Following North West’s public disclosure of the Project in February 2005, a Terms of Reference was filed and approved by Alberta Environment (AENV) for the Project Environmental Impact Assessment. Public input was gathered through public open houses, one-on-one meetings and North West’s involvement in several community planning committees.

Considering the Terms of Reference and public input, the integrated application for approval to construct, operate and reclaim the Project was filed January 30, 2006. The application was deemed administratively complete and a Notice of Application was published by the Energy Utilities Board (EUB) and Alberta Environment (AENV) in February 2006.

In August 2007 North West received Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) Approval No.10994, under the authority of the Oilsands Conservation Act, as well as Alberta Environment Water Act Approval No.00227771-00-00, and EPEA Approval No.217118-00-00, both for Site Preparation Work which commenced October 2007.  Start-up of Phase 1 is planned for 2011.  All three phases are expected to be operational by 2015.

Any questions regarding North West's regulatory approval process can be directed to
Doug Bertsch, Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, at (403) 451-4171.