Vivian Sand Project

Attachment CanWhite Nov 29 open house

• Vivian Sand Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of CanWhite Sands Corp
• Reference number: 87
• Submitted: 2021-12-06
• Please see attached. 
• Attachment included
• CANWHITE SANDS CORP. Suite 1930, 440-2nd Ave SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 5E9 ELECTRONIC MAIL December 5, 2021 Impact Assessment Agency of Canada Prairie and Northern Region/Région des Prairies et du Nord Canada Place Suite 1145, 9700 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4C3 RE: CanWhite Sands Corp Close Stakeholder Open House Nov 29, 2021 CanWhite would like to provide a quick update on a recent open house held at the Anola Community Center, Manitoba, November 29, 2021. CanWhite Sands hand delivered 135+ personal invitations to all property holders within a 5km radius of the proposed facility. Of the 135 delivered 19 people chose to attend and of the 19 two were residents outside the 5km radius. Of the 19 attendees only a couple were initially opposed and asked questions which were primarily based on falsehood from social media. The remainder were pleased with the information and direct dialog format and were quite supportive. Attendees at the open house from CanWhite Sands Corp included: Feisal Somji B. Sc., MBA – CEO/President Brent Bullen B. Comm, MBA– COO Laura Weeden P. Eng. – VP Operations Troy Needham – P. Geo.- CanWhite Chief Geologist Kevin Zaharia – General Manager Shandy Walls – Community Liaison and local resident Cliff Samoiloff B.Sc. EP(CEA) - Senior Scientist & Project Manager, Mining and Industrial Market Sector Leader, Canada AECOM Ryan Mills M.Sc., P.Geo. (BC, AB) - Senior Hydrogeologist, Environment AECOM Dione McGuiness BA Communications – Principal InigenUs Consulting Corp Stakeholder and Indigenous Engagement As is demonstrated CanWhite came prepared to answer any and all questions from local community members. The open house was ...

Report

Attachment Request for Designation of the Vivian Sand Project - Appendix C - Open house question and responses

• Vivian Sand Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of CanWhite Sands Corp
• Reference number: 86
• Submitted: 2021-11-09
• Please see attached. 
• Attachment included
• CANWHITE SANDS CORP. Suite 1930, 440-2nd Ave SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 5E9 ELECTRONIC MAIL November 8, 2021 Impact Assessment Agency of Canada Prairie and Northern Region/Région des Prairies et du Nord Canada Place Suite 1145, 9700 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4C3 RE: CanWhite Sands Corp response to IAAC letter of clarification – Appendix C This document is a supplement to the previous letter sent October 15, 2021 “CanWhite Sands Corp response to IAAC letter received September 21, 2021”. This document represents a written version of Appendix C – a copy of the Virtual Open House from August 24, 2021, which for privacy reasons cannot be shared publicly. Appendix C is in response to the question from September 21, 2021 letter which stated, “3.a) iii. Whether public and/or Indigenous consultation would be required and if yes, provide information on the approach you intend to take (if any steps have been taken, please provide a summary, including issues raised as well as your responses).” The following are summaries of the questions asked and answers provided during the Open House on August 24th, 2021 regarding CanWhite’s Vivian Sand Extraction and Sand Facility Projects. Questions are listed in the order that they were responded to. Question 1: Can you please provide more information about some of the jobs that you anticipate being created either directly or indirectly because of this project? Response: CanWhite intends to employ 50 -80 people total for the facility and extraction operations. Job types will range from site staff, operational staff, administration, mechanics, maintenance, equipment operators, field equipment operators, ...

Report

Attachment Clarification on Response for Designation Request

• Vivian Sand Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of CanWhite Sands Corp
• Reference number: 83
• Submitted: 2021-11-01
• Please see attached. 
• Attachment included
• CANWHITE SANDS CORP. Suite 1930, 440-2nd Ave SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 5E9 ELECTRONIC MAIL November 1, 2021 Impact Assessment Agency of Canada Prairie and Northern Region/Région des Prairies et du Nord Canada Place Suite 1145, 9700 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4C3 RE: CanWhite Sands Corp response to IAAC letter of clarification Received Sept 21, 2021 – Explain your views on whether the Project should be designated under the IAA CanWhite Sands Corporation (CWS) submitted a response on October 15, 2021 to the IAAC letter received September 21, 2021. Within the letter to CWS a question was asked “Explain your views on whether the Project should be designated under the IAA”. Upon further review of the timing and contents of the request received by IAAC on September 8, 2021 we provide the following information as to why a designation should not be recommended at this time. Currently Manitoba Conservation and Climate, Environmental Approvals Branch are undergoing their review of the CanWhite’s Environment Act Proposal Extraction Project. The provincial review process includes the review of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and a public review period which has just recently concluded. Circumventing the provincial government, its process, departments, jurisdiction and defined rights on this matter would not benefit the outcome at this time. We believe the current process should be respected and that the application for designation should be based on the outcomes, findings, and recommendations of the current review process by Manitoba Conservation and Climate, Environmental Approvals Branch. The applicants request of Designation is an ...

Attachment CanWhite Sands Open House Video - Replacement

• Vivian Sand Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of CanWhite Sands Corp
• Reference number: 85
• Submitted: 2021-11-01
• Please see attached. 
• Attachment included
• CANWHITE SANDS CORP. Suite 1930, 440-2nd Ave SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 5E9 ELECTRONIC MAIL November 1, 2021 Impact Assessment Agency of Canada Prairie and Northern Region/Région des Prairies et du Nord Canada Place Suite 1145, 9700 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4C3 RE: CanWhite Sands Corp response to IAAC letter of clarification Received Sept 21, 2021 – Video of open house August 24, 2021 CanWhite Sands Corporation (CWS) submitted a response on October 15, 2021 to the IAAC letter received September 21, 2021 which included a full un-edited video of the CWS Public Open House August 24, 2021. As discussed with Ms. Shelly Boss and Mr. Ian Marten, the IAAC can only accept content that can repost publicly as the Privacy Act precludes the use of republishing the video without Waivers and Consent forms from all participants. Although CWS has no objection to its use, it is not feasible to obtain such documentation from all public participants who were known or spoke on the video. As a solution, CWS is having a summary of the video prepared in written form for submission where content can be forwarded for review without breach of the privacy act. We anticipate this material to be forwarded under separate cover later this week. Best Regards, Brent Bullen, MBA Chief Operating Officer CanWhite Sands Corp. cc: Jennifer Winsor P. Eng. (Manitoba Conservation and Climate, Environmental Approvals) <Original signed by>

