Western Potash Corp. Milestone Potash Project TERMS OF ...

Western Potash Corp. Milestone Potash Project

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Western Potash Corp. Milestone Project

Terms of Reference July 2012

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

Table of Contents ........................................................................................................... i I. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................... I

I.I Requirement for Environmental Impact Assessment in Saskatchewan ......................................................................................... i

I.II Scope of the Environmental Impact Assessment ..................................... i I.III Terms of Reference for the Environmental Impact Assessment ............. ii

II. GENERAL EIS REQUIREMENTS AND ORGANIZATION ......................... I EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................ I 1.0 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................... 1-1

1.1 Project Proponent .............................................................................. 1-1 1.2 Project Location and Environmental Setting ....................................... 1-1 1.3 General Project Overview .................................................................. 1-1 1.4 Project Schedule ................................................................................ 1-1 1.5 Project Needs and Benefits ................................................................ 1-2 1.6 Approval Process ............................................................................... 1-2 1.7 Report Organization ........................................................................... 1-2

2.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES .................................................................... 2-1 3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ....................................................................... 3-1

3.1 Introduction ........................................................................................ 3-1 3.2 Project History .................................................................................... 3-1 3.3 Mineral Resource Review .................................................................. 3-1 3.4 Construction ....................................................................................... 3-1 3.5 Mining ................................................................................................ 3-2 3.6 Processing ......................................................................................... 3-3 3.7 Tailings Management Area ................................................................ 3-3 3.8 Site Infrastructure ............................................................................... 3-3 3.9 Supporting Infrastructure .................................................................... 3-4 3.10 Domestic and Industrial Waste Management ..................................... 3-5 3.11 Health, Safety, and Environmental Management System ................... 3-5 3.12 Decommissioning, Reclamation, and Abandonment .......................... 3-5 3.13 Human Resources ............................................................................. 3-6 3.14 Accidents and Malfunctions ................................................................ 3-6

4.0 PUBLIC, FIRST NATIONS, MÉTIS, AND REGULATORY ENGAGEMENT ........................................................................................ 4-1 4.1 Introduction ........................................................................................ 4-1 4.2 Engagement Approach....................................................................... 4-1



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4.3 Engagement Activities ........................................................................ 4-2 4.3.1 Local Communities ................................................................. 4-2 4.3.2 First Nations and Métis Communities ..................................... 4-3 4.3.3 Governmental and Regulatory Agencies ................................. 4-3

5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT APPROACH ................................... 5-1 5.1 Introduction ........................................................................................ 5-1 5.2 Valued Components ........................................................................... 5-1

5.2.1 Identification of Valued Components ...................................... 5-1 5.2.2 Assessment Endpoints and Measurement Endpoints ............. 5-2

5.3 Environmental Assessment Boundaries ............................................. 5-4 5.4 Pathway Analysis ............................................................................... 5-5 5.5 Effects Assessment ............................................................................ 5-6 5.6 Residual Effects Analysis ................................................................... 5-6

5.6.1 Uncertainty ............................................................................. 5-7 5.7 Monitoring and Follow-up ................................................................... 5-7

6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL DISCIPLINE SECTIONS ......................................... 6-1 6.1 Introduction ........................................................................................ 6-1 6.2 Study Areas ....................................................................................... 6-1 6.3 Existing Environment ......................................................................... 6-2

6.3.1 Atmospheric and Acoustic Environment.................................. 6-2 6.3.2 Hydrogeologic Environment .................................................... 6-2 6.3.3 Surface Water Environment .................................................... 6-3 6.3.4 Terrestrial Environment .......................................................... 6-3 6.3.5 Cultural Environment .............................................................. 6-5 6.3.6 Socio-economic Environment ................................................. 6-5

6.4 Pathway Analysis ............................................................................... 6-5 6.5 Environmental Component ................................................................. 6-6

6.5.1 Effects Assessment ................................................................ 6-6 6.5.2 Residual Effects Analysis ..................................................... 6-10 6.5.3 Uncertainty ........................................................................... 6-11 6.5.4 Monitoring and Follow-up ..................................................... 6-12

7.0 EFFECTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT ON THE PROJECT ...................... 7-1 8.0 CORPORATE COMMITMENTS .............................................................. 8-1 9.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS .......................................................... 9-1



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TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)

LIST OF TABLES

Table 5.2-1: Assessment and Measurement Endpoints for Valued Components ... 5-3

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix I Western Potash Milestone Project Consultation Plan Appendix II Western Potash Corp. Milestone Project Environmental

Impact Statement Draft Table of Contents



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I. INTRODUCTION

I.I Requirement for Environmental Impact Assessment in Saskatchewan

Western Potash Corp. (Western Potash) submitted a Project Proposal to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment (MOE) for the development of the Milestone Potash Project (the Project) in October, 2011. The MOE determined that the Project is a “development” as defined by Section 2(d) of the Saskatchewan Environmental Assessment Act (the Act). If a project is determined to be a “development”, according to Section 9 of the Act, the proponent is required to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and submit an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project. Consequently, Western Potash will complete an EIA and prepare and submit an EIS to the MOE for the Project.

In accordance with the Canada-Saskatchewan Agreement on Environmental Assessment Cooperation (2005), the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) completed a survey of federal departments with respect to determining interest in the Project. Based on the responses to this survey, the Agency has determined that in the absence of a federal trigger, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) does not apply for the Project. However, federal agencies may participate in the provincial EIA review pursuant to Clause 38(1) of the Canada-Saskatchewan Agreement.

I.II Scope of the Environmental Impact Assessment

The scope of this EIA considers all physical works or activities related to the Project during all phases, including construction, operation, and decommissioning and reclamation. The EIA will contain a more detailed Project description to support inclusive comprehensive assessment of the Project’s potential effects on the biophysical and socio-economic environments and design features incorporated into the Project to reduce potential effects. Specifically, the assessment considers the following Project components:

• mining operations (i.e., mine plan and mining method); • potash processing (i.e., evaporation, crystallization, drying, product screening,

compaction, pond crystallization, storage and salt handling); • tailings management (salt storage, brine and site water management); • site infrastructure; • supporting infrastructure (i.e., water supply, electrical power, natural gas,

telecommunications, access roads, and a railway spur); • management of domestic and industrial waste; • decommissioning and reclamation; • health, safety, and environmental management systems; and



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• human resources.

The scope of the assessment is based on a 100 year mine life with a production target 2.8 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of potash product. A description of ancillary developments (i.e., water supply, power, natural gas, and communications) anticipated as a result of the proposed Project will be provided. An assessment of the potential effects from each ancillary development will be considered in the EIA based on the screening reports provided by the applicable utility providers. All other regulatory requirements would be the responsibility of the utility provider.

The scope of the EIA includes anticipated effects of the environment on the Project and associated environmental design features and mitigation. In addition to incremental Project effects, the scope of the assessment includes all potential effects on valued components (VC) of the biophysical and socio-economic environments from the Project, by itself and in combination with other past, present and reasonably foreseeable future developments (i.e., cumulative effects). Monitoring and follow-up programs that will be established with respect to biophysical and socio-economic effects are also included in the scope of the assessment.

I.III Terms of Reference for the Environmental Impact Assessment

These Terms of Reference (TOR) have been prepared for the MOE and outline the specific studies that Western Potash proposes to undertake and the information to be obtained as part of the EIA. The TOR will be used to organize existing material, and complete additional study and analysis as appropriate, to prepare the EIS.

The water supply for the Project was deemed by MOE to trigger the Crown’s Duty to Consult with potentially affected First Nation and Métis communities. Therefore, Western Potash is required to develop a Consultation Plan as part of the TOR (Appendix I).

Information from several sources (e.g., the public and provincial agencies) was compiled in the TOR to reflect the concerns and issues that have been identified for the Project and for similar developments. These TOR should not be considered as either exhaustive or restrictive, as concerns other than those already identified could arise during the completion of the EIA. For clarity and ease of reference, these TOR are presented in the same order as the Western Potash Milestone Project EIS Table of Contents (Appendix II).



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II. GENERAL EIS REQUIREMENTS AND ORGANIZATION

The environmental assessment investigates the risks and benefits of the Project in the context of the existing socio-economic and biophysical conditions. In addition to identifying potential risks and specifying appropriate mitigation designs and policies, the environmental assessment will also incorporate plans for final decommissioning and reclamation of the site. The environmental assessment process considers a number of components, including issue scoping, baseline studies, effects predictions, and recommended monitoring and follow-up programs. Although the EIS will evaluate all potential Project-environment interactions, the intent is to focus the effects assessment on those interactions with the greatest potential to result in significant effects to the biophysical and socio-economic environments.

The EIS is organized into a main document (including associated appendices) and annexes. The main document will provide Project-related information that can be understood by a wide, non-technical audience. The assessment of potential effects on the biophysical and socio-economic environments is organized by discipline; that is, all information pertaining to a discipline (i.e., study areas, existing environment, residual effects assessment, uncertainty, and monitoring and follow-up) is provided within the discipline section. Sections of the main document may be supported by appendices and annexes.

Appendices may be included in each major section of the main document. Appendices are not stand-alone documents. For example, the Existing Environment section of the EIS will provide an understanding of water chemistry levels in the aquatic receiving environment. The text within the main document interprets and summarizes the data, whereas, the data to support the discussion is provided in the appendix. The annexes are stand-alone technical documents and include reports of previous studies that were completed during baseline studies and Project development. These documents provide important pieces of supporting information for review by technical subject-matter experts. For example, stand-alone Baseline Reports, which are summarized within each discipline section (i.e., Existing Environment section) of the main document.

