Summerland, British Columbia– March 3, 2025 – The Environment and Climate Change Canada has determined that the proposed Summerland Irrigation Infrastructure Rehabilitation 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;
• comments received from the public; and
• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

Key mitigation measures taken into account for this determination include:

• Implement soil management measures to avoid soil impaction.
• Implement mitigation measures to protect migratory birds. Avoid vegetation clearing during migratory bird nesting season.
• Maintain sensitive areas free of disturbance.
• Develop and implement a detailed construction environmental management plan and erosion sediment control plan.
• Maintain a minimum vegetation buffer zone of 30 meters around existing wetlands areas.
• Restore disturbed habitat areas with non-invasive and appropriate species upon completion of construction.
• Develop emergency plans and avoid onsite equipment maintenance. Have a qualified environmental professional on site to supervise the work.
• Address all mitigation measures identified by Federal Regulators.
• Species at Risk – All project activities, including mitigations and seasonal activity windows, must comply with the terms and conditions of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) permit which is required for the project to be carried out.

Environment and Climate Change Canada is satisfied that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, if all mitigation measures are applied. Therefore, Environment and Climate Change Canada may 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.