SOCIAL
Aboriginal Community: Impacts
What was done to identify potential impacts?
- Research was done prior to Environmental Assesment on what potential Aboriginal rights and titles were in effect, whether the land was known to be used for resource, traditional land, physical and cultural heritage uses.
- Aboriginal communities were involved in feedback, addition of concerns to be investigated and increased knowledge on any known historical or cultural value of the site
- Effects Assessment was carried out: A matrix of individual project activities was contrasted with potential effects to surrounding First Nations (See images below)
- Physical and Cultural site assessment was performed: experience and professional judgement of specialists were involved to evaluate the potential historical value of the site
Areas of interest for the Scoping of Impacts
Traditional Land and Resource Use
The assessment and aboriginal engagement revealed that there were no Aboriginal rights or titles, current use of land and/or resources, or impacts to traditional land use activities or physical and cultural heritage resources resulting from the project Also,the area was not found to include social, economic, archaeological, cultural and/or spiritual significance to the surrounding Aboriginal communities. |
Ceremonial Sites and Significant Features
Some archaeological artifacts of concern to the aboriginal community and their heritage were found in areas within the SSA: These are relevant for the understanding of Aboriginal history, for research or public education, and for the spiritual and cultural meaning to first nations. However, although this archaeological information suggested that Aboriginal communities had hunted and gathered in the area in the past, no historical evidence of settlement or cultural practices were found. Therefore, aboriginal leaders did show interest in this information during meetings, but did not show any additional concern relative to it. |
Aboriginal Community Characteristics
Community characteristics were concluded to not be adversely affected by the project due to the far proximity of Aboriginal community residents. Aboriginal leaders participating in the discussion agreed with this conclusion. |
Mitigation Measures
The building of new reactors will take place entirely on lands already owned by OPG. Furthermore, the Darlington Nuclear plant has been in operation for many years now. Therefore, no new significant impacts directly affecting the Aboriginal communities themselves were identified through both the Environmental Assessment carried out by OPG and through Aboriginal engagement programs. Consequently, no mitigation measures were put in place.
The building of new reactors will take place entirely on lands already owned by OPG. Furthermore, the Darlington Nuclear plant has been in operation for many years now. Therefore, no new significant impacts directly affecting the Aboriginal communities themselves were identified through both the Environmental Assessment carried out by OPG and through Aboriginal engagement programs. Consequently, no mitigation measures were put in place.
Added Concerns Raised by the Aboriginal Communities
Although no impacts directly affecting the surrounding Aboriginal Communities were raised by the Environmental Impact Statement, a DOCUMENT written by the Alderville First Nations chief in 2011, raised concerns in regards to environmental effects resulting from the project:
The First Nation communities supported the recommendation in which OPG will be required to implement follow-up and monitoring programs and respect the mandatory standards, thereby continuously assuring the protection of lands, fish and their habitats, aquatic life, human life, wildlife and the environment .
They also acknowledged that OPG had adequately involved them in regards to their concerns on their archeological concerns (See "Ceremonial Sites and Significant Features" title above). Meetings were held to discuss the possible archaeological repercussions of the excavation stages during the construction period of the site. They agree that their concerns have been satisfactorily adressed and met.
The question on the amount of employment opportunities that will be available was also raised during meetings. The First Nations communities expect and anticipate a greater inclusion of aboriginal candidates for employment perspectives.
Although no impacts directly affecting the surrounding Aboriginal Communities were raised by the Environmental Impact Statement, a DOCUMENT written by the Alderville First Nations chief in 2011, raised concerns in regards to environmental effects resulting from the project:
- mitigation and handling of accidents/disasters;
- water quality and quantity;
- migratory birds, wildlife and species at risk;
- fish/fish habitat;
- aquatic life;
- archaeology matters as required
- employment and training opportunities.
The First Nation communities supported the recommendation in which OPG will be required to implement follow-up and monitoring programs and respect the mandatory standards, thereby continuously assuring the protection of lands, fish and their habitats, aquatic life, human life, wildlife and the environment .
They also acknowledged that OPG had adequately involved them in regards to their concerns on their archeological concerns (See "Ceremonial Sites and Significant Features" title above). Meetings were held to discuss the possible archaeological repercussions of the excavation stages during the construction period of the site. They agree that their concerns have been satisfactorily adressed and met.
The question on the amount of employment opportunities that will be available was also raised during meetings. The First Nations communities expect and anticipate a greater inclusion of aboriginal candidates for employment perspectives.
Please refer to the Aboriginal Interests Technical Support Document, for more information.