Report

Attachment Clarification on Crown Land usage Re- Request for Designation of the Vivian Sand Project

• Vivian Sand Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of CanWhite Sands Corp
• Reference number: 84
• Submitted: 2021-10-26
• Please see attached. 
• Attachment included
• 1 0 1 20.5 km ! ! ! Vivian Anola Ostenfeld UV15 UV302 NAD 1983 UTM Zone 14N 1:85,000 Pr oje ct Ma na ge me nt Ini tia ls: D es ign er: Ch ec ke d: A pp rov ed : La st sa ve d b y: ST EP HA NI E.C LA RK (2 02 1-1 0-0 5) File nam e: \ \NA .AE CO MN ET .CO M\L FS \AM ER \W INN IPE G-C AW PG 1\L EG AC Y\C AW PG 1F P0 01\ DA TA \PR OJ EC TS \60 625 356 \90 0-C AD _G IS\ 920 -92 9 ( GIS -GR AP HIC S)\ 02_ MX DS \VI VIA N S AN D E XT RA CT ION PR OJ EC T - EA L\H 001 -1_ 606 253 56_ PR OJ EC TS ITE LO CA TIO NL AN DO WN ER SH IP.M XD AN SI A 21 5.9 mm x 27 9.4 mm ² Vivian Sand Extraction Project Project Site Location and Land Ownership CanWh ite S and s Corp. Pr oje ct No .: 6 06 25 35 6 Figure: 1-1 Da te: 20 21 -10 -05 HWY 1 HWY 15 HW Y1 2HWY 1 HWY 3 Winnipeg R ed Ri ver Project Site Proje c t S ite Area 24-Year Life of Proje c t Area S and Proc e ssing Fac ility Area * Annual Sand Extraction Areas ** Propose d Extraction Years 1 to 4 Land Ownership Crown Land Private Land General Features Hig h way Railway * Th e sand proc e ssing fac ility (i.e. th e sand wash plant, d ry plant and assoc iate d infrastru c tu re) are not com pone nts of th e Proje ct and is be ing reviewe d by re g u latory au th oritie s u nd e r a separate Environm e nt Act Lic e nc e application. RM of Springfield ** Prog re ssive annu al d e c om m issioning and re h abilitation of sand extraction bore h ole s, equ ipm e nt layd own areas, d rill rig ac c e ss trails, slu rry pipe rig h t-of-ways and te m porary pu m ping stations will oc c u r with in eac h annu al sand extrac tion area eac h extrac ...
• Attachment included
• 1 0 1 20.5 km ! ! ! Anola Vivian Ostenfeld UV15 UV302 NAD 1983 UTM Zone 14N 1:85,000 Pr oj ec t M an ag em en t I ni tia ls : D es ig ne r: C he ck ed : A pp ro ve d: La st s av ed b y: P AI G E .C R O SS M AN (2 02 1- 06 -1 4) Fi le na m e: L :\E N VI R O N M EN T\ G IS \S TE P H A N IE C LA R KE \W IN N IP EG \V IV IA N _6 06 25 65 6\ 02 _M X D S\ VI VI A N S AN D E X TR AC TI O N P R O JE C T - E AL \H 00 1- 1_ 60 62 53 56 _P R O JE C TS IT EL O C AT IO N LA N D O W N ER SH IP .M XD AN SI A 2 15 .9 m m x 2 79 .4 m m ² Vivian Sand Extraction Project Project Site Location and Land Ownership CanWhite Sands Corp. Pr oj ec t N o. : 6 06 25 35 6 Figure: 1-1 D at e: 2 02 1- 06 -1 4 HWY 1 HWY 15 H W Y 12HWY 1 HWY 3 Winnipeg R ed R iver Project Site Project Site 24-Year Life of Project Area Sand Processing Facility Area * Annual Sand Extraction Areas ** Proposed Extraction Years 1 to 4 Land Ownership Crown Land Private Land General Features Highway Railway * The sand processing facility (i.e. the sand wash plant, dry plant and associated infrastructure) are not components of the Project and is being reviewed by regulatory authorities under a separate Environment Act Licence application. RM of Springfield ** Progressive annual decommissioning and rehabilitation of sand extraction boreholes, equipment laydown areas, drill rig access trails, slurry pipe right-of-ways and temporary pumping stations will occur within each annual sand extraction area each extraction year. NOTE The Project Site is the boundary within which the Project footprint ...
• Attachment included
• CANWHITE SANDS CORP. Suite 1930, 440-2nd Ave SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 5E9 ELECTRONIC MAIL October 26, 2021 Impact Assessment Agency of Canada Prairie and Northern Region/Région des Prairies et du Nord Canada Place Suite 1145, 9700 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4C3 RE: CanWhite Sands Corp response to IAAC letter of clarification on Crown Land CanWhite Sands Corporation (CWS) respectfully submits a clarification on the planned activities on Crown Land. Due to an incorrect map labelling (Figure 1-1 of the Extract Project Environment Act Proposal) that was previously submitted to the province, assumptions have been made that CWS will be operating on Crown land. The incorrect map was filed with the Environment Act Proposal for the Extraction project. The map was incorrectly labelled in the legend as Crown Land in yellow, when the parcels marked are actually Crown Mineral Rights (Appendix A). CWS corrected this map as soon as the error was discovered. However, due to no data being available as to where crown surface rights vs crown land is in the area, CWS had to go through each parcel manually, request landownership details from the province and generate a new map. Incorrect labelling. These are Crown Mineral Rights 2 | P a g e On October 5, 2021 CWS submitted the corrected map showing the correct Crown Land as seen in Appendix B and filed on the Provincial Public Registry. It is important to note that CWS has no activities on any Crown Land, nor does CWS plan to have any activities on Crown Land throughout the entire life of the project as is stated in the previous letter. Therefore, CWS is not subject to any Section 35 ...

