ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT DECISION STATEMENT (Archived)

Lake Winnipeg East Side Road Project
(Provincial Road 304 to Berens River - All-Season Road)

July 26, 2011 – The Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of the Environment, has reviewed the federal environmental assessment of the Lake Winnipeg East Side Road Project (Provincial Road 304 to Berens River - All-Season Road) in Manitoba proposed by the East Side Road Authority.

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, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada and Transport 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.