Public Notice
Strathcona Salt Cavern Storage Project – Public Comments Invited

July 28, 2014 — 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 (the Agency) must decide whether a federal environmental assessment is required for the proposed Strathcona Salt Cavern Storage Project, located near Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. 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.

ATCO Energy Solutions Ltd. is proposing to construct and operate an underground natural gas liquids (NGL) storage facility located 14 kilometres northeast of Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. As proposed, the project would include four underground storage caverns, a brine storage pond and associated surface facilities. The NGL products planned for storage in the caverns, each with a storage capacity of approximately 100,000 m³, are ethylene, propane, butane and condensate. The project is anticipated to have an operational lifespan of at least 25 years.

Written comments must be submitted by August 18, 2014 to:

Strathcona Salt Cavern Storage Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Canada Place
1145-9700 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4C3
Telephone: 780-495-2037
Fax: 780-495-2876
Saltcaverns-Cavernesdesel@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

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 80082). 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 fines for non-compliance.