The purpose of the follow-up and monitoring programs will be to assess the unness of mitigation and predicted effects in the EAR/IS and to document compliance with commitments and obligations in the approved provincial Terms of Reference (ToR) and federal Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines (TISG). Many component management plans of the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) and the Operation Environmental Management Plan (OEMP) will have monitoring and reporting requirements, either as a condition of permits and authorizations. General requirements for monitoring and reporting are outlined in Section 22.5 and Section 22.6. Once fully developed, the component management plans will include details of monitoring and reporting (if reporting is specified by conditions of project permits and authorizations).

Monitoring activities are designed to:

Verify environmental effects predictions made during the environmental assessment / impact assessment for the Project.
Provide data with which to evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation measures undertaken.
Provide data with which to implement adaptive management measures for improving future environmental protection activities.
Document additional measures of adaptive measures to improve future environmental protection activities.
Document compliance with required conditions in positive decisions under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act (EA Act) and federal Impact Assessment Act (IA Act) and as stipulated in others regulator permits and authorizations.

Results from the monitoring and follow-up programs will be provided as appropriate to Indigenous communities and groups, the public, government agencies, and stakeholders. The proponent and its consultants will consider the results from the monitoring and follow-up programs and input received from Indigenous communities, regulators and others in its review of the status of the environmental protection activities on an ongoing basis, and amend programs as necessary. If the monitoring programs identify any unforeseen environmental effects or the environmental protection measures are not performing as intended, the proponent will consult qualified professionals, Indigenous communities, and appropriate regulatory authorities for recommendations on amendments. The proponent will make final decisions on adjustments to environmental activities.

The adaptive management approach will be followed whereby lessons learned and improvements identified during the inspection, monitoring and follow-up programs will be applied to continually improve subsequent environmental protection activities. The proponent will also monitor the application of action plans and emergency response procedures for environmental protection and human health and safety.

22.2 Consideration and Influence of Input Received During Engagement and Consultation Activities

The proponent will engage qualified environmental professionals to prepare specific environmental monitoring plans (e.g., fish and fish habitat, wildlife) and conduct monitoring of specific components of the environment as required with assistance from members of local Indigenous communities. These plans will be developed to meet regulatory obligations and shared with Indigenous communities and relevant federal and provincial authorities for their review and comments. Additional monitoring or adjustments to the plans will be made in consideration of the responses received.

22.3 Environmental Management Plan Framework

Management plans will be developed for the construction and operation phases of the Project. The environmental management plans are intended to provide clear direction to the proponent and its contractors on managing the potential environmental, social, health and cultural risks during construction and operations of the Project. The CEMP will provide guidance on mitigation measures that will be implemented prior to and throughout the construction phase of the Project to avoid or minimize the potential for adverse environmental effects. The OEMP will include component management plans to address potential adverse effects of operation and maintenance activities. Sections 4.6.1 and 4.6.2 outline the content of the CEMP and the OEMP, respectively. Additional details of the proposed framework for developing the CEMP and the OEMP are provided in Appendix E. The purpose of the CEMP and OEMP are to guide the proponent and its contractors in complying with applicable environmental legislation by providing criteria, standard protocols, and mitigation measures to eliminate, reduce, and/or offset potential adverse effects identified in the EAR/IS.

22.4 Environmental Protection Plan Framework

The CEMP, OEMP, and their component management plans will draw from environmental guidance, best management practices and standards, Indigenous Knowledge, input from Indigenous communities, and factor in the requirements from current Canadian laws and regulations. Webequie First Nation, or the proponent for construction and operations for the Project, will develop a Sustainability Plan which will be an integral part of the CEMP and OEMP and will include sustainability objectives, metrics, and targets, as well as monitoring and reporting processes, and adaptive management framework.

Sections 6 to 20 and Appendix E of the EAR/IS describe the environmental protection measures to be implemented during the construction of the Project to eliminate or reduce the potential adverse effects on valued components (VCs). The CEMP, OEMP and Sustainability Plan will include additional mitigation measures, detail environmental management plans, and will incorporate the following:

Commitments made during the regulatory review process including information requests (IRs);
Regulatory permit and approval conditions; and
Ongoing engagement and consultation with Indigenous communities and groups, the public, government agencies, and stakeholders.

22.5 Environmental Monitoring and Inspection During Construction

An objective of construction monitoring is to ensure avoidance of direct impacts on traditional activities and will include a presence of relevant Indigenous community members (e.g., Webequie First Nation) to ensure at local level that no traditional sites of value and/or interest are adversely affected during construction. Monitoring of erosion and sediment control measures, groundwater, surface water, wildlife, noise, emissions/discharges and waste will be conducted during construction. Post-construction vegetation restoration and rehabilitation will be also implemented where required.

The proponent for the construction phase of the Project will develop a CEMP that will consist of environmental protection measures and monitoring requirements to be undertaken as stipulated in this EAR/IS and conditions of other permits/approvals for the Project. Environmental Monitor(s) (EMs) will be tasked with monitoring construction activities and the effectiveness of environmental mitigation measures during construction. The EMs will assess compliance with federal and provincial laws, project permit conditions, and the CEMP. Contents of the CEMP and its component management plans are outlined in Section 2.2 of Appendix E.

22.6 Environmental Monitoring and Inspection During Operations

An ongoing follow-up monitoring program (post-construction) will be implemented during the operations phase of the Project for many valued components (e.g., wildlife, wetlands/peatlands, fish/fish habitat, etc.). This monitoring will be in addition to the routine monitoring and inspections of the road components (bridges, culverts, etc.) conducted by the road operator.

