New Gold Inc. - Environmental Compliance Approval (sewage)

Instrument type: Environmental Compliance Approval (sewage)

ERO number
025-0886
Ministry reference number
7347-DJLJQN
Notice type
Instrument
Act
Environmental Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990
Posted by
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
Notice stage
Proposal
Proposal posted
Comment period
September 12, 2025 - October 27, 2025 (45 days) Open
Last updated

This consultation closes at 11:59 p.m. on:
October 27, 2025

Proposal summary

This proposal is for an amendment to Environmental Compliance Approval No. 2290-CAVKGN for industrial sewage works serving the Rainy River Mine located at 5967 Highway 11/71, in the Township of Emo, Ontario.

Location details

Site address

ON
Canada

Site location details

Rainy River Mine is located in the Municipality of Chapple, approximately 50 km north of Emo, Ontario.

Site location map

The location pin reflects the approximate area where environmental activity is taking place.

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Proponent(s)

New Gold Inc.
5967 Highway 11/71
Emo, ON
P0W 1E0
Canada

Proposal details

This proposal is for an amendment to Environmental Compliance Approval No. 2290-CAVKGN for industrial sewage works serving the Rainy River Mine located at 5967 Highway 11/71, in the Township of Emo, Ontario.

New Gold Inc. is proposing to amend its existing Environmental Compliance Approval to increase the total effluent treatment capacity at the Rainy River Mine to 59,000 cubic metres per day and the authorized discharge to the Pinewood River to 126,000 cubic metres per day. The proposed increase is required to manage site-wide water volumes and ensure ongoing regulatory compliance as mine operations expand.

Scope of Proposed Changes:

  • increase maximum effluent treatment capacity to 59,000 cubic metres per day
  • increase maximum discharge limit to the Pinewood River to 126,000 cubic metres per day
  • expand the Domestic Sewage Treatment Plant to support up to 900 site personnel
  • install a new septic system to serve an additional 200 personnel at the Underground Laydown Area

Rationale:

The amendment is driven by long-term mine water balance forecasts, which show that higher treatment and discharge capacities are necessary to control pond volumes within the Tailings Management Area. This requirement becomes more pronounced after 2029 due to increased pore water release from the tailings. Additionally, with the ramp-up of underground operations, the mine requires expanded sewage treatment infrastructure to support the projected workforce.

Supporting materials

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Client Services and Permissions Branch
Address

135 St. Clair Avenue West
Floor 1
Toronto, ON
M4V 1P5
Canada

Office phone number

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