Our sustainability path
Measures and standards: key indicators
2022-23 highlights
Looking ahead
President’s message
About SaskEnergy
Our sustainability framework
Pillar one: Environment
Pillar two: Prosperity
Pillar three: People
SaskEnergy works with environmental professionals and governing agencies to determine what mitigation measures are the best fit for any environmentally sensitive areas where we work. Environmental monitors are also an important part of our construction team, acting as our environmental eyes and ears in the field. In addition to assessing compliance with any specific mitigation measures or regulatory requirements, they are continuously watching for new potential concerns that may arise, such as birds nesting on equipment or on the open right of way. We rely on environmental monitors to work with our teams on the interpretation and implementation of environmental regulatory requirements, and to apply related best practices during construction. Biosecurity measures to protect against invasive species and diseases With an extensive network of gas lines across Saskatchewan, we are proactive about preventing the spread of invasive species, such as noxious weeds or agricultural diseases, through our work. SaskEnergy has a biosecurity policy and tools in place that help us to protect the environment, landowners and the public. We use a GIS screening tool to assess the risk of clubroot or noxious plants in the area in which we are planning to work. If an area is high risk for clubroot, guidelines are put in place for workers, including cleaning practices for boots and for equipment being moved to and from sites. We also physically survey any construction area to check for biosecurity concerns. While our gas line projects during the past year were assessed at a low risk of clubroot or other biosecurity concerns, standard cleaning practices were still implemented to lower the risk of biosecurity concerns post-construction. In addition, equipment was inspected prior to being allowed on the right of way of all construction projects to make sure no soil or plant debris was present. SaskEnergy has been a member of the Saskatchewan Clubroot Initiative — which identifies mitigation strategies, shares data, and applies risk-based approaches and standards — since 2009.
Leaving the land the way we found it We strive to return the land to its original state, or a better state, once our projects are complete. SaskEnergy’s reclamation inspection program involves checking and addressing crop and vegetation re-growth, as well as slumping and weed issues, on recently constructed gas lines and areas of legacy reclamation concerns. In 2022-23, we inspected 128 kilometres of gas line routes and identified 215 issues that required attention, mostly related to vegetation, including weed management and vegetation re-establishment. One hundred and sixty-seven issues were resolved, most of which were new in 2022-23. While not everything can be resolved during the same year as when identified, due to weather or other constraints outside of our control, SaskEnergy has plans to address all land or water-related issues that arise.
2022-23 Sustainability Report
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