News Release
Review Panel Invites Public Comment on Environmental Impact Statement for Proposed Encana Shallow Gas Infill Development Project
OTTAWA and CALGARY - May 28, 2007 - The Joint Panel reviewing the proposed EnCana Shallow Gas Infill Development project in the Suffield National Wildlife Area in Alberta, today announced the beginning of the public comment period on the adequacy of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) filed by the proponent, EnCana Corporation.
The EIS assesses the anticipated effects of the proposed project on the environment according to the Guidelines that were issued by the Panel on December 20, 2006. This comment period gives the public and interested parties an opportunity to express their views to the Panel on whether the EIS adequately addresses the requirements of these Guidelines.
"The public consultation on the EIS is a key aspect of the environment assessment process," said Panel Chair Bob Connelly. "We look forward to reviewing the EIS and the comments from all interested parties".
Written comments on the EIS received by July 27, 2007 will be considered. All comments received by the Panel will be made public through the on line registry established for the project. Forward your written comments by mail, e-mail or fax to the attention of:
- Marie-France Therrien, Panel Co-Manager
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
160 Elgin Street
Ottawa ON K1A 0H3
Tel.: 613-957-0324
Fax: 613-957-0941
comments@SuffieldReview.ca - Jodie Smith, Panel Co-Manager
Alberta Energy and Utilities Board
640 5th Avenue S.W.
Calgary AB T2P 3G4
Tel.: 403-297-3541
Fax: 403-297-4117
comments@SuffieldReview.ca
After reviewing the comments received and the proponent's response to those comments, the Panel will determine whether the EIS is sufficient or if the proponent must provide any additional information before the Panel schedules public hearings.
The EIS, along with more information on this project are available on the Panel's web site at www.SuffieldReview.ca or on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry, under registry #05-05-15620. Paper copies of the EIS may be viewed at the following locations:
- Castell Central Library
Third Floor, 616 MacLeod Trail SE
Calgary, AB - Alberta Energy and Utilities Board
Medicine Hat Field Centre
#302, 346 - 3 Street SE
Medicine Hat, AB - Medicine Hat Public Library
Reference Desk
414 First Street SE
Medicine Hat, AB - Alberta Energy and Utilities Board
Information Services
Main Floor, 640 5 Avenue SW
Calgary, AB
To obtain information on the panel review process, or to register as an interested party and be kept informed of the panel's activities, provide a full mailing or e-mail address to either of the Panel Co-Managers listed above.
EnCana Corporation proposes to drill, over a three-year period, up to 1275 new shallow gas wells within the boundary of the Canadian Forces Base Suffield National Wildlife Area (NWA), located in Southeastern Alberta, approximately 50 km Northwest of Medicine Hat and 250 km Southeast of Calgary. The project is in addition to the existing natural gas development activities within the NWA and includes the physical works and the activities associated with the construction, operation, decommissioning, abandonment and reclamation of the shallow gas wells, pipelines, and supporting infrastructure.
-30-
The Joint Review Panel for the EnCana Shallow Gas Infill Development Project is an independent body, mandated by the federal Minister of the Environment and the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board to assess the environmental effects of the proposed project.
Media may contact:
Lucille Jamault
Senior Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Tel.: 613-957-0434
Document Reference Number: 617