Notice of Determination for the Lac La Ronge Indian Band - Lac La Ronge Lagoon Expansion

 

February 18, 2026 - Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) has determined that the proposed Lac La Ronge Indian Band - Lac La Ronge Lagoon Expansion project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

 

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

- Lac La Ronge Indian Band has authorized the project by Band Council Resolution, and its membership will benefit from the project;

-no comments were received from the public about the project; and

-mitigation measures are required for the project

 

Implementation of the following conditions and mitigation measures are required for the project:

1. The project shall proceed in the manner described in the ISC Project Description form, Appendix A: lagoon and SPS #2 location, land tenure and project drawings; Appendix B: site photographs; Appendix C: SKCDC/HABISask reports and bird nesting calendars and Appendix D: References (AECOM Canada ULC, January 2026); DRAFT Lac La Ronge Sewage Pump Station No. 2 Upgrades, Feasibility Report, ISC Project No. CT217 (AECOM Canada ULC, November 2025),  DRAFT Lac La Ronge Lagoon Assessment and Expansion, Feasibility Report, ISC Project No. CT217 (AECOM Canada ULC, June 2025); Lac La Ronge Indian Band Downstream Use and Impact Study, (AECOM Canada ULC, January 2023); Wetland Polishing Memorandum (AECOM Canada Ltd., November, 2023); Lac La Ronge Sewage Wastewater Lagoon, Wastewater Release Impact Study (AECOM Canada Ltd., August, 2023); Lac La Ronge Regional Lagoon Expansion (Canada North Environmental Services, November 2024). Geotechnical Investigation, Proposed Sewage Lagoon Expansion, Lac La Ronge, Saskatchewan, PMEL File No. 20873 (P. Machibroda Engineering Ltd., April 2024).
2.  The Proponent will immediately notify ISC of any changes to the proposed project for approval.
3. 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. This Notice of Determination does not apply to ancillary features associated with this development that were not included in the Project Description form, including the new SaskPower line or new borrow sources.
4. The contractor bid documents will clearly outline the requirements to comply with environmental regulations and restrictions.
5. Equipment should arrive to the Project area clean and free of plant and soil materials with potential to import invasive weeds.
6. Where possible, sludge from desludging activity should be contained in the existing system.
7. All work will be carried out in accordance with the Migratory Bird Convention Act and applicable regulations.
   • Vegetation clearing, if necessary, will take place outside of the migratory bird breeding period (late April to Late August)
   • A breeding bird scan and scans for Pileated Woodpecker nest cavities will be conducted no more than 7 days prior to construction activities during the breeding bird period. Scans will be conducted by a qualified environmental professional that adheres to the Government of Saskatchewan provincial guideline the Conservation Standards Terms and Conditions for Species Detection Survey and Personnel Protocol.
   • Supplemental scans will be completed if work stoppage of greater than 7-days occurs during the construction period.
   • In the event any migratory bird nests containing eggs are identified during construction, activities will stop in the nesting area and an appropriate setback with proper flagging to mark the buffer zone. The areas will be avoided until young have naturally left the nest.
   • ISC and Environment and Climate Change Canada must also be contacted immediately to determine mitigation strategies.
8. An amphibian salvage must be conducted by a qualified biologist if amphibians are encountered in the construction area.
9. Monitor open excavations, fencing, and the placement of construction equipment to limit the potential for entrapment of wildlife.
10. Limit the footprint of disturbance to only the areas necessary for equipment access and laydown. Where possible, locate laydown areas in previously cleared/disturbed.
11. Stockpile topsoil in an accessible, dry location, on flat ground away from drainage areas and waterbodies, and protect from wind and water erosion as needed using covers or other appropriate materials.
12. Do not store or push graded material in treed areas, wetlands or waterbodies.
13. Project activities are to be conducted under dry or frozen ground conditions. Work must be halted for activities that could potentially cause rutting of the ground surface.
14. Soil stabilization, erosion and sedimentation controls measures will be implemented early during the construction phase following ground disturbance to prevent soil erosion and discharge of soil bearing water runoff or airborne dust to adjacent properties, waterways and riparian areas in accordance with federal and provincial standards.
    • During construction, inspect, repair, and maintain erosion and sedimentation control measures until permanent vegetation has been established.
    • After construction, remove erosion and sedimentation controls and restore and stabilize areas disturbed during removal.
    • Post construction, disturbed areas will be stabilized and revegetated.
15. Natural drainage pathways must be maintained where possible during clean-up and reclamation activities.
16. Revegetate and/or stabilize disturbed areas as soon as possible with vegetation compatible with the native surroundings.
17. Waste and/or hazardous materials must be removed from site as soon as practicable and taken to a certified/approved landfill in accordance with provincial and municipal legislation.
18. Careful maintenance and monitoring of all equipment will be carried out to minimize the risk of spills or leaks of petroleum-based products. Storage of hazardous material and refueling is prohibited within 100 m of a water body. The contractor will have an emergency response plan to manage fuel spills.
19. Regardless of volume, any spilled substance that may cause an adverse effect must be cleaned up immediately and removed from the site for proper disposal. All spills must be reported to relevant federal, provincial and municipal government departments.
20. Dust control must be implemented to prevent air quality impacts and ensure the safety of nearby public.
21. All equipment must be properly maintained and equipped with standard air emissions equipment.
22. Fire protection plans and mitigative measures must be implemented during the duration of construction.

 

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