Terms of Reference
Review of Habitat Evaluation Procedure (HEP) input parameters and model results for the Meadowbank Gold Mine Project
Regional Science Response Process – Central and Arctic Region
April 2016
Winnipeg, MB
Chairperson: Eva Enders
Context
The Habitat Evaluation Procedure (HEP) model is a tool used in environmental impact assessments to document and budget habitat losses and gains. Habitat Units (HU) are outputs of the HEP model and are estimated as the product of the quantity and quality of each habitat category. Habitat quality is assessed through use of Habitat Suitability Indices (HSIs) for fish species occurring in the system. The HSI value (between 0 and 1) is derived from an evaluation of the ability of key habitat components to provide the species’ requirements. The reliability of HEP and the significance of HUs are dependent on assigning well-defined and accurate HSIs to the species, habitat categories, additional cofactors, and weighting parameters under investigation.
Under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and Nunavut Project Planning and Assessment Act, Project Certificates issued by the Nunavut Impact Review Board for mining projects in Nunavut must, upon closure and reclamation of the project, compensate/offset appropriately for the loss of fish and fish habitat. Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. is using an adapted HEP model for multiple projects in Nunavut. The adapted HEP model uses HSIs from the literature, and newly developed fish species weightings. As part of the Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) review and authorization, the Fisheries Protection Program (FPP) has requested Science peer review of the HEP model presented as part of the Phaser Lake Offsetting Plan. Science was also asked to calculate the appropriate offset ratio for any lost productivity due to the timing of losses and delayed offsets.
Objectives
The objectives of the peer review are:
- to evaluate whether the HSIs, habitat categories, additional cofactors, and weighting parameters used in the HEP model for the Fish Habitat Offsetting Plan: Phaser Lake (2016) and Meadowbank No Net Loss Plan (2012) are scientifically valid and a defensible approach to calculating loss and gain for projects; and
- to calculate the offset ratio to account for lost productivity.
Expected Publication
- Science Response
Expected Participation
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Science, and Ecosystems and Fisheries Management sectors)
- Academia
- Date modified: