Cote First Nation Fence Post Treatment Site Remediation
Cote First Nation is located north of Kamsack, Saskatchewan, and within the Reserve boundaries was a former fence post treatment facility that operated for approximately 10 seasons before closing in the late 1980s. The facility used chemicals to preserve the wood that can have adverse effects on humans, animals and the environment in certain concentrations. The site of the former facility is located within Badgerville near residences and gathering places, posing a concern for the Cote First Nation Council and its members.
Over several years, KGS Group conducted environmental assessments and oversaw the remediation of the former facility site. For the first time in approximately 45 years, the contaminated soils associated with the facility, were fully remediated.
Notably, as part of the project, an impressive 9,000 person-hours of work were completed by personnel from the Cote First Nation. The total value of purchased local borrow materials, worker wages and equipment rentals supplied by the First Nation was approximately $843,000. Executed in the spirit of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, the project presented on-the-job training and mentorship opportunities for the Cote First Nation. Overall, the project was a collaborative process that was mutually beneficial to all parties and was largely successful because of the local Nation’s involvement.
With the site of the former facility now safely remediated, the Cote First Nation can begin planning for future development in the area. What was once a potential hazard, is now a place of great possibility.
Project Highlights
- Environmental assessments over multiple seasons to delineate impacts and guide remediation
- Remediation of contaminated soils within the former facility footprint
- Tissue sampling on vegetation within the impacted area to confirm no uptake by trees
- Supply and placement of local borrow materials for backfill and site restoration
- Site regrading and cleanup to stabilize surfaces and improve near‑term usability
- Community engagement, on‑site training and mentorship delivered by KGS Group
- More than 9,000 hours completed by Cote First Nation personnel
- $843,000 in materials, wages and equipment rentals from within Cote First Nation
Cote First Nation Solid Waste Transfer Station
Cote First Nation had been experiencing significant solid waste management challenges including inconsistent collection services and unmanned and non-engineered dump sites throughout the Reserve. Additionally, the main landfill site was note engineered which posed a significant risks to the surrounding soil and groundwater.
To ensure waste was being managed in a sustainable manner, Cote First Nation engaged KGS Group to review their waste management practices and design and oversee the construction of a new solid waste transfer station. We also supported community engagement events to share the importance of transfer stations and responsible waste management practices.
During construction, nearly 2,000 hours were completed by Cote First Nation members, and the total value of purchased material, worker wages and equipment rentals from the Nation was approximately $126,500. This project also presented on-the-job training and mentorship opportunities for members of Cote First Nation and was seen as a community-driven process that was mutually beneficial to everyone.
The positive effects of the project will be evident through the waste diverted from unmanned dump sites, the protected soil and groundwater, and the sense of empowerment felt across Cote First Nation to continue with responsible waste management practices.
Project Highlights
- Design and oversaw construction of a new solid waste transfer station
- 2,000 hours contributed by Cote First Nation members to complete the project and $126,500 spent on local materials, wages and rentals
- Improved protection of soil and groundwater with waste diverted from unmanned landfills
- On‑the‑job training and mentorship for Cote First Nation members