News Releases 2003

Draft Strategic Environmental Assessment Released for Public Comment

For Immediate Release
April 10, 2003

St. John’s, NL – The Canada – Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NOPB) and the Canada – Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (CNSOPB) have released a draft copy of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the Laurentian Sub-basin.

The draft SEA was prepared by Jacques Whitford Environment Limited under contract to the C-NOPB and is currently under review by both Boards. The general public is invited to participate in the process by providing written comment on the assessment by May 15th, 2003. These written comments will be considered in preparation of a final document which will be used as both Boards negotiate the conversion of the existing Exploration Permits in the area to Exploration Licences.

A Strategic Environmental Assessment provides a broad overview of the existing environment and considers the scope and nature of the likely environmental effects of activities and possible mitigative measures. The SEA is not a replacement for the more detailed and specific environmental assessment that must be submitted to the regulatory Boards as part of all work authorization applications in either offshore area.

Written comments on the draft SEA will be reviewed by both Boards, but for the ease of public participation, only need to be forwarded to the C-NOPB no later than 4:00 p.m. NDT on Thursday, May 15th and addressed to Kim Coady, Environmental Assessment Officer, Canada – Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board; 5th Floor – TD Place; 140 Water Street; St. John’s; Newfoundland; A1C 6H6; or via e-mail at postmaster@cnopb.nf.ca.

A copy of the draft Strategic Environmental Assessment is available on the websites of both Boards – at
www.cnsopb.ns.ca
or at
www.cnopb.nfnet.com
. Those without access to the internet can request a copy of the draft SEA through the offices of either Board:

CNSOPB
6th Floor – TD Center
1791 Barrington Street
Hailfax, Nova Scotia
B3J 3K9
902-422-5588

C-NOPB
Fifth Floor, TD Place
140 Water Street
St.John’s, Newfoundland
A1C 6H6
709-778-1400

SOURCE:
Susan Churchill
Legal Counsel
(709) 778-1408

Barbara B. Pike
Public Information Coordinator
CNSOPB
902-496-0744 / 902-221-5611

Simone Keough
Public Information Coordinator
C-NOPB
709-778-1418


News Releases 2003

DateUpdate
2003, Dec 182003 Land Sale Results
2003, Sep 18Ammendment to SEA Released for Additional Public Comment
2003, Sep 3Draft Strategic Environmental Assessment Released for Public Comment
2003, May 16DECISION ON HIBERNIA PRODUCTION RATE INCREASE
2003, Apr 152003 CALL FOR BIDS
2003, Apr 10Draft Strategic Environmental Assessment Released for Public Comment