Bevan Avenue Wells Groundwater Supply Development Project (Archived)

Abbotsford (BC)

Reasons for a Federal Assessment
Project Description
Final Decision

Reference Numbers

Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry: 10-03-54520
Fisheries and Oceans Canada: 08‑HPAC‑PA2‑00123

Environmental Assessment Type

Comprehensive study

Other Assessment Process

Government of British Columbia

Responsible or Regulated Authorities

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Reasons for a Federal Assessment

On April 19, 2010, it was determined that an environmental assessment was required in relation to the project because Fisheries and Oceans Canada considered taking action in relation to subsection 35(2) of the Fisheries Act.

Project Description (as posted in the Notice of Commencement)

On July 12, 2010, a series of amendments to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act came into force. As part of these amendments, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is playing an enhanced role in the environmental assessment of this project as it will perform the duties and functions of the responsible authority in relation to this project until the submission of the comprehensive study report to the Minister of the Environment.

As part of its new role, the Agency has posted a notice on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry inviting the public to comment on the project and the conduct of the comprehensive study.

The City of Abbotsford proposes to develop additional groundwater sources on the Abbotsford-Sumas aquifer to supply potable water for the municipal water system. The City is responsible for a joint water system, consisting of existing surface water and groundwater sources, which provides potable water to the District of Mission and the City of Abbotsford. The proposed project involves construction of new groundwater wells and/or upgrading existing wells and is in response to recent low surface water reservoir levels associated with peak water usage during the summer months.

Final Decision

The environmental assessment was terminated on October 1, 2010 because a decision had been made to not exercise any power or perform any duty or function referred to in section 5 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act in relation to the project.