News Release
Echo Hill Coal Mine Project – Public Comments Invited

OTTAWA, February 8, 2013 – As part of the strengthened and modernized Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012) put in place to support the government's Responsible Resource Development Initiative, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency must decide whether a federal environmental assessment is required for the proposed Echo Hill Coal Mine Project in British Columbia. To assist it in making its decision, the Agency is seeking comments from the public on the project and its potential effects on the environment.

Hillsborough Resources Ltd. proposes the construction, operation and decommissioning of a coal mine located 44 kilometers north of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. The proposed project would produce 1 to 1.5 million tonnes of thermal coal per year for a mine life of 10 to 14 years.

Written comments must be submitted by February 28, 2013 to:

Echo Hill Coal Mine Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
410-701 Georgia Street West
Vancouver, BC V7Y 1C6
Tel.: 604-666-2431
Fax: 604-666-6990
EchoHill@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

To view a summary of the project description or for more information on the project and on the environmental assessment process, visit the Agency's website (registry reference number 80018). All comments received will be considered public.

The Agency will post a decision on its website stating whether a federal environmental assessment is required.

If it is determined that a federal environmental assessment is required, the public will have three more opportunities to comment on this project, consistent with the transparency and public engagement elements of CEAA 2012.

Projects subject to CEAA 2012 are assessed using a science-based approach. If the project is permitted to proceed to the next phase, it will continue to be subject to Canada's strong environmental laws, rigorous enforcement and follow-up, and increased fines.

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.

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For more information, media may contact:

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Céline Legault
Communications Advisor
Tel.: 613-957-0278