Notice of Determination

February 11, 2026:  Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Small Craft Harbours (DFO-SCH) has determined that the development of a dredge material management site in Sonora, Nova Scotia, is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on areas within federal jurisdiction and can, therefore, proceed.  Environmental effects on areas within provincial jurisdiction will be addressed through applicable provincial legislation and processes.

This determination was based on a consideration of the following:

• Potential impacts on rights and interests of Indigenous peoples;
• Any shared community and Indigenous knowledge;
• Comments received from the public;
• Potential impacts to the following environmental components:
  • Air Quality
  • Aquatic Species and Habitat
  • Avian Species and Habitat
  • Health, Social, and Economic Conditions
  • Land and Resource Use for Traditional Purposes
  • Marine Sediments
  • Navigation
  • Physical and Cultural Heritage
  • Sensory Disturbance (air/water, noise, and vibration)
  • Structures, Sites, or Things of Historical, Archaeological, Paleontological, or Architectural Significance
  • Terrestrial Species and Habitat
  • Terrestrial Soils
  • Water (marine, ground, surface, drainage, water levels, flow, etc.)
  • Wetlands; and
• Application of technically and economically feasible mitigation measures (including but not limited to those listed in the attached document).

With this determination, Fisheries and Oceans 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.