Tsay Keh Dene Biomass Energy Project

Latest update text:

October 27, 2023 - Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and Infrastructure Canada (INFC) issued their Notice of Determination, which indicated that the Tsay Keh Dene Biomass Energy Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Notice of Determination text:

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and Infrastructure Canada (INFC) have determined that the Tsay Keh Dene Biomass Energy Project (the Project) is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

This determination was based on a consideration of the following factors:

• Changes to the environment and the impact of these changes on the Indigenous peoples of Canada and on health conditions resulting from project activities;
• Impacts on rights of Indigenous peoples;
• Comments received from the public;
• Technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

Potential project impacts identified include:

• Creation of dust or mud during excavation;
• Creation of earth stockpiles during excavation;
• Displacement of an artefact that is of historical, archaeological, paleontological, or architectural significance during excavation;
• Accidents during concrete delivery;
• Accidents caused by moving and operating heavy equipment during construction and plant operation;
• Accidents due to the presence of energized equipment on-site;
• Accidents caused by high pressure and temperature thermal oil in the plant.

Mitigation measures considered for this determination include:

• Dampening of dust during excavation and bunding/tarping stockpiles if necessary;
• Disposing of contaminated soils in accordance with provincial regulations if they are discovered.
• Implementing appropriate measures if physical or cultural heritage features or structures, sites, or things of historical, archaeological, paleontological, or architectural significance are discovered during excavation;
• Setting up a bunded mixing area and ensuring appropriate delivery and handling of concrete.
• Fencing off the site and ensuring signage exists;
• Ensuring correct personal protective equipment (PPE) is used by workers during construction and operation of the plant;
• Ensuring that all heavy machinery is in good working order before entering the construction sites to avoid potential leaks;
• Ensuring no public access to site during plant operation to mitigate potential accidents.
• Cordoning off safe walking areas and truck routes during plant operation;
• Ensuring that thorough commissioning and training processes are in place to ensure safe operation of the plant;
• Designing plant to meet the requirements of Technical Safety BC.

NRCan and INFC are satisfied that the carrying out of the Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, and thus are able to provide financial assistance to the Proponent to undertake the Project.