[March 20^th, 2024] – Environment and Climate Change Canada must determine whether the La Plonge Solar and Battery Energy Storage System project, located in Northern Saskatchewan, is likely to cause significant environmental effects.
 

To help inform this determination, Environment and Climate Change Canada is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination. All comments received will be considered public and may be posted online.
 

Please submit comments in writing by April 20th, 2024 to LeadershipAutochtoneFEFEC-IndigenousLeadershipLCEF@ec.gc.ca

Indigenous Leadership Fund
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Shelby Torres, Policy Analyst
200 Bd Sacré-Coeur
Gatineau, Quebec J8X 4C6
Telephone: 819-307-7382
Email: shelby.torres@ec.gc.ca

The Proposed Project

Located on the English River First Nation's Reserve in northern Saskatchewan, the La Plonge Solar and Battery Energy Storage system project is a proposed 500 kW (AC) solar project with a 500 kW (AC) battery energy storage system. The project is connected to a rural distribution line, fed by a lower reliability transmission line from the main grid. The project is expected to reduce CO2 by an expected 250 tCO2e per year. In addition to generating renewable energy, reducing Saskatchewan's greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing dependence on coal for electricity generation, the La Plonge solar and Battery Energy Storage System project provides grid re-enforcement for the remote radial feeder.

The project site consists of natural vegetation and small-diameter trees and is located within the Mead Lake Timber Supply Area (Commercial Forest). Proximity to the nearest body of water is approximately 600m.  Project components include clearing of 19,000 m2 of natural vegetation for the project footprint, perimeter fence installation, installation of solar foundations, installation of the battery energy storage system, trenching to lay cable, and site grading. Potential adverse impacts of the project include impacts to wildlife and migratory birds (e.g. caribou and migratory birds) through alteration or removal of habitat, and accidents and malfunctions from heavy equipment used during construction and operation. As part of the ongoing assessment, appropriate mitigation measures are being identified.

Natural Resources Canada, a funding authority for the solar portion of the project, has determined that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, with the implementation of mitigation and monitoring measures. The notice of determination can be found at the following link: La Plonge Solar Project (iaac-aeic.gc.ca)

Environment and Climate Change Canada must determine whether the proposed La Plonge Solar Project and addition of the Battery Energy Storage System is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. Environment and Climate Change Canada is inviting comments from the public on the proposed project to help inform its determination under Section 82 of the Impact Assessment Act.