August 2011
VALE KRONAU PROJECT
Project Proposal
REP
OR
T
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 i
List of Acronyms AAOC Ambient Air Quality Objectives for Canada
ASL above sea level
BSG below ground surface
CaCl2 calcium chloride
CEAA Canadian Environmental Assessment Act
CHPP Combined Heat and Power Plan
CN Canadian National
COSEWIC Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
CP Canadian Pacific
D&R decommissioning and reclamation
EA environmental assessment
EH&S Environment, Health and Safety
EIS environmental impact statement
ELC Ecological Landscape Classification
EMCPs Environmental Management/Construction Plans
EOP education and orientation plan
EPP environmental protection plan
EQMS Environmental Quality Management System
ERCB Energy Resource Conservation Board
GIS Geographic Information System
HRIA Heritage Resource Impact Assessment
KCl potassium chloride
LiDAR light detection and ranging
LSA local study area
MCC motor control centre
MEE Multiple Effect Evaporation
MgCl2 magnesium chloride
MOA Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
MOE Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment
MVR Mechanical Vapour Recompression
NaCl sodium chloride
NAPS National Air Pollution Surveillance
NO2 nitrogen dioxide
NOx nitrogen oxide
NWA Noxious Weeds Act
PM particulate matter
PM10 10 microns or less
PM2.5 2.5 microns or less
Project Kronau Project
PSGs Project-specific Guidelines
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 ii
R.M. Rural Municipality
RSA regional study area
S.I.I.T. Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies
SAAQS Saskatchewan Ambient Air Quality Standards
SARA Species at Risk Act
SKCDC Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre
SLRU Saskatchewan Land Resource Unit
SO2 sulphur dioxide
SPRR Saskatchewan Parks and Renewable Resources
SRC Saskatchewan Research Council
SSR Stuart Southern Rail
SWA Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
TDS total dissolved solids
TMA tailings management area
TSP total suspended particulate
Vale Vale S.A.
VCs valued components
VPCL Vale Potash Canada Ltd.
W2M West of the Second Meridian
WHMIS Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
WHPA Wildlife Habitat Protection Act
List of Units % percent
˚C degrees Celsius
µm microns
cm centimetres
GJ/hr gigajoule per hour
ha hectares
km kilometres
km2 square kilometres
m Metres
m/s metres per second
m3/s cubic metres per second
mm millimetres
Mm3 million cubic metres
Mt million tonnes
Mtpa million tonnes per annum
psig pounds per square inch gauge
t/m3 tonnes per cubic metre
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 iii
Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Project Proponent ................................................................................................................................................ 1
1.1.1 Sustainable Development Policy .................................................................................................................... 1
1.1.2 Sustainability, Biodiversity, and the Precautionary Principle .......................................................................... 1
1.2 Project Location and Environmental Setting ........................................................................................................ 2
1.3 Project Overview.................................................................................................................................................. 4
1.4 Project Schedule.................................................................................................................................................. 4
1.5 Project Need and Benefits ................................................................................................................................... 7
1.5.1 Increased World Demand for Potash and Fertilizers ...................................................................................... 7
1.5.2 Saskatchewan Greenfield Potash Development ............................................................................................ 7
1.5.3 Project Investment Benefits ........................................................................................................................... 7
1.6 Approval Process ................................................................................................................................................. 8
1.7 Report Approach and Organization ..................................................................................................................... 9
1.7.1 Report Approach ............................................................................................................................................ 9
1.7.2 Report Organization ..................................................................................................................................... 10
2.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES ........................................................................................................................................... 11
2.1 Project Location ................................................................................................................................................. 11
2.2 Mining Method ................................................................................................................................................... 11
2.3 Well-field Pipelines ............................................................................................................................................ 13
2.4 Processing ......................................................................................................................................................... 13
2.5 Power Supply .................................................................................................................................................... 13
2.6 Construction Camp ............................................................................................................................................ 14
3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION .............................................................................................................................................. 14
3.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 14
3.2 Geologic Setting ................................................................................................................................................ 14
3.3 Construction ...................................................................................................................................................... 17
3.3.1 Facilities and Infrastructure Required During Construction .......................................................................... 17
3.3.2 Environmental Design Features Implemented During Construction ............................................................. 17
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 iv
Table of Contents (continued)
3.4 Mining Operations .............................................................................................................................................. 19
3.4.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 19
3.4.2 Mine Plan ..................................................................................................................................................... 19
3.4.2.1 Cavern Design .......................................................................................................................................... 19
3.4.2.2 Drilling/Pad Design ................................................................................................................................... 20
3.4.2.3 Well-field Piping ........................................................................................................................................ 20
3.4.2.4 Brine Disposal .......................................................................................................................................... 20
3.4.3 Mining Method ............................................................................................................................................. 20
3.4.3.1 Cavern Development ................................................................................................................................ 22
3.4.3.2 Primary Mining .......................................................................................................................................... 22
3.4.3.3 Secondary Mining ..................................................................................................................................... 22
3.4.3.4 Cavern Closure ......................................................................................................................................... 22
3.4.4 Environmental Design Features of the Mine Plan and Mining Methods ....................................................... 23
3.5 Potash Processing ............................................................................................................................................. 23
3.5.1 Overview ...................................................................................................................................................... 23
3.5.2 Process Details ............................................................................................................................................ 23
3.5.2.1 Well Field Water and Brine Injection and Brine Recovery ........................................................................ 23
3.5.2.2 Tank Farm Facility .................................................................................................................................... 25
3.5.2.3 Brine Evaporation and Crystallization ....................................................................................................... 25
3.5.2.4 Sodium Chloride and Potassium Chloride Debrining and Clarification ..................................................... 25
3.5.2.5 Product Drying, Screening and Compaction ............................................................................................. 26
3.5.2.6 Standard and Granular Product Storage and Loadout .............................................................................. 26
3.5.3 Environmental Design Features for Potash Processing ............................................................................... 26
3.6 Tailings Management Area ................................................................................................................................ 27
3.6.1 Waste Salt Storage ...................................................................................................................................... 27
3.6.2 Brine and Site Water Management .............................................................................................................. 27
3.6.3 Deep Well Injection ...................................................................................................................................... 28
3.6.4 Environmental Design Features for the Tailings Management Area ............................................................ 28
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 v
Table of Contents (continued)
3.7 Site Infrastructure .............................................................................................................................................. 29
3.7.1 Permanent Buildings .................................................................................................................................... 29
3.7.2 Hazardous Substance Storage .................................................................................................................... 29
3.7.3 Other Buildings ............................................................................................................................................ 29
3.7.4 Environmental Design Features for Site Infrastructure ................................................................................. 30
3.8 Supporting Infrastructure ................................................................................................................................... 30
3.8.1 Water Supply ............................................................................................................................................... 30
3.8.2 Electrical Power ........................................................................................................................................... 30
3.8.3 Natural Gas .................................................................................................................................................. 31
3.8.4 Telecommunications .................................................................................................................................... 31
3.8.5 Access and Transportation .......................................................................................................................... 31
3.8.5.1 Roads ....................................................................................................................................................... 31
3.8.5.2 Rail ........................................................................................................................................................... 31
3.8.6 Environmental Design Features for the Supporting Infrastructure ............................................................... 33
3.9 Domestic and Industrial Waste Management .................................................................................................... 33
3.9.1 Waste Management Planning ...................................................................................................................... 33
3.9.2 Domestic Waste ........................................................................................................................................... 34
3.9.3 Non-hazardous Industrial Waste .................................................................................................................. 34
3.9.4 Hazardous Industrial Waste ......................................................................................................................... 34
3.9.5 Environmental Design Features for Waste Management ............................................................................. 34
3.10 Decommissioning and Reclamation ................................................................................................................... 35
3.11 Human Resources ............................................................................................................................................. 35
4.0 ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM .......................................................................... 36
4.1 Environmental, Health and Safety Plans ........................................................................................................... 36
4.2 Environmental Protection Plan .......................................................................................................................... 37
4.3 Emergency Response and Contingency Plan ................................................................................................... 37
4.4 Occupational Health and Safety Plan ................................................................................................................ 37
4.5 Human Resources Plan ..................................................................................................................................... 37
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 vi
Table of Contents (continued)
4.6 Reclamation Plan............................................................................................................................................... 38
4.7 Education and Orientation Plan ......................................................................................................................... 38
4.8 Monitoring and Follow-up Plan .......................................................................................................................... 38
4.9 Auditing and Continuous Improvement Plan ...................................................................................................... 38
5.0 PUBLIC, ABORIGINAL, AND REGULATORY ENGAGEMENT .................................................................................... 39
5.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 39
5.2 Engagement Approach ...................................................................................................................................... 39
5.3 Preliminary Engagement Activities .................................................................................................................... 39
5.3.1 Community Engagement .............................................................................................................................. 39
5.4 Summary of Issues and Concerns ..................................................................................................................... 40
6.0 KEY ISSUES AND POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ................................................................................... 41
6.1 Key Issues ......................................................................................................................................................... 41
6.2 Environmental Effects Pathways ....................................................................................................................... 42
6.3 Summary of Potential Effects Related to Key Issues ......................................................................................... 42
6.3.1 Water Supply ............................................................................................................................................... 42
6.3.2 Groundwater Protection ............................................................................................................................... 47
6.3.3 Air Quality .................................................................................................................................................... 47
6.3.4 Ground Subsidence ..................................................................................................................................... 47
6.3.5 Wildlife and Fish Populations ....................................................................................................................... 48
6.3.6 Employment, Training and Economic Development .................................................................................... 48
6.3.7 Cumulative Effects ....................................................................................................................................... 48
7.0 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................................................................................ 49
7.1 Atmospheric and Acoustic Environment ............................................................................................................ 49
7.1.1 Overview of Existing Conditions ................................................................................................................... 49
7.1.2 Baseline Studies .......................................................................................................................................... 50
7.2 Geology and Hydrogeology ............................................................................................................................... 51
7.2.1 Overview of Existing Conditions ................................................................................................................... 51
7.2.1.1 Geology .................................................................................................................................................... 51
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 vii
Table of Contents (continued)
7.2.1.1.1 Bedrock Geology ................................................................................................................................... 51
7.2.1.1.2 Quaternary Geology .............................................................................................................................. 53
7.2.1.1.3 Empress Group ..................................................................................................................................... 53
7.2.1.1.4 Sutherland Group .................................................................................................................................. 54
7.2.1.1.5 Saskatoon Group .................................................................................................................................. 54
7.2.1.1.6 Hydrogeology ........................................................................................................................................ 54
7.2.1.1.7 Bedrock Aquifers ................................................................................................................................... 55
7.2.1.1.8 Quaternary Aquifers .............................................................................................................................. 56
7.2.2 Baseline Studies .......................................................................................................................................... 57
7.3 Surface Water Environment ............................................................................................................................... 58
7.3.1 Overview of Existing Conditions ................................................................................................................... 58
7.3.2 Baseline Studies .......................................................................................................................................... 59
7.3.2.1 Hydrology ................................................................................................................................................. 59
7.3.2.2 Water Quality, Fish and Fish Habitat ........................................................................................................ 59
7.4 Terrestrial Environment ..................................................................................................................................... 60
7.4.1 Overview of Existing Conditions ................................................................................................................... 60
7.4.2 Baseline Studies .......................................................................................................................................... 61
7.4.2.1 Terrain and Soils....................................................................................................................................... 61
7.4.2.2 Vegetation ................................................................................................................................................ 61
7.4.2.3 Wildlife ...................................................................................................................................................... 62
7.5 Heritage Resources ........................................................................................................................................... 63
7.5.1 Overview of Existing Conditions ................................................................................................................... 63
7.5.2 Baseline Studies .......................................................................................................................................... 63
7.6 Traditional and Non-Traditional Land Use ......................................................................................................... 64
7.6.1 Overview of Existing Conditions ................................................................................................................... 64
7.6.2 Baseline Studies .......................................................................................................................................... 65
7.7 Socio-Economic Environment ............................................................................................................................ 65
7.7.1 Overview of Existing Conditions ................................................................................................................... 65
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 viii
Table of Contents (continued)
7.7.2 Baseline Studies .......................................................................................................................................... 65
8.0 ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT APPROACH .............................................................................................................. 66
8.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 66
8.2 Valued Components .......................................................................................................................................... 66
8.3 Pathway Analysis ............................................................................................................................................... 66
8.4 Spatial and Temporal Boundaries...................................................................................................................... 67
8.5 Project-Specific Effects Analysis........................................................................................................................ 68
8.5.1 General Approach ........................................................................................................................................ 68
8.5.2 Discipline-specific Approach and Methods ................................................................................................... 68
8.5.2.1 Air Quality ................................................................................................................................................. 68
8.5.2.2 Noise Quality ............................................................................................................................................ 68
8.5.2.3 Hydrogeology ........................................................................................................................................... 69
8.5.2.4 Surface Hydrology .................................................................................................................................... 69
8.5.2.5 Surface Water Quality ............................................................................................................................... 69
8.5.2.6 Fish and Fish Habitat ................................................................................................................................ 69
8.5.2.7 Terrain and Soils....................................................................................................................................... 70
8.5.2.8 Vegetation ................................................................................................................................................ 70
8.5.2.9 Wildlife ...................................................................................................................................................... 70
8.5.2.10 Heritage Resources .................................................................................................................................. 71
8.5.2.11 Traditional and Non-traditional Land Use ................................................................................................. 71
8.5.2.12 Socio-economics ...................................................................................................................................... 71
8.6 Approach to Cumulative Effects ........................................................................................................................ 72
8.7 Determination of Significance ............................................................................................................................ 72
8.8 Uncertainty ........................................................................................................................................................ 72
8.9 Monitoring and Follow-Up .................................................................................................................................. 73
9.0 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................................................ 74
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 ix
Table of Contents (continued)
TABLES
Table 5.3-1: Community Information Sessions Completed to Date .......................................................................................... 40
Table 6.2-1: Potential Effects Pathways to the Biophysical Environment ................................................................................. 43
Table 6.2-2: Potential Effects Pathways to the Socio-Economic Environment ......................................................................... 45
Table 7.3-1: Bedrock Geology and Hydrogeology of the Study Area ....................................................................................... 53
FIGURES
Figure 1.2-1: Project Location. ................................................................................................................................................... 3
Figure 1.3-1: General Site Layout .............................................................................................................................................. 5
Figure 1.4-1: Project Schedule ................................................................................................................................................... 6
Figure 2.1-1: Plant Location Options. ....................................................................................................................................... 12
Figure 3.2-1: Stratigraphic Sequence for the Project Area. ...................................................................................................... 16
Figure 3.2-2: Conceptual Mining.Boundary .............................................................................................................................. 18
Figure 3.4-1: Cavern Design .................................................................................................................................................... 21
Figure 3.5-1: Process Flow Diagram ........................................................................................................................................ 24
Figure 3.8-1: Proposed Site Access Roads and Railway Lines ................................................................................................ 32
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Project Proponent Vale Potash Canada Limited (VPCL) is the Kronau Project (Project) proponent and is a wholly owned subsidiary
of Vale S.A. (Vale), which is headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The head office for the Project is located
at:
1874 Scarth Street
Suite 1900
Regina, Saskatchewan,
S4P 4B3
The principle contact person for the Project is Mr. Will Longworth who is President of VPCL. Mr. Longworth can
be reached at (306) 791-4500 or [email protected].
1.1.1 Sustainable Development Policy
Vale‘s Sustainable Development Policy is summarized as follows:
Mission - Vale’s Mission is to transform mineral resources into prosperity and sustainable development.
Sustainable Development - For Vale, sustainable development is achieved when its activities, particularly its
mining operations, add value to its shareholders and stakeholders whilst contributing to social strengthening,
economic development of regional vocations and environmental conservation and restoration, through a
conscious and responsible management approach, voluntary corporate actions and the establishment of
partnerships with governments, public institutions, the private sector, and civil society.
Sustainability as a Legacy - Vale’s principle is to act with the objective of leaving a positive social, economic,
and environmental legacy in the areas where it operates, by encouraging social inclusion through work
education and human development, economic growth and diversification, strengthening of local institutions –
supporting the responsible public institutions with the planning of appropriate urban infrastructure, whilst
contributing to the conservation and restoration of the ecosystems, biodiversity and cultural heritage of the
region. Mining is by nature a finite activity, limited to the life cycle of the mineral deposit. The sustainability
legacy of our operations depends on the development of new economic vocations that may guarantee the
perpetuity of the social well being in balance with the environment and conservation.
1.1.2 Sustainability, Biodiversity, and the Precautionary Principle
VPCL understands the purpose of environmental assessment (EA) in Project planning. VPCL is committed to
the concept of sustainable development, that is, development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Environmental assessment is an
important element in the planning of major capital projects, as it enables the necessary integration between
environmental planning, engineering design, and economic feasibility to help achieve sustainable development
at a local and regional level. VPCL has a holistic perspective of the environment that includes biophysical,
socio-economic, and socio-cultural aspects.
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 2
Environmental assessment principles will be applied throughout the planning and development of the Project.
VPCL is developing a comprehensive baseline of environmental characteristics and attributes in the region.
Baseline information will be used to:
gain an understanding of the biodiversity in the region as a fundamental element of the issue scoping
process and the identification of areas of focus in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS);
evaluate potential adverse environmental effects of the Project, as well as potential cumulative
environmental effects of the Project in combination with other past, present and likely future projects in the
region;
provide context for the consideration and application, as appropriate, of the Precautionary Principle in the
Project design and planning;
design proven technology into the Project to reduce or mitigate potential adverse environmental effects;
and
support the analysis of the sustainable use of renewable resources as part of the evaluation of residual
adverse environmental effects.
1.2 Project Location and Environmental Setting The Project will be located in south central Saskatchewan approximately 20 kilometres (km) southeast of Regina
within the Rural Municipality (R.M.) of Edenwold (Figure 1.2-1). More specifically, the Project is situated within
subsurface mineral permit KP336, which is located on approximately 51,840 hectares (ha) of land in Townships
15 to 18, Ranges 15 to 17, West of the Second Meridian (W2M). Kronau is the community nearest to the Project
site. The Mosaic Company operates a solution potash mine at Belle Plaine (Mosaic Potash Facility) located
approximately 60 km to the west of the Project.
Within the region, an existing network of municipal grid roads, provincial highways, and rail lines provide access
among the various communities. Primary access to the Project will be by existing grid roads from Highway 33,
near Kronau. A rail line parallels Highway 33 from Regina heading south through Kronau and continues on to
Stoughton.
The Project will be located within the Moist Mixed Grassland Ecoregion of the Prairie Ecozone. The terrain is
characterized by knob and kettle topography with very gentle to gentle slopes (Acton et al. 1998). The majority
of the landscape has been cultivated, with remnant patches of wetlands and natural vegetation communities
(woodland and grassland) located in areas that are unsuitable for cultivation (e.g., coulees, creek banks). The
Moist Mixed Grassland Ecoregion contains approximately 55 percent (%) of Saskatchewan’s population
(Acton et al. 1998). Agriculture is the major land use throughout the Ecoregion; however, mining activity such as
oil, gas, potash, salt, and coal also occur.
FILE No.SCALE AS SHOWN
FIGURE: 1.2-1REV. 0
PROJECT
TITLE
PROJECT DESIGN
GISCHECK
GENERAL PROJECT LOCATION
REVIEWSaskatoon, Saskatchewan
MK 24/08/11
10-1362-0008
DeepLake
MissionLake
KatepwaLake
Echo Creek
ChapleauLakes
Wascana Creek
Wascana Creek
Moose Jaw River
Kronau Creek
6
1
1
1
6
46
33
48
11
11 10
48
99
56
22
35
39
621
619
617
617
606
619
734
642
641
621
620
364
KP 335
KP 336KP 337
Regina
Lemberg
Lumsden
Rouleau
Francis
Balgonie
Wolseley
Sintaluta
Qu'Appelle
White City
Indian Head
Pilot Butte
Ft. Qu'Appelle
Gray
Pense
Davin
Lebret
Craven
Disley
Mclean
Milaty
Rowatt Vibank
KronauOdessa
KendalEstlin Lajord
Sedley
Wilcox
Bethune
Edgeley
Jameson
Riceton
Edenwold
Abernethy
Richardson
Drinkwater
Montmartre
Briercrest
Sandy Beach
St. Joseph's
Grand Coulee
Belle Plaine
Lumsden Beach
Katepwa Beach
Twp 1
8Tw
p 20
Twp 1
7Tw
p 19A
Twp 1
9Tw
p 16
Twp 1
3Tw
p 15
Twp 1
4
Rge 11 W2MRge 13 W2MRge 17 W2M Rge 12 W2MRge 14 W2MRge 16 W2MRge 18 W2MRge 19 W2MRge 25 W2M Rge 20 W2MRge 23 W2M Rge 9 W2MRge 10 W2MRge 22 W2M Rge 15 W2MRge 24 W2M Rge 21 W2M
LegendPermit BoundaryTownship / Range BoundaryCemeteryParkUrban MunicipalityHighwayRailwayCommunityShrine
Mining BoundaryProposed Core Facilities
10 100SCALE 1:400,000 KILOMETRES
Reference:
G:\C
LIENT
S\VAL
E\Vale
Kron
au Po
tash P
rojec
t\Figu
res\10
-1362
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Vale
SK Po
tash\W
P022
Proje
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-Gen
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.mxd
VALE KRONAUPOTASH PROJECT
DMTI Highways and RoadsInformation Services Corporation of SaskatchewanNTS Mapsheets 62E/L 72G/H/INAD 83 UTM Zone 13
SASKATCHEWAN
Saskatoon
Regina ValeProject
Area
MFGAM
24/08/1124/08/11
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 4
1.3 Project Overview The potash ore (sylvinite) will be extracted via solution mining from the Patience Lake, Belle Plaine, and
Esterhazy Members of the Prairie Evaporate Formation. Mining will employ both primary and secondary mining
techniques that have been proven at the Mosaic Potash Facility. Both primary and secondary solution mining
employ the injection of hot water or brine to the sylvinite beds to dissolve the potash, which is then recovered
from solution in the processing plant.
The core facilities area for the Project will include the processing plant, administration offices, a shop and
warehouse building, substations, water treatment plant, a product storage building, a cogeneration and/or boiler
facility to provide hot water and brine, rail load out, cooling pond, and a tailings management area (TMA;
Figure 1.3-1). Hot water/brine will be pumped from the main facility to well pads where the liquids will be injected
into the mining caverns. Each pad will support between nine and twelve caverns with pairs of directionally drilled
injection/recovery wells. The brine from the caverns will be returned to the processing plant via pipeline through
the same piping corridors used to deliver the injection fluids. Potash processing will consist of the following
phases:
injection and solution recovery;
evaporation and crystallization;
salt and potash debrining;
potash drying and product screening; and
potash storage and shipping.
Support infrastructure for the Project will include water, power, natural gas, communications, road access, and
rail access. SaskWater will be the utility provider of water for the Project, which would be delivered to the main
facility via a pipeline from Lake Katepwa. SaskPower, TransGas, and SaskTel will be the utility providers of
power, natural gas, and telecommunication services, respectively, for the Project. Road access will be provided
from Highway 33 via an upgraded intersection and new road to be constructed to the core facilities area. Two
options are being considered for rail access; a tie in to the Canadian Pacific (CP) rail line adjacent to the main
facility and a tie in to the Canadian National (CN) rail line approximately 10 km north of the facility. Potash will
be shipped to port via covered rail cars. A rail load out facility will be developed within the core facilities area.
1.4 Project Schedule The key dates and milestones for the Project are provided in Figure 1.4-1. The planned life span for the Project
is around 70 years based on the anticipated mining rates and identified resources. After VPCL has received an
approval to proceed and the required licensing, the proposed Project would proceed in three phases:
construction;
operation; and
decommissioning and reclamation (D&R).
FILE No.SCALE AS SHOWN
FIGURE: 1.3-1REV. 0
PROJECT
TITLE
PROJECT DESIGN
GISCHECK
GENERAL SITE LAYOUT
REVIEWSaskatoon, Saskatchewan
MK 24/08/11
10-1362-0008
HV SUBSTATION
COGEN/BOILERSWATER TREATMENT PLANT
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENTTRAILERS
CONSTRUCTIONLAYDOWN
CONSTRUCTION PARKING
PRODUCT STORAGE BUILDING
CAR PARKING
SERVICE BUILDING
RAIL CARS
EMERGENCYDUMPPOND
PROCESS BUILDING
COOLINGTOWER
SEWAGELAGOON
RAWWATER
PUMPHOUSE
FRESHWATER
PIPELINE
COMBINEDFRESH WATER/STORM WATER
STORAGE POND
PRODUCTSCREENING
PRODUCTLOADOUT
NATURAL GASSUPPLY
33
14151617
11100908
02030405
Twp 1
6
Rge 17 W2M
LegendTownship / Range BoundarySection BoundaryQuarter Section BoundaryCemeteryUrban MunicipalityHighwayRailwayRoad
Mining BoundaryProposed Core FacilitiesFresh Water PipelinePipelineSite LayoutMain Building
400 4000SCALE 1:20,000 METRES
Reference:
G:\C
LIENT
S\VAL
E\Vale
Kron
au Po
tash P
rojec
t\Figu
res\10
-1362
-0008
Vale
SK Po
tash\W
P022
Proje
ct Pr
opos
al\10
-1362
-0008
-Proj
ect S
ite La
yout.
mxd
VALE KRONAUPOTASH PROJECT
Site Layout provided by Worley Parsons2000-VS-L-04001AENAD 83 UTM Zone 13 MF
GAM24/08/1124/08/11
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 7
1.5 Project Need and Benefits With the world population expected to grow more than one third by 2030, there will be an increased need to feed
people through increased crop yields and better diets. To address the need for increased crop production, there
will be growing demand for fertilizers, and in particular potash.
Potash, also known as potassium chloride (KCl), is a term widely applied to naturally occurring potassium salts.
It is mainly applied to large yielding crops such as cereals, oil seeds, potatoes, sugar beets, pulses, and forage
crops. Potash has no commercial substitute as a potassium fertilizer source.
1.5.1 Increased World Demand for Potash and Fertilizers
World demand for potash is expected to grow to some 71.5 million tonnes (Mt) KCl by 2019. This is 30% above
the peak production year of 2007 and 144% above 2009 production levels. Key drivers for increase potash
demand include:
population – population will increase by over one third by 2030;
better nutrition – increased meat consumption means more fertilizer;
less arable land – need to increase yields on remaining land;
nutrient balances – under application of potash needs to be corrected to maximize yields in key markets
such as India and China;
commercial crops – potash is used in commercial crops such as maize, soybean, palm oil, sugar, and
farmers can afford to buy potash; and
industrial use of potash – accounts for only a small percentage of total potash consumptions but demand is
growing.
Benefits of using potash includes, but is not limited to slow growth of crop diseases, reduces water loss,
improves drought resistance, and generally reduces the development of weak stocks, leading indirectly to
increased crop yields. Potash is also used as a feed supplement, as it contributes to both animal growth and
milk production.
1.5.2 Saskatchewan Greenfield Potash Development
To date, the increase in potash demand has been met by current Saskatchewan potash mines exploiting existing
capacity or through brownfield expansions. There has not been a Greenfield potash development in
Saskatchewan for decades. The Project could cost in the order of US$3 billion and produce around 2.9 million
tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of KCl with a possible expansion of up to 3.3 Mtpa if secondary mining is completed.
The proposed Project would provide the province with a new world class large scale potash development. The
Project would require a construction workforce of approximately 1,500 people and an operational workforce of up
to 500 people.
1.5.3 Project Investment Benefits
Although there is only one potash solution mine operating in Saskatchewan, it has operated successfully for over
40 years. Benefits of a solution mine as compared to conventional mining include:
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 8
shorter project development schedule;
lower initial investment;
more flexible production rates;
personnel not required to work underground (safer);
no potential risk of flooding;
ability to exploit more of the province’s resource; and
no requirement for installations of shafts, which reduces ground disturbance.
In addition to the creation of construction and operating jobs, the Project would provide benefits to the province
through taxes and royalties. Development of the Project would also mean an increase in the requirement for
service industries such as hospitality and housing construction. The Project has the potential to increase the
quality of services to the immediate areas surrounding the Project. This could be through the upgrade of power,
gas, and water transmission lines.
1.6 Approval Process Two sets of parallel legislation could apply to the Project: provincial requirements through the Environmental
Assessment Act (Government of Saskatchewan 2002) and federal requirements through the Canadian
Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) (Government of Canada 1992). These two EA review processes have
been harmonized to reduce overlap and redundancy. To confirm the Project study team’s understanding of the
regulatory process, various meetings and discussions were held with federal and provincial regulatory agencies.
Based on the current understanding of the Project, the Project is not anticipated to trigger a federal review under
CEAA. However, the Project will require a provincial EA. Other relevant federal legislation, such as the
Navigable Waters Protection Act, the Fisheries Act, the Species at Risk Act (SARA), and the Migratory Birds
Convention Act will be considered.
The provincial EA process begins with the submission of a Project Proposal to the EA Branch of the
Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment (MOE) to determine if the Project is considered a ‘development’.
According to provincial legislation (Government of Saskatchewan 2002), a ‘development’ is any project,
operation or activity or any alteration or expansion of any project, operation, or activity, which is likely to:
have an effect on any unique, rare, or endangered feature of the environment;
substantially use any provincial resource and in so doing pre-empt the use, or potential use, of that resource for any other purpose;
cause the emission of any pollutants or create by-products, residual or waste products which require handling and disposal in a manner that is not regulated by another Act or regulation;
cause widespread public concern because of potential environmental changes;
involve a new technology that is concerned with resource use and that may induce significant environmental change; or
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 9
have a significant effect on the environment or necessitate a further development, which is likely to have a
significant effect on the environment.
Project-specific Guidelines (PSGs) will be drafted by the MOE EA Branch after considering the nature of the
development, information and issue scoping contained in the Project Proposal, and input from technical
specialists within the MOE and the Government of Saskatchewan. The PSGs outline the required scope of the
EIS and provide a set of criteria to judge the completeness of the EIS.
Once the EIS has been submitted according to the PSGs, MOE will review the document and, if needed, request
additional information. Following the MOE review, the EIS will be open to public review and comment. Once
these reviews are completed, the MOE will make a recommendation to the Minister for a decision on whether the
proposed Project can proceed. The Minister may or may not include approval conditions on a decision to allow
the Project to proceed. Once approval is granted, the necessary regulatory permits and authorizations would be
obtained.
1.7 Report Approach and Organization 1.7.1 Report Approach
This Project Proposal introduces the Project to the regulatory agencies and stakeholders, and also identifies
potential effects of the Project on the environment. The Project Proposal uses an “effects pathway” approach to
describe the interactions between Project activities and environmental components. An effects pathway is the
means by which a Project activity could interact with the environment and lead to effects on valued components
(VCs) of the biophysical and socio-economic environments.
From the outset of Project planning, Vale implemented an integrated environmental and engineering planning
team. This planning team is made up of senior practitioners and specialists who are responsible for
incorporating the key sustainability aspects, namely the balanced integration of environmental, social, and
economic considerations into the Project development planning.
Environmental and socio-economic issues identified from the initial technical assessment and preliminary
meetings are included in the identification and analysis of all potential pathways that link the Project with effects
on VCs. The Project Proposal provides a discussion of the effect pathways that relate to the key environmental
and socio-economic issues for the Project. Future field studies and analyses, and public engagement are
planned to confirm the effects pathways, and focus the EIS on key environmental and socio-economic issues.
Environmental design features (mitigation practices and designs) have been developed through an iterative
process of Project design and EA. They are used to remove pathways or limit (mitigate) effects to biophysical
and human receptors (i.e., VCs). Four key programs that are being undertaken to support the EA and
engineering design of the Project include:
subsidence analysis;
Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) mapping and ground reconnaissance is being completed over the
entire mineral lease area to support the assessment of ground subsidence and the potential environmental
effects;
aerial electromagnetic surveys are being undertaken to assist in the interpretation of the suitability of
ground conditions at potential locations for siting the TMA, and for other geotechnical considerations; and
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 10
a screening evaluation of the capacity of potential deep injection horizons for selecting suitable zones for
brine disposal.
The EIS will assess the residual effects of the Project with the environmental design features incorporated into
the Project design. Additional mitigation may be identified during the EA to address uncertainty in Project
effects.
After the key pathways have been identified, the Project Proposal introduces the approach that will be used to
assess environmental effects in the EIS. This Project Proposal not only shows how the Project interacts with the
environment, but also provides an overview of how the effects of these interactions will be assessed in the EIS.
1.7.2 Report Organization
The Project Proposal document is organized into eight main sections.
Section 1: A brief introduction is provided, which includes an introduction of VPCL, an overview of the proposed
Project including location and schedule, the need for the Project, and a description of the regulatory process.
Section 2: Provides a description of any alternative means of carrying out the Project that were considered
during the project planning phase. A description of the alternative and an explanation of why it was rejected are
provided.
Section 3: The Project Description describes the ore deposit, mining and processing methods, waste
management, supporting infrastructure, D&R, and human resources. This information is needed to identify
pathways that have the potential to influence VCs (i.e., biophysical, cultural, social, and economic receptors).
Project environmental design features that remove a pathway or limit (mitigate) effects to the environment are
provided.
Section 4: A summary of Vale’s commitment to Environment, Health, and Safety. This section provides
information on how the Project will be managed to create a safe work area for employees, the public, and the
environment.
Section 5: The approach to engage communities, First Nations and Métis people, regulatory agencies, and the
general public in the EA process is described in this section. This section includes a summary of the meetings
and discussions that have occurred and the issues raised, and describes additional engagement activities to be
completed during the EA process.
Section 6: The pathways associated with the Project that may result in changes to the environment and effects
on VCs are identified. Pathways are identified through the preliminary technical assessment (environmental
screening and constraints analysis); preliminary meetings with communities, First Nations and Métis, regulatory
agencies, and the general public; and current baseline programs completed for the Project.
Section 7: A summary of the available baseline data that are used to describe the existing environment is
provided. Future field studies to help focus the forthcoming EIS and address uncertainties in the initial baseline
information are described.
Section 8: The assessment approach, including VCs, spatial and temporal boundaries, effects analysis, residual
effects classification, and determination of significance is described.
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 11
2.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES
2.1 Project Location A total of four locations within the KP336 permit area were considered for the core facilities location
(Figure 2.1-1). The following criteria were used to assess the locations and select the preferred location for the
core facilities area:
the location must be within the permit area;
the location should not be in an area of high grade reserves so as to avoid sterilizing the reserves;
the location should have surficial materials consisting of clays to provide a proper foundation for the TMA;
the location should allow for future expansion; and
the location should attempt to avoid the diversion of drainage systems (i.e., streams or creeks) to limit
potential effects to the environment.
Clayey soils represent better containment conditions for brine, thus the selection of the proposed site was
primarily influenced by the geologic conditions in the area. Options 2 and 3 were rejected as the surficial
materials in the area consist of sands and gravels, which are considered less suitable for TMA foundation than
the clays in the selected plant location. In addition, Option 2 would have required the expansion of the TMA
between the Kronau and Manybones creeks to accommodate an increase in mine life beyond 40 years and this
was not considered acceptable due to potential effects on the creeks. Option 4 was rejected as location of the
plant and TMA in the northern section of the lease would prevent access to the high grade ore that underlies this
area.
The preferred site location (Option 1) is in the southern part of the lease, west of Kronau Creek. The preferred
site location has suitable geologic conditions to provide natural containment for brine from the TMA. The core
facilities area is located at an adequate distance from Kronau Creek to permit construction of the process plant,
TMA, and associated infrastructure without having a direct effect on fish or fish habitat. In addition, there is
sufficient buffer between the TMA and Kronau Creek for mitigation of brine migration using an engineered
containment, if required. There is sufficient space to allow the TMA to be designed to accommodate a 70 year
mine life using a phased approach. This phases approach will allow for flexibility in the mine plan. Finally, the
core facilities area, including the TMA, is located above a lower grade ore.
2.2 Mining Method Solution mining has been chosen as the method to extract the ore. In comparison to conventional mining
methods (i.e., mine shaft, room, and pillar) solution mining limits the surface disturbance, while allowing efficient
resource extraction. It has been proven as a technology in Saskatchewan for over 40 years. Solution mining
also has greater production flexibility, a quicker time to production and avoids the need for personnel to work
underground.
FILE No.SCALE AS SHOWN
FIGURE: 2.1-1REV. 0
PROJECT
TITLE
PROJECT DESIGN
GISCHECK
PLANT LOCATION OPTIONS
REVIEWSaskatoon, Saskatchewan
MK 24/08/11
10-1362-0008
Option 1 Option 2
Option 4
Option 3
KP 336
KP 337
KP 335
McGill Creek
Hunter Creek Kronau Creek
Wascana Creek
Wascana Creek
Manybone Creek
1
33
48
621
620
35
1
619
10
306
6
734
Regina
Balgonie
Qu'Appelle
White City
Indian Head
Pilot Butte
Davin
Mclean
Milaty
RowattVibank
Kronau
Odessa
KendalEstlin
Jameson
Richardson
St. Joseph's
Twp 1
5Tw
p 19A
Twp 1
8Tw
p 16
Twp 1
7
Rge 15 W2MRge 17 W2M Rge 12 W2MRge 13 W2MRge 16 W2MRge 18 W2MRge 19 W2MRge 20 W2M Rge 14 W2M
LegendPermit Boundary (KP 335/336/337)Township / Range BoundaryCemeteryParkUrban MunicipalityHighwayRailwayCommunityShrine
Mining BoundaryOption 1Option 2Option 3Option 4
4 40SCALE 1:200,000 KILOMETRES
Reference:
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Kron
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-1362
-0008
Vale
SK Po
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VALE KRONAUPOTASH PROJECT
DMTI Highways and RoadsInformation Services Corporation of SaskatchewanNTS Mapsheets 62l/05 72I/08NAD 83 UTM Zone 13 MF
GAM24/08/1124/08/11
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 13
2.3 Well-field Pipelines VPCL assessed two options for the pipelines that will be used to transport the brine from the well heads to the
process plant. The first was the installation of pipelines underground and the second was to have the pipelines
aboveground.
Underground pipelines require surface disturbance for installation, however, this disturbance can be quickly
reclaimed and the land returned to a productive use. Leak detection and appropriate pipeline isolation will be
provided so that any potential leaks are detected early and the effects limited. The leak detection system will be
continuously monitored.
Surface pipelines, while easier to monitor for leaks, prevent the use of the land along the pipeline right-of-way for
other purposes (e.g., agriculture) and may require the installation of ramps to facilitate wildlife movement through
the well-field. Therefore, the alternative selected for the Project is to install underground pipelines.
2.4 Processing VPCL is currently evaluating three technology options for potash processing: Mechanical Vapour
Recompression (MVR) and Multiple Effect Evaporation (MEE) for brine evaporation and potash crystallization. A
third option would combine both MEE and MVR evaporator technologies. A decision on the options will be made
prior to submission of the EIS.
An external cooling pond is being considered as an alternative method for recovery of an additional 0.5 Mtpa by
KCl precipitation from a portion of the exit brine flow from the vacuum cooled crystallization stage. That KCl is
recovered from the bottom of the cooling pond using a floating dredge and transported to the process plant by
slurry pipeline where it is debrined in centrifuges. After drying, the cooling pond KCl solids are combined with
other potash as feed to the compaction and screening circuit for separation of Granular and Standard products.
The low-KCl cold brine from a cooling pond is preheated by heat recovery in the vacuum crystallization circuit
before being sent back to secondary mining. This process takes advantage of Saskatchewan’s cold climate to
precipitate KCl during colder month which would result in the consumption of less energy per tonne of potash
produced. Since secondary mining cannot take place until primary mining caverns have been developed, the
cooling pond will not be required during the early years of plant operation.
2.5 Power Supply VPCL is currently assessing two options for electrical power at the site, in consultation with SaskPower.
Option one is to construct a Combined Heat and Power Plant (CHPP), which is a natural gas fired cogeneration
plant producing both electricity and steam for processing operations. The CHPP is being designed to meet the
entire thermal (process steam) demand and power demand for the processing plant. This would determine the
quantity of power to be imported or exported from SaskPower grid. During initial operations, prior to the ramp
up to full production, the CHPP may have the capability to export power to the provincial grid. A tie in with the
SaskPower distribution system would still be required to provide backup emergency power. Option two consists
of purchasing all required electrical power from SaskPower, which will be delivered via an overhead power line
to be constructed from the existing distribution system by SaskPower, and meeting the thermal (process steam)
demand from natural gas fired boilers.
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 14
2.6 Construction Camp VPCL considered developing a camp to house the construction workforce for the Project. However, it was
decided that a camp was not necessary as the existing infrastructure in surrounding communities is sufficient to
support both the construction and operations workforce.
This will reduce or eliminate the social issues that often accompany a camp and will reduce the requirements for
waste disposal, sewage and water treatment, and power requirements during construction. Although it may
result in increased traffic on Highway 33, VPCL is evaluating options to address the increased traffic, including
upgrading the highway and intersections near the site location.
3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
3.1 Introduction The purpose of the Project Description is to provide the information needed for a technical review by the MOE
and other relevant agencies to determine the level of assessment that is required. It must also provide sufficient
information to allow the MOE EA Branch to develop PSGs for the preparation of an EIS. This section presents a
clear description of the proposed Project based on the information available at this stage of the EA process. The
EIS will contain additional details of Project activities and components, where required, to support a
comprehensive assessment of the potential effects from the Project on the biophysical and socio-economic
environments.
Section 3.0 summarizes the following information:
geological setting;
construction;
mining operations (mine plan, methods);
potash processing;
tailings management (salt storage, brine and site water management);
site infrastructure;
supporting infrastructure (utilities, road and rail access);
management of domestic and industrial waste;
D&R; and
human resources.
3.2 Geologic Setting The Project permit area is located in the south central part of Saskatchewan, and is part of the Elk Point Basin,
which stretches from northern Alberta through Saskatchewan to Manitoba and into North Dakota and Montana.
Potash mineralization is found in the Prairie Formation of middle Devonian age and is generally a mixture of
sylvinite, halite, and insolubles. The thickness of the potash mineralization is variable depending on location. In
the Project permit area, the potash mineralization is found within the top section of the Prairie Evaporite
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 15
Formation. The potash can be further sub-divided into three distinct members: Patience Lake Member, Belle
Plaine Member, and Esterhazy Member. The average total thickness is approximately 55 metres (m), and
includes the Interbed Halite units. The average depth from surface to the top of the Prairie Evaporate Formation
is 1,650 m within the permit area. Stratigraphy is shown on Figure 3.2-1.
The Patience Lake Member is composed of a number of sylvinite rich beds inter-layered with halite rich beds,
and contains abundant clay minerals throughout. In the permit area, the Patience Lake Member varies in
thickness from 10 to 15 m. There is an Interbed Halite unit (approximately 1 m thick) that separates the Patience
Lake Member and Belle Plaine Member.
The Belle Plaine Member consists of a series of aerially extensive halite, sylvinite, and clay bands, although
there are less clays and insolubles compared to the Patience Lake Member. The Belle Plaine Member is
approximately 9 to 10 m thick throughout the permit area, and can be subdivided into three beds of nearly equal
thickness by major continuous clay bands.
The Esterhazy Member exhibits the greatest variation in grade, mineral texture, and thickness (the average total
thickness is 15 to 18 m). Between the Belle Plaine Member and the Esterhazy Member there is a layered
sequence of an Interbed Halite unit, the White Bear Marker, and another Interbed Halite unit. The total thickness
of this sequence is approximately 10 m. The lower portion of the Esterhazy Member has very large crystal size,
which accounts for the high variation of KCl grades. As such, the lower portion of the Esterhazy Member tends
to be the highest grade that contains sufficient potash mineralization suitable for solution mining.
Mineral resources and KCl grades have been determined for the Project through an exploration program that
included both drillholes (with core samples) and an advanced 3-D seismic survey to determine the continuity of
the deposit between widely spaced drillholes. The Potash Mineral Resource was classified based on the radial
distance from each drillhole, as follows:
measured resource was less than or equal to 800 m;
indicated resource was greater than 800 m and less than 1,500 m; and
inferred resource was greater than 1,500 m and less than 3,000 m.
The initial mine area has an indicated resource of approximately 150 million metric tonnes of KCl. Depending on
ultimate production, this would indicate a mine life of around 40-50 years. A secondary mine area is also being
evaluated and is anticipated to provide sufficient resource to extend the mine life to 70 years. The conceptual
mining boundary, which includes both the initial and secondary mine areas, is shown in Figure 3.2-2.
VALE KRONAUPOTASH PROJECT
FILE No.SCALE AS SHOWN
FIGURE: 3.2-1REV. 0
PROJECT
TITLE
PROJECT DESIGN
GISCHECK
STRATIGRAPHIC SEQUENCEFOR THE PROJECT AREA
REVIEWSaskatoon, Saskatchewan
MK 28/07/11
10-1362-0008
Reference:
G:\CLIENTS\VALE\Vale Kronau Potash Project\Figures\10-1362-0008 Vale SK Potash\WP022 Project Proposal\10-1362-0008-Stratigraphic Sequence for the Project Area.mxd
PERIOD FORMATION Depth mTVD GEOLOGICAL NOTES
Devonian
1st Redbeds1580
1595Dolomite
Dawson Bay
1640
Limestone
2nd Redbeds 1645 DolomitePrairie Evaporite
Upper Salt1655
Halite
Patience Lake Member
1655
Potash member-Halite/Sylvite/Clay
Interbed Halite - 1 1666 Halite
Belle Plaine Member
Interbed Halite - 2White Bear MarkerInterbed Halite - 3
Esterhazy Member
1676168116821685
1702
1732
Potash member - Halite/Sylvite/Clay
Halite1 m potash marker - Halite/Sylvite/ClayHalite
Potash member-Halite/Sylvite
Halite
1738
1795
Shell Lake
Whitcow Salt
Winnipegosis
Anhydrite
Halite
Dolomite
Figure provided by Worley Parsons 2011 MFGAM
29/07/1129/07/11
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 17
3.3 Construction 3.3.1 Facilities and Infrastructure Required During Construction
The facilities required during Project construction would include:
construction management and first aid trailers;
contractor trailers;
lunchroom/washroom trailers with toilet and wash facilities;
construction parking;
construction laydown and assembly areas;
storage warehouse;
security trailer;
site fencing;
temporary equipment maintenance area;
fuel storage area;
temporary power supply;
temporary water supply;
sewage disposal (tank and pump out via vacuum truck); and
concrete batch plant.
The planned location of the temporary construction management trailers, construction parking, and laydown
areas are shown on Figure 1.3-1. All temporary facilities and infrastructure listed above will be located within the
core facilities area.
3.3.2 Environmental Design Features Implemented During Construction
The following practices will be implemented during the construction phase to reduce or eliminate potential effects
to the environment. Access roads to the construction site will be treated with calcium chloride (CaCl2) to control
fugitive dust. A water truck will be used to wet down the internal roads, as required, to supplement the use of
CaCl2.
Diesel and gasoline will be stored in accordance with applicable regulations. Spill control kits will be maintained
at the storage area. Contaminated soil from spills would be stored in sealed containers and removed from site
by a licensed contractor and transported to an appropriate disposal facility. Waste material anticipated to be
generated on-site during construction includes metal, wood, plastics, miscellaneous waste, and domestic
garbage. In addition, items such as waste lubricating oil and filters from vehicle maintenance, oily rags, and
paint will require disposal. A licensed waste contractor will be engaged to provide appropriate waste containers
on-site and to remove waste materials to licensed recycle and disposal facilities.
FILE No.SCALE AS SHOWN
FIGURE: 3.2-2REV. 0
PROJECT
TITLE
PROJECT DESIGN
GISCHECK
CONCEPTUAL MINING BOUNDARY
REVIEWSaskatoon, Saskatchewan
MK 30/08/11
10-1362-0008
KP 336
48
33
621McGill Creek
Hunter Creek
Kronau Creek
Wascana Creek
Wascana Creek
Manybone Creek
Mine Area 1
Mine Area 2
040506010203040506010203040506010203
333231363534333231363534333231363534
29 2830252627282930252627282930252627
212019242322212019242322212019242322
161718131415161718131415161718131415
0908071211100908071211100807121110
040506010203040506010203040506010203
333231363534333231363534333231363534
282930252627282930252627282930252627
Davin
Kronau
Twp 1
5Tw
p 16
Twp 1
7
Rge 15 W2MRge 17 W2M Rge 16 W2MRge 18 W2MLegend
Permit BoundaryTownship / Range BoundarySection BoundaryQuarter Section BoundaryCemeteryUrban MunicipalityHighwayRailwayRoadCommunityShrine
Mining BoundaryProposed Core Facilities
1.5 1.50SCALE 1:75,000 KILOMETRES
Reference:
G:\C
LIENT
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E\Va
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Potas
h Proj
ect\F
igures
\10-13
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08 Va
le SK
Pota
sh\W
P022
Proj
ect P
ropos
al\10
-1362
-0008
-Con
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ound
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xd
VALE KRONAUPOTASH PROJECT
DMTI Highways and RoadsInformation Services Corporation of SaskatchewanNTS Mapsheets 62l/05 72I/08NAD 83 UTM Zone 13 MF
GAM30/08/1130/08/11
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 19
The laydown areas will be covered with a geo-textile and then gravel to provide a solid base for construction
activities. Sewage disposal for the construction phase will use temporary septic tanks, which will be pumped out
as required by a licensed contractor and the sewage will be disposed of off-site at an appropriate facility. Once
the on-site sewage facilities are completed, the construction trailers will be connected to these facilities.
Environmental Management/Construction Plans (EMCPs), based on Vale’s Environment, Health and Safety
(EH&S) Management System (Section 4.0), will be developed for the Project prior to construction. These will
include plans for activities such as erosion control, spill response and control, and waste management training
for the EMCPs will be provided for all employees and contractors on-site.
3.4 Mining Operations 3.4.1 Introduction
Solution mining will be used to extract the sylvinite (KCl and NaCl [sodium chloride]) and the resulting brine will
be processed by evaporation and crystallization to produce potash. The solution mining techniques used for the
Project will be similar to those used at the Mosaic Potash Facility.
3.4.2 Mine Plan
The mine plan for the Project involves using solution mining to recover potash from sylvinite ore located
approximately 1,650 m below the ground surface. The mining zone has been identified through an extensive
exploration program, as described in Section 3.2.
Solution mining will use two directional wells drilled to the bottom of the potash deposit. Through injection of
water and subsequent dissolution of the salts, a single solution mining cavern will form. The wells will be
directionally drilled from a central pad with approximately 9 caverns (18 wells) on a single pad. This will reduce
the surface disturbance compared to the use of vertical wells for each cavern. The planned initial drilling
consists of five drilling pads, each with 18 wells to support a total of 40 solution mining caverns. As the solution
mining progresses, the number of solution, mining caverns in operation will increase, but will be ultimately limited
by solution mining economics and cavern stability. The conceptual mining boundary is shown in Figure 3.2-2.
The Project will initially use primary mining methods for the 2.9 Mtpa production. Primary mining involves the
injection fresh water to dissolve the sylvinite and produces both KCl and NaCl. Once experience is gained with
primary mining, secondary mining will be considered to add an additional 17% to 3.3 Mtpa. This injects a brine
high in NaCl and low in KCl, to preferentially extract more KCl with adding extra NaCl (which doesn’t have to be
processed or disposed).
3.4.2.1 Cavern Design
The cavern design is based on the geology of the deposit, the assumed in situ potash temperature, expected
creep of the surrounding halite and sylvinite, and a planned vertical growth rate of solution mining that is
dependant on local geology, grade, mining strategy, and injection pumping. The shape of the cavern is similar to
the other solution mining operation in Saskatchewan and is estimated to range in width from 120 to 160 m,
length from 180 to 220 m, with pillars of 90 to 110 m. Pillars will be left between caverns to increase stability and
reduce the effects of subsidence. This results in an ideal aerial extraction ratio of around 33%. However each
cavern shape will vary depending on the local geology and cavern development. Figure 3.4-1 represents an
ideal cavern shape.
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 20
Cavern layout and spacing is based on the expected creep of the surrounding halite and sylvinite beds, the
expected cavern shape, the areas of impurities (such as carnalite) and geological anomalies identified from the
two and three dimensional seismic surveys. The configuration of the caverns was arranged to optimize the
extraction while reducing potential effects from subsidence. The well-field layout will continue to evolve over
time as more is known about the geology.
3.4.2.2 Drilling/Pad Design
Solution mining will be initiated by directional drilling a pair of wells from a surface pad through the sylvinite
seam. Each pad will contain between 9 and 12 caverns. The surface wellheads are anticipated to be grouped in
a parallel arrangement with 5 m spacing between pairs of wells. This reduces the overall width of the pad, which
is expected to be approximately 78 by 165 m. Each solution mining well will be connected to a pad valve station
using two buried lined steel pipes.
This arrangement is anticipated to reduce the surface disturbance, as compared to drilling vertical wells with one
pad per cavern. In some locations, surface features, geological considerations, grade limitations, or impurities
may mean less or more caverns per pad (or pad location needs to be adjusted). Studies are being undertaken
to increase the number of caverns per pad to further reduce the surface disturbance. However increasing the
number of caverns per pad is dependant on the local geology, geomechanical, and drilling techniques.
Existing public roads will be used where possible to provide access to the vicinity of the various well pads to
reduce the amount of new road construction required for the Project.
3.4.2.3 Well-field Piping
The processing plant is located southeast of the well-field and will be connected by several main pipelines.
These pipelines will be underground, and leak detection and appropriate pipeline isolation will be provided so
that any potential leaks are detected early and the effects limited. The leak detection system will be continuously
monitored. The piping and valve arrangements will be routed in such a way that each cavern can work
independently from the others at different stages of cavern development and production.
3.4.2.4 Brine Disposal
Brine reclaimed from the TMA and weak development brine will be sent to disposal wells located on-site. These
wells will be developed near the core facilities area to reduce piping requirements and will only be used for brine
disposal. Oil from early brine will be removed using an oil-water separator.
3.4.3 Mining Method
Solution mining uses controlled dissolution to remove the sylvinite seam approximately 1,650 m below the
ground surface. The general solution mining process has four phases, which are outlined below:
cavern development;
primary mining;
possible secondary mining; and
cavern closure.
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 22
3.4.3.1 Cavern Development
Each cavern will be developed in three phases; sump development, cavity connection and roof area
development. Each individual well is anticipated to have a 10 to 15 m sump developed in the halite immediately
beneath the sylvinite. The sump is required to accommodate the following:
insoluble materials within the sylvinite seam;
NaCl which may precipitate from solution or remain undissolved in the cavern; and
convergence from creep deformation of the halite above and below the cavern.
The sump will be developed by injecting cold fresh water down the tubing of each well and recovering partially
saturated NaCl (weak brine) through the well annulus. An oil blanket will be maintained at the base of the
sylvinite zone to prevent vertical growth. The cavern shape and size will be monitored though the quantity of salt
produced and/or by down hole sonic survey.
Once the sump development is completed, the well tubing will be raised 4 to 5 m. Cold fresh water injection will
continue and the oil blanket at the base of the sylvinite will be maintained. The purpose of this phase is to grow
the caverns from each well in the halite zone to connect the caverns.
Upon successful sump connection, dual well operation to develop the cavity roof will be initiated. One well will
be used to inject cold fresh water and the other to recover partially saturated brine. The wells can change mode
from injection to recovery as required for consistent, even roof development. Oil will be continually added to
maintain an oil blanket at the base of the sylvinite seam. Roof development will continue until approximately
60% of the total roof area for primary mining is established.
3.4.3.2 Primary Mining
Once the initial caverns are developed, primary solution mining is initiated. Primary mining uses heated water to
dissolve the sylvinite. The roof oil blanket is used to control the upward dissolution through the sylvinite seam,
and the outward development of the cavern. Once one sylvinite seam has been completed, solution mining will
move onto the second seam. This will mean either repeating the cavern development under the next potash
seam, or using fracturing techniques to move between the potash beds. The mining of multiple potash beds
depends on the local grade, geology, impurities, and geomechanics. The decision to mine more than one seam
is made on a cavern by cavern basis based on the exact geology of each well to improve recovery.
The Project will initially use primary mining methods for the 2.9 Mtpa production. Once experience is gained with
primary mining, secondary mining will be considered.
3.4.3.3 Secondary Mining
Secondary mining may be completed to provide up to an additional 17% production (3.3 Mtpa). This method
uses saturated NaCl brine to selectively dissolve KCl, and produces KCl at a lower rate than primary mining
which provides additional KCl without extracting new NaCl which has to be processed and disposed.
3.4.3.4 Cavern Closure
Cavern closure involves removing the liner and dilution strings of the wells. The drill hole casings will be left open
to relieve pressure as the cavern begin to close naturally (i.e., salt creep). Once the cavern has been completely
closed, the casings can be plugged with cement.
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 23
3.4.4 Environmental Design Features of the Mine Plan and Mining Methods
The mine plan and mining method include several environmental design features that have been incorporated
into the Project to reduce or limit effects on the environment. The pad design incorporates direction drilling of
well pairs to develop between nine and twelve caverns from one pad (depending on cavern location and
availability), thus reducing the surface disturbance. Further investigations are being undertaken to increase the
number of caverns per pad. Existing public roads will be used where possible to provide access to the vicinity of
the various well pads to reduce the amount of new road construction required for the Project. Pillars will be left
between caverns to increase stability and reduce the effects of subsidence. The pad and cavern layout will be
refined as additional modelling is completed and experience gained with the deposit to optimize potash recovery
while limiting effects of subsidence and surface development.
3.5 Potash Processing 3.5.1 Overview
The Project process plant and associated facilities include the following main components:
well field water and brine injection and brine recovery;
tank farm facility;
brine evaporation and crystallization;
NaCl and KCl de-brining and clarification;
product drying, screening, and compaction; and
standard and granular product storage and load out.
The process plant will consist of evaporators and vacuum cooled crystallizers that will be designed for a
production of 2.9 Mtpa of fertilizer-grade KCl from primary mining. If secondary mining is initiated, the plant
capacity will be increased to 3.3 Mtpa with the addition of surface cooled crystallizers in series with the vacuum
cooled crystallizers. The use of natural cooling pond instead of the surface cooled crystallizers is one of the
alternatives being considered for the Project (Section 2.3).
The process design is based on producing two high quality potash products at the process plant; standard and
granular. The overall process flow diagram for the Project is illustrated in Figure 3.5-1.
3.5.2 Process Details
3.5.2.1 Well Field Water and Brine Injection and Brine Recovery
Solution mining, surface processing of brine, and containment of brines and solids are components of an
integrated system that is designed to produce agricultural grade potash products. Solution mining and potash
processing are linked by the inventory of brine that is circulated in the combined production system.
There are three different stages of solution mining:
well development using ambient temperature water;
primary mining using heated brine and water; and
secondary mining using low-KCl heated brine.
FILE No.SCALE AS SHOWN
FIGURE: 3.5-1REV. 0
PROJECT
TITLE
PROJECT DESIGN
GISCHECK
PROCESS FLOW DIAGRAM
REVIEWSaskatoon, Saskatchewan
MK 12/08/11
10-1362-0008Reference:
G:\C
LIENT
S\VAL
E\Vale
Kron
au Po
tash P
rojec
t\Figu
res\10
-1362
-0008
Vale
SK P
otash
\WP0
22 Pr
oject
Prop
osal\
10-13
62-00
08-P
roces
s Flow
Diag
ram.m
xd
VALE KRONAUPOTASH PROJECT
Process Flow Diagramprovided by Worley Parsons2011-08-12 MF
GAM12/08/1112/08/11
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 25
Initial solution mine cavern development is achieved by injecting ambient raw water into the wells. The “early
brine” from this source will be delivered to disposal wells located on the plant site, until the caverns are
converted to primary mining. High NaCl, low-KCl early brine may also be used in primary and secondary wells,
or combined with tailings pond or evaporator feed brine. After the caverns are connected underground, primary
production mining will begin by dissolving KCl and NaCl in the ore body. During primary mining, hot brine,
heated by process steam and condensate, will be injected into caverns. During secondary mining, various
low-KCl process brines will be combined and pre-heated with steam and injected into caverns. Brine produced
from the caverns is then fed to the process plant for processing.
3.5.2.2 Tank Farm Facility
A tank farm is required to segregate and manage brines that are used in different phases of solution mining and
for preparation of the main process brine feed stream. The tank farm facility, located in the process plant,
includes injection pumps, heaters, and storage tanks.
3.5.2.3 Brine Evaporation and Crystallization
Brines from solution mining are combined in the primary process feed tank, heated with steam, and fed to
evaporators that precipitate and separate salt (NaCl) and concentrate the process liquor in KCl close to the
composition at which both NaCl and KCl are co-saturated.
Brines recovered from solution mining caverns contain the main solutes KCl, NaCl, magnesium chloride (MgCl2),
and other minor solutes. In the process plant, this solution is heated and evaporated to precipitate and separate
NaCl solids, while keeping KCl in solution. The hot output brine from the evaporation stage is cooled in two
series of parallel vacuum crystallizers in which the brine is cooled in stages by additional brine evaporation. The
KCl crystal product is removed from the circuit as a slurry and separated prior to drying, screening and
compaction as described below..
After secondary mining commences, a fraction of the liquor from the last vacuum crystallizers is sent to a set of
surface cooled crystallizers to recover more KCl and to provide the lower concentration KCl brine needed for
secondary mining. This is anticipated to yield an additional 0.4 Mtpa of potash and to lower the KCl
concentration for use in secondary mining.
The exit brine from vacuum cooled crystallizers is recycled to primary mining caverns. Low temperature,
low-KCl exit brine from surface cooled crystallizers or the optional cooling pond is recycled to secondary mining
caverns. Some process brine is removed from the total brine inventory to control the concentration of MgCl2 that
can adversely affect the recovery of KCl during solution mining. That purged brine flow is pumped to the
disposal wells.
3.5.2.4 Sodium Chloride and Potassium Chloride Debrining and Clarification
Solid salt that is precipitated during high temperature evaporation is separated from hot process brine, debrined
in hydrocyclones and centrifuges, re-slurried with reclaimed TMA brine, and pumped to the TMA for storage.
Residual fine particles in the brine are removed in clarifiers before the hot high-KCl brine is delivered to the
vacuum crystallizers for KCl production. The slurries from the vacuum cooled and surface cooled KCl
crystallizers are debrined using hydrocyclones and centrifuges and the low-moisture centrifuge cake is conveyed
to product dryers.
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 26
3.5.2.5 Product Drying, Screening and Compaction
Centrifuge cake from the vacuum crystallizer and surface cooled crystallizer are fed to dedicated dryers that
evaporate moisture from the respective coarse and fine particle feeds. Natural gas will be used as fuel for the
dryer. The product from the coarse dryers will be screened and a portion of the contained standard fertilizer
grade potash will be separated, cooled, and dispatched to storage.
The product from the fines dryer will be transported to the compaction plant, where it will be combined with the
rejects from the screening plant. Roller presses will be used to compact the particles into a flake which will be
then crushed and screened into granular-grade product and rejects that are recycled back to the compactors.
The granular fertilizer grade potash will be glazed, dried, and cooled to improve particle durability and product
quality.
Air-entrainable fine particles of KCl are generated in the process by evaporation of brine droplets during fluid bed
drying and by impact and abrasion during crushing and materials handling. Cyclones in combination with
baghouses will be used to handle emissions from the KCl dryers. Cyclones and pulse jet dust collectors will be
used to collect the dust from all dry potash handling equipment such as conveyors, bucket elevators, screens,
dryers, and coolers. The dust-laden gas from different dust generating points will be treated by the dust
collectors and the clean air will be then vented to the atmosphere through stacks. Exhaust from process dryers
will first pass through high efficiency cyclones to limit emissions of particulate matter and recover the coarser
particles as compactor feed. The cyclone exhaust will be treated in high energy scrubbers operating at a high
pressure drop. The dryer burners will be high efficiency, low nitrogen oxides (NOx) burners to limit the amount of
NOx present in the exhaust stream.
3.5.2.6 Standard and Granular Product Storage and Loadout
Both standard and granular products are transferred separately in covered conveyor galleries and dropped onto
segregated warehouse inventory piles. Products are reclaimed from the storage warehouse for transfer to
railcars. Each product is treated with anti-caking and dust control in the dry end of the plant and/or at the
loadout. The product storage warehouse will have a capacity of approximately 250,000 tonnes of potash. The
load-out station is designed to dispatch standard and granular potash product into railcars.
3.5.3 Environmental Design Features for Potash Processing
Throughout the process, design elements and control will be included to reduce the effect of potash processing
on the environment. Liquid, solid spills, and wash-down within the processing facilities will be contained within
the mill facility or the engineered site area. Salvageable product from centrifuging, drying, screening, and
compaction will be recycled back to the process.
The process plant will contain a number of features to reduce air and dust emissions. Since dust is generated
by the drying and handling of potash product, it is necessary to control emission levels to achieve an acceptable
working environment and meet government standards. This will be accomplished by a combination of dust
collection and suppression practices. Dust collection equipment such as wet scrubbers, cyclones, and
baghouse filtration technologies are included in the process plant to limit emissions. Dust suppression on roads
for the project will be accomplished through the use of CaCl2 and water trucks as required.
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 27
3.6 Tailings Management Area 3.6.1 Waste Salt Storage
Solution potash mining produces waste salt (NaCl) tailings. Clays associated with the potash beds are insoluble
and therefore are not brought to surface as they are with conventional potash mining. The waste salt tailings will
be contained within the TMA boundary shown on Figure 1.3-1, throughout operations and decommissioning.
This boundary will be refined for the EIS, using the results of ongoing baseline programs.
Based on an annual KCl production of 2.9 Mtpa, the estimated production of waste salt is approximately
6.8 Mtpa. If secondary mining is initiated, brining total KCL production to 3.3 Mtpa, waste salt production would
increase to 7.0 Mtpa. Preliminary sizing of the waste salt storage area, was based on the 3.3 Mtpa production
case (7.0 Mtpa waste salt), over approximately 70 years of mine life. This would result in the production of
approximately 470 Mt of waste salt which corresponds to a volume of approximately 300 million cubic
metres (Mm3) based on an assumed waste salt density of 1.55 tonnes per cubic metre (t/m3). The waste salt
storage area will be designed with capacity to safely store the estimated volume of waste that will be generated
over the 70-year mine life. The maximum pile height applied to the preliminary sizing was 80 m. Coarse tailings
piles from conventional potash mines in Saskatchewan are currently up to 70 m in height, with theoretical
maximum pile heights of up to 100 m. The final design of the waste salt storage area will provide future flexibility
to expand the storage of waste salt by modifications to the base footprint and/or increasing the pile height in the
future should additional storage be required.
A containment system will be designed to control both deep migration of brine from the waste salt storage area
to groundwater resources (i.e., underlying aquifers) and shallow horizontal migration that may result in surface
expression of brine, as required, based on site-specific geologic information. Geological and hydrogeolgical site
characterization studies were used to identify potential waste salt storage area locations where containment
would be provided primarily by natural soils, thereby reducing the reliance on engineered containment systems.
The highly plastic clay and underlying clayey till of the lacustrine plains in the Project region are the main
geological units that would mitigate the vertical migration of seepage from the proposed waste salt storage area.
The performance of clayey soils used to contain brine has been well documented in Saskatchewan. Further site
characterization studies will be conducted, which will focus on defining thicknesses and hydrogeologic properties
of soils below the waste salt storage area.
