The petition expresses concerns about the impacts of the Napanee Generating Station Expansion power project on surrounding fish, fish habitats, migratory birds, cumulative pollution, and Indigenous rights and interests related to environmental changes. The petition acknowledges that the project may not automatically trigger a federal impact assessment because it seems to fall below the federal project list threshold for fossil-fuel facility expansions. However, the petition asserts that a federal review might be warranted under the discretionary designation authority of the Impact Assessment Act. According to the petition, despite the project having “substantially begun,” its size, proximity to Lake Ontario, near-threshold project list status, and drainage pathways, as well as public concerns about it, might warrant this review.
The petition asserts that while the project continues to move forward, environmental impacts and mitigation measures remain unresolved. It asks Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada to explain what actions they have taken, or will take, before construction and commissioning progress further. In addition, the petition seeks clarification on whether additional reviews, authorizations, information requests, monitoring requirements, or enforcement powers under the Fisheries Act may be required and asks whether the government will request a pause on, or impose conditions on, project activities until outstanding federal review, inspection, or authorization decisions are completed. The petition states that its objective is to obtain clear federal answers before construction and commissioning overtake potential federal decision points.