Since the start of airport site redevelopment planning (2000), Winnipeg Airports Authority has continued to investigate the need for terminal renewal at Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport in consultation with airlines, industry officials and the community. Although a variety of options were considered, recent studies of existing airport infrastructure and projected industry demands confirm the preferred option of a new air terminal building with upgrades to the associated site infrastructure.
As part of this review, an environmental assessment will ensure that the preferred option is designed, constructed and operated in an environmentally responsible manner that corresponds to WAA’s environmental policy, regulatory requirements and sustainable development principles. The environmental assessment approach is consistent with the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and the Canadian Airports Council Environmental Assessment Standard.
The assessment identified environmental impacts that may occur during the various stages of the program from construction and demolition activities to operation of the facilities. The potential environmental effects from the airport site redevelopment program were identified using a variety of methods including stakeholder input, professional judgement and advice from specialists.
Some of the effects were found to be positive, such as the local economic stimulus from construction activities, and improvements in passenger service with the construction of a modern terminal building and parkade. Other potential effects could be negative and would require measures to avoid or counteract.
Measures to eliminate, reduce or control potentially significant negative environmental effects can be applied during all stages of the program: planning/design, construction and operation. For example, effects arising from construction can be addressed though contractor requirements to ensure compliance with government regulations and the use of sound management practices. Negative effects from the operation of the new facilities can be mitigated through design of the infrastructure itself. For example, non-renewable natural resources such as energy can be used more efficiently through better facility design and modern technologies. Mitigation measures identified in the environmental assessment report will be implemented through WAA’s Environmental Management System.
The findings of the environmental assessment revealed the redevelopment program will not likely result in significant adverse environmental effects with the application of mitigation measures. To ensure that mitigation measures are applied successfully, follow-up reviews such as inspections and monitoring will be conducted over the life of the program through WAA’s Environmental Management System.