Site C Hydro project on the Peace River goes to harmonized Joint Panel Review

Conceptual Design for Site C

Government of Canada

Government of British Columbia

News Release

Site C Clean Energy Project Environmental Assessment Process and Draft Agreement Released for Public Comment

OTTAWA, September 30, 2011 – The Honourable Peter Kent, federal Minister of the Environment and the Honourable Terry Lake, British Columbia Minister of the Environment, announced today that the Site C Clean Energy Project in British Columbia will undergo a harmonized environmental assessment, including a review by a joint panel.

Both ministers have determined that a single cooperative environmental assessment, including a joint review panel, will avoid unnecessary duplication and delays. The draft agreement specifies the process for conducting the review, outlines the joint review panel terms of reference and identifies the timelines associated with key steps of the cooperative process. The public has 30 days to submit comments on the draft agreement, from October 7, 2011 until November 7, 2011.

To obtain more information on this project or to view the draft agreement, consult the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry, reference number 11-05-63919 or the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office website atwww.eao.gov.bc.ca.