WORKSHOPS

Below is a list of all of the workshops, categorized by key areas, presented at Northern Ontario First Nations Environment Conference 2013. A short synopsis of each of the events, detailing the contents of the workshop is provided as well as copies of the presentations where available.

The key areas are Environmental Assessment, Mineral Development, and Fuel Handling and Storage Practices.

Environmental Assessment

This stream will provide delegates with a better understanding of Environmental Assessments (EAs) and how they apply to our First Nations through the following anticipated topics:

Introduction to Environmental Assessments

Delegates will gain an understanding of the difference between Environmental Site Assessments and Environmental Assessments (Phase I, II, and III), and be provided with an overview of the Provincial and Federal EA requirements. Typical environmental concerns, mitigation measures and challenges in our communities will be discussed to get delegates thinking about potential environmental impacts to be considered during the EA process.
Download the Presentation (PDF)

Provincial Environmental Assessment Process

Delegates will gain a more in-depth understanding of the Provincial EA process with an opportunity for discussion with Provincial ministry representatives.
Download Nathalie Osipenko's Presentation (PDF)

Canadian Environmental Assessment Act 2012

In 2012, the new CEAA 2012 Regulations came into force. Delegates will be provided an overview on the changes to these regulations, specifically how the regulations apply for First Nation proponent projects and how the regulations incorporate Aboriginal Consultation for third party proponent projects.
For additional information please contact the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency at 416-952-1576.

AANDC Environmental Assessment Process: On-Reserve Projects

Workshop Objective:

• To provide an overview to First Nations and Tribal Councils on the recently amended Canadian Environmental Assessment Act 2012
• To understand how the CEAA 2012 environmental review process is used to evaluate proposed projects in First Nation communities.
• To become familiar with the new AANDC Environmental forms and tools
• To provide an opportunity for networking and practical discussions on best practices and process requirements for First Nations projects.

Topics covered in this workshop:

• Introduction and Objectives
• Presentation – CEAA 2012 and the AANDC Environmental Management Approach
• Overview of Tools
• Case Study A: Fuel System Upgrade and Tank Decommissioning at Sunset Lake First Nation
• Case Study B: Windfarm at Otter Bay First Nation
• Case Study C: New Water Treatment Plant at Green Lake First Nation

Download the Presentation (PDF)

Open House Showcasing Environmental Assessment Projects

In an open house format, delegates will have the chance to learn about ongoing Environmental Assessments for projects in our region. Delegates will be able to ask project proponents about the different EA steps and challenges, First Nation involvement and experiences, and also learn about the types of projects in the region undergoing EAs.

Projects to by displayed include:

Wataynikaneyap Power
Wataynikaneyap Power, a partnership between 13 First Nations and Goldcorp, is a First Nation led company working to design, permit, construct, own and operate a transmission line to bring grid connection to Pickle Lake and beyond to connect remote First Nation communities in Northwestern Ontario. The company’s vision is to provide reliable and accessible power for residents, businesses, and industry in the region and realize economic opportunities for First Nations. The company is proposing a single project with a two-phase development process with an in-service date of 2015 and 2018. The goal of the First Nations is to eventually own 100% of this important infrastructure.

Environmental Assessment Act Coverage for Forest Management on the Cat-Slate Forest
In July 2011 Cat Lake First Nation and Slate Falls Nation, in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) completed the Community Based Land Use Plan, "Niigaan Bimaadiziwin"- A Future Life. The approved Community Based Land Use Plan identifies forest management as a desired and compatible land use on the Cat-Slate Forest. Cat Lake First Nation and Slate Falls Nation (Cat Lake and Slate Falls) wish to seek Environmental Assessment (EA) Act coverage for the undertaking of forest management on the Cat-Slate Forest as the second step towards realizing a new economic development opportunity.

Windigo Technical Unit - Environmental Assessment Community Driven Winter Road Realignment/Construction
With changing weather and climate conditions a community may find the need to realign their winter road. Communities usually cannot support the cost of the work solely through community funding and may have to apply for external funding. The realignment of winter roads on Crown Land generally requires a Work Permit under the Public Lands Act. Additionally external funders often require proof of a work permit prior to any funding being considered. This project details one such process.

Springpole Gold Access Corridor Project
Gold Canyon Resources Inc. is currently working through an Environmental Assessment under the Ministry of Natural Resources Resource Stewardship and Facility Development Projects (Category C) to construct a winter operational grade access road to their Springpole Gold Project, located near Springpole Lake, northwest Ontario. Provincial approvals required under this EA include a Letter of Authority for road construction and minor water crossings under the Public Lands Act and Lakes and Rivers Improvements Act; a Land Use Permit for the access corridor and under the Public Lands Act; an Overall Benefit Permit for impacts to woodland caribou under the Species at Risk Act; and a Forest Resource License to harvest Crown owned timber under the Crown Forest Sustainability Act. Consultation and development of this Project were initiated in February 2012. The project is currently under final review by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Environment.

