Birch Mountain Resources Ltd. proposed an open pit limestone quarry approximately 60 km north of Fort McMurray in the Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report is mandatory under the Alberta Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. The project also requires approval by the NRCB.

Birch Mountain Resources Ltd. prepared and submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment report to Alberta Environment (AENV). The EIA report was also submitted to the NRCB as part of Birch Mountain Resources Ltd’s application to the Board.

On April 2, 2004, AENV and NRCB issued a Joint Notice of Filing respecting Birch Mountain Resources Ltd.’s application.

After a thorough review and assessment of the environmental, social and economic effects of the proposal, the NRCB concluded that the proposed quarry is in the public interest and approved the project on June 14, 2005. A public hearing was not required as there were no bona fide objections to the proposal.

The board noted that the company conducted a multi-stage public consultation with all potentially affected parties and committed to conduct ongoing public consultation following approval.