Notice of Determination

Norah's Pond Expansion, Vernon, British Columbia – August 21, 2025

Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Department of National Defence have determined that the proposed Norah's Pond Expansion 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;
• comments received from the public; and
• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

Key mitigation measures taken into account for this determination include:

•  Implement an Environmental Management Plan (EMP), which includes the following plans and mitigation measures:
  • Implement mitigation measures to prevent disturbances outside the Project footprint.
  • Retain a Qualified Environmental Professional to implement wildlife-related mitigation, including a Wildlife Salvage Plan.
  • Retain a Qualified Environmental Monitor onsite to oversee the implementation of the mitigation measures in the EMP.
  • Implement a Fuel Storage and Spill Contingency Plan.
  • Restore disturbed areas with native vegetation.
• Develop and implement a detailed construction environmental management plan (CEMP) that includes the following plans and procedures:
  • Soil Management Plan,
  • Archeological Chance Find Procedure;
  • Health Safety, and Emergency Response Plan;
  • Unexploded Ordnances Chance Find Procedure; and
  • Chance Find Procedures for Hazardous Materials and Contaminated Soils.
• Species at Risk – All project activities, including mitigations and seasonal activity windows, must comply with the terms and conditions of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) permit, which is required for the project to be carried out.

Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Department of National Defence are satisfied that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, if all mitigation measures are applied.

Therefore, Environment and Climate Change Canada and Department of National Defence may 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.