Feds conduct environmental assessment for Manitoba flood control project – Journal Of Commerce

Environmental Assessment of Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin Outlet Channels Project

The federal government is currently conducting an environmental assessment of the proposed Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin Outlet Channels project in the Interlake region of Manitoba.

Project Overview

• The project aims to establish a new permanent flood control management system.
• It involves the construction of two diversion channels, each approximately 24 kilometres long.
• The first channel runs from Watchorn Bay on Lake Manitoba to Birch Bay on Lake St. Martin (Lake Manitoba Outlet Channel).
• The second channel runs northeast from Lake St. Martin to Sturgeon Bay on Lake Winnipeg (Lake St. Martin Outlet Channel).
• Additionally, the project includes the construction of two combined bridge and water control structures, a 24-kilovolt distribution line, and the re-alignment and/or construction of provincial highways, municipal roads, and three bridge structures.

Public Consultation

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) is inviting the public and Indigenous groups to provide comments on the draft environmental assessment report. The report includes conclusions and recommendations regarding the potential environmental effects of the project, as well as proposed key mitigation measures and follow-up programs.

The agency is also seeking comments on the draft potential conditions for the project. Final conditions will be legally binding for the proponent if the minister of environment and climate change issues a decision statement indicating that the project may proceed.

Comments can be submitted online through the project home page on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry (reference number 80148) or by emailing the agency at LakeManitoba-LakeSt.Martin@iaac-aeic.gc.ca. The deadline for submitting comments is 11:59 p.m. on May 8.

Importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This project aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations:

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The project aims to manage water resources effectively and mitigate the risk of flooding, contributing to clean water availability.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The construction of diversion channels, bridge structures, and road realignment will enhance infrastructure in the region.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The project’s flood control management system will contribute to creating resilient and sustainable communities in the Interlake region.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action – By addressing flood risks and implementing mitigation measures, the project contributes to climate change adaptation and resilience.

To learn more about the project, you can refer to our previous coverage here.

SDGs, Targets and Indicators

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • Target 6.5: By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate.
   • Indicator 6.5.1: Degree of integrated water resources management implementation (0-100).

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.
   • Indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations.
   • Indicator 11.5.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.

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Source: canada.constructconnect.com

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