Panel Report

8.1 Environmental Impacts

The residents of northern Saskatchewan expressed concern over the possibility of spills along the proposed ore transportation corridor from the Midwest mine site to the McClean Lake mill. The impacts that might result from ore spills into waterways crossed by the road were of particular concern, as was the need for compensation for any long-term damage caused by such spills. Other issues brought to the attention of the panel included the possibility of ground fires which might result from road accidents and the impacts of dust generated by the trucks.

8.2 Ore Transport Vessels

In spite of the strictest precautions, road accidents do occur, and for many reasons. It is, therefore, of utmost importance that the ore transport vessels be designed to ensure that no release of radioactive material will occur in the event of an accident during ore transportation.

The design of the vessel must also anticipate difficulties which could occur during the loading and unloading of the ore slurry. For example, the vessels should be designed to ensure that blockages due to freezing or segregation of the ore will not require manual mitigation which could expose workers to high levels of radiation.

As part of its licensing responsibilities, the AECB must address the safe packaging and transport of the Midwest ore. The panel was informed that the regulations administered by the AECB require the packaging standards for radioactive material to match the hazards posed by the material being transported and that these regulations are based on evolving international standards. [B. Johnston, Transcript of Midwest Public Hearings, La Ronge, Saskatchewan, June 5, 1996, p. 41. ] As uncertainty may be created for the public and the proponent by changes in standards, it is important for the AECB to clearly communicate future licensing requirements for the transport of Midwest ore. This process should include public meetings in the communities most likely to be impacted by the transportation of ore and supplies.

8.3 Contingency Plans

Effective emergency spill response and contingency plans are essential for the safe transport of radioactive ore and other related hazardous material. Such plans must be developed in consultation with the communities which might suffer transportation-related impacts. The final plans, acceptable to the communities and to both the federal and provincial authorities, must be in place before transportation of Midwest ore is permitted to begin.

The potential burden that an increase in multi-axle and other traffic associated with mine- and mill-related activity could pose for municipal emergency response services in the north was reported to the panel. Municipal governments, given their limited available resources, are especially concerned with their ability to respond to road accidents and possible hazardous material spills, especially if coincident emergencies were to occur in the communities they serve. Other challenges they face include long travel times to access accident sites and a lack of specialized equipment, such as helicopter-supported rescue equipment.

8.4 Safety

Concerns were expressed over public safety on Highway 102 and Provincial Road 905. The panel heard that the roads contain sections that are narrow, have limited visibility, and for which road maintenance activity has not kept pace with traffic volumes. For these reasons, an increase in mine- and mill-related traffic, particularly in the number of multi-axle vehicles and ore transport trucks, is expected to produce an increase in road accidents. In addition, the opening of the proposed Athabasca road to Black Lake will likely further increase local traffic on the highways.

The panel was informed that an extensive road improvement program has been initiated for Highway 102 and Provincial Road 905 [R. McKay, Transcript of Midwest Public Hearings, Regina, Saskatchewan, June 11, 1996, p. 119.] A timely completion of this program is essential.

8.5 Recommendations

The public should be consulted by federal and provincial authorities on several transportation-related decisions: on the development of accident contingency plans; on the licensing of transportation vessels and vehicles; and on the implementation of road improvements on Highway 102 and Provincial Road 905. These consultations should include public meetings held in the northern communities impacted significantly by transportation-related activities.