A rigorous process we started more than 18 months ago, the environmental review of Skeena’s Eskay Creek Revitalization Project is now in the concluding stretch.

Successfully completing the Environment Assessment Certificate (EAC) process to the satisfaction of all relevant groups, including the Tahltan Nation and the B.C. government, is necessary to restart mining production at Eskay Creek. Earlier this spring, we submitted a revised application that underwent an “Adequacy Review” by the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office and the Tahltan Central Government (TCG). This review is now complete, and the TCG issued a statement that it is satisfied with the negotiation work that has been accomplished so far. Skeena has now progressed to the remaining stages of the EAC process: Effects Assessment and Tahltan Risk Assessment.

Effects Assessment
The Effects Assessment of the project results in the development of a draft Assessment Report and draft Environmental Assessment Certificate (with conditions). These drafts reflect engagement with Indigenous Nations, the Technical Advisory Committee and the Community Advisory Committee. Before referral to provincial decision makers, the public will have an opportunity to comment on the draft Assessment Report that describes the potential effects of the project, and the draft EA Certificate and associated legally binding conditions that Skeena must follow for the life of the project, should a certificate be issued.

Tahltan Risk Assessment
At the same time, the project has also entered the Tahltan Risk Assessment phase. In this phase, the TCG will assess how the project aligns with Tahltan Sustainability Requirements to understand potential effects to the Tahltan Way of Being. During this time, engagements with Tahltan members will also occur.

Public Comment Period
From August 26th to September 25th, the project enters another Public Comment Period. This 30-day period is an opportunity for the public to provide feedback to the B.C. EAO on draft project conditions from B.C., the TCG, and the Federal Government that identify how the project will protect the environment and the surrounding communities.