Southeastern Newfoundland Offshore Exploration Drilling Project — Commencement of Environmental Assessment

November 5, 2018 — Ottawa — Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) has commenced a federal environmental assessment for the proposed Southeastern Newfoundland Offshore Exploration Drilling Project, located 300 kilometres east of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, in the Atlantic Ocean.

Following a public comment period on the summary of the project description, the Agency has determined that an environmental assessment is required for the project. Information about what aspects of the environment may be affected by this project and what should be examined during the environmental assessment are detailed in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Guidelines. The EIS Guidelines have been provided to the proponent, ExxonMobil Canada Ltd.

This project is one of six exploration drilling projects in the Newfoundland and Labrador offshore area currently undergoing federal environmental assessments.

An application period for participant funding and a future public comment period on the summary of the proponent's Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be announced at a later date.