News Release

Environment Minister Announces Decision on White Rose Offshore Oil Development

OTTAWA, June 11, 2001 - Environment Minister David Anderson today announced his decision regarding the environmental assessment of the proposed White Rose Offshore Oil Development Project, located on the northeast Grand Banks, approximately 350 kilometers east of St. John's, Newfoundland. The Minister has concluded that further environmental assessment by review panel or mediator is not necessary. The project has been referred back to the responsible authorities, the Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board (the Board), Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment Canada, and Industry Canada for appropriate action.

Following a review of public comments and the environmental assessment report, Minister Anderson has determined that the White Rose Offshore Oil Development is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects provided that the mitigation measures identified in the environmental assessment report are implemented. A follow-up program will be designed to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment and to determine the effectiveness of the mitigation measures.

"In reaching my decision I have fully considered comments from the public and concerns about the cumulative environmental effects of the project. I now look forward to the results of the Commissioner's public review," said the Minister.

The Public Review Commissioner appointed by the Board under the Atlantic Accord Acts is likely to begin the public-hearing phase of the review of the Development Application in the near future. The Commissioner's public review process is intended to provide all interested parties with an opportunity to become informed about the proposed development and to make their views known.

The White Rose Project is a proposal by Husky Oil Operations Ltd., in partnership with Petro-Canada, to develop the White Rose oil reserves, located in the Jeanne D'Arc Basin, approximately 350 kilometers east of St. John's, Newfoundland. The proponent has indicated its intention to develop the White Rose oil field using a floating production, storage and offloading system and sub-sea well-head structures located in "glory holes".

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is a federal agency reporting directly to the Minister of the Environment. Environmental assessment is a planning tool used to identify possible significant adverse effects of development projects on the environment, and recommend measures to reduce or eliminate these effects.

For More Information:

William McCullough
Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Tel: (819) 997-3071
Fax: (819) 953-2891
Email: william.mccullough@ceaa-acee.gc.ca