News release
Murray River Coal Project - Federal Funding Available

OTTAWA, July 31, 2013 – The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is making available funding to support the participation of the public and Aboriginal groups in the federal environmental assessment of the Murray River Coal Project located in British Columbia.

Funding is available for eligible individuals and groups to enable their 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.

Applications received by September 6, 2013 will be considered. Recipients and the amounts of funding allocated will be announced at a later date.

To apply for funding or for more information on the project and the environmental assessment process, visit the Agency's website (registry reference number 80041) or contact the Participant Funding Program by writing to PFP.PAFP@ceaa-acee.gc.ca or by calling 1-866-582-1884.

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 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 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.

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For more information, media may contact:
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Sofie McCoy-Astell
Communications Advisor
Telephone: 613-960-1519
E-mail: Sofie.McCoy-Astell@ceaa-acee.gc.ca