Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

Public Notice

Blackwater Gold Project
Public Comments Invited

As part of the strengthened and modernized Canadian Environmental Assessment Act 2012 (CEAA 2012), put in place to support the government's responsible resource development initiative, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency must determine whether a federal environmental assessment is required for the proposed Blackwater Gold Project in British Columbia. To assist it in making its decision, the Agency is seeking comments from the public on the project and its potential effects on the environment.

New Gold Inc. is proposing the construction, operation, and decommissioning of an open pit gold and silver mine located approximately 100 kilometres south of Vanderhoof, British Columbia. As proposed, the project would produce 60,000 tonnes per day of gold and silver ore, over a mine life of 17 years.

Written comments must be submitted by November 25, 2012 to:

Blackwater Gold Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
410 - 701 West Georgia Street
Vancouver BC V7Y 1C6
Telephone: 604-666-2431
Fax: 604-666-6990
Blackwater@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

To view a summary of the project description or for more information on the project and on the environmental assessment process, visit the Agency’s website (registry reference number 80017). All comments received will be considered public.

The Agency will post a decision stating whether a federal environmental assessment is required on its website.

If it is determined that a federal environmental assessment is required, the public will have three more opportunities to comment on this project, consistent with the transparency and public engagement elements of CEAA 2012.

Projects subject to CEAA 2012 are assessed using a science-based approach. If the project is permitted to proceed to the next phase, this project will continue to be subject to Canada’s strong environmental laws, rigorous enforcement and follow-up, and increased fines for those who break the rules. To learn more about the Responsible Resource Development Initiative, please visit the website: http://actionplan.gc.ca/en/page/r2d-dr2.