OTTAWA – November 18, 2005 – The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency invites the public to comment on the comprehensive study report for the proposed Wuskwatim Generating Project in northern Manitoba.
In accordance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, Fisheries and Ocean Canada (F&O), the responsible authority for this project, has undertaken a comprehensive study of the project and has submitted its report to the Minister of the Environment and to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency). In addition to F&O, Transport Canada is a responsible authority. The study has been done as part of a cooperative environmental assessment with the Government of Manitoba.
Manitoba Hydro and Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation are proposing to construct the Wuskwatim hydro-electric generating station on the Burntwood River in northern Manitoba. The Wuskwatim Generating Station has been designed to produce about 200 megawatts of electricity. Developing the station would create a forebay with approximately 37 hectares of flooded land.
Pursuant to subsection 22(1) of the Act, the Agency invites the public to comment on the conclusions, recommendations, and any other aspect of the comprehensive study report prepared for this project.
Public comments received by December 21, 2005 will be considered. Please forward your comments, in the official language of your choice, to:
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
123 Main Street, Suite 445
Winnipeg, MB R3C 4W2
Tel.: (204) 984-2457
Fax: (204) 983-7174
E-mail: CEAA.Prairie.EA.Proj@EC.GC.CA
NOTE: All comments received by the Agency will become part of the public registry for the project and will be considered public.
After reviewing the comprehensive study report and any public comments received, the Minister of the Environment will determine whether to refer the project back to the responsible authority for appropriate action, or whether to refer it for further environmental assessment by a review panel or a mediator.
Copies of the comprehensive study report are available for public viewing at the following locations:
Conservation & Environment Library
160 - 123 Main Street (Union Station)
Winnipeg, MB R3C 1A5
Tel.: (204) 945-7126
Winnipeg Public Library (Centennial)
251 Donald Street, 4th floor
Winnipeg, MB R3C 3P5
Tel.: (204) 986-6450
Manitoba Legislative Library
200 Vaughan Street
Winnipeg, MB R3C 1T5
Tel.: (204) 945-4330
Manitoba Eco-Network
303 Portage Avenue, 3rd floor
Winnipeg, MB R3B 2B4
Tel: (204) 947-6511
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
200 - 260 St. Mary Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3C 0M6
Tel.: (204) 956-0610
Manitoba Metis Federation
300 - 150 Henry Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3B 0J7
Tel.: (204) 586-8474
Flin Flon Public Library
58 Main Street
Flin Flon, MB R8A 1J8
Tel.: (204) 687-3397
The Pas Public Library
53 Edwards Avenue
The Pas, MB R9A 1R2
Tel.: (204) 623-2023
Manitoba Metis Federation
150 Edwards Avenue
The Pas, MB R9A 1S4
Tel.: (204) 623-5701
Thompson Public Library
81 Thompson Drive
Thompson, MB R8N 0C3
Tel.: (204) 677-3717
Manitoba Metis Federation
44-A Copper Road
Thompson, MB R8N 0V6
Tel.: (204) 677-1430
Churchill Public Library
P.O. Box 730
Churchill, MB R0B 0E0
Tel.: (204) 675-2715
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc.
200 - 701 Thompson Drive
Thompson, MB R8N 2A3
Tel.: (204) 677-1600
Snow Lake Town Office
113 Elm Street
Snow Lake, MB R0B 1M0
Tel.: (204) 359-2551
Grand Rapids Town Office
200 Grand Rapids Drive
Grand Rapids, MB R0C 1E0
Tel.: (204) 639-2260
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation
Nelson House First Nation Band Office
Nelson House, MB R0B 1A0
Tel.: (204) 484-2332
Tataskweyak Cree Nation
Split Lake First Nation Band Office
Split Lake, MB R0B 1P0
Tel.: (204) 342-2045
The comprehensive study report [PDF - 1,761 kb] is available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency's Web.
To obtain further information on the project, please contact:
Dan McNaughton
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
123 Main Street, Suite 445
Winnipeg, MB R3C 4W2
Tel.: (204) 984-2457
Fax: (204) 983-7174
E-mail: dan.mcnaughton@ceaa-acee.gc.ca
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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.
Media may contact:
Élise Dhaussy
Manager, Communications Operations
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Tel.: (613) 957-0406
E-mail: elise.dhaussy@ceaa-acee.gc.ca