The EIS is reviewed by a wide audience, including technical specialists, non-technical subject-matter experts, the general public, First Nations, and Métis Communities. As such, the EIS will be written to satisfy a wide array of technical knowledge, be clear and concise, consistent and accurate, and transparent in describing methods and assumptions, and drawing conclusions. The following sections of the TOR describe the information that will be presented within each EIS chapter. Sufficient information will be provided for each so that informed conclusions can be reached regarding the potential for effects on the biophysical and socio-economic environments.



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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Executive Summary will describe the key Project elements and key findings of the Environmental Impact Statement, with particular reference to the overall conclusions of the assessment, and a clear rationale relating those conclusions to the predicted effects and the environmental design features proposed to mitigate them. Specifically, the Executive Summary will describe the Project location, environmental setting, Project alternatives, the Project, and the conceptual decommissioning and reclamation plan. The Executive Summary will focus on items of known or expected public concern, results of the residual effects assessment, and monitoring and follow-up programs proposed to address them. A summary of commitments made by Western Potash throughout the Environmental Impact Statement will also be included. The Executive Summary will be written in non-technical language, and avoid the use of jargon. The Executive Summary will form part of the Environmental Impact Statement, and will also be made available as a separate document.



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1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project Proponent

This section will provide some basic facts about Western Potash Corp. (Western Potash) so the reader understands who Western Potash is, in a brief statement. Details will include the company profile, name and the legal entity, Milestone Potash Project (Project) contact person for the purposes of the environmental assessment, and mailing address.

1.2 Project Location and Environmental Setting

A detailed description and coordinate locations of the Project area will be provided. Maps showing the location of the proposed Project relative to other land uses and developments will be presented. This section will also provide a discussion of the land disposition (e.g., privately owned, leased from the provincial or federal government), and identify if the Project is subject to any type of land claims agreements, the details of which will also be provided.

A high-level description of the landscape (e.g., ecoregion, ecozone, general description of topography) will be presented. The purpose of the environmental setting will be to provide context so that the reader can understand where the Project is situated with respect to the main existing environmental features. Detailed information collected during the baseline programs will be provided as supporting information to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in the form of Annexes.

1.3 General Project Overview

This section will provide a brief overview of the Project to familiarize the reader (e.g., answers to where, what, and when) and present a framework or structure for the organization of the information that will follow. A description of the intended scope of work and summary of the specific components and/or activities involved with completing the Project will be provided.

1.4 Project Schedule

The sequence of key Project phases (i.e., construction, operation, and decommissioning and reclamation) will be described, including the following:

• anticipated Project lifespan; • anticipated timing/scheduling and duration of each phase; • activities undertaken in each phase; • anticipated schedule for submitting regulatory applications at each phase; and



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• anticipated schedule for disclosure of supplemental information to be required by the regulatory review process (i.e., licensing).

The discussion will be supplemented with a simplified Gantt chart.

1.5 Project Needs and Benefits

The "need for" the project is defined as the problem or opportunity that the proposed project is intending to solve or satisfy; that is, "need for" establishes the fundamental justification or rationale for the project (the Agency 2007). The "benefit of" the project outlines what is to be achieved by carrying out the project.

A rationale for the need for the Project will be provided. The rationale will describe Western Potash’s motivation and understanding of how the proposed Project meets the global needs for potash, as well as the potential benefits to local communities and Saskatchewan in general. A discussion of the proposed timing of the Project in relation to other ongoing or proposed developments will also be provided.

1.6 Approval Process

This section will provide an overview of the provincial and federal approval process and include a list of provincial and/or federal approvals, permits, and licenses required for the Project to proceed. Letters of approval that have been issued by provincial and federal government agencies will also be included.

1.7 Report Organization

This section provides an outline of how the EIS will be organized. Because the potential audience reviewing the EIS include a wide variety of regulators and the general public, the document will be clearly organized, and written using plain language, with no assumptions of previous knowledge of the Project and/or Project location. The EIS will contain a concordance table that cross-references the Terms of Reference (TOR) with the EIS such that requirements of the TOR are easily located in the EIS (e.g., document, section, and page number). These TOR will be provided as a supporting appendix to the EIS.



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2.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES

This section will describe the various technically and economically feasible ways the Project can be implemented or carried out. Alternative components, activities, management systems, environmental design features, or mitigation considered during the Project planning will be described in enough detail to clearly illustrate the differences, advantages and disadvantages of each option. This section will discuss the criteria (environmental, engineering and economic) used to evaluate the design alternatives, and an explanation of why they were selected or rejected. The criteria used to evaluate alternative design options will reflect the potential concern for both short-term (during operations) and long-term (post-decommissioning) environmental effects. Economic, social, and/or environmental considerations that were relevant to the selection of the preferred alternative will be described. The alternative analysis will also include a discussion on how engagement with public, First Nations, and Métis Groups completed by Western Potash were considered in determining the preferred Project alternative.

Specifically, alternatives relating to the following Project components, including but not limited to the following will be discussed in the EIS:

• plant location; • mining method; • mine well field pipelines; • processing; • tailings and brine management; • tailings decommissioning; • water supply; • transportation routes; • power options; • railway; and • construction camp.



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3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

As previously discussed, this section defines the scope of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Detailed descriptions of the Project components and activities (e.g., mining, processing, site infrastructure, and waste management) completed throughout the construction and operation phases of the Project will be provided. Environmental design features and mitigation that will be implemented to reduce or eliminate the effects of the Project on the environment will also be discussed. A conceptual decommissioning and reclamation plan will be described. Information and technical data will be provided in sufficient detail to enable an accurate assessment of the potential environmental effects of the potential Project. Specifically, the following information will be provided in this section.

3.1 Introduction

The section presents details of the Project to support the assessment of the potential Project effects on the environment.

3.2 Project History

This section will provide a brief introduction of Western Potash’s business activities, including the acquisition, evaluation, exploration, and development of mineral properties containing potash in Western Canada. Relevant exploration licenses, permits, and the subsurface mineral lease will be identified.

3.3 Mineral Resource Review

This section will provide details on the mineral formation, key stratigraphic boundaries determined for the Project, and the nature, depth, and thickness of the potash-bearing beds. Seismic surveys and drilling programs will be briefly discussed, and the mineral resource estimates (i.e., measured resource, indicated resource, and inferred resource) provided.

3.4 Construction

This section will discuss the temporary facilities and infrastructure that may be required during construction. Temporary facilities and infrastructure may include:

• contractor buildings; • equipment maintenance area; • parking; • laydown areas;



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• security facilities; • hazardous substances and waste dangerous goods storage; • sewage management facilities; • storage warehouses; • first aid trailer; • lunchroom/washroom; • temporary water and power supply; and • site water management infrastructure.

This section will also describe industry standards, best management practices, environmental design features, and/or mitigation that will be implemented during construction to reduce or eliminate potential effects to the environment (e.g., traffic, noise, air emissions, and soil erosion).

3.5 Mining

This section will give the reader a general understanding of the mining components necessary to mine the potash-bearing beds of the Prairie Evaporite Formation. The conceptual mining plan for the Project will be described, including the anticipated mine life, the conceptual development sequence and layout of the mine plan, and the yearly average extraction rates. The mining method selected for the Project and any technical issues and/or new technologies specific to the Project will be described.

The estimated direct physical footprint of the mine area will be provided, as well as drawings showing the locations of all structures and related infrastructure. Conceptual design descriptions of components and infrastructure associated with mining include:

• mine plan; • well and pad layout; and • mine well field piping design.

This section will also provide a summary of the associated mining phases, including:

• cavern development (sump development, cavity connection, roof area development); • primary mining; • secondary mining; and • cavern closure.

Industry standards, best management practices, environmental design features, and/or mitigation that will be implemented during mining to reduce or eliminate potential effects to the environment will be included.



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3.6 Processing

A general overview of the process, as well as a simplified processing diagram, will be included to provide the reader with context. This section will describe process details, and any technical issues and/or new technologies specific to the Project. Conceptual design descriptions of components and infrastructure associated with potash processing will be provided, including:

• evaporation and crystallization; • centrifuging and drying; • product screening; • compaction; • pond crystallization; • loadout and storage; • salt handling; and • reagent storage and preparation.

Environmental design features integrated into the plan to prevent or limit the effects of the Project on the environment will also be included (e.g., water usage reduction, greenhouse gas emission reduction, energy/power conservation).

3.7 Tailings Management Area

This section will describe the different tailings waste products, and the overall tailings management system, including the tailings preparation circuits within the plant site, the tailings delivery system, and the tailings management facility. It will also include a description of the containment system, including perimeter dykes techniques used to maintain their stability and containment. The management and disposal plan for brine waste will be presented, including expected volumes and the number and types of deep disposal wells to be used for deep well injection of brines. An evaluation of the capacity potential of deep injection to a suitable disposal zone will also be provided. Industry standards, best management practices, environmental design features, and/or mitigation that will be implemented to reduce or eliminate potential effects to the environment from the tailings management area (TMA) will be discussed.

3.8 Site Infrastructure

This section will discuss the major above-ground buildings being proposed for the Project during operations. Major above-ground buildings may include:

• process plant; • maintenance shop, parts warehouse, and tool storage; • administration office, guardhouse, and dry facilities;



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• product storage and loadout buildings; and • powerhouse building.

