For Immediate Release

October 27, 2003

News Release - Modelling Component Draft TOR

The public review process is now underway regarding Draft Terms of Reference for the Modelling Component of the Petitcodiac River Causeway Environmental Impact Assessment. "Comments from all interested parties are being actively encouraged and should be forwarded to the Study Team no later than December 12", said Study Facilitator Jacques Paynter.

Initial copies of the document were distributed at the October 18 Modelling Workshop held in Dieppe. The full text is now available at: www.petitcodiac.com where it can be reviewed in detail or downloaded in PDF format. Print copies can also be obtained free of charge by calling (506) 855 3070 or 1 888 638 7700.

Computer-based modelling to determine how river and tidal flows will impact sediment transport under each of the four project options proposed for the existing Petitcodiac River Causeway is a key aspect of the EIA study.

"Extensive monitoring and historical data are being generated through the other components of the study which, in turn, feed vital information directly into the modelling process, " Mr. Paynter explained.

The Draft Terms of Reference describe how computer models of the Petitcodiac River and its estuary are created as the study moves forward and the volume of data increases. These advanced techniques will ultimately generate detailed predictions on water and sediment transport patterns upstream and downstream of the causeway, under various climatic conditions and for any of project options.

"The central focus for the Modelling Component is to provide information on potential changes to the River with respect to sediment erosion and deposition, water quality, ice build-up and a wide range of other factors concerning each project option, " said Mr. Paynter.

'"The October 18 public workshop was very useful in prompting questions and input on this crucial aspect of the study. We now want to ensure that everyone interested in the Petitcodiac River Causeway EIA has an opportunity to review these Draft Terms of Reference, and provide any comments they have to us before the final version is adopted, " he said.

All feedback on the draft Modelling Component Terms of Reference should be forwarded to the Study Facilitator by December 12, at the numbers and address listed below:

For further information contact:

Jacques Paynter - AMEC Earth & Environmental Ltd.
Fax: (506) 857-9974
E-Mail: jacques.paynter@amec.com
Mail: 1133 St. George Blvd., Moncton, NB E1E 4E1