Sts'ailes Nation Wastewater System Upgrade Project

Sts'ailes intends to develop a centralized wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal system to support future housing and community service needs.  With increasing demand for on-reserve housing and services, the community requires a reliable and scalable wastewater solution.  The proposed wastewater system will provide a centralized facility capable of servicing the Phase 1 subdivision, the Subdivision Buildout, and existing community buildings.

 

The timely delivery of water, wastewater, and subdivision infrastructure is critical to the success of two major BC Housing–funded developments already approved and being designed in Sts'ailes:

  • 44-unit Healing Centre housing project supporting the Telmexw Awtexw Healing Centre, and
  • 49-unit community rental housing project serving Sts'ailes' restored jurisdiction of Child and Family Services, families returning home and Elders wishing to age in place.

 

Both projects are scheduled for occupancy by January 2028 and are fully dependent on the completion of the supporting infrastructure.  The infrastructure is also essential to the operations of the Snowoyelh Department, which administers Child and Family Services (CFS) under Sts'ailes' restored jurisdiction.

 

Preferred options identified in the 2025 Feasibility Study include:

  • Collection and Conveyance: Gravity sewers for the Phase 1 Subdivision with a lift station required to connect existing community buildings into the new system.
  • Treatment Site Location: Two viable sites on Fire Hall Road (Options 2 and 3) are recommended for further design exploration due to their proximity to the proposed subdivision and outfall location, and other utilities like electrical servicing.
  • Treatment Process: Four technologies were evaluated—EAAS with USBF, SBR, MBBR, and MBR.   All meet regulatory requirements, with MBR offering the highest performance. Final selection will depend on the Environmental Impact Study (EIS).
  • Outfall: Option 2 (Park Road alignment) is preferred for its technical feasibility, lowest cost, and community support. It offers moderate dilution potential and manageable environmental impacts.
  • Waste Solids Handling: Contracted trucking and hauling is currently the most feasible approach.

 

The preferred options identified in the Feasibility Study build on the Sts'ailes Master Plan and align with broader infrastructure goals, providing a clear roadmap for sustainable wastewater management that supports community growth and environmental stewardship.

 

More

Latest update

NOTICE OF INTENT TO MAKE A DETERMINATION

Sts’ailes Nation Wastewater System Upgrade Project – Public Comments Invited

 

May 12, 2026 – Indigenous Services Canada must determine whether the proposed Sts’ailes Nation Wastewater System Upgrade Project, located in Chehalis IR5, near Mission, BC 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 June 12, 2026.

Participate

Key documents

Contacts

BC Environment Team
Indigenous Services Canada
600-1138 Melville Street
Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 4S3
Email: bcciarpubliccomments@sac-isc.gc.ca


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • Chehalis IR5, near Mission, BC (British Columbia)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Waste Management

  • Assessment Status

    In progress

  • Start Date

    2026-05-12

  • Proponent

    Sts'ailes First Nation

  • Authorities

    • Indigenous Services Canada

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    90464

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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