ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT DECISION STATEMENT (Archived)

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Transshipment and Storage Terminal
Grassy Point (NL)

August 11, 2008 - Canada's Environment Minister, John Baird, responsible for the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, has reviewed the federal environmental assessment of the Grassy Point Liquefied Natural Gas Transshipment and Storage Terminal project proposed by Newfoundland LNG Ltd.

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 of the Environment is of the opinion that:

• No additional information is necessary and no public concerns need to be further 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 of the Environment has referred the project back to the responsible authorities, Transport Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, for appropriate action under section 37 of the Act.

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