OTTAWA - June 20, 2006 - The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) has established a Participant Funding Program of $100,000 to help the public take part in the anticipated Canada-Alberta joint environmental assessment review of the proposed Kearl Lake Oil Sands Development Project in Northern Alberta.
The funds will assist the public to prepare for and participate in the joint public hearings. The Alberta Energy Utilities Board (EUB) application will serve as the basis for the joint panel's review of the project. It is anticipated that a joint panel comprised of members of the EUB and a member appointed by the federal Minister of the Environment will review the project.
The allocation of the federal funds will be made on the basis of applications received at the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency no later than July 14, 2006.
To receive the allocated funds, successful applicants must participate in the public hearings convened by the joint review panel. They are also required to sign a contribution agreement with the Agency.
A funding administration committee, independent from the joint environmental assessment panel, will be established to review applications and recommend the allocation of funds to eligible applicants in accordance with criteria set out in the Agency's Guide to the Participant Funding Program. Only expenditures incurred following the allocation of funding will be eligible.
Imperial Oil Resources Ventures Limited and ExxonMobil Canada Properties are proposing to construct and operate an oil sand mining and extraction facility. The project consists of four mine pits to be mined over the period 2010 to 2060. The proposed Kearl Lake Oil Sands Development Project is to be located approximately 70 kilometres north of Fort McMurray. The project is expected to produce 300,000 barrels (approximately 48,000 cubic metres) per calendar day of clean bitumen. The application seeks approval for a maximum production of approximately 345,000 barrels (55,000 cubic metres) per calendar day.
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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 the Participant Funding Program, or to submit an application, please contact:
Suzanne Osborne
Participant Funding Program
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
160 Elgin Street, 22nd Floor
Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3
Tel.: 613-957-0254
Fax: 613- 957-0941
suzanne.osborne@ceaa-acee.gc.ca
For information on the joint panel review process, please contact:
Debra Myles, Panel Manager
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
160 Elgin Street, 22nd Floor
Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3
Tel.: 613-957-0626
Fax.: 613-957-0941
debra.myles@ceaa-acee.gc.ca
Media may contact:
Gordon Harris
Senior Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
160 Elgin Street, 22nd Floor
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3
Tel.: 613-957-0825
Fax: 613-957-0946
Frequently asked questions about the Participant Funding Program
