June 15, 2015 — Ottawa — Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Canada's Environment Minister, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, announced today that the proposed Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project (the Project), located approximately 250 kilometres off the coast of Nova Scotia, is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.
In her environmental assessment decision statement, the Minister has set out legally binding conditions, which include mitigation measures and follow-up requirements that the proponent must meet to proceed with the project.
In reaching her decision, the Minister considered the Environmental Assessment Report that includes the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency's (the Agency) conclusions and recommendations on the potential environmental effects of the project, the proposed mitigation measures, the significance of any remaining adverse environmental effects, and the follow-up program.
As part of the strengthened and modernized Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 put in place to support the government's Responsible Resource Development Initiative, the Agency conducted a federal environmental assessment of this project using a science-based approach.
As the Project proceeds to the next phase, it will continue to be subject to Canada's strong environmental laws, rigorous enforcement and follow-up, and fines for non-compliance.
Ted Laking
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Christian Vezeau
Communications Manager
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
613-957-0396
christian.vezeau@ceaa-acee.gc.ca