June 2nd 2021 - Infrastructure Canada must determine whether the proposed Wasauksing First Nation Peatland Wastewater System Design & Construction, near Parry Sound, Ontario, is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this determination, Infrastructure Canada is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination. All comments received will be considered public [and may be posted online]. For more information, individuals should consult the Privacy Notice on the Registry website (https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/Protection?culture=en-CA).

Written comments must be submitted by July 2nd, 2021, to:

Christopher Kobylinski

(343) 548-6409

christopher.kobylinski2@canada.ca

The Proposed Project:

The purpose of the project is to complete the design of a Peatland Wastewater Treatment System to replace the existing septic system that is operating well beyond its design capacity and has several concerns with its treatment capability and environmental concerns.  It was recommended that a Mechanical Wastewater Treatment Plant be constructed at this site to service the 20 Year Land Use Plan in 2003.  ISC indicated that funding for a large mechanical WWTP was not available and directed the First Nation to take a phased approach.  This phased approach resulted in the recommended Peatland System due to its more natural treatment process and lower operation and maintenance costs. The existing septic systems with field beds are underground and are not checked or monitored regularly. Due to their age, location and vicinity to the nearby Parry Sound harbour over shallow bedrock lack of a mantle and steep slopes from the system to the Parry Sound Harbour, the system would not meet current treatment criteria. Wasauksing First Nation is concerned over their impact to the environment as stewards of the land and this project meets their minimal harm approach to the environment. The new wastewater treatment system will produce effluent that meets all provincial and federal treatment objectives. This system will allow for a more controlled system of dealing with the wastewater from the community Complex area.

The work will include the construction of wastewater gravity collection piping, 1 lift station, 1 septic tank and 2 peatland & 2 wetland cells to replace the existing 1989 & 2003 beds . It will also include the construction of a subsurface discharge mantle and a liner will be installed at the bottom of the wetland. The project will also include decommissioning the existing system, PLC programming of the new lift station, and pre-design investigation of the area to ensure the system will not overflow into the surrounding environment, mitigating risks of contamination.