Notice of Determination for the Buffalo River School Bypass Road Relocation Project

February 27, 2025 - Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed Buffalo River School Bypass Road Relocation project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

The determination was based on a consideration of the following factors:
-the Buffalo River Dene 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 and Simple Environmental Form (AECOM Canada Ltd., February 2025), Smith, N. (AECOM Canada Ltd.) personal communication (February 26, 2025) and AECOM Specifications, Contract B (AECOM Canada Ltd., February 2025) . 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, including potential borrow sources, associated with this development that were not included in the Project Description form.
3. All work will be carried out in accordance with the Migratory Bird Convention Act and applicable regulations.
   • Supplemental nest sweeps of the site by a qualified environmental professional will be completed if clearing is required within the potential nesting period for migratory birds.
   • In the event any migratory bird nests containing eggs are identified during construction, activities will stop in the nesting area and ISC and Environment and Climate Change Canada must also be contacted immediately to determine mitigation strategies.
4. Natural surface drainage pathways must be maintained as per the design.
5. Minimize disturbance to wetlands. No work will be located within 60 m of a wetland boundary.
6. Soil stabilization, erosion and sedimentation controls measures will be implemented during all phases of construction as per AECOM Specifications, Contract B .
7. Waste and/or hazardous materials must be removed from site as soon as practicable and taken to a certified/approved landfill in accordance with provincial and municipal legislation.
8. Regardless of volume, any spilled substance that may cause an adverse effect must be cleaned up immediately and removed from the site for proper disposal. All spills must be reported to relevant federal, provincial and municipal government departments.
9. Mitigation measures will be utilized to reduce potential for emissions, dust and noise on and around the project footprint.
   • Soils will be either covered or wetted to reduce the production of dust
   • Equipment working on the project will arrive at site in good working order to reduce emissions.
   • No unnecessary equipment or vehicle idling will occur during construction

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