North Shore Extension / Saguenay - Sept-Iles Natural Gas Pipeline Federal Funding Availability

OTTAWA, Jan. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is making available $122,400 to support public participation in the federal environmental assessment of the North Shore Extension / Saguenay - Sept-Iles Natural Gas Pipeline located in Québec.

This funding will support participation in upcoming steps of the environmental assessment such as consultation related to the Environmental Impact Statement and consultation on the draft Environmental Assessment Report.

To apply for funding or for more information on the project and the environmental assessment process, visit the Agency's website at www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca registry reference number 80016) or contact the Participant Funding Program by writing to [email protected] or by calling 1-866-582-1884.

Applications received by February 20, 2013 will be considered. Funding recipients will be announced at a later date.

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 Agency is conducting a federal environmental assessment of this project.

Gaz Métro proposes to extend its current distribution network to supply Quebec's North Shore region with natural gas. The project involves the construction of a pipeline of about 450 km in length between the cities of Saguenay (Jonquière) and Sept-Îles, via Baie-Comeau and the municipality of Port-Cartier. In addition to the buried facilities, the project involves the construction of above-ground structures and modifications to existing utilities.

This project is being 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

For more information, media may contact: 
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Céline Legault
Communications Advisor
Tel.: [phone]