ATCO Salt Cavern Storage Expansion Project

Public Comments Invited on the Summary of the Initial Project Description

What is happening?

January 25, 2021 — The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) has accepted an initial project description for the proposed ATCO Salt Cavern Storage Expansion Project, located near Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta.

The Agency invites the public and Indigenous groups to review the summary of the initial project description and provide feedback related to the proposed project. This feedback will help the Agency prepare a summary of issues. Once completed, the Agency will provide the summary of issues to the proponent.

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, adjust consultation activities and provide flexibility as needed in order to prioritize the health and safety of all Canadians and 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 number 81297). All comments received will be published online as part of the project file. The summary of the initial project description is also available on the Registry.

Written comments, in either official language, will be accepted until February 16, 2021.

For more information on the project, the review process and alternative means of submitting comments, visit the Agency's website at canada.ca/iaac.

Virtual Information Sessions

The Agency invites the public and Indigenous groups to attend a virtual information session to learn more about the project and the impact assessment process. The Agency will also provide participants with details on how to submit comments on the summary of the initial project description.

February 8, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. MST (Session 1)
February 9, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. MST (Session 2)

More information on how to attend the virtual information sessions is available by contacting the Agency at IAAC.SaltCavern-CavernesSel.AEIC@canada.ca.

Will there be more opportunities to participate?

This is the first federal comment period for the project. If the Agency determines a federal impact assessment is required, the public and Indigenous groups will have additional opportunities to participate over the course of the impact assessment process.

Stay updated by following the Agency on Twitter: @IAAC_AEIC #ATCOEnergy #SaltCavernStorage

What is the proposed project?

ATCO Energy Solutions Ltd. is proposing to expand its existing Strathcona Salt Cavern Storage Facility, located about 14 kilometres northeast of Fort Saskatchewan, in Alberta's Industrial Heartland. As proposed, the ATCO Salt Cavern Storage Expansion Project would increase the facility's storage capacity by about 400,000 m³ by adding four underground salt caverns for the storage of ethylene, propane, butane and condensate (natural gas liquids). All project activities, including the construction of an above-ground product handling facility and brine pond, would take place on land privately owned by the proponent.

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