Notice of Determination

 

July 6, 2026 - Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed Shoal Lake Cree Nation Lagoon Upgrades project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

 

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

- the Shoal Lake Cree 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, Shoal Lake Cree Nation Lagoon Upgrade and Expansion Feasibility Study (BCL Engineering Ltd., dated June 2022) and Downstream Use and Impact Study, Shoal Lake Cree Nation Sewage Lagoon Expansion (SLR Consulting, dated May 2022). 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.
   1. Applicable permits and approvals from the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency must be received before proceeding with construction of the project.
3. All work will be carried out in accordance with the Migratory Bird Convention Act and applicable regulations.
   1. Tree clearing and grubbing activities will be conducted once the majority of active nesting periods are complete.
   2. Prior to any clearing activities, a nest sweep will be conducted along all areas planned to receive ground disturbance to confirm the absence of any nests.
   3. If any nests are discovered, the activity level of the nest will be determined, and mitigation procedures specific to the observed species will be implemented.

1. Erosion and sediment control measures such as silt fencing and rip rap will be utilized to limit and contain the impacted areas during construction.
2. After construction, all lagoon berms, sewage force main routing, and any other disturbed areas will be seeded to reestablish vegetative growth equal to that of the surrounding area.
3. As per the Permit for Construction issued by the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency (Permit No. 20260624-01, dated June 24, 2026), a groundwater monitoring program will be implemented for the new sewage lagoon. The monitoring program shall involve installation of monitoring wells and initial characterization of groundwater prior to the operation of the new sewage lagoon.
4. 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, testing will be completed as per lagoon operating requirements to ensure applicable effluent standards and site-specific Effluent Discharge Objectives (EDOs) are being achieved. 
5. The contractor will have an emergency response plan that will be implemented in the event of an accidental spill.
6. Materials imported to site will be inspected prior to placement to confirm absence of any potential contaminants.
7. The contractor will utilize spill prevention procedures and spill kits will be present at the site during construction.
8. Equipment idling will be kept to a minimum throughout the duration of construction.
9. 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.