OTTAWA, June 15, 2005 -- The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment, today announced that BEPCo. Canada Company's proposed project off Nova Scotia's coast is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, with the implementation of the mitigation measures and follow-up program outlined in the comprehensive study report. The Minister has referred the project for an exploration drilling program back to the responsible authority, the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (CNSOPB), for appropriate action. The Minister based his decision on: the conclusions and recommendations of the comprehensive study report submitted by the CNSOPB; submissions received during the public comment period, and the CNSOPB's response to these comments; and the required implementation of the mitigation measures and follow-up program described in the comprehensive study report. Under the amended Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, once a comprehensive study process is complete, the Minister determines whether to require additional information or actions to address public concerns. If no additional information or actions are required, the Minister issues an environmental assessment decision statement concluding whether the project is likely to have significant adverse environmental effects. In this case, the Minister has determined that no further information or actions are required, and has issued an environmental assessment decision statement concluding that the project is not likely to have significant adverse environmental effects. The decision statement also requires the implementation of the mitigation measures and follow-up program described in the comprehensive study report. A copy of the decision statement can be found on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry using reference number 04-03-2712. BEPCo. Canada Company is proposing to conduct an exploration drilling program offshore Nova Scotia on the Scotian Slope, within exploration licence (EL) 2407 issued by the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board. The program would entail the drilling of one to three wells during 2005-2007 and up to three appraisal wells during 2008-2009. Exploration drilling would involve the use of a mobile drilling unit, such as a jack-up rig, semi-submersible rig, or drill ship. - 30 - The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the federal environmental assessment process, which identifies the environmental effects of proposed projects and measures to address those effects, in support of sustainable development. For more information on this project and others in your area, please consult the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry. Media may contact: Gordon Harris Senior Communications Advisor Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Tel.: (613) 957-0825 Fax: (613) 957-0946 gordon.harris@ceaa-acee.gc.ca For more information about the environmental assessment process, please contact: Sean LeRoy Project Analyst Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Tel.: (613) 957-0596 Fax: (613) 957-0941 sean.leroy@ceaa-acee.gc.ca
