation Study Along the Preferred Route

Public Involvement

Public and agency consultation is an important component of a successful study process. Early and frequent consultation with the general public and government agencies has been an integral part of this study. The objectives of the consultation process were:

to identify potentially affected parties
to provide information to the parties on relevant components of the study
to obtain input from these parties
to integrate information received into the decision-making process

Environmental Monitoring

The primary objective of environmental inspection is to ensure that all construction activities are carried out pursuant to pertinent environmental legislation, regulations and industry standards.

The primary objective of environmental monitoring during construction is to ensure that the natural and social environments are not unduly affected and that the construction site is returned to pre-construction conditions as soon as possible.

The purpose of post-construction monitoring is to ascertain the success of the restoration effort. Ultimately, the knowledge gained from inspection and monitoring can be used in future projects to avoid or minimize similar problems that may arise.