Hazardous substance storage on-site will also be described, including:

• the type, volume, storage (location and method), handling, and mitigation practices (e.g., capacity for containing spills) of all potentially hazardous materials used on site;

• a list of storage location for reagents, including expected volumes and concentrations of reagents to be stored on site; and

• construction of fuel storage facilities (e.g., diesel backup power generators building) including a justification for the fuel storage container type selected, on-site fuel transport and handling procedures.

In addition to the major buildings described above, a number of other buildings may be required throughout the site. A brief description of these buildings will be provided, and may include:

• various pumphouses (e.g., raw water pumphouse, brine pond pumphouse, and crystallization pond pumphouse);

• a cluster house at each wellhead grouping in the wellfield; • an equipment storage shed; and • a separate gas-insulated switchgear.

Industry standards, best management practices, environmental design features, and/or mitigation that will be implemented to reduce or eliminate potential effects to the environment from site infrastructure will be discussed.

3.9 Supporting Infrastructure

Support infrastructure for the Project will include water, power, natural gas, communications, road access, and rail access. SaskPower, TransGas, and SaskTel will be the utility providers of power, natural gas, and telecommunication services, respectively, for the Project. The off-site infrastructure required to support the Project will be discussed and a screening assessments completed by each of the utility providers will be included as a supporting appendix to the EIS. The on-site and supporting infrastructure owned by Western Potash (e.g., access roads, rail spur, water pipeline) will be described. Western Potash is currently in discussions with the City of Regina to secure treated effluent as the preferred industrial water source. The use of this water source will affect Wascana Creek and the results of a screening assessment will be included as a supporting appendix to the EIS.



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New roads or upgrades to existing roads may be required to access the site; as such a Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) will be completed for the construction and operation phases of the Project. This section will also provide the anticipated type, size, and frequency of traffic and loads that public roads will be subjected to, as well as proposed mitigation for access and safety concerns. The proposed railway spur route designed to transport the potash production from the site to port facilities will be described, as well as rail car requirements. Industry standards, best management practices, environmental design features, and/or mitigation that will be implemented to reduce or eliminate potential effects to the environment from supporting infrastructure will be discussed.

3.10 Domestic and Industrial Waste Management

The sources, types, and quantities of domestic, non-hazardous industrial, and hazardous industrial wastes (excluding mine waste, such as tailings and brine) predicted to be generated by the Project will be provided in the EIS. The process for the collection, handling, and disposing of these wastes to be generated will be described. Industry standards, best management practices, environmental design features, and/or mitigation that will be implemented to reduce or eliminate potential effects to the environment from domestic and industrial wastes will be discussed.

3.11 Health, Safety, and Environmental Management System

A summary of Western Potash’s Occupational Health and Safety Plans (OH&S) will be provided. Western Potash will develop programs in conformance to regulatory requirements, notably, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Saskatchewan) and the Mines Act. A brief description of the purpose and key elements of programs will be provided, including:

• occupational health and safety plans; • environmental protection plans; • emergency response plans; • employee education and training plans; and • community relations plans.

3.12 Decommissioning, Reclamation, and Abandonment

A Project-specific conceptual decommissioning and reclamation plan will be developed to provide a framework for decommissioning facilities and infrastructure on the site, in such a way that the environment and the public will be protected over the long-term. This section will present a conceptual description of the decommissioning and reclamation activities, including:

• decommissioning and reclamation objectives;



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• the approach to conceptual decommissioning planning; • proposed decommissioning and reclamation methods; • post-decommissioning monitoring and contingency planning; and • estimated cost and financial assurance.

The operational decommissioning and reclamation plan will be prepared to comply with Section 12(a) and 14(2), (a), (b) and (c) of the Mineral Industry Environmental Protection Regulations (1996) of the Environmental Management and Protection Act (2002). A Conceptual Reclamation Plan will also be provided as a supporting appendix. This section will propose criteria for abandoning the Project and associated infrastructure, and commitments for the monitoring of decommissioning success prior to the final abandonment. Detailed plans for decommissioning, reclamation, and abandonment will be developed in consultation with regulatory agencies during licensing.

Section 14 of the Mineral Industry Environmental Protection Regulations requires submission and approval of a plan to decommission the site, and an assurance fund to provide for site decommissioning. Financial assurances will be established in consultation with MOE during permitting of the Project.

3.13 Human Resources

This section will identify the peak construction workforce and number of permanent mine and process plant employees required for operation, and the potential needs to be met by local recruitment. The estimate of the human resource requirements for the Project includes direct and indirect employment requirements.

3.14 Accidents and Malfunctions

A summary of the hazard assessment completed for the Project will be provided, with details presented in a supporting appendix. This assessment lists potential accidents and malfunctions for the construction, operation, and decommissioning phases of the Project. The likelihood and severity of each risk identified will be assessed and applicable environmental design features, mitigation practices, and emergency response plans identified.



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4.0 PUBLIC, FIRST NATIONS, MÉTIS, AND REGULATORY ENGAGEMENT

4.1 Introduction

Early in the Project, Western Potash identified the need to engage people or organizations based on three broad categories: the public, First Nations and Métis communities, and regulatory agencies. Western Potash has initiated early contact with the local public, First Nations, Métis communities, and regulatory agencies, and will continue to engage these communities and groups throughout the EIA and permitting process. Any public, aboriginal, and regulatory engagement activities undertaken or planned will be documented in the EIS.

4.2 Engagement Approach

Different approaches were used to present information about the Project to the local residents, the public, First Nations, Métis communities and regulatory agencies. For example, face-to-face meetings were held with the Rural Municipality (R.M.) councils, town councils, and landowners, whereas fact sheets were mailed out to all the mineral and surface owners in the Project area. Community information sessions were held in the nearby communities, to introduce the Project and to provide the opportunity for the public to ask questions and learn more about the Project.

The overall public engagement program encompasses four major elements; local communities, adjacent landowners, and other interested members of the public. The objective of meeting with local R.M.’s and town councils is to engage the local government and communities in the Project area. These meetings include introducing Western Potash and the Project to the R.M. and town councils, discussing Project-specific details, the environmental assessment process, and potential socio-economic effects.

The objective of the community information sessions is to foster an understanding of the Project and provide an opportunity for people in the area to show support and/or identify concerns about the effects of the Project through public notification and involvement. The information collected during community information sessions will be included in the EIS for the Project, along with an indication of how any concerns raised will be addressed.

Three community information sessions will be held over the course of the EIA. The purpose of the first community information sessions was to introduce the Project and the Project team to the communities. The second round of community information sessions coincided with the submission of the Project Proposal and the third round will coincide with the submission of the EIS. Engagement activities for First Nations and Métis communities included attending Band membership meetings, as well as face to face meetings with the various Chief and Council, and Regional Métis Directors. The objectives of the First Nations and Métis community engagement



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activities are to lay a solid foundation for the engagement activities that will occur throughout the environmental assessment process and Project development, identify any specific issues that will be of interest locally so that appropriate materials and preparations can be completed to address these issues. The discussions with First Nations and Métis communities are also used to establish the basis for collecting baseline data related to Traditional Knowledge and Land use in the Project area, which will be included in the EIS.

Engagement with the regulatory agencies includes formal meetings with representatives from the various regulatory agencies. The intent of the regulatory engagement program is to:

• provide the regulatory agencies a briefing as to the proposed Project, issues identification, and environmental assessment approach;

• start to seek a deeper understanding from the regulatory agencies as to potential concerns and requirements; and

• keep regulatory agencies informed as to the status of the Project as it is developed.

4.3 Engagement Activities

This section will describe the engagement activities completed throughout the Project development, and summarize the feedback, issues, and concerns expressed during these activities. Engagement activities may include informal discussions with landowners and nearby residents, meetings with municipal councils or regulatory agencies, and open houses and public meetings with local communities, First Nation, and Métis Groups. Any indication of community acceptance or public interest in the Project will be documented in the EIS. Future engagement activities planned will also be described.

4.3.1 Local Communities

Western Potash initiated contact with local communities in late 2009. General introductory meetings, informal visits and community information sessions introducing the Project were held in the local and nearby communities, and R.M.’s.

Western Potash hosted a series of community information sessions in the Project area. The objectives of the information sessions were to provide the public with an opportunity to learn more about Western Potash, the Project, the environmental assessment process, and to receive any feedback or answer questions that they may have. The community information sessions were held in the communities of Riceton, Gray and Kronau. The first round of community information sessions took place from March 22 to 24, 2011 and the second round of community information sessions took place from November 15 to 17, 2011.



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4.3.2 First Nations and Métis Communities

In determining the First Nations and Métis communities to be included in the engagement process, Western Potash considered their proximity to the Project, their historical connections to the land, current land claims and engagement expectations by the Ministry of First Nations and Métis Relations, and the MOE. As a result, eight First Nations communities and two Métis Regions have been included in the engagement process:

• Carry the Kettle First Nation; • Muscowpetung First Nation; • Ocean Man First Nation; • Pasqua First Nation; • Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation; • Piapot First Nation; • Standing Buffalo Dakota First Nation; • White Bear First Nation; • Métis Nation Eastern Region III; and • Métis Nation Western Region III.

Data collected for the traditional land use section was acquired primarily through face-to-face surveys with Elders who are familiar with the Project area. The Elders were selected from First Nations and Métis communities that were included in the engagement plan for the Project.

Overall the Elders reported that no known traditional land use activities currently take place in the Project area. The reasons provided are related to the following:

• current private ownership of the land; • agricultural activities altering the land; and • the loss of interest and loss of knowledge of the traditional activities within First Nations

and Métis communities themselves.

