Notice determination

July 11, 2021 – Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed Kingfisher Lake First Nation K4-10 School is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

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

• Impacts on rights of Indigenous peoples
• Indigenous knowledge
• Mitigation measures
   
  Implementation of mitigation measures is required for the project to address:

• Final site grading will direct all surface runoff away from structures, towards the perimeter ditching. Low water velocity in perimeter ditches is anticipated to promote infiltration and sediment settling.
• Newly constructed drainage ditches will be re-vegetated to promote natural erosion protection during the project operation. Silt fencing, rip rap or other means approved by the Contract Administrator will be implemented along ditches as required during the construction phase and should remain in place until vegetation establishes to reduce sedimentation to downstream waterways.
• Where the site is not being further developed with hard landscaping, disturbed areas will be re-seeded with a native seed mix.
• Prior to installation the contractor shall identify for the contract administrator the most appropriate type and location of sediment controls and methods for excavation de-watering to mitigated erosion or downstream sedimentation.
• During excavation de-watering activities, the Contractor will implement the sediment control methods accepting by the contract administrator prior to pumping excavation water to the drainage network along the existing community road. Energy arrestors / riprap slash pad or other method approved by the Contract Administrator will be used to mitigated erosion prior to water leaving the site. Low water velocity in perimeter ditches is anticipated to promote infiltration and sediment settling prior to discharge to downstream fish bearing waterways.
• Speed limits along Church Road during the construction phase of the project will be communicated to and respected by the Contractor to reduce the potential for wildlife and vehicle collisions and to protect pedestrians and off-road vehicle traffic.
• Speed limits during operations of the project will be enforced by Kingfisher Lake FN and local RCMP. If required, wildlife warning signs may also be installed during the operation phase of the project.
• Ongoing engagement with Kingfisher Lake FN will be done to schedule construction activities to reduce effects on harvesting.
• The construction period is anticipated to begin in September 2021 with clearing activities; therefore, breeding bird nesting is not anticipated to be affected.
• All combustion engines shall be shut down during refueling, if fueled on site.
• Machinery shall arrive on site in a clean condition and be maintained free of fluid leaks.
• There shall be no smoking and no open flames during fueling.
• All petroleum products storage sites (if applicable) will be equipped with appropriate types of equipment and volumes of fire suppression products and will be secured with hazard warnings, who to contact in case of a spill, access restrictions and under whose authority the access is restricted.
• Used oils or other hazardous liquids, hazardous waste and hazardous waste containers if any, will be contained, collected and appropriately stored and disposed of by contacting a licensed hazardous waste processor certified in the transportation of dangerous goods and removed via winter road.
• Solid debris will be contained in appropriate containers to prevent windblown litter and regularly collected and transported to an off-site waste disposal ground approved by the contract administrator. Solid waste will not be dumped, burned or buried on site. The contract administrator will monitor the designated waste storage area and arrange for off-site transport as the storage bins reach capacity.
• The contractor will provide temporary toilet facilities for workers. Wastewater will be collected and trucked to the local lagoon for disposal, or as approved by the Contract Administrator.
• The Contractor shall have staff trained and certified in the handling of dangerous goods and present on-site whenever said dangerous goods are being utilized for the performance of the work. Disposal of hazardous waste shall only be at hazardous waste facilities licensed under the Dangerous Goods Handling and Transport Act.
• The contractor will wash, refuel and service machinery in a designated area located at least 100 m from the high water mark of any waterway, including drainage ditches.
• Spill containment / cleanup materials of appropriate quantity shall be available on-site when hazardous materials are present in the work area. Designated personnel and first aiders shall be familiar with the storage locations and proper application of such containment and cleanup materials.
• If there is a spill onto the ground the surface from any piece of equipment, the entire affected area shall be cleaned up and all containment soil or groundwater shall be disposed of off-site at an approved facility (landfill or wastewater treatment facility). Such events shall be reported to the Contract Administrator.
• Should a reportable spill occur, ISC and Environment Canada should be contacted within 24 hours. Additional remediation measures / groundwater monitoring will be done as required.
• If petroleum storage / equipment servicing areas are required, remediation of these areas, including appropriate disposal of the contaminated material will be required to the satisfaction of the Contract Administrator.
• The Contractor will provide necessary lighting, signs, barricades and distinct makings for safe movement of traffic (including pedestrian traffic) along the community roads during the 20-month construction period. Construction activities will take place during regular daylight working hours (eg, 9:00-17:00) to reduce safety hazards.
• Speed limits along Church Road and on the project site during the construction phase will be communicated to, and respected by the Contractor to reduce potential for wildlife and vehicle collisions and to protect pedestrian traffic.
• The FN Project Liaison will record and communicate any community concerns to the Contract Administrator. Additional mitigation measures will be developed on an as needed basis to address concerns brought forward and may include the installation of signage, a crosswalk, warning signage or other means to increase pedestrian safety.
• Perimeter fencing will be in place during the construction to limit access to the project site, which may pose safety hazards.
• Vehicles and equipment / machinery are to be properly maintained to reduce emissions.
• Excessive idling is to be avoided. No idling signage will be posted in the school parking lot to reduce emissions.
• The FN project liaison will log any complaints made by the community residents related to excessive dust. Additional mitigation measures, such as road watering and / or speed control will be developed for temporary and permanent gravel roads should multiple, regular complaints be logged.
• The Contractor will manage dust, debris, materials and trach so they do not become airborne and move off the project site by using bins, fencing, tarpaulin covers or other methods approved by the contract administrator.

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

Therefore, Indigenous Services Canada 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.