A federal comprehensive impact assessment will not be needed for the Sussex flood diversion project.
The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada recently completed its review of the $38-million project.
It found that potential adverse effects within federal jurisdiction would be limited or addressed through existing regulations.
“The proponent, the Town of Sussex, may now move forward with obtaining any necessary authorizations and permits from federal and provincial authorities,” the agency said in a news release.
Officials say the project, being funded by all three levels of government, aims to divert flood waters away from the downtown core during heavy rain events.
Two diversion channels have been proposed to divert flows from Parsons Brook into Trout Creek and then into the Kennebecasis River.
To accommodate the diversion channels, two bridge/overpass structures will need to be constructed on Route 1, along with a culvert or a bridge at Leonard Drive.
In addition, the bridge deck elevations at Route 890 and the adjacent covered bridge will be raised to accommodate temporary water level increases in the Kennebecasis River during flood events.
Temporary water level increases in the Kennebecasis River during flood events will be addressed by raising the bridge deck elevations at Route 890 and the adjacent Salmon Covered Bridge.
According to documents submitted to the agency, design work is expected to be completed during 2025, with full project commissioning tentatively scheduled for 2028.
During an announcement last June, the province committed more than $13 million for the work while Ottawa announced a contribution of more than $15 million. The town would pay more than $10 million.
Then-CAO Scott Hatcher told our newsroom at the time that around 650 residential and business properties are impacted by adverse flooding effects.