Environmental Assessment: Hot Topics

If you decided to do one of the other streams but were interested in learning about environmental assessments, this is your chance to get a summary from the training.

Fuel, Mining and EAs: How These Relate to Environmental & Source Water Protection

Download the Presentation (PDF)

-- Return to Top --

Mineral Development

The Mineral development training stream will provide participants with an Environmental certificate in Mineral Exploration and Development. The focus of the stream will be to raise awareness of how to become meaningfully involved in the mineral development industry while focusing on environmental issues and impacts and how delegates can relate their training to the exploration projects in their regions.

Participants’ will increase their understanding and awareness of the exploration sequence and the new mining act regulations, as well as building an awareness of how to address the potential environmental impacts to this type of resource development.

NOFNEC has chosen to provide this stream of training in hopes of building more grass roots participation in community information sessions and consultations at their community level, along with a better understanding of how, when and where leadership and community members can get involved. NOFNEC also hopes to prepare more confident and qualified community members in applying for local positions in this field.

Training and information in the stream will be delivered in part by FN peers, Government, Industry and Technical Tribal Council advisory staff, and will likely include the following topics:

Mining 101: Exploration Sequence

Will include information ranging from prospecting to site closure and monitoring and will incorporate when, where and how to address environmental concerns.

New Mining Act Changes

How Aboriginal Communities can participate, icluding a focus on Aboriginal engagement and environmental awareness. As well as compliance and monitoring and how it is regulated at each stage.
Download the Presentation (PDF)
Phase II Mining Act Modernization

Plans & Permitting Process

Will detail the New MNDM Plans and Permitting process including what level of First Nation participation is expected and how to address environmental concerns with mitigation measures.

CLAIMaps/MAAP

An introduction to using CLAIMaps (online system), and Mining act awareness certification for prospectors and claim holders.

Environmental Compliance

Claim/Land Issues

Mineral Development: Hot Topics

If you decided to do one of the other streams but were interested in learning about mineral development, this is your chance to get a summary from the training.

Mineral Development: Links and Reference

The Mining Act
MNDM Mineral Site
Mining Act Awareness Program (MAAP)
MNDM ClaimMaps
MNDM Geo Claims
Plans and Permits
PDAC National Guidelines on Exploration and Environmental Stewardship
MOE Regulations for Mineral Exploration
Provincial Standards for Early Exploration
Aboriginal Consultation Report Template
Exploration Permit Application Template
Exploration Plan Template

-- Return to Top --

Fuel Handling and Storage Practices

Two and a half days will be spent learning about daily safety amp; handling practices and new fuel regulations for on-reserve tank systems.

Fuel Handling Case Studies

We’ll present examples and work as a group to identify all the steps of safe fuel handling On-Reserve. This will give us a chance to hear from each other and compare stories.

Site Operation & Tours/Site Operation Challenges

An operations tour will be scheduled at a local fuel supplier site where daily fuel handling & management practices will be demonstrated. The tour will be followed up with discussions about challenges in operating a fuel system/bulk farm.

Waste Oil Management

What do you do with your waste oil? Learn ways to collect, store, and dispose of your community waste oil safely and economically for the benefit of everyone.

Fuel Handling - Record Keeping

Environment Canada is starting to send out their Field Officers to do inspections on tank systems. As part of the new regulations, record keeping is an absolute must; with no records the tank owner faces a big fine and/or can be charged. Here’s an opportunity to learn how to fill out the forms. We’ll also send you home with materials to help you keep organized in case you get a surprise visit from an Inspector!
Download the Presentation Forms

Winter Road Fuel Handling & Product Transfer Areas

Learn from those experienced in the field on how to safely and easily transfer fuel while operating on the winter road. There will also be lessons about other hazardous fluids related to working with heavy equipment.

PTAs, as they’re called, are now required under the new regulations so that fuel spills do not happen – or are contained if they do happen, during delivery transfers. Get some ideas on what PTA would be best for your tank or tank system and how much it may cost.
Download the Presentation (PDF)

Fuel Handling - Environment Canada FIRSTS Database

In order to receive fuel On-Reserve every tank (or tank system, bigger than 2500L) needs an Environment Canada registration number; no fuel supplier is allowed to sell you fuel without this number. Here you will learn how to:
• fill out a paper registration form (and the technical terms);
• access the online system for all your community tank info amp; numbers;
• how/when to add/delete/change information;
• and who to contact if you need help.

Emergency Planning

New government regulations require every fuel system to have an emergency plan. This workshop will help you make your own emergency plan so you know what needs to be included, where it should be stored, and how to follow in case of an emergency.

Air Delivery Fuel Safety

With air traffic increasing at our airports we need to be sure airlines, fuel suppliers, industry and other users take responsibility for safe handling of fuel. We’ll walk through who is responsible for what, and how to be sure policies/regulations/standards are followed so people and the environment are protected.

Fuel Handling and Storage Practices: Hot Topics

If you decided to do one of the other streams but were interested in learning about fuel handling, this is your chance to get a summary from the training.

-- Return to Top --