An environmental assessment is a planning process required to evaluate the potential impacts (either positive or negative) related to a project proposal. The purpose of the assessment is to identify potential environmental effects and corresponding mitigation measures to address effects. The assessment takes into consideration comments from Indigenous communities, government agencies, local municipalities, community members and land users potentially impacted by the project.
First Mining Gold submitted a Project Description to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (now the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada) in February 2018. Based on the Project Description, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency determined that a Federal EA was required and issued Federal Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Guidelines for the Project on June 19, 2018.
In parallel with the federal environmental assessment process, First Mining Gold has also entered into a Voluntary Agreement with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to complete a Provincial Individual Environmental Assessment (EA) under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. The Provincial EA requires approval of a Terms of Reference (ToR) in prescribed format that will guide the content of the Provincial EA. The ToR was approved by the Minister on November 8, 2021.
First Mining Gold has been working closely with the Federal and Provincial environmental approvals agencies to coordinate the Federal and Provincial EA processes. The coordinated approach facilitates greater efficiency, fosters cooperation between parties.
First Mining Gold will be continuing consultation with local Indigenous communities and stakeholders throughout the coordinated provincial-federal environmental assessment process.
Approved Terms of Reference for the Springpole Gold Project
Environmental Impact Statement Guidelines for the Springpole Project
First Mining Gold (FMG) is pleased to present the final Environmental Impact Statement/ Environmental Assessment (final EIS/EA) for the Springpole Gold Project (Project) as submitted to to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) and Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC). The submission of the final EIS/EA is the culmination of years of study, assessment, and consultation, that have been instrumental in shaping and optimizing the Project from a sustainable development perspective.
In sharing this final EIS/EA, we appreciate and acknowledge the time and effort that has been allocated to the Project by provincial and federal regulators, Indigenous communities, municipalities, and other stakeholders, particularly over the course of the two- and half-year draft EIS/EA consultation period. During this time, FMG received and responded to comments and held meetings towards understanding questions, comments and concerns so that they can be addressed and reflected in the final EIS/EA.
Anyone wishing to provide comments on the EIS/EA must submit their comments in writing via mail and/or email to the MECP by January 17, 2025. All comments must be submitted to:
Jenny Archibald, Special Project Officer
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Environmental Assessment Branch
135 St. Clair Avenue West, 1st Floor
Toronto, ON M4V 1P5
jenny.archibald@ontario.ca
416-262-1221
A copy of all comments will be forwarded to FMG for its consideration. If you have any questions or need further information about this project, please contact:
Meghan Bertenshaw, Project Manager
First Mining Gold
Suite 2070 - 1188 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, BC V6E 4A2
meghan@firstmininggold.com
519-994-2891
1.0 Introduction and Project Overview View
4.0Project Justification and Alternatives View
6.4Greenhouse Gas Emissions View
6.7Springpole Lake, North Basin View
6.8Springpole Lake, Southeast Arm View
6.9Local Inland Waterbodies View
6.11Vegetation Communities & Wetlands View
6.12Wildlife & Wildlife Habitat View
6.17Commercial Land and Resource View
6.18Outdoor Recreation and Tourism View
6.19Local and Regional Economy View
6.20Regional Infrastructure and Services View
6.21Indigenous Traditional Land Use View
6.23Built Heritage Resources / Cultural Heritage Landscapes View
6.24Human and Ecological Health View
8.0Effects of the Environment View
9.0Malfunctions & Accidents View
11.0Environmental Approvals View