ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT DECISION STATEMENT (Archived)

Hebron Development Project, Newfoundland and Labrador

December 22, 2011 – The Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of the Environment, has reviewed the federal environmental assessment of the Hebron Development Project (the Project) proposed by the Consortium led by ExxonMobil Canada Properties.

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

• 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 authorities; the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Transport Canada, Industry Canada and Environment Canada, for appropriate action under section 37 of the Act.

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 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.