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News Release

Proposal to Develop a Chairlift and Ski Runs on Eagle Ridge, Marmot Basin Ski Area, in Jasper National Park Receives Environmental Assessment Go-Ahead

Ottawa - September 6, 2000 - Federal Environment Minister David Anderson today announced his approval of the environmental assessment for a plan to develop a chairlift and ski runs at the Marmot Basin Ski area, in Jasper National Park, Alberta. The Minister concluded that further environmental assessment by a review panel or mediator was not necessary and referred the project back to the responsible authority, Parks Canada, for appropriate next steps.

The project involves installing and operating a new quad chairlift on Eagle Ridge, within the Marmot Basin Ski Area. With an uphill capacity of 1,744 skiers per hour, the chairlift will transport skiers to Eagle Ridge, providing access to Eagle's East, Chalet and Thunder Bowl slopes. The project also includes clearing three ski runs, two skiways and forest glading in two locations. No expansion of the day lodge facilities or skier services is required as part of this proposal.

Following a review of public comments and the environmental assessment report, Minister Anderson concluded that the project, with the implementation of all mitigation measures, is unlikely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. 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 his decision, Minister Anderson fully considered comments from the public, and concerns about the project's potential impact on Jasper National Park.

Several of the effects of this project on vegetation and soils have been avoided by reducing the amount of area to be cleared, and by relocating infrastructures away from fragile or rare plant communities. Sensitive plants will be flagged, and foot and vehicle traffic will be limited to designated pathways.

Parks Canada will ensure the proponent takes steps to minimize disturbance to grizzly bears and other wildlife during construction. Amongst other measures, clearing of ski runs will be limited to the winter months and special measures will be used to avoid conflict with sensitive species such as bears, should they approach the work site.

This project was subject to an environmental assessment process known as a comprehensive study. Projects subject to comprehensive study are set out in regulations under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. These projects are complex and have the potential to cause significant adverse environmental effects, and therefore, require more in-depth study.

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The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is a federal agency reporting to the Minister of the Environment. Environmental assessment is a planning tool used to identify the possible adverse effects of development projects on the environment.

For more information, please contact:
William McCullough
Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Tel: (819) 997-3071
E-mail: William.McCullough@ceaa-acee.gc.ca