Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

News Release

Environment Minister announces decision on the proposed Deep Panuke Offshore Gas Development Project

HULL - December 20, 2002 - The Honourable David Anderson, Minister of the Environment, today announced that EnCana Corporation's proposed Deep Panuke Offshore Gas Development Project does not require further environmental assessment under theCanadian Environmental Assessment Act. Minister David Anderson has referred the project to the responsible authorities, the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board, the National Energy Board, Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Industry Canada, for appropriate action.

The Minister concluded that the project, as described with mitigation, is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, and that public concerns do not warrant a referral to a mediator or a review panel. The Minister based his decision on the following:

• the comprehensive study report, including the conclusions and recommendations, submitted by the responsible authorities;
• public comments received during the 30-day consultation period, and the responsible authorities' response to the comments;
• the implementation of mitigation measures; and
• the implementation of a follow-up program.

The Deep Panuke natural gas field is located offshore on the Scotian Shelf, approximately 175 km southeast of Goldboro, Nova Scotia. The project would involve the processing of natural gas offshore and the transportation of the natural gas through a sub-sea pipeline to Goldboro. Once onshore, the natural gas would be transported through a new 3 to 4 km long pipeline that would then tie into the existing Maritimes & Northeast pipeline. The Deep Panuke natural gas field has recoverable reserves approaching 26 billion cubic metres.

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.

For more information:

Elise Dhaussy
Senior Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Tel: (819) 953-4054
Fax: (819) 953-2891
E-mail: elise.dhaussy@ceaa-acee.gc.ca