News Release

Harbour Solutions Projects Receives Environmental Assessment Approval

(Monday, February 17/2003)-- The review process under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) for the Halifax Harbour Solutions Project has been completed, it was announced today.

The federal Responsible Authorities issued a decision that the project may proceed without further assessment, subject to certain mitigation and monitoring requirements.

Mayor Peter Kelly, speaking on behalf of Halifax Regional Council, said "This approval enables the Harbour Solutions Project to move ahead. Design and construction work will proceed immediately, beginning with the Halifax treatment plant and collection system this year."

The federal government requires environmental assessment of projects for which it has decision-making authority, including allocation of funding, land or permits. The federal assessment of the Harbour Solutions Project considered the environmental effects and benefits of the project on the harbour and surrounding communities.

The Province of Nova Scotia also has an environmental assessment process, but has advised that no provincial assessment is required for the Harbour Solutions Project.

Mayor Kelly concluded " On October 8, 2002, H-R-M entered into agreements with the Halifax Regional Environmental Partnership to implement the Harbour Solutions Project. The agreements were conditional on obtaining federal and provincial funding, and CEAA approval. These conditions have now been satisfied and the project can proceed."

Tony Blouin
Manager, Environmental Policy
Harbour Solutions Project
(902) 490-4610