EIS Process

Indian Head Hatchery Expansion Project – Environment and Climate Change (gov.nl.ca)

The Indian Head Hatchery Expansion Project was submitted for environmental review in 2018 and was registered as ER 1975.  After government assessment, it was released from further environmental review the same year.  Following legal procedures, the release was rescinded in 2021 and an Environmental Preview Report (EPR) was required. The EPR was submitted for review in July 2023. In October 2023, the Minister determined that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) would be required.

Please use the following web link to find the registration documents for ER 1975.

Indian Head Hatchery Expansion Project – Environment and Climate Change (gov.nl.ca)

EIS Process and Timeline

2018

Registration and Review

The Indian Head Expansion Project was registered (July 2018; reg. #1975) and reviewed.

In July 2021, the Minister requested an Environmental Preview Report (EPR). An EA Committee of provincial and federal representatives was appointed.

2023

Minister Decision

Following governmental and public review of the EPR, the Minister determined an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was required (October 2023).

2024

EIS Preparation

Draft EIS Guidelines were issued (January 2024) and after consideration of public feedback, Final EIS Guidelines were issued (March 2024). 

The EIS, supporting baseline studies, and plans are prepared and public consultations occur (ongoing).  

WE ARE HERE

2026

EIS Review and Decision

After consideration of governmental and public review of the EIS submission, the EA Committee makes a recommendation to the Minister.  An EIS can be approved, rejected, or deemed deficient. The Minister then makes a recommendation to Cabinet (2025). 

Public Consultation Process

Approved Public Consultation Plan

Public information sessions and stakeholder meetings

Document concerns, questions, and statements of support

Summarize and address concerns for inclusion in the EIS

Public Information Sessions MOWI Canada East Newfoundland

Baseline Studies

Wild Atlantic Salmon

  • Population abundance, distribution, and migration
  • Proximity of sea farm sites to rivers
  • Genetic and ecological interactions with farmed salmon
  • Model to predict potential for farmed salmon escapees

Sea Farm Sites
(Bay Management Areas)​

  • Historical performance (escapees, sea lice, mortalities, treatments)
  • Exposure zone modeling for fish health products
  • Oceanographic, meteorological, water quality, and benthic habitat data and information
  • Sea cage location

Fish and Fish Habitat

  • Identify fish and fish habitat including those that support a fishery 
  • Identify Species at Risk, Aquatic Invasive Species, and marine mammals
  • Benthic surveys and aquatic dispersion modelling

Environmental Plans and EEMPs

Plans

  • Emergency Response/Contingency Plan
  • Waste Management Plan

Environmental Effects Monitoring Programs (EEMPs)

  • Genetic and Ecological Interactions of Escaped Farm Salmon on Wild Atlantic Salmon
  • Groundwater Monitoring Program
  • Benthic Monitoring Program
  • Aquatic Invasive Species Management and Monitoring Program
  • Climate and Meteorological Data Monitoring Program
  • Marine Wildlife Monitoring Program

Key Issues

Potential Effects on Wild Atlantic Salmon​

  • Genetic Integrity
  • Biological Fitness
  • Population-level Effects
  • Economics
  • Cultural and Social Significance

Mitigation of Environmental Effects​

  • Fish & Farmed Salmon
  • Mammals
  • Benthos
  • Parasites
  • Diseases