Notice of Determination

November 21, 2023

The Department of National Defence has determined that the proposed ‘Construct Transition Centre' project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

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

• impacts on rights of Indigenous peoples;
• Indigenous knowledge;
• community knowledge;
• comments received from the public; and
• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures

In making this determination, mitigation measures were associated with the following components which may be affected by the various activities related to the project:

• Atmosphere
  • During dry, windy conditions, the soil surface can be lightly wetted to reduce dust if necessary.
  • Vehicle and equipment idling times will be minimized to decrease the amount of emissions entering the atmosphere, as per the Regulatory Framework for Air Emissions and Canada's Action on Climate Change and the Base Standing Orders.
• Groundwater
  • Equipment and vehicles should be in good mechanical condition, checked for leaks and malfunctions regularly. Refuelling and storage should occur on hardstands with appropriate secondary containment measures implemented.
  • Spill kits for fuel/hydrocarbons shall be readily available and accessible on site and contractors shall have the appropriate spill response training prior to the commencement of site preparation activities.
  • If dewatering is needed during construction activities, trace concentrations of PFAS in groundwater should be kept onsite and handled appropriately.
• Soils
  • Vehicle traffic should be restricted to designated roadways and staging areas. This is particularly important during rain events to protect soils from compaction and rutting.
  • Excess topsoil and subsurface soils need to be separated and stored to reduce the potential for soil admixing.
  • Prevent erosion of stockpiled soils by covering piles. Stockpiles should be stored at distance from manholes and surface ditches to reduce the likelihood of sedimentation of storm water features that could eventually enter other water bodies. Storm water inlets should be protected from sedimentation using sediment controls if necessary.
  • Spill kits for fuel/hydrocarbons shall be readily available and accessible on site and contractors shall have the appropriate spill response training prior to the commencement of site preparation activities.
  • Subject to Contaminated Sites Instruction (CSI.004.001), excess topsoil should be reused at the site, at another location or conserved for future land use. Excess subsoil can be reused or disposed of.
  • Backfill should consist of clean, native material and topsoil should be a high-quality loamy material suitable for sustaining plant growth.
  • Areas where soils have been compacted during project activities should be aerated before revegetation occurs at the project area.
  • Seed exposed soil as soon as possible to minimize erosion potential.
• Ambient Noise
  • Engines will be shut off when not in use to reduce noise levels.
  • Loud work will be limited to normal working hours (7:30am – 4:30pm) and noise exposure levels will not exceed those outlined in the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations SOR86-304 Part 7.
• Services
  • Routine site clean-up should be implemented to minimize the amount of waste material stockpiled on site. Waste and recycling bins should always be used. Waste material should be removed as often as required to maintain a clean and safe work site. Material recycling should be implemented whenever possible. To accomplish this, a Waste Reduction Plan will be developed by the contractors as per the specifications and Department of National Defence Sustainable Development Strategies.
  • Integrating Sustainable Development into the building design will improve the performance of the building and lower the operational costs and carbon footprint; thereby reducing future mitigation requirements.
  • An annual educational campaign for occupants on green building systems and energy conservation and management will ensure that these systems operate as efficiently as possible.
• Vegetation
  • Ensure laydown and storage areas are as small as possible to limit the amount of disturbed vegetation. Use paved or previously disturbed areas whenever possible.
  • Ensure the trees at the site are protected from damage. Equipment and materials storage not to take place within the drip line of existing trees to prevent damage to the branches and minimize compaction above the root zone.
  • Vehicles or equipment brought to the site should be free of mud and weeds to decrease the spread of invasive species.
  • Re-seeding activities should occur as soon as possible following construction to minimize the likelihood of invasive species becoming established. The best time to re-seed is September/October or May/June.
  • Landscape design should incorporate native species as much as possible. Native shrubs and flowering species can provide small scale habitats for birds, butterflies and other insect species. Lawn area should be limited to the extent possible, and where established; a native seed mix should be used. The use of native species can also reduce irrigation requirements following plant establishment.

The Department of National Defence is satisfied that that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Therefore, the Department of National Defence may carry out the project, exercise any power, perform any duty or function, or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part.