HomeEnvironmental Assessment Purpose
The different levels of government responsible for planning and managing Canada’s Capital Region (CCR) have long been aware of the transportation challenges we face. To thrive in the 21st century, we need to thoroughly evaluate these challenges and all potential solutions that best address the needs of the region, while keeping in mind the principles of sustainable development.
Recognizing the importance of integrated transportation planning in CCR, and based on past studies, the National Capital Commission (NCC), the Ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ) and the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO), with technical support from the City of Ottawa and Ville de Gatineau, formed a partnership to conduct an environmental assessment of new interprovincial transportation infrastructure in CCR.
This environmental assessment is part of ongoing long-term planning by federal, provincial and municipal authorities in CCR. It is an important step toward the enhancement of interprovincial and regional transportation.
The purpose of the Study is to examine all reasonable options to improve interprovincial transportation capacity across the Ottawa River to address long term needs.
The Study is made up of two phases. Phase 1, which was completed in early 2009, assessed and confirmed the need and justification for future crossing(s) of the Ottawa River between the City of Ottawa and the Ville de Gatineau. The Study developed, evaluated and ranked alternative options. This has led to a short list of recommended locations and alignments for the Study of future interprovincial crossings and associated roadway connections.
The Phase 2 procurement strategy for consultant services was divided into 2 steps: (i) Phase 2A –Provision of services for a Study Design and Scoping Document including public consultation; and (ii) Phase 2B-Provision of remaining environmental assessment services.
Now at Phase 2, the Study is looking more closely at the three locations which received the highest ratings at Phase 1:
- Kettle Island
- Lower Duck Island
- Gatineau Airport/McLaurin Bay.
The Phase 2 procurement strategy for consultant services will be divided into 2 steps: (i) Phase 2A –Provision of services for a Study Design and Scoping Document including public consultation; and (ii) Phase 2B-Provision of remaining environmental assessment services.
Phase 2A of the Study was launched in the Fall of 2009 and was completed in June 2010.
The primary focus of Phase 2A was to consult with communities stakeholders and members of the public to obtain their input into the development of the Study Design, a document that outlines the methodology that will be used at Phase 2B to select a bridge location and CEA Scoping document that will be used in Phase 2B. No decision on a new bridge location was taken at Phase 2A.
Phase 2B’s mandate includes the provision of remaining environmental assessment services. Deliverables consist of:
- An EA Study, in accordance with the Study Design Report developed in Phase 2A. This includes documentation of existing conditions; preliminary design drawings; scoping of issues and parameters; detailed evaluation criteria; results of evaluation alternatives; identification of mitigation measures and enhancement opportunities; environmental management plans; property requirements; cost estimates; results of consultations with stakeholders including the public; and recommended Project corridor including implementation strategy; and
- A Screening Report: The Screening Report is the decision document of the expert and regulatory federal departments respecting their joint position on the significance of potential adverse environmental effects with mitigation. Generally, the Screening Report presents a summary of the major issues addressed in the environmental assessment and may reject, modify or add to the mitigation measures by the consultant following its completion of the environmental assessment.
Related Link: Read more about the Environmental Assessment