[July 09, 2024] – ISC has determined that the proposed project Coastal Erosion at Stz'uminus First Nation is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

This determination was based on a consideration of the following factors:

• impacts on rights of Indigenous peoples;
• Indigenous knowledge;
• community knowledge;
• comments received from the public; and
• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

Mitigation measures taken into account for this determination include:

• A Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) should be present during all works, undertakings or activities with written authority to modify or stop any construction activity for the protection of fish and fish habitat.
  • Effective sediment and erosion control measures should be in place prior to the start of construction and should be upgraded and maintained throughout the duration of construction, such that a release of sediment into any water
  body is avoided.
  • Construction works, undertakings or activities should avoid creating pools of standing water that could strand or trap fish.
  • The access route should be clearly and visually marked (e.g., flagging tape) to minimize machinery disturbance in the riparian and intertidal zones.
  • Large woody debris located in the work area or access route should be salvaged (as needed to allow works to proceed) prior to the start of construction activities and reinstated to its initial state following completion
  of works, undertakings or activities.
  • All rocky materials should be non-acid generating, clean, and free of fine sediment and debris.
  • An appropriate spill prevention, containment and clean up contingency plan for hydrocarbons (e.g., fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid, etc.) should be put in place prior to work commencing, and appropriate spill containment and cleanup supplies should be kept available onsite. Onsite personnel should also be trained in spill prevention, containment and clean up procedures.
  • Machinery on site should be kept in a clean condition and free of fluid leaks.

ISC is satisfied that that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Therefore, ISC may carry out the project, exercise any power, perform any duty or function, or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part.