Notice of Determination

September 10, 2025

The authorities have determined that the proposed ‘Design and Construct Dry Gap Bridge Training Aide, Canadian Forces Base Edmonton' 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;
• comments received from the public; and
• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures

In making this determination, mitigation measures were associated with the following components which may be affected by the various activities related to the project:

Atmosphere

• During dry, windy conditions, the soil surface can be lightly wetted to reduce dust if necessary.
• Vehicle and equipment idling times will be minimized to decrease the amount of emissions entering the atmosphere, as per the Regulatory Framework for Air Emissions and Canada's Action on Climate Change and the Base Standing Orders.

Surface Water

• Equipment and vehicles should be in good mechanical condition, checked for leaks and malfunctions regularly. Refuelling and storage should occur on hardstands with appropriate secondary containment measures implemented.
• Refuelling on site should be avoided, however if it must be conducted, secondary containment is to be employed to prevent spill or releases.

Soils

• Vehicle traffic should be restricted to designated roadways and staging areas. This is particularly important during rain events to protect soils from compaction and rutting.
• Topsoil and subsurface soils need to be separated and stored to reduce the potential for soil admixing. Containment and a management plan are needed for soil stockpiles.
• All temporarily stored soils will be piled at a 1:1 slope and have silt fencing installed surrounding them to prevent silt transport from erosion. Piles must be separated by a minimum distance of 1 m and should be at least 50 m from sensitive receptors.
• Stockpiles should be stored at distance from manholes and surface ditches to reduce the likelihood of sedimentation of storm water features that could eventually enter other water bodies.
• Stockpiles must be regularly inspected and maintained.
• Stockpiles must be removed as soon as possible and the site restored.
• Storm water inlets should be protected from sedimentation using sediment controls if necessary.
• Spill kits for fuel/hydrocarbons shall be readily available and accessible on site and Contractors or Department of National Defence (DND) members shall have the appropriate spill response training prior to the commencement of site preparation activities.
• In the event of a spill, follow the appropriate procedures for capture, cleanup and reporting.
• Special care will be taken to avoid migration and nesting period (mid April to late August) during soil stripping activities. If soil stripping must occur during these dates, a migratory bird sweep is to be conducted within 24 hours of the work being conducted.
• Ensure soil horizons are backfilled using the appropriate subsoil to reduce the potential for soil admixing.
• Excess soil is to be re-used on site, repurposed or disposed of. Soil will not be permanently stockpiled on site.
• Areas where soils have been compacted during project activities should be aerated before revegetation occurs at the project area.
• Manage waste, garbage and cleanup onsite according to appropriate procedures.
• Temporary construction fencing to be such that it would secure the construction site, prevent unauthorized entry and provide separation between work on site and adjacent properties. Appropriate signage to be displayed to bring attention to the dangers inside the fencing.
• If historical or heritage items are found during excavations, stop the work activity and notify Base Environment.

Terrestrial Animals and Habitat

• Avoid and prevent all activities from killing, harming, or harassing species at risk and migratory birds. Report any species at risk sightings to Base Environment. A list of species that may be encountered will be provided to contractor/DND members.
• If a wildlife den (i.e. fox, badger, etc.) is observed during construction, work will cease in the immediate area of the den and Base Environment will be contacted.
• Limit potential sources of shelter by covering or containing piles of soil, fill, brush, rocks and other loose materials, capping ends of pipes; and ensuring that trailers, bins, boxes, and vacant buildings are secured at the end of each workday.

Aquatic Animals and Habitat

• Install effective sediment and erosion control measures before starting work to prevent the entry of sediment into the watercourse. Inspect them regularly during construction and make all necessary repairs if any damage occurs.
• No vehicle and equipment refuelling within 30 m of a water body or storm sewer.

Vegetation

• Ensure laydown and storage areas are as small as possible to limit the amount of disturbed vegetation. Use previously disturbed areas whenever possible.
• Vehicles or equipment brought to and leaving the site should be free of mud and weeds to decrease the spread of invasive species.
• Re-seeding activities should occur as soon as possible following construction to minimize the likelihood of invasive species becoming established. The best time to re-seed is September/October or May/June.
• Vegetate disturbed areas with native seed mix approved by Base Environment to prevent the establishment of invasive species. Thin topsoil in this area may require the addition of organic matter or compost to improve soil quality and vegetation growth.
• Restore disturbed areas to function as they did in their pre-disturbance condition.

Species at Risk and Migratory Birds

• Ensure vegetation removal and soil stripping are done outside of the nesting and migratory bird seasons (mid April to late August).
• Prior to work commencing, conduct surveys to ensure that wildlife is not nesting/denning on or immediately adjacent to the project site. This includes birds and other wildlife nests. Do not disturb any dens, birds, or nests. If a nest is found, stop work and immediately notify Base Environment. A qualified environmental professional must carry out the surveys if Species at Risk (SAR) or Migratory birds are anticipated in the area. Deceased animals will be reported to Base Environment.
• Western Tiger Salamander (Special Concern species) can experience vibration/visual disturbance, barriers to movement, and impacts from sediment transport. The use of heavy equipment puts salamanders at risk of mortality. Adults migrate from terrestrial burrows to breeding sites in the Burrow Pit Wetland from early April to mid-May. Juveniles disperse from wetlands beginning in late July to early October (disbursement is triggered by rain events and temperature). If a salamander is observed on site immediately stop work and contact Base Environment.

The authorities are satisfied that that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Therefore, the authorities 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.