News Release
Tazi Twé Hydroelectric Project — Environmental Assessment Decision

July 31, 2015 — Ottawa — Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, announced today that the proposed Tazi Twé Hydroelectric Project, located at Elizabeth Falls in northern Saskatchewan, is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

In her environmental assessment Decision Statement, the Minister has set out legally binding conditions, which include mitigation measures and follow-up requirements, which must be fulfilled by the proponent throughout the life of the project.

In reaching her decision, the Minister considered the Environmental Assessment Report that includes the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency's (the Agency) conclusions and recommendations on the potential environmental effects of the project, the proposed mitigation measures, the significance of any remaining adverse environmental effects, and the follow-up program.

As part of the strengthened and modernized Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 put in place to support the government's Responsible Resource Development Initiative, the Agency conducted a federal environmental assessment of this project using a science-based approach.

As the project proceeds to the next phase, it will continue to be subject to Canada's strong environmental laws, rigorous enforcement and follow-up, and fines for non-compliance.

Quick Facts

• Saskatchewan Power Corporation is proposing the construction, operation, decommissioning and abandonment of a 50 megawatt water diversion type electrical generating station at Elizabeth Falls. The proposed project would be located adjacent to the Fond du Lac River between Black Lake and Middle Lake, on Black Lake Denesuline First Nation reserve land Chicken 224 in northern Saskatchewan. The proposed project would involve the construction and operation of a water intake, a power tunnel, a powerhouse, a tail race, a submerged weir, a construction camp, a bridge, and access roads.
• More information on this project is available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry website, reference number 80031.
• The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the federal environmental assessment process, which identifies the environmental effects of proposed projects and measures to address those effects, in support of sustainable development.

Associated Links

• Tazi Twé Hydroelectric Project (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency)
• Basics of Environmental Assessment (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency)
• Responsible Resource Development (Canada's Economic Action Plan)

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Contacts

Ted Laking
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441

Karen Fish
Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
613-957-0278
Karen.Fish@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

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