The Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band retained Associated Environmental to design improvements to the drinking water systems that service the Quaaout community. These improvements included a new water well, a new water treatment plant, and 4.5 kilometres of new water main to better serve the community.
We performed a hydrogeological assessment, established a new well, and completed an environmental assessment of the proposed new well site and associated infrastructure (treatment building and distribution lines). As the project was on a First Nations reserve, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada required a Timber Permit. We worked with the Band to secure the permit and ensure that the planned harvesting operations would meet theirrequirements.
The hydrogeological assessment involved reviewing previous feasibility reports, identifying data/information gaps relevant to Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, and evaluating additional potable water sources. The environmental assessment was conducted to identify and protect valued ecosystem components within the project area. The assessment report recognized the requirements of the federal Species at Risk Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act, Fisheries Act, the provincial Wildlife Act, Wildlife Amendment Act, and the Water Act.