Notice of Commencement of an Environmental Assessment

Coal Mine, Embarras, Erith and Pembina Rivers, Robb, AB

Erith River (AB)

April 18, 2011 (Updated June 19, 2012) -- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Natural Resources Canada and Transport Canada are required to ensure that a screening is conducted pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act commencing on April 15, 2011 in relation to the project: Coal Mine, Embarras, Erith and Pembina Rivers, Robb, AB.

Coal Valley Resources Inc. is proposing to expand its existing coal mining acitivities in the Coal Branch area of Alberta. The project is located near the community of Robb, is approximately 37 km in length and contains the Pembina River, Embarras River and the Erith River.

The scope of the project includes all physical activities associated with the expansion of the existing mine and coal mining activities including watercourse crossings and realignments, access, storage areas and other undertaking directly associated with the works.

An environmental assessment is required in relation to the project because Fisheries and Oceans Canada may take action in relation to subsection 35(2) of the Fisheries Act; Natural Resources Canada may take action in relation to paragraph 7(1)(a) of the Explosives Act and Transport Canada may take action in relation to section 5 of the Navigable Waters Protection Act.

This project is also subject to the environmental assessment requirements of the Government of Alberta.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency will act as the Federal Environmental Assessment Coordinator for this environmental assessment.

As per the Cabinet Directive on Improving the Performance of the Regulatory System for Major Resource Projects, this environmental assessment has been identified as a major natural resource project. For additional information refer to the Major Projects Management Office's Tracker that monitors the progress of proposed major resource projects through the federal regulatory review system.

For further information on this environmental assessment, please contact:
DFO - CEAA Registry Office - Central & Arctic Region - Prairies & North
Freshwater Institute
501 University Crescent
Winnipeg MB R3T 2N6
Telephone: 204-984-0115
Email: CEARCNAPN-RCEECNAPN@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

and refer to Registry reference number 11-01-61436