Northern Saskatchewan Environmental Quality Committee

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2011
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FROM THE CHAIRS
To Northern Saskatchewan Communities and Residents
2011 was again a busy year for your community EQC representatives, with three general
meetings and tours of all the current mine and mill sites as well as sites being decommissioned.
Highlights of the year included:
• Observing the ongoing progressive decommissioning at Rabbit Lake, such as the
work on the B Zone waste rock pile;
• Observing the water management plan work at Cigar Lake, into which the EQC had
considerable input;
• Continuing to monitor the plans for Cameco’s new Millenium Mine, Saskatchewan’s
first ‘greenfield’ uranium mine in some years;
• Monitoring AREVA’s plans for the McClean JEB Tailings Management Facility
expansion project. This important project will also occupy our attention in 2012.
• AREVA’s plans for their ore haul from McArthur River to McClean Lake, which is
supposed to start in 2012, will remain closely watched by the EQC.
• Seeing the amazing work done in decommissioning the old Gunnar site, where most
of the buildings were taken down in 2011.
Unfortunately, EQC representatives did not attend the Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association Annual Conference because of provincial election rules at that time. Election restrictions
also meant the EQC Manager could not attend Cameco’s and AREVA’s northern community
tours, which is a great opportunity to talk about EQC activities.
Again in 2012, your EQC representatives will be dealing with a number of important environmental assessments, and communities are encouraged to pass any concerns or suggestions on to
their EQC representatives.
Respectfully submitted
Erin Carter, Chair
South Central Subcommittee
Noman Wolverine, Chair
West Side Subcommittee
Felix McDonald, Chair
Athabasca Subcommittee
Cover photo: The Athabasca subcommittee visits the installation of the water management pipeline at Cigar Lake.
NSEQC 2011 Page 1
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OUR YEAR IN BRIEF
T
he Northern Saskatchewan Environmental
Committee (NSEQC) had a total of 13 engagements in 2011, including three allEQC meetings, six site visits, and one workshop.
We also participated in a community meeting on
the Millennium Project in Pinehouse, as well as a
Cluff Lake site update meeting in Saskatoon.
In addition, the three co-chairs attended part of
a meeting of the Northern Mines Monitoring Secretariat in La Ronge in mid-December.
The Athabasca subcommittee participated in
eight of the engagements. The South Central subcommittee attended on six occasions, the West
Side subcommittee on five occasions.
We are currently mandated to look at all aspects
of the uranium mining industry, from exploration
through to mine feasibility, development, construction and operation through to decommissioning and final waste disposal.
Exploration is fairly new to our mandate, and
we have not yet developed formal ways to monitor
that part of the industry. While we concentrate on
environmental topics, our mandate also includes
The Saskatchewan Research Council’s Tamara Yankovich explains work planned
at Gunnar to an all-EQC meeting in June.
worker health and safety as well as socio-eco-
about the NSEQC
The NSEQC is comprised of representatives named
by communities impacted by uranium mining in northern Saskatchewan, as identified in each mine’s Human
Resource Development Plan (HRDP).
The NSEQC holds three meetings of the total membership each year. Site visits are handled on a subcommittee basis. There are three regional
subcommittees: West Side, South Central and
Athabasca. In 2011, the boundaries were rationalized
to avoid overlaps.
The committee is established by provincial Order
in Council for five years at a time. Representatives
are nominated by their communities, and formally
appointed for up to two-year terms by the Minister of
First Nations and Métis Relations (FNMR).
In 2010, a new five-year Order in Council was
signed, and representatives were re-named. Because
the Order in Council renewal came in the middle of
the representatives’ terms, current reps will serve until
September 2012 when communities will again be
asked to confirm their reps or name new ones.
NSEQC 2011 Page 2
nomic issues associated with uranium mines.
Cameco’s Millennium Project is currently in the predevelopment stage, with construction scheduled for 2017.
The Midwest Project is awaiting approval of its Environmental Impact Statement by regulators, and for markets to
improve.
We visit four operating mines, including McArthur
River (with its associated Key Lake mill), Cigar Lake,
McClean Lake and Rabbit Lake.
In terms of decommissioned mines, Cluff Lake is the
first mine to be decommissioned under current standards,
and we watch carefully the environmental performance of
the site.
We also keep an eye on several sites near Uranium
City: the abandoned Gunnar and Lorado mine/mill sites,
the 39 small uranium mine sites, and the Beaverlodge
sites, for which Cameco is starting to get approvals to release to the provincial Institutional Control system.
All-EQC Meetings
We plan to hold three meetings of the entire NSEQC
each year, and three were held in 2011. The first was in
late March, the second in mid-June and the last in midNovember. While we would like to have more, the budget
to bring 34 representatives to La Ronge is considerable,
and three is about the maximum possible.
In 2011, the 34 reps asked to be able to also bring their
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alternates to meetings, but this would more than double
the cost. They have requested additional funding to do
this, but so far have not been successful.
Site Visits
Our six site visits this year included the four operating
mines as well as the Key Lake mill and the decomissioned
sites around Uranium City.
On June 28, the South Central EQC along with the
West Side chair, visited Key Lake. On August 8, the
Athabasca subcommittee spent a day at McClean Lake; a
week later they were at Cigar Lake for a close look at construction for the water management project.
On Sept. 15 the Athabasca subcommittee went to Rabbit Lake for a full site tour, and at the end of September
they were in Uranium City for a look at decommissioned
sites there.
Once the snow flew, there was little to see at Cluff
Lake, so the west side group travelled to Saskatoon,
where they visited the AREVA office for an update on the
decommissioned site.
Workshops and Public Meetings
On June 1, NMMS staff took part in a community
meeting in Pinehouse relating to Cameco’s Millennium
project. On July 21, Cameco held a full-day workshop
about Millennium in Saskatoon, with representatives from
all three subcommittes in attendance.
Other conferences
Our annual visit to the Canadian Aboriginal Minerals
Association (CAMA) conference, held in Vancouver in
early November, was prempted by the provincial election,
which brought many government activities to a halt.
We were represented at “Learning Together” - a uranium conference hosted by the Prince Albert Grand Council in Prince Albert in April.
Communications and Administration
The NSEQC is supported by a manager and administrative assistant located in La Ronge. Both are employed by
Saskatchewan First Nations and Métis Relations.
A part-time contracted communications coordinator
produces notes, photos and a one-page summary of each
meeting or site visit, along with posters, displays, this annual report, a four-page informational update five times a
year in Opportunity North, as well as other items as required.
Several provincial ministries, along with the Canadian
Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), participate in the
Northern Mines Monitoring Secretariat (NMMS), which
provides technical and other support to the NSEQC.
What is the NSEQC?
Foundation: The Northern Saskatchewan Environmental Quality Committee (NSEQC) was formed by the provincial government in 1995 in response to recommendations from the Joint Federal-Provincial Panel on Uranium Developments in Northern
Saskatchewan. In 2000, the original three separate committees were combined into a single entity with three regionally-based
subcommittees.
Purpose: The NSEQC’s job is to help bridge the information gap between northerners, government and the uranium mining
industry. By talking and learning together, all participants help ensure that uranium mining activity takes place in an environmentally responsible manner that considers the needs and aspirations of all northern residents. The mandate includes environmental, worker and public health and safety, and socio-economic matters related to uranium mining/milling operations,
including uranium exploration and decommissioning/reclamation of abandoned and existing uranium mining/milling sites.
