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Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

News Release

Power Line in New Brunswick Gets Environmental Assessment Approval

HULL, Quebec - December 20, 2002 - The Honourable David Anderson, Minister of the Environment, today announced that New Brunswick Power Corporation's proposal to construct and operate an international power line in southern New Brunswick does not require further assessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. Minister Anderson has referred the project to the federal responsible authorities, the National Energy Board and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, for appropriate action.

The Minister determined that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, provided that New Brunswick Power Corporation implements the mitigation measures outlined in the comprehensive study report. The Minister based his decision on the following:

  • the comprehensive study report, including the conclusions and recommendations, submitted by the National Energy Board and Fisheries and Oceans Canada;
  • public comments received during the 30-day consultation period and federal responsible authorities' response to them;
  • the implementation of mitigation measures; and
  • the implementation of a follow-up program.

The proposed 345 kV international power line, approximately 95 km in length, would run from the existing transmission terminal at the Point Lepreau Generating Station to a point on the Maine-New Brunswick border, west of St. Stephen. Ancillary project components include expanded terminal facilities at the Point Lepreau Generating Station, temporary construction workspaces and construction camps, and the use and maintenance of existing access roads.

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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.

For more information:

Elise Dhaussy
Senior Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Tel: (819) 953-4054
Fax: (819) 953-2891
E-mail: elise.dhaussy@ceaa-acee.gc.ca