January 17, 2017 EASB File #: Transaction #: Re: SaskWater Buffalo Pound Non-Potable Water Supply System Pipeline

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1 Ministry of Environment Environmental Assessment and Stewardship Branch 4 th floor, 3211 Albert Street Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 5W6 Phone: (306) Fax: (306) January 17, 2017 EASB File #: Transaction #: Chris Robart Manager, Major Projects Operations and Engineering - SaskWater Fairford Street East MOOSE JAW, SK S6H 1C8 Dear Mr. Robart: Re: SaskWater Buffalo Pound Non-Potable Water Supply System Pipeline The Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment (the ministry), Environmental Assessment and Stewardship Branch (EASB), has received your application for Ministerial Determination and has completed a screening of SaskWater s proposed project, entitled Buffalo Pound Non-Potable Water Supply System East (Yancoal) Pipeline Project (the project). The proposed project is described in the following documents, collectively termed the Application : Stakeholder Engagement Plan for the Buffalo Pound Non- Potable Water Supply System - East (Yancoal) Feasibility Study, dated September 28, 2015; Preferred Route Selection Report, dated February 26, 2016; Technical Project Proposal submission letter dated September 7, 2016; Buffalo Pound Non-Potable Water Supply System East (Yancoal) Pipeline Project Technical Project Proposal, dated September 7, 2016; Letter from SaskWater dated November 30, 2016 provided in response to a request for additional information. Based on the information presented in the Application, it is our determination that the project does not meet the criteria of section 2(d) of The Environmental Assessment Act (the Act) and, therefore, is not a development that is required to undergo an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This determination is provided under the authority of section 7.3 of the Act and grants the proponent authorization to proceed with the subsequent regulatory approvals for this project. The project is deemed not to be a development as per the attached Reasons for Determination. In addition to advising of our determination, this letter also includes the following terms and conditions. 2

2 Chris Robart Page 2 January 17, 2017 The decision to not require an EIA pursuant to the Act is contingent on compliance with the following terms and conditions: 1. The project must be undertaken and environmental protection measures implemented in the manner described in the Application, except where alterations are required for compliance with other regulatory requirements. 2. EASB must be advised if you plan to alter the project significantly from that described in the Application. 3. EASB must be advised if work is not commenced within five years of the date of this letter. The Application s environmental acceptability would be re-examined in light of the circumstances of the day. 4. You must comply with all other federal, provincial and municipal regulatory requirements including those from the ministry. 5. You must comply with all reasonable follow up Ministerial requests to monitor compliance with these conditions. Please also be advised that: 1. This letter is NOT an approval to proceed with construction activities, it is simply provided by EASB to inform you that you may proceed to obtain other permits and approvals that may be required. Additional approvals from the ministry and other agencies may be required. 2. As noted above, EASB has made a determination that the proposed undertaking is not a development. The purpose of providing a determination is to provide some certainty that the ministry will not initiate any action to require an EIA pursuant to the Act. 3. The province recognizes its constitutional obligation to consult with potentially affected First Nations and Métis communities when making decisions that may adversely impact the exercise of Treaty and Aboriginal rights. If the project may have an impact on Treaty or Aboriginal rights, decisions by other government agencies during permitting may trigger the Crown s duty to consult. Should you have any questions regarding the content of this letter, please contact Aimann Sadik, Senior Environmental Assessment Administrator at (306)

3 Chris Robart Page 3 January 17, 2017 Sincerely, Original Signed by Wes Kotyk A/Assistant Deputy Minister Acting for and on behalf of the Minister of Environment Phone: (306) Enclosure: Reasons for Determination cc: Sharla Hordenchuk, Environmental Assessment and Stewardship Branch, Ministry of Environment Brady Pollock, Environmental Assessment and Stewardship Branch, Ministry of Environment Aimann Sadik, Environmental Assessment and Stewardship Branch, Ministry of Environment Brant Kirychuk, Fish, Wildlife and Lands Branch, Ministry of Environment Aaron Kuchirka, Forest Services Branch, Ministry of Environment Bob Wynes, Landscape Integrity Unit, Ministry of Environment Lynn Kelley, Technical Resources Branch, Ministry of Environment Ash Olesen, Environmental Protection Branch, Ministry of Environment Carlos German, Heritage Conservations, Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sports Glen Longpre, Landscape Protection Unit, Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sports Ron Eley, Environmental Programs, Ministry of Agriculture Ralph Leibel, Community Planning, Government Relations Norm Simaluk, Lands and Consultations, Government Relations Tim Macaulay, Environmental Health, Ministry of the Health Jeff Hovdebo, Licensing and Water Use, Water Security Agency EA Records

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