Report

Attachment Meeting between the Impact Assessment Agency and Manitoba Conservation and Climate

• Vivian Sand Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Manitoba Conservation and Climate (MCC)
• Reference number: 100
• Submitted: 2021-10-18
• Please see the attached submission.
• Attachment included
• 1 Meeting between the Impact Assessment Agency (the Agency) and Manitoba Conservation and Climate (MCC) MEETING TOPIC: VIVIAN SAND PROJECT Meeting Date: October 18, 2021 Teleconference Information: N/A Meeting Time: Location: MS Teams Organizer Contact Information: Name: Shelly Boss, Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (Agency) Email: Shelly.Boss@iaac-aeic.gc.ca Phone: Participants: Agency Shelly Boss, Project Manager Ian Martin, Team Lead MCC Laura Pyles (Acting Director) Jennifer Winsor Eshetu Beshada PURPOSE • Representatives of Manitoba Conservation and Climate and the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada met to discuss the Provincial Authority Advice Record requested by the Agency in a letter dated September 18, 2021, seeking to understand provincial policies and processes for the silica sand extraction mining proposed by CanWhite Sand Corp. AGENDA Item Topic Speaker Time (Min) 1. Overview of provincial review and licensing process MCC 40 SUMMARY NOTES Summary of discussion Action items Overview of provincial review and licensing process (Speaker: MCC) Projects that are defined as developments by the Classes of Development Regulation under Manitoba’s The Environment Act must undergo an environmental assessment and receive a License prior to construction and operation. The Environmental Approvals Branch (EAB) of MCC reviews the proposals under The Environment Act. The silica sand extraction mining proposed by CanWhite Sand Corp. (the proponent) is considered a “Class 2” development as per the provincial The Classes of Development Regulation. Licensing for this project is handled via the Environment Act Proposal process. Class 3 ...

Attachment ECCC Response to IAAC RE Vivian Sand Project

• Vivian Sand Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Environment and Climate Change Canada
• Reference number: 96
• Submitted: 2021-10-15
• Please see attached
• Attachment included
• 1 Environmental Protection Operations Directorate Prairie & Northern Region 9250 49 Street Edmonton, AB T6B 1K5 October 15th, 2021 ECCC File: 20-MB-001 CIAR Reference: 80731 Shelly Boss Impact Assessment Agency of Canada 1145-9700 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, AB T5J 4C3 Via email : Shelly.Boss@iaac-aeic.gc.ca Dear Shelly Boss, RE: Review of new designation request and information for the Vivian Sand Project ECCC has reviewed What the Frack Manitoba’s Designation Request dated September 8, 2021 and Questions for CanWhite Virtual Open House for the Vivian Sand Extraction Project and Hydrogeological Report dated August 20, 2021 for the above-noted project as requested in the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada’s (the Agency) September 23, 2021 letter. The information and questions do not change what ECCC previously indicated about the project in our FAARs dated September 14, 2020 and August 16, 2021. ECCC has no further comment to provide based on the available information for the Vivian Sand Project. Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact:  Heather Konopski, Environmental Assessment Officer, at (204) 918-4670 or heather.konopski@ec.gc.ca  Orlagh O’Sullivan, A/ Senior Environmental Assessment Officer, at (431) 276-4506 or orlagh.osullivan@ec.gc.ca  The ECCC Prairie and Northern Region EA Generic Inbox at ec.rpn-see-eapnr-s.ec@ec.gc.ca. Sincerely, Corinna Watt A/ Regional Director Prairie and Northern Region Cc: Gillian Brown, A/Head EA South, EA Prairie and Northern Region Heather Konopski, EA Officer, Prairie and Northern Region Orlagh O’Sullivan, A/Senior EA Officer, ...

Attachment Notification of a Request for Designation of the Vivian Sand Project

• Vivian Sand Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of CanWhite Sands Corp
• Reference number: 82
• Submitted: 2021-10-15
• Please see attached. 
• Attachment included
• CANWHITE SANDS CORP. Suite 1930, 440-2nd Ave SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 5E9 ELECTRONIC MAIL October 15, 2021 Impact Assessment Agency of Canada Prairie and Northern Region/Région des Prairies et du Nord Canada Place Suite 1145, 9700 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4C3 RE: CanWhite Sands Corp response to IAAC letter received September 21, 2021 CanWhite Sands Corporation (CWS) respectfully submits the following response to the letter received from IAAC on September 21st, 2021. This response is broken down into three sections: 1. A general update and overview of the status of the Extraction project. 2. Responses to letters accompanying the IAAC request for designation. 3. A response to IAAC provided questions received September 21, 2021. CWS has reviewed the submissions received by IAAC from What the Frack Manitoba (WTFM), by Mr. LeNeveu and Mr. LeNeveu’s letter titled “Questions for CanWhite Virtual open House for the Vivian Sand Extraction Project and Hydrogeological Report”. CWS rejects many of the statements by WTFM as many claims and comments are written from opinion and not supported by facts or scientific data. WTFM has a history of publishing self-generated materials on social media and attempting to validate the claims by sharing and resharing the same submission to multiple sites. Reposting and sharing does not increase the credibility of their materials. WTFM has distributed incorrect materials including digitally altered pictures for affect, altered news articles without author and publisher permission, exaggerated false and misleading facts and statements which cannot be validated. WTFM rely upon the works of Mr. LeNeveu, their ...
• Attachment included
• Appendix A Environment Act Proposal Report Guidelines March 2018 1 Information Bulletin – Environment Act Proposal Report Guidelines These guidelines apply to all Environment Act Proposals (EAPs) under The Environment Act. They prescribe what is required in report(s) supporting the EAP, and the quantity and types of copies required. Separate, supplementary guidelines exist for certain types of developments, indicating additional information required. These guidelines are available on the Environmental Approvals Branch (EAB) webpage (http://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/eal) or by contacting the EAB. DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA) REPORT This information is based on the Licensing Procedures Regulation (Manitoba Regulation 163/88). Note that where Imperial measurements are used, metric equivalents must be listed as well. The EA Report typically contains the following:  Executive summary  Introduction and background  Description of proposed development, including construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning if applicable  Description of existing environment in the project area  Description of environmental effects of the proposed development  Description of the human health effects of the proposed development  Mitigation measures to protect the environment and human health, and residual environmental effects  Follow-up plans, including monitoring and reporting  Conclusions Definitions “environment” means (a) air, land and water, or (b) plant and animal life, including humans “environmental health” means those aspects of human health that are or can be affected by pollutants or changes in the environment “pollutant” means ...

