Notice determination

March 14, 2023 – Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed Fox Lake Cree Nation Water and Sewer System Development Project 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;
• community knowledge;
• comments received from the public;
• mitigation measures.

Implementation of mitigation measures is required for the project to address:

• The contractor shall identify all hazardous materials prior to decommissioning and shall undertake proper storage, handling, diversion and disposal of these materials in accordance with all provincial and federal regulations. Materials for the contractor to consider, but is not limited to, include lead painted materials, asbestos containing material, mercury thermostats, electronic waste, batteries, HVAC systems with CFCs and other ozone depleting substances, chemicals, etc.
• All waste materials shall be disposed of at a provincial waste facility that is licenced to store and dispose of these various materials. The Gillam and/or Thompson waste disposal grounds would likely be the closest facilities to access. The waste site located near Fox Lake Cree Nation, which is operated by Manitoba Hydro shall not be used for disposal of waste from this project as this facility will be decommissioned in the near future.
• The contractor shall provide written proof to the Contractor Administrator (and ISC) of proper waste disposal for all materials.
• The storage of petroleum products for fueling equipment shall not occur on reserve land.

Indigenous Services Canada is satisfied that that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. Environmental effects that are within provincial jurisdiction would be addressed through provincial regulations.