Public Notice

Notice of intent to make a determination

Beardy's and Okemasis Cree Nation Solid Waste Removal and Landfill Decommissioning  – Public Comments Invited

 

September 5, 2025 – Indigenous Services Canada must determine whether the proposed Beardy's and Okemasis Cree Nation Solid Waste Removal and Landfill Decommissioning project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. To help inform this determination, Indigenous Services Canada is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination.

 

Written comments must be submitted by October 5, 2025 to:

Indigenous Services Canada
Alvin Hamilton Building, 1783 Hamilton Street
Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 2B6
Telephone: 306-581-3134
Email: isc-skenv@sac-isc.gc.ca

 

The Proposed Project

The proposed project involves the decommissioning and clean up/closure of a former landfill site and sixteen solid waste dump sites on Beardy's and Okemasis Cree Nation reserve lands. The sites were historically used as disposal sites for solid waste produced by the community including household garbage, appliances, wood, plastics, and tires. Surficial waste, buried waste, or a combination of both were encountered on the sites. The sites are primarily surrounded by agricultural land.

Supporting studies (Phase II and III Environmental Site Assessments and a Corrective Action Plan) have been completed at all of the sites. The overall project plan is to remove waste from the sites and haul it to approved locations off reserve.  

Site management practices for existing solid waste are recommended. These recommendations include the removal of visible debris/waste, the proper decommissioning/closure of any buried waste cells, including either removal or proper soil cover, and ongoing water monitoring. Some of the waste sites are still actively being used; therefore, administrative controls to prevent development on previous waste sites and to prevent further use of the sites for solid waste purposes will also be implemented.