Notice of Determination

 

May 28, 2026 - Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed Big River First Nation Drainage Reestablishment Phase 1B project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

 

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

- the Big River 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 January 9, 2026 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, and to adhere to the conditions outlined in any permits or approvals issued for the project by other regulatory authorities. 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. If any tree clearing activities are to be conducted during the active nesting period for the region (late April to late August), sites will be inspected prior to determine the presence of any nesting birds.
   2. 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 activities within and surrounding the project area. The inspection will be conducted by walking transects with intermittent stopping points to record all birds that are seen or heard, while also noting any observed breeding behaviors, including courtship displays, entering and existing suspected nesting locations, transporting food or nest building materials, removal of fecal sacs, and alarm calls, etc.
   3. If a bird is accidentally flushed, the immediate area will be vacated promptly. Suspected nesting locations will be recorded, and appropriate buffer zones / mitigation measures will be established.
4. In-water work will be conducted outside of timing window restrictions for fall/winter spawning (October 1 - June 30) and spring spawning (April 16 - June 30) fish species in Central Saskatchewan.
5. The work zone will be isolated using temporary upstream and downstream berms or cofferdams constructed of clean, non-erodible materials to prevent sediment migration.
6. If fish are present within the isolated area, a qualified individual will conduct a fish salvage prior to dewatering and relocate fish to suitable habitat outside the work zone.
7. Where streamflow persists during construction, a temporary pump-around or diversion system equipped with appropriate screens will be used to maintain downstream flows.
8. Existing structures will be removed and replaced in a manner that maintains channel stability and provides unimpeded fish passage consistent with natural channel conditions.
9. Following installation of new structures, the channel will be restored and isolation measures removed gradually to allow controlled rewatering and minimize sediment release.
10. Erosion and sediment control measures consisting of silt fencing and rip rap will be implemented during construction.
    1. Erosion and sediment control measures will be installed prior to construction to prevent the release of deleterious substances into the watercourse.
    2. Silt fencing will be routinely inspected during construction and will remain in place after construction until adequate vegetative growth has re-established.
11. All waste generated from construction activities will be responsibly stored and disposed of at designated off-reserve facilities.
12. Responsible refueling and greasing procedures shall be followed for all on-site equipment. This will include implementing designated zones equipped with containment areas for daily maintenance of equipment, proper storage of all equipment and maintenance products, and the site shall be equipped with spill kits.
13. Procedures will be followed to mitigate any potential contamination pathways for petroleum products from on-site equipment.
14. Refueling or maintenance activities of equipment will not be authorized within 30 m of any open water courses.
15. Unnecessary idling of vehicles and equipment will be prohibited.

 

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