Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

News Release

Canada’s Environment Minister Announces Decision on the Chemainus Well Water Supply Project

OTTAWA - June 10, 2009 – Canada's Environment Minister, Jim Prentice, announced that the proposed Chemainus Well Water Supply Project in Chemainus, British Columbia, is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. The Minister has determined that the project does not require further assessment by a review panel and has referred the project back to the responsible authority, Western Economic Diversification Canada, for appropriate action.

The Minister based his environmental assessment decision on the comprehensive study report, including conclusions and recommendations submitted by the responsible authority; results of the public comment periods and the responsible authority's response to those comments; and the implementation of mitigation measures and a follow-up program.

The District of North Cowichan is proposing to construct a groundwater supply system for the community of Chemainus to address seasonal turbidity problems during the period from mid-October to mid-June in the Banon Creek Reservoir that currently supplies drinking water to the community. The project would require the construction of two production wells, a water main, a concrete reservoir and associated ancillary facilities.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the federal environmental assessment process, which identifies the environmental effects of proposed projects and measures to address those effects, in support of sustainable development.

Media may contact:

Lucille Jamault
Senior Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Tel..: 613-957-0434