Notice of Commencement of an Environmental Assessment

Keeyask Generation Project

Gull Rapids (MB)

December 13, 2011 -- On August 31, 2011, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) received a project description in accordance with the Establishing Timelines for Comprehensive Study Regulations.

Based on information it has received, the Agency has determined that the project is described in the comprehensive study list and that an environmental assessment pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act is required. As a result, a comprehensive study commenced on November 29, 2011.

The Keeyask Hydropower Limited Partnership is proposing to construct and operate a 695-megawatt hydroelectric generating station at Gull Rapids on the lower Nelson River, immediately upstream of Stephens Lake in northern Manitoba. The Project would include a powerhouse complex, spillway, dams and dykes. The powerhouse would consist of a control building, service bay, and would house the equipment required to produce electricity. The spillway, dams and dykes would be required to manage water flow through the powerhouse. A 93-square kilometre reservoir would be created upstream of these main structures. Temporary supporting infrastructure required to construct the main structures would consist of roads, borrow sources, a work camp, work areas, cofferdams, and an ice boom. Permanent infrastructure required to construct and operate the project would consist of roads, borrow sources, boat launches, and a portage.

An environmental assessment is required in relation to the project because Fisheries and Oceans Canada may take action in relation to section 32 of the Fisheries Act and to subsection 35(2) of the Fisheries Act and because 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 Manitoba.

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:
Keeyask Generation Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Jim Morrell, Project Manager
Suite 101
167 Lombard Ave
Winnipeg  MB  R3B 0T6
Telephone : 204-983-3225
Fax : 204-983-7174
Email : KeeyaskGeneration@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

and refer to Registry reference number 11-03-64144