Public Notice

BHP Canada, Central Ridge and West Flemish Pass Exploration Drilling Projects
Public Comments Invited

What is happening?

September 30, 2020 — The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) is conducting federal environmental assessments for three proposed projects located approximately 350 to 375 kilometres offshore, east of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. These three projects are the BHP Canada, Central Ridge and West Flemish Pass exploration drilling projects.

The Agency invites the public and Indigenous groups to comment on the draft Environmental Assessment Report for each project. The draft Reports include the Agency's conclusions and recommendations regarding the potential environmental effects and their significance, the proposed mitigation measures, and follow-up programs.

The Agency also invites comments on the potential environmental assessment conditions for each project. Final conditions would become legally-binding on each proponent if the projects are allowed to proceed.

The three projects have similar components and activities therefore for the most part, the draft Environmental Assessment Reports are similar in content and have consistent analysis and conclusions. In order to ensure an efficient and effective process, comments submitted on any of the above draft Environmental Assessment Reports and potential conditions will be considered across all three projects, as applicable.

The Agency recognizes it is more challenging to undertake meaningful public engagement and Indigenous consultation in light of the circumstances arising from COVID-19. The Agency continues to assess the situation with key stakeholders, make adjustments to consultation activities, and is providing flexibility as needed in order to prioritize the health and safety of all Canadians, while maintaining its duty to conduct meaningful engagement with interested groups.

How can I participate?

Comments can be submitted online by visiting the project home page on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry (reference numbers 80174 (BHP), 80175 (Central Ridge), 80161 (West Flemish Pass)). All comments received will be published online as part of the project files.

Written comments in either official language will be accepted until October 30, 2020.

To view the draft Environmental Assessment Reports and potential conditions, visit the Agency's website at canada.ca/iaac. Printed copies are available upon request. More information on the projects, the review processes and alternative means of submitting comments is also available online.

Will there be more opportunities to participate?

These projects have benefited from several public and Indigenous consultation opportunities. This is the final public comment period for each project in the process.

Follow the Agency on Twitter: @IAAC_AEIC #BHPCanadaExplorationDrilling #CentralRidgeExplorationDrilling #WestFlemishPass

What are the proposed projects?

BHP Canada Exploration Drilling Project

BHP Petroleum (New Ventures) Corporation is proposing to conduct an exploration drilling project within offshore exploration licences in the Orphan Basin, located approximately 350 kilometres northeast of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador in the Atlantic Ocean. As proposed, the BHP Canada Exploration Drilling Project would allow the proponent to determine the presence, nature, and quantities of the potential hydrocarbon resource in exploration licences 1157 and 1158.

Central Ridge Exploration Drilling Project

Equinor Canada Ltd. is proposing to conduct an exploration drilling project within its offshore exploration licences in the Central Ridge Area, located approximately 375 kilometres east of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, in the Atlantic Ocean. As proposed, the Central Ridge Exploration Drilling Project would allow the proponent to determine the presence, nature, and quantities of the potential hydrocarbon resource in exploration licences 1159 and 1160.

West Flemish Pass Exploration Drilling Project

Chevron Canada Limited is proposing to conduct an exploration drilling project within its exploration licence in the Flemish Pass, located approximately 375 kilometres northeast of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, in the Atlantic Ocean. As proposed, the West Flemish Pass Exploration Drilling Project would allow the proponent to determine the presence, nature, and quantities of the potential hydrocarbon resource in exploration licence 1138.

For more information on the Agency's privacy policies, consult the Privacy Notice on its website at canada.ca/iaac.

Document Reference Number: 45

Date modified: