CEAA announces decision to proceed with Agency Review for Springbank Offstream Reservoir (SR1) Project

The Honourable Minister McKenna has made the decision to proceed with an Agency review of the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir Project rather than a public panel, as is consistent with the previous advice of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA).

If McKenna had decided to have the project reviewed by a public panel, the process could have delayed the project a year or more. So, this is great news for Calgary.

In recognition of the Tsuut’ina Nation’s concerns around the project, and in light of the Federal Government’s commitment to environmental assessment reform and enhanced Indigenous involvement, a technical working group will be established to support the CEAA review and to more thoroughly consider stakeholder concerns.

Yesterday, Minister McKenna wrote a letter to Chief Crowchild that explained her decision and the intention to form the technical working group. You can read the full letter on the CEAA website here.

The immediate next step is for the Springbank Project’s proponent, the provincial Ministry of Transportation, to complete and submit the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), targeted for next month. This will initiate the environmental regulatory review phase of the process. The upcoming open houses are the last step to complete the EIA and we urge you to attend these sessions.

Thank-you for your continued support!! A large number of concerned Calgarians sent letters to Minister McKenna regarding this decision. Your voices came through loud and clear, and your support is greatly appreciated!

Regards,

Your CRCAG Board