4.3.3 Governmental and Regulatory Agencies

Western Potash initiated contact with government and regulatory agencies in March of 2010 and continues to engage them throughout the environmental assessment process. Engagement activities included informal discussions and telephone calls, as well as formal presentations and workshops.



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5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT APPROACH

5.1 Introduction

This section describes the general approach that will be used for analyzing effects, and classifying and determining the environmental significance of residual 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.

Key elements of the environmental assessment approach include:

• identification of valued components (VC’s); • pathway analysis (also known as linkage analysis); • spatial and temporal boundaries; • Project-specific effects; • cumulative effects; • residual effects classification; • determination of significance; • uncertainty; and • monitoring and follow-up.

Several elements of the approach can be consistently applied to all biophysical and socio-economic VCs. Alternately, certain elements of the assessment approach may have to be modified for some VCs. This section will provide a general overview of the assessment approach applicable to all VCs, while a detailed description will be provided within each VC section of the EIS.

5.2 Valued Components

5.2.1 Identification of Valued Components

A VC is a component that is considered to be ecologically, culturally, socially, or economically important (e.g., because of their conservation status and importance to biodiversity). The selection of VCs is based on what people (community members, regulators and other interested parties) value, as identified in the issue scoping and engagement process. The VCs for each discipline are identified and rationale for the selection of these VCs provided.



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It is important to note that not all environmental components are considered VCs. Environmental components such as air quality and noise quality do not have independent assessment endpoints. Instead they represent linkages and are considered as measurement endpoints for effects to other VCs. For example, changes in air quality may result in effects to the maintenance of self-sustaining plant communities and populations. Consequently, not every environmental component is carried through the residual effects classification and determination of significance; rather the residual effects analyses are provided in supporting appendices.

5.2.2 Assessment Endpoints and Measurement Endpoints

Assessment endpoints represent the key properties of the VC that should be protected for their use by future human generations. Assessment endpoints are general statements about what is being protected. For example, persistence of wildlife populations, and continued opportunities for traditional and non-traditional use of these ecological resources may be assessment endpoints for wildlife. Identification of assessment endpoints for VCs in the EIS was determined partially from the outcome of the community, public, and regulatory engagement process (Section 4.0).

Measurement endpoints are defined as quantifiable (i.e., measurable) expressions of changes to assessment endpoints (e.g., changes to chemical concentrations, rates, habitat quantity and quality, and number and distribution of organisms). Measurement endpoints also provide the primary factors for discussions concerning the uncertainty of impacts to VCs, and subsequently, are the key variables for study in monitoring and follow-up programs.

The overall determination of significance of effects from the Project on VCs will be predicted by linking residual effects on measurement endpoints to the associated assessment endpoint. Valued environmental components, assessment endpoints, and measurement endpoints that will be used in the EIS are presented in Table 5.2-1.



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Table 5.2-1: Assessment and Measurement Endpoints for Valued Components

Valued Environmental Component Assessment Endpoints Measurement Endpoints

Groundwater • Continued sustainability of groundwater for human use.

• Groundwater chemistry. • Groundwater levels. • Vertical and horizontal migration.

Hydrology • Sustainability of surface water quantity for human use.

• Spatial and temporal distribution of water.

• Surface topography, drainage boundaries, waterbodies, and water pathways.

Fish and Fish Habitat • Abundance and distribution of

fish habitat and fish populations.

• Spatial and temporal distribution of water (e.g., drawdown).

• Surface topography, drainage boundaries, waterbodies, and water pathways.

• Surface water quality (e.g., physical analytes, chemical properties).

• Fish habitat quantity and fragmentation.

• Fish habitat quality. • Relative abundance and distribution

of fish species.

Soil • Maintenance of soil capability

to support agriculture and other plant communities.

• Soil quality (i.e., physical, biological, and chemical properties).

• Soil quantity and distribution.

Plant populations and communities

• Maintenance of self-sustaining plant populations and communities.

• Maintenance of self-sustaining listed plant species.

• Continued opportunity for use of traditional use plants.

• Relative abundance and distribution of plant populations and communities.

• Habitat fragmentation. • Relative abundance and distribution

of federally and provincially listed plant species and listed plant species habitat potential.

• Relative abundance and distribution of traditional use plants and traditional use plant habitat potential.

Wildlife

• Maintenance of self-sustaining wildlife populations.

• Maintenance of self-sustaining listed wildlife species.

• Continued opportunity for traditional and non-traditional use of wildlife.

• Habitat quantity and fragmentation. • Habitat quality. • Relative abundance and distribution

of wildlife species. • Relative abundance and distribution

of federally and provincially listed wildlife species.

• Survival and reproduction.

Heritage Resources • Protection of heritage resources. • Archaeological and sacred sites.

Socio-economics • Economy

• Maintenance of sustainable social and economic properties.

• Employment. • Labour income. • Tax revenue. • Gross domestic product.



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Table 5.2-1: Assessment and Measurement Endpoints for Valued Components (continued)

Valued Environmental Component Assessment Endpoints Measurement Endpoints

• Community Services and Infrastructure


• Project workforce requirements. • Potential changes in the demand for

housing, accommodations, social, health, emergency and protective services, and physical infrastructure.

• Education and Training


• Project workforce requirements. • Commitments regarding

employment training.

• Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure


• Project workforce requirements. • Project traffic volumes. • Commitments regarding safety

measures and reducing traffic.

• Quality of Life

• Maintenance of sustainable social and economic properties, and protection of human health.

• Changes in land use. • Changes in aesthetics. • Changes in noise and air quality. • Changes in human health.

5.3 Environmental Assessment Boundaries

Individuals, populations, and communities function within the environment at different spatial (and temporal) scales. As such, the spatial boundaries will be specific to each VC. For the EIS, the spatial boundaries defined for each VC include:

• site study area (SSA); • local study area (LSA); and • regional study area (RSA).

The SSA includes direct effects from the Project footprint. The LSAs are designed to measure baseline environmental conditions and then predict direct effects from the Project footprint and activities on the VCs. The LSAs will be defined to assess small-scale indirect effects from Project activities on VCs, such as changes to soil and vegetation from dust emissions. The boundaries for the RSAs 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 RSA (e.g., economic effects are typically assessed at the provincial scale).



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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 will be 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.

5.4 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., groundwater, wildlife, and socio-economics). Pathway analysis is a screening step that is used to determine the existence and magnitude of all potential effects pathways for the Project. This screening step will largely be a qualitative assessment, intended to focus the effects analysis on pathways that will require a more comprehensive assessment of effects on VCs. Pathways will be 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 will be 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 will be considered minor (secondary) will 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.



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5.5 Effects Assessment

In the EIS, the effects analysis considers all valid pathways that likely result in measurable environmental changes and residual effects to VCs (i.e., after implementing environmental design features). This section will provide the general approach to analyzing Project-specific and cumulative effects for biophysical and socio-economic components.

For each VC assessment endpoint, methods and results for each measurement endpoint (e.g., changes to habitat quality) that is influenced by a primary pathway(s) will be provided. The methods section describes the scientific methods that will be used to predict the change in the measurement endpoints and subsequent effects on the VC. Detailed methods will go into an appendix with a summary here. However, the summary will be sufficiently detailed that it will be sufficient for most readers to understand how the results were obtained. Assumptions and other details needed to reproduce the modeling, as well as approaches/procedures used to decrease uncertainties (if they exist) in the analysis and models (e.g., conservative estimates) will be described.

Both Project-specific (incremental) and cumulative effects from the Project and other developments, if applicable, will be analyzed here. 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. The goal of the cumulative effects assessment will be to estimate the contribution of these types of effects, in addition to Project effects, to the amount of change on the VCs. Results for predicted Project-specific (incremental) and cumulative effects will be concisely and clearly presented with appropriate tables and figures. Supporting data from the existing conditions, scientific literature, and monitoring programs, where applicable, will be used. This will not be the place for classification of effects (which will occur in Section 5.6).

5.6 Residual Effects Analysis

Generic definitions for residual effects criteria will be provided, as well as an overview of the approach and method used to classify effects and predict environmental significance. Residual effects criteria used in the determination of significance include direction, magnitude, geographic extent, duration, reversibility, frequency, and likelihood. Environmental significance is used to identify predicted effects that have sufficient magnitude, duration, and geographic extent to cause fundamental changes to a VC (i.e., after implementing environmental design features). It is difficult to provide definitions for residual effects criteria and environmental significance that are universally applicable to each VC assessment endpoint. Consequently, specific definitions will be provided within each VC section of the EIS.



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5.6.1 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 will be addressed to increase the level of confidence that effects will not be worse than predicted. Where possible, a strong attempt will be 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.

5.7 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 will be completed by qualified individuals and is used to identify unanticipated effects and implement adaptive management. This section presents the concepts of adaptive management and different types of monitoring. It explains how monitoring and follow-up programs will be used to test effects predictions to reduce uncertainty and unexpected effects, and determine the effectiveness of mitigation.



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6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL DISCIPLINE SECTIONS

Sections 6 to 11 of the EIS will present the results of the EIA on a discipline-specific basis for the biophysical, cultural, and socio-economic environments at or near the Project. Topics covered within each of these discipline-specific sections include study areas, summary of the existing environment, pathways analysis, environmental effects assessment, residual effects assessment, and monitoring and follow-up. The major environmental disciplines evaluated in the EIS are as follows:

• Section 6 Atmospheric and Acoustic Environment; • Section 7 Hydrogeologic Environment (including geology and hydrogeology); • Section 8 Surface Water Environment (including hydrology, surface water quality, and

fish and fish habitat); • Section 9 Terrestrial Environment (including soils and terrain, vegetation, and wildlife); • Section 10 Cultural Environment (including heritage resources and land use); and • Section 11 Socio-economic Environment.

