OTTAWA, Dec. 14, 2012 /CNW/ -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 must determine whether a federal environmental assessment is required for the proposed Muskowekwan Potash Mine Project in Saskatchewan. 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.
First Potash Ventures is proposing the construction, operation and decommissioning of a potash mine at a location approximately 100 km north-northeast of Regina, Saskatchewan. The project would be developed on Muskowekwan Reserve lands, lands selected under the Treaty Land Entitlement Framework Agreement, and lands adjacent to the reserve that are owned by Muskowekwan First Nation and intended to become part of the reserve lands. The project would comprise a solution mine producing approximately 2.8 million tonnes of potash per year for a predicted mine life of 50 years.
Written comments must be submitted by January 3, 2013to:
Muskowekwan Potash Mine Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Suite 101, 167 Lombard Ave
Winnipeg, MB R3B 0T6
Telephone: 204-983-5127
Fax: 204-983-7174
FirstPotash@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 at www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca (registry reference number 80025). All comments received will be considered public.
The Agency will post a decision stating whether a federal environmental assessment is required on its website.
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, this project will continue to be subject to Canada's strong environmental laws, rigorous enforcement and follow-up, and increased fines.
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.
SOURCE: Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
For further information:
For more information, media may contact:
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Céline Legault
Communications Advisor
Tel.: 613-957-0278