Notice of Determination  

October 23, 2024 – Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed Big Grassy Waabanong Nibi Endaayang Building Construction is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. 

 

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

• Mitigation measures to address potential impacts resulting from construction activities.  

 

Implementation of mitigation measures is required for the project to address:  

• The potential to release a polluting substance into the land, water or air resulting from equipment leaks, spills and fuel handling will be mitigated by: 

  • Take measures to prevent contamination of soil, water, and atmosphere through uncontrolled discharge of noxious or toxic substances and other pollutants, potentially causing environmental damage. 

  • Be prepared, by maintaining appropriate materials, equipment, and trained personnel on site, to intercept, clean up, and dispose of spills or releases that may occur. 

  • Promptly report spills and releases that may occur to: 1) authority having jurisdiction, 2) person causing or having control of pollution source, if known, and 3) Owner and Consultant. 

  • Contact manufacturer of pollutant, if known and applicable, to obtain material safety data sheets (MSDS) and ascertain hazards involved and precautions and measures required in cleanup or mitigating actions. 

  • Take immediate action to contain and mitigate harmful effects of the spill or release. 

  • Ensuring equipment is checked regularly and repaired when leaks are detected  

  • Fuel to be handled according to federal and provincial regulations 

  • Fuel to be stored in a double walled tank further than 30m from any surface water 

  • Spill kit to be located on site 

  • Any hazardous wastes, such as used oil, will be transported to a licensed facility 

  • All materials will be inspected for contamination prior to utilizing in construction 

  • If contaminated soils are encountered during excavation, works should be halted and the engineer will be notified along with any related First Nation and provincial/federal authorities as applicable. The content of contamination would be determined, removed and disposed of in accordance with the CCME Guidance Manual for Environmental Site Characterization and Human Health Risk Assessment (2016) 

  • Any areas of stockpiled or exposed soil should be stabilized using tarps or similar covers 

  • Ensuring equipment is maintained regularly and emissions meet federal and provincial standards  

• The potential for siltation / erosion of exposed materials off-site, or into nearby surface water will be mitigated by: 

  • Provide temporary controls as necessary for performance of the Work and in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. 

  • Maintain temporary controls in good condition for the duration of the Work. 

  • Remove temporary controls and Construction Equipment used to provide temporary controls from Place of the Work when no longer required. 

• The potential to release a polluting substance into the land, water or air resulting from a reduction in air quality from heavy equipment emissions and dust will be mitigated by: 

  • Implement and maintain dust and particulate control measures in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements. 

  • Execute Work by methods that minimize dust from construction operations and spreading of dust on site or to adjacent properties. 

  • Cover or wet down dry materials and rubbish to prevent blowing dust and debris. 

  • Use appropriate covers on trucks hauling fine, dusty, or loose materials. 

  • Regular equipment and vehicle maintenance and minimized idling 

  • Avoiding excavation during times of excessive wind, and implementing temporary shut-downs and dust control measures when necessary 

  • Wet down or cover exposed soils 

• The potential to alter landscape features (vegetation clearing) will be mitigated by: 

  • The area to be cleared will be marked to ensure excess clearing is not conducted 

  • The movement of vehicles and machinery will be restricted to the work areas and designated access points 

  • All construction materials will be removed at the completion of work 

  • Re-vegetate cleared/bare areas to minimize exposed soils and erosion potential, preferably with native trees, shrubs or grasses and cover areas with mulch to prevent soil erosion and to help seeds germinate 

• The potential to cause sensory disturbances such as noise and/or vibrations will be mitigated by: 

  • Construction equipment and mufflers to be serviced regularly 

  • Works to be completed during daylight hours only 

  • Local residents to be informed of construction schedule when near residential areas 

  • Avoid unnecessary and excess noise 

  • A noise control program will be implemented to keep noise levels below an acceptable threshold 

  • Speed limits shall be respected  

  • Any powered equipment will be shut off when not in use 

• The potential to result in changes to the environment that may affect Indigenous peoples physical and cultural heritage, or anything of historical, or archaeological significance that may be encountered or disturbed during construction will be mitigated by: 

  • If heritage or historic resources are uncovered during the works, work will temporarily cease and the First Nations Council and Elders will be contacted along with any applicable federal or provincial authorities to examine the site and determine a proper course of action prior to works commencing in the area 

  • If any human remains are discovered during project activities, all work in the location concerned must be halted immediately and the appropriate local authority must be notified immediately. Work shall not resume at that location until measures for the protection of those remains have been put in place, including measures determined appropriate by the community 

  • In the case of new excavation, or excavation that will widen, deepen or otherwise alter the footprint of a previous excavation in the zones of elevated archaeological potential, an archaeologist may need to be called on site to monitor that work 

• The potential to result in changes in the environment that may affect services and infrastructure, such as disruption to service road access and travel corridors will be mitigated by: 

  • Informing residents of an scheduled disruptions to access roads. Any disruptions will be temporary and of short duration 

• The potential to result in changes to the environment that may affect human health and safety during construction will be mitigated by: 

  • The work are will be clean at the end of each day 

  • Waste materials will be separated for reuse and recycling 

  • Workplace Health and Safety regulations and the Contractor's safety program will be followed by all employees on the construction site including the use of PPE at all times  

  • Public access to the construction site will be limited 

  • The Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act and Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations will be adhered to 

  • Construction works will be completed during daylight hours only 

  • Flagmen and barricades are to be utilized where and when necessary 

  • And injuries, incidents or fatalities will be reported immediately to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario 

  • Warning signs will be placed at the entrance to the construction site and unauthorized entry to the construction site by the public will be prevented by a perimeter fence and locked gate 

  • If a construction camp is set up by a Contractor, they will utilize local water distribution and wastewater collection systems 

  • The Contractor will be made aware of travelling with caution in areas where children may be present (residential and school zones) 

  • The operators will work with the equipment suppliers and Health Canada to ensure proper operation, maintenance, sampling/testing procedures and emergency protocols are in place 

• The potential to impact migratory birds resulting from site clearing activities (tree removal) will be mitigated by: 

  • Conducting vegetation and tree removal should not occur during the breeding bird nesting season, which is between April 15 to August 31 each year 

 

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

Therefore, Indigenous Services Canada 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.