Representation: NSEQC representatives are nominated by the communities impacted by the mines, and are appointed by the
Minister of First Nations and Métis Relations. Impact communities are identified in the mine Human Resource Development
Agreements plans, updated yearly, between the provincial government and the respective mine operators.
Administration: The NSEQC is administered and supported by the Northern Mines Monitoring Secretariat (NMMS), a
standing committee of provincial government officials from five ministries, with staff representation from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. The NMMS is chaired by the Northern Affairs Division of First Nations and Métis Relations. The
provincial ministries are Environment (Environmental Assessment and Environmental Protection); Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration; First Nations and Métis Relations (Economic Development and Industry and Resource Development); Energy & Mines; Labour Relations & Workplace Safety; and Health (Northern Regional Health Authorities). The
NMMS has its office in La Ronge, with a full-time NSEQC program manager, administration support, and a contracted parttime communications coordinator.
Industry & Government Support: The uranium mining industry supports the NSEQC initiative by providing technical
expertise, arranging and hosting mine site visits, and through provision of and participation in various workshops. Industry
and government agencies support the NSEQC by providing expertise as required. The provincial government funds the
NSEQC’s operations.
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NSEQC REPRESENTATIVES 2011
Athabasca Subcommittee
Edwin Boneleye, Ray McDonald, Billy Joe Mercredi
Felix McDonald, Earl Lidguerre, Joseph Marten
e
Paul Denechezhe, George Tsannie, Charlie Denechezh
onald
Terri-Lynn Beavereye, Sandra Hansen, Mervin McD
Allen Augier, Marlene Powder
Black Lake Dené Nation
Fond du Lac Dené Nation
Hatchet Lake First Nation
Stony Rapids
Uranium City
South Central Subcommitte
e
Air Ronge
Brabant Lake
Cumberland House
Cumberland House Cree Nation
Denare Beach
La Ronge
Lac La Ronge Indian Band
Montreal Lake Cree Nation
Pelican Narrows (PBCN)
Sandy Bay
Sandy Bay (PBCN)
Southend (PBCN)
Weyakwin
Greg Merriman, Terry Desroches, Karla Hardcastle
Solomon Hardlotte, Peter McKenzie, John Caswell
Gary Carriere, Lorraine Crate
Lorne Stewart, Angus McKenzie
Carl Lentowicz, Anne Schiltroth, Wanda Ginnell
Erin Carter, Brandi Bell
Sam Roberts, Leon Charles, Brian Hardlotte,
Simpson Naytowhow, Noland Henderson, Jarret Nelso
n
Don Hovdebo, Mark Merasty, Bill Dupré
Daniel M. Bear, France Richard
Harvey Nateweyes, Joanne Ray, Nora Bear
Darrin Morin, William Dumais, Stephen Clarke
Floyd Natomagan
West Side Subcommittee
Beauval
Birch Narrows Dené Nation
Buffalo Narrows
Buffalo River Dené Nation
Canoe Lake Cree Nation
Clearwater River Dené Nation
English River Dené Nation
Green Lake
Ile a la Crosse
Jans Bay
La Loche
Michel Village
Patuanak
Pinehouse
St. George’s Hill
Turnor Lake
Bold type
indicates
primary
reps.
NSEQC 2011 Page 4
Eugene Kimbley, Terry Hansen, Ruth Gardiner-Roy
Mervin Moberly, Jonathon Sylvestre
Bobby Woods, Jackie Durocher, Estelle Laliberte
Charlie Billette, Wesley Sylvestre
Barry Opekokew, Lawrence Durocher
Gabrielle Fontaine, Brian Lemaigre
bell
Norman Wolverine, Bernadette Eaglechild, Archie Camp
Arthur Laliberté, Frank Laliberté
Duane Favel
Tony Maurice, Richard Bouvier
Kevin Janvier, Keith Shewchuk
Brent Janvier, Cliff Coombs, Grayson Janvier
Mary Aubichon, Martha Aubichon, Jason Aubichon
Conrad Misponas, Philip Tinker, Greg Ross
Donna Janvier, Nicole Sylvestre
n
Paul Montgrand, Barbara Daigneault, Rolanda Mori
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SCENES
FROM OUR
YEAR
Clockwise from top left: On the Deilmann
North Waste Rock Pile at Key Lake. In the mill
at McClean Lake. EQC rep Norman Wolverine
explains things to rep Art Laliberte. On Rabbit
lake’s B Zone Waste Rock Pile. Cameco’s
Brent Kevill explains the water management
project at Cigar Lake. EQC rep Simpson Naytpwhow with Cameco’s Kevin Himbault.
NSEQC 2011 Page 5
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ALL-EQC MEETINGS
T
hree meetings of the full NSEQC were held
in 2011. All-EQC meetings are held in La
Ronge, a convenient central northern point
for reps from across northern Saskatchewan.
March meeting
The first was March 29-30, with 27 of the 34 reps
in attendance.
Cameco and AREVA gave their usual site employment updates. Darwin Roy reported that 51%
of its 714-strong northern workforce is northern,
along with 50% of the 769 contractor employees.
AREVA’s Glenn Lafleur told us that the company’s workforce during the McClean Lake shutdown is 146, 43% northern.
A discussion followed on the definition of a
northerner; EQC reps asked why people are still con- FNMR Minister Ken Cheveldayoff addresses the EQC at the June meeting.
sidered northern after they move south. The companies
earthquake-related nuclear accident in Japan caused the
explained that residence is recorded at time of hire, and
CNSC to review all operations with a view to potential
that people hired in the north retain northern status unless
natural hazards. They opened an emergency operations
they leave the company for a year or more. The EQC sugcentre when the disaster struck. EQC reps were cautioned
gested giving incentives for staying in the north.
to get their information on such events from a credible
Darwin Roy explained that Cameco has an aggressive
source such as the CNSC or the International Atomic Enstrategy of education and training, which includes scholarergy Agency (IAEA).
ships, post-secondary and on-campus support,
Carolanne Inglis-McQuay updated AREVA’s proThe companies’ donations programs are now limited to
posed plan to send their portion of McArthur River ore to
education, literacy, cultural events, community developMcClean Lake to help recommission the mill before the
ment workshops and sports events.
Cigar Lake mine comes into production, scheduled for
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC)’s
2013. If approved, there would be a maximum of two full
project officers Sarah Eaton and Chuong Pham said the
and two empty trucks per day making the 1,840-km round
Cameco and AREVA hosted a barbecue for the EQC during the June all-EQC meeting.
NSEQC 2011 Page 6
trip between McArthur and McClean,
for a maximum of three years.
The proposed 55-km shortcut road
between McArthur River and Cigar
Lake is in the EIS process, and
would take at least two construction
seasons to build. If it existed, the
long haul would not be considered.
The EQC was concerned about
noise levels, risk assessments for
river crossings, the width of the road,
and the fact they did not have access
to the research that went into the application.
AREVA’s Vincent Laniece explained why an expansion to the JEB
TMF is the preferred option for additional tailings capacity at McClean
Lake.
Mine representatives Steve
Lowen (Manager, Cigar Lake), Dave
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Rezansoff (Manager, Rabbit Lake), Daley McIntyre
(Environment Coordinator, Key Lake) and Todd Swenson
(Environment, McArthur River) updated reps on their
sites. Rob Stanger, Project Manager for the Millennium
project, briefly updated that project.
