OTTAWA, Jan. 14, 2013 /CNW/ - As part of the strengthened and modernized
Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012) put in place to support the government's Responsible
Resource Development Initiative, the Canadian Environmental Assessment
Agency must determine whether a federal environmental assessment is
required for the proposed Elizabeth Falls Hydroelectric Project located
in northern Saskatchewan. To assist it in making its decision, the
Agency is seeking comments from the public on the project and its
potential effects on the environment.
Black Lake First Nation and Saskatchewan Power Corporation are proposing
the construction and operation of a 42 to 50 megawatt water diversion
type electrical generating station at Elizabeth Falls. The proposed
project would be located adjacent to the Fond du Lac River between
Black Lake and Middle Lake, on Black Lake First Nation Reserve lands in
northern Saskatchewan. The proposed project would involve the
construction and operation of a water intake tunnel, a powerhouse, a
switching station, a tail race, a construction camp, a bridge, access
roads, and a transmission line.
Written comments must be submitted by February 4, 2013to:
Elizabeth Falls Hydroelectric Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
167, Lombard Avenue, Suite 101
Winnipeg, MB R3B 0T6
Telephone: 204-983-5127
Fax: 204-983-7174
ElizabethFalls@ceaa-ceaa.gc.ca
To view a summary of the project description or for more information on
the project and on the environmental assessment process, visit the
Agency's website at www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca registry reference number 80031). All comments received will be considered public.
The Agency will post a decision on its website stating whether a federal
environmental assessment is required.
If it is determined that a federal environmental assessment is required,
the public will have three more opportunities to comment on this
project, consistent with the transparency and public engagement
elements of CEAA 2012.
Projects subject to CEAA 2012 are assessed using a science-based
approach. If the project is permitted to proceed to the next phase, it
will continue to be subject to Canada's strong environmental laws,
rigorous enforcement and follow-up, and increased fines.
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.
SOURCE: Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
