Notice of Determination

Gatineau – April 29, 2025 – Global Affairs Canada has determined that the proposed Emergency Response to the Rohingya Refugee Crisis in Bangladesh through Shelter, WASH, and Protection Services 2025-2026 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[1] taken into account for this determination are:

Environmental impacts that may arise from the construction phase include dust generation, loud noise, solid waste generation, increase in the risk of land slide, and health and safety issues amongst workers. To minimize or avoid these impacts, the partner will implement various actions, including but not limited to the following measures:

• Sprinkling water on dry surface to dust and cover materials stockpiles with tarpaulin.
• Prohibit use of vehicle that causes excessive pollution and limit heavy construction (if any) during daytime.
• Raise awareness among workers on solid waste management, reuse and dispose of waste materials properly by providing specific dumping containers at working site.
• Ensure no cutting of hill, promote tree planting and ensure awareness of any land slide prone, implement slope stabilization measures and install retaining walls.
• Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety helmet, safety vest, safety goggles, ear plugs, and safety boots.
• Fence off the construction site, conduct training on safety and environmental hygiene to all workers.
• Use only non-lethal ways to manage wildlife (if required)

Environmental impacts related to the rehabilitation and maintenance of water networks include the risk of over-extraction of groundwater, the generation of health and environmental issues arising from the misuse and storage of chemicals and the disruption of natural habitats. Mitigations measures include:

• Monitor groundwater levels, provide training to the community on water conservation, and promote rainwater harvesting.
• Ensure proper storage, dosing, and disposal of chlorine and other water treatment chemicals to prevent contamination.
• Conduct environmental impact assessments before pipeline installation to minimize disruption to natural habitats.

Finally, the environmental impacts that may arise from the repairing and rehabilitation of sanitation facilities include the contamination of the soil, ground water and clean water sources, the disruption of natural groundwater flow, the risk of increasing vector-borne diseases, soil erosion and greenhouse gas emissions. Examples of mitigation measures include the following:

• Ensure proper lining in latrines and regular and safe desludging of latrines.
• Improve soak-pit designs to prevent overflow and surface water pollution.
• Install corrosion-resistant pipes to reduce wear and tear.
• Monitor water usage and promote rainwater harvesting and explore alternative water sources to reduce groundwater depletion.
• Prioritize solar-powered pumps over fuel-based generators.

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

Therefore, Global Affairs Canada 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.