The road operator of the Webequie Supply Road will develop an OEMP that will describe the environmental monitoring requirements and protocols, compliance management and environmental auditing to be undertaken during the operations phase of the Project. This will include the use of qualified EMs and/or Subject Matter Experts tasked with implementing and documenting the required follow-up monitoring programs (e.g., surface water, peatlands, wildlife, etc.) and assessing compliance with federal and provincial laws, project permit conditions, and the mitigation measures identified in this EAR/IS (refer to Appendix E) including the environmental protection measures and best management practices contained in the OEMP. Outlines of the OEMP and its component management plans are provided in Section 2.2 of Appendix E.

22.7 Framework for Follow-up and Monitoring Programs

The Project invites community members to participate in developing and implementing monitoring programs to assess the effectiveness of proposed mitigation measures to address potential adverse effects to the environment. Where effects are considered unacceptable and/or based on concerns raised by Indigenous community members or other stakeholders, further mitigation options will be considered by the road operator in consultation with Indigenous communities and stakeholders.

Follow-up and monitoring programs specific to VCs will be developed as part of the CEMP and OEMP with inputs from further engagement and consultation with Indigenous communities and will address conditions specified in project permits, authorizations and Notice of Decisions under the EA Act and/or IA Act.

The proposed follow-up and monitoring activities recommended for VCs during the EA/IA are outlined in VC-specific sections of the EAR/IS and are summarized in Table 22‑1.

Table 22‑1: Summary of Proposed Follow-up and Monitoring Programs

Valued Component	Potential Effects / Net Effects / Cumulative Effects	Overview of Follow-up / Monitoring Program	Associated Management Plan(s)
Geology, Terrain and Soils	Change to geology and geochemistry;Alteration of topography and terrain;Change to soil quality;Loss of soil resources;Change to geology and geochemistry;Alterations of topography and terrain;Change to soil quality; and Loss of soil resources.	Inspect active aggregate pit and quarries frequently for geochemical and stability issues. Inspections are to be completed during rock extraction and aggregate processing activities during construction and operation of the Project.On-site construction monitoring will be required during clearing and soil salvaging and management activities to prevent unnecessary losses or contamination of soil resources.Conduct frequent inspections of required erosion and sediment control measures as required by the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan, including documentation of corrective actions. Areas more susceptible to erosion should be monitored more frequently, with particular focus prior to, and after, rainfall events.During construction, conduct regular inspections of work areas to ensure that soil management and spill prevention mitigation measures are being implemented effectively.Following completion of construction work, post-construction inspections are recommended to ensure that soil conditions along the Project Footprint have been restored and are adequately stabilized to prevent erosion.	Erosion and Sediment Control PlanSoil Management PlanSpill Prevention Plan
Surface Water Resources	Change in surface water quantity;Change in surface water quality; and Change in sediment quality.	Qualified Environmental Monitors, with representation from Indigenous communities, will be appointed to guide implementation, monitor, and report on the effectiveness of the construction procedures and mitigation measures.Surface water quality and sediment quality should be monitored, documented, and reported according to terms and conditions of the approved water taking permit (e.g., PTTW or Environmental Activity and Sector Registration [EASR]) and others permits, if applicable.Surface water sampling on a seasonal basis (e.g., spring, summer and fall) and sediment sampling on an annual basis is recommended at representative water body crossings. The monitoring and sampling programs will span pre-, during and post-construction periods (e.g., three years after construction is complete).	Erosion and Sediment Control PlanSurface Water and Storm Water Management and Monitoring PlanWater Management Plan Construction Waste Management Plan
Groundwater Resources	Change in groundwater quantity; and Change in groundwater quality.	Conduct a pre-construction survey (e.g., prior to blasting, dewatering/pumping, etc.) of the identified private well on the Webequie First Nation Reserve lands. The well survey will include completion of well questionnaires to obtain baseline conditions about the well, and collection and analysis of water samples. The well water sampling will continue throughout the construction and post-construction periods on a seasonal basis (e.g., annual, or semi-annual sampling). Qualified Environmental Monitors with representation from Indigenous communities will be appointed to guide implementation, monitor, and report on the effectiveness of the construction procedures and mitigation measures.Dewatering volumes and discharge water qualities will be monitored, documented, and reported according to terms and conditions of the approved water taking permit (e.g., PTTW or EASR) and others permits, if applicable.Groundwater level monitoring on a seasonal basis (e.g., spring, summer and fall) and groundwater sampling on an annual basis will be conducted using available monitoring wells including piezometers installed in the peatland areas. The monitoring and sampling programs will span pre-, during and post-construction periods (e.g., three years after construction is complete).	Groundwater Management Plan Construction Waste Management Plan
Atmospheric Environment	Change in air quality; Change in GHGs; and Change in sound levels.	Air Quality The Air Quality and Dust Control Management Plan will integrate a monitoring procedure for dustfall effects and measures to control or limit particulate emissions that would mostly come from the passage of vehicles on the road or the handling of soil or aggregates by mobile equipment during construction.Ongoing engagement and consultation with potentially affected Indigenous communities and groups will help identify opportunities to address concerns regarding air quality throughout construction and operations of the Project.Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)Follow-up and monitoring activities will be conducted to confirm proposed mitigation measures outlined in Section 9.4.2 to reduce GHG emissions are being implemented appropriately. Ongoing engagement and consultation with potentially affected Indigenous communities and groups is proposed to help identify opportunities to address concerns regarding GHG emissions throughout construction and operations of the Project. Noise and Vibration A noise monitoring program for the construction and operation phases of the Project is not recommended. However, response to noise complaints, if they arise, will be investigated, documented and addressed.Vibration monitoring is expected to be required for aggregate extraction sites and general construction blasting activities to align with guidelines set out by MECP, Ontario Ministry Transportation (MTO), Health Canada, Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and general industry practices, respectively. Monitoring requirements for construction blasting will be considered and assessed once detailed information regarding the blast designs is available.	Air Quality and Dust Control Management PlanConstruction Blasting Management Plan Noise and Vibration Management Plan
Fish and Fish Habitat	Destruction/Loss of fish habitat;Harmful alteration and disruption of fish habitat;Changes in fish access to habitats;Injury/Death of fish; and Changes in public access to fish habitats.	Monitoring will be conducted by qualified individual(s) during instream construction (e.g., installation of culverts or bridges) or where active water taking and discharge occurs to observe implementation and report on the effectiveness of the procedures and mitigation measures for minimizing potential effects to fish and fish habitat. Regular inspections and monitoring of installed erosion and sediment control (ESC) measures to verify they are effective and to identify corrective action(s), where applicable.Culvert monitoring programs to remove debris, prevent fish passage interruptions, and assess blockages and/or ponding. Monitoring streamflow, turbidity, total suspended solids and other related water quality parameters during construction to confirm effectiveness of ESC measures.Periodic fish community and habitat surveys to detect changes in fish assemblages.Pre- and post-construction fish habitat assessments to evaluate habitat alterations, including monitoring changes to stream morphology and substrate caused by increased sediment loads or changes in streamflow.Where a DFO Fisheries Act authorization is required, a qualified fisheries specialist will also conduct the following construction monitoring tasks, in addition to the conditions specified in the authorization:Review existing plans for the Project, including but not limited to, ESC plans, temporary flow management, dewatering plans and environmental management plans, to ensure these are being followed with the appropriate measures in-place.Confirm the mitigation measures identified in the EA/IA are being installed/implemented and maintained as designed including providing field advice and necessary corrective actions for non-compliance, and documents whether these measures are protecting fish and fish habitat effectively throughout construction.Undertake monitoring of off-setting measures outlined in the authorization, including that off-setting measures were constructed as designed.Undertake post-construction monitoring and prepare annual reporting to confirm that the off-setting measures are functioning as designed and successful in providing fish habitat.	Erosion and Sediment Control PlanFish and Fish Habitat Management PlanSurface Water and Storm Water Management and Monitoring PlanAir Quality and Dust Control Management PlanConstruction Blasting Management Vegetation and Invasive Species Management Plan
