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
