February 12, 2002

Thus, the Commission’s review and comments on the Stage 2 Spanish Harbour RAP reflect an assessment of the document submitted in relation to the five Stage 2 requirements outlined in the introduction , consideration of the implementation of an ecosystem approach to the restoration and protection of beneficial uses, and an assessment of adequacy of public consultation.

Have in-place remedial measures been evaluated?

The Stage 2 RAP outlines improvements in an industrial operation and the upgrade of the Town of Espanola’s wastewater treatment plant. Both activities would provide a significant benefit to the water quality of the Spanish River. In particular, the upgrade of the Town of Espanola’s wastewater treatment plant is considered to be a major accomplishment. No specific evaluation of these benefits was detailed in the RAP document. Appendix 2 outlines 12 environmental projects completed since 1993 that provide potential benefit to the water quality of the Spanish River. Improvements to smelter operations upstream of the AOC boundary have resulted in reduced stack emissions of nickel and copper. These reductions benefit sediment and water quality in the Spanish River and the downstream sediment of the Whalesback Channel. The document describes potential improvements in sediment quality that will accrue as a result of improvements to smelter operations.

After evaluating habitat conditions in Spanish Harbour, stocking of muskellunge has been undertaken. The Stage 2 document notes that a long-term monitoring program will be developed and implemented to monitor the success of re-introduction.

Have alternative additional measures to restore beneficial uses been evaluated?

Extensive evaluation was necessary and undertaken in relation to the degradation of benthos and dredging restrictions impairment. Dredging, capping, in-situ treatment and natural recovery were considered as remedial options. As a result of the evaluation, dredging, capping and in-situ treatment were determined to be infeasible.

Have additional remedial measures to restore beneficial uses been selected?

As a result of the evaluation of remedial options in regard to the contaminated sediment issue, natural recovery has been selected to address this historical contamination. Monitoring of metal trends in water and sediment was recommended as a means of ongoing evaluation of restoration.

Has a schedule for implementation been adopted and have persons and agencies responsible for implementation of remedial measures been identified?

Schedules and activity proponents are noted for the recommended actions. In addition, cost estimates are provided for nearly all of the recommended actions. Implementation activities in the AOC are considered to be completed at this time and the AOC’s status is designated as under natural recovery.

Has an ecosystem approach been taken to the restoration and protection of beneficial uses?

Was the public consulted adequately?

To increase public awareness, the RAP Team and the Public Advisory Committee (PAC) produced newsletters that were distributed to every household within the AOC. The PAC itself was comprised of representatives of municipalities, First Nations, industry, academia, user groups, environmental organizations, and citizens at large. In addition, in 1994, Friends of the Spanish River was formed as an independent sub-committee of the PAC. Its objectives include education and improved public awareness, promotion of respect for the Spanish River, and the creation and promotion of user opportunities for the public. Based on this information, it is determined that the requirement of adequate public consultation was met.

Conclusion

The RAP Team in cooperation with the PAC has produced a document which suitably outlines needed remedial actions and properly designates the responsible implementors and a schedule for implementation. The Commission looks forward to future reports that document the continuing reductions of nickel and copper in the downstream sediment of the Whalesback Channel.