Notice of Referral to a Review Panel

Pierre River Mine Project
Fort McKay 174 (AB)

December 13, 2010 -- The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) announces that the Pierre River Mine project in northern Alberta will undergo an environmental assessment by an independent review panel.

The federal government is discussing with the Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) the possible establishment of a joint review panel to assess the proposed project. A draft version of the joint review panel agreement will be made available for public comment prior to being finalized.

The Agency will make funding available to assist the public and Aboriginal groups to participate in the environmental review. An announcement on participant funding will be made at a later date.

The Pierre River Mine project proposed by Shell Canada includes the construction, operation, and reclamation of an oil sands surface mine and bitumen extraction facilities. The proposed mining project would be located approximately 90 km north of Fort McMurray on the west side of the Athabasca River. The proposed development includes an open-pit mine, ore handling facility, bitumen extraction facilities, tailings processing facilities, support infrastructure, water and tailings management plans, as well as the construction of a bridge across the Athabasca River. The project is designed to produce a total of 200,000 barrels of bitumen per day.

For further information on this environmental assessment, please contact:
Pierre River Mine Projet
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Jill Adams, Panel Manager
160 Elgin Street, 22nd Floor
Place Bell Canada
Ottawa  ON  K1A 0H3
Telephone: 613-957-0700 or 1-866-582-1884
Fax: 613-957-0941
Email: Shell.Reviews@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

and refer to Registry reference number 10-05-59539