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Kearl Oil Sands Project - Mine Development (Archived)

Fort McMurray (AB)

Reasons for a Federal Assessment
Project Description
Environmental Assessment Report
Government Response to Panel
Final Decision
Follow-up Program

Reference Numbers

Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry: 05-07-16237
Fisheries and Oceans Canada: 05‑HCAA‑CA1‑000‑002438

Environmental Assessment Type

Joint panel

Other Assessment Process

Government of Alberta

Responsible or Regulated Authorities

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Reasons for a Federal Assessment

On October 14, 2005, it was determined that an environmental assessment was required in relation to the project because Fisheries and Oceans Canada considered taking action in relation to subsection 35(2) of the Fisheries Act.

Project Description (as posted in the Notice of Commencement)

The development of an open pit oil sands mine about 70 km north of Fort McMurray that consists of: 7 four mine pits that will be mined over the period of 2010 to 2060; 7 one external tailings area; 7 related infrastructure, including a water intake and water pipeline, raw water pond storage area, an operation camp, roads, and an airstrip. The scope of project will be added when available.

Environmental Assessment Report

Joint Panel Report
Joint Panel Report (Rationale)

Government Response to Panel

Government of Canada's Response to the Environmental Assessment Report of the Joint Review Panel on the Kearl Oil Sands Project
Government of Canada's Response to the Environmental Assessment Report of the Joint Review Panel on the Kearl Oil Sands Project

Final Decision

In conformity with the approval of the Governor in Council, a decision was taken on June 5, 2008 and was that the authority may exercise any power or perform any duty or function with respect to the project because, after taking into consideration the report of the review panel and taking into account the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures, the authority is of the opinion that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Follow-up Program

It was determined that a follow-up program to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment and/or determine the effectiveness of any measures taken to mitigate the adverse environmental effects is required for this project. For further information or to obtain a copy of the follow-up program, please contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada.