Download Valued Ecosystem Components

Valued Ecosystem Components
A valued ecosystem component (VEC) is an element of the environment that
has scientific, economic, social or cultural significance. Those VECs that may
be affected by a project’s activities are included in environmental
assessments. The table below describes the VECs that may be impacted by
Vision 2010 activities. A justification for the selection of each VEC is provided.
Environmental
components
Sub-components Relevant VECs
Justification
Hydrology and
surface water
Hydrology
The Municipality obtains
drinking water from Lake
Ontario.
Nearest residential or
recreational user
The waterfront, river and
lake are used for a variety of
recreational purposes.
Environmental
components
Sub-components Relevant VECs
Justification
Atmospheric
environment
Air quality
Nearest residential or
recreational land user
Receptor (e.g., humans)
could be affected by
increased dust levels from
project activities.
Surface water
Nearest residential or
quality and quantity recreational user
Humans are potentially
exposed to stressors
produced by project works
and activities.
Nearest residential or
recreational land user
Receptor could be affected
by increased noise levels
from project activities.
Sediment quality
Virile crayfish
Widespread and abundant
crayfish are found in the
vicinity of the project site.
Nearest residential or
recreational receptor
Members of the public are
potentially exposed to low
doses of radiation produced
by project activities,
including transportation.
Aquatic habitat
species
Smallmouth bass
(Micropterus dolomieu)
Species are representative
of non-human biota present
near the project site.
Noise
Radiation and
radioactivity
Members of the
public
Radiation doses
to non-human
biota
Worker health
and safety
Geology and
hydrogeology
Radiation doses
to workers
Geology
Non-human biota as
identified by terrestrial and
aquatic environment
Vision 2010 and Port Hope
Conversion Facility (PHCF)
employees and contractors
Bedrock geology and
stratigraphy
Aquatic
environment
White sucker
(Catostomus commersoni)
Non-human biota (e.g.,
aquatic plants, invertebrates
and fish, reptiles, birds and
mammals) are potentially
exposed to low doses of
radiation produced by the
project works and activities.
Workers are expected to
receive radiation doses from
project works and activities
while performing their
tasks.
Spottail shiner
(Notropis hudsonius)
Floating-leaf pondweed
(Potamogeton natans)
Terrestrial
environment
Wildlife
communities and
species
Groundwater quality
Members of the public
could be exposed.
Meadow vole
(Microtus pennsylvanicux)
Soil
Local soil quality
Eastern cottontail
(Sylvilagus floridanus)
Hydrogeology is a pathway
to aquatic and terrestrial
VECs.
Lake Ontario is a receiving
water; changes to
groundwater could affect
members of the public.
Red fox
(Vulpes vulpes)
Land use and
transportation
Members of the public
could be exposed.
Soil is a pathway to aquatic
and terrestrial VECs.
Northern leopard frog
(Rana pipiens)
Species are representative
of non-human biota present
near the project site.
American robin
(Turdus migratorius)
Geology is a pathway to
aquatic and terrestrial VECs.
Hydrogeology
Earthworm
Aboriginal
interests
Landscape and
visual setting
Visual appearance of
Cameco Corporation PHCF
Project activities may affect
the quality of the landscape
and visual setting of the
waterfront.
Transportation
Traffic
Traffic volumes and patterns
may change.
Aboriginal
communities
Employment and business
interests
Construction jobs and
business opportunities may
result for Aboriginal
workers/businesses.
Traditional land
and resource use
Aboriginal and treaty rights
Archaeological resources
may be affected during the
project.