Bethany Haalbloom, a post-doctoral researcher at the
University of Saskatchewan, explained some challenges
and successes regarding Impact Benefit Agreements in
other parts of the world. She asked for an in-camera focus
group session with EQC reps.
The meeting ended with the usual in-camera discussion
among representatives.
June Meeting
The next meeting was held June 14-15, with 20 reps in
attendance.
Thon Phommmavong, Director of the Saskatchewan
Environmental Code Secretariat, explained the new
Code which is being developed to replace old regulations
in Saskatchewan. The change is to support results-based
legislation, and should provide clear requirements and
faster permitting for project proponents, and fewer future
liabilities.
AREVA’s Carolanne Inglis-McQuay updated the
group on corporate activity, mentioning a CNSC licensing
amendment and the JEB TMF expansion proposal at McClean Lake, the ore haul project, the pending McClean
Lake underground mine, the Midwest Project and the
company’s Aboriginal/Public Involvement program.
Both AREVA (Glenn Lafleur) and Cameco (Colleen
Durocher) again updated the group on employment numbers.
Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff, Minister of First Nations
and Metis Relations, acknowledged the good work the
EQC is doing, and its important role in sound, sustainable
development of the uranium industry. Reps spoke about
the need for road improvement, the flow of salary money
to the south, and the perceived shortcomings of
Saskatchewan Environment relative to Duty to Consult,
particularly around permitting.
Site updates were given by Cigar Lake’s Supervisor of
Environment & Safety, Brent Keevill, and Rabbit Lake’s
Manager of Special Projects, Maurice Balych. Balych
also delivered the Key Lake and McArthur River updates.
Janna Switzer updated reps on the Millennium Project.
Tamara Yankovich of the Saskatchewan Research
Council (SRC), project manager for the Gunnar cleanup
project, gave a comprehensive report on how far the project has come. Athabasca communities have been very involved in taking down the buildings, and have been
trained in several areas (including asbestos handling)
along the way.
Mike Gunning, president of Hathor Exploration,
made the first presentation ever to the EQC on an exploration project. Hathor’s Roughrider discovery, on and
under South McMahon Lake not far from the Rabbit Lake
and McClean Lake mines, had proven reserves of 60 million pounds grading 12% U3O8, and is a potential mine.
It is a very clean deposit, with low concentrations of arsenic and selenium.
Gunning indicated the company would be consulting
with the EQC and communities in the area. (Note: in December, Rio Tinto outbid Cameco to purchase all shares
of Hathor. Their future plans were unknown by year-end).
Dr. James Irvine and David Sampson of the northern
The CNSC’s Jean LeClair demonstrates the structure of an atom, using the co-chairs and a researcher as parts of it. From left: LeClair, U of S
researcher Bethany Haalbloom, Athabasca co-chair Felix McDonald, South Central co-chair Erin Carter, and West Side co-chair Norman
Wolverine.
NSEQC 2011 Page 7
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Population Health Unit spoke to the group on three topics:
the proposed bio-monitoring program, a preview of the
Health Status Report, and a update on fish advisories in
the Uranium City/Gunnar area.
Biomonitoring is the measurement of environmental
contaminants in body tissue or fluids. It provides a good
understanding of what contaminants might be a threat to
our communities, and will provide baseline levels against
which to measure the effects of future developments.
Blood from pregnant women will be tested, with permission, for 70-80 chemicals. including flame retardants,
metals, plastics, chemicals, pesticides, bisphenol A and
cotinine (a marker for tobacco smoke). Results will be
combined, and not available for individuals.
The third major health status report will be available
soon. It includes community characteristics, health determinants, and health or illness indicators. Comparisons are
done between northern areas. The report includes such information as food basket prices, infant mortality, causes of
death, chronic diseases, and challenges.
David Sampson reported on the precautionary fish advisories for Langley Bay, Zeemel Creek and St. Mary’s
Channel near Gunnar. The advisory includes no fishing or
swimming, and not drinking the water.
Again, Cameco and AREVA delivered their northern
updates. The two companies will undertake separate fall
northern tours. There was a discussion about discrimination and race relations at site, and about opportunities for
people with disabilities. Human resources personnel were
invited to the next meeting to speak to this.
Finally, Jean LeClair of CNSC talked about public
participation and Duty to Consult, saying CNSC has an
obligation to consult and build relationships within their
mandate of environmental health and safety.
He mentioned CNSC’s participant funding program,
available for individuals, community members, Aboriginal groups, non-profit corporations and other stakeholders
to intervene with the Commission on any topic that CNSC
regulates.
November Meeting
Our third all-EQC meeting was held on November 1516, again with many guests.
Jean LeClair (CNSC) started out with a mini-workshop on radiation protection. Using a hands-on approach,
he educated reps on the structure of an atom, the different
types of radiation caused by disintegrations of atoms, and
how workers can be protected from radiation.
He also spoke about recent changes in the CNSC organization, and said CNSC staff will be presenting to the
group more often, along with the companies.
Cameco personnel updated reps on site activities at Key
Lake (Kevin Himbeault), McArthur River (Todd Swenson), Cigar Lake (Brent Keevill), Rabbit Lake (Maurice
Balych) and Millennium (Robin Kusch).
Human resources managers for McClean Lake (Don
Zacharias) and Cigar Lake (Dave Jennings, now working from corporate office) were in attendance to answer
questions previously raised about employee relations.
They explained that racism is not tolerated at the sites;
that there is a progressive discipline program; that every
employee has an annual performance review; and that
elder advisors are available to talk to employees. Every
company employee gets in-depth training on a respectful
workplace; contractors are aware of the policies and receive a basic orientation. Supervisors can no longer hire
their friends; everything goes through the Human Resources Departments.
Tim Moulding, Manager of the Uranium and Northern Operations Section of the Saskatchewan Ministry of
Environment (MOE), explained MOE’s role in all phases
of mining, from assessment to post-decommissioning
monitoring. He answered questions from the group, saying the ministry is currently struggling to keep up with a
very high volume of permit applications.
FNMR’s Richard Turkheim discussed the history of
Surface Lease Agreements and their
adjuncts, the Human Resources Development Agreement that are
signed with each mine operation.
Some recent changes have been
made in the definition of impact
communities; they are now referred
to as priority recruitment communities. There are no longer “primary”
and “secondary” impact communities.
The meeting ended with the usual
round table, where a number of topics were discussed.
During his mini-workshop, LeClair handed out samples of materials and asked reps to guess
which were the most radioactive. He then checked each one with a geiger counter, leading to a
few surprises! From left: Erin Carter, Connie Hunter (EQC administrative support), and Jean
LeClair. Watching is AREVA’s Glenn Lafleur.
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JEB Tailings Expansion
A
REVA will need additional tailings capacity at its
McClean Lake mill to handle tailings from milling
activities over the next 30 years. They would like
to accomplish this without increasing the tailings footprint
on the site.
After considering options such as using an existing
open pit (too far away at the Sue site, 15 km from the
mill), or excavating a new pit for the purpose (a new disturbance that would increase the footprint), they concluded that the best solution would be to raise the sides of
the existing JEB TMF by building an embankment with
crushed clean waste rock.
