Notice of Determination

Winnipeg, MB – November 4, 2024 – Fisheries and Oceans Canada have determined that the proposed Hecla float replacement project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

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

• community knowledge;
• comments received from the public; and
• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

Mitigation measures taken into account for this determination are:

• Plan in-water works, undertakings and activities to respect timing windows to protect fish and fish habitat
• Limit impacts on riparian vegetation to those approved for the work, undertaking or activity
• Replace/restore any other disturbed habitat features and remediate any areas impacted by the work, undertaking or activity
• Restore stream geomorphology (i.e., restore the bed and banks, gradient and contour of the waterbody) to its initial state
• Conduct in-water undertakings and activities during periods of low flow
• Limit the duration of in-water works, undertakings and activities so that it does not diminish the ability of fish to carry out one or more of their life processes (spawning, rearing, feeding, migrating)
• Develop and implement an Sediment Control Plan to minimize sedimentation of the waterbody during all phases of the work, undertaking or activity
  • Conduct all in-water works, undertakings or activities in isolation of open or flowing water to reduce the introduction of sediment into the watercourse
• Maintain the natural flow regime for any diversion works
  • Schedule work to avoid wet, windy and rainy periods (and heed weather advisories)
  • Operate machinery on land, or from barges or on ice
  • Use methods to prevent substrate compaction (e.g., swamp mats, pads)
  • Monitor the watercourse to observe signs of sedimentation during all phases of the work, undertaking or activity and take corrective action
  • Dispose and stabilize all dredged material above the high water mark of nearby waterbodies to prevent entry in the water
• Develop and implement a response plan to avoid a spill of deleterious substances
• Aquatic invasive species are introduced and spread through transporting sands and sediments and using contaminated construction equipment. To prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species during construction in aquatic environments:
  • Clean, drain and dry any equipment used in the water; and,
  • Never move organisms or water from one body of water to another.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada are satisfied that that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.