The City of Abbotsford has received an environmental assessment certificate for the proposed Bevan Avenue Wells Groundwater Supply Development Project.

Environment Minister Terry Lake and Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Ida Chong made the decision to grant the environmental assessment certificate after considering the review led by B.C.'s Environmental Assessment Office.

The proposed $3.5-million project will increase the pumping capacity of four operating wells withdrawing groundwater from the Abbotsford-Sumas Aquifer in the City of Abbotsford from the current rate of 74.9 litres per second to a maximum combined capacity of 290 litres per second. The project would provide a safe, sustainable water supply to citizens in the area and address water supply shortages during summer months in Abbotsford in the short term until a surface water supply is put in place (anticipated in 2015). The wells will also provide a water supply for emergency purposes over the long term.

The Environmental Assessment Office assessment report concluded the project is not likely to have significant adverse effects, based on the mitigation measures and commitments included as conditions of the environmental assessment certificate.

The provincial environmental assessment certificate contains design features, mitigation measures and 18 commitments that form legally-binding requirements that the proponent must adhere to throughout the life of the project. Key requirements include the following:

* Monitoring the operation of the groundwater wells during the dry season to ensure the Abbotsford and Mission communities have a safe and reliable potable drinking water supply.

* Designing and constructing mitigation wells to augment water flows in Horn Creek and Boa Brook to prevent potential riparian and fisheries impacts within these drainages.

* Implementing a groundwater level and surface water flow and quality monitoring program during operations to ensure no adverse effects from the extraction of groundwater.

* Providing funding support, engineering planning and construction services to the Clearbrook Waterworks District to replace one of their wells that the environmental assessment concluded would be impacted by the project.

The Environmental Assessment Office invited the Matsqui, Sumas, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsartlip First Nations to participate in the environmental assessment of the project. The Matsqui First Nation chose to participate and was consulted on the assessment. The Province is satisfied the Crown's duties to consult and accommodate First Nations interests have been discharged as they relate to the decision to grant the environmental assessment certificate.

No direct government revenues are anticipated from the project. Employment creation is limited to the installation of new pumps and construction of the mitigation wells. Benefits of the project are primarily related to the provision of water and water system services in the community.

More information on the environmental assessment certificate can be found at: www.eao.gov.bc.ca

Contact:

Suntanu Dalal

Media Relations

Ministry of Environment

250 387-9745

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect