PROPOSAL TO DEVELOP A CHAIRLIFT AND SKI RUNS ON EAGLE RIDGE,
MARMOT BASIN SKI AREA, IN JASPER NATIONAL PARK RECEIVES ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT GO-AHEAD
Ottawa - September 06, 2000 — Federal Environment
Minister David Anderson today announced his approval of the environmental
assessment for a plan to develop a chairlift and ski runs at the Marmot
Basin Ski area, in Jasper National Park, Alberta. The Minister concluded
that further environmental assessment by a review panel or mediator was
not necessary and referred the project back to the responsible authority,
Parks Canada, for appropriate next steps.
The project involves installing and operating a new quad chairlift on
Eagle Ridge, within the Marmot Basin Ski Area. With an uphill capacity
of 1,744 skiers per hour, the chairlift will transport skiers to Eagle
Ridge, providing access to Eagle's East, Chalet and Thunder Bowl
slopes. The project also includes clearing three ski runs, two skiways
and forest glading in two locations. No expansion of the day lodge facilities
or skier services is required as part of this proposal.
Following a review of public comments and the environmental assessment
report, Minister Anderson concluded that the project, with the implementation
of all mitigation measures, is unlikely to cause significant adverse environmental
effects. A follow-up program will be designed to verify the accuracy of
the environmental assessment and to determine the effectiveness of the
mitigation measures. In reaching his decision, Minister Anderson fully
considered comments from the public, and concerns about the project's
potential impact on Jasper National Park.
Several of the effects of this project on vegetation and soils have been
avoided by reducing the amount of area to be cleared, and by relocating
infrastructures away from fragile or rare plant communities. Sensitive
plants will be flagged, and foot and vehicle traffic will be limited to
designated pathways.
Parks Canada will ensure the proponent takes steps to minimize disturbance
to grizzly bears and other wildlife during construction. Amongst
other measures, clearing of ski runs will be limited to the winter months
and special measures will be used to avoid conflict with sensitive species
such as bears, should they approach the work site.
This project was subject to an environmental assessment process known
as a comprehensive study. Projects subject to comprehensive study are
set out in regulations under the Canadian Environmental Assessment
Act. These projects are complex and have the potential to cause significant
adverse environmental effects, and therefore, require more in-depth study.
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The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is a federal agency reporting
to the Minister of the Environment. Environmental assessment is a planning
tool used to identify the possible adverse effects of development projects
on the environment.
For more information, please contact:
William McCullough
Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Tel: (819) 997-3071
E-mail: William.McCullough@ceaa-acee.gc.ca
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