Notice of Determination

October 3, 2024 - Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed Shoal Lake Cree Nation Roadway Assessment and 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 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:

• The project shall proceed in the manner described in the ISC Project Description form and Simple Environmental Review report form (BCL Engineering Ltd., August 26, 2024). The Proponent will immediately notify ISC of any changes to the proposed project for approval.
• Relevant permits and approvals will be obtained before undertaking any work. It is the Proponent's responsibility to ensure that the proposed project complies with all applicable federal, provincial and municipal legislation and regulations. This Notice of Determination does not apply to ancillary features associated with this development that were not included in the Project Description form.
• All work will be carried out in accordance with the Migratory Bird Convention Act and applicable regulations.
• If clearing and grubbing of any vegetation, including ground vegetation, should occur within the nesting period (April 15 to August 31), a qualified biologist shall assess conditions of the site prior to site disturbance and before vegetation clearing to detect nesting birds or species of concern.
• If any nesting birds or species of concern are discovered, work shall be halted and ISC notified. Environment and Climate Change Canada must also be contacted immediately to determine mitigation strategies.
• Ensure machinery is washed thoroughly prior to arrival on site to minimize the introduction of invasive plants, weeds, and soils from off site.
• Salvage topsoil and subsoil and store unmixed, until they are reused for final landscaping or elsewhere as needed on the First Nation land. Do not store or push graded material in treed areas, wetlands or waterbodies.
• Project activities are to be conducted under dry or frozen ground conditions. Work must be halted for activities that could potentially cause rutting of the ground surface.
• If vegetation clearing is scheduled in advance to avoid the nesting period of migratory birds, grubbing and topsoil stripping will be delayed until just prior to construction activities.
• Provide erosion and sediment control measures to prevent soil erosion and discharge of soil-bearing water runoff or airborne dust in accordance with federal and provincial standards. 
• Implement erosion and sediment control measures to protect adjacent wetlands, waterbodies and riparian areas.
• Inspect, repair, and maintain erosion and sediment control measures during construction until permanent vegetation has been established.
• Remove erosion and sediment controls measures and restore and stabilize areas disturbed during removal.
• Minimize ground disturbance, vegetation removal and exposure of bare soil. Complete work in one zone before commencing work in another zone to minimize the length of time soils are exposed.
• Revegetate and/or stabilize disturbed areas as soon as possible. Disturbed areas will be seeded/revegetated with compatible native vegetation to existing conditions.
• Natural drainage pathways must be maintained where possible during clean-up and reclamation activities.
• Waste and/or hazardous materials must be removed from site as soon as practicable and taken to a certified/approved landfill in accordance with provincial and municipal legislation.
• Careful maintenance and monitoring of all equipment will be carried out to minimize the risk of spills or leaks of petroleum-based products. Storage of hazardous material and refueling is prohibited within 100 m of a water body. The contractor will have an emergency response plan to manage fuel spills.
• Regardless of volume, any spilled substance that may cause an adverse effect must be cleaned up immediately and removed from the site for proper disposal. All spills must be reported to relevant federal, provincial and municipal government departments.
• Dust control will be implemented to prevent air quality impacts and ensure the safety of nearby public.
• All equipment must be properly maintained and equipped with standard air emissions equipment.

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