OTTAWA, November 21, 2007 - The Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (The Agency), today announced that the comprehensive study process currently underway is the most appropriate type of environmental assessment for the proposed Eider Rock Project, Marine Terminal in Saint John, New Brunswick.
The Minister based his decision on a report and recommendations submitted by the responsible authorities, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Transport Canada and Environment Canada. The report contains information on the scope of the project, the factors to be considered in the environmental assessment and the scope of those factors, public concerns in relation to the project, the potential of the project to cause adverse environmental effects and the ability of the comprehensive study to address issues relating to the project.
The responsible authorities will now continue the comprehensive study and the public will have an opportunity to participate in the development of the Terms of Reference being developed by the proponent, Irving Oil. Updates on the environmental assessment are available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry, reference number 07-03-28779.
The responsible authorities will submit a final report to the Minister of the Environment. At that time, the public will have an opportunity to comment on the findings and recommendations of the report before the Minister renders his final decision.
The proposed development consists of the construction and operation of a new petroleum refinery and associated land-based and marine-based infrastructure for producing refined petroleum products for the domestic and export markets.
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The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency will act as the Federal Environmental Assessment Coordinator for this environmental assessment in order to coordinate the participation of federal departments.
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, media may call:
Nicholas Girard
Senior Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Tel.: 613-957-0958
