North Shore Extension / Saguenay - Sept-Iles Natural Gas Pipeline Public Comments Invited

OTTAWA, Nov. 19, 2012 /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 has determined that a federal environmental assessment is required for the proposed North Shore Extension / Saguenay - Sept-Iles Natural Gas Pipeline Project located in Quebec. The Agency invites the public to comment on which aspects of the environment may be affected by this project and what should be examined during the environmental assessment.

The public can review and comment on the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Guidelines, a document that identifies the potential environmental effects to be taken into consideration and the information and analysis that needs to be included in the proponent's EIS.

Gaz Métro proposes to extend its current distribution network to supply Quebec's North Shore region with natural gas. The project involves the construction of a pipeline of about 450 km in length between the cities of Saguenay (Jonquière) and Sept-Îles, via Baie-Comeau and the municipality of Port-Cartier. In addition to the buried facilities, the project involves the construction of above-ground structures and modifications to existing utilities.

Written comments must be submitted by December 19, 2012 to:

North Shore Extension / Saguenay - Sept-Iles Natural Gas Pipeline
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
901 - 1550 d'Estimauville Avenue
Quebec QC G1J 5E9
Telephone: 418-649-6444
Fax: 418-649-6443
GazoducCoteNordGasPipeline@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

To view the draft EIS Guidelines or for more information, visit the Agency's website at
www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca registry reference number 80016). All comments received will be considered public.

Copies of the draft EIS Guidelines are also available for viewing at the following locations:

Consistent with the transparency and public engagement elements of CEAA 2012, this is the second of four opportunities for Canadians to comment on this project. Following this comment period, the Agency will finalize and issue the EIS Guidelines to the proponent. An application period for participant funding and a future public comment period related to the EIS will be announced later.

This project will be 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