Central Ridge Exploration Drilling Project — Commencement of Environmental Assessment

July 5, 2019 — Ottawa — Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) has commenced a federal environmental assessment for the proposed Central Ridge Exploration Drilling Project, located approximately 375 kilometres east of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, in the Atlantic Ocean.

Following a public comment period on the summary of the project description, the Agency has determined that an environmental assessment is required for the project. Information about what aspects of the environment may be affected by the project and what should be examined during the environmental assessment is detailed in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Guidelines. The EIS Guidelines have been provided to the proponent, Equinor Canada Ltd.

This project is one of eight exploration drilling projects in the Newfoundland and Labrador offshore area currently undergoing a federal environmental assessment.

An application period for participant funding and future public comment period on the summary of the proponent's EIS will be announced at a later date.