Deep Panuke Offshore Gas Development Project (Archived)

Scotian Shelf (NS)

Reasons for a Federal Assessment
Project Description
Environmental Assessment Report
Minister's Environmental Assessment Decision Statement
Final Decision
Follow-up Program

Reference Number

Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry: 06-03-21748

Environmental Assessment Type

Comprehensive study

Responsible or Regulated Authorities

Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Industry Canada
National Energy Board
Transport Canada

Reasons for a Federal Assessment

On August 28, 2006, it was determined that an environmental assessment was required in relation to the project because the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board considered taking action in relation to paragraph 143(4)(a) of the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act; Fisheries and Oceans Canada considered taking action in relation to subsection 35(2) of the Fisheries Act; Industry Canada considered taking action in relation to paragraph 5(1)(f) of the Radiocommunication Act; the National Energy Board considered taking action in relation to section 52 of the National Energy Board Act and Transport Canada considered taking action in relation to paragraph 5(1)(a) of the Navigable Waters Protection Act.

Project Description (as posted in the Notice of Commencement)

EnCana Corporation is proposing to conduct a gas development project offshore Nova Scotia in the Deep Panuke field, approximately 250 km southeast of Halifax. The initial well program will consist of re-completing four existing production wells, drilling one new injection well in Margaree (EL 2387) and one new production well in Panuke (PL 2902). Up to three new production wells could be drilled after first gas in Cohasset (PL 2901), Deep Cohasset (SDL 2255H), Panuke (PL 2902) or Margaree (EL 2387). The main project components include a Mobile Offshore Production Unit (MOPU), subsea flowlines and umbilicals, subsea wells, and export pipeline. First gas is anticipated to be produced in late 2010. Expected project life range is 8-17.5 years. A Development Plan Application was previously submitted in March of 2002, and subsequently withdrawn in December of 2003. An environmental assessment (Comprehensive Study Report) was also previously submitted, and approved in December of 2002. An additional environmental assessment is now required due to variations between the revised project and the previously approved project.

Environmental Assessment Report

Comprehensive Study Report

Minister's Environmental Assessment Decision Statement

Environmental Assessment Decision Statement

Final Decision

A decision was taken on September 5, 2007 and was that the authorities may exercise any power or perform any duty or function with respect to the project because, after taking into consideration the comprehensive study report and taking into account the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures, the authorities are 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 the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board.