Vegetation and Wetlands	Loss or alteration of vegetation communities, species and biodiversity;Loss or alteration of wetland function;Loss or alteration of vegetation communities and plant species of conservation concern; and Loss or alteration of vegetation communities and plant species of conservation concern.	Qualified environmental inspector(s) and/or Indigenous EMs will be appointed to guide implementation, monitor, and report on the effectiveness of the construction procedures and mitigation measures.Following construction of the Project, annual reports documenting the recommended long-term restoration and monitoring programs (Section 11.4) will be submitted to the appropriate regulatory agencies and interested Indigenous communities and groups by qualified professional.A dedicated Wetlands Function Monitoring Program will be developed and implemented. Details of this proposed program are presented in Appendix K-4. A Vegetation and Wetlands Off-Setting (compensation) Program will be developed and implemented in accordance with the methodologies outlined in Sections 11.4.5 and Appendix K-3.Modifications to restoration and monitoring programs, including adaptive management actions will be implemented by the proponent, if the annual reporting identify deficiencies are occurring. For the life of the Project, if additional, unpredicted, Project-related impacts are occurring to vegetation, wetlands, swift remedial action will be undertaken by the proponent, aided by qualified professionals.	Wetlands Function Monitoring ProgramVegetation and Wetlands Off-Setting (compensation) ProgramVegetation and Invasive Species Management PlanSoil Management PlanWaste Management Plan Air Quality and Dust Control Management Plan Surface Water and Storm Water Management PlanErosion and Sediment Control PlanSite Restoration and Monitoring Plan
Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat	Wildlife habitat loss/destruction; Wildlife habitat alteration/degradation; Alteration in wildlife movement; and Wildlife injury/death.	CONSTRUCTION MONITORING Monitoring Developing and implementing a CEMP that includes detailed plans for wildlife management and monitoring.Qualified EMs are to be present on-site prior to and during construction activities. A qualified EM will conduct a daily site inspection prior to commencement of project works and activities to ensure wildlife are absent from work areas. A daily checklist will reflect completion of the inspection. Roads secured by exclusion fencing will be monitored daily for wildlife road mortalities and injuries. Wildlife road mortalities documented EM(s) or others will be submitted to a Qualified Biologist as part of a reporting protocol that will be developed and included in the CEMP and OEMP.An incidental wildlife reporting protocol will also be developed and included in the CEMP and EMP. All Species Remote Camera Monitoring will take place along the WSR right-of-way (ROW) and at reference sites to monitor the occurrence and distribution of wildlife. This program will commence during the construction phase and continue during the operations phase. Moose GPS collars will be considered for deployed on female Moose to determine if seasonal movements and habitat use change during road construction. The schedule for surveys in terms of number of collars, and the commencement and duration of the survey program, will be determined in consultation with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks and interested Indigenous communities. Furbearers North American Beaver lodge surveys will be conducted to determine occupancy status prior to any in water activities during construction.If clearance is required within the wolverine denning period (February 1 to May 1) target denning surveys will be conducted within a 2 km radius of the proposed work activity. Bats Pre-construction bat maternity roost surveys will be conducted within the Project Footprint to identify potential maternity roosting habitat.If potential maternity roosting habitat is identified and clearance activities are scheduled to take place within the bat maternity roosting season (May 1to August 31) exit surveys or acoustic monitoring may be required. Requirements will be determined in consultation with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks. Birds Where vegetation clearing activities are proposed outside of the migratory bird breeding window for nesting zone C6 (between August 30 and April 24) pre-clearing nest sweeps will be conducted by qualified avian biologists with support from Indigenous EMs. If during the surveys birds are found within the proposed clearance area and presenting breeding behaviour, these areas will be flagged and protected with a disturbance buffer which will be maintained until the fledglings have left the nest or the nest becomes unoccupied.Pre-clearance surveys for raptor nests will occur along parts of the WSR alignment in forest ecosites containing suitable nesting trees.Shorebirds and waterfowl will be part of pre-clearance wildlife surveys to determine the presence of any waterfowl and shorebird significant nesting habitats near the WSR alignment prior to clearing. Reptiles and Amphibians Pre-construction sweeps for reptiles and amphibians will be conducted within the Project Footprint. Any animals discovered within the footprint will be relocated to suitable habitat outside work zones.Annual eDNA monitoring conducted pre-construction, during construction and during operation to detect for presence of ranavirus in waterbodies in the Project Footprint. OPERATIONS MONITORING All Wildlife Species The wildlife road mortality program will be conducted during the e operations phase of the Project. Road users will be encouraged to report any wildlife-vehicle encounters. When a carcass is present, mortality incidents will be investigated by an EM. Incidents will be tracked to identify locations with multiple encounters/mortalities, implement corrective actions and track effectiveness.Remote Camera Monitoring will take place along the proposed alignment and at reference sites to monitor the occurrence and distribution of wildlife within the project area. This program will commence during the construction phase and continue during the operations phase. Moose GPS collars will be considered to be deployed on female moose to during the operations phase to determine if seasonal movements and habitat use change from road construction. The schedule for surveys in terms of number of collars, and the commencement and duration of the survey program, will be determined in consultation with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks. Furbearers Any furbearers detected during Wolverine run-pole station surveys (see Section 13 – Assessment of Effects on Species at Risk) will be included as part of reporting on furbearer abundance and distribution during the operations phase.Beaver lodge surveys to monitor abundance and distribution of beavers will continue as part of operations monitoring. Bats Bat presence and species diversity will be surveyed post-construction and compared to baseline data using acoustic monitoring. The surveys are proposed to occur a minimum of three times in the first five years of operation. Migratory Songbirds Ultrasonic recording units (ARU) and point count surveys along the ROW and at reference sites will be conducted and compared to baseline data. The surveys are proposed to occur a minimum of three times in the first five years of operation. The schedule for surveys in terms of frequency of surveys and the number of years following the commencement of road operations will be determined in consultation with Environment and Climate Change Canada. Shorebirds Surveys for shorebirds will follow the Ontario Shorebird Survey Protocol. Surveys are proposed to take place four times a year twice in the spring migration period and twice in the fall migration period. The surveys are proposed to occur during years 1, 3 and 5 in the first five years of operation. The schedule for surveys in terms of frequency of surveys and the number of years following the commencement of road operations will be determined and confirmed in consultation with Environment and Climate Change Canada. Waterfowl Breeding Bird Survey for Waterfowl Nesting Areas will take place using the protocols described in Birds and Bird Habitats: Guidelines for Wind Power Projects. Surveys are proposed to take place four times a year twice in the spring migration period and twice in the fall migration period. The surveys are proposed to occur during years 1, 3 and 5 in the first five years of operation. The schedule for surveys in terms of frequency of surveys and the number of years following the commencement of road operations will be determined and confirmed in consultation with Environment and Climate Change Canada. Reptiles and Amphibians ARU surveys for anurans will be included as part of the same study design for migratory songbirds.	Erosion and Sediment Control PlanConstruction Blasting Management PlanWildlife Management and Monitoring PlanVegetation and Invasive Species Management Plan
Species at Risk	Species at Risk habitat loss/destruction;Species at Risk habitat alteration/degradation;Alteration in Species at Risk movement; and Species at Risk injury/death.	CONSTRUCTION MONITORING Compliance Monitoring Developing and implementing a CEMP that includes detailed plans for Species at Risk (SAR) wildlife management and monitoring.Qualified EM(s) are to be present on-site prior to and during construction activities. A qualified EM will conduct a daily site inspection prior to commencement of project works and activities to ensure wildlife SAR are absent from work areas. A daily checklist will reflect completion of the inspection. Roads secured by exclusion fencing related to SAR will be monitored daily for wildlife road mortalities and injuries. Wildlife road mortalities will be submitted to a Qualified Biologist as part of a reporting protocol that will be developed and included in the environmental protection plan.An incidental wildlife reporting protocol will also be developed and included in the CEMP and OMEP.A qualified EM l monitor will inspect water crossings where aquatic SAR are known to be present to prevent fish passage interruptions and assess blockages and/or ponding. All Species Remote Camera Monitoring will take place along the proposed road ROW and at reference sites to monitor the occurrence and distribution of SAR wildlife. This program will commence during the construction phase and continue during the operations phase. Caribou GPS collars may be deployed on female caribou to determine if seasonal movements and habitat use change during or following road construction. The schedule for surveys in terms of number of collars, and the commencement and duration of the survey program, will be determined in consultation with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks and Environment and Climate Change Canada.Data from GPS collars will be used to inform construction activities and may impose restriction on activities until collar data indicates the collared caribou have left the activity buffer area. Buffer distance will be dependant on the disturbance level of the activity.If clearing or construction activities are required to take place within Category 1 Caribou habitat during sensitive periods (May 1 to September 15 for Nursery use areas and December 1 to March 31 for Winter use areas) aerial caribou sweeps will be conducted prior to construction activities to ensure that there are no caribou are within activity buffer areas. Minimum flight separation distances will be maintained to minimize potential disturbance. Wolverine Potential wolverine dens along the WSR alignment will be identified using aerial surveys during the denning period prior to the start of vegetation clearing activities.Where clearance of construction activities is required within the wolverine denning period (February 1 to May 1) target denning surveys will be conducted within a 2 km radius of the proposed activity. SAR Bats Pre-construction bat maternity roost surveys will be conducted within the Project Footprint to identify potential maternity roosting habitat.If potential maternity roosting habitat is identified and vegetation clearing activities are scheduled to take place within the bat maternity roosting season (May 1 to August 31) exit surveys or acoustic monitoring may be required. Requirements will be determined in consultation with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks. SAR Birds Where vegetation clearing activities are proposed outside of the migratory bird breeding window for nesting zone C6 (between August 30 and April 24) pre-clearing nest sweeps will be conducted by qualified avian biologists with support from Indigenous EM(s). If during the surveys birds are found within the proposed clearance area and are presenting breeding behaviour, these areas will be flagged and protected with a disturbance buffer which will be maintained until the fledglings have left the nest or the nest becomes unoccupied.While no Bald Eagle nests were recorded within the proposed ROW for the WSR, pre-clearance surveys for raptor nests are proposed to occur along parts of the road ROW in forest ecosites containing suitable nesting trees.Lesser Yellowlegs will be part of pre-clearance wildlife surveys to determine the presence of any waterfowl and shorebird significant nesting habitats near the road alignment prior to vegetation clearing activities.Short-eared Owl road-side surveys will take place along the road alignment. These surveys will also follow the Saskatchewan Short-eared Owl Survey Protocol. The schedule for surveys in terms of frequency of surveys and the number of years post beginning of operation of the road will be determined in consultation with Environment and Climate Change Canada. Lake Sturgeon Pre- and post-construction fish habitat assessments at select water crossing sites with known occurrence of Lake Surgeon will be conducted to evaluate habitat alterations, including monitoring changes to stream morphology and substrate caused by increased sediment loads or changes in streamflow. OPERATIONS MONITORING All SAR The wildlife road mortality program will continue through the operations phase of the program. Road users will be encouraged to report any wildlife-vehicle encounters. When a carcass is present, mortality incidents will be investigated by an environmental monitor. Incidents will be tracked in order to identify locations with multiple encounters/mortalities, implement corrective actions and track effectiveness.Remote Camera Monitoring will take place along the proposed road ROW and at reference sites to monitor the occurrence and distribution of SAR wildlife. This program will commence during the Construction Phase and continue during the Operations Phase. Caribou GPS collars may be deployed on female caribou to determine if seasonal movements and habitat use change during or following road construction. The schedule for surveys in terms of number of collars, and the commencement and duration of the survey program, will be determined in consultation with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks and Environment and Climate Change Canada. Wolverine Wolverine run-pole station surveys will be conducted to model wolverine populations and behaviour response to the road during the operations phase. The schedule for surveys in terms of number of collars, and the commencement and duration of the survey program, will be determined in consultation with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks. SAR Bats Bat presence and species diversity will be surveyed post-construction and compared to baseline data using acoustic monitoring. The surveys are proposed to occur a minimum of three times in the first five years of project operation. SAR Migratory Songbirds ARU and point count surveys along the road ROW and at reference sites will be conducted and compared to baseline data. The surveys are proposed to occur a minimum of three times in the first five years of operation. The schedule for surveys in terms of frequency of surveys and the number of years following the commencement of road operations will be determined in consultation with Environment and Climate Change Canada.Nightjar surveys will take place along the road once operations commence. These surveys will follow the Canadian Nightjar Survey Protocol. The surveys are proposed to occur during years 1, 3 and 5 in the first five years of operation. The schedule for surveys in terms of frequency of surveys and the number of years following the commencement of road operations will be determined and confirmed in consultation with Environment and Climate Change Canada. SAR Raptors Short-eared Owl road-side surveys will be conducted following opening of the road. These surveys will follow the Saskatchewan Short-eared Owl Survey Protocol. The surveys are proposed to occur during years 1, 3 and 5 in the first five years of operation. The schedule for surveys in terms of frequency of surveys and the number of years following the commencement of road operations will be determined and confirmed in consultation with Environment and Climate Change Canada. SAR Shorebirds Surveys for Lesser Yellowlegs and other shorebirds will follow the Ontario Shorebird Survey Protocol. Surveys are proposed to take place four (4) times a year twice in the spring migration period and twice in the fall migration period. The surveys are proposed to occur during years 1, 3 and 5 in the first five years of operation. The schedule for surveys in terms of frequency of surveys and the number of years following the commencement of road operations will be determined and confirmed in consultation with Environment and Climate Change Canada.Lake SturgeonLake Sturgeon monitoring at select water crossing sites with known presence of this species will be part of periodic fish community and habitat surveys to detect changes in fish assemblages.	Erosion and Sediment Control PlanFish and Fish Habitat Management PlanConstruction Blasting Management PlanWildlife Management and Monitoring PlanVegetation and Invasive Species Management Plan
Social Environment	Change to population and demographics;Change to housing and accommodations; Change to community services;Change to education, training, and traditional learning;Change to emergency and protective services;Change to community infrastructure; andChange to community well‑being and safety.	The following components are proposed as part the Socio-economic Monitoring Program: Grievance monitoring: Setup of a grievance mechanism for the Project, preferably with support from community members, to keep track of issues related to the Project, including racism, sexism, gender-based violence, and other issues.Involvement of Community Liaison Officers: Establish a working group of Indigenous community members to function as liaison officers employed under the Project, to provide updates and information on Project, collect feedback and suggestions, resolve any issues/ problems related to community’s needs, and act as a point of contact for Project’ connection to the community.Reporting and Adjustment: Regularly report findings to Webequie First Nation and other Project stakeholders and rights-holders. Use this data to make any necessary adjustments to the Project approach to enhance local benefits and address concerns.Community database of infrastructure: Establishment of a comprehensive database of community infrastructure, including housing, based on the Webequie Comprehensive Community Plan, to keep track of changes as result of the WSR and other projects, and carry out comprehensive projections for future needs and community. Post-Project Evaluation: After the completion of the road construction, perform a final evaluation to measure the long-term impacts and goals set out at the Project’s initiation.	Community Readiness PlanCommunity Well-being Monitoring and Adaptive Management PlanSocio-economic Monitoring Program
Economic Environment	Change in labour force, employment and income change to community well‑being and safety;Change in labour force, employment and income;Change in overall economy;Change in business environment; and Change in public and Indigenous community finances.	The following components are proposed as part the -Economic Monitoring Program:Employment Tracking: Implement a system to track the employment of local community members in the Project, including job roles, duration of employment, and wage levels, with objective to assess if the Project meets or exceeds the set targets for local hiring.Business Participation: Monitor the involvement of local businesses in the Project. This includes direct contracts, subcontracts, and other procurement opportunities extended to local enterprises.Economic Impact Assessment: Conduct regular assessments to evaluate the broader economic impact on the Indigenous communities e, such as increased local spending and improvements in local infrastructure that support other economic activities.Feedback Mechanisms: Establish robust feedback mechanisms to collect insights and concerns from the community of Webequie regarding the Project’s economic effects. This could include surveys, focus groups, and public meetings.Reporting and Adjustment: Regularly report findings to the Webequie First Nation and other Project stakeholders and rights-holders. Use this data to make any necessary adjustments to the Project approach to enhance local benefits.Post-Project Evaluation: After the completion of the road construction, perform a final evaluation to measure the long-term effects and success in achieving the economic goals set out at the Project’s initiation.	Community Readiness PlanSocio-economic Monitoring Program
Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use	Change to land use compatibility and stewardship;Change to commercial / industrial land use;Change to recreation and tourism;Change to parks, ANSI, and protected areas; andChange to transportation.	CONSTRUCTION MONITORING Land Use Planning and Stewardship Monitor and document the following key commitments:Proponent and/or selected contractor receives permission from the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) or representative regarding the removal of aggregate from Webequie First Nation reserve.Proponent and/or selected contractor receives consent from Webequie First Nation for the removal of aggregate from reserve. Status of CBLUP or other land use plans of First Nations in shared areas of traditional territory with Webequie First Nation for consideration in the construction of and operations phases of the Project. Commercial/Industrial Land Use Activities Monitor and document the following key commitments: Province’s approach to compensation or use of Mining Act for loss of mining claims. Province’s funding to First Nations to fully participate in mining claim processes.Contractor consideration and potential coordination of access for mining exploration and activities. Status of appropriate government auditor tracking outcomes of litigation and mining claim registrations and exchanges. Recreation and Tourism Monitor and document the following key commitments: Proponent and/or selected contractor to establish agreement for use of removed trees for Webequie First Nation purposes.Consult with First Nations with territories that overlap the Project Footprint on communities’ interest to use of removed trees for potential construction of recreational structures.Proponent and/or selected contractors’ compliance with Canadian Navigable Waterways and Navigation Protection Program and any related approvals for installation of waterbody crossings impacts to navigation.Proponent and/or selected contractor(s) to consult and coordinate advanced notification of waterbody and road construction activities with First Nations land users and groups to minimize adverse effects on individual and group trips, including establishment of a construction committee, with community representation.Proponent to consider opportunities for public art at waterbody crossings and other design components during detail design with financial support of federal and provincial government.Proponent, provincial and federal governments initiatives to identify programs and directives for contractor to remove barriers to employment for Indigenous people and especially youth, as well as. Transportation Monitor and document the following key commitments: Proponent to establish Technical Working Group to oversee transportation mitigation activities, follow-up and monitoring, including advising selected contractor, to manage changes in road traffic and demand for air services. First Nations and federal government program and t recommendations for road improvements within Webequie First Nation Reserve.Province, road enforcement and First Nations’ standards and funds for winter road improvements, including recommendations from Draft Technical Background Report, 2023 Northern Road Summit, and 2024 Northern Ontario Transportation Task Force.Provincial road improvements for routes used to transport and deliver construction materials during detail design in coordination with Technical Working Group. Webequie, federal and provincial governments’ advice to Technical Working Group on improvements to the airport as indicated in the Airport Redevelopment Plan, Northern Ontario Transportation Task Force, Technical.Further consultation with First Nations on potential design enhancements for the WSR such as pedestrian safety features during detail design. OPERATIONS MONITORING Land Use Planning and Stewardship Monitor and document the following key commitments Proponent, owner and operator, provincial and federal governments, Webequie First Nation to advice d other communities in Treaty No. 9 on potential federal and provincial policy and legislation tools for road access restrictions in accordance with United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) articles. Commercial/Industrial Land Use Activities Monitor and document the following key commitments Proponent and/or Webequie First Nation to monitor aggregate use during operations and opportunities to minimize need to expand ARA-4. Recreation Monitor and document the following key commitments Province and First Nations with territory in the Project Footprint development of a tourism plan that also recognizes and aligns with road restrictions in land use planning and stewardship.Proponent, provincial and federal governments programs and directives to operator of WSR and mining development companies in the Ring of Fire on removal of barriers to employment for Indigenous people and especially youth.Provincial and federal governments, and First Nations communities’ development of an energy transmission plan to reduce the costs associated with recreation (fuel) to increase activities to get out onto the land.	Community Readiness PlanConstruction Traffic Management Plan
Human Health	Changes in physical and mental health and well‑being.	Colonization and Trauma from Residential Schools Monitoring and implementation of consultation during the construction phase between Webequie First Nation and the contractor regarding construction activities that may impact traditional activities on the land. Racism and Social Exclusion Monitoring of implementation of mandated in-person cultural and Indigenous awareness training for construction workers and all operations personnel.Monitoring and documentation of community members reports of incidents related to racism and social exclusion and set up a transparent way in which the proponent can address these incidents and take action. Local Economic Growth Monitoring of procurement targets (e.g., total contract value) for the participation of local and/or Indigenous businesses in Project construction. Procurement policies for the recruitment, development, and retention of underrepresented groups of Webequie First Nation, other communities in the Local Study Area (LSA) and Regional Study Area (RSA) of the Project may include setting Mandatory Minimum Indigenous Requirements to hit targets for employment of specific groups like women, youth and individuals with disabilities. Worker Accommodations (i.e., worker/construction camps) Monitoring of the implementation of the in-person cultural and Indigenous awareness training for all construction workers. Monitoring and enforcing of guidelines on substance use that includes the prohibition of drugs and alcohol in construction camps during the construction phase. Monitor and document community members reports of incidents of workplace harassment and way in which the contractor can address these incidents and take action.Monitor commitments of proponent to set up a surveillance method to identify and monitor harassment of women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals and identify protocols to address these infractions. Air Quality (including GHG Emissions) Document compliance with proponent’s Air Quality and Dust Control Management Plan once established that will include a monitoring procedure for dustfall effects and measures to control or limit usage of vehicle or equipment that are the main emission source of particulates. Noise Levels and Vibration Monoitor and document community members report of construction-related noise and any adverse effects to harvesting areas for big and small game and birds. Employment and Income Monitor the implementation of workplace policies and programs, such as a diversity and inclusion strategy, zero-tolerance policies for racism and workplace violence, codes of conduct, workplace safety programs and cultural training programs (e.g., Indigenous Awareness Training). Education / Access to Education Monitoring status and results of recommended surveys every 6 months or annually how community members have gained education and skills and in which areas are beneficial to the community. In addition, identifying which trades/skills are in high demand and in which training is needed will allow the community to better prepare for taking advantage of opportunities in ongoing work on the project. Food Security Monitor and reporting if harvesting of traditional foods is impacted during the construction and operation of the Project. During construction, surveying with the community of the Webequie is recommended every 3 – 6 months on changes they’ve noticed in the difficulty in harvesting big and small game, including opportunities for project activities to be adjusted to minimize disturbing traditional land use. Social Cohesion and Cultural Continuity Monitor the implementation of workplace policies and programs, such as a diversity and inclusion strategy, zero-tolerance policies for racism and workplace violence, codes of conduct, workplace safety programs and cultural training programs (e.g., Indigenous Awareness Training). Safety of Women and Girls Monitor the implementation of workplace policies and programs focused on the safety of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals (covering issues like sexual harassment and sex trafficking) for all Project employees.Appointed Community Liaison Officers are to follow-up on community concerns and issues at the construction camps, inclusive of issues regarding racism, sexism, gender-based violence, and other issues in a culturally appropriate and safe manner. Traffic Volume and Safety Monitor the status and outcomes from the Construction Traffic Management Plan that is to be developed with the contractor and Webequie First Nation. Follow-up during the detail design phase of the Project to ensure compliance with the MTO Roadside Design Manual and adequate road‑side safety elements are included. Access to Healthcare Services (family doctor or specialist care provider) Monitor the need and uptake of healthcare services prior to construction activities and increase availability of specific healthcare services as needed. This is a key step in ensuring increased resiliency of the community to withstand impacts of the project. Follow-up to ensure safety management plans and health and safety plans are in-place for workers. Access to Social, Mental Health and Family Services Monitor mental health and wellness of the community over time by using indicators such as demand for mental health services, new reported incidence of mental health issues, incidence, both new and ongoing of substance use issues, etc. Should indicators show negative change, a mental health management plan may be developed and implemented to provide community members, and those who are most affected, with adequate mental health supports, including the use of traditional healing practices. Access to Emergency Response Services Follow-up to ensure safety management plans and health and safety plans are in-place for workers. Monitoring to ensure workers remain within the construction camp at all times. Monitoring the safety incidents reported at the camps. As part of the Community Readiness Plan, a community well-being monitoring and adaptive management plan will monitor road safety as well as the capacity of the emergency and protective services. Mental Wellness Monitor any concerns or issues related to contact between the outside workers and community members in the work camps to reduce the stress and concern felt due to the threat of violence or concern for personal safety, especially by women and girls.Annual monitoring of the Indigenous cultural sensitivity training to workers to promote positive work relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous employees.Monitor the need for and uptake of mental health and wellness services offered in the community, including traditional healing practices. Substance Use Monitoring and enforcing of guidelines on substance use that includes the prohibition of drugs and alcohol in construction camps during the construction phase.During the operation phase, continue to track and monitor the potential for movement of large quantities of alcohol and illegal drugs into the community (i.e., trafficking) by outsiders and engage appropriate law enforcement to raise alarm about the issue. Diet, Including Access to Traditional Country Foods Monitor changes in patterns of behaviour among game animals and growth patterns of traditional plants as a result of the WSR.	Community Readiness PlanConstruction Traffic Management Plan
Visual Environment	Change to visual landscape quality.	During construction and operations, follow-up and monitoring activities will be conducted to confirm mitigation measures are being implemented appropriately and net effects are as predicted.Ongoing engagement and consultation with potentially affected Indigenous communities and groups will help identify opportunities to address concerns regarding visual quality throughout construction and operations of the Project.	Construction Environmental Management PlanOperation Environmental Management Plan
Indigenous Peoples and Aboriginal and Treaty Rights and Interests	Change to current and historical use of land and resources for traditional purposes;Change to cultural continuity; and Impacts on the exercise of Aboriginal and Treaty Rights.	A Webequie Community Readiness Plan (CRP) has been developed for the Project (Appendix N). Monitor further development of the CRP in consultation with First Nations with the aim to confirm the findings on social, economic, and health impacts of the Project and guide mitigation and monitoring measures, including helping Webequie First Nation and other communities benefit from the Project’s opportunities.	To be determined based on outcomes of further engagement and consultation with Indigenous communities
Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Resources	Change to build heritage resources;Change to cultural heritage landscapes; and Change to archaeological resources.	The CEMP and OEMP will include a Heritage and Archaeological Resources Management Plan with procedures and protocols when encountering unexpected heritage or archaeological resources during ground disturbance (i.e., Heritage or Archaeological Finds Contingency Plan). The Heritage or Archaeological Finds Contingency Plan will give on-site personnel information to identify heritage or archaeological materials if encountered in the construction or maintenance area, procedures for notification and reporting the find, and actions to follow to protect the site from impacts. Monitor the contactor’s adherence to the procedures and protocols in the Heritage and Archaeological Resources Management Plan.	Heritage and Archaeological Resources Management PlanHeritage or Archaeological Finds Contingency Plan

22.8 Reporting Structure

Annual Follow-up Monitoring Reporting is proposed to provide Indigenous communities and groups, the public, government agencies, and stakeholders with information as the Project progresses. This will include opportunities for comments, suggestions and opinions on the Project to be provided in relation to the environment protection measures and monitoring programs and allow for continuous improvement. The proponent’s contractor will be responsible for the completion of and reporting on applicable monitoring programs. Follow-up reporting requirements, including a reporting structure consistent with the requirements of the Project’s permits, authorizations and conditions of positive Notice(s) of Decision (s) under the EA Act and IA Act will be described in the CEMP and OEMP.

Post-construction monitoring will continue for the appropriate duration as stipulated in approvals for the Project. The proponent will also ensure reporting and communication activities are conducted in accordance with requirements in the Project’s permits, authorizations and approvals. Regular contact will be made with relevant regulatory authorities and Indigenous communities to keep them informed of activities relating to the Project, including but not limited to:

Progress of the Project;
Upcoming construction activities in local areas;
Opportunities for community involvement and dates of community information meetings;
Environmental monitoring plans;
Ongoing and future monitoring activities;
Records of corrective actions taken to address environmental incidents such as accidents, spills, leaks and releases and the reporting and clean-up procedures used; and
Other items of special interest.

AtkinsRéalis 191 The West Mall Toronto, ON M9C 5L6 Canada 416.252.5315 atkinsrealis.com
© AtkinsRéalis except where stated otherwise

Was this article helpful?

0 out of 5 stars

5 Stars		0%
4 Stars		0%
3 Stars		0%
2 Stars		0%
1 Stars		0%

SECTION 22: FOLLOW-UP AND MONITORING PROGRAMS

0 out of 5 stars

22 Follow-up and Monitoring Programs

22.1 Scope of Considerations

22.2 Consideration and Influence of Input Received During Engagement and Consultation Activities

22.3 Environmental Management Plan Framework

22.4 Environmental Protection Plan Framework

22.5 Environmental Monitoring and Inspection During Construction

22.6 Environmental Monitoring and Inspection During Operations

22.7 Framework for Follow-up and Monitoring Programs

22.8 Reporting Structure

0 out of 5 stars

Please Share Your Feedback

How Can We Improve This Article?

Get in touch!