Group seeks answers on impact of irrigation project

SASKATOON The Saskatchewan Environmental Society (SES) is urging the province to assess the impact of a massive irrigation project announced earlier this month.

“Any project of this magnitude must be considered on the basis of environmental consequences,” SES vice-president Bob Halliday told reporters on Wednesday.

The 10-year irrigation project aims to harness Lake Diefenbaker to irrigate up to 500,000 acres. When completed, that would roughly double the irrigable land in the province, boosting higher value yields for farmers in west-central and southern Saskatchewan.

The province estimated this would increase the provincial gross domestic product by $40 billion to $80 billion over 50 years.

Before it goes ahead, Halliday wants an environmental-impact statement, and for any potential federal funding to be tied to that statement being prepared.

There could be several associated environmental issues with the project, but at this point, all of those concerns are “coulds (and) not wills,” Halliday said. “Until we know the operating plans for the reservoir under this irrigation regime, we really don’t know what the consequences will be.”

Among his concerns is the potential impact on hydroelectric power generation along Coteau Creek and Hudson Bay. He said the project could also reduce summer flows for irrigators drawing water from the South Saskatchewan River.

Those reduced flows could affect tourism and fisheries operating downstream, he added.

Wetland loss in the areas west and north of Lake Diefenbaker and in the upper Qu’appelle River basin are also possible, and agricultural land could be lost to canal construction, Halliday said.

He questioned the suitability of the lands set for irrigation. That’s because soil profiles and groundwater levels could lead to saline breakouts in the soil, he said.

An environment assessment should investigate these concerns, he said.

Water Security Agency spokesperson Patrick Boyle said the project is in its infancy, and all steps — including environmental assessments — will be followed. As more preliminary information comes in, consultations and meetings could take place, Boyle said.

The project is about 50 years old, and the suggestion that “we’re not sure or don’t understand the system here is not true and not accurate at all,” he added.

“We’re certainly prepared to move forward and make sure all the right assessments are being done.”

First Nation leaders like Cumberland House Chief Rene Chaboyer have expressed concern over a lack of consultation in the project. Halliday said there are still unknowns surrounding the project that need answers beyond the details in its initial announcement.

“The province really hasn’t made any specific description of what they envisage,” Halliday said.