BURNCO Aggregate Mine Project - Environmental Assessment Decision

OTTAWA, May 10, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is working to protect the environment for future generations while growing our economy. Today, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced that the proposed BURNCO Aggregate Mine Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects when the mitigation measures described in the Comprehensive Study Report are taken into account. In reaching her environmental assessment decision, the Minister considered the Comprehensive Study Report as well as comments received from Indigenous groups and the public.

The project is a sand and gravel mine located on the northwest shore of Howe Sound, 22 kilometres southwest of Squamish, British Columbia.

The project was assessed as a comprehensive study under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (the former Act of 1992). The Minister has referred the project to the responsible authority, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), for a decision regarding a Fisheries Act authorization. DFO will ensure that all necessary mitigation measures and follow up programs, as described in the Comprehensive Study Report, are implemented.

Today's announcement reflects the Government of Canada's Interim Approach and Principles for environmental assessments, which ensures that project decisions are informed by meaningful consultations with Indigenous peoples, public input and scientific evidence, including Indigenous Traditional Knowledge, and an assessment of greenhouse gas emissions.

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"Our government is committed to protecting the environment while growing our economy. This finding was based on rigorous science, extensive consultation with Indigenous groups and a diversity of Canadians, and input from experts across various disciplines. We are confident the mitigation measures outlined for this project will allow it to move forward in a way that protects the environment, while supporting the local economy and creating good middle-class jobs."

? The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Relevant Links

• Environmental Assessment Decision Statement (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency)
• BURNCO Aggregate Mine Project (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency)

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SOURCE Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency