ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT DECISION STATEMENT (Archived)

Lennox Island Water Supply Upgrade Project
Lennox Island 1 (PE)

September 11, 2007 – The Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment, responsible for the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, has reviewed the federal environmental assessment of the Lennox Island Water Supply Upgrade Project proposed by Lennox Island First Nations.

Having taken into consideration the comprehensive study report and the results of the public comment period pursuant to section 22 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (the Act), the Minister is of the opinion that:

• No additional information is necessary and that public concerns raised have been addressed through the comprehensive study;
• The project, taking into account the mitigation measures described in the comprehensive study report, is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects; and
• The mitigation measures and follow-up program described in the comprehensive study report are appropriate for the proposed project.

The Minister has referred the project back to the responsible authority, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, for appropriate action under section 37 of the Act.

The Minister recommends that the responsible authority ensure the implementation of the mitigation measures described in the comprehensive study report. The Minister also recommends that the responsible authority implement 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.