News Release
Minister's Decision on Requests for Substitution – Sukunka Coal Mine Project and Carbon Creek Metallurgical Coal Mine Project

OTTAWA – April 15, 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 federal Minister of the Environment, the Honourable Peter Kent, has approved British Columbia (B.C.)'s requests for substitution for the environmental assessments of the proposed Sukunka Coal Mine Project and Carbon Creek Metallurgical Coal Mine Project.

"I am satisfied that the conditions for substitution under CEAA 2012 will be met for these two projects and that the B.C. process is an appropriate substitute for these environmental assessments," said Minister Kent. "At the conclusion of these substituted environmental assessment processes, I will make an environmental assessment decision. Projects will only be allowed to proceed if they meet Canada's rigorous environmental protection laws."

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency received requests for substitution from B.C. for the environmental assessments of the proposed Sukunka Coal Mine Project and Carbon Creek Metallurgical Coal Mine Project on March 6, 2013. The Agency held a public comment period regarding these requests from March 15, 2013 to April 4, 2013.

Sukunka Coal Mine Project

Xstrata Coal Canada proposes to develop and operate an integrated surface and underground metallurgical coal mine located approximately 55 kilometres south of Chetwynd and 40 kilometres west of Tumbler Ridge, in northeast British Columbia. The proposed project would initially produce 1.5 to 2.5 million tonnes per year increasing to 6 million tonnes per year when underground mining begins. The mine life is expected to exceed 20 years.

To view the government of B.C.'s request, the Minister's decision on the request for substitution (including the conditions for substitution) or more information on the Sukunka Coal Mine Project, visit the Agency's website (registry reference number 80013).

Carbon Creek Metallurgical Coal Mine Project

Cardero Coal Ltd proposes to develop and operate an open pit metallurgical coal mine located approximately 60 kilometres northwest of Chetwynd and 40 kilometres west of Hudson's Hope, in northeast British Columbia. The proposed project would involve open pit surface mining followed by combined open pit and underground mining. The production rate would be 4.1 million metric tonnes of metallurgical coal per year, over a mine life of 20 years.

To view the government of B.C.'s request, the Minister's decision on the request for substitution (including the conditions for substitution) or more information on the Carbon Creek Metallurgical Coal Mine Project, visit the Agency's website (registry reference number 80028).

The Agency and the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office have finalized a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enable efficient and timely use of CEAA 2012 substitution provisions. The MOU addresses the processes leading to substitution, the conduct of the substituted environmental assessment and associated Aboriginal consultation and the coordination of decision-making, monitoring and follow-up after the environmental assessment. The MOU and a Backgrounder on substitution under CEAA 2012 are available on the Agency's website.

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.

For more information, media may contact:
Céline Legault
Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Celine.Legault@ceaa-acee.gc.ca
Telephone: 613-957-0278

Document Reference Number: 12

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