Chinese-owned Yancoal has received conditional approval of the environmental assessment (EA) for its proposed potash mine near Southey, Sask.
“This is devastating for us, absolutely devastating,” Karen Hegglin said, with tears in her eyes.
A large group of people opposed to the mine gathered in Earl Grey, Sask. shortly after the announcement was made to voice their disappointment over the decision.
Over the course of the mine’s application process, there has been strong, vocal opposition from people in the area. Concerns include impact on farms, local water supplies, and dramatically increased traffic in the rural area.
READ MORE: Southey, Sask. residents worried about Yancoal’s proposed mine bring concerns to legislature
“My home is only 250 feet from the main road. So it’s going to be right outside my front door. I have a dog that runs around my yard everyday. I have grand kids that come and play everyday,” Hegglin said.
Hegglin is also worried about her family farm, which is now in its fourth generation. She lives less than a kilometre from the proposed site and fears emissions and salt from the mine will impact crop yields.
Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Environment provided the mining company with three primary conditions they must meet in order to move ahead with construction in addition to the usual permitting process.
The first condition states Yancoal must involve the Rural Municipality (RM) of Longlaketon in planning and development before construction begins.
The second condition states the company must submit a community involvement plan, which commits to establish a community advisory committee, community monitoring program, and further collaboration with community members.
Finally, Yancoal must submit an environmental protection plan that includes monitoring farmland and water quality in the area, specifically Loon Creek, which runs near the mine site.
“I would say our community has no confidence in this company’s ability to execute proper public engagement,” Thera Nordal said. She’s been one of the leaders of the citizens group opposed to the project called the Havelock Special Projects Committee (HSPC).
“We’ve seen it time and time again over the past year.”
The Water Security Agency (WSA) previously said “multiple industrial users would not result in significant impacts to water levels in Buffalo Pound Lake or downstream areas.”
The WSA estimates that Yancoal’s use would take up 0.2 per cent of the flow into Lake Diefenbaker.
The ministry said downstream water impact into the Loon Creek and Qu’Appelle water systems were also considered.
The Saskatchewan government also said in the environmental assessment that Yancoal has committed to isolating the mine site from natural drainage systems as a measure to protect water quality.
Environmental Assessment Concerns
“This battle has just begun for us. We are not going away. We will continue to fight and advocate so people know this process has been broken,” Nordell said.
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When the public comment period began the HSPC pushed the government to extend to public comment period for environmental impact statements (EIS) from 30 days to 60 days. A 45 day extension was ultimately granted, and the public comment period closed on June 6.
Hundreds of statements were submitted, and the HSPC said they feel the government should have taken more time to review the comments.
“Over 800 EIS statements were submitted, which far surpasses any prior EIS. If that’s not widespread public concern I don’t know what is,” Nordal said.
The proposed mine site is near the junction of Highway 6 and 731. If all goes well with the application, Chinese-owned Yancoal hopes to begin construction in early 2017.
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