Awasis Organics Facility

Notice of Determination for the Awasis Organics Biochar Facility

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) has concluded its review of the proposed Awasis Organics Biochar Facility project, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Impact Assessment Act (IAA). Based on the information received as part of the project description review process, it was determined that the proposed activity is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

 

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

• Cowessess First Nation members will benefit from this development;
• no comments were received from the public about the project; and
• mitigation measures are required for the project

 

Implementation of the following mitigation measures proposed for the project:

1. The project shall proceed in the manner described in the Awasis Organics Biochar Facility, Impact Assessment Report: Revision 12 (Awasis Organics/Awasis Biochar, August 2026), Awasis Waste to Biochar Facility Manual: Revision 5 (July 2026), Awasis Organics Lease Impact Assessment_Supplemental Information Response_R2: ISC Review and Comment Table (August 1, 2026)and S. Cunningham, personal communication (Additional Information on Awasis Organics Biochar facility, August 1, 2026).

1. All applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations will be adhered to, and permits will be obtained before undertaking any work. This Notice of Determination does not apply to ancillary features associated with this development, for example, but not limited to power transmission lines, natural gas or water supply pipelines and/or gravel extraction activities, future developments or fundamental changes to the project process.

1. The Proponent will immediately notify ISC of any changes to the proposed project for approval.

1. The Proponent will provide ISC with documentation a qualified engineering professional, licensed under the applicable jurisdiction of the operational facility, verifies all aspects of the design, equipment and operations are in compliance with industry standards including applicable laws, regulations and guidelines.

1. The proponent shall submit the results of the Air Dispersion and Noise Modelling studies for the project to ISC, for approval, prior to commencement of operations. If the results of the subsequent studies do not meet applicable guidelines and/or standards, the proponent will submit an Adaptive Management Plan for approval.

1. Pre-construction amphibian, grassland bird, and vascular plant surveys will be completed be a qualified professional, using current provincial protocols. If any species of concern are discovered, ISC must be notified and species-specific mitigation measures will be implemented in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.

1. Consultation with Cowessess First Nation shall be completed to ensure any potential land use considerations have been identified and, where needed, further mitigate any effects on traditional hunting, gathering, or ceremonial land uses.

1. RM of Edenwold consultation, access permit and any associated traffic management plan requirements will be finalized directly with the RM of Edenwold prior to commencement of operations.

1. Any hazardous waste identified during construction and operations will be secured in a separate, clearly marked receptacle pending removal by an appropriately licensed contractor, and RM of Edenwold, Cowessess First Nation liaison, and the City of Regina Liaison are notified the same day of the identified waste and the corrective action taken. All waste materials will be disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner and in accordance with federal, provincial and municipal legislation.

1. Regardless of volume, any spilled substance that may cause an adverse effect must be cleaned up immediately and contaminated materials removed from the site for proper disposal. All spills must be reported to relevant federal, provincial and municipal government departments.

1. Any residual soil impacts, identified at the end of operations and closure, will be addressed through a decommissioning environmental site assessment prior to the site being returned to the landowner.