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JAN/FEB 2015
plained. “We are called a small utility. It’s a sig-
nificant undertaking to perform this activity.”
POTASH MINE COULD BE
TAKING WATER BY LATE 2015
The project began in earnest in 2012 when
SaskWater began putting out tenders for pipe
supply, ensuring that materials would be avail-
able and work could begin as soon as contrac-
tors were hired in early 2013. The target goal
was to have BHP Billiton begin taking water by
the end of 2015, Jansen said. SaskWater pro-
ceeded to hire a team of consultants and con-
tractors from several provinces and then set up
various processes that included an integrated
project management system with a financial
tracking component, safety and quality assur-
ance programs, and a bio management system,
all intended to ensure the success of the ex-
pansive project.
One of the project’s challenges, Jansen said,
revolved around finding a reservoir that could
handle the volume of water needed to supply
the mine. One concern was the issue of over-
wintering. It was determined that the Zelma
Reservoir, which is part of a 137-kilometre canal
system, could provide enough water to meet
