An official with SaskPower says there are significant concerns over a proposed hydroelectric dam near the James Smith First Nation.

The band has pitched the idea for years.

However Grant Ring, the vice-president of business development with SaskPower, says there are three hydro-plants on the river already and soil conditions are weak.

He says Sturgeon River could be impacted and water levels are only considered average right now.

Ring says the cost of the project could be quite costly as well.

He adds it could be a viable project in the future if certain costs and regulatory factors were to change.