Report

Attachment Natural Resources Canada's Response to Request for Review of Designation Request and Additional Information from the Requester for the Vivian Sand Project

• Vivian Sand Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Natural Resources Canada
• Reference number: 94
• Submitted: 2021-10-13
• Please see attached.
• Attachment included
• October 13, 2021 Shelly Boss Project Manager, Prairie and Northern Region Impact Assessment Agency of Canada Subject: Natural Resources Canada’s Response to Request for Review of Designation Request and Additional Information from the Requester for the Vivian Sand Project Dear Ms. Boss, On September 23, 2021, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) requested that Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) review the letter requesting the designation of the proposed Vivian Sand Project (the Project) and the additional information/questions from the Requester in their Questions for CanWhite Virtual Open House for the Vivian Sand Extraction Project and Hydrogeological Report document. NRCan reviewed Section 5 in the designation request letter, Unrealistic Groundwater Model Simulations, and Section 6 in the Questions for CanWhite Virtual Open House document, Numerical Groundwater Model, as they relate to NRCan’s groundwater quantity expertise. NRCan found that from a groundwater quantity perspective, the Vivian Sand Extraction Project does not have the potential to cause significant adverse effects within federal jurisdiction or adverse direct or incidental effects as described in Section 2 of Impact Assessment Act. This advice is the same advice provided to IAAC on August 30, 2021 and more details are provided in Attachment 1. With respect to acid rock drainage and metal leaching, the information in the designation request letter and the Questions for CanWhite Virtual Open House document does not change the advice NRCan provided to IAAC on August 30, 2021. NRCan finds that the sampling methods proposed by the Requester are not applicable as they are for sampling deep ocean ...

Report

Attachment RE: IAAC Request for review of new information on the Vivian Sand Extraction Project

• Vivian Sand Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
• Reference number: 101
• Submitted: 2021-10-13
• Good afternoon Shelly and Amy,   Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is responsible for the conservation and protection of fish and fish habitat in Canada.  DFO manages physical impacts associated with any work, undertaking or activity that may impact fish and fish habitat, and any activities that may affect aquatic species at risk, as per the Fisheries Act and Species At Risk Act (SARA).   As per your email request on September 23, 2021, DFO has reviewed the new designation request.  DFO has no additional comments.     Should any works in water be proposed that may impact fish and fish habitat, such as, but not limited to, water crossings, the proponent should submit a Request for Review form for DFO which outlines the specific impacts of the project on fish and fish habitat for review under the Fisheries Act. The completed Request for Review form should be submitted to FisheriesProtection@dfo-mpo.gc.ca (mailto:FisheriesProtection@dfo-mpo.gc.ca).   DFO has confirmed that there are no aquatic species at risk at or near this site that would be impacted.   Our previous comments for this project still apply.   Sincerely,   Lisa Wren Senior Biologist, Triage and Planning Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program | Programme de protection du poisson et de son habitat Ontario and Prairie Region | région de l'Ontario et des Prairies Fisheries and Oceans Canada | 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington  ON  L7S 1A1 Pêches et Océans Canada | 867, ch. Lakeshore, Burlington  ON  ...

Report

Attachment Review of new designation request and information for the Vivian Sand Project - Health Canada response

• Vivian Sand Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Health Canada
• Reference number: 91
• Submitted: 2021-10-12
• Please see attached. 
• Attachment included
• Environmental Health Program (EHP) Regulatory Operations and Enforcement Branch (ROEB) Health Canada 391 York Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3C 0P4 October 12, 2021 Shelly Boss Impact Assessment Agency of Canada Canada Place Suite 1145, 9700 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, AB T5J 4C3 Sent by email to: Shelly.Boss@iaac-aeic.gc.ca Subject: Health Canada’s review of new designation request and information for the Vivian Sand Project Dear Shelly Boss: Thank you for your September 23, 2021 letter requesting Health Canada’s review and feedback on a new designation request and supporting information for the Vivian Sand Project (the Project). Health Canada has reviewed the current request and supplementary material, which continue to support the department’s responses to the previous Federal Authority Advice Record (FAAR) request, submitted September 14, 2020, and to the request for review of new information (pertaining to the extraction portion of the Project only), submitted August 30, 2021. Health Canada’s previous comments outlined the potential for the Project to affect human health and the health of Indigenous peoples due to changes in drinking water quality, noise, and air quality. The following comments focus on the new information provided in your current request. HC Comment #1: The current designation request seeks to incorporate both the Vivian Sand Extraction Project and the Vivian Sand Processing Facility Project . This is an inclusive approach, which supports the assessment of potential cumulative effects. The designation request also identified the CanWhite Sands Corp. Vivian Railway Yard, another local project, which could also be relevant to a cumulative effects ...

Report

Attachment Review of new designation request and information for the Vivian Sand Project - Health Canada response

• Vivian Sand Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Health Canada
• Reference number: 98
• Submitted: 2021-10-12
• Please see the attached submission.
• Attachment included
• Environmental Health Program (EHP) Regulatory Operations and Enforcement Branch (ROEB) Health Canada 391 York Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3C 0P4 October 12, 2021 Shelly Boss Impact Assessment Agency of Canada Canada Place Suite 1145, 9700 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, AB T5J 4C3 Sent by email to: Shelly.Boss@iaac-aeic.gc.ca Subject: Health Canada’s review of new designation request and information for the Vivian Sand Project Dear Shelly Boss: Thank you for your September 23, 2021 letter requesting Health Canada’s review and feedback on a new designation request and supporting information for the Vivian Sand Project (the Project). Health Canada has reviewed the current request and supplementary material, which continue to support the department’s responses to the previous Federal Authority Advice Record (FAAR) request, submitted September 14, 2020, and to the request for review of new information (pertaining to the extraction portion of the Project only), submitted August 30, 2021. Health Canada’s previous comments outlined the potential for the Project to affect human health and the health of Indigenous peoples due to changes in drinking water quality, noise, and air quality. The following comments focus on the new information provided in your current request. HC Comment #1: The current designation request seeks to incorporate both the Vivian Sand Extraction Project and the Vivian Sand Processing Facility Project . This is an inclusive approach, which supports the assessment of potential cumulative effects. The designation request also identified the CanWhite Sands Corp. Vivian Railway Yard, another local project, which could also be relevant to a cumulative effects ...

