The funding recipients are Sierra Club of Canada – Atlantic Canada Chapter, Natural History Society of Newfoundland and Labrador and Grand Riverkeeper Labrador Inc.

This phase II funding is being made available to help successful applicants review the proponent’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and/or prepare for and participate in the public hearings that will be announced at a later date. Phase I funding of $50 000 was allocated in August 2007 to assist recipients in reviewing the draft Guidelines for the EIS.

A Funding Review Committee, independent of the review panel, reviewed the requests and provided recommendations on available funding. The Committee’s report, as well as further information on the project, is available on the CEAA’s website at www.ceaa.gc.ca, under registry number 07-05-26178.

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro proposes the development of two hydroelectric generating stations on the Lower Churchill River. The proposal includes two potential sites. One is a 2000MW project at Gull Island, which is 225km downstream from the existing 5428MW facility at Churchill Falls, and the other is an 800MW project at Muskrat Falls, which is 60km downstream of Gull Island.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the federal environmental assessment process, which identifies the environmental effects of proposed projects and measures to address those effects, in support of sustainable development.