Amisk Hydroelectric Project--Environmental Assessment Referred to Review Panel

OTTAWA, Feb. 12, 2016 /CNW/ - The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, today announced the referral of the environmental assessment of the proposed Amisk Hydroelectric Project in Alberta to an independent review panel. 

The decision to refer the environmental assessment of the project to a review panel was made after considering its potential to cause significant adverse environmental effects and concerns expressed by the public and Indigenous groups in relation to these effects.

The Minister has set timelines for the environmental assessment of the project as follows:

• The timeline for the review panel to be established (pre-panel phase) is 90 days (3 months) from the date of the referral of the project.
• The timeline for the review panel to submit its report (panel phase) is 480 days (16 months) from the date of the establishment of the review panel.
• The timeline for the federal Minister's decision statement to be issued (post-panel phase) is 150 days (5 months) from the date of the submission of the review panel's report.

The above timelines do not include the time the proponent takes to complete its work or gather information required for the environmental assessment.

Quick Facts

• AHP Development Corporation is proposing to construct and operate a 330-megawatt hydroelectric facility on the Peace River, approximately 15 km upstream of Dunvegan, in northwestern Alberta. The Amisk Hydroelectric Project would generate approximately 1,875 gigawatt hours of electricity per year. The project would involve the construction and operation of a powerhouse, spillway, headpond, fish passage, boat passage, a connecting transmission line and substation, as well as access roads and other construction related components.
• Information on the project and the environmental assessment process is available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry at ceaa.gc.ca, reference number 80112.

Associated Links

• Amisk Hydroelectric Project (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency)
• Basics of Environmental Assessment (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency)

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SOURCE Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

Caitlin Workman, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 819-938-9436; Lucille Jamault, Communications Manager, Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, [email protected]