Report

Attachment CTA approval of the CanWhite Sand Vivian Railway Line with respect to Project Designation

• Vivian Sand Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Dennis LeNeveu
• Reference number: 99
• Submitted: 2021-10-09
•   Dear Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC), Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) and CN Rail Ombudsman,   I have received pertinent documentation regarding the proposed CanWhite Sands Corporation (CWS)-Vivian Railway Line and Yard from a request for information from the IAAC. The information is pertinent to the current (IAAC) review of the Vivian Sand Extraction Project with respect to project designation and to the CTA approval of the CWS Vivian Railway Line and Yard. The IAAC Analysis Document of Nov. 2020 regarding designation of the Vivian Sand Processing Plant and Extraction project stated;   “Approval from the Canadian Transportation Agency may be required for the Facility Project, as the Proponent has indicated that the railway spur component of the Vivian Sand Processing Facility is part of CN’s network.”   The Vivian Sand railway line, already cleared by CWS, would connect to the CN mainline.   The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) Guidelines defines a Federally Regulated Railway Company as one that meets one of the following criteria,   “iii. Is owned, controlled, leased or operated by a federally regulated railway company;”   The CN Engineering Specifications for Industrial Tracks, Jan. 31, 2019 require that any rail line connecting to CN existing facilities must be approved by CN. The specifications state;   “The plans and specification must be approved, signed and stamped by a Professional Engineer licensed in the State or Province prior to ...

Report

Attachment FW: Vivian Sand Project

• Vivian Sand Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Peguis First Nation
• Reference number: 93
• Submitted: 2021-10-07
• Please see the attached submission.
• Attachment included
• <Original signed by>

Report

Attachment Comments for the Vivian Sands Extraction Project

• Vivian Sand Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Dennis LeNeveu
• Reference number: 102
• Submitted: 2021-10-07
• Dear IAAC  Recently I received correspondence from the IAAC stating;    " The “Submit your Comments” button located on the Registry homepages of designation requests including that of the Vivian Sand Project will remain deactivated. However, the Agency will consider comments submitted by email to  pnr-rpn@iaac-aeic.gc.ca (mailto:pnr-rpn@iaac-aeic.gc.ca) by  October 12, 2021. "   Please find attached my submission to the Manitoba Public Registry for the Vivian Sands Extraction Project. The attached document is an expansion of information I sent earlier so there may be some duplicate information.   Sincerely, Dennis LeNeveu  
• Attachment included
• 1 Comments on the CanWhite Sand Vivian Extraction Project By D.M. LeNeveu B.Sc (hons. physics), M.Sc. (biophysics). B.Ed. On Behalf of What the Frack Manitoba Oct. 5, 2021 On Aug. 3, 2021 CanWhite Sands submitted two documents to the Manitoba public registry file # 6119.00 to support CanWhite Sands Corporation (CWS) Silica Sand Extraction Project. The documents are an Environment Act Proposal for the Vivian Sand Extraction Project (EAP) and the Vivian Sand Extraction Project – Hydrogeology and Geochemistry Assessment Report (HGR). The authors of the Extraction EAP are Marlene Gifford, M.Sc. P. Bio, Biologist, Environmental Assessor and Clifton Samoiloff, B. Sc. EP(CEA), Mining Market Sector Lead, Canada. These were the same two authors who prepared the EAP for the CWS Vivian Sands Processing Plant for AECOM Ltd. The contributors to the HGR prepared by AECOM Ltd. include Reuben Dandurand, M.Sc., G.I.T. (BC), Stephen Dickin, P.Geo. (MB, BC) Senior Hydrogeologist / Groundwater Modeller, Kun Jia, M.Sc., P.Geo. (BC) Geochemist/Hydrogeologist, Mehrnoush Javadi, M.Sc., Ph.D. Geochemist/Hydrogeologis, Chris Donnelly, M.Sc., P.Geo. (BC, AB), and Ryan Mills, M.Sc., P.Geo. (MB, BC, AB) Senior Groundwater Modeller Senior Hydrogeologist. Omissions, misinformation and inadequacies in the submitted EAP and HGR are documented here. We prepared a list of questions supported by references for the CWS Virtual Open House of Aug. 24, 2021. The submitted questions document a series of inadequacies and misleading or incorrect information in the Extraction EAP and HGR that require a detailed technical response. The questions were submitted Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, before the CWS Virtual Open ...

Report

Attachment RE: IAAC Request for review of new information on the Vivian Sand Extraction Project

• Vivian Sand Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Canada Energy Regulator
• Reference number: 97
• Submitted: 2021-10-04
• Thank you for the opportunity to comment and provide comment.    Under the International and Interprovincial Power Line Damage Prevention Regulations (IPLDPRs),  the proponent would be required to obtain consent from the federally regulated power line company (Manitoba Hydro or MH) before conducting any ground disturbance activity, constructing a facility in the Prescribed area [the power line right of way (ROW)], or driving vehicles or mobile equipment across the prescribed area/power line ROW outside of a publicly travelled roadway.  This is usually done in the planning stages of an activity in the case of construction of a facility. Information on the International and Interprovincial Power Line Damage Prevention Regulations can be found here: International and Interprovincial Power Line Damage Prevention Regulations – Authorizations (https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flaws-lois.justice.gc.ca%2Feng%2Fregulations%2FSOR-2019-347%2Findex.html&data=04%7C01%7CKurt.McAllister%40cer-rec.gc.ca%7C342885edb1444a56c05508d98771982e%7C56e9b8d38a3549abbdfc27de59608f01%7C0%7C0%7C637689744215019103%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=%2FRd0dB%2FSza6%2F8MwxMdOfVj924MfTTPrNDojiWiRjpl8%3D&reserved=0) (IPLDPR-A) International and Interprovincial Power Line Damage Prevention Regulations – Obligations of Holders of Permits and Certificates (IPLDPR-O) ...

