Fast FACTS - DIDG Licensed: Little Saskatchewan River Unprotected

Fast FACTS CANADIAN CENTRE FOR POLICY ALTERNATIVES - MANITOBA JULY 18, 2012 DIDG Licensed: Little Saskatchewan River Unprotected On the day the Fast Facts titled Will River downstream of the dam show that the the Province Protect the Little Sas- reservoir was unable to deliver enough water katchewan River was published (July downstream to maintain a flow more than 5, 2012), the Daly Irrigation Dev. [...] makes the operation a Development under Winnipeg, MB the act.” Rather, the “trigger” was a desire R3B 2C1 The issuance of the Environment Act license to use water.  “There is certainly nothing to and many of its conditions was expected for enforce under the Environment Act, and phone a number of reasons. [...] Why was this project’s water withdrawals? condition included if irrigators can legally install such infrastructure prior to the issu- Finally, the most onerous conditions of the ance of an Environment Act license? license include DIDG taking daily pictures of the degree to which the riffle fish habitat next Indeed, DIDG’s consultant identified the to the pump intakes are exposed, developing projec. [...] Why does the license not Perhaps DIDG’s understanding of the level require weekly reporting to the local enforce- of “risk” in proceeding with pipeline installa- ment office? tion prior to receipt of a license was miti- gated by the fact that Water Use Licensing  DIDG monitoring the effects of water use had issued two temporary authorizations on downstream habitat is not included in the to a DIDG. [...] In the absence of a credible in-stream he has allowed the license to be issued.  It re- flow study, which the departments have been mains to be seen what the minister and cabinet phone mandated to undertake, the capacity to de- will do with any appeals that may be submitted (204) 927-3200 termine what constitutes excess water in this before August 5 and if they will act to protect ecosystem does n.