I am submitting the…

I am submitting the following comments regarding the proposed Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) for the Searchmont Ski Resort Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and its proposed discharge to the Goulais River.

 My comments are based on the information provided in the Design Brief (including the Assimilative Capacity Study), publicly available ERO postings, and provincial policies and guidelines. All references below are taken directly from the documents provided to the public

Species at Risk (SAR) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Are Missing

 Section 4.1.3 of the Design Brief states that a new SAR study and EIS are in progress and will be attached as Appendix H when complete.

However, these documents were not provided during the ERO comment period.

The 2019 EIS (for the adjacent snowmaking pond) identified potential presence of:

Barn Swallow Bobolink Canada Warbler Chimney Swift Eastern Meadowlark Wood Thrush Little Brown Bat Northern Long‑eared Bat Eastern Small‑footed Bat Lake Sturgeon Wood Turtle

 
Significant Wildlife Habitat identified:

Candidate Turtle Wintering Area Candidate Amphibian Breeding Area

 
Migratory bird nesting windows (C4 Zone):

Forested: April 14–August 28 Open: April 19–August 28 Wetlands: April 14–August 17

 Conclusion:
Without the updated EIS and SAR study, the public cannot meaningfully assess ecological impacts or compliance with the Endangered Species Act, MBCA, or FWCA.