The following is being distributed at the request of the Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board:

Amendment to SEA released for additional public comment

The Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NOPB) and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (CNSOPB) are seeking written public comment on an addendum revising the draft Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) boundaries of the for the Laurentian Sub-basin.

The C-NOPB and CNSOPB have extended the boundary of the SEA study area southwards in anticipation of possible interest by the petroleum industry. This extension takes in the area covered by fishing unit area 4Vsc as defined by the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO). The extension increases the overall area covered by the SEA by approximately 25 per cent.

The draft SEA report was prepared by Jacques Whitford Environment Limited and was released previously for public comment in April 2003.

An SEA provides a broad overview of the existing environment and considers the scope and nature of any likely environmental effects of activities and possible mitigative measures. In addition to the SEA for a region, a more detailed and location-specific environmental assessment must be submitted to the relevant board before any work � be it drilling, seismic testing or other petroleum-related activity � is permitted in the offshore area.

Written comments on the addendum to the draft SEA will be reviewed by both boards, but for the ease of public participation, only need to be forwarded to the C-NOPB no later than 2:00 p.m. NDT on October 17, 2003 and addressed to Kim Coady, Environmental Assessment Officer, Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board; 5th Floor-TD Place; 140 Water Street; St. John�s, NL; A1C 6H6; or via e-mail at postmaster@cnopb.nf.ca

Copies of the addendum and draft Strategic Environmental Assessment are available on the Web sites of both boards  - at www.cnopb.nfnet.com or at www.cnsopb.ns.ca. Those without access to the Internet can request a copy of the addendum through the offices of either board:

C-NOPB
Fifth Floor, TD Place
140 Water Street
St.John's, Newfoundland
A1C 6H6
(709) 778-1400

CNSOPB
6th Floor - TD Center
1791 Barrington Street
Hailfax, Nova Scotia
B3J 3K9
(902) 422-5588

For further information, contact:

Simone Keough
Public Information Coordinator
C-NOPB
(709) 778-1418

Barbara B. Pike
Public Information Coordinator
CNSOPB
(902) 496-0744 / (902) 221-5611

2003 09 18                                       11:55 a.m.