ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT DECISION STATEMENT

BEPCo Canada Company – EL 2407 Exploration Drilling Program

June 15, 2005 – The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment, has reviewed the federal environmental assessment of the EL 2407 Exploration Drilling Program proposed by BEPCo Canada Company.

Having taken into consideration the comprehensive study report and the public comments filed pursuant to subsection 22(2) of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (the Act), the Minister is of the opinion that:

• No additional information is necessary and that there are no public concerns that need to be further addressed;
• The project, taking into account the mitigation measures described in the comprehensive study report, is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects; and
• The mitigation measures and follow-up program described in the comprehensive study report are appropriate for the proposed project.

The Minister has referred the project back to the responsible authority, the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board, for appropriate action under section 37 of the Act.

The Minister recommends that the responsible authority ensure the implementation of the mitigation measures described in the comprehensive study report. The Minister also recommends that the responsible authority implement the follow-up program described in the comprehensive study report, in order to determine the effectiveness of the measures taken to mitigate any adverse environmental effects, and to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment of the project.