A perimeter dyke will be constructed around the waste salt storage area to contain both waste salt and decanted
brine, and divert fresh water around the perimeter. Perimeter dykes will be keyed into surficial materials as
necessary to mitigate lateral migration of brine through jointed oxidized clay or shallow stratified sand and gravel
deposits. Salt will be discharged to the storage area through a slurry pipeline, and the area will be graded to
drain free brine to the reclaim pond by gravity. Internal salt dykes and ditches will be required to direct surface
flow to the collection ditch during early stages of deposition. In the event of high flows due to precipitation
events, additional flow capacity from the collection ditch to the reclaim pond would be provided by an overflow
spillway in the embankment. Monitoring programs for the waste salt storage area will be incorporated in the
design and will include key attributes of pile stability and brine migration.
3.6.2 Brine and Site Water Management
The Project plant site and waste salt storage area will be designed based on LiDAR survey data to divert
uncontaminated surface water around the Project site and thus allow the freshwater to remain part of the natural
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 28
water cycle. Site drainage for the plant site and waste salt storage area will also be designed to collect all
precipitation falling within these areas within the brine reclaim pond (Figure 1.3-1) and be stored until it is either
used as process make up water or disposed of through deep-well injection into a suitable deep formation. The
water management plan will be developed to both safely store on-site runoff and divert freshwater runoff for a
design storm consisting of 300 millimetres (mm) over a 24 hour period. This water management plan for the
Project site would be developed in a fashion similar to the plans developed for all operating potash mines in
Saskatchewan.
The brine reclaim pond will be designed to provide containment of brine over the operating and
decommissioning life of the mine. The primary portion of the brine reclaim pond will be slightly deeper than the
rest of the pond to reduce the surface area of the brine during normal operations. This will help to reduce
evaporation from the pond, so that more brine is available for reuse in the process.
The brine reclaim pond will provide adequate storage to accommodate storage of process streams under normal
and extreme operating conditions and design storm events. Sufficient freeboard will be provided to account for
wind induced set-up and wave run-up on the sides of the dykes. Maximum operating levels will be developed to
provide adequate storage volumes for the design storm event. Provisions for monitoring the brine reclaim pond
will be incorporated as part of the design of the brine reclaim pond and surface water diversion works. It is
anticipated that provisions for measuring the following will be included to assess the pond’s performance over
time:
subsurface brine migration;
volumes of surface water diversion around the site;
volumes of excess brine disposed of through deep-well injection; and
key attributes within the deep well disposal horizon.
3.6.3 Deep Well Injection
Deep injection requirements will be developed as part of the waste salt management plan over the life of the
project. It is anticipated that injection wells will be added progressively over the life of the Project as the footprint
of the waste salt storage area develops and additional capacity is needed to dispose of excess brine. An
evaluation is of the capacity of potential deep injection horizons will be conducted to allow selection suitable
zones for brine disposal.
3.6.4 Environmental Design Features for the Tailings Management Area
Environmental design features have been integrated into the proposed waste salt storage area to prevent or limit
the effects of the proposed Project to the natural environment at the Project site. A containment system will be
designed to control migration of brine from the waste salt storage area to underlying aquifers and control the
horizontal migration of brine, as required. Site characterization studies will be conducted to optimally locate the
waste salt storage area for the Project in an area that provides natural containment. Information collected from
field studies and transport modelling will be used to devise a containment strategy to control migration of brine
from the waste salt storage area. In addition, the brine reclaim pond will provide adequate storage to
accommodate storage of process streams under normal and extreme operating conditions and design storm
events.
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 29
Environmental design features will also be incorporated to reduce the water supply requirements for production
and potable use. For example, the Project plant site and waste salt storage area will be developed using LiDAR
survey data and designed for diversion of fresh surface water around the Project site. In addition, a surface
water management plan will be developed for the Project, which will include the capture and reuse of site runoff
water to reduce makeup water requirements.
3.7 Site Infrastructure 3.7.1 Permanent Buildings
The proposed major buildings for the Project are described below and shown on Figure 1.3-1.
Administration/Service Complex – This will consist of an office area to be used for administration, training
and support activities, such as computer support, at the Project. The building will also include a service
area for site equipment that will include a wash bay, service bays, welding and machining area, and
warehousing. The maintenance area will have a concrete floor which will drain to a sump area to contain
any spills that may occur during maintenance activities.
Process Plant – The majority of the potash processing equipment will be located in the process plant, which
will be a multi storey building. The building will also include the process control room, offices, and a
lunchroom and a maintenance area for process equipment.
Product Storage Building - The product storage building will be located adjacent to the rail line and will be
sized to hold 28 days of production. The storage building will be fed by conveyor belt from the process
building.
Product Loadout Building – The product loadout will house the equipment necessary to load standard
potash rail cars.
3.7.2 Hazardous Substance Storage
Hazardous substance storage for the Project will consist of reagents for potash processing, diesel fuel and
gasoline, and maintenance/service materials such as glycols, oil, lubricants, and batteries. Diesel fuel and
gasoline will be stored in accordance with applicable regulations.
Processing reagent will be stored in containers located in the processing building. The processing building will
be designed to contain any materials spilled within the building through the use of door curbs, sloped floors,
sumps and other measures. Reagents expected to be on site include: ammonia, dedusting oil, flake anti-caking
amine and hydrochloric acid.
Maintenance/service materials will be stored in the maintenance building in appropriate containers and the
building will be designed for spill containment.
3.7.3 Other Buildings
In addition to the major buildings described above, there will be a number of other buildings required on-site,
including:
multi celled cooling tower;
CHPP and/or boiler house;
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 30
sewage and potable water treatment facilities;
electrical substations and motor control centre (MCC) rooms;
pump houses; and
security gates/buildings.
3.7.4 Environmental Design Features for Site Infrastructure
Environmental design features have been incorporated into the site infrastructure design process to reduce or
eliminate potential environmental effects from the Project. These include:
the processing building will be designed to contain any materials spilled within the building through the use
of door curbs, sloped floors, sumps and other measures;
the maintenance area will have a concrete floor which will drain to a sump area to contain any spills that
may occur during maintenance activities; and
diesel fuel and gasoline will be stored in accordance with applicable regulations..
3.8 Supporting Infrastructure 3.8.1 Water Supply
Raw water for the Project will be provided by the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority (SWA) via a pipeline from
Lake Katepwa to the Project core facilities area. Application has been made to the SWA for the required water
supply and a positive response has been received, providing preliminary assurance that the watershed can be
successfully operated to meet the needs of SaskWater for VPCL. .
The water supply requirements for the Project are estimated at 21 Mm3 per year for a mining rate of 2.9 Mtpa.
The raw water will be used for solution mining, process and utility requirements within the processing plant,
cooling water, fire suppression water, and boiler feed water. Water will be stored on-site in the fresh water pond,
which will also provide water for the fire suppression system. The plant design is based on recycling and reuse
of storm water, drains, waste streams and process water to reduce the amount of fresh water required for the
Project.
3.8.2 Electrical Power
VPCL is currently assessing two options for electrical power at the site, in consultation with SaskPower. Option
one is to construct a CHPP, which is a natural gas fired cogeneration plant producing both electricity and steam
for processing operations. The CHPP is being designed to meet the entire thermal (process steam) demand and
as much power demand as possible for the plant. This would determine the quantity of power to be imported or
exported from SaskPower grid. During initial operations, prior to the ramp up to full production, the CHPP may
have the capability to export additional power to the provincial grid. A tie in with the SaskPower distribution
system would still be required to provide backup power in case of problems with the CHPP. Option two consists
of purchasing all required electrical power from SaskPower, which will be delivered via an overhead power line
to be constructed from the existing distribution system by SaskPower, and meeting the entire thermal (process
steam) demand from natural gas fired boilers.
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 31
A sub station will be required for either option and will be constructed on the Project site. Anticipated electrical
demand for the Project is 190 megawatts. An overhead power line will be required from the Project site to the
nearest SaskPower distribution line. SaskPower has been contacted regarding the Project’s power
requirements.
3.8.3 Natural Gas
TransGas will be the natural gas supplier for the Project and has been contacted with regards to the Project’s
natural gas requirements. Gas may be purchased from a number of different suppliers, however, the delivery of
gas will be through TransGas. Natural gas requirements for the Project will depend upon the option chosen for
electrical power. For Option One (CHPP), natural gas requirements are anticipated to be 1,850 to
2,800 gigajoule per hour (GJ/hr) based on the latest change in brine concentration and primary mining of
2.9 Mtpa. On-site infrastructure for Option One may not require a compressor station if the natural gas is
available at pressures between 270 to 350 pounds per square inch gauge (psig). A distribution piping system
on-site to deliver the gas to the cogeneration power plant will be required. . In addition, a let-down station will be
required to reduce the gas pressure from 320 to 60 psig for building heating purposes.
For Option Two (steam generation, see 3.9.2), the requirements are anticipated to be 800 to 2,500 GJ/hr based
on the latest change in brine concentration and primary mining of 2.9 Mtpa. A let down station will be required to
reduce the gas pressure from 320 to 60 psig for building heating purposes, as well as a distribution piping
system on site to deliver the gas from the let down station to its end use point.
3.8.4 Telecommunications
SaskTel, the provincial Crown Corporation, has been contacted regarding telecommunications requirements for
the Project.
3.8.5 Access and Transportation
3.8.5.1 Roads
It is anticipated that the existing local grid road that intersects with Highway 33 will need to be upgraded. This
will involve intersection improvements that may include constructing new acceleration, deceleration, and bypass
lanes. It anticipated that a new access road from the existing grid road will be required to the access the site
(Figure 3.8-1). The new access road is intended to facilitate safe access to the Project site and support the
increased transportation requirements during construction and operation. Access roads to the well pads for
mining will be developed off of existing grid roads, to the extent possible, to reduce surface disturbance. VPCL
will work with the local R.M. with regards to road improvements and/or new access roads.
3.8.5.2 Rail
The rail connections for the Project have been designed to use existing infrastructure as much as possible to
reduce new construction. It is anticipated that shipments from the Project will be to the Pacific Coast ports. Two
rail connections will be constructed as part of the Project to allow flexibility in shipping and carrier choice. The
first connection is to Stuart Southern Rail (SSR) Tyvan (CP Rail) west of the Project site where it is parallel to
Highway 33 (Figure 3.8-1). This will require the construction of an approximately 3 km long spur to connect the
Project to the existing rail line. The second connection is to the CN rail line at the Glenavon subdivision, north of
the Project site, which will require the construction of a 10 km spur.
FILE No.SCALE AS SHOWN
FIGURE: 3.8-1REV. 0
PROJECT
TITLE
PROJECT DESIGN
GISCHECK
REVIEWSaskatoon, Saskatchewan
MK 24/08/11
10-1362-0008
NATURAL GASEXISTING RAIL
EXISTING HIGHWAY
NEW RAIL
CONSTRUCTIONLAYDOWN PLANT SITE
FRESH WATERPIPELINE
KP 336
48
33
111009080712
020304050601
353433323136
262728293025
232221201924
141516171813
111009080712
020304050601
353433323136
Kronau
Jameson
Twp 1
5Tw
p 17
Twp 1
6
Rge 17 W2MRge 18 W2M
LegendPermit BoundaryTownship / Range BoundarySection BoundaryQuarter Section BoundaryCemeteryUrban MunicipalityHighwayRailwayRoadCommunity
Mining BoundaryProposed Core FacilitiesFresh Water PipelinePipelineSite Layout
1 101:40,000SCALE KILOMETRES
Reference:
G:\CLIENTS\VALE\Vale Kronau Potash Project\Figures\10-1362-0008 Vale SK Potash\WP022 Project Proposal\10-1362-0008-Proposed Site Access Roads and Railway Line.mxd
PROPOSED SITE ACCESS ROADSAND RAILWAY LINES
VALE KRONAUPOTASH PROJECT
Site Layout provided by Worley Parsons2000VS-L-04001AE, July 18, 2011DMTI Highways and RoadsInformation Services Corporation of SaskatchewanNTS Mapsheets 62l/05 72I/08NAD 83 UTM Zone 13
MFGAM
24/08/1124/08/11
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 33
The rail design is based on unit trains of 170 cars and five locomotives. It is anticipated that for the initial years of
the Project, unit trains will consist of 100 to 140 cars and three locomotives. The proposed rail spur is a single
track which will carry both inbound and outbound traffic. The spur will lead to a load out and car storage area at
the processing plant. This area will be designed for maintaining safety and efficiency during loading operations
and train movements on and off-site. At this time, the spur is planned to dead end with provisions for turning the
locomotives. There is a potential for development of a rail loop around the process plant and TMA in the future if
it appears such a loop would increase loading efficiency.
The proposed rail spur connecting to the CN railway will cross two watercourses: Hunter Creek and McGill Creek
(Figure 3.8-1). The crossing structure proposed for the Hunter Creek crossing is a heavy duty corrugated steel
pipe sized to accommodate 1 in 50 year flood occurrences. The crossing structure proposed for McGill Creek
would consist of a multi-pipe installation of heavy duty corrugated steel pipes designed to accommodate 1 in 50
year flows. Installation of the culverts will be completed such that effects to fish and fish habitat are mitigated.
Construction activities will be completed with best management practices for construction activities in or adjacent
to fish bearing waters, and will be completed outside of the timing window for spring spawning species in
Southern Saskatchewan. As such, the installation of the proposed crossing structures is not anticipated to
require an Authorization from DFO or trigger CEAA. However, it is anticipated that DFO will issue a Letter of
Advice concerning the installation of these crossings.
3.8.6 Environmental Design Features for the Supporting Infrastructure
Environmental design features have been incorporated into the supporting infrastructure design process to
reduce or eliminate potential environmental effects from the Project. These include:
the existing road system in the area will be used where possible to limit surface disturbance from new road
construction;
where possible, roads, railroads and utility lines (gas, water, power) will be routed along existing utility
corridors to limit effects to undisturbed areas;
the new site access road from Highway 33 will be paved to reduce fugitive dust emissions from road traffic;
and
the plant design is based on recycling and reuse of storm water, drains, waste streams and process water
to reduce the amount of fresh water required for the Project.
3.9 Domestic and Industrial Waste Management 3.9.1 Waste Management Planning
VPCL will develop an EH&S Management System (Section 4.0) for the Project, which will include a Waste
Management Plan. The EH&S Management System will be based on the standard policies and practices that
Vale uses at it’s operations worldwide and will be revised to meet Saskatchewan regulatory requirements, as
well as site-specific requirements of the Project. The Waste Management section of the EH&S Management
System will identify expected wastes at the Project and develop procedures for collection, handling, and
disposal.
PROJECT PROPOSAL
August 2011 34
3.9.2 Domestic Waste
Domestic waste generated on-site during the life of the Project includes food wastes, wastes from construction,
operations and administration offices and sanitary sewage. Food wastes will be collected in suitable containers
and covered to reduce wildlife attraction and effects. Recyclable materials will be sorted and collected in
appropriate containers. All domestic wastes will be collected and transferred to appropriate off-site disposal
facilities by a licensed contractor.
Sanitary sewage will be collected from washroom and toilet areas and directed to a sewage pumping station,
from where it will be pumped to a two cell sewage lagoon treatment system.
3.9.3 Non-hazardous Industrial Waste
Non-hazardous wastes that will be generated during mine and processing operations will typically include
plastics, wood, metal, and other inert materials. VPCL will establish a recycling program for these wastes to
reduce the amount of material that ultimately goes to the off-site landfill. Appropriate waste containers will be
provided where materials are generated and the materials will be segregated at source for recycling. The
material will then be transferred to off site recycling companies. Inert wastes will be collected and transferred to
an off-site, permitted landfill for final disposal by a licensed contractor.
3.9.4 Hazardous Industrial Waste
All storage and handling of hazardous materials and hazardous waste will meet the requirements of the
Hazardous Substances and Waste Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations and Transportation of Dangerous
Goods Act and Regulations, including employee training, storage facility design and operation, labelling and
material control (e.g., Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System [WHMIS]).
Hazardous industrial waste expected to be generated at the site during operations includes waste hydrocarbons,
chemicals, glycols, solvents, antifreeze, and batteries. The Waste Management Plan discussed above will
include collecting these wastes in suitable containers and storing them for shipment off-site to either recycle or
disposal facilities via a licensed contractor. Where suppliers will accept them, empty containers used to ship
these materials to site will be returned to the supplier. Those that can not be returned will be shipped to recycle
or disposal facilities.
The EH&S Management System to be developed for the Project will include a Spill Response Plan specific to
the site and the materials expected to be on-site. Spill containment will be incorporated into the plant design and
spill response kits will be located at strategic locations around the site. In the event of a spill, materials
recovered and collected will be stored in appropriate containers and shipped off-site for disposal at approved
facilities.
3.9.5 Environmental Design Features for Waste Management
Environmental design features have been incorporated into the Waste Management Plan to reduce or eliminate
potential environmental effects from the Project. These include:
development of an EH&S Management System for the Project that will include a Waste Management Plan
and a Spill Management Plan;
development of a recycling program to reduce wastes;
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collecting and storage of food wastes in suitable receptacles to limit the attraction or effects to wildlife;
training for employees on waste management;
training for employees on spill reduction, control and clean up; and
use of licensed contractors to remove recyclables and wastes from site for proper disposal.
3.10 Decommissioning and Reclamation A Project–specific D&R Plan is required so that lands disturbed by mining activities are returned to a condition
that is physically stable, safe, and environmentally sustaining. The EIS will present a conceptual description of
how the proposed Project site will be decommissioned and reclaimed upon closure of the operation.
The D&R Plan provides a framework for the decommissioning of facilities and infrastructure at the site, in such a
way that the environment and the public will be protected over the long term. Geotechnical, geochemical, and
hydrogeological considerations will be integrated into the plan. At a minimum the D&R Plan will describe the
following:
the salvage, removal, and disposal of surface infrastructure and buildings;
sealing of the underground workings;
dissolution and removal of the TMA over an extended period of time;
the extended use of the injection well and ponds, and then eventual closure;
site grading, contouring, and drainage;
reassessment of the environmental implications following completion of the D&R;
evaluation of the effects of the eventual mine closure on the local community;
monitoring to assess the predictions of contaminant transport modelling; and
achievement of the intended post-closure land use.
It is understood that MOE is working to establish closure requirements specific to the potash mining industry.
Once these requirements are in place, the D&R Plan will be revised accordingly.
Financial assurance will be put in place to cover the costs associated with VPCL’s commitment to D&R, likely in
the form of a letter of credit held by the Province of Saskatchewan. The D&R Plan and associated financial
assurance will be updated at each operational licensing renewal.
3.11 Human Resources The supply of labour will be critical to the successful construction and operation of the Project. Most major
construction trades will be required during the construction phase (e.g., electricians, welders, pipe fitters,
carpenters, concrete workers, equipment operators, and sheet metal workers). While preference will be given to
local hiring, it is anticipated that some of the construction workforce will be drawn from across and outside the
province. The peak construction workforce is estimated between 1,200 and 1,500 employees with an average of
800 employees. The construction of the Project is anticipated to be completed in approximately 33 months.
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Once the commissioning stage is reached, VPCL will begin hiring permanent staff for the operational phase of
the Project. It is anticipated that the permanent workforce will be around 500 employees.
4.0 ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Vale manages all projects worldwide in a proactive manner to create a safe work environment for humans and
the natural environment. The EH&S Management System provides VPCL with the necessary tools to manage
the environment, health, and safety components of the Project. To support this goal, Vale has developed a
number of policies and programs which are described below.
Vale maintains a Global Sustainable Development and Health and Safety Policies, as well as Global Rules for
Accountability in Health, Safety, and the Environment. This system focuses on continuous improvement on
health and safety for the workforce and local communities. This system is adapted at each operation to reflect
local regulatory and legislative standards.
Vale maintains an active Environmental Quality Management System (EQMS) that is based on the ISO 14001
standards. The EQMS is adapted at each operation to meet the unique requirements of individual mines and
local regulatory and legislative standards. The EQMS also provides tools to manage potential adverse
environmental effects of mining and associated mineral processing activities. The Global Sustainable
Development Policy and EQMS are based on continuous improvement and, as such, Vale maintains an internal
audit program for both.
4.1 Environmental, Health and Safety Plans At the Project, the Global Policies and the EQMS will be used as the basis to develop site-specific occupational
health and safety plans, and environmental management plans. The development of such plans will be based
on: the residual adverse environmental effects identified in the EIS; hazards and risks identified for the Project
throughout the planning stages; and regulatory requirements.
The VPCL EH&S plans will be updated on a regular basis and at important milestones in the Project life as the
scope and content of the EH&S plans will vary by the Project phase (i.e., construction, mine operation, and
decommissioning).
Each plan, as appropriate, will include a training component for employees, who must complete the applicable
training programs prior to working on-site. The EH&S Plans include:
Environmental Protection Plan (EPP);
Emergency Response and Contingency Plan;
Occupational Health and Safety Plan;
Human Resources Plan;
Reclamation Plan;
Education and Orientation Plan;
Monitoring and Follow-up Plan; and
Auditing and Continuous Improvement Plan.
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4.2 Environmental Protection Plan The EPP is the foundation for implementing environmental protection practices as they provide consolidated
documentation of environmental protection procedures. The EPP is a practical document that outlines
site-specific protection practices or procedures to be implemented during each phase of the Project. This plan
serves as the guidance document for VPCL employees to implement mitigation and monitor effects predictions
made in the EIS. The EPP provides a quick reference for Project personnel and regulatory authorities to assess
performance and make suggestions for improvement.
The EPP will be used for the following purposes:
identify EH&S concerns and develop appropriate protection practices and procedures for these concerns;
list all required permits and approvals and their associated terms and conditions;
provide concise and clear instructions for procedures that protect the environment;
provide a reference document for personnel when planning and/or completing specific activities;
communicate changes in the program through the revision process; and
provide a reference to applicable legislative requirements.
VPCL has been completing exploration activities in the permit area since 2009. To meet the EH&S needs of the
exploration phase, an EPP was developed specifically for the Project. The EPP was created in accordance with
the global Vale Health and Safety Policy and Provincial and Federal regulatory requirements. Specifically the
EPP includes procedures for activities, including but limited to, clearing of vegetation, handling of fuel and
hazardous materials, and erosion prevention. Many of the procedures provided in the EPP will also apply to
other phases of Project (e.g., construction, operations, decommissioning); however, changes may be necessary
to reflect specific aspects of the activities occurring at each phase and any changes in regulatory requirements.
4.3 Emergency Response and Contingency Plan Emergency preparedness and response are critical functions during all Project phases. Key components of the
EH&S Management System will focus on prevention and implementation of emergency procedures. Emergency
response plans will be established for injury, fire, spills, and other identified potential issues. An Emergency
Response Team will be formed on-site and trained to implement the Emergency Response and Contingency
Plan.
