Notice of intent to make a determination

Stoney Nation Big Horn Wastewater System – Public Comments Invited

October 17, 2022 – Indigenous Services Canada must determine whether the Big Horn Wastewater System located in Stoney Nation is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. To help inform this determination, Indigenous Services Canada is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination.

Written comments must be submitted by November 16, 2022 to:

Janelle Charland

630 Canada Place

9700, Jasper Ave

Edmonton, AB

T5J 4G2

janelle.charland@sac-isc.gc.ca

 

The Proposed Project

The community of Big Horn #144A is located approximately 120km west of Rocky Mountain House. It is a part of Stoney Nation, which is comprised of the Bearspaw, Chiniki and Wesley First Nations. The Big Horn wastewater system consists of septic tanks and septic fields. Rural residential properties are serviced by an individual sewage disposal system at each location. A Water and Wastewater System Assessment report completed by BCL Engineering Ltd. in 2020 identified 42 existing residences' septic tanks and septic fields are at the end of their serviceable life and will require replacement. The walls of the septic tanks have failed/corroded through and multiple tank lids are cracked and unstable in place. Several systems will require full replacement of all components. In addition to the 42 existing residences, an additional 8 septic tanks and fields are required immediately for new housing scheduled for construction. Private sewage systems will be designed per the Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standard of Practice. This project serves to improve sanitation conditions within Big Horn #144 while minimizing new areas of disturbance and adverse effects on the community. Construction is anticipated take place from May to September 2023.