NLIS 1
January 16, 2001
(Mines and Energy)
Mines and Energy Minister Paul Dicks says the filing of the White Rose Development Plan Application (DPA) is good news for the Newfoundland and Labrador offshore oil industry.
The filing of the DPA with the Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NOPB) was announced Monday by Husky Oil Operations Limited, operator of the White Rose oilfield, and Petro-Canada, joint owner of the field.
"White Rose will see development of our third offshore oil field. This will follow Hibernia and Terra Nova and the filing of the application today can be seen as a clear demonstration of the confidence that the industry has in the future of our offshore resources," said Mr. Dicks.
"This is a significant announcement when you consider that this development will add 75,000 to 100,000 barrels of oil per day," said Mr. Dicks. "The Newfoundland and Labrador offshore industry is making a real contribution to our economy; it holds great prospects for future growth and development and the filing today of this application gives me great optimism for the future of our offshore industry."
Mr. Dicks said the DPA will undergo a comprehensive regulatory review.
"The Atlantic Accord legislation provides for a full public review process and the exact nature will be determined by the C-NOPB after consulting relevant departments and agencies of both the federal and provincial governments," said Mr. Dicks. "As part of the process, the operator must justify its preferred mode of development and provide an assessment of alternative production processes."
The minister stated that the approval of the development plan is a fundamental decision, which requires ministerial approval at both the provincial and federal levels.
The owners say project sanction is expected in the fourth quarter of 2001 if the regulatory review process proceeds as expected.
Media contact: Gary Callahan, (709) 729-4890.
2001 01 16 9:05 a.m.
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