4.4 Occupational Health and Safety Plan VPCL will implement an Occupational Health and Safety Plan so that employees have a healthy and safe
workplace. Fundamental components of this program include employee involvement through committees and
meetings, appropriate safety practices, compliance with regulatory requirements, continuous safety awareness
and training, and risk management.
4.5 Human Resources Plan The purpose of the VPCL Human Resources Plan will be to:
address human resource needs during the life of the Project;
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provide an employment atmosphere that will attract, develop and retain qualified personnel;
provide work facilities and conditions that safeguard the health, safety and general well-being of
employees;
enhance the economic and industrial benefits that will accrue to the province from direct and indirect
expenditures made through the purchase of goods and services; and
meet all obligations under provincial and federal legislation governing human resources.
Human resources planning is an ongoing and dynamic process; the plan will be reviewed and updated
periodically to address the changing human resource requirements throughout the life of the Project.
4.6 Reclamation Plan Reclamation will form an integral part of the overall mine plan and will be ongoing throughout the life of the
Project. Planning for closure will be an underlying theme supporting VPCLs approach to site reclamation.
Surface disturbances associated with the construction and operation of the Project will be managed and
mitigated through reclamation plans developed to restore disturbed areas to a safe and environmentally stable
condition. Progressive reclamation will provide an opportunity to reduce the extent of disturbed land over the life
of the Project and re-establish conditions which permit the land to return to previous land uses in a timely
manner. These reclamation plans will be complimentary to the overall D&R Plan described in Section 3.10.
4.7 Education and Orientation Plan An Education and Orientation Plan (EOP) will be implemented to help employees, contractors, and visitors
understand their EH&S responsibilities, the Project commitments to environmental protection, and to promote a
safe and healthy work place. All employees and contractors working at the Project must attend an EH&S
education and orientation session. The session will provide workers with an understanding of VPCLs policy and
principles for environmental management. Records will be kept to confirm that new employees and contractors
have received awareness training before beginning work on site.
4.8 Monitoring and Follow-up Plan VPCLs monitoring and follow-up plan will be developed prior to the start of construction and will include
recommendations made by regulatory agencies and stakeholders, as appropriate, during the EIS review
process. Monitoring and follow-up plans will be developed by VPCL to comply with regulatory requirements,
permits, and corporate commitments. The program will focus on forward planning requirements, evaluating the
environmental effect predictions made in the EIS, and will also act as an early detection system should adverse
effects be identified. The follow-up portion of the plan will integrate the results of the monitoring programs and
evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation. Monitoring and follow-up will continue throughout the life of the Project.
4.9 Auditing and Continuous Improvement Plan VPCL is committed to reviewing and continually improving the EH&S Management System, with the objective of
improving overall EH&S performance and promoting sustainable development. The auditing and continual
improvement plan will provide mechanisms for checking performance and corrective action such as monitoring
and measurement, non-conformance reporting, corrective and preventative action plans, record keeping and
documentation control, and EH&S system audits.
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5.0 PUBLIC, ABORIGINAL, AND REGULATORY ENGAGEMENT
5.1 Introduction VPCL’s Community Relations Plan is based on working in an integrated manner with government departments
and society to provide training for workers and community support that will leave a positive effect once mining
operations are complete. The overall engagement program encompasses four major elements; public,
Aboriginal (First Nations and Métis communities), adjacent landowners, and regulatory agencies.
5.2 Engagement Approach The key aspects of the engagement program for the Project include community information sessions, Aboriginal
engagement meetings, a neighbour relations programs, as well as regulatory workshops. An important aspect of
the engagement program is the linkage of various engagement activities with different phases or milestones of
the project.
The objective of the community information sessions is to foster an understanding of the Project and provides an
opportunity for people in the area to show support and/or identify concerns about the effects of the Project. The
information collected during community information sessions will be included in the EIS, along with an indication
of how any concerns raised will be addressed. Community information sessions were held in March 2011 to
introduce the Project and VPCL to the surrounding communities. The outcome of these community information
sessions is described further in Section 5.3. A second round of community information sessions is currently
being planned to correspond with the submission of the Project Proposal. The timing of the third round of
community information sessions is to coincide as closely as possible with the submission of the EIS to the MOE.
The objectives of the Aboriginal community engagement program is to provide a solid foundation for the
Aboriginal engagement activities that will occur throughout the EA and Project development, identify any specific
issues that will be of interest locally and establishing relationships with Aboriginal leadership in the Project area.
The discussions with Aboriginal communities are also used to establish the basis for collecting baseline data
related to traditional knowledge and land use in the Project area.
Local landowners will have very specific concerns and questions associated with living and owning land in close
proximity the Project. The purpose of the neighbour relations program is to establish solid relationships with
landowners and residents closest to the Project. The program provides VPCL the opportunity to engage with
these folks and discuss Project-specific details and potential environmental and socio-economic effects.
Information gathered from the neighbour relations program will be documented in the EIS.
VPCL will meet with government and regulatory agency staff throughout the EA process. In particular, VPCL will
initiate a workshop to discuss the Project Proposal and request feedback from the regulators. A subsequent
workshop will present the initial findings of the EA.
5.3 Preliminary Engagement Activities 5.3.1 Community Engagement
In March 2011, VPCL held two come-and-go style community information sessions, one in Emerald Park and
one in Kronau (Table 5.3-1). The purpose of the community information sessions was to introduce the Project
and the Project Team to the local communities, as well as address any questions that the public may have with
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respect to the proposed Project. The sessions provided attendees the opportunity to meet key Project personnel
and have informal discussions about the company and about the Project.
Table 5.3-1: Community Information Sessions Completed to Date
Location of Community Information Session Date Time
Great Plains Auctioneers, Emerald Park Wednesday, March 9, 2011 4 to 8 p.m.
Kronau Memorial Hall, Kronau Thursday, March 10, 2011 4 to 8 p.m.
The community information sessions were advertised in three local newspapers/newsletters, through posters
that were placed around the nearby communities, and a copy of the poster was posted on the R.M. of Edenwold
website. An advertisement was also placed in the March 2011 edition of Krier Kountry; a local newsletter that is
distributed to 315 households in the communities of Kronau, Richardson, and Lajord. Advertising also occurred
in the Regina Leader-Post and in the Regina SUN. Posters advertising the meetings were placed in ten
locations in five different communities (i.e., Balgonie, Emerald Park, Kronau, Lajord, and Richardson),
approximately one week in advance of the meetings.
Comments made during the sessions were recorded and attendees were encouraged to fill out feedback forms.
The feedback from both sessions was generally positive and showed the overall interest in the Project. A
Question and Answer document was prepared to address the questions received from the sessions and was
mailed out to attendees who provided their mailing address.
5.3.2 Aboriginal Engagement
A number of Aboriginal communities that may have interests in the Project area were identified for involvement
in the engagement process. Initial contact has been made with the key Aboriginal communities identified and
with Aboriginal educational and business agencies such as the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies
(S.I.I.T.), Gabriel Dumont Institute and Clarence Campeau Agency. The goals of the meetings are to:
1) introduce VPCL to the elected representatives of each Aboriginal community; 2) present the proposed Project;
3) describe the environmental assessment process; and 4) obtain information on how the Aboriginal
communities would like relevant baseline data collection to occur. As with the public engagement activities,
questions and concerns raised during the meetings will be recorded.
5.3.3 Government and Regulatory Engagement
VPCL has had introductory meetings with the R.M.’s of Edenwold (No. 158) and Lajord (No. 128). The purpose
of these meetings were to introduce representatives of VPCL to the R.M. administration and councillors, and to
provide high level information on the Project. It is VPCL’s intent to request time at the R.M. Council meetings to
coincide with the submission of the Project Proposal, as well as the submission of the EIS.
5.4 Summary of Issues and Concerns Overall, the feedback from the preliminary engagement activities has been positive. Stakeholders are interested
in the Project and want to be involved in the engagement process. All have expressed an interest for additional
information as the Project progresses. Questions and concerns from the initial community information sessions
were generally focused on water requirements for the Project, the location of the mine site, tailings management
and subsidence.
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August 2011 41
VPCL is committed to providing Project details to adjacent landowners, the public, and Aboriginal communities
as they become available. Following submission of the Project Proposal, these stakeholders will be notified
about activities and events associated with the EA for the Project and invited to provide input.
6.0 KEY ISSUES AND POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS The objectives of this section of the Project Proposal are to present a summary of the key environmental issues,
and to link these key issues to the pathways through which Project components and activities (e.g., footprint,
mining activities, mine plan, water and waste management plans) can affect the biophysical and socio-economic
environments. A preliminary technical site screening review for the proposed Project was completed to identify
high level risks to the environmental and socio-economic environments that may result from the Project. The
screening review facilitated the identification of potential environmental effect pathways.
Effects pathways represent potential changes to VCs of the biophysical and socio-economic environments
resulting from the Project components or activities. These pathways are then used to guide the design of
scientifically robust baseline programs to describe the existing environment and to assess environmental effects.
Information on the existing environments and the approach for assessing environmental effects is provided in
Sections 7.0 and 8.0, respectively. It is expected that the identification of environmental issues and effects
pathways will evolve through the Project design process. In addition, environmental effect pathways that are
identified through VPCL’s engagement process, or that are contained within the PSGs for the Project will also be
incorporated into the EA.
The identification of potential pathways and associated environmental effects builds on the preliminary Project
scoping meetings with government, public, and First Nations and Métis people, and focuses the assessment on
the key pathways that likely lead to residual effects on VCs. The key environmental issues that have been
identified for the Project are summarized in Section 6.1. The environmental effects pathways that will be
evaluated in the EA for the Project are summarized in Section 6.2.
6.1 Key Issues Key environmental issues related to the proposed Project were identified from a number of sources including:
a review of the Project Description (Section 3.0) and completion of a site screening review study by the environmental and engineering teams for the Project to scope potential environmental effects;
socio-economic issues defined during initial scoping and other engagement activities with the public (i.e., local communities, landowners, and other concerned members of the public), Aboriginal communities, and governmental and regulatory agencies;
scientific knowledge and experience with other potash mines in Saskatchewan;
professional experience and judgment of potential interactions between the Project components and the socio-economic characteristics and structures of the regional and local communities; and
issues identified by MOE in recent PSGs for other proposed potash mine projects.
Potential areas of concern identified for the Project and include:
water supply;
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August 2011 42
protection of groundwater resources related to tailings management;
ground subsidence;
air quality; and
cumulative effects.
Additional issues identified during preliminary engagement activities include:
protection of wildlife and fish populations;
employment and training opportunities; and
economic development.
6.2 Environmental Effects Pathways The potential environmental effects pathways for the biophysical and socio-economic environments are
summarized in Tables 6.2-1 and 6.2-2, respectively. Effects to the biophysical environment (Table 6.2-1) can
also influence the socio-economic environment. The related effects of changes to the biophysical environment
on the socio-economic environment will also be considered in the EIS.
The assessment of effects from the Project will consider all pathways that may lead to environmental effects,
after implementing environmental design features. Environmental design features are incorporated into the
Project design to reduce or prevent environmental effects, and can include Project design considerations and
environmental best practices, management policies and procedures, and social programs. Environmental
design features are developed through an iterative process of Project design and EA, and are used to remove
the pathway, limit (mitigate) effects of the Project or increase benefits. Key environmental design features that
have been incorporated into the Project design are listed in Tables 6.2-1 and 6.2-2.
The EIS will also address the potential for Project effects to contribute to cumulative effects to the biophysical
and socio-economic environments. The cumulative effects assessment includes the predicted residual effects
from the Project, as well as other previous, existing, and reasonably foreseeable projects and activities.
6.3 Summary of Potential Effects Related to Key Issues The key environmental issues identified for the Project include water supply, protection of groundwater
resources, air quality, and ground subsidence. Wildlife and fish populations, employment, training, economic
development, and cumulative effects will also be important issues. These issues have also been identified by
MOE in recent PSGs for other proposed potash mining projects. A summary of concerns identified, the
pathway(s) for effects, and environmental design features incorporated into the Project for each of the key issues
is provided below.
6.3.1 Water Supply
The availability of fresh water for potash production supply is one of the primary issues of concern. Due to the
number and location of current and proposed potash projects, there is growing pressure on groundwater and
surface water sources within the province. The water supply requirements for production and potable use are
estimated to be approximately 21 Mm3 per year for a mining rate of 2.9 Mt per year.
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Table 6.2-1: Potential Effects Pathways to the Biophysical Environment
Project Activity Effect Pathways Potential Environmental Effect(s)
Environmental Components
Key Environmental Design Features
Project footprint
Direct ground disturbance
Loss or degradation of local soil, crop/pasture land, vegetation and wildlife habitat
Indirect effects to wildlife behaviour and movement
Alteration of local surface drainages and potential effects to fish and wildlife habitat
Surface Water Resources
Terrestrial Resources
Site selection
The layout of the mine footprint will limit the area that is disturbed by the Project
Directional drilling from a centralized pad will limit the surface footprint
Transportation and utility corridors (road, rail, electrical, natural gas, water)
Access roads, railway lines, and utility corridors will be located along existing corridors to reduce disturbance to undisturbed lands, where practical
Surface water control on-site
Changes to local flow pattern in water courses
Effects to flows and water levels in nearby streams, lakes, and wetlands
Surface Water Resources
Terrestrial Resources
Site selection
Site water management plan
TMA (salt storage, and brine pond)
Vertical and lateral seepage of brine
Effects to shallow aquifers
Effects to local surface water quality, fish, and wildlife
Groundwater Resources
Surface Water Resources
Terrestrial Resources
Site selection
TMA design
Deep well injection of excess brine from the TMA
Effects to deep groundwater aquifers
Deep well brine injection has the potential to result in leakage of brine though confining layers to fresh-water aquifers.
Groundwater Resources
Deep well injection is a proven practice used to manage brine and prevent release to surface waters and potable aquifers
Solution Mining Ground subsidence
above underground cavern development
Changes in local surface drainage patterns, flows and water levels in lakes, streams, and wetlands
Surface Water Resources
Terrestrial Resources
Pillars will be left between the caverns to increase stability during solution mining
Using secondary mining helps to reduce total subsidence, as more of the material (i.e., NaCl) stays in the cavern
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Table 6.2-1: Potential Effects Pathways to the Biophysical Environment (continued)
Project Activity Effect Pathways Potential Environmental Effect(s)
Environmental Components
Key Environmental Design Features
Air and noise emissions (stacks, mobile equipment, fugitive dust)
Change in ambient air quality and deposition
Increase in noise levels
Effects of deposition on local crop/pasture land, vegetation, wildlife, habitat, and surface water quality
Effects to wildlife behaviour and movement
Air Quality
Surface Water Resources
Terrestrial Resources
Emission controls on stationary emission sources
Dust control systems will be used
Compliance with stack emission and ambient air quality standards
Decommissioning, closure and reclamation plan
Residual ground disturbance after closure
Permanent alteration of local soil, vegetation and wildlife habitat
Terrestrial Resources
The layout of the mine footprint will limit the area that is disturbed by the Project
Access roads, railway lines, and utility corridors will be located along existing corridors to reduce disturbance to undisturbed lands, where practical
Directional drilling from a centralized pad will limit the surface footprint
Long-term seepage from TMA
Effects to local groundwater resources
Effects to local surface water quality
Groundwater Resources
Surface Water Resources
Terrestrial Resources
Site selection
TMA designed to reduce potential for long-term seepage
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Table 6.2-2: Potential Effects Pathways to the Socio-Economic Environment
Project Activity Effect Pathways Potential Environmental Effect(s) Environmental Components Key Environmental Design Features
Construction/ Operation
Workforce and procurement requirements of the Project
Increase in employment and business opportunities
Increased education and training
Increase in labour income
Increase in economic activity in nearby communities/region
Household incomes
Community well-being
Enhancement of employment benefits generated by the Project
Procurement of goods and services locally and regionally
Construction/ Operation
Increase in traffic
Nuisance to human populations due to increase in noise or dust emissions
Reduced road safety
Longer driving time due to traffic congestion
Deterioration of road surface
Human safety
Visual Aesthetics
Quality of life
Quality of road infrastructure
Practices to reduce number of vehicles driving to/from site
Dust-control measures on roads
Improved road conditions (e.g., upgrading and paving of primary access roads)
Construction/ Operation
Increase in tax revenue
Improved fiscal position of municipalities, province, and nation
Local, regional and national economy Not applicable
Construction/ Operation
Influx of workers required by the Project
Increased pressure on community infrastructure (including recreational facilities), and possible deterioration of services (e.g., health, education)
Lack of integration of new workers into community
Increased pressure on housing sector (i.e., inflationary effects and housing shortages)
Increase in recreational hunting or fishing activity in nearby areas, with possible effects on wildlife or fish populations
Community facilities and infrastructure
Social cohesion
Community well-being
Outdoor recreational opportunities
Size of wildlife and fish populations
Establishment of first-aid clinic at the Project site
Worker transportation will be explored to reduce commuter traffic, especially at night
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Table 6.2-2: Potential Effects Pathways to the Socio-Economic Environment (continued)
Project Activity Effect Pathways Potential Environmental Effect(s) Environmental Components
Key Environmental Design Features
Construction/ Operation
Air emissions from power generation, vehicles, machinery
Sensory disturbance (e.g., odours, lights)
Changes in air quality, with possible effects on human health and/or visual aesthetics
Nuisance to human populations
Human health
Visual aesthetics
Quality of life
Installation of appropriate noise- and odour-reduction mechanisms in Project facilities/installations and vehicles
Lighting design to control off-site light disturbances
Physical Project footprint
Conversion of agricultural land to other (i.e., mining/ industrial) uses
Reduction in available agricultural land
Upward pressure on rural land prices
Capacity for agricultural land use
The layout of the mine footprint will limit the area that is disturbed by the Project
Access roads, railway lines, and utility corridors will be located along existing corridors to reduce disturbance to undisturbed lands, where practical
Directional drilling from a centralized pad will limit the surface footprint
Alteration of rural landscape
Visual impact of Project facilities/installations
Aesthetic value of rural landscape
Use of colours and features that reduce visual impact of the Project
Disturbance or loss of cultural resources
Reduction in number of undisturbed sites of cultural importance
Cultural heritage sites
Appropriate mitigation/monitoring practices for cultural resources
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Raw water for the Project will be provided by the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority (SWA) via a pipeline from
Lake Katepwa to the Project core facilities area. Application has been made to the SWA for the required water
supply and a positive response has been received, providing preliminary assurance that the watershed can be
successfully operated to meet the needs of SaskWater for VPCL. As such, the cumulative effects assessment in
the EIS will consider Project-specific effects, in combination with potential effects from SaskWater’s water supply
project.
6.3.2 Groundwater Protection
Protection of groundwater is a major concern for the MOE and the public, as there is the potential for
groundwater contamination by the Project. A containment system will be designed to control migration of brine
from the TMA to underlying aquifers and control the horizontal migration of brine, as required. VPCL will be
undertaking extensive site selection studies to locate the TMA for the Project in an area with a high degree of
natural containment. In addition, contaminant transport modelling will be completed to demonstrate the
acceptable long-term environmental performance of the TMA. Information collected from field studies and
transport modelling will be used to devise a containment strategy to control migration of brine from the TMA to
underlying aquifer units. Design of containment systems will facilitate protection of groundwater resources over
the design life of the TMA, which will span the operation and decommissioning phases of the Project.
6.3.3 Air Quality
The construction, operation, and closure of the Project will result in changes to air quality from air and dust
emissions. Potential pathways through which the Project can modify air quality in the local receiving
environment include emissions from stacks, mobile equipment, and fugitive dust from access roads. Changes in
ambient air quality and deposition may have indirect effects on surface water quality and fish and fish habitat.
Air and dust emissions may also affect the quality of soils, vegetation, and wildlife habitat, which could
subsequently lead to changes in wildlife populations. As such, environmental design features (e.g., emission
controls on stationary emission sources, and dust control systems) will be incorporated during the design of the
Project to limit potential effects associated with air emissions. In addition, compliance with regulatory emission
requirements will be maintained. Effects of air emissions on the terrestrial and surface water resources, and on
the socio-economic environment will be assessed in the EIS.
6.3.4 Ground Subsidence
The potash will be mined using a solution mining process which will result in subsidence, or settlement of the
ground surface overlying the mined areas. Most of the effects from subsidence are related to the anticipated
topographic changes at surface in areas overlying the mined caverns. Subsidence can develop over mined
caverns concurrent with mining and continuing through post-mining as the caverns continue to close due to pillar
creep and the nature of the overlying strata. Subsidence is a very gradual process, and topographic changes
may require hundreds of years to fully develop.
Most of the subsidence effects are related to the anticipated topographic changes on the surface area overlying
the mining works. Subsidence is expected to result in adjustments to watershed boundaries as topography
adjusts. In general, it is anticipated that the gradient of the stream channels in the Project area (e.g., McGill
Creek, Kronau Creek, and Manybone Creek) may increase toward the east and decreases toward the west of
the mine area. However, it is anticipated that these potentially affected streams will retain the same general
shape and slope after subsidence has occurred. Because subsidence occurs over hundres of years, there is
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much uncertainty related to predicting potential effects as surface and drainage systems are continuously
undergoing modification due to erosion processes. Over the hundreds of years required for maximum
subsidence, many periods of wet years and numerous occurrences of extreme floods will modify the existing
drainage channels and flow paths.
As a result of these uncertainties, VPCL is proposing to implement a monitoring program that will assist VPCL in
gaining a deeper understanding of subsidence and assessing the response in the local environment. Depending
on the findings, adaptive management practices may be applied to mitigate potential effects from subsidence.
6.3.5 Wildlife and Fish Populations
Project effects on wildlife and fish population abundance and distribution are expected to be associated primarily
with direct and indirect changes to habitat quantity and quality. Alteration to wildlife habitat from the Project may
result from changes to soil quality, vegetation, and effects to surface water resources during the construction,
operation, and closure of the Project. Changes to the local surface drainage patterns, flows, and water levels in
lakes and streams have the potential to affect fish habitat. Where appropriate, environmental design features
will be incorporated during the development of the Project to address these issues by either eliminating or
limiting potential pathways, and associated effects. For example, existing corridors will be used where possible
to reduce the direct ground disturbance from the Project. Installation of culverts for the railway line will be
completed such that effects to fish and fish habitat are mitigated. Construction activities will be completed with
best management practices for construction activities in or adjacent to fish bearing waters, and will be completed
outside of the timing window for spring spawning species in Southern Saskatchewan. As described above, it is
anticipated that streams will retain the same general shape and slope after subsidence has occurred. Therefore,
it is anticipated that fish habitat characteristics in these major streams (McGill, Kronau, and Manybone Creeks)
should continue to support similar small-bodied fish populations.
