Notice of Determination

 

February 23, 2026 - Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed Little Black Bear First Nation Water Treatment Plant Upgrades project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

 

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

- the Little Black Bear First Nation has authorized the development 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 January 21, 2026, Simple Environmental Review Report (BCL Engineering Ltd., dated January 27, 2026) and other 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. All work will be carried out in accordance with the Migratory Bird Convention Act and applicable regulations.
   1. This development is located within suitable native prairie grassland habitat for ground nesting birds. Every effort should be made to complete vegetation and topsoil stripping activities outside of active nesting periods to avoid work stoppages and potential impacts to breeding birds.
   2. If vegetation and topsoil stripping 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.
   3. 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.
   4. If any nests or dwellings 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.
4. To avoid impacts to Monarch butterflies, the project footprint will be inspected for the presence of milkweed prior to vegetation and topsoil stripping activities. If milkweed is present in sufficient quantities, this species will be incorporated into the seed mix used for revegetation of disturbed areas following construction.
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, all disturbed areas will be seeded 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.
8. The contractor will utilize spill prevention procedures and spill kits will be present at the site during construction.
9. Materials imported to site (e.g., aggregate for base structure and surfacing) will be inspected prior to placement to confirm absence of any potential contaminants.
10. To limit impacts to potential noise receptors, construction activities will only occur during daytime hours. It is anticipated that exposure to continuous noise levels at the nearest rural residence will not exceed permitted exposure levels for workers as governed by provincial OH&S regulation.
11. Equipment idling will be kept to a minimum throughout the duration of construction.
12. 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.