Notice of Determination

January 29, 2026

The authorities have determined that the proposed ‘Runway Rehabilitation of 11R-29L - 15 Wing Moose Jaw' 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;
• comments received from the public; and
• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures

In making this determination, mitigation measures were associated with the following components which may be affected by the various activities related to the project:

• Atmosphere:
  • Position necessary stationary emission sources away from sensitive receptors where possible (nearby occupied buildings, residences).
  • Efforts will be made to minimize exhaust emissions, when not in use motorized vehicles will be shut down to minimize unnecessary idling.
  • During dry, windy conditions, the soil surface can be lightly wetted to reduce dust if necessary.
  • All vehicles and equipment will be properly maintained, serviced, and inspected at regular intervals to maintain exhaust systems.
• Surface Water:
  • Sediment and erosion control measures should be applied in areas where soils or sediments have potential to impact surface water drainage or water bodies.
  • Stormwater runoff should be mitigated with control measures if there are stockpiles or equipment stored on Site to prevent impacts to water quality.
  • Project design should consider and be designed to handle expected levels of surface runoff from buildings, roads, parking lots, etc. prior to construction.
  • Areas receiving surface runoff should be established through designated drainages and have been properly stabilized with erosion control mechanisms to avoid sedimentation.
  • All erosion and sediment control measures must be inspected on a weekly basis and after heavy or prolonged precipitation event. If there is work stoppage the contractor maintains responsibility for inspection and maintenance of the erosion and sediment control measures.
  • Should a pit be used to store the grooving slurry, the pit shall be located greater than 30 m from any potential freshwater receptors.
  • Should a pit be used to store the grooving slurry, it will be constructed in a manner that should a heavy or prolonged precipitation event occur the contents of the pit will not exceed the maximum volume of the pit.
  • In the event of an unexpected environmental issue, the 15 Wing Environment Officer should be contacted immediately.
• Groundwater:
  • Dewatering of excavations into the surrounding area is prohibited without prior consultation with and authorization of the project environmental representative and Defence Construction Canada (DCC) /Department of National Defence (DND).
  • If dewatering of excavations is required and there is reason to suspect water to be contaminated, water quality may be required to determine appropriate disposal requirements.
  • Project design should consider the identified water table of the project area through previously established groundwater monitoring wells.
  • Should a pit be used to store the grooving slurry, it will be constructed in a way to prevent leakage into the surrounding environment.
  • Should a pit be used to store the grooving slurry and allow evaporation, monitoring wells are to be installed around the pit and monitored for potential impacts to groundwater.
  • In the event of an unexpected environmental issue, the 15 Wing Environment Officer should be contacted immediately.
• Soils and Geology:
  • Contractor will be required to create and have approved by DCC and the Wing Environment Officer a Soil Management Plan. This plan is to be followed by all personnel onsite.
  • The most recent version of applicable instructions are to be followed at all times.
  • Topsoil will be stripped and stored separately from subsoils.
  • Soils known to exceed regulatory requirements will be stored separately from soils known to meet regulatory requirements.
  • Soil erosion control measures should be applied in areas where soils are considered highly erodible. Soils and sediment controls should be inspected regularly and after heavy rainfall or snow events.
  • Vehicle traffic should be restricted to designated roadways and staging areas to prevent soil erosions, compaction, and rutting.
  • Minimize the spatial extent of disturbance and soil compaction resulting from equipment, where compaction is not intentional, by staking out the work areas.
  • All fuels and lubricants stored on site will adhere to the applicable regulations and technical specifications and ensure appropriate containment and prevent accidental impacts to soil.
  • All fuels and lubricants will be stored in a designated location and will be inspected and monitored on an ongoing basis.
  • Spill kits will be available on equipment and in fuels and lubricants storage areas and workers on site will be trained in proper spill containment and remediation procedures.
  • Any equipment or vehicles left overnight and when not in use are to have a secondary containment measure (i.e. spill tray) placed underneath as part of the spill prevention methods.
  • Soil stockpile locations will be selected in advance and clearly marked to avoid improper waste or soil handling and used in coordination with DCC and Wing Environment Officer approval.
  • In the event of an unexpected environmental issue, the 15 Wing Environment Officer should be contacted immediately.
• Ambient Noise:
  • Comply with Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations DCC/DND personnel) and the Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (Contractor personnel) regarding noise regulations and personal protective equipment requirements.
  • Operate equipment at optimum rated loads.
  • Engines will be shut off when not in use to reduce noise levels.
  • Loud work will be limited to normal working hours of 07:30 and 16:00.
  • Coordinate with DCC and the Wing to post appropriate community notifications prior to high-noise activities relating to schedule and duration of disturbance.
  • Ensure all vehicles and equipment are fitted with appropriate muffler systems.
  • Any complaints regarding Project works will be discussed and addressed by DCC/DND and the Contractor.
• Terrestrial Animals and Habitat:
  • The Project will occur within the secured airfield where active wildlife deterrents are in place by 15 Wing including: vehicles, noise deterrents (sirens, predator calls, pyro techniques), physical deterrents (dogs), physical removal (nests) and cull.
  • Minimize the attraction of scavenging wildlife and birds by keeping the work site clean and free of food scraps and garbage.
  • Garbage is to be removed from work sites daily.
  • In the event of a wildlife encounter, no personnel shall attempt to feed, chase, catch, divert, follow, or otherwise harass wildlife by vehicle, foot, or any other means.
  • The equipment should arrive clean to site to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species.
  • No equipment or disturbance will be allowed to occur outside of the designated project areas.
  • In the event of a wildlife encounter or impacts to wildlife habitat and incident report will be completed by the contractor and reported to DCC/DND immediately.
• Species at Risk and Migratory Birds:
  • Historically there have been sporadic encounters with species at risk (SAR). A SAR survey was completed prior to on-site work starting.
  • Any recommendations provided in the SAR survey are to be utilized and followed during the project.
  • A qualified environmental professional will be responsible to conduct a wildlife sweep prior to work start. If any wildlife features are identified a qualified environmental professional will develop a management plan identifying protective measures specific to species present.
  • If any active dens or nests are identified near the Project Area, activities in the immediate area are to be halted and DCC/DND notified for required mitigations.
• Population:
  • Position necessary stationary emission sources away from sensitive receptors where possible (nearby occupied buildings, residences).
  • Implement an appropriate traffic management plan as needed during all phases of project works.
  • Install appropriate signage for Project activities that may affect traffic patterns or detours.
  • All workers and equipment operators will be properly trained to minimize and avoid hazardous situations.
  • The contractor will provide a site-specific Health, Safety, and Environment Plan and a Fire Safety Plan prior to work start for approval by DCC and DND. The plans will be posted and available to any worker on site.
  • All personnel will wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as outlined in the Health, Safety and Environment Plan for the task they are undertaking.
  • An Emergency Response Plan (ERP) will include procedures to ensure first aid and medical aid will be readily available to Project personnel in the event of an injury or medical emergency.

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

Therefore, the authorities 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.