Minister's response to concerns raised by the Prince Edward Island Fishermen's Association Ltd

August 29, 2006

Mr. E.J. Frenette
Executive Director
P.E.I. Fishermen's Association Ltd.
420 University Avenue, Suite 102
Charlottetown PE C1A 7Z5

Dear Mr. Frenette:

I am responding to your Notice of Objection, dated June 6, to the Disposal at Sea Permit No. 4543-2-06369, published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on May 13, for Charlottetown Harbour Authority Incorporated to dispose of dredged material.

You have raised ten points, which include concerns about the impacts of the cruise ship industry, increased truck traffic, methods of managing land-based hazardous materials, and the justification for the marine terminal, which are issues associated with the environmental assessment. I also note your concerns with respect to the existing ocean disposal site and the potential for impacts to the health of your fishery due to high suspended solids.

I have fully and carefully considered your Notice of Objection. I am of the view that you have raised no grounds that have not been previously taken into account when the Permit was issued, and that your request raises no matter that warrants the establishment of a Board of Review under subsection 333(5) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.

Your interventions during the permit assessment review have been taken seriously and have resulted in additional precautions on the permit. Available scientific data show that the issues you raise with respect to disposal at sea can be dealt with by monitoring of suspended solids and oyster spat before and during the disposal operations. With this mitigation, the permit can be executed without significant adverse environmental effects.

Yours sincerely,

Rona Ambrose