Wabush 3 Groundwater Extraction Project - Public Comments Invited

OTTAWA, June 21, 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 Wabush 3 Groundwater Extraction Project located in Newfoundland and Labrador. 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.

The Iron Ore Company of Canada proposes a groundwater extraction project to support a new open pit at the Labrador West iron ore mine site near the Town of Labrador City. The proposed project would comprise a groundwater extraction facility (including the removal of groundwater from the pit and a mine water collection, pumping and treatment system) which would likely exceed 200,000 m³/a.

Written comments must be submitted by July 11, 2013 to:

Wabush 3 Groundwater Extraction Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
200-1801 Hollis Street
Halifax, NS B3J 3N4
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 (registry reference number 80039). All comments received will be considered public.

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

If it is determined 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

For more information, media may contact: 
Sofie McCoy-Astell
Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Telephone: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]