Notice of Commencement of an Environmental Assessment

Little Bow Reservoir Rehabilitation and Upgrading Project

Travers Reservoir; Travers Reservoir; Travers Reservoir; Travers Reservoir; Travers Reservoir; Travers Reservoir (AB)

August 5, 2009 (Updated October 19, 2010) -- Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Transport Canada are required to ensure that a comprehensive study is conducted pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act commencing on July 31, 2009 in relation to the project: Little Bow Reservoir Rehabilitation and Upgrading Project.

On July 12, 2010, a series of amendments to the Canadian Environmental Assessment 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.

As part of its new role, the Agency has posted a notice on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry inviting the public to comment on the project and the conduct of the comprehensive study.

Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation and Alberta Environment propose 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 fully supply level.

An environmental assessment is required in relation to the project because Fisheries and Oceans Canada may take action in relation to section 32 of the Fisheries Act and to subsection 35(2) of the Fisheries Act and because Transport Canada may take action in relation to section 5 of the Navigable Waters Protection Act.

For further information on this environmental assessment, please contact:
Little Bow Reservoir Rehabilitation and Upgrading Project
Sean Carriere, Project Manager
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
#425, 10115 - 100A Street
Edmonton  AB  T5J 2W2
Telephone : 780-495-2086
Fax : 780-495-2876
Email : littlebow@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

and refer to Registry reference number 09-03-49421