Report

Attachment IAAC Request for review of new information on the Vivian Sand Extraction Project due by 30-08-2021CFC.EvaluationImpacts-ImpactsAssessment.SWC@cfc-swc.gc.ca

• Vivian Sand Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Fisheries and Oceans Canada
• Reference number: 92
• Submitted: 2021-09-24
• Good afternoon Amy,   In regards to the requested review of the additional information, please see the following comments:   ·       From the perspective of the mandate and area(s) of expertise of your department or agency, does the Extraction Project have the potential to cause adverse effects within federal jurisdiction or adverse direct or incidental effects as described in section 2 of IAA? Could any of those effects be managed through legislative or regulatory mechanisms administered by your department or agency? If a licence, permit, authorization or approval may be issued, could it include conditions in relation to those effects?   A Fisheries Act paragraph 35(2)(b) Authorization will be required if the project is likely to cause the harmful alteration, disruption, or destruction to fish habitat and/or a Fisheries Act paragraph 34.4(2)(b) Authorization if the project is likely to result in the death of fish. The proponent should submit a Request for Review for DFO which outlines the specific impacts of the project on fish and fish ...

Report

Attachment New Information Regarding Vivian Sand Extraction Project disturbance of an international transmission line

• Vivian Sand Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of What the Frack Manitoba
• Reference number: 95
• Submitted: 2021-09-16
• Please see attached
• Attachment included
• What the Frack Manitoba Sept.16, 2021 The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson Minister of Environment and Climate Change House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A6 Barbara Pullishy Director, Prairie and Northern Region, Impact Assessment Agency of Canada 1145-9700 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 4C3 Dear Minster Wilkinson and Ms. Pullishy: I am contacting you on Behalf of What the Frack Manitoba to provide new information pertaining to our request of Sept.8, 2021 for the designation of the Vivian Sand Extraction Project. It has come to my attention that the CanWhite Sands (CWS) slurry lines and return recycling water lines would cross two Manitoba Hydro transmission lines one of which is an international 500 kV transmission line falling under the federal jurisdiction of the Canada Energy Regulator Act (S.C. 2019, c. 28, s. 10). CWS well clusters would be drilled on either side of the transmission lines. The well clusters may cause ground disturbance of the transmission lines. CWS vehicles, equipment and slurry lines would cross the transmission lines. Section 273 of the Act states: “Prohibition — construction or ground disturbance 273 (1) It is prohibited for any person to construct a facility across, on, along or under an international or interprovincial power line or engage in an activity that causes a ground disturbance within the prescribed area unless the construction or activity is authorized by the orders or regulations made under section 275 and done in accordance with them. Marginal note:Prohibition — vehicles and mobile equipment ...

Report

Attachment IAAC Request for review of new information on the Vivian Sand Extraction Project due by 30-08-2021CFC.EvaluationImpacts-ImpactsAssessment.SWC@cfc-swc.gc.ca

• Vivian Sand Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Environment and Climate Change Canada
• Reference number: 89
• Submitted: 2021-09-10
• Please see attached. 
• Attachment included
• 1 Environmental Protection Operations Directorate Prairie & Northern Region 9250 49 Street Edmonton, AB T6B 1K5 September 10, 2021 ECCC File: 20-MB-001 CIAR Reference: 80974 Ian Martin Impact Assessment Agency of Canada 1145-9700 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, AB T5J 4C3 Via email : Dear Ian Martin, RE: Request for Federal Expert Advice - Review of information on the potential effects of the Vivian Sand Extraction Project ECCC has reviewed the information provided for the above noted project (the Project) as requested by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada’s (the Agency) August 16, 2021 letter. Our advice is based on ECCC’s mandate in the context of the Species at Risk Act (SARA), the Migratory Birds Convention Act 1994 (MBCA), the pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act, and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act 1999 (CEPA). ECCC previously provided advice to the Agency regarding the Designation Request for the proposed Vivian Sand Processing Facility Project and Vivian Sand Extraction Project on September 14, 2020. Recommendations provided in 2020 focused on the processing facility component as no specific information was available regarding the extraction facility project at the time. The recommendations we provided in 2020, along with the information in this letter which focuses on the Vivian Sand Extraction Project, may be considered by the Agency. ECCC’s advice (attached Federal Authority Advice Record) has been prepared to inform the Agency’s recommendation to the Minister regarding designation of the Project pursuant to subsection 9(1) of the Impact Assessment Act (IAA). <email address removed> ECCC Conclusion: ...

Report

Attachment Request for review of information on the Vivian Sand Extraction Project - Health Canada response

• Vivian Sand Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Health Canada
• Reference number: 90
• Submitted: 2021-08-30
• Please see attached. 
• Attachment included
• Environmental Health Program (EHP) Regulatory Operations and Regions Branch (ROEB) Health Canada 391 York Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3C 0P4 August 30, 2021 Ian Martin Impact Assessment Agency of Canada 600-55 York Street Toronto, ON M5J 1R7 Sent by email to: Ian.Martin@iaac-aeic.gc.ca Subject: Health Canada’s review of new information on the Vivian Sand Extraction Project Dear Ian Martin: Thank you for your request dated August 16, 2021, requesting Health Canada’s review of new information on the Vivian Sand Extraction Project (the Project). Health Canada has completed a review of the application materials submitted by CanWhite Sands Corp. (Proponent) under the Manitoba Environmental Act in support of the Project. Health Canada’s previous response to the Federal Authority Advice Record (FAAR) request, submitted September 14, 2020, outlined the potential for the Project to affect human health due to changes in drinking water quality, noise, and air quality. The comments below focus on the following questions in your current request: 1) From the perspective of the mandate and area(s) of expertise of your department or agency, does the Extraction Project have the potential to cause adverse effects within federal jurisdiction or adverse direct or incidental effects as described in section 2 of IAA? Could any of those effects be managed through legislative or regulatory mechanisms administered by your department or agency? If a licence, permit, authorization or approval may be issued, could it include conditions in relation to those effects? The Project may have the potential to cause adverse effects on the health of Indigenous peoples, which is within federal jurisdiction. ...

