Science Response 2013/015

Zonal Review of Emera Newfoundland and Labrador Maritime Link Environmental Assessment Report

Context

Fisheries and Oceans Canada's (DFO) Habitat Management Division is reviewing an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed construction and operation of a new 500 megawatt (+/-200 kV) high voltage current transmission line, and associated infrastructure, from Granite Canal, Newfoundland, to Woodbine, Nova Scotia, to determine if the project is likely to result in negative impacts to fish and fish habitat. As a potential responsible authority under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA), DFO is required to assess and make a determination of the significance of the environmental effects associated with the project. DFO Habitat Management has asked DFO Science to review both the draft and final EA reports.

The specific questions from Habitat Management to DFO Science were:

• Is the information provided in the report accurate and complete, especially in relation to sections:
  • 4.0 Environmental Setting - Subsection 4.2 
  • 7.0 Cabot Strait - Subsections 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3
  • 10.0 Accidents and Malfunctions - Subsections 10.9
• Does the information provided support the scientific conclusions, especially in relation to the potential effects associated with electrical and magnetic fields (EMF)?
• What additional mitigation and monitoring could address these potential effects?

This Science Response Report results from two Zonal Science Response Processes: Review of Emera Newfoundland and Labrador Maritime Link Environmental Assessment Report: Part 1 – Review of Draft of November 6, 2012, and Review of Emera Newfoundland and Labrador Maritime Link Environmental Assessment Report: Part 2 – Review of Final of February 6, 2013). A disposition table that lists the proponent’s response to comments received from regulators during the initial review of the draft EA was also provided for consideration in the February review. DFO’s Science Response Process was used to review the draft and final EA reports (including disposition table) and provide input due to the short deadline for advice and the fact that the advice will contribute to a broader CEAA process.

The conclusion of the DFO Science review of the final EA is that the scientific content related to electromagnetic field predictions associated with the subsea cables and grounding stations is generally considered to be sound. However, the proposed location of the grounding station in St. George’s Bay, NL, remains a concern for Atlantic Salmon and American Eels.  Although many of DFO Science’s comments on the draft EA have been addressed in the final EA and associated disposition table, some gaps remain for several key areas of concern. In particular, there continues to be insufficient characterization of: the biology and potential effects on sensitive species such as marine mammals, Leatherback Turtles and Atlantic Salmon; the potential effects of shore-based electrode and grounding facilities on sensitive migratory species (e.g., Atlantic Salmon), especially during monopolar operation; timing of all in-water activities in relation to the timing of peak migration and migrations routes for sensitive species such as marine mammals, Leatherback Turtles and Atlantic Salmon; and cumulative effects.  These gaps impact DFO Science’s ability to evaluate the validity of the EA conclusions and propose potential additional mitigation or monitoring.

Where specific mitigation and monitoring practices have been proposed to reduce uncertainty and risk, such as behavioural monitoring programs for electromagnetic sensitive species, sufficient monitoring, verification and enforcement processes may be necessary to ensure the effectiveness of these practises. Also, logistical challenges, likelihood of success, determination of significance of effects, and possible remediation actions associated with mitigation and monitoring programs should be clearly communicated.

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