Notice of Determination

Mill Bay, B.C. – January 16, 2025 – Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed Water and Wastewater Systems Improvements 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; and
• Technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

The Project was posted to the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry on December 11, 2024 for public comment. No comments were received.

Mitigation measures[1] taken into account for this determination are:

• The Malahat Nation is the Proponent of the Project, and will oversee and be accountable for compliance with applicable environmental legislation.
• Malahat Nation will oversee the Project. They will also collaborate with their Contractor and their consultants in developing the Project schedule and delivering the scope.
• The Contractor and any subcontractors will review and familiarize themselves with the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) before construction begins. During and after construction, the Contractor will conduct the project work in accordance with contract specifications and in consultation with Malahat Nation, collaborate with Malahat Nation regarding the project schedule, and ensure all representatives present on-site have safety training.
• To mitigate potential environmental impacts, the Project team and Contractor will follow the mitigation strategies/best management practices and comply with conditions in the project specific Environmental Management Plan (EMP), the Malahat Nation Land Code and Environmental Management Plan.
• The EMP contains management plans and conditions intended to address the potential impacts of the Project. These mitigation strategies and best management practices will eliminate, reduce, control or offset the potential adverse environmental effects identified for the Project:
  • Clearing, Grubbing, and Grading;
  • Wildlife Management;
  • Erosion and Sediment Control;
  • Aquatic Habitat Protection;
  • Amphibian Salvage;
  • Fish Salvage;
  • Air Quality, Dust Control and Noise;
  • Construction and Waste Management Plan;
  • Invasive and Noxious Plant Management;
  • Spill Contingency and Response Plan;
  • Archaeological Chance Find Procedure.

The authorities are satisfied that the carrying out of the Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Therefore, Indigenous Services Canada may provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part.