Notice of Determination

 

June 5, 2025 - Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed Red Earth Sewage Pumping Station Upgrades project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

 

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

- the Red Earth Cree Nation are in support of the project, and their 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:

1.            The project shall proceed in the manner described in the ISC Project Description form, dated March 24, 2025, Simple Environmental Review report (BCL Engineering Ltd., dated March 28, 2025) and Key Plan (BCL Engineering Ltd., dated January 23, 2025). The Proponent will immediately notify ISC of any changes to the proposed project for approval.

2.            Relevant permits and approvals will be obtained before undertaking any work. It is the Proponent's responsibility to meet all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations that apply to the proposed project, and to adhere to the conditions outlined in any permits or approvals issued for the project. This Notice of Determination does not apply to ancillary features associated with this development that were not included in the Project Description form.

3.            All work will be carried out in accordance with the Migratory Bird Convention Act and applicable regulations.

a.            Tree clearing and topsoil stripping activities will be conducted after the majority of active nesting periods are complete.

b.            If any clearing is to be completed within the active nesting period for the region, a nest sweep will be conducted in all areas planned to receive ground disturbance to confirm the absence of any nests. If any nests are discovered, the activity level of the nest will be determined, and species-specific mitigation procedures will be implemented.

4.            Ground disturbance will be confined to the extents of the project boundary.

5.            Erosion and sediment control measures such as silt fencing and rip rap will be utilized to limit and contain the impacted areas during construction.

6.            After construction, seeding will be completed in disturbed areas to reestablish vegetative growth equal to that of the surrounding area.

7.            Refueling and greasing procedures for onsite equipment will be subject to offset distances from the muskeg area.

8.            The contractor will have an emergency response plan that will be implemented in the event of an accidental spill. The contractor will utilize spill prevention procedures and spill kits will be present at the site during construction.

9.            Materials imported to site will be inspected prior to placement to confirm absence of any potential contaminants.

10.         Equipment idling will be kept to a minimum throughout the duration of construction.

11.         To avoid impacting noise-sensitive receptors, construction activities will only occur during daytime hours. Construction activities within close proximity to a residence will be limited to short exposure times. If a directional drill is to be used for installation, the drill will be situated such that it is not within close proximity to any residences or noise sensitive receptors.

12.         The contractor shall be responsible for all work zone signage and physical barriers around the active construction area. Highway traffic will not be permitted to be routed through the residential roads of the community.

13.         The contractor will be required to dispose of all waste generated during construction at appropriate registered off-reserve disposal facilities.

 

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