The JEB TMF currently contains 1.8 million cubic metres of tailings after 12 years of deposition. The assessed
optimum for the current pit is 2.6 million cubic metres,
which would bring the tailings surface to 434 metres
above sea level (masl). This is the level where the overburden contacts the underlying sandstone.
AREVA has calculated that they require a tailings capacity of 5.5 million cubic metres to handle the next 30
years of tailings from the JEB mill.
Tailings are deposited under several metres of water to
avoid formation of ice lenses in the tailings, which take up
precious space. The tailings consolidate as they settle and
pore water is squeezed out. The pore water is collected in
an underdrain, from where it is pumped back to the water
treatment plant. The resulting tailings plug becomes very
dense, and resists water infiltration.
To increase the height of the current TMF would require adding a crushed rock liner above the current level,
and building an embankment to 468 masl all the way
around the pit. The highest part of the current crest is 462
masl, so the additional height would be 6 metres on the
high side.
Once the pit is filled and covered, the elevation of the
waste rock cover would be 465.5 masl. This mound
would be revegetated, and would look like other drumlins
in the area.
The draft EIS for this project should be ready in the
McClean Lake’s JEB site, with the JEB pit in the background.
An artist’s concept of the JEB TMF: Top, as it is now; middle: with
12-metre embankments added; bottom: covered and contoured for
revegetation.
first part of 2012, and AREVA hopes for licensing by the
end of 2012. Both federal and provincial approvals will be
required. Construction work would be phased over several
summer construction seasons, and require about 60 additional people.
Spills and InCIDents
Reportable spills: An uncontrolled release from
containment to the environment of materials designated in the provincial spill control regulations. These
spills must be reported to regulators (Saskatchewan
Ministry of Environment and the Canadian Nuclear
Safety Commission) within 24 hours, with a seven-day
followup report detailing the cleanup procedures.
Spills are generally minor and easily cleaned up. There
are designated amounts of each substance which must
be reported; in the case of radioactive materials, any
amount is reportable.
If the spill is serious enough, a provincial and/or federal project officer will fly to site immediately to oversee cleanup.
Reportable incidents: Release of designated materials into a secondary containment area such as a mill
terrace. These must be reported to regulators within 72
hours; the project officers will check on the cleanup
during their next site visit.
NSEQC 2011 Page 9
Building the road and pipeline bench for the water management project.
Finaicial Assurance for this site is $27,784,200.
Cigar Lake
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NSEQC 2011 Page 10
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CIGAR LAKE
T
he Athabasca subcommittee, along with one South
Central representative, visited Cigar Lake on August 17.
As usual, the day started with a safety moment, presented by Brent Keevill, Senior Environment Coordinator
for the site. He talked about caution while boating on the
lake following a heavy rainfall which caused hillsides and
trees to slump into the lake.
Mine General Manager Steve Lowen gave an overview
of activities at site. Cigar Lake is under a construction licence to the end of 2013. A mid-term report was submitted to CNSC in September 2011.
Underground restoration work following water inflows
in 2006 and 2008 was almost complete by year-end, and
construction had resumed. A revised mine plan was approved by regulators in June.
Steve showed a diagram of the long, narrow orebody,
which sits at the sandstone/basement unconformity 450
metres below surface.
Glen White of AMEC Environmental Consultants explained the new Water Management Project, recently approved by regulators. Once complete, the project will
mean that the only effluent released through the low-capacity Aline Lake system will be from the sewage system.
The project involves running two pipelines from the
water treatment plan to a point in Seru Bay, an arm of Waterbury Lake. The smaller line will carry day-to day discharges, the larger one will be available to carry unusually
large mine water inflows. The pipeline runs along a small
peninsula to a deeper part of Seru Bay. The group took a
bus trip to see construction in progress.
The water will be discharged through vertical diffusers
from 12 metres below the lake surface, and should not
cause any erosion or disruption to fish habitat.
Erin Robertson, environmental scientist for Cameco,
explained the environmental monitoring program that
would follow the system startup. Sampling of water, fish
and invertebrates will be done in and around Seru Bay and
Waterbury Lake, including some at reference sites unaffected by the mining operation. Monitoring will also continue in Aline Creek and Aline Lake.
During construction, mitigation includes protecting air
quality by watering access roads, and minimizing noise by
keeping equipment in top shape. Water and fish were protected by using silt and turbidity curtains, salvaging about
200 small fish, limiting the disturbed area, redirecting surface runoff, and monitoring water quality. Soil, vegetation
and wildllife were protected by using clearings, avoiding
rare plants (none were found), and restricting traffic.
The project was delayed until the fledglings had flown
from the single bird’s nest found in the area.
Cigar Lake will produce a Status of the Environment
Report in 2012. The report will summarize everything
from 1998 to 2010. Erin noted that even though the site is
not yet in production, there is 30 years worth of data to
draw on!
EQC reps and Cameco personnel along the water management pipeline route at Cigar Lake.
NSEQC 2011 Page 11
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KEY LAKE
E
QC representatives visited this site on June 28.
After a welcome from General Manager Les
Yesnik, they listened to presentations from
Cameco’s Kevin Himbeault and Daley McIntyre on
various aspects of site operations.
Kevin started with a general overview, including a
definition of spills and incidents (See page 9).
He continued to explain the Key Lake Extension
Project, which has four objectives: to increase tailings
capacity by increasing the permitted height of tailings
in the Deilmann Tailings Management Facility
(DTMF); to increase production capacity from 18.7 to
25 million pounds annually; to refurbish the mill facility; and to study alternative milling methods.
Barge depositing tailings at Key Lake.
The DTMF is currently approved for deposition to
slope. This involves moving roads, power lines and a utili466 metres above sea level (masl); Cameco would like to
dor back about 75 metres.
increase this maximum to 510 masl. This would contain
Vegetation test plots are in place on the Deilmann
tailings from McArthur River ore for the next 30 years, as
North Waste Rock Pile, to test survival rates and deterwell as from other potential mines such as Millennium.
mine the best way to revegetate and decommission the
Tailings are deposited under 40 metres of water to
pile. Containment upgrades are being done in the mill;
avoid the formation of ice lenses. They are piped in from
the new acid and steam plants are operating, and a new
a barge (see right); the pipe is moved regularly to mainoxygen plant is scheduled for 2012.
tain a relatively consistent tailings height.
Also, the yellowcake packing facility will be upgraded,
Mill refurbishment will include improvements to the
using already sealed drums with a small fill hole on top
solvent extraction and crystallization circuits. A new elecwhich will be plugged by machine. Currently, workers
trically-fired horizontal calciner will replace the current
manually place lids on the filled drums.
vertical gas-fired one, requiring less worker entry. A new
The presentations were followed by a site tour, visiting
electrical substation is under construction, while addithe Deilmann North Waste Rock Pile, the DTMF, McDontional diesel generating capacity will be added to keep the
ald Lake, which receives part of the site’s discharge water,
mill running should a high-line power outage occur. A
the reverse osmosis plant and the Above-Ground Tailings
second line from the Island Falls hydroelectric station
Management Facility, which will eventually be decomnear Sandy Bay will be constructed in 2012.
missioned in place. Currently, contaminated material is
Daley updated reps on other ongoing projects at site.
placed there.
Stabilization of the west wall of the DTMF to avoid furFinancial Assurance for Key Lake is $120,700,000.
ther sloughing will be achieved by cutting back the sandy
The EQC on top of the Deilmann North Waste Rock Pile.