The following sections describe the information presented within each environmental discipline section.

6.1 Introduction

This section will list the disciplines that are linked to a particular VC and provide a brief summary of the relationships among the disciplines. Basically, this section will introduce key elements of related disciplines that were considered in the assessment of this environmental discipline, and why it was necessary to produce a comprehensive EIS. A concordance table that cross references the items in the TOR with relevant sections of the VC will be included. The scope will briefly address the scientific content and key issues and boundaries of the assessments (i.e., topics that are included). A paragraph briefly describing the VCs will also be part of the scope.

6.2 Study Areas

This section will contain a brief description of the study areas used to analyze and assess effects for each environmental discipline with maps. A conventional terminology will be used: SSA, LSA and RSA. The SSA includes direct effects from the Project footprint. The LSA includes direct effects from the Project footprint, as well as small-scale indirect effects from activities associated with the Project. The RSA is intended to predict the larger scale direct and indirect effects from the Project on VCs or populations with wider distributions (i.e., contains the maximum zone of influence from the Project). The RSA is the scale used to determine cumulative effects of



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adjacent land use activities and other developments in the region. The Environmental Assessment Approach (Section 5) will introduce the rationale and scientific reasoning for the selection of the effects study area boundaries.

6.3 Existing Environment

This section will provide a summary of the biophysical and socio-economic environments that may be affected by the Project. Baseline studies that have already been, or will be completed to support the Project will be described at a level of detail that allows for the evaluation and prediction of potential environmental effects from the proposed Project on the biophysical and socio-economic environments. The data will be sufficient to provide a sound basis for comparative monitoring and the development of effective decommissioning, reclamation, and abandonment procedures.

6.3.1 Atmospheric and Acoustic Environment

6.3.1.1 Atmospheric Environment

The objective of the baseline study was to collect and report on ambient air quality and meteorological data at the site prior to its development. The intended use of the data is to support the development of an air quality assessment that will be required as part of the EIS. Baseline air quality and meteorological data are used as inputs to the dispersion model that forms the basis of the assessment.

6.3.1.2 Noise Environment

The objective of the noise baseline study was to provide essential acoustic baseline information for the assessment of Project-related effects on the existing environment. This section will provide a summary of the methods used to collect the baseline data and results of analysis whereas the baseline annex includes detailed information on the methods, results, qualitative observations, and raw data.

6.3.2 Hydrogeologic Environment

This section provides a summary of the compiled existing geologic and hydrogeologic information that is used to develop a conceptual geologic and hydrgeologic model, which is used to develop a numerical groundwater flow model for the Project and surrounding area. The regional geologic and hydrogeologic model provides the basis for the assessment of the regional groundwater resources, and for siting key Project components (i.e., TMA, brine ponds and site infrastructure).



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6.3.3 Surface Water Environment

6.3.3.1 Hydrology

The intent of the hydrology baseline program was to provide sufficient information to satisfy environmental, engineering, and regulatory requirements for characterization of hydrology within the local and regional study areas. Baseline mapping and data will serve as a point of comparison against which future environmental changes or effects arising from Project activities can be assessed.

6.3.3.2 Surface Water Quality and Fish and Fish Habitat

Baseline studies were completed to collect site-specific information to document baseline conditions including surface water quality, fish populations, and aquatic habitat. This information is used in the assessment to identify possible mitigation and protective actions that can be implemented to avoid or reduce potential adverse effects to surface water quality, and fish and fish habitat.

6.3.4 Terrestrial Environment

6.3.4.1 Terrain and Soils

The terrain and soils baseline studies were completed to describe existing conditions of terrain and soil, including soil properties, quality and quantity in the LSA and RSA. In addition, the studies were completed to characterize baseline soil chemistry and metal concentrations, which are used to evaluate erosion, compaction, reclamation suitability, and acidification. This information is used for the assessment of Project effects on the terrestrial environment and will help to determine and identify possible mitigation and protective actions that could be implemented to avoid or reduce potential adverse effects to terrain and soils.

6.3.4.2 Vegetation

Baseline studies were completed to establish an understanding of the vegetation baseline conditions in the LSA and RSA, including:

• provide an inventory of the plant species present within the RSA and LSA; • to document potential and observed occurrences of federally and provincially listed plant

species at risk within the RSA and LSA; • to document traditional use plants within the RSA and LSA;



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• to document invasive and noxious weed species listed under the Weed Control Act, 2010 and the Saskatchewan Invasive Species List and estimate their extent within the RSA and LSA;

• to provide an ecological landscape classification (ELC) for the RSA and LSA; • to provide information on plant populations and communities associated with the ELC

land cover classes for the RSA and LSA; and • to assess the richness of plant species among the ELC land cover classes within the

RSA and LSA.

Detailed vegetation surveys were completed to compile a plant species inventory and obtain site-specific, descriptive information on the nature and characteristics of plant communities within ELC units present within the local and regional area. In addition, surveys for native and non-native weeds were completed to determine the prevalence and occurrence of invasive species. Surveys for provincially and federally listed plant species were also completed. Details of the survey methods and results will be included in the EIS.

This information is used for the assessment of Project effects on the terrestrial environment and will help to determine and identify possible mitigation and protective actions that could be implemented to avoid or reduce potential adverse effects to vegetation. This will include the design and implementation of a weed and invasive plant management strategy to prevent, detect, control (remove), and monitor areas with prohibited, noxious, nuisance, and invasive plant species.

6.3.4.3 Wildlife

The wildlife baseline studies are required to describe the existing wildlife habitat and wildlife prior to the development of the Project. Surveys performed include: amphibian call surveys, upland breeding bird surveys, waterbird surveys, wetland classifications, ungulate aerial surveys, winter track counts, and raptor nest surveys. These surveys were selected because they are widely used in the areas of wildlife conservation, and are nonintrusive to animals and habitat. Specifically, the objectives of the wildlife baseline studies were:

• to identify wildlife species occurrence, abundance, and distribution within the LSA and RSA;

• to identify migratory birds listed under the Migratory Bird Act and potential migratory bird habitat;

• to document the potential and observed occurrences of federally (listed under the Species at Risk Act and Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) and provincially listed wildlife species in the LSA and RSA; and



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• to identify important habitat features and describe the use of habitats by wildlife in the region (e.g., wetlands).

This information is used for the assessment of Project effects on the terrestrial environment and will help to determine and identify possible mitigation and protective actions that could be implemented to avoid or reduce potential adverse effects to wildlife.

6.3.5 Cultural Environment

The purpose of the heritage resource baseline studies was to identify the location and nature of heritage resources present within the Project area, and if necessary, present mitigation options to address potential heritage concerns. The data collected from the studies are summarized in a standalone report for submission to the Heritage Conservation Resources Branch, Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport, to satisfy Provincial regulatory requirements and to meet the anticipated requirements necessary for the preparation of the EIS.

6.3.6 Socio-economic Environment

A socio-economic baseline study was carried out to describe current population and demographic trends, labour force characteristics, economic trends and social and physical infrastructure in communities that may be affected by the Project. The socio-economic baseline study relied on secondary data, which was supplemented with information gained from key informant interviews completed during a visit to the LSA. Secondary data were obtained from recent provincial and regional demographic studies, and databases maintained by Statistics Canada (e.g., 2006 National Census of Population) and provincial government agencies.

6.4 Pathway Analysis

Potential pathways through which the Project could affect the biophysical and socio-economic environments will be identified and compiled into a table. This table will include information on the Project activity, effects pathway, potential environmental effects, and key environmental design features implemented to mitigate potential effects. Effects pathways include both positive and negative effects that the Project may have on biophysical and socio-economic environments. Any Project changes or environmental design features made in response to public concern will be identified.

Pathways with no linkage to VCs or that will be considered minor (secondary) will not be analyzed further 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



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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.

6.5 Environmental Component

6.5.1 Effects Assessment

A detailed description of the methods used to analyze potential residual effects from the Project on environmental components will be provided for each discipline. Where possible and appropriate, the analyses will be quantitative, and may include data from field studies, modeling 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 judgment or experienced opinion. The following sections describe the environmental effects assessment that may be required for each discipline.

6.5.1.1 Air Quality

This assessment will be 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 will be 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 include dispersion modeling 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. Results from the modeling will be used by other disciplines to evaluate the Project’s potential to affect 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.

6.5.1.2 Noise Levels

To complete the analysis of changes in noise levels, 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.



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Based on the assumed sources of noise outputs, a noise model will be developed that provides a calculation of noise propagation from the Project over a designated study area relative to baseline conditions. The noise model will incorporate Project activities and processes that generate noise. The model will predict noise levels at identified noise sensitive receptors, which are typically nearby 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 noise levels relative to baseline conditions evaluated.

6.5.1.3 Hydrogeology

A numerical groundwater flow model will be developed and calibrated based on existing information. The model will incorporate 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 and potential effects to human use of these resources.

6.5.1.4 Surface Hydrology

Hydrology modeling 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



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geotechnical engineering group will be used in the assessment to evaluate the effects of ground subsidence to surface hydrology.

Changes to the surface topography from subsidence are predicted to alter drainage area boundaries, stream flow direction and channel gradients of streams that flow over the mining area. For the purpose of the assessment, the final state is assumed as the worst case scenario for predicting the maximum spatial extent and magnitude of subsidence. The effects from subsidence on hydrology will include:

• elevation contours of subsidence at the ultimate state for the 100 year mine plan; • predicted change to drainage area boundaries; • current and predicted channel profile along Wascana Creek from east to west; and • potential inundated area after subsidence.

