Notice of Determination

Prescott, Ontario – January 31, 2025 – Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Real Property and Environmental Management, Ontario and Prairie Region, Technical Services has determined that the proposed Fence Replacement and Landscaping Upgrades Project at Canadian Coast Guard Prescott 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.

Mitigation measures taken into account for this determination are:

• Although not likely, work activities will be stopped if any artefacts are encountered and the Contractor will be instructed to inform the Departmental Representative of such findings immediately for review and further direction as appropriate.
• All noise generating Work will be required to be carried out in accordance with the Corporation of the Town of Prescott By-Law No. 23-2023 – By-law to prohibit and regulate noise within the Town of Prescott.
• In order to comply with the Migratory Birds Convention Act, all tree removals and pruning will be completed between August 1 and April 1 unless a nest inspection has been completed by a qualified ecologist to confirm no active nests are present. If active nests are discovered, appropriate actions as advised by the qualified ecologist will be performed including postponing tree removal and pruning work until after the birds leave.
• All trees that are to remain will be protected with the installation of tree protection fencing during construction work and no construction work within the critical root zones of any trees will occur.
• All construction equipment is required to be properly maintained and in good condition. All equipment is required to be equipped with air scrubbed and emission control devices.
• An erosion and sediment control plan will be prepared prior to beginning any construction work on site. Effective erosion and sediment control measures are required through all project phases per the reviewed and approved erosion and sediment control plan. It is expected this plan will include silt fencing, wetting of soil during dry conditions to reduce/minimize blowing dust, etc. Weather will be monitored and work will be scheduled to avoid work in wet, windy, and rainy periods that may result in high flow volumes and/or increases risks of erosion and sedimentation.
• All excavated excess soils are required to be tested and disposed of in accordance with O.Reg 153/04 and O.Reg 406/19.
• Adequate spill response kits will be on site in case of an environmental incident.
• If dewatering of excavation pits and trenches is required, groundwater will be tested for contamination and disposed of as required by legislation.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Real Property and Environmental Management, Ontario and Prairie Region, Technical Services is satisfied that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Therefore, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Real Property and Environmental Management, Ontario and Prairie Region, Technical Services 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.