6.3.6 Employment, Training and Economic Development
Socio-economics are influenced by all components of the physical, biological, and cultural environments. For
example, traditional and non-traditional uses of water, plants, animals, and other biophysical properties are
connected to the cultural, social, and economic aspects of the environment. Potential effects from the Project to
the socio-economic environment will likely be assessed through predicting positive and negative changes to a
number of components (e.g., employment, training, and economic development). For example, workforce and
procurement requirements of the Project may increase employment and business opportunities, education and
training, and economic activity in nearby communities/region. Conversely, influx of workers required by the
Project may increase pressure in community infrastructure, and possible deterioration of services (e.g., health
and education). Environmental design features will continue to be developed through information gathered from
key informant interviews, First Nations and Métis engagement activities, and through an economic assessment
using input/output modelling.
6.3.7 Cumulative Effects
Cumulative effects represent the sum of all natural and human-induced influences on the biophysical, cultural,
and socio-economic environments over time and across space. Cumulative effects will be assessed where the
incremental effects of the Project could overlap with the combined effects of other existing, approved, and
reasonably foreseeable developments. For example, a number of additional potash production sites are being
proposed for southern Saskatchewan, some of which are in close proximity to the Project. Not every VC
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requires an analysis of cumulative effects. The key is to determine if the effects from the Project and one or
more additional developments/activities overlap (or interact) with the temporal or spatial distribution of the VC.
7.0 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT This section provides an overview of existing environmental conditions for the biophysical and socio-economic
components that may be influenced by the Project-related effects pathways identified in Section 6.0. The
overview is mostly focused on those biophysical, cultural, and socio-economic components that are likely to be
valued and important to society (e.g., air quality, surface water levels, listed plant and animal species, heritage
resources, and employment). Much of the information in the overview was obtained from preliminary field
surveys and reviews of existing literature. Potential pathways and associated effects from the Project identified
in Section 6.0 were used to focus baseline study designs (i.e., intensity, duration, and spatial distribution of
sampling) and the type of data to be collected. Subsequently, this section also presents a description of the
baseline studies to be completed and data that will be used to fully assess Project-environment interactions, and
predict the incremental and cumulative effects from the Project and other developments in the EIS for the
following environmental components:
air quality and noise (Atmospheric and Acoustic Environment);
geology and hydrogeology;
surface water resources (hydrology, water quality, fish and fish habitat);
terrestrial resources (terrain and soils, vegetation, and wildlife);
cultural resources (heritage and traditional and non-traditional land use); and
socio-economics.
7.1 Atmospheric and Acoustic Environment 7.1.1 Overview of Existing Conditions
The Project is located in a region that has a semi-arid continental climate with mild, warm summers and cold, dry
winters. The mean annual temperature is 2.8 degree Celsius (˚C), with temperatures below zero degrees
Celsius from November to March. January is the coldest month with a daily mean temperature of -16.2˚C while
July is the warmest month with a daily mean temperature of 18.8˚C (Environment Canada 2010).
According to the climate normals for 1971-2000 available from Environment Canada the mean annual
precipitation is 388 mm, of which 78% falls as rain and the remaining 22% as snow. Most of the rainfall (97%)
occurs over the period April to October while most of the snowfall (82%) occurs over the period November to
March.
The average wind speed is fairly uniform over the year with mean monthly values ranging between 16 and
20 metres per second (m/s), generally from the southeast. April is the month with the highest wind speed
velocity (20 m/s) while the lowest wind speed tends to occur in July (16 m/s) (Environment Canada 2010).
Existing sources of air, fugitive dust, and noise emissions include traffic on public roads, rail transportation, and
agricultural and residential activity. Wind, birds, frogs, and insects contribute to background noise levels, while
wind also can generate fugitive dust from fields and roads.
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Air emissions include sulphur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen (NOX), and particulate matter (PM). Sulphur
dioxide and NOX are emitted directly from the combustion of fossil fuels (diesel), and PM is emitted directly from
combustion and also forms as a secondary process in the atmosphere after combustion.
Noise is typically considered a perception issue and therefore the focus of noise studies is normally on human
response. Data gathered for human response will also be used to model potential wildlife disturbance issues.
7.1.2 Baseline Studies
The study area for the air quality assessment of the Project was selected to include a region within the expected
zone of influence of the core facilities area. The study area for completing predictive modelling on changes to air
quality was defined by a 20 by 20 km region centred on the core facilities area. Ambient air quality and
meteorological data will be collected at and around the Project prior to its development.
Existing climate data from the Class A meteorological station in Regina would be compiled and tabulated for the
Project. Historical climate records are also available from Environment Canada at the meteorological station
located at the Regina Airport. On-site meteorological monitoring will supplement the available data and will
include precipitation, temperature, wind speed and direction, relative humidity, and barometric pressure. The
intended use of the data is to support the development of an air quality assessment that will be required as part
of the project application. Baseline air quality and meteorological data will be used as inputs to the dispersion
model that forms the basis of the assessment.
The focus will be on the monitoring and modelling of air quality compounds that are relevant to the potash mining
industry, specifically on the monitoring of particulate matter including total suspended particulate (TSP), PM
having a nominal aerodynamic diameter of 10 microns (µm) or less (PM10), and particulate matter having a
nominal aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 µm or less (PM2.5). A future air quality assessment would also require
baseline information on additional compounds including data on ambient concentrations of SO2 and nitrogen
dioxide (NO2).
Baseline sampling is proposed for the duration of the 1-year air quality baseline monitoring program with a
24 hour sample being drawn every sixth day in accordance with the National Air Pollution Surveillance (NAPS)
schedule. The results of the baseline sampling will be compared to the SO2 and NO2 standards provided in the
Saskatchewan Ambient Air Quality Standards (SAAQS) and the Ambient Air Quality Objectives for Canada
(AAOC).
The focus of the noise baseline study will be on public exposure. The baseline study will be completed in the
summer of 2011 and will determine ambient noise levels at locations considered sensitive to noise from the
human perspective. This includes residences, parks, campgrounds, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and
spiritual areas (churches and First Nation’s sites).
In Saskatchewan, there are no provincial noise requirements or standard methods for completing baseline noise
surveys. For the purposes of this project, the Alberta Energy Resource Conservation Board (ERCB)
Directive 38: Noise Control methods will be used (ERCB 2007). By including a wider range of noise sensitive
land uses than cited in the ERCB method in the study, the baseline noise study will also be consistent with
Health Canada noise guidance.
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7.2 Geology and Hydrogeology 7.2.1 Overview of Existing Conditions
Existing surface, subsurface, and groundwater information were compiled to provide a preliminary geological
characterization within the study area. Compilation of existing information included the collection of existing
borehole logs, study reports, and publications. The information was received from several parties including
Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) and SWA. Approximately 500 borehole logs were reviewed. The
borehole logs included geophysical traces and soil lithology descriptions. Approximately 50 borehole logs were
considered unusable or redundant; the remaining 450 borehole logs were used to compile a conceptual site
model.
The geology and hydrogeology study area was defined at a regional scale to encompass portions of Last
Mountain Lake, and the Qu’Appelle River, which constitute the major topographic features within the region and
exert a controlling influence on groundwater flow in the area of the Project. The lateral extents of the geology
and hydrogeology study area roughly correspond to regional groundwater flow boundaries surrounding the
Project and will be suitable for defining the domain for subsequent development of a regional numerical
groundwater flow model.
7.2.1.1 Geology
The surficial geology of southern Saskatchewan is the result of multiple glacial advances and retreats, taking
place between approximately 20,000 and 14,000 years ago. As a result of these events, a layer of glacial “drift”,
consisting of till interbedded with stratified deposits of silt, sand and gravel, overlies much of the bedrock in the
southern half of the province. The thickness of the glacial drift can range from 0 to 300 m (Maathuis 1992).
Thick Cretaceous age deposits of highly over-consolidated silt and clay shale comprise the underlying bedrock
throughout the region. The extent of these shale deposits is great and they are considered to be a reliable
geological datum (Saskatchewan Agriculture 1986). Due to the thickness and low permeability of these shales,
the top boundary is taken to be the base of regional groundwater near surface flow systems (Maathuis and van
der Kamp 1988). The outcropping of these shale deposits is minimal and is associated with river valleys and
other erosional features.
Ground surface elevations range from approximately 691 m above sea level (ASL) in the highlands north of the
proposed development area to 475 m ASL within the eastern reaches of the Qu’Appelle River valley, which
constitutes regional topographic lows. The Cretaceous bedrock surface generally slopes toward the northeast
within the study area and is typically encountered at elevations ranging from 350 to 650 m ASL. The bedrock
surface is present at elevations up to 600 m ASL directly below the proposed development area.
7.2.1.1.1 Bedrock Geology
The basement rock in the geology and hydrogeology study area is igneous and of Precambrian age. Bedrock
exists at depths below surface greater than approximately 2,400 m below ground surface (BGS). In and around
the study area, there are four wells penetrating into the Precambrian rock with some associated geophysical
logs. Adjacent to the study area, borehole 121/04-25-13-19 W2M has detailed geophysical logs and interpreted
geological intervals. This borehole, together with two other boreholes in and around the study area was used to
create a cross-section of the bedrock. Depths for certain geological units provided in this section are derived
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from these boreholes and cross-section. These depths, however, are expected to vary within the study area.
These data are available through the commercial geological database geoScout.
Immediately overlying the basement rock are the limestones and shales of the Cambrian Deadwood Formation.
Above the Deadwood Formation are strata of Ordivician and Silurian ages. These are comprised of various
assemblages of sandstone with shales, siltstones, limestone, and dolomites (Bernatsky 1998).
Middle Devonian strata overlying Silurian rocks host the Prairie Evaporite Formation, consisting of the extensive
potash deposits of southern Saskatchewan. These deposits exist at approximately 1,900 m BGS in the study
area.
Other rocks of the Middle and Upper Devonian, Mississippian, Triassic and Jurassic overlie the Prairie Evaporite.
These consist predominantly of limestone, carbonates, dolomites, shale, argillites and anhydrite
(Bernatsky 1998). Total dissolved solids (TDS) values in this sequence increase with depth (Jensen et al. 2006).
In and around the study area, there are 46 wells penetrating the Upper Devonian sequence (geoScout 2010).
Above the Jurassic units lies the Lower Cretaceous Mannville Group, containing sandy fluvial-lacustrine
deposits. The Mannville Group exists across the southern province and is well known for hosting heavy oil
deposits in the Lloydminster region (Bernatsky 1998; Saskatchewan Ministry of Energy and Resources 2004).
The Mannville Group is a complex arrangement of filled-in channels, blanket sands and interbedded shale,
which has historically presented water inflow issues during the sinking of conventional shafts at existing potash
mines in Saskatchewan (Glass 1990). This deposit exists at approximately 700 m BGS in the study area, and is
approximately 100 m thick. There are 70 wells in and around the study area that penetrate the Mannville Group
sediments (geoScout 2010).
Above the Mannville Group and overlapping the Lower Cretaceous into the Upper Cretaceous, lies the Colorado
Group, consisting almost entirely of shale deposits. Above the Colorado Group lies the top-most sequence of
shale continuing upwards to the base of the Quaternary/Tertiary deposits. In western Saskatchewan these
consist of the Lea Park Formation, Judith River Formation and the Bearpaw Formation, in ascending order. The
Lea Park and Bearpaw Formations are lithologically identical deposits of shale, separated by the fine-grained
sandstone and siltstone of the Judith River Formation. In eastern Saskatchewan, where the Judith River
Formation pinches out, the Lea Park and Bearpaw Formations are referred to collectively as the Pierre Shale
(Simpson 2004). Table 7.3-1 presents a summary of the bedrock geology and hydrogeology of the study area.
Several processes altered the bedrock topography within the study area (Simpson 2004). These included
preglacial erosion and deposition, fluvio-glacial and glacial erosion, and collapse. Preglacial rivers flowing from
the Rocky Mountains eastward across Saskatchewan created channel features within the bedrock surface.
Glacial action and meltwater created moraine features, and glaciofluvial meltwater channels, especially within
the Qu’Appelle River and Arm River valleys. The bedrock surface has been further modified by salt dissolution
from the stratigraphically lower Prairie Evaporite Formation. Collapse has caused distortion of the upper
bedrock units within the region, including the Judith River and Bearpaw Formations; however, there is no direct
evidence of salt collapse within or immediately adjacent to the proposed development area.
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Table 7.3-1: Bedrock Geology and Hydrogeology of the Study Area
Hydrologic Group Geologic Age Stratigraphic Unit
Confining Layer Bearpaw shale
Upper Cretaceous Late Cretaceous Milk River, Belly River, Medicine Hat, Viking Formations
Confining Layer Joli Fou Formation
Mannville Early Cretaceous Mannville Group
Confining Layer Vanguard shale
Jurassic Jurassic Vanguard, Shaunavon, Gravelbourg and Watrous Formation
Confining Layer Watrous shale and evaporates
Madison Mississippian Big Snowy Group; Charles, Mission Canyon and Lodgepole Formations
Confining Layer Three Forks Group
Saskatchewan Late Devonian Birdbear and Duperow Formations
Manitoba Middle Devonian Souris River, First Red Beds, Dawson Bay and Second Red Beds Formations
Elk Point Middle Devonian Prairie Evaporite, Ratner, Winnipegosis and Ashern Formations
Silurian Silurian - Ordovician Interlake Formation and Big Horn Group
Deadwood Ordovician - Cambrian Winnipeg and Deadwood Formations
Confining Layer Precambrian
Source: Bernatsky 1998.
7.2.1.1.2 Quaternary Geology
The sediments in southern Saskatchewan consist of multiple layers of Quaternary stratified drift underlain by
Tertiary/Quaternary fluvial deposits. The fluvial deposits, overlying the bedrock within the geology and
hydrogeology study area, are referred to as the Empress Group. Above this, in ascending order are the glacial
drift deposits of the Sutherland Group and Saskatoon Group. Each group has distinct geological compositions
and geographic extents.
7.2.1.1.3 Empress Group
The Empress Group, where it exists, is located between the bedrock and the Sutherland Group and was
deposited prior to and during glaciation. Its thickness within the study area ranges from approximately 0 to 100 m
and is comprised of stratified gravel, sand, silt and clay sediments. As a result of the variable composition, the
Empress Group may comprise an aquifer in one region or an aquitard in another (Maathuis and van der
Kamp 1988).
The most notable Empress Group feature in southern Saskatchewan is a buried glacio-fluvial channel known as
the Hatfield Valley. It is approximately 550 km long and extends from the south-east Manitoba border to the
north-west Alberta border (Maathuis 1992). Though the Empress Group sediments exist over a wide range of
Saskatchewan the Empress Group sediments (with only a few exceptions) are largely discontinuous in the
southern portion of the province. The thickest Empress Group deposits within the study area correspond to the
Hatfield Valley buried channel to the northeast of the proposed development area.
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7.2.1.1.4 Sutherland Group
Sutherland Group tills were deposited between the Empress Group and Saskatoon Group. This group of
sediments is differentiated from the overlying Saskatoon Group by carbonate content, stratigraphic sequence,
texture, colour, plasticity, and by electrical resistance (Sauer and Christiansen 1996). In addition, the tills of the
Sutherland Group are harder, more massive, have lower carbonate content, and possess a lower permeability
compared to tills in the overlying Saskatoon Group. The Sutherland Group tills also have higher clay and lower
sand content, and therefore exhibit a lower electrical resistance. There are sporadic sandy and silty zones within
the Sutherland till that comprises the Sutherland Aquifer. These zones generally occur in isolated pockets with
little to no inter-connectivity, and can be up to 50 m in thickness. In addition, the presence of a sub-aerial
weathering horizon or inter-till sediments that sometimes occurs between the Sutherland and Saskatoon groups
serves to differentiate these units. However, these definitive horizons are not always present because they may
be removed by erosional mechanisms. Where present, the intertill sediments generally appear in large
continuous beds. The Sutherland group can be up to 123 m thick.
7.2.1.1.5 Saskatoon Group
All sediments occurring from the top of the Sutherland Group to the ground surface including the Floral and
Battleford Formations, and surficial stratified drift deposits comprise the Saskatoon Group. The tills of the
Saskatoon Group are commonly sandier, more electrically resistive, with higher carbonate content than
Sutherland Group tills (Simpson 2004).
The Floral Formation is divided further into the Lower Floral sand and gravel, Lower Floral till, interglacial
sediments, Upper Floral sand and gravel, and Upper Floral till. The interglacial sediments are composed of
fossiliferous, carbonaceous silt, and sand and gravel (Maathuis and van der Kamp 1988).
Above the Floral Formation lies the Battleford Formation. This formation is composed entirely of soft, unjointed
till. The Battleford Formation is the most recent glacial deposit and therefore it is the main component of the
present-day landscape (Saskatchewan Agriculture 1986).
Stratified sand and gravel deposits within the Saskatoon group tills have been mapped across significant
portions of the study area and exist as a number of relatively large variably interconnected pockets with
thicknesses up to 40 m.
Surficial stratified drift deposits are composed of modern deposits of eolian, glaciolacustrine, glaciofluvial and
alluvial sediments. Within the study area, the most aerially extensive surficial deposit is stratified drift from
Glacial Lake Regina. Additionally, along the Qu’Appelle Spillway, large quantities of alluvial silt, sand and gravel
were deposited. These alluvial deposits intersect both the bedrock Bearpaw and Judith River Formations, due to
erosion of the Quaternary materials within the spillway channel (Simpson 2004).
7.2.1.1.6 Hydrogeology
The geologic units within the geology and hydrogeology study area can be grouped as hydrostratigraphic units of
aquifers and aquitards. An aquifer is composed of sediments that are sufficiently permeable to supply economic
quantities of water. An aquitard refers to low permeability deposits that act as a confining layer, which is capable
of storing water and transporting it from one aquifer to another, but is not capable of supplying useable quantities
of water (Fetter 2001). A hydrostratigraphic unit has considerable lateral extent, and is connected to the
hydrological system through groundwater recharge and discharge.
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Aquifers can be defined as geologic units that are relatively permissive to groundwater flow. In the study area,
aquifers may be composed of poorly-sorted or well-sorted gravel and/or sand. Aquitards can be defined as beds
of relative low permeability that separate aquifers. Though they contain water, it cannot be readily extracted by
means of a well. In the study area, aquitards may be composed of glacial till, lacustrine silt and clay deposits, or
marine silt and clay bedrock deposits.
Hydrogeology in the region is complex and involves the interactions among surficial sands and gravels, inter-
and intra-till granular sediments, and preglacial valley fills. Aquitards include lacustrine clays, glacial tills, and
bedrock shale layers.
The main aquitards in the study area are the clayey tills of the Saskatoon and Sutherland Groups that confine
the stratified intertill sand and gravel deposits; and the clay shale of the Bearpaw Formation that acts to confine
the lower surface of Empress Group stratified sand and gravel deposits. As well, within the lowland plains the
surficial stratified drift are composed of lacustrine clays that behave as aquitards and act to restrict infiltration of
surface water.
7.2.1.1.7 Bedrock Aquifers
Cretaceous Mannville Group
The Mannville Group consists of marine sandstone, shale and mudstone arenite deposits. Within the potash
industry, the Mannville Group can also be referred to as the Blairmore Formation, a unit which caused significant
water inflow problems during the sinking and development of the first potash mine shafts in Saskatchewan
(Nyman 1998). The Mannville Group is located approximately 720 m BGS and has a thickness of approximately
100 m (geoScout 2010).
Cretaceous Lower Colorado Group Viking Formation
Although the Lower Colorado Group is mainly composed of shale deposits, the Viking Formation is a shaly
sandstone sequence that can contain granular sandy units. These sandstone and sandy units may act as a
local aquifer, although their extent and continuity within the study area is not well defined. The Viking Formation
is located approximately 670 m below ground surface, and is approximately 30 m thick where it has been
mapped (geoScout 2010).
Cretaceous Montana Group Judith River Formation
The Judith River Formation is the upper-most aerially extensive bedrock aquifer within the study area. It is
composed of noncalcareous, carbonaceous, greyish brown and gray silt and sandy silt; fine- to medium-grained,
indurated and friable sand, locally cemented with calcite, and thin coal seams (Sauer and Christiansen 1996).
However, it is not highly used as a source of groundwater (Simpson 2004). The Judith River thins and pinches
out towards eastern Saskatchewan, and the average depth to the top of the aquifer can range from less than
150 m to greater than 300 m within the study area. In areas where erosion has removed the upper Cretaceous
stratigraphy, the Judith River may be hydraulically connected to Empress Group sediments of the Hatfield Valley
to the north, and the Surficial Stratified Drift of the Qu’Appelle River alluvium (Simpson 2004).
Cretaceous Montana Group Bearpaw Formation Sands
Although the Bearpaw Formation consists mainly of shales that act as an aquitard between the bedrock aquifers
and the Quaternary stratified drift, silty sand beds may exist in the Regina area that can act as local aquifer
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systems. The extent of these sand members are not well documented, and they are generally discontinuous
(Simpson 2004).
7.2.1.1.8 Quaternary Aquifers
Empress Group Aquifers
The aquifers belonging to the Empress Group are primarily of fluvial origin and lie just above the bedrock surface
within local bedrock depressions and valleys incised within the bedrock surface. Due to their fluvial nature, the
spatial extent of the Empress Group aquifers is limited, although there are several important sand and gravel
deposits taking the form of buried valleys. Other showings of Empress Group aquifers occur in bedrock
depressions and are generally localized. Where it occurs in the study area, the Empress Group ranges from
10 to 200 m BGS, and its thickness ranges up to 70 m.
The Hatfield Valley Aquifer is the most significant groundwater resource of the Empress Group, and has resulted
from the infilling with fluvial deposits of an expansive bedrock valley that runs southeast from the Alberta to
Manitoba borders through central Saskatchewan. At its closest, the Hatfield Valley Aquifer passes
approximately 60 km north of the proposed development area, and is, on average, 30 km wide. The sediments
that comprise the Hatfield Valley are medium to medium-coarse sand and gravels with minor amounts of silt and
till and is typically 30 to 50 m thick, though thicknesses of up to 80 m have been noted (Maathuis 1992;
Simpson 2004). The Hatfield Valley Aquifer is also truncated, to a limited extent, on its southern flank by the
deep alluvium of the Qu’Appelle Valley. The Hatfield Valley Aquifer is connected to and recharged by several
other aquifers farther north and east: the Meacham, Pathlow and Wynyard-Melville blanket aquifers and the
Bredenbury Aquifer. These aquifers together comprise the Hatfield Valley Aquifer System (Maathuis 1992).
Other Empress Group aquifers exist in the study area, however these are more limited in terms of connectivity
and overall rechargeability and constitute a questionable groundwater resource (Maathuis 1992).
Sutherland Group Aquifers
Sutherland Group aquifers are located within the tills of the Sutherland Group as stratified sandy and silty lenses.
The Sutherland Group aquifer has a limited geographic extent and connectivity within the study area. Depth to
the top of the Sutherland Group aquifers ranges from approximately 20 to 120 m BGS, and thickness ranges
from 2 to 45 m. Though these aquifers are common, they are not extensive and limited data exist on the
interconnection and continuity of these aquifers within the region (Simpson 2004); however, data compiled within
the study area indicates significant deposit of stratified Sutherland Group sediments to the east of the proposed
development area.
Intertill Aquifer
Where present, the intertill aquifer overlies the Sutherland Group till and is overlain by the Saskatoon Group till.
Within the northern portion of the study area, the intertill aquifer is present at thicknesses ranging up to 45 m.
Compiled data indicate isolated deposits in and around the potential development area.
Saskatoon Group Aquifers
Saskatoon Group aquifers refer to aquifer systems located above the Sutherland Group, and below surficial
stratified deposits. These aquifer systems are quite extensive within the study area, and consist of sand and
gravel units within the Saskatoon Group tills. Prior to the use of Buffalo Pound Lake as the chief source of
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Regina’s water supply, the city relied solely upon these aquifers. As a result, there have been extensive studies
on these groundwater resources (Simpson 2004).
The Lower Floral Sands and Gravels exist to the northeast of Regina in two aquifer systems: the Zehner Aquifer
System, and more distally, the Northern Aquifer System. The typical depth at which the Lower Floral Sands and
Gravels are encountered in this region ranges from 12 to 107 m. The thickness of these aquifers ranges from
2.5 to 21 m but are more generally between 5 and 15 m in thickness. These aquifers are described as “systems”
due to their complex nature. The extent of the Zehner Aquifer system is not accurately defined and it has been
suggested that there may be hydraulic continuity with the Upper Floral Sands and Gravels. Accordingly, it has
been suggested that Upper and Lower Floral Sands and Gravels and interbedded till be considered as one
complex aquifer/aquitard system. There is less information available to delineate the bounds of the Northern
Aquifer System, due to its greater distance from the City of Regina (Maathuis and van der Kamp 1988).
The Upper Floral Sands and Gravels can be encountered at depths between 0 and 65 m. Closer to the City of
Regina, the depth is in the range of 20 to 40 m and varies in thickness between 10 and 30 m. The Regina
Aquifer is located in this unit. As with the Lower Floral Sands and Gravels, the Upper Floral Sands and Gravels
are not accurately known in their extent and connectivity to surrounding aquifer systems. Despite their good
aerial extent, the groundwater resources of the Upper Floral Sands and Gravels are not well quantified with the
exception of scattered farm wells (Maathuis and van der Kamp 1988).
The Condie Aquifer is both a surface and near-surface unconfined aquifer than runs from the east side of
Regina, skirting along the northeast city limits, ending at Wascana Creek to the northwest. It has an
approximate 18 by 6 km outcrop 12 km to the east of Regina, beneath White City and Pilot Butte. The Condie
Aquifer is a major regional Saskatoon Group aquifer, and because of its shallow depth and close proximity to
Regina, it is an important groundwater resource for the surrounding area (Maathuis 1992). Stratigraphically, it
corresponds to the Armour Member of the Battleford Formation, and is situated above the lower Battleford and
Floral Formations, and below the unsaturated sands of the Condie Moraine, the upper Battleford Formation tills
and Regina Clay sediments (Simpson 2004; Maathuis and van der Kamp 1988). The Condie aquifer is
composed of coarse to very coarse sandy gravel grading upwards to silt, and ranges in thickness from
approximately 5 to 20 m (Maathuis and van der Kamp 1988).
7.2.2 Baseline Studies
The primary objectives of the baseline studies are to compile existing geologic and hydrogeologic information, to
develop a conceptual geologic and hydrogeologic model to be used in the development of a numerical
groundwater flow model for the geology and hydrogeology study area. The preliminary assessment of existing
surface, subsurface, and groundwater information within the Project area will be used to define additional data
gathering phases, as necessary. The regional geologic and hydrogeologic model will provide the basis for the
assessment of the regional groundwater resources, and for siting key project components (i.e., TMA, brine
ponds, and site infrastructure).
Geological and engineering data collected through stratigraphic and geotechnical drilling completed in 2011 will
support the integration of site specific data into the regional geologic and hydrogeologic model, which will form
the foundation of key waste management facilities design and the numerical groundwater flow model. In total,
eleven stratigraphic boreholes were drilled within the study area. Following the stratigraphic drilling program, the
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geological model will be updated with the results in the study area. The numerical model will be used as a tool
to assess the groundwater flow pathways in connection with the Project.
7.3 Surface Water Environment 7.3.1 Overview of Existing Conditions
The Project is drained by Wascana Creek tributaries located on the north side of the Wascana Creek
Watershed. The study area for the surface water environment is defined by the maximum expected spatial
extent of direct and indirect effects from the Project. At least six small sub-drainage systems may be delineated
in and or in the vicinity of the surface water study area.
From west to east, the main streams of the small sub-drainage catchments are referred to as McGill Creek,
Kronau Creek (also known as Fahlman Creek), Manybone Creek (also known as Oyama Creek), and three
unnamed creeks. All of these streams flow south-westward to discharge in Wascana Creek which flows
north-westward towards the City of Regina, and discharges to the Qu’Appelle River near Lumsden,
Saskatchewan. Between these streams there are small areas with short stream pathways draining directly to
Wascana Creek.
There are two small manmade waterbodies in the area. Oyama Lake is located west of Manybone Creek and
Fahlman Lake which is located at the headwaters of Kronau Creek. Oyama Lake has an open surface area of
approximately 0.4 square kilometres (km²) and was built in the 1940’s to mitigate floods in the low areas of the
watershed. Fahlman Lake has approximately 0.073 km² of open surface area and is used as a store for
irrigation purposes.
The surface hydrology component focuses on the spatial and temporal distribution of the surface water occurring
within the Project area. The Project lies within the north side of the Wascana Creek Watershed and is drained by
small tributaries that discharge to Wascana creek south west of Regina.
Based on information from long-term hydrometric stations approximately 60% of the annual flow volume is
expected to occur in April and is associated with the spring freshet, while other high flows in late spring and
summer are in response to heavy precipitation events in the area. Most of the Wascana tributaries in the region
are ephemeral with their flow mainly occurring during the spring freshet and during heavy precipitation events.
At these tributaries, trace flow could be expected after the spring freshet in absence of precipitation events and
eventually zero flow during the winter period when any remaining water will freeze. No flow records are
available for Wascana Creek below Kronau Marsh during the winter period with the exception of some short
records in November where low flows (daily averages of about 0.03 cubic metres per second [m³/s]) were
measured.
Surface water quality is influenced by factors such as groundwater quality and quantity, surface hydrology, and
sediment and soil chemistry. Land use activities (e.g., agriculture) also influence water quality through air
emissions, changes in drainage patterns, infiltration and soil chemistry. In turn, changes to surface water quality
can affect aquatic and terrestrial organisms, human health, and traditional and non-traditional land use activities
(e.g., fishing, trapping, and hunting).
Oyama Reservoir was the only previously known fish bearing waterbody sampled for this project. The reservoir
is reported to contain the following fish species: fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas), northern pike (Esox
lucius), and walleye (Sander vitreus) (Saskatchewan Parks and Renewable Resources [SPRR] 1991). Through
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fish and fish habitat assessments in 2010, and known historical data (SPRR 1991), the following waterbodies in
the surface water study area are confirmed to be fish bearing and have associated fish habitat present:
Wascana Creek;
Kronau Creek;
Manybone Creek; and
Oyama Reservoir.
Manybone Creek feeds Oyama Reservoir; however, a water control structure at the outflow of the reservoir
controls discharges. Manybone Creek feeds into Wascana Creek. Kronau Creek flows on a parallel course
northwest of Manybone Creek and feeds Wascana Creek. McGill Creek is located north west of Kronau Creek,
and flows on a parallel course into Wascana Creek.
7.3.2 Baseline Studies
7.3.2.1 Hydrology
The hydrology baseline data will be used for water management purposes and effects assessments. Baseline
mapping and data will serve as a point of comparison against which future environmental changes or effects
from Project activities will be assessed.
Stream discharges and continuous monitoring levels were established in five locations within the Wascana
Creek tributaries. Streamflow monitoring stations were established during the spring of 2010 and were
monitored continuously between the 2010 melting period and freeze-up at the end of October. Monitoring will be
continued at these stations for 2011 and potentially in 2012.
7.3.2.2 Water Quality, Fish and Fish Habitat
The aquatic ecology baseline data collection includes the assessment of fish health, fish habitat, and water
quality. The purpose is to collect site-specific information to document baseline conditions within the study area.
Information gathered will be used to assess any potential future project-related effects, as well as providing
information for the existing conditions should an authorization under the Fisheries Act and any associated habitat
compensation be required.
Water and sediment quality samples were collected in the spring, summer, and fall of 2010 within the surface
water study area from Oyama Regional Park Lake, located immediately southwest of Wascana Creek,
downstream of the confluence with Kornau Creek and Manybone Creek. Surface water was collected and
limnological measurements (i.e., temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and pH) were recorded. Water
and sediment samples will provide data on physical parameters, nutrients, major ions, and metals. The field and
analytical results will be compared to established guidelines for the protection of aquatic life, wildlife, and human
health.
Field surveys were completed in the spring, summer, and fall of 2010 to determine the extent of the fish habitat
and the likelihood of occurrence of fish species. Surveys and fish habitat mapping was completed at road
crossings (i.e., locations where roads crossed portions of a stream). Non-lethal fish inventories occurred
concurrently at these locations. Fish and fish habitat assessments confirmed that water bodies in the surface
water study area support a variety of both, fish species and fish habitats.
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An additional field survey during the spring and summer of 2011 will assess fish habitat and species occurrence
in streams within the local drainage area that may be directly or indirectly influenced by the Project. This
program will be completed in conjunction with surface water quality field surveys to identify potential spatial and
temporal trends in water and sediment quality.
Results from the 2010 and 2011 field sampling programs will provide baseline data for assessing potential
effects from Project pathways on surface water quality such as fugitive dust and air emissions, changes in
groundwater, and erosion and transportation of sediment.
7.4 Terrestrial Environment 7.4.1 Overview of Existing Conditions
The Project will be located within the Regina Plain Landscape Area within the Moist Mixed Grassland Ecoregion
near the border of the Aspen Parkland Ecoregion of the Prairie Ecozone. The terrain is characterized by knob
and kettle topography with very gentle to gentle slopes (Acton et al. 1998). The Project is located within the
Dark Brown soil zone of Saskatchewan (Government of Saskatchewan 2006). Orthic Vertisolic soils are
dominant within the terrestrial study area and have been developed on fine textured lacustrine deposits
(Saskatchewan Land Resource Unit [SLRU] 2004).
The majority of the landscape has been cultivated, with remnant patches of wetlands and natural vegetation
communities (woodland and grassland) located in areas that are unsuitable for agricultural cultivation. The
Aspen Parkland Ecoregion contains approximately 20% of Saskatchewan’s population while the Moist Mixed
Grassland Ecoregion is sparsely populated and comprised largely of farms, acreages, smaller towns, and First
Nation communities. Agriculture is the primary industry in the Aspen Parkland Ecoregion while agriculture and
potash mining represent the primary industries in the Moist Mixed Grassland Ecoregion.
Stunted trembling aspen clones or willows characteristically occur around the potholes and sloughs as well as
along river terraces or shaded slopes of valleys in the Moist Mixed Grassland Ecoregion. Native mixed
grassland vegetation is restricted to narrow sections of stony or sandy hummocky moraines that are infrequently
scattered within cropland. The primary land use is agriculture, particularly ranching and crop production,
including cereal grains, feed grains, forage crops, and oilseeds. Prior to agricultural development, flat areas in
the Aspen Parkland Ecoregion were typically dominated by grassland, while hummocky areas were dominated
by wetlands and aspen-dominated woodlands.
Although the majority of the Moist Mixed Grassland and Aspen Parkland Ecoregions have been previously
modified for agricultural use, a variety of wildlife habitat types remain. Mammalian species commonly found in
the region include ungulates such as white-tailed deer and mule deer and furbearers such as coyote, red fox,
badger, beaver, mink, muskrat, and striped skunk. Wetlands, grasslands, treed habitats, and disturbed areas
support a large number of avian species such as waterbirds, raptors, and upland breeding birds (songbirds
including crows and magpies, shore birds, and grouse). Amphibian and reptile species, such as boreal chorus
frog, wood frog, and western plains garter snake also occur in the region, and are typically associated with
wetland, riparian, and grassland habitats. Ungulates, furbearers, and waterfowl provide hunting and trapping
opportunities for traditional and non-traditional land users.
Federal and provincial status documents were reviewed to determine listed species that may occur within the
terrestrial study area. The federal SARA uses the list produced by the Committee on the Status of Endangered
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Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) as a mechanism to identify and protect species at risk in Canada and their
associated habitats. Based on the Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre (SKCDC), which includes the
COSEWIC list, eleven listed species that have the potential to occur in the Project area are listed under
Schedule 1 of SARA (2010). There are an additional 48 species that are tracked by the province of
Saskatchewan (SKCDC 2010) and are protected under the Wildlife Act (Government of Saskatchewan 1998);
none of these 48 species are listed under SARA (2010) or COSEWIC (2010).
The Project is located entirely on privately owned lands; however, protected areas within the study area include
provincial and regional parks, Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) lands designated under the Wildlife Habitat
Protection Act (WHPA), MOE Crown Resource Lands, as well as lands designated under by the Fish and
Wildlife Development Fund and Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation.
Oyama Regional Park is located in NE 36-15-17 W2M, approximately 5.5 km southeast of the Project. Within
the terrestrial study area there are 21 quarter sections of land designated as Agricultural Crown Land, two
quarter sections protected under WHPA, and ten quarter sections designated as MOE Crown Resource Lands.
Six quarters of Fish and Wildlife Development Fund Lands can also be found in the terrestrial study area. Ducks
Unlimited does not own any land within the regional terrestrial study area (L. Boychuck, pers. comm. 2010).
7.4.2 Baseline Studies
For the purposes of the terrestrial environment baseline surveys, the study area has been separated into the
regional study area (RSA) and local study area (LSA). The wildlife and vegetation RSA consists of an
approximate 2,672 km2 area, and the soils RSA is approximately 1,906 km2. The RSA was selected to measure
the existing baseline conditions at a scale large enough to capture the maximum predicted spatial extent of the
combined direct and indirect effects (i.e., zone of influence) from the Project on terrestrial components. The
terrestrial LSA includes a 1.6 km buffer around the core facilities area and mining boundary.
7.4.2.1 Terrain and Soils
Baseline terrain and soil data will be collected from existing literature and field studies (including laboratory
analysis of soil samples) to determine quality, quantity, and distribution of soil in the study area. Qualitative
interpretations of soil data will include reclamation suitability, soil capability for agriculture, soil sensitivity to
acidification, sensitivity to compaction, wind erosion risk, and water erosion potential.
The spatial boundary for the study area will be selected to document baseline conditions and predict small-scale
direct and indirect effects from Project activities. Direct effects on terrain and soil include soil removal for
construction, soil erosion, loss of soil productivity, admixing, compaction, and contamination and are limited to
the Project footprint.
7.4.2.2 Vegetation
The prime objective of the vegetation component is to collect baseline vegetation data within the terrestrial study
area to prepare an environmental baseline report and EIS. A limited vegetation classification program was
completed in 2010 to collect ground-truthing data for Ecological Landscape Classification (ELC) mapping. The
ELC map for the Project will be used in more detailed vegetation surveys that will be completed in the spring and
summer of 2011.
Detailed vegetation surveys will be completed to obtain site-specific, descriptive information on the nature and
characteristics of plant communities within the ELC map units within the study area. Species composition and
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cover of the understorey vegetation layers (e.g., shrub, forb, grass, moss and terrestrial lichen) will be
determined during these vegetation surveys.
Surveys for provincial and federal listed plant species will be completed within the study area to document their
occurrence. The sampling effort will largely be dependent upon the extent of viable habitat within the terrestrial
study area but will be concentrated in habitats with the highest potential to support listed plant species. Surveys
will be completed during the spring and summer to capture the different phenology of listed plants. A meander
search will be completed at sites of interest identified during the field planning stage, with a focus on habitat with
high listed species potential and across the range of micro-habitat variation. The length of each meander will
vary according to the complexity and number of micro-habitats at each location.
In Saskatchewan, the worst agricultural weeds are declared noxious under the Noxious Weeds Act (NWA).
Section 13 (1) of the Act states: "Every owner or occupant of land shall destroy noxious weeds on his land and
prevent the spread of noxious weeds to other lands" (Government of Saskatchewan 1984). To address this Act,
weed surveys will be completed within the terrestrial study area to adequately document the distribution and
types of invasive species. In addition, other types of weeds that may be unwanted in a natural habitat will also
be surveyed. Together, these weeds can be described as non-native and native invasive species.
Searches for agricultural weeds will likely be concentrated along roadsides, ditches, and agricultural fields,
modified grasslands and wetlands. Searches for other invasive plants will occur in native habitat (e.g., wetlands,
grasslands and undisturbed shrubland or forest land). Sampling can be carried out at any time during the
sampling period (i.e., spring and summer periods).
7.4.2.3 Wildlife
Wildlife species represent an integral part of the terrestrial environment and many species have important
cultural, social, and/or economical value (i.e., ecological services). Baseline information will be used to develop
wildlife mitigation, management, and monitoring plans for protection of wildlife near the Project. The majority of
wildlife baseline surveys completed in 2010 and the winter of 2011 focused on the terrestrial RSA.
Stick nests that could potentially be used by raptors were identified throughout the baseline data collection in
2010. The location of raptor stick nests in the terrestrial RSA were determined from roadside surveys completed
between April and May 2010. Incidental sightings of raptors were recorded during all wildlife surveys in 2010.
Waterbird breeding and productivity surveys were completed to determine waterbird densities and species
occurrence within the terrestrial LSA and RSA. A fall migration survey was also completed in 2010 to identify
important waterbird staging areas as well as species occurrence within the terrestrial RSA.
Semi-aquatic mammal (e.g., muskrat, beaver, and mink) surveys were completed in conjunction with the
waterbird surveys. Observers recorded semi-aquatic mammal sightings, as well as evidence of semi-aquatic
mammal activity (i.e., lodges, dams, push-ups, slides) for all wetlands that were assessed.
Carnivore and other furbearer presence, relative activity, and relative habitat use were determined from winter
2011 track surveys. Winter track surveys occurred a minimum of 0.5 days after a snowfall of 2 centimetres (cm)
or more. Snow conditions were rated by observers as good, fair, or poor. Surveys were postponed during high
winds, or during a snowfall event.
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An aerial survey was completed in February 2011, to estimate the density, distribution, and habitat use of
ungulates within the terrestrial RSA. The aerial survey was flown along pre-determined transects using a Bell
206 helicopter. Ungulates observed within the survey strip width were considered to be on-transect. All
ungulates observed outside of the survey strip width were recorded as incidental observations. Information
recorded included species, group size, group composition (if possible), and habitat type, as well as ambient
weather conditions.
In the spring and summer of 2011, further baseline collection will be completed to estimate the presence,
abundance, and distribution of wildlife and wildlife habitat. Field surveys will have a greater focus within the
terrestrial LSA, but will also include sufficient sampling to capture regional variation in wildlife and wildlife habitat.
Surveys for amphibians, raptor nest sites, and sharp-tailed grouse leks will occur in the spring. Ground surveys
of wetlands in June and July will be used to estimate waterbird breeding density and production. Surveys also
will record the presence and relative abundance of semi-aquatic mammals (muskrat, beaver, and mink). In
June, upland breeding bird surveys will provide estimates of species richness and density among habitat types in
the terrestrial LSA and RSA, and identify potential listed species.
Baseline data from 2010 and 2011 will be used to assess potential incremental and cumulative effects from the
Project and other developments on wildlife populations that occur in the local and regional study area for part or
all of the year. Data from the ELC mapping and wildlife surveys will be used to complete habitat fragmentation
analyses and generate habitat suitability models to assess direct and indirect Project effects on wildlife
populations.
7.5 Heritage Resources 7.5.1 Overview of Existing Conditions
Heritage resources include all of Saskatchewan’s historic and pre-contact archaeological sites, architecturally
significant structures, and paleontological resources. Although the majority of the study area is located on
previously cultivated land, intact portions of native prairie adjacent to creeks in the heritage study area are
considered heritage sensitive. Because of public and Aboriginal interest in heritage resources, there are
linkages to traditional land use, non-traditional land use, and socio-economics.
The provincial heritage resources database, maintained by the Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport,
was queried to determine if previously recorded archaeological sites are present in the regional area. The
results show that seven known archaeological sites are located in the study area. Given the presence of native
prairie and the previously recorded sites in the regional area, the Heritage Conservation Branch determined that
the heritage potential for portions of the study area is considered moderate to high (Heritage Conservation
Branch File No. 10-1159).
7.5.2 Baseline Studies
The study area for heritage resources was designed to measure existing conditions and then predicts direct
effects from Project on heritage resources. The objective of the baseline study was to assess areas of intact
native prairie for previously unrecorded heritage resources and revisit known heritage resources and evaluate
their heritage significance.
A heritage baseline study was carried out under Archaeological Resource Investigation Permit No. 10-298.
Areas of native prairie along Kronau Creek and McGill Creek in the northwest corner of the Study Area were
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assessed, and four heritage resources (EcNb 5, EcNb 22, EcNb 23, and EcNb 24) were re-evaluated. One new
site, EbNb 8, was identified along Kronau Creek. In addition, two historic cemeteries (St. Peter’s Kathrintal
Cemetery and the Newton Cemetery) were also documented. Thus far, eight out of 22 quarter sections
containing native prairie or known heritage resources have been assessed. Inclement weather prevented the
remaining 12 from being examined in 2010. These remaining areas will be assessed in 2011.
7.6 Traditional and Non-Traditional Land Use 7.6.1 Overview of Existing Conditions
The Project will be located in a region where agriculture is the primary land use, and practices related to crop
and hay production have modified the majority of the natural landscape. Non-agricultural land (e.g., native
grassland, wetlands, and aspen clones) exists within the region in remnant patches.
There are no First Nations Reserve lands directly affected by the Project. The nearest Indian Reserve is Piapot,
which is approximately 42 km northwest of the Project. Other First Nations and Métis organizations that have
been identified as stakeholders in the Project include the following:
Muscowpetung First Nation;
Pasqua First Nation;
Standing Buffalo First Nation;
Carry the Kettle First Nation;
Ocean Man first Nation;
Pheasant Rump First Nation;
White Bear First Nation;
Métis Eastern Region III; and
Métis Western Regions III.
Traditional land use includes the use of the land by Aboriginal people for activities such as hunting, trapping,
fishing, and gathering plants, as well as any other ceremonial purposes. Non-traditional land use includes
recreational, agricultural, and industrial activities. Water, plant, and animal resources in the area influence the
way the land is used and, therefore, the biophysical environment is linked to the traditional and non-traditional
land uses of the area.
Big game hunting includes white-tailed deer, elk, and moose. Trapping animals for their pelts also occurs
including coyote, red fox, least weasels, beaver, and muskrat. Numerous game birds either reside in the area or
pass through during migrations. Upland game birds that are typically hunted include sharp-tailed grouse and
partridge although; ducks, geese, and sandhill cranes are also hunted. The most common plant species
gathered include Saskatoon berries, chokecherries, pincherries, and hazelnuts. In addition, medicinal plants
may be collected by First Nations or Métis people from the region.
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7.6.2 Baseline Studies
For traditional and non-traditional land use, the study area is the same as the heritage resources study area but
also includes towns, villages, Aboriginal communities, and rural municipalities within reasonable road access to
the Project. This definition of the study area is based on the expectation that communities located in the
immediate vicinity of the Project have the potential to experience most of the direct effects, and also on a
reasonable commuting distance for people potentially employed by the Project.
The baseline study for the traditional and non-traditional land use component will rely extensively on secondary
data obtained from land users in the area. Secondary sources include databases maintained by Statistics
Canada (e.g., 2006 National Census of Population, Agricultural Census) and provincial government agencies
such as the Ministry of First Nations and Métis Relations. Additional information will be acquired during the
community engagement process. Traditional land use by First Nations and Métis will be obtained primarily from
meetings with First Nations and Métis stakeholders. The data from these meetings will be incorporated into the
baseline studies for other environmental components (e.g., vegetation, fish, wildlife, heritage resources, and
socio-economics), and used to support the assessment of effects from the Project on land use activities, such as
agriculture, hunting, and trapping. Information was gathered to determine how the area has been used in the
past, as well as how it is presently being used.
7.7 Socio-Economic Environment 7.7.1 Overview of Existing Conditions
The objective of this component is to provide information to characterize the current level and availability of
socio-economic infrastructure and services, and the influence of the Project on these components. Potential
changes to the receiving environment and surrounding communities would be considered; for example, changes
in the demographic make-up of community and changes in the labour market and employment status of the
community.
The economic effects from the Project will be assessed at the regional and provincial scale. Accordingly, the
socio-economic study area includes large services centres, communities within 50 km (reasonable commuting
distance) of the Project and the rural population of R.M.s that are largely or wholly within the 50 km radius.
Given the small size of the population in the immediate vicinity of the project, it is expected that workers will be
recruited primarily from the city of Regina.
The Regina Enterprise Region will be used as the RSA for the purpose of the economic model. The boundaries
of Saskatchewan Enterprise Regions are based on where people live and work and take into consideration road
patterns and natural boundaries such as rivers (Enterprise Saskatchewan 2009a). The Regina Enterprise
Region has a population of almost 220,000, over 80% of which reside in the city of Regina itself (Enterprise
Saskatchewan 2009b).
7.7.2 Baseline Studies
The socio-economic study area is designed to measure existing conditions and then predict direct effects from
the Project on the socio-economics of neighbouring communities. The baseline study for the socio-economic
component relies on secondary data and key informant interviews. Secondary data were obtained from
databases maintained by Statistics Canada (e.g., 2006 National Census of Population) and provincial
government agencies. Data will also be obtained from reports provided by municipal and provincial government
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agencies. To supplement secondary data, interviews were completed with key informants (i.e., persons with
specific and detailed knowledge of one or more aspects of socio-economic trends in the area) during a visit to
the study area in March 2011. Key informants are often in a position to supply additional data, and to assist in
the interpretation of secondary data already collected. Key informants include representatives from municipal
government and service providers (e.g., Rural Municipalities and town councils) and regional economic
development authorities.
8.0 ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT APPROACH
8.1 Introduction This section describes the approach that will be used for analyzing effects, and classifying and determining the
environmental significance of effects from the Project on the biophysical and socio-economic components in the
EIS. The approach will be applied to the analysis and assessment of the effects from the Project using
information from the Project Description and existing conditions.
8.2 Valued Components Valued components represent physical, biological, cultural, social, and economic properties of the environment
that are considered to be important by society. The inter-relationships between components of the biophysical
and socio-economic (human) environments provide the structure of a social-ecological system. Examples of
physical properties that can be considered VCs include groundwater, surface water, soil, and air. Traditional and
non-traditional uses of water, plants, and animals and other biophysical properties (e.g., ecological services or
resources) can be VCs of the cultural, social, and economic environment. The EIS will integrate Project-related
effects on biophysical and socio-economic VCs for the people who likely will be directly and indirectly influenced
by the Project.
8.3 Pathway Analysis Pathway analysis identifies and assesses the issues and linkages (or interactions) between the Project
components or activities, and the correspondent potential residual effects on VCs (e.g., surface water quality,
fish and fish habitat, wildlife, and socio-economics). The first part of the analysis is to produce a list of all
potential interactions through which the Project could affect biophysical and socio-economic VCs. Each pathway
is initially considered to have a linkage to potential effects on VCs. This step is followed by the development of
environmental design features and mitigation that can be incorporated into the Project to remove the pathway or
limit (mitigate) the effects to VCs. Environmental design features include Project designs, environmental best
practices, and management policies and procedures. Environmental design features were developed through
an iterative process between the Project’s engineering and environmental teams to avoid or mitigate effects.
Knowledge of the ecological system and environmental design features and mitigation is then applied to each of
the pathways to determine the expected amount of Project-related changes to the environment and the
associated residual effects (i.e., after mitigation) on VCs. For an effect to occur there has to be a source (Project
component or activity) that results in a measurable environmental change to the environment (pathway), and a
correspondent effect on a VC.
Project activity → change in environment → effect on VC
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Pathway analysis is a screening step that is used to determine the existence and magnitude of linkages from the
initial list of potential effects pathways for the Project. This screening step is largely a qualitative assessment,
and is intended to focus the effects analysis on pathways that require a more comprehensive assessment of
effects on VCs. Pathways are determined to be primary, secondary (minor), or as having no linkage using
scientific and traditional knowledge, logic, and experience with similar developments and environmental design
features. Each potential pathway is assessed and described as follows:
no linkage – pathway is removed by environmental design features so that the Project results in no
detectable (measurable) environmental change and residual effects to a VC relative to baseline or guideline
values;
secondary - pathway could result in a minor environmental change, but would have a negligible residual
effect on a VC relative to baseline or guideline values; or
primary - pathway is likely to result in a measurable environmental change that could contribute to residual
effects on a VC relative to baseline or guideline values.
Primary pathways require further effects analysis and effects classification to determine the environmental
significance from the Project on VCs. Pathways with no linkage to VCs or that are considered minor (secondary)
are not analyzed further or classified in the EIS because environmental design features will remove the pathway
(no linkage) or residual effects can be determined to be negligible through a simple qualitative or quantitative
evaluation of the pathway. Pathways determined to have no linkage to VCs or those that are considered
secondary are not predicted to result in environmentally significant effects on VCs.
8.4 Spatial and Temporal Boundaries Individuals, populations, and communities function within the environment at different spatial (and temporal)
scales. Effects from the Project on the biophysical environment are typically stronger at the local scale, and
larger (regional) scale effects are more likely to result from other ecological factors and human activities.
For the EIS, the spatial boundaries of the LSAs will be designed to measure baseline environmental conditions
and then predict direct effects from the Project footprint and activities on the VCs. Local study areas will be
defined to assess small-scale indirect effects from Project activities on VCs such as changes to soil and
vegetation from dust and fuel emissions. The boundaries for regional study areas will be designed to quantify
baseline conditions at a scale that is large enough to assess the maximum predicted geographic extent
(i.e., maximum zone of influence) of direct and indirect effects from the Project on VCs. Cumulative effects are
typically assessed at a regional spatial scale and, where relevant, may consider influences that extend beyond
the regional study area.
Spatial and temporal boundaries are tightly correlated because processes that operate on large spatial scales
typically occur at slower rates and have longer time lags than processes that operate on smaller spatial scales.
The approach used to determine the temporal boundaries of effects from natural and human-related
disturbances on VCs is similar to the approach used to define spatial boundaries. In the EIS, temporal
boundaries will be linked to two concepts. The first is linked to the development phases of the Project and the
second is the predicted duration of effects from the Project on a VC, which may extend beyond closure. Thus,
the temporal boundary for a VC is defined as the amount of time between the start and end of a relevant Project
activity or stressor plus the duration required for the effect to be reversed. After removal of the stressor,
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reversibility is the likelihood and time required for a VC or system to return to a state that is similar to the state of
systems of the same type, area, and time that are not affected by the Project.
8.5 Project-Specific Effects Analysis 8.5.1 General Approach
In the EIS, the effects analysis will consider all valid pathways that likely result in measurable environmental
changes and residual effects to VCs (i.e., after implementing environmental design features). Thus, the analysis
will be based on residual Project-specific (incremental) effects that are verified to be valid in the pathway
analysis. Residual changes to VCs will be analyzed using effects statements in the EIS. Effects statements may
have more than one valid pathway that link a Project activity with a change in a VC.
8.5.2 Discipline-specific Approach and Methods
A detailed description of the methods used to analyze residual effects from the Project on VCs will be provided in
for each discipline. Where possible and appropriate, the analyses will be quantitative, and may include data
from field studies, modelling results, scientific literature, government publications, effects monitoring reports, and
personal communications. Due to the amount and type of data available, some analyses will be qualitative and
include professional judgement or experienced opinion.
8.5.2.1 Air Quality
The assessment is focused on predicting the change in air quality due to the Project construction, operations
(including commissioning) and decommissioning phases. The assessment of air emissions for the Project is
completed by:
establishing existing air quality levels;
predicting the air emissions from the Project; and
comparing the predictions to existing federal and provincial criteria to determine effects.
The air quality assessment will use AERMOD to complete dispersion modelling for primary sources of air
emissions from the Project. The dispersion model will be used to determine the changes in ambient air quality
concentrations due to Project activity from a selected list of pollutants. The following pollutants will be assessed:
suspended particulates (including TSPs, PM2.5, and PM10), sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide,
and particulate deposition, including potash and salt. Results from the modelling will be used by other
disciplines to evaluate the Project’s effect on surface water quality, fish and fish habitat, soil, vegetation, and
wildlife. The data will also be used to assess effects to the socio-economic environment.
8.5.2.2 Noise Quality
To complete the analysis of noise effects, the amount of noise emitted by the Project will be determined. Project
design data, equipment lists and development plans will be used to establish the major noise emitting activities.
Noise levels from these activities will be established using measurements of similar equipment/activities, data
from potential vendors and reference acoustic formulae.
Once the sources of noise have been established, a noise model will be developed that provides a
three-dimensional calculation of noise propagation from the Project over a designated study area. The noise
model will incorporate Project activities and processes that generate noise. The model will predict noise levels
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at any identified noise sensitive receptors, which are typically residences. Other receptors may be
campgrounds, churches or any location where there is a reasonable expectation of quiet. Results at the
receptors will be compared to selected Project criteria and the incremental change in the acoustic environment
near the Project evaluated.
8.5.2.3 Hydrogeology
A numerical groundwater flow model will be developed and calibrated based on existing information. The model
incorporates a conceptual representation of the regional hydrostratigraphy, and can accommodate spatial
variations of hydraulic properties associated with the various hydrostratigraphic units. The model will provide the
basis for interpretation of the regional groundwater flow system. Some refinement of the model will be
undertaken as additional data becomes available from site characterization studies.
A local three dimensional groundwater flow model will be developed with a focus on the development site and
immediate surrounding area. This model will incorporate the results of site-specific baseline characterization
data to accommodate finer resolution of changes in the geologic and engineering properties of the
hydrostratigraphic units. The model will be used as a tool to interpret local groundwater flow conditions and
identify potential pathways between the Project components and the environment.
Solute transport and fate analysis will be completed to predict the direct effects of the Project on the
hydrogeologic system and will be based on one and two dimensional finite element models. Potential sources of
solute migration will be identified and characterized to develop source terms as inputs to the analysis. The local
groundwater flow model will provide the basis for defining flow conditions along pathways and identifying
potential receptors. Receptors may include groundwater resources (aquifers) as well as surface waterbodies.
8.5.2.4 Surface Hydrology
Hydrology modelling in combination with measured field data will be used to quantify effects of the Project on the
flow volumes and storage of surface water in the watershed(s) adjacent to and downstream of the Project.
Potential changes to drainage pathways and stream channel geomorphology will also be evaluated. A water
balance for a range of precipitation scenarios will be completed for the Project site and the surrounding
watersheds(s). The input received from the geotechnical engineering group will be used in the assessment to
evaluate the effects of ground subsidence to surface hydrology.
8.5.2.5 Surface Water Quality
An assessment of the Project effects on surface water quality will be completed for the valid pathways identified
in the pathways analysis. This is expected to include the effect of air emissions (dust and salt) from the Project
on surface water quality. Input received from the geotechnical engineering group will be used in the assessment
to evaluate changes in groundwater quality from the TMA on surface water quality.
8.5.2.6 Fish and Fish Habitat
An assessment of the Project effects on aquatic resources will be completed for the valid pathways identified in
the pathways analysis. This is expected to include changes to water quality and effects to fish and fish habitat.
A high level assessment will be completed for the rights-of-way associated with the infrastructure needs of the
Project. Input received from the geotechnical engineering group will be used in the assessment to evaluate the
effects of ground subsidence on fish habitat.
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8.5.2.7 Terrain and Soils
An assessment of the Project effects on soil quantity, quality, and distribution will be completed for the valid
pathways identified in the pathways analysis. The following will be including in the assessment.
An assessment to evaluate the direct effects of clearing activities to soil quantity and distribution during
construction. This assessment will identify the soil quantity and distribution required for agricultural use.
An assessment to evaluate the direct effects on soil quality from soil salvage, stockpiling, and transport.
This will be carried out through a soil reclamation suitability analysis using information obtained from
baseline data. Baseline horizonation and soil salinity data will be used to determine if admixing will affect
the soil capability for agriculture. A Geographic Information System (GIS) spatial overlay analysis using the
Project footprint and the baseline soils data will be used in the assessment to determine soil distribution.
Input received from the geotechnical engineering group will be used in the assessment to evaluate the
effects of ground subsidence on soil quality and distribution.
The effect from air emissions (NO2, SO2, and salt deposition) on soil will be compared to thresholds for NO2
and SO2 to determine if there is potential for effects to soil quality. It is assumed that salt deposition will
primarily occur within the boundary of the disturbance area for the Project. Effects of salt deposition will be
evaluated qualitatively for any soils that are sensitive to salt deposition.
An assessment to evaluate the effects of soil erosion during the construction phase will be mitigated
through an erosion and sediment control plan. Soils affected by construction of the Project will be
assessed for wind and water erosion potential.
8.5.2.8 Vegetation
An assessment of the Project effects on vegetation VCs will be completed for the valid pathways identified in the
pathways analysis. The following will include the assessment.
An assessment to evaluate the direct effects of clearing activities to the vegetation VCs during construction
will be carried out through a GIS spatial overlay analysis using the Project footprint and the baseline
vegetation map.
An assessment to evaluate the effects of ground subsidence caused by mine operations on vegetation VCs
will be carried out through a qualitative discussion based on input received from the geotechnical
engineering group.
The indirect effect from air emissions (NO2, SO2, and salt deposition) will be compared to the thresholds for
NO2 and SO2 to determine if there is potential for effects to vegetation. Effects of salt deposition will be
evaluated qualitatively for any vegetation communities that are sensitive to salt deposition.
8.5.2.9 Wildlife
An assessment of the Project effects on wildlife VCs will be completed for the valid pathways identified in the
pathways analysis. The following will be included in the assessment.
To assess the direct effects to wildlife VCs from habitat loss and fragmentation, a habitat fragmentation
analysis will be completed using the program FRAGSTATS within a GIS. Information obtained during the
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vegetation and wildlife baseline surveys will be used to develop the ELC for the Project area. A GIS
overlay analysis will be completed using the Project footprint and the ELC to determine the change in
landscape metrics from the Project. Landscape metrics to be determined for each habitat will include total
area, number of patches, mean area of patches, mean distance to the nearest similar patch, and coefficient
of variation of mean distance to the nearest similar patch.
In addition to direct habitat effects, changes to habitat quality resulting from changes to air quality, soil and
vegetation, alteration of flows, water levels and water quality have the potential to indirectly affect the
abundance and distribution of wildlife in the study area, through altered movement and behaviour. Sensory
disturbance (e.g., presence of human, noise, lights) also indirectly affect habitat quality.
The input received from the geotechnical engineering group will be used in the assessment to evaluate the
effects of ground subsidence on habitat quality.
8.5.2.10 Heritage Resources
The location of the Project footprint will be submitted to the Heritage Resources Branch to determine the
heritage sensitivity in the Project area. The scope of work for the assessment of effects to heritage resources
includes the completion of an independent Heritage Resource Impact Assessment (HRIA). The information from
the field assessment will be documented in HRIA, and included in the EIS as a support document to assess
Project-related effects on heritage resources.
8.5.2.11 Traditional and Non-traditional Land Use
Residual effects to traditional and non-traditional land use practices (e.g., assessment endpoint including,
agriculture, hunting, fishing, plant and berry gathering) will be assessed. For example, analysis of
Project-related effects to soil quantity and quality will be used to determine the associated influence on the land
to sustain agriculture. Analysis of changes to waterfowl abundance and distribution will be used to assess the
effect of the Project on the continued opportunity for harvesting ducks and geese. Therefore, effects to
assessment endpoints for traditional and non-traditional land use will be analyzed and assessed within discipline
sections that contain the applicable biophysical or socio-economic VC.
8.5.2.12 Socio-economics
Residual effects from the Project to the socio-economic environment will be assessed by estimating positive and
negative changes to a number of VCs such as:
education and training;
opportunities for youth;
household and business income;
quality and development of community infrastructure;
family and community cohesion;
capacity for agricultural land use;
capacity for traditional land use;
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potential for recreational activities; and
long-term social, cultural, and economic sustainability.
Some of these measurement endpoints can be analyzed quantitatively (e.g., number of jobs created, estimated
income levels). Other endpoints such as community cohesion and traditional land use are more difficult to
quantify, and involve information from public engagement, literature, examples from similar projects under similar
conditions, and experienced opinion. The effects analysis considers the interactions among the unique and
common attributes, challenges, and opportunities related to social, cultural, and economic VCs. A key aspect of
the effects analysis is to predict the influence from the Project on the development and sustainability of
socio-economic conditions in the region.
8.6 Approach to Cumulative Effects Cumulative effects represent the sum of all natural and human-induced influences on the physical, biological,
cultural, and economic components of the environment through time and across space. Some changes may be
human-related, such as increasing agricultural and industrial development, and some changes may be
associated with natural phenomenon such as extreme rainfall events, and periodic harsh and mild winters. It is
the goal of the cumulative effects assessment to estimate the contribution of these types of effects, in addition to
Project effects, to the amount of change on the VCs.
Not every VC requires an analysis of cumulative effects. The key is to determine if the effects from the Project
and one or more additional developments/activities overlap (or interact) with the temporal or spatial distribution
of the VC. For some VCs, Project-specific effects are important and there is little or no potential for cumulative
effects, because there is little or no overlap with other developments. For other VCs that are distributed, or
travel over large areas and can be influenced by a number of developments, the analysis of cumulative effects
can be necessary and important. Socio-economic components also must consider the potential cumulative
effects of the Project and other developments and human activities.
In the EIS, cumulative effects will be identified, analyzed, and assessed in a separate section from the
Project-specific assessment for those VCs where it is applicable. Similar to Project-specific effects, the analysis
of cumulative effects involves pathway and effects analyses, and the classification and determination of
significance of residual effects.
8.7 Determination of Significance Environmental significance is used to identify predicted effects that have sufficient magnitude, duration, and
geographic extent to cause fundamental changes to a VC. It is difficult to provide definitions for environmental
significance that are universally applicable to each VC assessment endpoint. Consequently, specific definitions
will be provided for each VC in the EIS. The evaluation of significance uses ecological principles, to the extent
possible, but also involves professional judgement and experienced opinion.
8.8 Uncertainty Most assessments of effects embody some degree of uncertainty. The uncertainty section of the EIS will identify
the key sources of uncertainty and discuss how uncertainty is addressed to increase the level of confidence that
effects will not be worse than predicted. Confidence in effects analyses can be related to many elements,
including the following:
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adequacy of baseline data for understanding existing conditions and future changes unrelated to the
Project (e.g., extent of future developments, climate change, catastrophic events);
model inputs (e.g., estimates of the spatial distribution of salt concentrations in deep groundwater);
understanding of Project-related effects on complex ecosystems that contain interactions across different
scales of time and space (e.g., how and why the Project will influence wildlife); and
knowledge of the effectiveness of the environmental design features for reducing or removing effects
(e.g., environmental performance of the TMA).
Uncertainty in these elements can result in uncertainty in the prediction of environmental significance. Where
possible, a strong attempt is made to reduce uncertainty in the EIS to increase the level of confidence in effects
predictions. Where appropriate, uncertainty may also be addressed by additional mitigation, which would be
implemented as required. Each discipline section will include a discussion of how uncertainty has been
addressed and provide a qualitative evaluation of the resulting level of confidence in the effects analyses and
determination of significance.
8.9 Monitoring and Follow-Up In the EIS, monitoring programs will be proposed to deal with the uncertainties associated with the effects
predictions and environmental design features. In general, monitoring is used to test (verify) effects predictions
and determine the effectiveness of environmental design features (mitigation). Monitoring is also used to identify
unanticipated effects and implement adaptive management. Typically, monitoring includes one or more of the
following categories, which may be applied during the development of the Project.
Compliance inspection: monitoring the activities, procedures, and programs undertaken to confirm the
implementation of approved design standards, mitigation, and conditions of approval and company
commitments.
Environmental monitoring: monitoring to track conditions or issues during the development lifespan, and
subsequent implementation of adaptive management.
Follow-up: programs designed to test the accuracy of effects predictions, reduce uncertainty, determine
the effectiveness of environmental design features, and provide appropriate feedback to operations for
modifying or adopting new mitigation designs, policies, and practices. Results from these programs can be
used to increase the certainty of effects predictions in future environmental assessments.
These programs form part of the environmental management system for the Project. If monitoring or follow-up
detects effects that are different from predicted effects, or the need for improved or modified design features,
then adaptive management will be implemented. This may include increased monitoring, changes in monitoring
plans, or additional mitigation.
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