NSEQC 2011 Page 12
EQCAR 2011 setup_Layout 1 13-01-03 10:50 AM Page 13
MCARTHUR RIVER
I
t was a cold, snowy, blustery day at
McArther River when the South
Central EQC visited on December 6.
In fact, we almost didn’t make it in because of winds affecting the airstrip.
Once there, we heard a very good
presentation by General Manager Kevin
Quesnel, supported by Rick Morrison
(Manager of Safety, Health, Environment, Radiation, Quality, Compliance
and Licensing) and Camille Dreaver-Finall, site environment coordinator.
Kevin discussed employment numbers, infrastructure and mine layout,
challenges to mining the rich, soft ore,
mining methods, and ventilation. The
site has been able to reduce molybdenum
in effluent by more than 80% since 2005
by isolating and re-using moly-rich water A chilly bunch of EQC reps brave the wind and snow to visit McArthur River.
underground, and by improving the
will remain for peak construction periods. Cameco has
water treatment plant.
also enlarged the sewage lagoon by 50% to accommodate
McArthur River operates according to ISO 14001 stanwaste from up to 800 people.
dards for environmental management. There was only
Surface Tour
one reportable spill in 2011, when some glycol spilled
The group boarded vans for a site tour, which does not
from an excavator and caught fire.
take long on this compact site. They saw the concrete
Reclamation inlcuded re-sloping and re-vegetating
batch plant, the waste rock piles and low-grade ore pile,
some disturbed lands with local seeds. 1600 used tires
and the water treatment contingency ponds. The future lowere sorted, cleaned and scanned before being sent to a
cation of Shaft 4 at the north end of the property was
recycling plant.
pointed out. They drove past the new potable water plant,
Major construction is under way on the camp, which
to be in operation in early 2012 to serve both the enlarged
will double in size with 252 new modular rooms being
camp and the administration building. A new building
added in a three-storey structure. Once complete, Cameco
staff will move into the new rooms, and their old ones will will replace assorted contractor trailers around the site.
The new Read Creek culvert is in place alongside the
be refurbished for use by contractor staff, who currently
old
twin smaller ones; this allows increased effluent flows
live in trailers beside and behind the camp. A few trailers
without impacting fish habitat in
case of an unusual mine inflow.
Shaft 3 was pointed out; it is
now both an air intake and exhaust
shaft and has a small conveyance
(cage) for emergency egress from
the mine. The mine uses 70,000
litres of propane to heat the underground workings on cold days.
Snow from the mine terrace is
piled on the terrace so that when it
melts, it runs into the contingency
ponds and not into the environment.
Financial Assurance for
New camp modules being place by crane.
McArthur River is $36,100,000.
NSEQC 2011 Page 13
The B Zone complex as seen from the waste rock pile.
Financial Assurance for this site is currently $105,200,000.
Rabbit Lake
EQCAR 2011 setup_Layout 1 13-01-03 10:50 AM Page 14
NSEQC 2011 Page 14
EQCAR 2011 setup_Layout 1 13-01-03 10:50 AM Page 15
RABBIT LAKE
O
n September 15, the Athabasca subcommittee
paid its annual visit to the Rabbit Lake site. Maurice (Moe) Balych, Manager of Special Projects
for the site, led the visit, starting with a general overview
of activities.
The life of the Eagle Point underground mine has been
extended again following the discovery of enough additional ore to support production for another five years, to
2017. Exploration continues, both underground and on
surface, and new areas are still being found.
Moe showed a diagram of mining areas; one area is almost mined out, another is just beginning, and there is a
new zone, the Powell Zone, to the north. They are down
to 600 metres below surface, and still finding ore below
that. Two zones are underneath Wollaston Lake, but a
minimum 80-100 metre crown pillar is maintained above
the workings to prevent water inflows.
Eagle Point now has about 70 km of underground
workings; an additional 5000 metres was developed in
2011. Ore production is 600 tonnes per day. Typical ore
grades are 0.8 - 1%, although the mill is designed to handle up to 5% ore.
The mill is licensed to produce 11 million pounds of
yellowcake annually; in 2011, production was 3.6 million
pounds - enough to fuel six 1000MW power reactors, and
the energy equivalent of 88 million barrels of oil or 27.5
million tonnes of coal.
As at all Saskatchewan uranium mines, workers get just
a fraction of the allowable radiation dose - 2.37 millisieverts (mSv) here, compared to Cameco’s annual allowable
limit of 20 mSv and the federally-regulated dose of 50
mSv in any one year or 100 mSv over five years.
The environment is always top of
mind in all uranium mines. At Rabbit
Lake, mill modifications will reduce
stack emissions of sulphur by 60-70%.
The levels of uranium, molybdenum
and selenium in liquid effluent have also been greatly reduced by improving mill circuits.
Haul roads are dustproofed; greenhouse gas emissions
are reduced by dropping underground air temperatres by
half a degree, by shutting off vehicles when not in use,
and by turning out unneeded lights. The amount of material going to the landfill has been reduced.
Both A Zone and D Zone have now been reclaimed and
reopened o Wollaston Lake. In each case a small island
was left, and both islands as well as the approach road to
A Zone are revegetating well. The larger B Zone pond
will be the next to be remediated.
Work to reshape and cover the huge B Zone Waste
Rock Pile was completed in 2011, and the slopes recontoured to 1:3 on the upper slopes and 1:5 lower down. It
will now be revegetated.
A new reverse osmosis water treatment plant is planned
for the Eagle Point area. This will reduce the amount of
mine water travelling down the “6-mile line” to the mill.
The clean water will be released to Collins Creek, reducing the amount of effluent entering Wollaston Lake via
Horseshoe Creek.
Top right: EQC reps and visitors wade through
lush regrowth on the former A Zone access
road at Rabbit Lake. Right: Reps on the viewing stand at the in-pit tailings facility. Below:
Packing the newly contoured slope on the B
Zone Waste Rock Pile.
NSEQC 2011 Page 15
NSEQC 2011 Page 16
The barge deposits mill tailings into the JEB pit at McClean,
and sends reclaim water back to the water treatment plant.
Financial Assurance from this site is $42,833,816.
McClean Lake
EQCAR 2011 setup_Layout 1 13-01-03 10:50 AM Page 16
EQCAR 2011 setup_Layout 1 13-01-03 10:50 AM Page 17
MCCLEAN LAKE
A
small contingent of Athabasca subcommittee
reps visited the McClean Lake Operation on August 8.
Carolanne Inglis-McQuay and Tina Searcy, both
regulatory coordinators with AREVA, talked about the
transportation of ore slurry and the Midwest project respectively.
AREVA was seeking permission from regulators to
operate the JEB mill to process high-grade ore from
Cigar Lake or McArthur River. They had also requested
a production increase under their licence, from eight to
13 million pounds U3O8 annually. No major construction is required, and a flex production clause will not be Visiting group in the mill control room at McClean Lake.
The proposed underground mine consists of several
needed since the mill is already assessed for 24 million
pods
which would be accessed by a lateral drift from the
pounds annual production.
bottom of the mined-out B pit. The pods would be frozen
The Midwest Project is awaiting approval of a Fish
for mining.
