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Poplar River Power Station Ash Lagoon Expansion
SaskPower is proposing to expand the ash lagoon that services the Poplar River Power Station. When coal is burned to produce electricity, ash is one of the byproducts. This ash is stored in a secure lagoon.
To date, 11.6 million tonnes of ash have been placed in existing cells at the Poplar River Power Station ash lagoon. Annual ash production is approximately 450,000 tonnes. The proposed ash lagoon expansion is required because existing lagoons are nearing their capacity.
With the proposed expansion, two new cells would be added south of the existing ash lagoon facility. The new cells will have an area of 91 hectares and a capacity for 12 million tonnes of ash. Combined with the existing capacity, the ash lagoons will fulfill the requirements of Poplar River Power Station for an additional 30 years.
An expansion of the existing facility is considered the most environmentally acceptable and economically feasible alternative. Seepage and containment systems will also be part of the new cells, in order to minimize groundwater impacts.
Location of proposed project
Environmental approvals
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment has indicated that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required for the project to proceed. SaskPower began this process when we submitted a Project Description in April. The EIA Process involves:
- A description of the project as it relates to overall operations
- Plans and designs to minimize environmental impacts
- Public Consultation
Public consultation took place on June 17, 2008 in Coronach.
If the EIA is approved, SaskPower would then obtain construction and operating permits for the expanded facility.
Proposed schedule
- EIA submission in late 2008
- Regulatory review of EIA-early 2009
- Anticipated EIA approval - mid 2009
- Construction commences in 2009, with first cell complete in late 2009
- Operations start in late 2010
Poplar River Power Station Ash Lagoon Expansion
Simple Cycle Gas Turbines at the Emine Switching Station
