News Release
Minister Ambrose refers EnCana Shallow Gas Infill Development Project To Environmental Assessment by Review Panel

Ottawa - April 24, 2006 -The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, today announced that the proposed EnCana Corporation - Canadian Forces Base Suffield National Wildlife Area Shallow Gas Infill Development Project will undergo an environmental assessment by an independent review panel.

"I am confident that a review panel is the most appropriate type of environmental assessment for this project," stated Minister Ambrose. "I believe that a public process will help Canadians to understand the potential impacts of this project."

The Minister's decision is based on a track report and recommendation by the Department of National Defence (DND). Pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, the Minister is required to make a decision on whether the assessment should continue as a comprehensive study or be referred to a review panel.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is discussing with the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) the possibility of a joint environmental assessment of the proposed project. Information on the timing of next steps and public involvement will be announced once the Agency and the EUB have determined the most effective and timely manner of proceeding.

Participant funding will be made available to the public to promote active participation in the environmental assessment process. Funding availability will be announced by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency at a later date.

To obtain a copy of the track report prepared by the Department of National Defence, contact the following:

Éric Trépanier, Senior Environmental Advisor
Land Force Command, DND
101 Colonel By Drive, 18NT
Ottawa ON K1A 0K2
Tel.: (613) 945-0398
trepanier.ep@forces.gc.ca

For more information on this project, consult the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry under reference number 05-03-15620.

To obtain information on the panel review process, or to register as an interested party and to be kept informed of the panel's activities, provide a full mailing address, an e-mail address or a fax number to the following:

Maryse Pineau, Panel Manager
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
160 Elgin Street
Ottawa ON K1A 0H3
Tel.: (613) 948-1364
maryse.pineau@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

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.

Media may contact:

Lucille Jamault
Senior Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
(613) 957-0434