Report

Attachment IAAC Request for review of new information on the Vivian Sand Extraction Project due by 30-08-2021 (see related document 80)

• Vivian Sand Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Natural Resources Canada
• Reference number: 88
• Submitted: 2021-08-30
• Please see attached. 
• Attachment included
• August 30, 2021 CIAR File No.: 80974 Ian Martin Team Leader, Prairie and Northern Region Impact Assessment Agency of Canada Subject: Natural Resources Canada’s Submission of Federal Authority Advice Requested for the Proposed Vivian Sand Extraction Project On August 16, 2021, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) requested that Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) provide federal authority advice on whether the Vivian Sand Extraction Project (Project) proposed by CanWhite Sands Corp. (the Proponent) has the potential to cause adverse effects within federal jurisdiction or adverse direct or incidental effects as described in section 2 of the Impact Assessment Act. In addition, IAAC is seeking advice on whether NRCan has a program or additional authority that may be relevant and could be considered as a potential solution to concerns expressed about the Project. NRCan understands that this advice will be used to inform the Minister of Environment and Climate Change if new information about the Project suggests that a reconsideration of the designation decision for the Project is warranted. Please find attached below NRCan’s submission of our federal authority advice on the Project. If you have any questions, please contact me via e-mail at anica.madzarevic@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca. Sincerely, <original signed by> Anica Madzarevic Impact Assessment Officer Office of the Chief Scientist Attachment: Federal Authority Advice <email address removed> ATTACHMENT: Federal Authority Advice Review of information on the potential effects of the Vivian Sand Extraction Project Department/Agency Natural Resources Canada Lead Contact ...

Report

Attachment Third Appeal to the Manitoba Minister of Conservation and Climate

• Vivian Sand Project
• Author: Don Sullivan
• Reference number: 67
• Submitted: 2020-11-15 - 4:09 PM
• Dear Manitoba Minister of Conservation and Climate.   November 15, 2020   In accordance with Section 27(1) of the Manitoba Environment Act, we wish to make a third formal appeal to designate the Vivian Sand Project – file # 6057.00   This appeal is in respect to the decision of the Director of Environmental Approval to recommend to you that Clean Environment Commission hearings not be held for the CanWhite Sands Corp.(the proponent) silica sand development project file # 5067.00 and that a public meeting be held to respond to the concerns raised.   We also feel it is necessary to make the appeal to address new information submitted to the public review process on November 5, 2020 in the form of Mr. Somji’s letter to the IAAC that reviewers and the TAC had no opportunity to comment on.   Also In a November 9, 2020 letter to the Federal Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC), Brent Bullen, Chief Operating Officer for CanWhite Sands Corp. stated that “CanWhite ...
• Attachment included
• Dear Manitoba Minister of Conservation and Climate. November 15, 2020 In accordance with Section 27(1) of the Manitoba Environment Act, we wish to make a third formal appeal to designate the Vivian Sand Project – file # 6057.00 This appeal is in respect to the decision of the Director of Environmental Approval to recommend to you that Clean Environment Commission hearings not be held for the CanWhite Sands Corp.(the proponent) silica sand development project file # 5067.00 and that a public meeting be held to respond to the concerns raised. We also feel it is necessary to make the appeal to address new information submitted to the public review process on November 5, 2020 in the form of Mr. Somji’s letter to the IAAC that reviewers and the TAC had no opportunity to comment on. Also In a November 9, 2020 letter to the Federal Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC), Brent Bullen, Chief Operating Officer for CanWhite Sands Corp. stated that “CanWhite Sands has no intention of moving forward with the Manitoba operation until the required independent science is available for elected leaders and stakeholders to review.” In the letter, CanWhite Sands Corp announced it is conducting a hydrogeological study, including but not limited to testing and monitoring of the carbonate and sandstone aquifers and associated aquitards. The hydrogeological study is not expected to be completed until mid-late March of 2021. CanWhite Sands notes in its November 9, 2020 letter to the IAAC that.., “(o)nce all stakeholders have had an opportunity to review the independent facts of the proposed operation, multiple public engagement sessions will be held to provide further clarification, direct questioning of independent ...

Report

Attachment The Carillon Newspaper - November 12, 2020 edition - regarding CanWhite Sands Development Project

• Vivian Sand Project
• Author: Don Sullivan
• Reference number: 66
• Submitted: 2020-11-14 - 6:08 PM
• The Carillon Newspaper - November 12, 2020 Edition - regarding CanWhite Sand Corp. Development Project.
• Attachment included
• 13/11/2020 A: Main 1/1 by JORDAN ROSS Opponents of a proposed silica sand mining operation near Anola say they’re upset by a senior bureaucrat’s decision to refrain from recommending the project for Clean Environment Commission (CEC) hearings. In a Nov. 4 letter, Shannon Kohler, director of the environmental approvals branch of the Manitoba government, said she won’t recommend Conservation and Climate Minister Sarah Guillemard convene CEC hearings for the Vivian sand processing facility. “I am confident that the environmental assessment and licensing process can proceed without a Clean Environment Commission hearing. The potential environmental effects and potential mitigation strategies are well understood; therefore, a hearing would not add any new information in that regard,” Kohler wrote in the letter, which was addressed to Feisal Somji, CEO of CanWhite Sands Corp., the Calgary-based mining company behind the proposal. Kohler said CanWhite should instead hold an “accessible public meeting” to present information and answer questions about the proposed processing facility and its licensing process, which remains ongoing. The meeting should be facilitated by a third party and include the option to attend virtually or in- person, Kohler said. “I’m starting to feel like a fish on a hook,” Don Sullivan of What the Frack Manitoba said by phone last week. “It’s not the process anybody was calling for.” What the Frack is appealing Kohler’s decision, along with the advocacy group Our Line in the Sand and the Provencher Green Party electoral district association (EDA). Members of the groups are also sending a flurry of letters to federal officials urging them to order a joint panel review of the project. Sullivan ...

