Review Panel Releases Enivronmental Assessment on CN Intermodal

By: Laura Steiner

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) has posted its final Environmental Assessment Report on the proposed CN Intermodal project in Milton.

The report is 443 pages in length, with an 11 page summary.  It was prepared by the three person review panel who held hearings last July.  Concerns addressed include: Changes to the environment, agriculture, traffic, and property value and outdoor recreation as well as First Nations’ concerns.

It concluded that the project would cause significant adverse environmental effects on air quality and human health.  “We are calling on the Federal Government to stand up for Halton regarding our concerns about CN’s proposal,” Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr said in a statement.  The report will now be reviewed by the Minister of the Environment & Climate Change, as well as the federal cabinet

CN announced plans to build a 400 acre intermodal facility in south Milton in 2015.  They argue that because they’re in a federally regulated industry they are exempt from municipal planning procedures. Halton Region, and Town of Milton launched a court challenge on the project over jurisdictional issues.

To read the full report visit the website