Environmental Assessment Decision Statement

Labrador-Island Transmission Link Project, Newfoundland and Labrador

September 18, 2013 - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, has reviewed the federal environmental assessment of the Labrador-Island Transmission Link Project (the Project) proposed by Nalcor Energy. Pursuant to section 125 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, the environmental assessment of this Project continued under the former Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, S.C. 1992, c. 37 (the former Act).

Having taken into consideration the Comprehensive Study Report and the public comments filed pursuant to subsection 22(2) of the former Act, the Minister is of the opinion that:

• the Project, combined with other existing projects and activities, is likely to result in significant cumulative adverse environmental effects on the Red Wine Mountains Caribou Herd, even if the Project itself will only minimally contribute to these effects;
• the Project, taking into account the mitigation measures described in the Comprehensive Study Report is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on the other components of the environment; and
• the mitigation measures and follow-up program described in the Comprehensive Study Report are appropriate for the Project.

The Minister has referred the Project back to the responsible authorities, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Transport Canada, Natural Resources Canada and Public Works and Government Services Canada, for appropriate action under section 37 of the former Act.

Subject to Governor in Council approval, the Minister requests that the responsible authorities ensure the implementation of the mitigation measures described in the Comprehensive Study Report. The Minister also requests that the responsible authorities ensure the implementation of the follow-up program described in the Comprehensive Study Report, in order to determine the effectiveness of the measures taken to mitigate any adverse environmental effects, and to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment of the Project.