Report

Attachment What The Frack Manitoba Response to CanWhite Sands Corp. November 9, 2020 Letter to the IAAC

• Vivian Sand Project
• Author: Don Sullivan
• Reference number: 65
• Submitted: 2020-11-14 - 5:19 PM
• vvv November 14, 2020   In a November 9 , 2020 letter to the Federal Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC), Brent Bullen, Chief Operating Officer for CanWhite Sands Corp. stated that “CanWhite Sands has no intention of moving forward with the Manitoba operation until the required independent science is available for elected leaders and stakeholders to review.”   In the letter, CanWhite Sands Corp announced it is conducting a hydrogeological study, including but not limited to testing and monitoring of the carbonate and sandstone aquifers and associated ...
• Attachment included
• WHAT THE FRACK MANITOBA COMMENTS ON CANWHAITE SANDS CORP NOVEMBER 9, 2020 LETTER TO IMPACT ASSESSMENT AGENCY OF CANADA November 14, 2020 In a November 9 , 2020 letter to the Federal Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC), Brent Bullen, Chief Operating Officer for CanWhite Sands Corp. stated that“CanWhite Sands has no intention of moving forward with the Manitoba operation until the required independent science is available for elected leaders and stakeholders to review.” In the letter, CanWhite Sands Corp announced it is conducting a hydrogeological study, including but not limited to testing and monitoring of the carbonate and sandstone aquifers and associated aquitards. The hydrogeological study is not expected to be completed until mid-late March of 2021. CanWhite Sands notes in its November 9, 2020 letter to the IA AC that..”(o)nce all stakeholders have had an opportunity to review the independent facts of the proposed operation, multiple public engagement sessions will be held to provide further clarification, direct questioning of independent experts and a complete overview of the operation.” What the Frack Manitoba strongly opposes any CanWhite Sands Corp. (proponent) led public meeting process, as it in no way meets the formal requirement to have the company submit third party technical information and data on their mine and mining method and submit said information for a formal review under the Manitoba Environment Act, so that both the public and government experts can review and assess the entirety of CanWhite Sands Corp. proposed development as one project. More importantly, any proponent led public meeting process, as outlined in the CanWhite Sands Corp letter to the IAAC ON ...

Report

Attachment Manitoba Government Ignores Aquifer Contamination Issue

• Vivian Sand Project
• Author: Don Sullivan
• Reference number: 64
• Submitted: 2020-11-14 - 8:10 AM
• Manitoba Government Ignores Aquifer Contamination Issue   Written by: Don Sullivan – Nov. 14, 2020   Under the cover of Manitoba's growing pandemic crisis, the Pallister government released, on November 5th to its Public Registry, all of the public comments and Technical Advisory Committee responses to CanWhite Sands Corp. proposed silica sand project.   In addition,the Director of the Environmental Approval Branch made a recommendation that the Manitoba Minister of Conservation and Climate not hold Clean Environment Commission public hearing on the proposed CanWhite Sands silica sand project because.“potential environmental effects and potential mitigation strategies are well understood.”   I am at a complete loss to understand how all the potential environmental effects and potential mitigation strategies are well understood regarding this development project, when the government of Manitoba steadfastly refuses to review CanWhite Sands Corp. mine and unconventional mining method as part of the current provincial environmental review process.   Even the government of Manitoba's own Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) were questioning why the mine and mining method was not being done in conjunction with the company's processing facility, when one of the TAC members stated..."the processing plant will require that the necessary supplies of sand be secured, we recommend that the approvals associated with these two applications be linked."   More importantly it was revealed, after public comments were closed, in a letter ...
• Attachment included
• Manitoba Government Ignores Aquifer Contamination Issue Written by: Don Sullivan – Nov. 14, 2020 Under the cover of Manitoba's growing pandemic crisis, the Pallister government released, on November 5th to its Public Registry, all of the public comments and Technical Advisory Committee responses to CanWhite Sands Corp. proposed silica sand project. In addition,the Director of the Environmental Approval Branch made a recommendation that the Manitoba Minister of Conservation and Climate not hold Clean Environment Commission public hearing on the proposed CanWhite Sands silica sand project because.“potential environmental effects and potential mitigation strategies are well understood.” I am at a complete loss to understand how all the potential environmental effects and potential mitigation strategies are well understood regarding this development project, when the government of Manitoba steadfastly refuses to review CanWhite Sands Corp. mine and unconventional mining method as part of the current provincial environmental review process. Even the government of Manitoba's own Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) were questioning why the mine and mining method was not being done in conjunction with the company's processing facility, when one of the TAC members stated..."the processing plant will require that the necessary supplies of sand be secured, we recommend that the approvals associated with these two applications be linked." More importantly it was revealed, after public comments were closed, in a letter dated September 11, 2020, written by the President and CEO of CanWhite Sands Corp, Mr. Feisal Somji. that large volumes of potentially highly toxic water from CanWhite Sands ...

Report

Attachment CanWhite Sands and Clean Environment Commission (MB) Request re: File 80974

• Vivian Sand Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of C. Hugh Arklie
• Reference number: 71
• Submitted: 2020-11-14
• Dear IAAC:   Attached is a letter which I have written to Manitoba's Clean Environment Commission as a volunteer for "Our Line in the Sand", a group of local residents who vehemently oppose the project being pursued by CanWhite Sands of Calgary.   I have no social media accounts or memberships. However, you have recently published me as Reference Number 61.   Please add the attached letter to the Comments on File 80974.   Thank you, C. Hugh Arklie
• Attachment included
• November 8, 2020 Cathy Johnson Secretary Clean Environment Commission 303-155 Carlton Winnipeg, MB R3C 3H8 Dear Ms. Johnson: This is an urgent request for the CEC to invoke Section 6(3) of The Environment Act. The Commission “may on its own volition conduct an investigation into any environmental matter”. (Emphasis added.) We ask that such an investigation be directed to the proposal of CanWhite Sands (CWS) of Calgary to erect a silica sand processing facility at Vivian, and to use risky borehole mining to produce the facility’s feedstock sand. CWS has mining leases on about 85,000 hectares of land in south eastern Manitoba (Winnipeg’s footprint is about 46,000 hectares), under which is the best water on the planet. The boreholes, hundreds of them, will pierce the aquifers causing irreparable damage. It is unavoidable. The Environmental Approvals Branch (EAB) has just published the comments of respondents for File number 6057.00. Never before have so many Manitobans been so vocal, so unified and so outraged on an Environment Act Proposal. Two hundred and sixty-eight citizens wrote letters. Read them here: https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/eal/registries/6057canwhite/index.html. We have lost confidence in the EAB directorship of Shannon Kohler. Similarly, the minister of Conservation and Climate, Sarah Guillemard, is cavalier in her duties. Neither of these powerful people will move the enormously dangerous CWS project from Class 2 to Class 3 status to officially engage the CEC. But they cannot prevent you from conducting the “investigation” to which you are entitled under 6(3). Representatives of “Our Line in the Sand” are eager to meet with you under prescribed Covid protocol, ...

Report