Biodiversity Impact Studies - Northwestern Ontario Region: Baseline Program Design

Provide information on key biodiversity values and ecosystem function and services in the area to inform the APM Project design, and to ensure that the APM Project could be built in compliance with applicable regulations; 1 Since the APM Project-specific TISG will not be released until after the Project Description has been submitted, Zoetica will follow the general guidelines presented in the Tem. [...] The BPPA Report provided: initial scoping and rationale for potential biodiversity valued components (VCs), research and justification for best practices and preferred approaches for the BIS Program, and included a well-researched guidance document to select the most appropriate methods for conducting baseline data collection, the biodiversity IA, and the cumulative effects assessment. [...] The development of the baseline studies and IA will involve continued and ongoing engagement and dialogue with interested and potentially affected communities to ensure that the program adequately reflects and incorporates feedback received. [...] The results of the BIS Program will be discussed with stakeholders and rights-holders such that there is a better understanding of potential effects of the APM Project on biodiversity and ecosystem function and services as they relate to ecology and community values. [...] These concerns centred on the need for honesty and transparency of activities and studies conducted on behalf of the NWMO, facilitated by publicly accessible data, engagement with and involvement of local communities (especially with regard to engagement, training, and employment opportunities), the consideration of local input and knowledge in the design of the environmental baseline programs, po.