Notice of Determination

July 22, 2024 – Indigenous Services Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada have determined that the proposed Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation Business Park is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

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

• Indigenous knowledge;
• Consultation with federal authorities;
• Technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

Mitigation measures taken into account for this determination are:

• Vegetation clearing will be completed outside of the Migratory Bird breeding season (i.e., April 15 to August 31) and bat maternity roosting period (May 1 to July 31).
• Work areas will be surveyed by a qualified biologist for turtles.  Should turtles or turtle nests be discovered, work will stop in that area until the turtle leaves the work area on its own or is relocated by the biologist to a safe area.  Turtle nests will either be left in place and protected, or if it is not possible to leave them based on site context will be excavated and reared with hatchlings being released near their point of collection.
• Workers will be trained in the identification of at-risk species and stop work protocols implemented should at-risk species be encountered during work activities;
• Reptile exclusion fencing will be installed where required to keep turtles out of active work areas;
• Pollution Control measures will be implemented to reduce and control contamination to soil and groundwater associated with maintenance and re-fueling of equipment, storage of hazardous materials, and use of silt fencing to prevent materials from entering junction creek or nearby wetland areas. A spill kit will be kept onsite at the re-fueling station. Any spills will be reported to the Spills Action Centre;
• Dust Control Measures will be implemented to control air quality. Where practical, idling of on-site vehicles will be discouraged. Exposed soils will be covered or wetted down;
• Noise Control Measures including the use of properly maintained mufflers and restricting construction work to daylight hours, will be implemented to reduce and control temporary construction noise disturbances to receptors near the construction site;
• Best Management Practices will be implemented to address and respond to potential environment effects on Archeological/Cultural resources. If any human remains are discovered during project activities, all work in the location concerned must be halted immediately and the appropriate local authority must be notified immediately. Work shall not resume at that location until measures for the protection of those remains have been put in place, including measures determined appropriate by the community.

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

Therefore, Indigenous Services Canada and Environment and Climate Change 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.