News Release
Canada's Environment Minister Announces Decision on the Environmental Assessment of the Proposed Little Bow Reservoir Rehabilitation and Upgrading Project

OTTAWA, May 10, 2013- Canada's Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, announced today that the proposed Little Bow Reservoir Rehabilitation and Upgrading Project located in Alberta is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. The Minister has referred the project back to the responsible authorities, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Transport Canada, for appropriate action.

In reaching his decision, the Minister considered the Comprehensive Study Report and the comments received from the public on that report.

A copy of the Minister's environmental assessment decision statement is available in the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry, reference number 49421.

Alberta Transportation, on behalf of Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development proposes to upgrade the dam structures and associated canals in the Little Bow reservoir and to replace the control structure in the canal connecting the Travers and Little Bow reservoirs. These works will increase the surface area of the Little Bow reservoir from 6.16 sq. km to 8.86 sq. km and allow the Little Bow and Travers reservoirs to be operated in tandem under a common full supply level.

This project was assessed using a science-based approach under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.

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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Media may contact:
Céline Legault
Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Telephone: 613-957-0278
Email: Celine.Legault@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

Document Reference Number: 13

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