OTTAWA, June 24, 2009 - Canada's Environment Minister Jim Prentice announced today that the proposed Nanticoke New Nuclear Power Plant Project in Haldimand County, Ontario will undergo an environmental assessment by an independent review panel.
“I am confident that an independent review panel will fully consider the environmental issues related to the proposed project and make sound recommendations to the federal government,” said Minister Prentice. “This will be the best means of addressing public concerns pertaining to this major nuclear project.”
The Minister's decision is based on a recommendation made by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
The project is a proposal by Bruce Power Erie Inc. to construct and operate up to two new nuclear reactors and associated facilities, in the former municipality of Nanticoke, Ontario, for the generation of 2200 to 3200 megawatts of electricity. The proposed site is located on the north shore of Lake Erie in Haldimand County.
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) is making available up to $100,000 in participant funding to assist individuals or groups to take part in the environmental assessment process. This funding will help successful applicants in Phase I of the process to review and comment on the draft guidelines for the environmental impact statement ( EIS ) and draft joint review panel agreement. In Phase II, additional funds will be made available to help applicants review the EIS and prepare for and participate in the public hearings. Funding applications for Phase I received by July 27, 2009 will be considered.
Information on the funding program , the proposed project and on the environmental assessment process is available on the Agency's Web site, under registry number 08-03-43757 .
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.
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Media may contact:
Annie Roy
Senior Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
613-957-0396
