ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland & HALIFAX, Nova Scotia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
NSP Maritime Link Inc. (NSPML), a wholly owned subsidiary of Emera
Newfoundland & Labrador Holdings Inc. and an affiliate of Nova Scotia
Power, today received release from Environmental Assessment (EA) for the
proposed Maritime Link project.
Through the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, Nova Scotia
Environment, and Newfoundland & Labrador's Department of Environment and
Conservation, the Maritime Link received an EA release from the Federal
Environmental Assessment process, as well as environmental approval from
the two provinces.
"Receiving EA release is a major milestone for the Maritime Link Project
and demonstrates the significant commitment and effort that the entire
team has made to its success," said Rick Janega, President of EmeraNewfoundland & Labrador. "This is the result of more than two years of
study and assessment, extensive engagement with Mi'kmaq communities in
NS and NL, as well as consultation with landowners, fish harvesters,
local businesses and other stakeholders."
NSPML registered the project description in 2011 and filed a
comprehensive Environmental Assessment Report for the Maritime Link
Project in January 2013. The report provided each jurisdiction with a
complete overview of the project and included input from aboriginal
groups and stakeholders. The report also identified mitigation measures
to ensure the project is constructed in an environmentally appropriate
manner.
With EA release, NSPML can now align its environmental commitments and
requirements with the overall project timeline.
"While the environmental assessment portion of the regulatory process
now formally ends, NSPML will begin work on the balance of the
environmental requirements and permits, as well as continuing to work
with regulators and stakeholders to implement commitments made during
the EA process," said Janega.
EA release is the first of two major regulatory processes that the
Maritime Link undertook this year. NSPML is currently seeking approval
for the project from Nova Scotia'sUtility and Review Board (UARB), with
a decision expected by late July 2013.
Environmental Assessment is a formal regulatory review that considers
environmental, social and economic effects of projects. Regulated and
administered through federal and provincial governments, the EA process
ensures that projects proceed in an environmentally responsible manner.
To learn more about the Maritime Link and the EA release and
environmental approvals visit the following websites:
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency: http://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/050/details-eng.cfm?evaluation=65713
Nova Scotia Environment EA website: http://www.gov.ns.ca/nse/ea/maritime-link.asp
Newfoundland & Labrador Department of Environment and Conservation EA
website: http://www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/env_assessment/projects/Y2011/1618/index.html
About Emera Newfoundland & Labrador Holdings Inc. and NSP Maritime
Link Inc.
NSP Maritime Link Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Emera
Newfoundland & Labrador Holdings Inc. (Emera Newfoundland & Labrador),
and is responsible for the financing, design, engineering, construction
and commissioning of the 500-megawatt (MW) Maritime Link Transmission
Project to transmit energy from the Island of Newfoundland to Nova
Scotia. With offices in St. John's, NL, and Halifax, NS, EmeraNewfoundland & Labrador is committed to ensuring that the Maritime Link
provides clean, renewable source of energy for Nova Scotia and beyond.
More information is available at www.emeranl.com.
About Emera Inc.
Emera Inc. is an energy and services company with $7.8 billion in assets
and 2012 revenues of $2.1 billion. The company invests in electricity
generation, transmission and distribution, as well as gas transmission
and utility energy services. Emera's strategy is focused on the
transformation of the electricity industry to cleaner generation and the
delivery of that clean energy to market. Emera has investments
throughout northeastern North America, and in three Caribbean countries.
More than 80% of the company's earnings come from regulated investments.
Emera common and preferred shares are listed on the Toronto Stock
Exchange and trade respectively under the symbols TSX:EMA,
TSX:EMA.PR.A., TSX:EMA.PR.C., and EMA.PR.E. Additional information can
be accessed at emera.com, or on www.sedar.com.
Emera Inc.
For more information:
Jeff Myrick,
709-727-4754
jeff.myrick@emera.com
Source: Emera