Public Notice
Scotian Basin Exploration Drilling Project — Public Comments Invited and Federal Funding Available

September 16, 2015 — The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) commenced a federal environmental assessment for the proposed Scotian Basin Exploration Drilling Project, located approximately 230 to 370 kilometres off the southeast coast of Nova Scotia.

The Agency invites the public to comment on which aspects of the environment may be affected by this project and what should be examined during the environmental assessment, as detailed in the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Guidelines.

Written comments must be submitted by October 16, 2015 to:

Scotian Basin Exploration Drilling Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
200-1801 Hollis Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3N4
Telephone: 902-426-0564
Fax: 902-426-6550
CEAA.Scotian.ACEE@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

Map depicting the location of the project, as described in the current document.

To view the draft EIS Guidelines or for more information, visit the Agency's website (Registry reference number 80109). Printed copies are available upon request.

This is the second of four opportunities for the public to comment on this project. All comments received will be considered public. Following this comment period, the Agency will finalize and issue the EIS Guidelines to the proponent.

Projects subject to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 are assessed using a science-based approach.

Federal Funding Available

The Agency is making available funding to support the participation of the public and Aboriginal groups in the federal environmental assessment of this project. Funding is available for eligible individuals and groups to enable their participation in upcoming steps of the environmental assessment, which include reviewing and providing comments on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), the draft Environmental Assessment Report, and on potential environmental assessment conditions.

To apply for funding, contact the Participant Funding Program by writing to PFP.PAFP@ceaa-acee.gc.ca or by calling 1-866-582-1884. Applications received by October 16, 2015 will be considered. Recipients and the amount of funding allocated will be announced at a later date.

The Proposed Project

BP Canada Energy Group ULC is proposing to conduct an exploration drilling program approximately 230 to 370 kilometres off the southeast coast of Nova Scotia, consisting of up to seven exploration wells within Exploration Licenses 2431, 2432, 2433, and 2434. It would take place over a three year period starting in 2017 pending required approvals. Specific drilling locations would be determined using seismic data gathered as part of BP's 3D seismic exploration program conducted in 2014.

Document Reference Number: 9

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