Notice of Determination for Lac La Ronge Indian Band Stanley Mission – Loon Lake Subdivision Stage 3

April 2, 2025 - Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed Stanley Mission – Loon Lake Subdivision Stage 3 project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

The determination was based on a consideration of the following factors:
-the Lac La Ronge Indian Band has authorized the development 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, Simple Environmental Review form (Associated Engineering Ltd., January 2025),  Makari, D. (Associated Engineering (Sask.) Ltd.), personal communication (April 2, 2025).
   • The Proponent will immediately notify ISC of any changes to the proposed project, for approval.
2. All applicable federal, provincial, and municipal laws and regulations will be adhered to, and permits will be obtained before undertaking any work. This Notice of Determination does not apply to ancillary features 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.
   • Screening of the site by a qualified environmental professional will be completed if clearing is planned within the potential nesting period for migratory birds. A qualified environmental professional adheres to the Government of Saskatchewan provincial guideline the Conservation Standards Terms and Conditions for Species Detection Survey and Personnel Protocol.
   • If construction is rescheduled within the breeding and nesting period, a pre-construction wildlife sweep will be completed 7 days prior to construction to identify potential issues as close to the time of construction as possible.
   • Supplemental sweeps will be completed if work stoppage of greater than 7-days occurs during the construction period.
   • In the event any migratory bird nests containing eggs are identified during construction, activities will stop in the nesting area and an appropriate setback with proper flagging to mark the buffer zone. The areas will be avoided until young have naturally left the nest.
   • ISC and Environment and Climate Change Canada must also be contacted immediately to determine mitigation strategies.
4. If caribou are encountered during construction, the response to shall include, but not be limited to, allowing the caribou to pass undisturbed. Regular activities may proceed once the caribou are out of sight from the active work area, according to provincial permit conditions.
5. The project area will be assessed for noxious weeds. If required, noxious weeds will be controlled on site.
6. If groundwater suspected of contamination is encountered during, it will be collected and hauled to the lagoon for disposal.
7. Maintain natural drainage pathways where possible during clean-up and reclamation activities
8. Material will not be stored in treed areas, wetlands or waterbodies.
9. Soil stabilization, erosion and sedimentation controls measures will be implemented early during the construction phase following ground disturbance to prevent soil erosion and discharge of soilbearing water runoff or airborne dust to adjacent properties, waterways and riparian areas in accordance with federal and provincial standards
   • During construction, inspect, repair, and maintain erosion and sedimentation control measures until permanent vegetation has been established.
   • After construction, remove erosion and sedimentation controls and restore and stabilize areas disturbed during removal.
   • Post construction, disturbed areas will be stabilized and revegetated.
10. All waste materials will be disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner and in accordance with provincial and municipal legislation
    • Work areas should remain free of food scraps and garbage to prevent attracting wildlife.
    • Waste materials will be removed from site as soon as practical to do so and taken to an approved landfill.
11. Best management practices for Emergency Spill Response will be followed in the event of a spill of a deleterious substance.
    • Equipment will be inspected for leaks and repaired prior to entry into the Project area and routinely inspected throughout the duration of the project.
    • Spill kits will be kept on site.
    • All spills must be reported to relevant federal, provincial and municipal government departments.
12. Mitigation measures will be utilized to maintain good visibility and air quality on and around the project footprint.
    • Ground watering will be employed as needed
    • All exhaust systems will have mufflers, and all equipment will operate as per manufacturer specifications.
    • Equipment and truck idling will be avoided, to the extent possible

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