Notice of Determination

 

February 25, 2025 - Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed Poundmaker Cree Nation Lagoon Upgrades is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

 

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

 -the Poundmaker Cree Nation has authorized the project by Band Council Resolution, and its membership will benefit from the project

-no comments were received from the public about the project

-mitigation measures are required for the project

 

Implementation of the following mitigation measures is required for the project:

1. The project shall proceed in the manner described in the ISC Project Description form, dated January 15, 2025, Simple Environmental Review report (BCL Engineering Ltd., dated January 22, 2025), Poundmaker Cree Nation Sewage Lagoon Expansion Downstream Use and Impact Study (DUIS) (SLR Consulting (Canada) Limited, dated September 10, 2020), and design drawings (BCL Engineering Ltd., dated June 20, 2024). The Proponent will immediately notify ISC of any changes to the proposed project for approval.

2. Relevant permits and approvals will be obtained before undertaking any work. It is the Proponent's responsibility to meet all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations that apply to the proposed project. This Notice of Determination does not apply to ancillary features associated with this development that were not included in the Project Description form.

3. Operation of the new lagoon will be consistent with typical facultative lagoon operation and maintenance procedures, which include seasonal effluent releases. When a release is required, effluent quality testing will be completed as per normal lagoon operating requirements to ensure applicable standards are being achieved.

4. All work will be carried out in accordance with the Migratory Bird Convention Act and applicable regulations.

a. Topsoil stripping activities will be conducted before the majority of active nesting periods take place. Prior to topsoil stripping activities, a nest sweep will be conducted along all areas planned to receive ground disturbance to confirm the absence of any nests.

b. If any nests are discovered, the activity level of the nest will be determined, and mitigation procedures specific to the observed bird species will be implemented.

5. Erosion and sediment control measures such as silt fencing and rip rap will be utilized to limit and contain the impacted areas during construction.

6. After construction, all disturbed areas will be seeded to reestablish vegetative growth equal to that of the surrounding area.

7. The contractor will have an emergency response plan that will be implemented in the event of an accidental spill. The contractor will utilize spill prevention procedures and spill kits will be present at the site during construction.

8. Materials imported to site will be inspected prior to placement to confirm absence of any potential contaminants.

9. Equipment idling will be kept to a minimum throughout the duration of construction.

10. The contractor will be required to responsibly dispose of all waste generated during construction to appropriate registered off-reserve disposal facilities.

 

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is satisfied that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects