Introduction

Proponent

Ontario Power Generation and Hydro One

Location

Mattagami River, north of Kapuskasing

Type

Electricity

Reference Number

9914

Contact

Environmental Approvals Branch, 416-314-8001

Toll free 1-800-461-6290

Current Status

Declaration order: expired, June 15, 2010

On May 14, 2010, the Minister of the Environment formed an environmental oversight Committee to ensure the proponent meets the terms and conditions of the EA approval.

Project History

  • Declaration order: expired
    • Date submitted:  October 5, 1999
    • Expiry of public comment period: November 04, 1999.
    • Date approved: December 8, 1999
    • Dates extended:  December 9, 2004 and June 13, 2005
    • Date expired:  June 15, 2010

Declaration Order

In 1994, Ontario Hydro, now Ontario Power Generation (OPG), received Environmental Assessment Act (EAA) approval for the Lower Mattagami Extensions Project.

The 1994 EAA approval was granted for an initial five year period. Due to unfavourable economic conditions, the Project did not proceed. Before the EAA approval expired, OPG requested an extension.

On December 8, 1999, a Declaration Order was made to replace the 1994 approval and allow OPG to proceed with the Project. On December 9, 2004, the Declaration Order extended the start date for construction to June 15, 2005. On June 13, 2005 the termination date for the Declaration Order was extended for a final time until June 15, 2010.

The four hydroelectric facilities which comprise the Project are the Little Long (136 megawatts (MW)), Harmon (140MW), Smoky Falls (52MW) and Kipling (158MW) stations. The entire project involves adding one additional turbine to the existing Little Long, Harmon and Kipling stations, and the rebuilding of the Smoky Falls facility entirely. The total electrical capacity will increase from 486MW today to over 950MW as a result of the Project with very minimal environmental impact.

On February 12, 2010, the Moose Cree First Nation wrote to the Minister of the Environment regarding the formation of the Mattagami Extensions Coordinating Council (MECC). MECC is an environmental oversight body required by condition 1 (a) of the 1994 EA approval. The Moose Cree have proposed that the Minister form a Committee to assume the mandate of MECC. The formation of a Committee is contemplated by the EA approval.

On May 14, 2010, the Minister, after having consulted with the First Nations, has decided to form the Committee as reflected in the attached letters. The Committee will assume the mandate of MECC as outlined in the EA approval and will provide the First Nations a role in ensuring the terms and conditions of the EA approval are met.

With the Committee now formed, OPG may issue its Notice of Intent to proceed with the Project and subsequently begin construction subject to any permit or approval requirements.