Notice of Commencement of an Environmental Assessment

Canpotex Potash Terminal Project

Ridley Island (BC)

May 21, 2009 (Updated March 9, 2012) -- Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Prince Rupert Port Authority and Transport Canada are required to ensure that a comprehensive study is conducted pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act commencing on April 1, 2009 in relation to the project: Canpotex Potash Terminal Project.

On July 12, 2010, a series of amendments to the Act came into force. As part of these amendments, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is playing an enhanced role in the environmental assessment of this project as it will perform the duties and functions of the responsible authority in relation to this project until the submission of the Comprehensive Study Report to the Minister of the Environment.

Canpotex Terminals Ltd. and the Prince Rupert Port Authority are proposing to develop and operate a potash export terminal and a rail, road and utilities corridor on Prince Rupert Port Authority land (Ridley Island) in British Columbia. The project, for the purposes of an environmental assessment, includes the physical works and activities associated with the construction, operation and decommissioning of the project components.

The Canpotex Potash Export Terminal will include the following components:

• A marine wharf, access trestle, causeway and all weather ship loading facility capable of receiving vessels of up to 180 000 dead weight tonnes (DWT).
• A 180 000-tonne potash storage building with associated conveyor and dust collection systems.
• An automated railcar unloading and conveyor system, automated portal scraper and dust collection system.
• A settlement pond for storm water, washdown water and marine outfalls.
• Administration, personnel, maintenance and storage buildings.
• Site services, including water supply, natural gas and sewage.
• Other applicable ancillary components associated with the project and located within the project area.

The Prince Rupert Port Authority Road, Rail and Utilities Corridor will include the following components:

• A rail loop (approximately 7818 metres) consisting of a railbed for up to 14 inbound and 11 outbound tracks.
• Three inbound rail tracks and two outbound tracks laid for the Canpotex Potash Export Terminal.
• A 69-kilovolt transmission line (approximately 3.4 kilometres) connecting Ridley Island and the Canpotex Potash Export Terminal to the BC Hydro power transmission system.
• Access road with a rail overpass and underpass.
• Rail land bridge and culverts.
• Infilling of foreshore marine habitat along Chatham Sound.

In addition to the components listed above, temporary structures associated with project construction are considered as part of the project. These include site offices, first aid stations, washrooms, equipment maintenance shops, temporary lay-down areas, and barge landing sites.

An environmental assessment is required in relation to the project because Environment Canada may take action in relation to subsection 127(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act; Fisheries and Oceans Canada may take action in relation to subsection 35(2) of the Fisheries Act; the Prince Rupert Port Authority may provide federal lands and Transport Canada may provide financial assistance to the proponent and may take action in relation to section 5 of the Navigable Waters Protection Act.

As per the Cabinet Directive on Improving the Performance of the Regulatory System for Major Resource Projects, this environmental assessment has been identified as a major natural resource project. For additional information refer to the Major Projects Management Office's Tracker that monitors the progress of proposed major resource projects through the federal regulatory review system.

For further information on this environmental assessment, please contact:
Canpotex Potash Terminal Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Jack Smith, Project Manager
410 - 701 West Georgia Street
Vancouver  BC  V7Y 1C6
Telephone: 604-666-2431
Fax: 604-666-6990
Email: CanpotexEA@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

and refer to Registry reference number 09-03-47632