Notice of Determination

 

September 10, 2025 - Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed George Gordon Lagoon Upgrade project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

 

The determination was based on a consideration of the following factors:

-the George Gordon First 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, dated July 25, 2025, Simple Environmental Review report (BCL Engineering Ltd., dated July 28, 2025) and supporting documents. 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 associated with this development that were not included in the Project Description form.

3. Operation of the new lagoon will be consistent with typical facultative lagoon operation and maintenance procedures, which include seasonal effluent releases. When a release is required, effluent quality testing will be completed as per normal lagoon operating requirements to ensure Saskatchewan MOE / WSA standards are being achieved. 

4. All work will be carried out in accordance with the Migratory Bird Convention Act and applicable regulations.

  a. If any tree clearing activities are to be completed within the active nesting period of the region (late April - late August), the site will be inspected prior to determine the presence of any nesting birds.

  b. The inspection will occur within 7 days of the start of construction activities and will consist of a visual and auditory inspection to assess breeding activity within and surrounding the project area. If any nests or dwelling are discovered, or breeding bird activities are observed indicating the proximity of a nest, mitigation procedures and setbacks specific to the observed species will be implemented.

5. Erosion and sediment control measures such as silt fencing and rip rap will be utilized to limit and contain the impacted areas during construction.

6. After construction, topsoil replacement and seeding will be completed on all lagoon berms, sewage force main routing, access road ditching and any other disturbed areas to reestablish vegetative growth equal to that of the surrounding area.

7. The contractor will have an emergency response plan that will be implemented in the event of an accidental spill. The contractor will utilize spill prevention procedures and spill kits will be present at the site during construction.

8. Materials imported to site (e.g., gravel for the lagoon access road surfacing) will be inspected prior to placement to confirm absence of any potential contaminants.

9. Equipment idling will be kept to a minimum throughout the duration of construction.

10. The contractor will be required to dispose of all waste generated during construction at appropriate registered off-reserve disposal facilities.

 

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