Habitat Compensation Plan to replace habitat lost through
Greg Hesterman, McClean Lake’s environment superthe draining of Mink Arm of South McMahon lake. The
visor, explained the mechanics of the effluent managechosen project is far to the south on the Montreal River,
ment system, and how the TMF is isolated from ground
where an aging weir will be replaced with a natural riffle.
water and monitored.
Tina also explained the proposed JEB Tailings Facility
Patty Simpson, site environment coordinator, dis(TMF) expansion, while Carolanne talked about the fucussed the site’s environmental performance. She exture McClean Lake underground mine.
plained what samples are taken at McClean (both the JEB
To provide an additional five million cubic metres of
and Sue sites) and Midwest. Samples are taken in the
tailings capacity to accommodate Cigar Lake ore, AREVA
TMF, the process circuits, as well as air quality, surface
had determined that their preferred option is to raise the
and ground water quality.
level of the existing JEB tailings. This would involve
She explained spill prevention measures and spill rebuilding an embankment around the current tailings pit,
sponse protocols, and talked about waste management, the
which would then stand about 12 metres above the surenvironmental protection program, and compliance measrounding natural ground level. The mound would be conures taken to maintain ISO 14001, an international envitoured and revegetated. Regulators are still considering
ronmental management standard.
this request.
At Mink Arm on the Midwest project. This waterbody will
eventually be drained to access the ore that lies beneath.
Current Financial Assurance for Midwest is $261,071.
NSEQC 2011 Page 17
EQCAR 2011 setup_Layout 1 13-01-03 10:50 AM Page 18
CLUFF LAKE & Shea Creek
T
he West Side EQC was unable to get to Cluff Lake
Creek 3-kilometre trend about 20 km south of the former
last summer, and by the time a suitable date preCluff Lake mine started in 1995.
sented itself, the site was covered by snow. The alDirectional drilling (one vertical pilot hole with several
ternative was to meet with AREVA personnel at their
directional horizintal offshoots from the bottom) is being
Saskatoon office for the annual site update.
used to minimize surface impact from drilling. The 2012
Sixteen EQC reps made the trip, including guests from
drilling program is not very aggressive, but represents
the South Central and Athabasca subcommittees. One
AREVA’s third largest expenditure in Saskatchewan.
west side elder
So far, the averalso attended.
age grade is about
AREVA’s
2%, and about
Dave Hiller ex80,000 pounds of
plained the cururanium resources
rent status of
have been identiCluff Lake defied to date.
commissioning.
Even if a proNothing much
duction decision
has changed since
was made today, a
last year.
producing mine
Regulatory
would be 15-10
Coordinator Tina
years away, said
Searcy told the
Robbins.
group about liAsked about
cencing for the
local employment
site: a midterm liand business incence update is
volvement,
due in 2016, and
AREVA’s Vice
a Status of the
President of CorEnvironment Re- Paying close attention at the Cluff Lake meeting: Bobby Woods, Conrad Misponas, Barry
porate Social Report will be com- Opekokew, Erin Carter and Elder Jim Durocher.
sponsibility,
pleted in 2015.
Richard Gladue,
AREVA would like to start monitoring the site remotely
said there is currently no formal process to ensure this.
by late 2012, and to start turning over less impacted areas
However, AREVA and Cameco are working in renegotiatto the province’s Institutional Control program starting in
ing their Impact Management Agreement with the
2016. Once this happens, the regulators will continue to
Athabasca communities. EQC reps suggested the
inspect the site, and the province will produce an update
Athabasca Working Group, with its ability to negotiate
report every five years. She encouraged local communisuch agreements, be extended to the whole north.
ties to get involved in ongoing environmental monitoring
at the site.
Location relative to Cluff Lake.
Water quality has shown improvement since mining
stopped in 2002. The decommissioning work was conducted with an excellent safety and environmental record.
Alan Merkowsky of Saskatchewan Ministry of Envioronment (MOE) said his ministry also takes samples
and reviews AREVA’s reports, as does the CNSC. Discharge of treated effluent stopped in 2005, and since 2007
the main effects on water quality have been rain and snow
inflows. Merkowsky agreed that downstream contaminants are declining, and that decommissioning has been
effective.
Financial Assurance for Cluff lake is $33,600,000.
Shea Creek Update
AREVA’s John Robbins said drilling on the Shea
Page 18 NSEQC 2011
EQCAR 2011 setup_Layout 1 13-01-03 10:50 AM Page 19
MILLENNIUM PROJECT
M
illennium is Cameco’s advanced development project, located about an hour’s travel
northwest of Key Lake along the McArthur
River road and an access road yet to be built.
The plan is for an underground mine, with shaft access to the orebody which sits at about 530 metres
below surface - slightly shallower than McArthur
River. The reserves are stated at 50.9 million pounds
U3O8 at a grade of 4.55%. The small mine will have a
life of five to seven years.
The site will have no mill or tailings facility; ore
will be trucked to custom mills in the area including,
most likely, Key Lake.
On July 21, nine reps of all three subcommittees attended a day-long workshop in Saskatoon, where
Cameco personnel gave the latest updates on the proj- The Millennium exploration camp at Slush Lake
ect.
use and drill water (drills will use 76%). Underground
Project Coordinator Janna Switzer gave a general
seepage and precipitation will go directly to treatment.
overview of the project, touching on environmental proThe plan is for 102 cubic metres per hour to be taken from
tection and what aspects of the environment are studied.
the lake.
She said there will be four phases: assessment, construcMine water release will consist of 22% drill water,
tion, operation and decommissioning/reclamation. There
0.3% domestic water, 46% seepage from the two shafts,
will be a 200-person camp facility at the site; 135 workers
28% mine seepage and 4% rain and snow melt.
per shift are expected. Business and employment opporReverse osmosis, a system of membrane filters, will be
tunities were recognized, including a Patuanak fisherman
used
to ensure water going back into the lake is very
supplying fish for consumption at the camp.
clean.
Brady Balicki, Environmental Scientist, explained
Balicki, along with environmental scientist Erin
how the access road route was assessed and evaluated to
Robertson,
explained the results of a study into the best
avoid fish-bearing streams, rare plants, wildlife and sensirelease point for treated mine water. The EQC had questive habitats. The proposed road is 21 km long and intioned the original intent to take water from Slush Lake
cludes four clear-span bridges where crossings were
and return it to the three-times-larger Moon Lake, and
unavoidable.
Balicki and Robertson showed why this is still the best soProject manager Rob Stanger, along with Biman
lution.
Bharadwaj, explained the proposed water management
They considered physical effects in surface water and
system. Lake water will be used for concrete, domestic
fish habitat, and chemical effects on
water quality and Valued Ecosystem
Components (VECs).
Physically putting the water back
into the smaller Slush Lake would increase the lake level by 7.5 inches, potentially flooding spawning areas, and
increase flows in the creek leading to
Moon Lake. This could make it harder
for the nine fish species to reach their
spawning areas in Slush Lake.
If the water is released into Moon
Lake, it will affect the lake level by
two inches, which is within the natural
variation. Chemical effects would also
EQC co-chairs Norman Wolverine, Erin Carter and Felix McDonald, along with FNMR’s Scott
be more pronounced in the smaller
Boyes, take in the July workshop on the Millennium project.
lake.
