Environment Minister Kevin Aylward has announced the following events relative to the Environmental Assessment Act. In the case of documents received or approved, copies can be obtained by contacting the regional office of the Department of Environment or by calling toll free 1-800-563-6181. Comments on submitted documents are invited from the public, addressed in writing to the minister.

PART II ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT ACCEPTABLE

Long Harbour Phosphorus Plant Decommissioning Project
Proponent: Albright & Wilson Americas

The minister has announced that approval to proceed with remediation of the phosphorus plant site at Long Harbour has been given to Albright & Wilson Americas. The Part II EIS submitted by Albright & Wilson Americas is accepted and the project is approved for implementation as proposed in the EIS.

NEW UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:

Voisey's Bay (Labrador) Advanced Exploration Infrastructure
Proponent: Voisey's Bay Nickel Company Ltd.

The proponent proposes to develop infrastructure supporting ongoing exploration and associated engineering and environmental feasibility studies at Voisey's Bay. The site is located on the Labrador coast 35 kilometres southwest of the community of Nain. The undertaking is intended to provide improved vessel and aircraft access to the site and improve accommodations at the site. The proposed undertaking includes the following principal components: construction of a two�lane road approximately 12 kilometres in length between the existing exploration camp and Anaktalak Bay; construction of a temporary receiving dock and ancillary facilities; construction of a 1,250 metre long airstrip; and consolidation of two existing camp operations into a single camp with a capacity of 140 persons. Construction activities are proposed for the summer construction season of 1996, between the months of May and October.

Exploration activities will continue throughout this period and into the winter season. Voisey's Bay Nickel Company Ltd. proposes that this infrastructure will serve to reduce costs and focus activity at the site thereby reducing exploration traffic through Nain. The deadline for the receipt of public comments on the registration is February 16, 1996.

EXTENSION TO PUBLIC SUBMISSION DATE :

White Paper on Proposed Reforms to the Environmental Assessment
Process:

The public review period for the White Paper, which began on October 27, 1995, has been extended to January 31, 1996. The White Paper describes government's proposed reforms to the Newfoundland and Labrador EA process and includes background information on the existing process, a summary of EA activities from 1989 � 1994, consultations held and the proposed reforms.

Copies of the White Paper can be obtained by calling (709) 729-2562 or 1-800-563-6181, or at the address shown below. The White Paper is also available on the World Wide (WWW) at ()//www.gov.nl.ca/ white.htm or FTP at ftp.gov.nf.ca Meetings to discuss the proposed reforms can be arranged for specific locations, based on the interest generated.

The public is invited to express its views in writing to the Minister of Environment by January 31, 1996:

Department of Environment
P. O. Box 8700
St. John's, Newfoundland
A1B 4J6
Fax: (709) 729-0112

E�Mail: minister@env.gov.nf.ca
A guide to the environmental assessment process is available from the Department of Environment. The minister encourages all interested parties to become involved and to make their comments known. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Director of Environmental Assessments at (709) 729-2562 or toll-free 1-800-563-6181, or by mail to:

Director, Environmental Assessment Division
Department of Environment
West Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700
St. John's, Newfoundland
A1B 4J6