The Joint Panel reviewing the proposed Lower Churchill Hydroelectric Generation Project located near Happy Valley-Goose Bay in Labrador is inviting the public to comment on the adequacy of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) filed by the proponent Nalcor Energy, formerly Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.

The EIS assesses the anticipated effects of the proposed project on the environment according to the guidelines that were issued by the Governments of Canada and of Newfoundland and Labrador on July 15, 2008.

This 75-day comment period gives Aboriginal groups, the public, governments and other interested parties an opportunity to express their views to the panel on whether the EIS adequately addresses the requirements of these guidelines.

After reviewing the comments received and the proponent�s response to those comments, the panel will determine whether the EIS is adequate or if the proponent must provide any additional information before the panel schedules public hearings.

The panel must receive all comments on the adequacy of the EIS by May 22, 2009. Comments may be provided either in writing or verbally by submitting quality recordings. All comments will be made public through the online registry established for the project.

Forward your written or recorded comments by mail, e-mail or fax to the attention of:

The guidelines and the EIS, along with more information on this project, are available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry at //www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/050/05/documents-eng.cfm?CEAR_ID=26178, registry number 07-05-26178.

The proponent, Nalcor Energy, proposes to construct two hydroelectric generating stations with a total capacity of just over 3000 megawatts (MW) on the Lower Churchill River, together with transmission lines to connect the two generation sites to the existing Upper Churchill Project. The proposed generation stations would be located at Gull Island (2,250 MW) and Muskrat Falls (824 MW).

The Joint Review Panel for the proposed Lower Churchill Hydroelectric Generation Project is an independent body, mandated by the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador, to assess the environmental effects of the proposed project. The panel was appointed in January 2009 and its terms of reference provide details as to how the review is to be conducted and the specified timeframe.

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Media contact:
Lucille Jamault
Senior Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
613-957-0434