Nault asks for revised Bathurst road project description

ODILE NELSON

The federal minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development has asked for a revised description of the Bathurst Inlet Port and Road Project because its backers dropped a section of the development’s original plan.

Robert Nault advised Elizabeth Copland, chair of the Nunavut Impact Review Board, in an April 10 letter, that the project’s proponents need to provide an updated description “for the purpose of re-screening and submission to me.”

“It is critical that I have the best information available on the project description including the purpose and need for the project, its potential for significant adverse ecosystemic and socio-economic effects and public concern,” the letter reads.

The original project involved building two sections of all-weather road that would connect a seaport on Bathurst Inlet to Izok Lake and its rich lead-zinc deposits. Accessing the Izok Lake minerals was considered the reason for the project.

The first road section would stretch 210 kilometres from the seaport to the eastern shore of Contwoyto Lake. The second section would measure 80 kilometres and run from the lake’s western shore to Izok Lake.

But last fall, the mine’s developers indefinitely postponed it’s construction because global zinc prices have floundered. In November 2002, the Bathurst road project’s backers followed suit and dropped the second road section from their plans.

In his letter, Nault also suggests the project would likely require a federal review because it’s repercussions will extend beyond Nunavut’s borders.

Generally speaking, development projects contained within Nunavut’s boundaries are reviewed by the NIRB alone. But Nault has the authority to recommend the federal government review developments that affect regions outside the territory.

“The project, as described, is large-scale and clearly has the potential to have impacts that reach beyond the Nunavut Settlement Area,” Nault wrote. “The construction of a deep-sea port at Bathurst Inlet and the associated shipping of cargo, fuel and ultimately concentrate east or west of overseas smelters in newly established marine transportation corridors, raises environmental concerns for the marine ecosystem as well as national and international questions regarding the jurisdiction and use of Arctic waters.”

Nault’s request for a revised project description could confirm the need for a broad, federal assessment of the project.

Karen Wristen, the executive director of the Canadian Arctic Resources Committee, applauded Nault’s letter.

“It seems that a light has gone on in the minister’s office,” Wristen said in a press release. “It shows the department is striking a better balance between its economic development and environmental protection mandates.”

The NIRB has asked backers to provide a new project description by May 12.