NSEQC 2011 Page 19
EQCAR 2011 setup_Layout 1 13-01-03 10:50 AM Page 20
BEAVERLODGE
T
he annual visit to Uranium City
occurred on Sept. 27-28, when
five EQC reps and two staff
took part in a public meeting and toured
the Beaverlodge, Gunnar and Lorado
properties.
The public meeting was attended by
about 10 community residents along
with representatives of the Canadian
Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC)
and Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment (MOE).
Cameco’s Mike Webster presented
the latest information on the Beaverlodge properties, which Cameco manages on behalf of the federal
government. Work has focused on filling information gaps, examining remedial options, and eventually returning
EQC reps, Cameco personnel and regulators near Uranium City.
the sites to provincial control through
gaimned over the past several years.
the Institutional Control Program.
The group toured some of the many satellite mine sites
Local people had questions about who was being
where remediation is complete, including the Martin Lake
awarded the work contracts.
adit, Eagle 12 Zone, the Hab and Dubyna mine sites, the
Results of a country food study will be presented to the
Fulton Creek tainings management area, and Mill Hill, for
community in 2012. Another remedial options workshop
former site of the Eldorado mill.
will be held in 2012, incorporating the knowledge
The group on Mill Hill, site of the former Eldorado mill, which offers a spectacular view of Beaverlodge Lake. From left: George Bihun, MOE;
Tim Moulding, MOE; federal co-op student; Rob Friesen, Cameco; Kristin Longpre, Cameco; Terri-Lynn Beavereye, EQC; Erin Carter, EQC;
Connie Hunter, EQC Admin; Sarah Eaton, CNSC; Tamara Yankovich, SRC;Allen Augier, EQC; Nicole Frigault, CNSC; Dianne Allen, SRC;
Dale Kristoff, MOE; Mike Webster, Cameco. Front: Barry Opekokew, EQC: Felix McDonald, EQC; Grant Su, CNSC.
NSEQC 2011 Page 20
EQCAR 2011 setup_Layout 1 13-01-03 10:50 AM Page 21
GUNNAR/LORADO
W
ork continued in 2011 to remediate immediate hazards on
the Gunnar site, pending approval of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for full decommissioning.
In Uranium City on September 27,
Project Manager Tamara Yankovich of
the Saskatchewan Research Council
(SRC) updated the group on work to
date.
Most of the buildings have been taken
down, including the landmark headframe.
Debris has been stored temporarily until
the EIS is approved.
The EIS is expected to go out for public review early in 2012. By this time, a
single preferred remedial option is expected to be presented. SRC will conSuited up for work at Gunnar. From left: Alexey Klyastorin, SRC; Allen Augier, EQC; Ditinue to engage local residents in
anne Allen, SRC; Felix McDonald, EQC; Terri-Lynn Beavereye, EQC; Veronica Roesler,
remedial options.
SRC; Erin Carter, EQC; Connie Hunter, EQC Admin; Tamara Yankovich, SRC; Chris
About 60 people were on site during
O’Neill, March Consulting; Barry Opekokew, SRC.
the summer, living in a work camp estabtally under water.
lished for the purpose. Athabasca residents were hired and
Options for the very acidic Nero Lake include leaving
trained to do the asbestos removal and demolition work.
it as is, or treating the water to reduce impacts on BeaverThe EQC and regulators flew to Gunnar on September
lodge Lake, where some of the outflow ends up.
28. They were impressed with the work to date, seeing the
The EIS was sent to regulators in December 2011 for
debris neatly stored and almost no evidence of buildings,
comments. SRC continues to consult with local residents
including the headframe.
about remedial options.
Lorado
Work at this site, which contains tailings from the longdemolished Lorado mill, focused on controlling dusting
from the tailings and a risk reduction plan for reclamation.
Options under consideration include covering the tailings
or moving them into Nero Lake, where they would be to-
The group toured the Lorado area with Dianne Allen of
SRC, who is overseeing the project. It appears the dust
suppressant used on the tailings has worked well.
Satellite Sites
Besides the Beaverlodge satellite sites, there are 36
small satellite mines in the Uranium City area. Most of
them present physical rather than radiation hazards.
Reclamation has been completed at nine of
these sites, and work has started at nine more.
Once the sites are clean and safe, they will be
turned back to the province under the Institutional
Control Program.
At the Lorado tailings site. From left: Barry Opekokew, Erin Carter, TerriLynn Beavereye, Connie Hunter, Diane Allen, Felix McDonald.
NSEQC 2011 Page 21
EQCAR 2011 setup_Layout 1 13-01-03 10:50 AM Page 22
CONFERENCES
S
fits from resource extraction.
ix EQC reps, two from each subcommittee, along
Cameco was well represented and participated in the
with Manager Warren Kelly, attended the sixth anRound
Table through a presentation by Sean Willy. This
nual Learning Together Conference. The conference
was the only northern Saskatchewan content in the conferwas hosted by the Prince Albert Grand Council, and was
ence.
held in Prince Albert.
Manager
The conference
Warren Kelly
was designed to prolikened the
mote learning and
conference to
cooperation between
a minithe mining industry
CAMA
and Aboriginal com(Canadian
munities.
Aboriginal
The group particMinerals Asipated in workshops
sociation)
such as the IBA
Conference ,
(Impact Benefit
which reps
Agreement) Comnormally atmunity Toolkit,
tend each
Aboriginal Treaty
fall. This
Rights and the
year, howCanadian Constituever, the timion, An Oral History
ing of the
of Aboriginal Peoprovincial
ple, The Northwest
EQC reps Barry Opekokew (left) and Allen Augier pay close attention at the Learning Together
election preTerritories Expericonference.
vented our
ence, and a Uraparticipation at CAMA.
nium Round Table.
Learning Together was generally considered to be a
Our reps also met delegates from across Canada, sharworthwhile conference.
ing stories and strategies for improving community bene-
EQC Co-Chairs attend NMMS Meeting
T
he three subcommittee co-chairs attended the fall
meeting of the Northern Mines Monitoring Secretariat, composed of representatives of several
provincial and federal government departments with activities relating to the uranium industry.
Erin Carter (South Central); Norman Wolverine
(West Side) and Allen Augier representing Felix McDonald (Athabasca) heard presentations on several topics, and
had an opportunity to speak to the group.
Presentations to the group included Kevin McCallum
of Saskatchewan Minsitry of Environment (MOE) on the
Boreal Water Management Strategy; Dr. James Irvine of
the Northern Population Health Unit on the Community
Vitality Partnership Process; Tim Trottier of MOE on the
Woodland Caribou National Recovery Strategy; and Jean
LeClair of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission on
International Standards and Public Outreach.
Norman Wolverine of English River First Nation
brought up his ongoing concerns about the exploration per-
NSEQC 2011 Page 22
mitting process, which he feels does not allow communities enough opportunity for input and consideration of applications.
Allen Augier said his community of Uranium City gets
very little information. He applauded the EQC for good
notification and notes. He said community members often
funnel their questions through him.
Erin Carter of La Ronge noted she makes the EQC
notes available to the community, and reports to council.
She spoke for all with her frustration at getting members
of the public to attend meetings.
MOE’s Tim Moulding noted that exploration has
much less impact than mining, and that public involvement comes with logistical difficulties. He hopes a trust
relationship will develop. The high level of activitiy has
put a large burden on the ministry, and “there are not
enough hours in a week to get everything out”.