6.5.1.5 Surface Water Quality

An assessment of the Project effects on surface water quality may be required, but is dependent on the results of the pathways analysis (i.e., the effects assessment is only for valid pathways). The effects assessment may include potential effects from air emissions (dust and salt) from the Project, as well as changes in groundwater quality from the TMA on surface water quality.

6.5.1.6 Fish and Fish Habitat

An assessment of the Project effects on aquatic resources may be required, but is dependent on the results of the pathway analysis. Depending on the results of the hydrology assessment, this may include changes to water quantity and effects to fish and fish habitat. Based on results of the hydrology assessment, a qualitative discussion to evaluate the effects of ground subsidence caused by mine operations on fish habitat may also be required.

6.5.1.7 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. An assessment will be completed to evaluate the direct effects of clearing activities and erosion to soil quantity and distribution during construction. In addition, direct effects on soil quality from soil salvage, stockpiling, and transport will be carried out through a soil reclamation suitability analysis using information obtained from baseline data. 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. An assessment to evaluate the effects of ground subsidence caused by mine operations on soil



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quality and distribution will be carried out through a qualitative discussion based on results of the hydrology assessment.

6.5.1.8 Plant Communities and Populations

An assessment of the Project effects on plant communities and populations (including listed and traditional use species) will be completed for the valid pathways identified in the pathways analysis. 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 ELC map. Changes in the relative abundance and distribution of ELC units within the local and regional study areas are assessed to predict effects to plant communities and populations, listed plant species and habitat with potential to support listed plant species, and traditional use plants. Indirect effects from air and dust emissions, as well as invasive and noxious weed species listed under the Weed Control Act, 2010 and the Saskatchewan Invasive Species List will be evaluated. An assessment of the effects on plant communities and populations from changes in the hydrological regime, and ground subsidence will also be completed based on results of the hydrology assessment.

6.5.1.9 Wildlife

An assessment of the Project effects on wildlife VCs will be completed for the valid pathways identified in the pathways analysis. 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 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.

Indirect changes from the Project on wildlife habitat quality will be assessed using the habitat suitability index (HSI) approach. The HSI models can identify important resources to wildlife, and be used as tools for planning their conservation in managed landscapes. The HSI is an efficient method for determining habitat quality, and represents the capacity of a given habitat to support a wildlife species. The models will not be used to estimate population sizes or other demographic parameters (e.g., survival and reproduction) of wildlife in the RSA.

Indirect effects from air and dust emissions, as well as sensory disturbance from the Project will be evaluated. An assessment of the effects on wildlife from changes in the hydrological regime, and ground subsidence will also be completed based on results of the hydrology assessment.



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6.5.1.10 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 will include 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.

6.5.1.11 Socio-economics

Residual effects from the Project to the socio-economic environment will be assessed by estimating positive and negative changes to the economy, community services and infrastructure, education and training, traffic and transportation infrastructure, and quality of life. Some of these measurement endpoints will be analyzed quantitatively (e.g., number of jobs created, estimated income levels). Other endpoints such as community cohesion and 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 will consider the interactions among the unique and common attributes, challenges, and opportunities related to social, cultural, and economic VCs. Human health will also be considered as part of the quality of life VC. A key aspect of the effects analysis will be to predict the influence from the Project on the development and sustainability of socio- economic conditions in the region. The EIS will also address potential effects of subsidence on existing infrastructure (e.g., pipelines) within the 100 year mine plan.

6.5.2 Residual Effects Analysis

In this section, all residual effects will be discussed and classified in terms of effects to VC assessment endpoints. Generic definitions will be provided for each of the effects criteria in Section 5. For criteria such as reversibility, frequency and likelihood, the definitions will be applied consistently across all VC assessment endpoints. The scale of classifications (e.g., high, low, local, regional, short and long-term) for magnitude, geographic extent, and duration is dependent on each VC assessment endpoint. Depending on the measurement endpoint, the scales for magnitude may be numerically or qualitatively defined. To provide transparency in the EIS, the definitions of these scales will be ecologically or logically based on the VC assessment endpoint, and avoid personal opinion (although professional judgment will be inevitable in some cases). Both incremental (Project-specific) and cumulative effects will be classified.



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The classification of residual effects on primary pathways for each VC provides the foundation for determining significance from the Project on assessment endpoints. However, significance will only be determined for assessment endpoints, and not individual pathways. The evaluation of significance will consider the entire set of pathways that influence a particular assessment endpoint. The relative contribution of each pathway will then be used to determine the significance of the Project on assessment endpoints. Pathways predicted to have the greatest influence on changes to assessment endpoints will also be assumed to contribute the most to the determination of significance. Because it is difficult to provide definitions for significance that are universally applicable to each VC, definitions for evaluating significance will be specific to each VC assessment endpoint. The evaluation of significance will use scientific and ecological principles, to the extent possible, but will also involve professional judgment and experienced opinion.

6.5.3 Uncertainty

Most assessments of effects embody some degree of uncertainty. The purpose of this section 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:

• 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 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.



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6.5.4 Monitoring and Follow-up

In this section, 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 will be completed by qualified individuals and is 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 (e.g., air, groundwater, and containment dyke slope stability). Environmental monitoring: monitoring to track conditions or issues during the development lifespan, and subsequent implementation of adaptive management (e.g., brine migration and subsidence).

• 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. Details regarding the monitoring plans will be discussed in the EIS. This may include increased monitoring, changes in monitoring plans, or additional mitigation. Results of the monitoring programs will be summarized in a Status of the Environment Report.



7-1

7.0 EFFECTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT ON THE PROJECT

This section describes the potential effects that the natural environment may have on the Project and the environmental design features that will be implemented to limit effects to the environment. Specifically, potential effects from the following natural events will be considered:

• short-term events (e.g., severe rain storms, extreme snowfall, hailstorms, tornadoes, and extreme winds);

• temperature extremes; • fires; • earthquakes; • seasonal events (e.g., seasonal wet/dry conditions, high/low rainfall, and winter with high

snowfall); and • Long-term climate changes (e.g., historical trends in climate, climate change projections,

and potential effects of climate change on project operation).



8-1

8.0 CORPORATE COMMITMENTS

This section will contain a detailed commitments register, and plan for reporting and follow-up activities. The commitments register will outline each commitment made in the EIS to prevent or mitigate effects from the Project and to meet regulatory requirements. The commitment register will also include specific commitments for monitoring and follow-up activities. The commitments will be specific, measureable, achievable, and reportable (MOE 2012).



9-1

9.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

This section provides a comprehensive summary of the EIS, including conclusions relating to how the Project interacts with the biophysical and socio-economic environments at and near the Project.

Western Potash Milestone Project


APPENDIX I

WESTERN POTASH MILESTONE PROJECT CONSULTATION PLAN



I-1

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this document is to outline the proposed First Nation and Métis Consultation Plan that Western Potash Corp. (Western Potash) intends to carry out for the Milestone Project (the Project). This Consultation Plan is designed to meet procedural aspects of Duty to Consult that the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment (MOE) has delegated to Western Potash as outlined in the Consultation Notification of Proposed Western Potash Milestone Project letter (EAB File: 2001-054) dated March 22, 2012.

The MOE has determined that Duty to Consult with First Nations and Métis communities has been triggered for aspects of the Project directly related to the allocation of water to Western Potash and potential changes to hydrological characteristics of Wascana Creek from the City of Regina’s waste water treatment plant to the confluence of the Qu’Appelle River and Wascana Creek. The MOE seeks to understand how changes to Wascana Creek may have an effect on First Nations and Métis communities’ ability to pursue activities such as hunting, fishing, trapping or other traditional activities as a result of these changes. As the mine site is located on private land, the MOE has indicated that there is no trigger for Duty to Consult for the mine site.

IDENTIFICATION OF FIRST NATION AND MÉTIS COMMUNITIES

As described in the Government of Saskatchewan First Nation and Métis Consultation Framework (2010), there are consultation requirements where a proposed project falls within a First Nation or Métis community’s traditional territory. The MOE considers several sources of information to determine which First Nations and Métis communities require consultation when Duty to Consult has been triggered. A description of the determination criteria is provided in the Proponents Guide: Consultation with First Nations and Métis in Saskatchewan Environmental Impact Assessment (2011). The following First Nations and Métis communities were identified by the MOE and have been provided with notification of the Consultation Notification dated March 29, 2012 and procedural aspects of the Duty to Consult that have been delegated to Western Potash:

• Piapot First Nation; • Pasqua First Nation; • Muscowpetung First Nation; • Carry the Kettle First Nation; • Cowessess First Nation; • Sakimay First Nation; • Kawacatoose First Nation; and • Métis Nation of Saskatchewan – Eastern Region 3.



I-2

CONSULTATION OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this Consultation Plan is to assist the MOE in meeting its Duty to Consult. Although the Duty to Consult ultimately resides with the Crown, the MOE has delegated certain procedural aspects to Western Potash as Western Potash is in the best position to accurately describe the Project and any potential adverse effects to the environment. Through the execution of this Consultation Plan, Western Potash will provide to the identified First Nations and Métis communities specific information related to the predicted hydrological changes in Wascana Creek as a result of the Project’s water allocation. Information from the First Nations and Métis communities will be gathered on how these potential changes may affect their ability to pursue their traditional activities such as hunting, fishing, trapping or other traditional activities along Wascana Creek. This information will be documented and considered in the Environmental Impact Statement.

