Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

News Release

Environment Minister Announces Decision on the Wuskwatim Hydro Generation Project in northern Manitoba

OTTAWA, June 21, 2006 - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, today announced that the proposed Wuskwatim Hydro Generation Project in northern Manitoba does not require further assessment by a review panel or mediator under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. The Minister referred the project, proposed by Manitoba Hydro in partnership with the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN), back to the responsible authorities, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Transport Canada (TC), for appropriate action.

The Minister determined that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects with the implementation of the mitigation measures and of the follow-up program outlined in the comprehensive study report. The Minister based her decision on the following information:

• the implementation of all mitigation measures and of the follow-up program;
• public comments received during the 30 day consultation period, and DFO's and TC's responses to the comments;
• the comprehensive study report, including the conclusions and recommendations, submitted by the responsible authorities.

The Wuskwatim Generating Station site is located on the Burntwood River, about 45 km southwest of Thompson and 35 km southeast of the NCN community of Nelson House. The 200 MW plant will also require development of transmission facilities to deliver power to the Manitoba Hydro system, the development of a camp to house workers and the construction of an access road. Approximately six years will be required to build the $1.1 billion generating station.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the federal environmental assessment process, which identifies the environmental effects of proposed projects and measures to address those effects, in support of sustainable development.

For more information, media may call:

Robert Deslauriers
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Place Bell Canada
160 Elgin Street, 22^nd Floor
Ottawa ON K1A 0H3
Tel.: 613 957-0396
robert.deslauriers@ceaa-acee.gc.ca