Kahkewistahaw First Nation Community Landfill Reclamation

Notice of Determination

 

September 8, 2026 - Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed Kahkewistahaw First Nation Community Landfill Reclamation project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

 

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

-the Kahkewistahaw 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 July 10, 2026, Simple Environmental Review (SER) report (Trace Associates Inc., dated September 2, 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.

4. A protective buffer should be established around the adjacent wetland to ensure it is not impacted by construction activities. Equipment, soil, clay, waste and other materials should be kept outside the wetland and buffer unless specifically authorized.

5. Landfill areas will be compacted and contoured to minimize infiltration of precipitation.

6. The landfill cap will consist of a low-permeability clay cover over the existing waste footprint.

                a. Maintain the cap as appropriate (i.e., continuous and adequately compacted, with no exposed waste or areas of significant settlement that could allow water infiltration).

                b. Inspect the cap periodically for erosion, cracking, ponding, settlement or exposed waste and repair deficiencies promptly.

7. Material required to construct the clay cap will be sourced from Kahkewistahaw First Nation. Any materials imported to site will be inspected prior to placement to confirm absence of any potential contaminants.

8. If applicable, topsoil from borrow areas should be stripped and stockpiled separately from subsoil. The topsoil may be used for reclamation/stabilization of the landfill site as proposed.

9. Disturbed areas will be stabilized as soon as practicable following grading. Avoid leaving large areas of exposed soil unnecessarily.

10. Following reclamation, a fence will be constructed to restrict access to the site. Lockable gates will be installed at access points located along the northeast and southwest portions of the site, and signage will be installed noting the closed landfill, with directions to the waste transfer station.

11. Post-closure monitoring activities will be conducted annually for three years and will include groundwater monitoring and sampling as well as cover inspections and repairs, as required.

12. Existing landfill materials will be segregated as encountered. Metals should be recycled off-site; large items should be transported to an approved landfill/transfer station; smaller materials may remain within the existing waste footprint only where consistent with the reclamation design.

13. Household and other construction-generated waste will be collected and transported off-site to an appropriate disposal facility. Do not bury newly generated waste beneath the reclamation cap.

14. Construction equipment will be kept in good repair and spill response materials maintained on site. Any spill or release should be contained immediately, cleaned up appropriately and reported where required.

 

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