CONSULTATION PLAN

This section provides the details of the Consultation Plan and is designed to meet the requirements of the MOE. For the most part, the Consultation Plan builds upon relationships already established with First Nations and Métis communities through Western Potash’s ongoing engagement activities, which were initiated in the summer of 2010 and are still ongoing. Table I.1 provides a detailed breakdown and description of the proposed activities that will be completed as part of the Consultation Plan.

Table I.1: Consultation Plan Tasks

Name of Task Description of Task

Initial Notification

Each First Nation and Métis community identified by the MOE will be contacted to establish the preferred and most appropriate means of consultation. The initial contact will establish the need and venue for consultation and specific protocols for all future communication and meetings.

Presentation of Project-specific Details

Project-specific information will be provided in plain language by Western Potash representatives. Information would include a general description of the Project, including the location, schedule, specific project activities; ongoing environmental studies and overview of the environmental assessment approval process. A summary of the potential effects from the Project on the environment, and associated mitigation to reduce these effects will also be presented. Input and issues of concern identified by the First Nations and Métis communities during this process will be documented. The medium and venue for the delivery of the Project-specific information will be determined and mutually agreed upon. Examples of how information may be provided include a presentation to the Chief and Council or other Band representatives, presentations to general Band meetings, information handouts, factsheets, and/or site visits.



I-3

Table I.1: Consultation Plan Tasks (continued)

Name of Task Description of Task

Collection of land use data

Data will be sought from each First Nation and Métis community on how the Project may potentially affect their ability to hunt, fish, trap or conduct other traditional activities as a result of changes to Wascana Creek. This may involve conducting interviews with individual land users or Elders.

Specific Community Concerns

If requested by a First Nation or Métis community, Western Potash will meet with each community to discuss in more detail comments and concerns of the potentially affected community. A strategy to avoid or mitigate potential adverse effects will be developed with the community. Overall, Western Potash will incorporate, where appropriate, the views of First Nations and Métis communities to avoid or limit the effects on hunting, fishing, trapping and traditional activities into the Project design.

Follow Up

Western Potash will provide an opportunity to follow up and provide summary results of the completed environmental assessment to each First Nation and Métis community. If required, Western Potash will participate further with consultation activities between the MOE and the First Nations and Métis communities.

MOE = Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment; Western Potash = Western Potash Corp.; the Project = Milestone Project

CONSULTATION SUMMARY AND REPORT

Western Potash will fully document all correspondence, attempts at correspondence, communication, and meeting summaries. A report summarizing these activities will be made available and included in the Environmental Impact Statement. The following information will be included:

• list of First Nations and Métis communities provided with Project-specific information; • copies of Project-specific information provided to the First Nations and Métis

communities; • how and when the Project-specific information was given to the First Nations and Métis

communities; • dates and locations of activities or meetings with First Nations and Métis communities; • names of individuals contacted and lists of participants of all activities or meetings with

First Nations and Métis communities; • minutes of all meetings or other records of decisions; • summary of all consultation efforts and outcomes, including concerns raised by First

Nations and Métis communities; • summary of any land use information shared with Western Potash with respect to

hunting, fishing, trapping or other traditional activities; and • proposed follow-up plan with First Nations and Métis communities.



APPENDIX II

WESTERN POTASH MILESTONE PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

August 2012 Report No. 09-1362-1080 i

Table of Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 1-1

1.1 Project Proponent ............................................................................................................................................. 1-1

1.2 Project Location and Environmental Setting ..................................................................................................... 1-1

1.3 General Project Overview ................................................................................................................................. 1-1

1.4 Project Schedule ............................................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.5 Project Need and Benefits ................................................................................................................................ 1-1

1.6 Approval Process .............................................................................................................................................. 1-1

1.7 Report Purpose and Organization .................................................................................................................... 1-1

2.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES .......................................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.1 Plant Location ................................................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Mining Method .................................................................................................................................................. 2-1

2.3 Mine Well Field Pipelines .................................................................................................................................. 2-1

2.4 Mine Well Field Infrastructure ........................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.5 Processing ........................................................................................................................................................ 2-1

2.6 Tailings and Brine Management ....................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.6.1 Natural Containment ................................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.6.2 Synthetic Liner ............................................................................................................................................ 2-1

2.6.3 Cutoff Wall .................................................................................................................................................. 2-1

2.6.4 Recovery wells ............................................................................................................................................ 2-1

2.6.5 Blanket Drain .............................................................................................................................................. 2-1

2.7 Tailings Decommissioning ................................................................................................................................ 2-1

2.7.1 Enhanced Dissolution ................................................................................................................................. 2-1

2.7.2 Reduction in Tailings Volume ...................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.7.3 Backfilling .................................................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.8 Reduction of Tailings Volume ........................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.9 Backfilling ......................................................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.10 Water Supply .................................................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.11 Power Options .................................................................................................................................................. 2-1

2.12 Transportation Routes ...................................................................................................................................... 2-1


August 2012 Report No. 09-1362-1080 ii

2.13 Railway ............................................................................................................................................................. 2-1

2.14 Construction Camp ........................................................................................................................................... 2-1

3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................................................. 3-1

3.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.1.1 Context ........................................................................................................................................................ 3-1

3.1.2 Purpose and Scope..................................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.1.3 Content ....................................................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.2 Project History .................................................................................................................................................. 3-1

3.3 Mineral Resource Review ................................................................................................................................. 3-1

3.3.1 Mineral Formations ..................................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.3.2 Mineral Resource and Grade ...................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.4 Construction Activities ...................................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.5 Mining ............................................................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.5.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 3-1

3.5.2 Mine Plan .................................................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.5.3 Well and Pad Layout ................................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.5.4 Mine Well Field Piping Design .................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.5.5 Environmental Design Features for Mining ................................................................................................. 3-1

3.6 Processing ........................................................................................................................................................ 3-1

3.6.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.6.2 Process Details ........................................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.6.3 Environmental Design Features for Processing .......................................................................................... 3-1

3.7 Tailings Management Area ............................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.7.1 Waste Salt Storage ..................................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.7.2 Brine and Site Water Management ............................................................................................................. 3-1

3.7.3 Deep Well Injection ..................................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.7.4 Environmental Design Features for the Tailings Management Area ........................................................... 3-1

3.8 Site Infrastructure ............................................................................................................................................. 3-1

3.8.1 Permanent Buildings ................................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.8.2 Hazardous Substance Storage ................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.8.3 Other Buildings ........................................................................................................................................... 3-1


August 2012 Report No. 09-1362-1080 iii

3.8.4 Environmental Design Features for Site Infrastructure................................................................................ 3-1

3.9 Supporting Infrastructure .................................................................................................................................. 3-1

3.9.1 Water Supply .............................................................................................................................................. 3-1

3.9.2 Electrical Power .......................................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.9.3 Natural Gas ................................................................................................................................................. 3-2

3.9.4 Telecommunications ................................................................................................................................... 3-2

3.9.5 Access and Transportation ......................................................................................................................... 3-2

3.9.6 Environmental Design Features for the Supporting Infrastructure .............................................................. 3-2

3.10 Domestic and Industrial Waste Management ................................................................................................... 3-2

3.10.1 Domestic and Non-hazardous Industrial Waste .......................................................................................... 3-2

3.10.2 Hazardous Industrial Waste ........................................................................................................................ 3-2

3.10.3 Environmental Design Features for Waste Management ............................................................................ 3-2

3.11 Health, Safety, and Environment Management System ................................................................................... 3-2

3.11.1 Occupational Health and Safety Plans ........................................................................................................ 3-2

3.11.2 Environmental Protection Plans .................................................................................................................. 3-2

3.11.3 Emergency Response ................................................................................................................................. 3-2

3.11.4 Employee Education and Training Plans .................................................................................................... 3-2

3.11.5 Community Relations Plan .......................................................................................................................... 3-2

3.12 Decommissioning and Reclamation .................................................................................................................. 3-2

3.13 Human Resources ............................................................................................................................................ 3-2

3.14 Accidents and Malfunctions .............................................................................................................................. 3-2

4.0 PUBLIC, FIRST NATIONS, MÉTIS, AND REGULATORY ENGAGEMENT ................................................................. 4-1

4.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 4-1

4.2 Engagement Approach ..................................................................................................................................... 4-1

4.2.1 Public .......................................................................................................................................................... 4-1

4.2.2 First Nations and Métis Groups ................................................................................................................... 4-1

4.2.3 Government and Regulatory Agencies ....................................................................................................... 4-1

4.3 Engagement Activities Completed to Date ....................................................................................................... 4-1

4.3.1 Public Engagement Activities ...................................................................................................................... 4-1

4.3.2 Neighbour Relations Program ..................................................................................................................... 4-1

4.3.3 First Nations and Métis Groups ................................................................................................................... 4-1


August 2012 Report No. 09-1362-1080 iv

4.3.4 Government and Regulatory Agencies ....................................................................................................... 4-1

4.3.5 Issues Identification and Response ............................................................................................................ 4-1

5.0 ASSESSMENT APPROACH ......................................................................................................................................... 5-1

5.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 5-1

5.1.1 Context ........................................................................................................................................................ 5-1


5.2 Valued Components ......................................................................................................................................... 5-1

5.3 Environmental Assessment Boundaries ........................................................................................................... 5-1

5.3.1 Spatial Scales and Boundaries ................................................................................................................... 5-1

5.3.2 Temporal Boundaries .................................................................................................................................. 5-1

5.4 Pathway Analysis .............................................................................................................................................. 5-1

5.5 Residual Effects Analysis ................................................................................................................................. 5-1

