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Anderson refers GSX to Panel ReviewOn October 4, 2000, Federal Minister of the Environment, David Anderson, authorized an independent panel review for the Georgia Strait Crossing (GSX) pipeline project. A panel review opens up the review process for public input, and allows for expansion of the scope of the environmental assessment of the project.
The article, which is presented below, is copied from the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) website, at http://www.ceaa.gc.ca/panels/georgia/rel001004_e.htm
NEB letter to David Anderson requesting Panel Review
September 28, 2000, NEB Chairman, Kenneth Vollman wrote, "... the Board has decided to refer this project to you for referral to a review panel."
The letter was made available on the NEB website on October 4, http://www.neb.gc.ca/regupd/georgia/000928.htm
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Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Georgia Strait Crossing Pipeline Project Referred to Environmental Assessment PanelOriginal release at http://www.ceaa.gc.ca/panels/georgia/rel001004_e.htm
HULL, Oct. 4 /CNW/ - Canada's Minister of the Environment David Anderson, pursuant to his authority under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, today announced that the proposed Georgia Strait Crossing Pipeline project will be sent to an independent environmental assessment review panel. This decision follows a request from the National Energy Board (NEB) for a referral of the project to a review panel.
"I have decided to refer this project to a public review panel,"
stated
Minister Anderson. "I believe that a public process will help
British
Columbians understand the potential impacts of this project. Public
discussion and debate are crucial elements in the review process.
The Georgia Strait Crossing is a joint proposal by British Columbia Hydro and the Williams Gas Pipeline Company (Williams) to build a new pipeline to transport natural gas from Sumas, Washington (via a connection to the Westcoast Energy pipeline in British Columbia) to Duncan on Vancouver Island.
The applicants intend to file an application in the fall of 2000. Although the project is a 50/50 venture between the two companies, Williams will be responsible for the design, construction and operation of the pipeline.
Following the filing
by Georgia Strait Crossing Pipeline Limited of a
preliminary submission to
initiate the environmental assessment process, the NEB held public meetings
between June 26, 2000 and July 29, 2000 in Duncan, Sidney and three Gulf
Islands for the benefit of those persons interested in learning about the
environmental assessment and regulatory review. Separate meetings with First
Nations were also held in early August 2000.
Minister Anderson indicated
that he will be seeking the views of the
responsible authorities, the
Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the NEB, on the next course of action
to be taken on the review process, including the appointment of panel members
to the Georgia Strait Crossing Pipeline Panel and the related terms of
reference.
The general public and interested groups are encouraged to participate in the panel review process. More information will be provided to the public in the coming weeks.
Copies of this news release are available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency's Web site at: www.ceaa.gc.ca and a copy of the NEB's letter to the Minister is available on the NEB's Web site at www.neb.gc.ca under Regulatory Updates.
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is a federal
agency
reporting to the Minister of the Environment. Its mission is to
provide
Canadians with high-quality environmental assessments that contribute
to informed decision making in support of sustainable development.
Environmental assessment is a planning tool used to avoid or mitigate the
possible adverse effects of development on the
environment.
For further information: Johanne Beaulieu, Press
Secretary, Office of
the Minister of the Environment, Tel.: (819) 953-2101;
Paul Scott, Director, Pacific and Northern Region, Canadian Environmental
Assessment Agency, Tel.: (604) 666-6989