EQCAR 2011 setup_Layout 1 13-01-03 10:50 AM Page 23
URANIUM COMPANY CONTACTS
Cameco
AREVA
Aw
a
itin
gC
am
ec
oU
pd
ate
Head Office: 2121 11th St West, Saskatoon, S7M 1J3
Main Switchboard: (306) 956-6200, Fax: (306) 956-6201
President & CEO: Tim Gitzel
Sr. VP, Corporate Services: Grant Isaac
VP, SHEQ & Regulatory Regulations: Alice Wong
VP, Exploration: Colin McDonald
VP, Mining: David Neuburger
VP, Corporate Social Responsibility: Gary Merasty
Sr. Specialist, Business Development: Darrel Burnouf
Regional Director, Americas Exploration: Charles Roy
Manager, Purchasing & Transportation: Art Stewart
Specialist, Community Engagement: Kristin Longpré
Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility: Dara Hrytzak-Lieffers
La Ronge Office: Box 1049, La Ronge, Sk. S0J 1L0
Phone (306) 425-4144 Fax (306) 425-2153
Manager, Aboriginal Engagement: Walter Smith
Supervisor, Northern Community Relations: Darwin Roy
Sr. Coordinator, Northern Community Relations: Colleen Durocher
Specialist, Workforce Planning: Cheryl Hovdebo
Supervisor, Northern Community Relations: Jim Andrews
Administrative Assistant Northern Affairs: Betty Kopeck
Administrative Assistant: Jennifer Wolkosky
Specialist, Northern Recruitment: Gina Peters
Key Lake Operation:
Phone/Fax (306) 884-2100
Mill Manager: Les Yesnik
McArthur River Operation:
Phone (306) 633-2001, Fax (306) 633-2019
Mine Manager: Kevin Quesnel
Rabbit Lake Operation
Phone: (306) 633-2141, Fax (306) 633-2248
General Manager: David Rezansoff
Cigar Lake Operation
Phone (306) 633-2072, Fax (306) 633-2047
General Manager: Steve Lowen
Head Office: 817 45th St W, Saskatoon, S7K 3X5
Main Switchboard: (306) 343-4500, Fax (306) 343-4656
President & CEO: Vincent Martin
VP, Operations: Jim Corman
Sr. VP & Chief Financial Officer: Gerry Scherman
VP, Regulatory Affairs & General Counsel:
Tammy van Lambalgen
VP, Exploration: Joseph Roux
VP, HR & Industrial Relations: Bruce Walls
VP, SHEQ: Dale Huffman
Executive Advisor: John Tosney
Director, Budgets & Management Systems: Pierre Hardouin
Director, Project Development: Vincent Laniece
Director, Safety, Health, Radiation Protection & Quality:
Dale Huffman
General Manager, Kiggavik-Scissons: Frederic Guerin
Manager, Materials: Arden Sobush
Manager, Uranium Contr. Trans & Special Projects:
Curt Andrews
Manager, Quality & Compliance: Richard Shewaga
Manager, Mine Projects: Peter Longo
VP, Communications: Jarret Adams
La Ronge Office: Box 900, La Ronge, SK. S0J 1L0
Phone (306) 425-6880 Fax (306) 425-6886
Email: [email protected]
Manager, Northern Affairs: Glenn LaFleur
Northern Affairs Assistant: Kayle Brown
McClean Lake Project (Use Saskatoon Address)
Phone (306) 633-2177, Fax (306) 633-2184
General Manager: Jack Richards
Mill Superintendent:
Superintendent, Industrial Relations & Training: Don Zacharias
Superintendent, SHEQ: Mark Neal
Cluff Lake Site (Use Saskatoon Address)
Phone (306) 498-2233, Fax (306) 498-2231
Manager, Decommissioning: Dave Hiller
REGULATOR CONTACTS
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC)
Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment
Uranium Mines & Mills Division, Saskatoon
Director: Jean LeClair, (613) 992-2214
Strategic Advisor, UMMD Saskatoon: Mark Langdon
Manager, Uranium & Northern Operations
Tim Moulding, (306) 933-7940
Project Officers
Sarah Eaton, (306) 975-6392 (McArthur River)
Tom Gates, (306) 975-6362 (Key Lake)
Chuong Pham, (306) 975-4955 (Midwest EA)
Salman Akhter, (306) 975-6385 (Cigar Lake)
Doug Humphreys, (306) 975-6378 (Rabbit Lake)
William Stewart, (306) 975-6377 (Millennium)
John Glover, Ottawa, (613) 944-4637 (Beaverlodge, Cluff Lake)
Cherry Gunning, Ottawa, (613)-947-4114 (McClean Lake)
Prince Albert Office: (306) 953-2127
George Bihun, Senior EPO (McArthur River, Gunnar, Lorado,
Abandoned Mines
Dale Kristoff, Senior EPO (Beaverlodge)
Saskatoon Office: (306) 933-7940
Alan Merkowsky, Senior EPO (Key Lake, Cluff Lake, Shea Creek)
Vanessa Bourhis, EPO (Cigar Lake, McClean Lake)
Jana Lung,EPO (Rabbit Lake, McClean Lake)
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The Northern Mines Monitoring Secretariat
Making sure uranium is mined safely
NORTHERN SASKATCHEWAN ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE
16 Years of Connecting Northerners
The Province’s creation of the Northern Saskatchewan Environmental Quality Committee
(NSEQC) in 1995 responded to a clear need identified by the federal-provincial panel, which said
northerners needed an effective voice and meaningful input into proposed uranium mining
developments in their region.
At the time, the NSEQC was a new approach; no one knew how well it would work. As it turns out,
it works very well.
The NSEQC, now in its 17th year of service, is recognized internationally as a model for
community engagement in monitoring our uranium industry.
More than 80 northerners from 34 communities monitor the uranium industry’s impact on the northern
environment, economy, and people. Through technical workshops, mining conferences, public
hearings and visits to mine sites, the NSEQC:
1. Helps community representatives learn about industry activities; and
2. Provides feedback to industry - and to government regulators – on northern concerns and
priorities.
Since its start, more than 300 northern residents have participated in the NSEQC! They have helped
to build an important tool that, in turn, helps northerners to monitor the overall uranium industry.
Congratulations to all NSEQC representatives – past and present - for their hard work and
dedication.
Northern Affairs Division
First Nations and Métis Relations
The Northern Mines Monitoring Secretariat (NMMS) is comprised of five provincial ministries, plus the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). The NMMS forms a resource group to the Northern Saskatchewan Environmental Quality Committee. Contact the manager at
Box 5000, La Ronge, SK. S0J 1L0. Phone (306) 425-4211 or no charge 800-577-2628. Manager: Warren Kelly. Email [email protected]
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NSEQC VISION STATEMENT
An Environmental Quality Committee, composed of trusted and
knowledgeable people each nominated by his/her community, is a
bridge between northerners, government and the uranium mining
industry - a bridge built on a solid foundation of mutual trust and
respect.
An Environmental Quality Committee is not vested with regulatory
responsibilities, but rather is structured to provide a forum which
will ensure consideration of the concerns and recommendations of
northerners on the way in which uranium development occurs in
northern Saskatchewan.
Through informed dialogue and communication, government, the
uranium mining industry and the people of the north, together, will
strive to ensure that all uranium mining activity takes place in a
manner which considers the needs and aspirations of those people
directly affected, the people of northern Saskatchewan.