OTTAWA, April 12, 2005 -- The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment, today announced that the proposed Beaufort Sea Exploration Drilling Program in the Northwest Territories does not require further assessment by a review panel or mediator under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. The Minister referred the project, proposed by Devon Canada Corporation, back to the lead responsible authority, the National Energy Board (NEB), as well as to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Transport Canada, and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada for appropriate action. The Minister has determined that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects with the implementation of the mitigation measures outlined in the comprehensive study report. The Minister based his decision on: the comprehensive study report, including the conclusions and recommendations, submitted by the NEB; public comments received during the 30-day consultation period, and the NEB's response to the comments; the determination of the Environmental Impact Screening Committee for the Inuvialuit Settlement Region; the implementation of mitigation measures; and the implementation of a follow-up program. Devon Canada Corporation is proposing to conduct an exploratory drilling program to evaluate potential natural gas reservoirs in the southern Beaufort Sea, north of the Mackenzie River Delta. The exploration drilling would be conducted during the winter, within the landfast ice zone, from one of three potential drilling platform systems: a steel drilling caisson, a landfast tender-assist drill unit; or an ice island platform. Devon is currently planning to drill the first well during the winter of 2005-2006, and one well each subsequent winter season, completing the program in the winter of 2008- 2009. - 30 - The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the federal environmental assessment processes, which identify the environmental effects of proposed projects and measures to address those effects, in support of sustainable development. For further information: Lucille Jamault Senior Communications Advisor Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Tel.: (613) 957-0434, E-mail: lucille.jamault@ceaa-acee.gc.ca
