Comment RE: Notice published on July 28,2008 in the Canada Gazette, Part 1.

Dear Mr. Smith,

Lake Ontario Waterkeeper supports the proposed addition of projects that require a license under the International Boundary Waters Treaty Act (IBWTA) to the Law List Regulations and the Inclusion List Regulations of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA).

It is essential to ensure that all projects with potential environmental impacts for our lakes, rivers and oceans are subject to an Environmental Assessment. According to sections 11(1) and 12(1) of the IBWTA, any project that requires a license under section 16 that Act has the potential to affect the natural level or flow of boundary waters in the United States. Any change to the water level or flow in a lake or river has the potential to impact water quality and quantity, and thereby affect human and ecosystem health.

Lake Ontario Waterkeeper believes all such projects should trigger an Environmental Assessment under the CEAA. We support the proposed change to the Law List Regulations and the Inclusion List Regulations of the CEAA as an important step towards better environmental regulation and monitoring in Canada.

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