Public Notice
Suncor Base Mine Extension Project - Comment Period on the Draft Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines and Draft Public Participation Plan

April 30, 2021 — The deadline to submit written comments has been extended from April 30 to May 7, 2021.

What is happening?

February 26, 2021 — The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) has decided an impact assessment is required for the proposed Suncor Base Mine Extension Project, located near Fort McMurray, Alberta. The project's impact assessment has been referred to an independent review panel that will be appointed at a later date.

As part of the planning phase in the impact assessment, the Agency invites the public and Indigenous groups to review and provide feedback on the draft Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines (Guidelines) and the draft Public Participation Plan.

The draft Guidelines outline the project-specific factors that will be considered in the assessment and provide direction to the proponent, Suncor Energy Inc., on the information and studies required in its Impact Statement. The draft Public Participation Plan explains how the public will be engaged throughout the review process. The Plan provides details on how and when public participation opportunities will take place for each phase of the impact assessment.

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?

Written comments in either official language will be accepted until May 7, 2021.

Comments can be submitted online by visiting the project home page on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry (reference number 80521). All comments received will be published online as part of the project file.

To view the draft Guidelines and the draft Public Participation Plan, visit the Agency's website at canada.ca/iaac. More information on the project, the review process and alternative means of submitting comments is also available on the Agency's website.

Virtual Information Sessions

The Agency invites the public and Indigenous groups to attend one of the virtual information sessions on the project that will be held during the comment period. These sessions will provide additional information about the project and the impact assessment process, and help participants learn how to effectively review and formulate comments on the draft documents.

March 16, 2021 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. MST (Session 1) and 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. MST (Session 2)
March 18, 2021 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. MST (Session 3) and 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. MST (Session 4)

More information on how to attend the virtual information sessions is available by contacting the Agency at IAAC.BaseMine-MineBase.AEIC@canada.ca or 343-549-5813.

Will there be more opportunities to participate?

This is the second federal comment period for the project. There will be other opportunities for the public and Indigenous groups to participate throughout the impact assessment process.

Follow us on Twitter: @IAAC_AEIC #SuncorBaseMine

What is the proposed project?

Suncor Energy Inc. is proposing to develop the Base Mine Extension Project to sustain the supply of bitumen to the existing upgraders at Suncor's Oil Sands Base Plant operation (Base Plant). The project includes an open-pit mining operation and associated infrastructure to supply bitumen to new froth production facilities and various other production facilities at the existing Base Plant. The project is located adjacent to existing Base Plant operations approximately three kilometres north of Fort McMurray, Alberta, within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Project construction is expected to start in 2026 and its footprint is anticipated to be approximately 30 000 hectares.

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

Document Reference Number: 70

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