Kahkewistahaw First Nation Lagoon Upgrade - Public Comments Invited

June 17, 2021 - Indigenous Services Canada must determine whether the proposed Kahkewistahaw First Nation Lagoon Upgrade, located on Kahkewistahaw IR 72 is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. To help inform this determination, Indigenous Services Canada is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination.

Written comments must be submitted by July 16, 2021 to:

Indigenous Services Canada
SK Region, Environment Unit
1827 Albert Street
Regina, SK S4P 2S9
aadnc.isc-skenv.aandc@canada.ca

The Proposed Project

Construct sewer infrastructure upgrades for the Kahkewistahaw First Nation community. Project will include expanding the two celled facultative sewage treatment lagoon with a primary cell expansion of approx. 1.51 Ha (2.01 ha total), and a storage cell expansion of approx. 26,600 Cu.M  (66,600 cubic meters total).

The lagoon cell expansion will involve clearing and grubbing and topsoil stripping of the proposed lagoon expansion area. Upon completion of topsoil stripping, common excavation will begin excavating to the design depths of the floor. Excess material will be used for the construction of the cell walls. Upon excavation completion and verified compaction the cell will be lined with a HDPE liner to make a water tight structure. Protective sand layer will be installed on the new expanded cells. Topsoil will be spread on the exterior of the berms and seed will be planted.

Standard construction waste is expected to be generated throughout project construction. The successful contractor will be
responsible to manage, collect, and dispose of all construction generated waste at a designated landfill.

After construction, the expanded lagoon cells will handle sewage/wastewater generated by the community.

All wastewater received by the lagoon will be treated through natural treatment processes and stored for a period of approximately 220 days according to design guidelines and regulations prior to release. Upon conclusion of the one year storage period, the treated effluent will be released to the environment through a controlled discharge to the modified storage cell.

Life expectancy of this infrastructure ranges from 20-30 years before further upgrades are required.