Reduction of Toxics

In 2018, the federal Commissioner of Environment and Sustainable Development released a report noting that much work is needed to ensure Canadians and the environment are protected from toxic chemicals. In lieu of sufficient legislation in this area, SES is doing our part to help reduce toxins in our province.

In 2017, SES started following the proposal by Fortune Minerals to build a refinery on agricultural land near Langham that would process ore from the Northwest Territories to produce cobalt, bismuth, copper and gold, as well as waste products laden with arsenic that would remain buried in shallow pits on the site. The refinery plan received environmental approval from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment despite significant gaps in the Environmental Impact Study. It was projected that over its 18 to 25 year lifespan, the refinery would generate at least 155,000 tonnes of hazardous waste each year. There was no decommissioning plan or long-term plan for the management of toxic wastes in place. SES outlined our many concerns in submissions to the government and Fortune Minerals, as well as at public meetings on this issue. In 2019, the re-zoning needed for the refinery was denied by the local municipality and the project has been stalled. SES will ensure that if Fortune Minerals proposes a new site, a rigorous Environmental Assessment takes place.

SES is also pressing for cleanup of northern Saskatchewan watersheds contaminated by the operation of uranium mines. Even though some closed over 30 years ago, their legacy of contamination continues to this day.