Canada Begins Gazoduq Impact Assessment

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) said July 17 it had begun its impact assessment for the 780-km Gazoduq pipeline project to connect TC Energy’s existing mainline gas transmission system in northeastern Ontario to the proposed Energie Saguenay LNG project in Quebec.

Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s environment minister, has referred the impact assessment to an integrated review panel comprised of representatives of the IAAC and the Canada Energy Regulator.

Under federal regulations, the review panel must complete its assessment within 300 days unless the IAAC determines it will need additional time.

Based on several factors, including the potential for adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, potential environmental impacts on the public and the potential for impacts to the rights, health, social and economic conditions of indigenous populations, the IAAC has extended the 300-day time limit to 420 days.

Under that schedule, the review panel will have 345 days to submit its assessment report to Wilkinson, after which the IAAC will have 75 days to post recommendations that would assist the minister in establishing conditions with respect to a decision statement. The minister will then have 90 days to issue a decision statement.

The time limit may be further extended should the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic affect the ability of the panel to engage with the public and indigenous communities.