Joint Review Panel Submits Environmental Assessment Report For Proposed Lower Churchill Hydroelectric Generation Project

OTTAWA, Aug. 23, 2011 /CNW/ - The Joint Panel reviewing the proposed Lower Churchill Hydroelectric Generation Project today announced that it has completed its environmental assessment of the project and has submitted its report and executive summary to the federal Minister of the Environment and to the provincial Minister of Environment and Conservation and Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs.

The Joint Review Panel's report and executive summary will be made available to the public by the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The report follows a review of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) prepared by the proponent, Nalcor Energy, and a 30-day public hearing held from March 3, 2011 to April 15, 2011. The public hearing consisted of general, topic-specific and community hearing sessions. General hearing sessions were held in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and in St. John's. Topic-specific sessions took place in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and focused on the project need, purpose and alternatives; economic impacts; reservoir preparation; aquatic environment; terrestrial environment; social and cultural impacts; environmental management, monitoring and follow-up; and cross-cutting issues. Community sessions were held for the communities of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Mud Lake, North West River, Sheshatshiu, Cartwright, Rigolet and Nain. Community sessions were also held in Sept-Îles for the Aboriginal communities in Quebec.

During the review of the EIS and public hearing, the Panel received submissions and heard presentations from the proponent, Aboriginal groups, federal, provincial and local governments, environmental groups, individuals and organizations interested in the potential effects of the project.

Information on the environmental assessment of the project is available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry at www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca , registry number 07-05-26178.

Nalcor Energy proposes to construct two hydroelectric generating stations with a total capacity of just over 3000 megawatts (MW) on the lower Churchill River, together with transmission lines to connect the two generation sites to the existing Churchill Falls generation facility. The proposed generation stations would be located at Muskrat Falls (824 MW) and Gull Island (2250 MW).

The Joint Review Panel for the proposed Lower Churchill Hydroelectric Generation Project is an independent body, mandated by the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador, to assess the environmental effects of the proposed project.

For further information:

Media may contact:

Lucille Jamault
Joint Review Panel Communications
613-957-0434 / 613-552-5253