St. John's, NL, and Halifax, NS:

 

NSP Maritime Link Inc. (NSPML), a wholly owned subsidiary of Emera Newfoundland & Labrador Holdings Inc. and an affiliate of Nova Scotia Power, today received release from Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed Maritime Link project.

 

Through the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, Nova Scotia Environment, and Newfoundland & Labrador's Department of Environment and Conservation, the Maritime Link received an EA release from the Federal Environmental Assessment process, as well as environmental approval from the two provinces.

 

"Receiving EA release is a major milestone for the Maritime Link Project and demonstrates the significant commitment and effort that the entire team has made to its success," said Rick Janega, President of Emera Newfoundland & Labrador. "This is the result of more than two years of study and assessment, extensive engagement with Mi'kmaq communities in NS and NL, as well as consultation with landowners, fish harvesters, local businesses and other stakeholders."

 

NSPML registered the project description in 2011 and filed a comprehensive Environmental Assessment Report for the Maritime Link Project in January 2013. The report provided each jurisdiction with a complete overview of the project and included input from aboriginal groups and stakeholders. The report also identified mitigation measures to ensure the project is constructed in an environmentally appropriate manner.

 

With EA release, NSPML can now align its environmental commitments and requirements with the overall project timeline.

 

"While the environmental assessment portion of the regulatory process now formally ends, NSPML will begin work on the balance of the environmental requirements and permits, as well as continuing to work with regulators and stakeholders to implement commitments made during the EA process," said Janega.

 

EA release is the first of two major regulatory processes that the Maritime Link undertook this year. NSPML is currently seeking approval for the project from Nova Scotia's Utility and Review Board (UARB), with a decision expected by late July 2013.

 

Environmental Assessment is a formal regulatory review that considers environmental, social and economic effects of projects. Regulated and administered through federal and provincial governments, the EA process ensures that projects proceed in an environmentally responsible manner.

 

To learn more about the Maritime Link and the EA release and environmental approvals visit the following website:

  

  

NSP Maritime Link Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Emera Newfoundland & Labrador Holdings Inc. (Emera Newfoundland & Labrador), and is responsible for the financing, design, engineering, construction and commissioning of the 500-megawatt (MW) Maritime Link Transmission Project to transmit energy from the Island of Newfoundland to Nova Scotia. With offices in St. John's, NL, and Halifax, NS, Emera Newfoundland & Labrador is committed to ensuring that the Maritime Link provides clean, renewable source of energy for Nova Scotia and beyond. More information is available at www.emeranl.com.

Emera Inc. is an energy and services company with $7.8 billion in assets and 2012 revenues of $2.1 billion. The company invests in electricity generation, transmission and distribution, as well as gas transmission and utility energy services. Emera's strategy is focused on the transformation of the electricity industry to cleaner generation and the delivery of that clean energy to market. Emera has investments throughout northeastern North America, and in three Caribbean countries. More than 80% of the company's earnings come from regulated investments. Emera common and preferred shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade respectively under the symbols EMA, EMA.PR.A., EMA.PR.C., and EMA.PR.E. Additional information can be accessed at emera.com, or on www.sedar.com.

 

For more information:

Jeff Myrick

709-727-4754