Methanex Medicine Hat Expansion Project - Public Comments Invited

OTTAWA, June 5, 2013 /CNW/ - As part of the strengthened and modernized Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012) put in place to support the government's Responsible Resource Development Initiative, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency must decide whether a federal environmental assessment is required for the proposed Methanex Medicine Hat Expansion Project located in Alberta. To assist it in making its decision, the Agency is seeking comments from the public on the project and its potential effects on the environment.

Methanex Corporation proposes the expansion of its existing methanol production facility in Medicine Hat, Alberta via construction of a new methanol production unit at the existing location. The production capacity at the existing facility is approximately 0.5 million tonnes per year. The expansion project would result in a further 1 to 1.3 million tonnes per year of methanol production (an increase in methanol production of over 200 percent).

Written comments must be submitted by June 25, 2013 to:

Methanex Medicine Hat Expansion Project Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

#425, 10115 - 100A Street
Edmonton, AB  T5J 2W2
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]

To view a summary of the project description or for more information on the project and on the environmental assessment process, visit the Agency's website at www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca (registry reference number 80045). All comments received will be considered public.

The Agency will post on its website a decision stating whether a federal environmental assessment is required.

If it is decided that a federal environmental assessment is required, the public will have three more opportunities to comment on this project, consistent with the transparency and public engagement elements of CEAA 2012.

Projects subject to CEAA 2012 are assessed using a science-based approach. If the project is permitted to proceed to the next phase, it will continue to be subject to Canada's strong environmental laws, rigorous enforcement and follow-up, and increased fines.

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.

SOURCE: Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

media may contact:
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Sofie McCoy-Astell
Communications Advisor
Tel.: [phone]
[email protected]