Notice of Determination

Lytton, B.C. – August 26, 2025 – Indigenous Services Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada have determined that the proposed Nuuautin IR2B Subdivision & Stein Water System Improvement Project 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;
• Indigenous knowledge;
• community knowledge; and
• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

The Project was posted to the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry on April 1, 2025, for public comment. No comments were received.

Mitigation measures[1] taken into account for this determination are:

• All mitigation measures included in the Wildlife and Vegetation Protection Plan contained within the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) will be employed. These measures will be implemented and employed in addition to any terms and conditions included in the Species at Risk Act permit.
• Before construction begins, the Environmental Monitor will assess the property for invasive vegetation species. The monitor will oversee the removal of any identified noxious weeds, which will be taken to an approved solid waste facility that accepts invasive plant material. Additionally, all machinery, equipment, and personnel must be thoroughly cleaned to ensure they are free of invasive plants before entering the work site.
• The General Contractor is required to follow the Lytton Noise Bylaw 600, 2008, which governs noise management in the Village of Lytton. This bylaw prohibits the erection, demolition, construction, reconstruction, alteration, or repair of any building or structure before 7:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m. To reduce site noise, the General Contractor must regularly service all equipment to ensure it operates at its designated noise level and implement an "anti-idling" policy for all trucks and equipment. Additionally, the General Contractor will adhere to all conditions and implement all mitigation measures outlined in the Air Quality Management Plan, the Waste Management Plan, the Spill Response Plan, avoid impacts to migratory birds in alignment with Environment and Climate Change Canada's avoiding harm to migratory birds guidelines, and is responsible for the review and monitoring of the implementation of the CEMP.
• Before beginning the project, a site-specific Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) plan will be implemented. The purpose of this plan is to minimize erosion and sedimentation from the work area, which could potentially contaminate fish habitats located downstream. All ESC measures must be fully implemented before any work commences.
• In the event that unanticipated chance finds of heritage or archaeological resources are made during development activities, the Lytton First Nation (LFN) Chance Find Procedure will be followed. The objective is to establish heritage protection measures within Nlaka'pamux territory in areas where development may impact unexpected heritage resources. The monitoring requirements include participating in morning tailgate meeting with the construction crew to review the daily work plan. Archaeological Monitors must observe all construction activities from a safe distance. While construction is underway, they are to inspect cuts and spoil piles for any cultural materials or features, and if any are found, they must immediately initiate the Stop Work procedure. At the conclusion of each workday, a post-construction inspection of the area is required to identify and document any heritage materials and features that might have been exposed. The monitor must also attend the end-of-day tailgate meeting to review the plan for the following day, if necessary, and report the results of the day's monitoring to the assigned LFN Heritage Crew Lead.

The authorities are satisfied that the carrying out of the Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects if all mitigation measures are applied.

Therefore, Indigenous Services Canada and 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.