5.5.1 Project-Specific Effects Analysis ................................................................................................................. 5-1

5.5.2 Approach to Cumulative Effects .................................................................................................................. 5-1

5.6 Determination of Significance ........................................................................................................................... 5-1

5.6.1 Residual Effects Criteria and Definitions ..................................................................................................... 5-1

5.6.2 Residual Effects Classification and Determination of Significance .............................................................. 5-1

5.6.3 Uncertainty .................................................................................................................................................. 5-1

5.7 Monitoring and Follow-Up ................................................................................................................................. 5-1

5.8 References ....................................................................................................................................................... 5-1

6.0 ATMOSPHERIC AND ACOUSTIC ENVIRONMENT ..................................................................................................... 6-2

6.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 6-2

6.1.1 Context ........................................................................................................................................................ 6-2


6.1.3 Content ....................................................................................................................................................... 6-2

6.2 Study Areas ...................................................................................................................................................... 6-2

6.3 Existing Environment ........................................................................................................................................ 6-2

6.3.1 Climate and Meteorology ............................................................................................................................ 6-2

6.3.2 Air Quality ................................................................................................................................................... 6-2

6.3.3 Noise Quality ............................................................................................................................................... 6-2



August 2012 Report No. 09-1362-1080 v

6.4.1 Methods ...................................................................................................................................................... 6-3

6.4.2 Results ........................................................................................................................................................ 6-3

6.5 Effects to the Atmospheric Environment ........................................................................................................... 6-3

6.5.1 Residual Effects Analysis ............................................................................................................................ 6-3

6.5.2 Uncertainty .................................................................................................................................................. 6-3

6.5.3 Monitoring and Follow-up ............................................................................................................................ 6-3

6.6 Effects to the Acoustic Environment ................................................................................................................. 6-3


6.6.2 Uncertainty .................................................................................................................................................. 6-3


6.7 References ....................................................................................................................................................... 6-3

6.8 Glossary ........................................................................................................................................................... 6-3

7.0 HYDROGEOLOGIC ENVIRONMENT............................................................................................................................ 7-1

7.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 7-1

7.1.1 Context ........................................................................................................................................................ 7-1


7.1.3 Content ....................................................................................................................................................... 7-1

7.2 Study Areas ...................................................................................................................................................... 7-1


7.3.1 Geology ....................................................................................................................................................... 7-1

7.3.2 Hydrogeology .............................................................................................................................................. 7-1


7.4.1 Methods ...................................................................................................................................................... 7-1

7.4.2 Results ........................................................................................................................................................ 7-1

7.5 Effects to Hydrogeology .................................................................................................................................... 7-1


7.5.2 Determination of Significance ..................................................................................................................... 7-1

7.5.3 Uncertainty .................................................................................................................................................. 7-1


7.6 References ....................................................................................................................................................... 7-1

7.7 Glossary ........................................................................................................................................................... 7-1


August 2012 Report No. 09-1362-1080 vi

8.0 SURFACE WATER ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................................................................ 8-2

8.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 8-2

8.1.1 Context ........................................................................................................................................................ 8-2


8.1.3 Content ....................................................................................................................................................... 8-2

8.2 Study Areas ...................................................................................................................................................... 8-2


8.3.1 Hydrology .................................................................................................................................................... 8-2

8.3.2 Surface Water Quality ................................................................................................................................. 8-2

8.3.3 Fish and Fish Habitat .................................................................................................................................. 8-2


8.4.1 Methods ...................................................................................................................................................... 8-2

8.4.2 Results ........................................................................................................................................................ 8-2

8.5 Effects to Hydrology .......................................................................................................................................... 8-3



8.5.3 Uncertainty .................................................................................................................................................. 8-3


8.6 Effects to Fish and Fish Habitat ........................................................................................................................ 8-3



8.6.3 Uncertainty .................................................................................................................................................. 8-3


8.7 References ....................................................................................................................................................... 8-3

8.8 Glossary ........................................................................................................................................................... 8-3

9.0 TERRESTRIAL ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................................................................... 9-4

9.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 9-4

9.1.1 Context ........................................................................................................................................................ 9-4


9.1.3 Content ....................................................................................................................................................... 9-4

9.2 Study Areas ...................................................................................................................................................... 9-4


August 2012 Report No. 09-1362-1080 vii


9.3.1 Terrain and Soils ......................................................................................................................................... 9-4

9.3.2 Vegetation ................................................................................................................................................... 9-4

9.3.3 Wildlife ........................................................................................................................................................ 9-4


9.4.1 Methods ...................................................................................................................................................... 9-4

9.4.2 Results ........................................................................................................................................................ 9-4

9.5 Effects to Soils .................................................................................................................................................. 9-4



9.5.3 Uncertainty .................................................................................................................................................. 9-5


9.6 Effects to Vegetation ......................................................................................................................................... 9-5



9.6.3 Uncertainty .................................................................................................................................................. 9-5


9.7 Effects to Wildlife .............................................................................................................................................. 9-5



9.7.3 Uncertainty .................................................................................................................................................. 9-5


9.8 References ....................................................................................................................................................... 9-5

9.9 Glossary ........................................................................................................................................................... 9-5

10.0 CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT ...................................................................................................................................... 10-6

10.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 10-6

10.1.1 Context ...................................................................................................................................................... 10-6

10.1.2 Purpose and Scope................................................................................................................................... 10-6

10.1.3 Content ..................................................................................................................................................... 10-6

10.2 Study Areas .................................................................................................................................................... 10-6

10.3 Existing Environment ...................................................................................................................................... 10-6


August 2012 Report No. 09-1362-1080 viii

10.3.1 Heritage Resources .................................................................................................................................. 10-6

10.3.2 Traditional and Non-traditional Land Use .................................................................................................. 10-6

10.4 Pathway Analysis ............................................................................................................................................ 10-6

10.4.1 Methods .................................................................................................................................................... 10-6

10.4.2 Results ...................................................................................................................................................... 10-6

10.5 Monitoring and Follow-Up ............................................................................................................................... 10-6

10.6 References ..................................................................................................................................................... 10-6

10.7 Glossary ......................................................................................................................................................... 10-6

11.0 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ......................................................................................................................... 11-7

11.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 11-7

11.1.1 Context ...................................................................................................................................................... 11-7

11.1.2 Purpose and Scope................................................................................................................................... 11-7

11.1.3 Content ..................................................................................................................................................... 11-7

11.2 Study Areas .................................................................................................................................................... 11-7

11.3 Existing Environment ...................................................................................................................................... 11-7

11.4 Pathway Analysis ............................................................................................................................................ 11-7

11.4.1 Methods .................................................................................................................................................... 11-7

11.4.2 Results ...................................................................................................................................................... 11-7

11.5 Effects to the Economy ................................................................................................................................... 11-8

11.5.1 Residual Effects Analysis .......................................................................................................................... 11-8

11.5.2 Determination of Significance ................................................................................................................... 11-8

11.5.3 Uncertainty ................................................................................................................................................ 11-8

11.6 Effects to Housing, Services, and Physical Infrastructure ............................................................................... 11-8



11.6.3 Uncertainty ................................................................................................................................................ 11-8

11.7 Effects to Education and Training ................................................................................................................... 11-8



11.7.3 Uncertainty ................................................................................................................................................ 11-8

11.8 Effects to Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure ......................................................................................... 11-9


August 2012 Report No. 09-1362-1080 ix



11.8.3 Uncertainty ................................................................................................................................................ 11-9

11.9 Effects to Quality of Life .................................................................................................................................. 11-9



11.9.3 Uncertainty ................................................................................................................................................ 11-9

11.10 On-going Engagement and Follow-up ............................................................................................................ 11-9

11.11 References ..................................................................................................................................................... 11-9

11.12 Glossary ......................................................................................................................................................... 11-9

12.0 SUMMARY OF CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ................................................................................................................... 12-1

13.0 EFFECTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT ON THE PROJECT ........................................................................................... 13-1

13.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 13-1

13.2 Approach ........................................................................................................................................................ 13-1

13.3 Key Site-Specific Issues ................................................................................................................................. 13-1

13.4 Effects of Short-Term Events .......................................................................................................................... 13-1

13.4.1 Severe Rain Storms .................................................................................................................................. 13-1

13.4.2 Extreme Snowfall, including Blizzards....................................................................................................... 13-1

13.4.3 Thunder, Lightning and Hailstorms ........................................................................................................... 13-1

13.4.4 Tornadoes and Extreme Winds ................................................................................................................. 13-1

13.4.5 Temperature Extremes ............................................................................................................................. 13-1

13.4.6 Fires .......................................................................................................................................................... 13-1

13.4.7 Earthquakes .............................................................................................................................................. 13-1

13.5 Effects of Seasonal Events ............................................................................................................................. 13-1

13.5.1 Seasonal Wet/Dry Conditions and High/Low Rainfall ............................................................................... 13-1

13.5.2 Winter with High Snowfall ......................................................................................................................... 13-1

13.6 Effects of Long Term Changes ....................................................................................................................... 13-1

13.6.1 Historical Trends in Climate in Southern Saskatchewan ........................................................................... 13-1

13.6.2 Climate Change Projections for Southern Saskatchewan ......................................................................... 13-1

13.6.3 Potential Effects of Climate Change on Project Operation ........................................................................ 13-1

13.7 References ..................................................................................................................................................... 13-1


August 2012 Report No. 09-1362-1080 x

14.0 CORPORATE COMMITMENTS .................................................................................................................................. 14-1

15.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS .............................................................................................................................. 15-1

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