Murray River Coal Project - Federal Funding Allocated to Participate in the Environmental Assessment

OTTAWA, Nov. 4, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency has allocated a total of $181,432.41 to six applicants to support their participation in the federal environmental assessment of the proposed Murray River Coal Project located in British Columbia.

This funding was made available to the public and Aboriginal groups through the Participant Funding Program administered by the Agency. It will enable participation in upcoming steps of the environmental assessment, which include reviewing and providing comments on the Environmental Impact Statement and the draft Environmental Assessment Report.

Details of Allocation

Applicant	Allocation
Blueberry River First Nations	$50,000.00
McLeod Lake Indian Band	$50,000.00
Saulteau First Nations	$50,000.00
Sucker Creek First Nation	$10,500.00
Kelly Lake Métis Settlement Society	$10,432.41
Métis Nation of British Columbia	$10,500.00
Total	$181,432.41

For more information on the Participant Funding Program, the federal environmental assessment process and the project, please visit the Agency's website at www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca (Registry reference number: 80041).

As part of the strengthened and modernized Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 put in place to support the government's Responsible Resource Development Initiative, the Agency is conducting a federal environmental assessment of this project.

This project is being assessed using a science-based approach. If it 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 Proposed Project
HD Mining International Ltd. proposes the construction, operation and decommissioning of an underground coal mine and supporting infrastructure, including a 5.8 kilometre rail load-out. The proposed project is located 12.5 kilometres southwest of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia and would produce six million tonnes of metallurgical coal per annum for an estimated mine life of 31 years.

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

For more information, media may contact: 
Karen Fish
Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Telephone: [phone]
[email protected]