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Methodology for Public Participation

The Communications and Consultation Plan developed for the purpose of this EA included the identification of the outreach area and creation of an extensive list of stakeholders. The Consultation Plan focused on the municipality of Kincardine which contains the residential communities of Kincardine, Tiverton, Inverhuron, Glammis, Bervie, Underwood, Millarton, Armow and Scott Point; and the municipality of Saugeen Shores which contains the communities of Southampton and Port Elgin – both of which are within 30km of the Project site.

The public participation between August 2006 and August 2008 included:

-       Press releases to inform stakeholders of Project milestones

-       Four rounds of Open Houses at the Bruce Power VisitorsU Centre and in Kincardine, Saugeen Shores, Owen Sound and Walkerton.

-       Three Project newsletters delivered by post to approximately 34,000 residents and businesses in the outreach area which has a population of 73,500

-       Four full- or half-day workshops to inform organizations, groups and members of the public about the EA and to invite their comments

-       Stakeholder briefings to update specific community, business and service organizations on the progress of the Project and the EA.

-       Consultation with government ministries, departments and agencies on specific technical issues.

-       Consultation with NGOs, including invitations to public consultation events and EA materials have been sent by mail, telephone calls and an NGO-specific workshop.

-       Placing materials on the EA in public libraries in Kincardine, Port Elgin, Tiverton, Southampton, Paisley, Walkerton, Owen Sound, Hanover and the Band Administration Offices at Saugeen and Cape Croker.

-       Internet consultation, including both a Project webpage (www.brucepower.com) and email address (info@brucepower.com) for information.

-       Toll free information line (1-866-748-4787)

 

Engagement through the stakeholder consultation program will continue until a final decision is made about the EA. Comments and concerns raised throughout the EA process are addressed in appropriate sections of the EIS and together with Bruce Power+s responses are documented in the database of stakeholder comments and questions. This stakeholder database provides:

-       Source of the comment;

-       Date and event of origin;

-       Type of communication and original document;

-       Summary of the comment and response;

-       Response action taken, when and by whom and

-       How the response was communicated to the comment source.

 

 

Community Participation Program Summary:

 

Type of Engagement

Date

Purpose

Press Release

Aug 17, 2006

Notice of application for site preparation license with the CNSC

Press Release

May 7, 2007

Announced CNSC+s decision to refer the Project to the federal Minister of the Environment for a Panel Review.

Press Release

May 23, 2008

Announced signing of the Protocol Agreement between Saugeen Ojibway Nation and Bruce Power.

Press Release

May 26, 2008

Announced release of EIS studies for public review

Newsletters

March 2007, Nov 2007 and June 2008

Provided the stakeholders with info about the EA process, progress and results of the EIS studies as well as info about upcoming consultation events.

Open Houses: advertised in newspapers, local radio stations, project website, newsletters and personal invitations

Aug 2006, Sept 14 2006, Sept 18 2006, Sept 19 2006, Sept 26 2006, Mar 20 2007, Mar 21 2007, Mar 22 2007, Mar 26 2007, Nov 6 2007, Nov 12 2007, Nov 13 2007, Nov 14 2007, Nov 15 2007, June 16 2008, June 18 2008, June 23 2008, June 24 2008

Displays and handouts at 2006 Open Houses described steps involved in the EA, the draft scheduled for the Project, an introduction to the reactor designs under consideration, information about who is involved in the assessment and proposed consultation activities.

Displays and handouts at March 2007 Open Houses provided information about the environmental components used in the assessment, the proposed Valued Ecosystem Components under consideration, the Reference Project method of assessment and further opportunity for input. At the third round of Open Houses in November 2007 displays and handouts presented an update on the Project EA, information on alternative means of carrying out the Project and the results of the EIS studies to date.

Displays and handouts at the June 2008 Open Houses described the results of the EIS studies and the future direction of the EA

Workshop # 1

Oct 25 2006

To determine issues of importance about the Project EA for key stakeholders. Discussed EA process and opportunities for public involvement. Participants completed worksheets to determine the issues of importance to them. These issues included protection of the environment, human health and safety, radioactive waste management and concern about accidents. In attendance, municipal, provincial and federal government agencies, the Grey-Bruce Public Health Unit, the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority, the South Bruce Impact Advisory Committee and the Southampton Residents Association. Also CFOS/98 radio rep, along with reps from Bruce Power and Golder Associates. Total of 19 participants

Workshop # 2

Apr 10 2007

To discuss the method for consideration of multiple reactor design technologies. Participants were invited based on their regulatory involvement with the EA process and included staff from the CNSC, the Ontario Ministry of Energy and the CEAA. Staff from OPG also participated. Total of 39 participants.

Workshop#3

May 17 2007

To determine issues of importance for NGO stakeholders. Bruce Power contacted a broad range of Canadian and American NGOUs by telephone and mail concerning the workshop. Six NGOs participated. EA Methods and project alternatives were discussed. Participants included:

-Bruce Peninsula Environment Group

-Centre for Applied Renewable Energy

-Citizens for Renewable Energy

-Inverhuron and District RatepayersU Association

-Lake Huron Fishing Club

-Pine River Watershed Improvement Network

Workshop #4

 

Nov 6 2007

To inform key stakeholders about the progress on the project EA, alternative means of undertaking the Project and provide an opportunity for their participation in the VEC selection process. 38participants including:

- Federal Government and agencies including AECL, CEAA, CNSN and the DFO;

- Provincial government and agencies including EMO, MOE, and OPG;

- Local government from Bruce Country, Kincardine and Saugeen Shores;

- Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation;

- Local NGOs; and

- Bruce Power and Golder Associates Ltd.

Some entirely new VECUs were suggested and were included in the EA studies, others were not included but the rationale for not including them is explained in the EIS.

 

Stakeholder Briefings and Presentations

Nov 12 2007, Nov 21 2007, Nov 21 2007, Nov 22 2007, Nov 22 2007, Jan 14 2008, Feb 28 2008, Feb 29 2008, Mar 27 2008

Project update

NeighboursU Survey

June 23 2008

Thirty questionnaires in self-addressed stamped envelopes were hand-delivered to residents and businesses adjacent to the Bruce power site. These questionnaires dealt mostly with increased traffic issues and were delivered to residents and businesses located on roads likely to be affected.

 

Stakeholder consultation will continue following submission of the EIS to the Review Panel. The proposed post-submission consultation methods include:

-       Communications events (e.g., Open Houses, briefings, presentations) in the Fall of 2008 to present the EIS;

-       Formal presentations to the Municipality of Kincardine and Bruce County Councils;

-       EA updates at regular meetings of the Local Liaison Committee and the Impact Advisory Committee;

-       Distribution of the EIS by means of electronic copy to all stakeholders;

-       Use of the internet to make information on the EIS available;

-       Monitoring and follow-up of the toll-free Bruce Power information line and the Project webpage;

-       Follow-up on any requests for information and documentation with respect to the EA and

-       Maintenance of the Bruce Power EA comment database.