Canada’s Environment Minister Jim Prentice announced today that a comprehensive study is the most appropriate type of environmental assessment (EA) for the proposed Saskatchewan Landing Regional Water Supply Project in west central Saskatchewan.
The Minister based his decision on the report and recommendation submitted by the responsible authority, Infrastructure Canada. The report contains information on the scope of the project, the factors to be considered in the EA and the scope of those factors, public comments in relation to the project, the potential of the project to cause adverse environmental effects and the ability of the comprehensive study to address issues relating to the project.
“After taking into consideration the report and recommendation of the responsible authority, I am confident that a comprehensive study will appropriately address the potential environmental effects of this project,” said Minister Prentice.
Infrastructure Canada will now continue the comprehensive study and submit a comprehensive study report to the Minister of the Environment. At that time, the public will have an opportunity to comment on the findings and recommendations of the report before the Minister renders his final decision.
Saskatchewan Landing Regional Water Pipeline Utility is planning to construct a large scale water infrastructure system in west central Saskatchewan. The project would encompass the Kyle area sub-region and the Elrose/Rosetown area sub-region and would utilize groundwater from two or three aquifers.
Further information on this project is available in the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry, under reference number 08-03-38508.
