OTTAWA, December 13, 2010 – The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) announces that the Jackpine Mine Expansion and Pierre River Mine projects in northern Alberta will undergo environmental assessments by independent review panels.
The federal government is discussing with the Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) the possible establishment of joint review panels to assess these proposed projects. A draft version of the joint review panel agreements will be made available for public comment prior to being finalized.
The Agency will make funding available to assist the public and Aboriginal groups to participate in the environmental reviews. An announcement on participant funding will be made at a later date.
The Pierre River Mine project proposed by Shell Canada includes the construction, operation, and reclamation of an oil sands surface mine and bitumen extraction facilities. The proposed mining project would be located approximately 90 km north of Fort McMurray on the west side of the Athabasca River. The proposed development includes an open-pit mine, ore handling facility, bitumen extraction facilities, tailings processing facilities, support infrastructure, water and tailings management plans, as well as the construction of a bridge across the Athabasca River. The project is designed to produce a total of 200 000 barrels of bitumen per day.
Shell Canada is also proposing to expand the Jackpine Mine project. The expansion would include additional mining areas and associated processing facilities, utilities and infrastructure. The project would be located about 70 km north of Fort McMurray on the east side of the Athabasca River. The expansion project would increase bitumen production by 100 000 barrels per day.
To be kept informed of the panel review processes and ongoing activities, provide a mailing or e-mail address to:
Marie-France Therrien, Panel Manager
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
160 Elgin Street, 22nd floor
Ottawa ON K1A 0H3
Tel.: 613-957-0324 / 1-866-582-1884
Fax: 613-957-0941
Shell.Reviews@ceaa-acee.gc.ca
More information on these projects is available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry, reference numbers 10-05-59539 and 10-05-59540.
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:
Lucille Jamault
Communications Manager
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Tel.: 613-957-0434 / 613-552-5253
