Notice of Determination

Gitanyow, B.C. – November 6, 2024 – Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Indigenous Services Canada have determined that the proposed Kitwanga Conservation Hatchery 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; and
• Technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

The Project was posted to the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry on September 10, 2024 for public comment. No comments were received. 

Mitigation measures  taken into account for this determination are: 
• The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is the Proponent of the Project, and will oversee and be accountable for compliance with applicable environmental legislation.
• Gitanyow Fisheries Authority (GFA) will represent the Gitanyow First Nations interests and oversee the Project. They will also collaborate with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), the Contractor, and the Environmental Monitor (EM) in developing the Project schedule and delivering the scope.
• The Contractor and any subcontractors will review and familiarize themselves with the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) before construction begins. During and after construction, the Contractor will conduct the project work in accordance with contract specifications and in consultation with DFO and GFA, collaborate with DFO and GFA regarding the project schedule, and ensure all representatives present on-site have safety training.
• To mitigate potential environmental impacts, the Project team and Contractor will follow the mitigation strategies/best management practices and comply with conditions in the project specific Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP). 
• Within the CEMP, management plans and conditions associated with the following potential impacts are addressed with mitigation strategies and best management practices to eliminate, reduce, control or offset the potential adverse environmental effects identified for the project:
    o Safety;
    o Access and Traffic;
    o Air Quality;
    o Concrete Works;
    o Environmental Emergency;
    o Erosion and Sediment Control;
    o Fish and Fish Habitat;
    o Material Storage/Handling and Waste Management;
    o Equipment;
    o Fuel;
    o Heritage, Archaeological, Paleontological, and Architectural (HAPA);
    o Invasive Species;
    o Material Management;
    o Noise and Vibration;
    o Spill Prevention/Response/Reporting;
    o Vegetation;
    o Water Quality;
    o Wildlife;
    o Working in and near Water.

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

Therefore, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and 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.