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, and are welcome prior to the deadline date following each item.

NEW UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:

Isle aux Morts Rockweed Harvesting
Proponent: A.M.P. Inc.

Proponent proposes to harvest rockweed (seaweed) in the area from Port aux Basques to Grand Bruit. This will be done from small boats, during high tide using rakes with special cutting blades. The rockweed will then be transported to the Marine Service Centre at Isle aux Morts where it will be spread, sun�dried, ground, and bagged for market. This operation is scheduled to begin as soon as possible.

Grand Falls Mill Replacement of Water Conveyance System
Proponent: Abitibi-Price Inc.

The proponent proposes to construct a new power canal to replace the existing hydroelectric water conveyance system at the Grand Falls�Windsor paper mill. The new facility will be on mill property in the area currently occupied by the existing system. The proponent has indicated that the existing water conveyance system, consisting of an intake, three steel penstocks and surge tanks, needs replacement. According to Abitibi-Price, the proposed power canal is the most practical, operationally desirable and economic replacement option. The proponent proposes that construction will begin as soon as possible. It will take 10 months to complete and employ approximately 20 people.

Deer Lake Access Road

Proponent: Edmund Baker

The proponent proposes to construct a one kilometre road, running south from the Goose Arm Road, to access his cabin on the north side of Deer Lake. Construction will begin as soon as possible and take approximately two weeks to complete.

The public is invited to examine these registration documents and offer written comments to the minister on whether an environmental impact statement should be ordered for these proposals. The deadline for the receipt of public comments is March 3, 1996.

NO ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REQUIRED:

The minister has decided that an environmental impact statement is not required for the following undertaking which has recently been registered and examined by government and the public. The undertaking is released subject to other regulatory and permitting requirements.

Exploits Salvage and Demolition Scrap Yard

ENVIRONMENTAL PREVIEW REPORTS ACCEPTABLE:

Shoal Cove Pond Tailings Disposal Project (St. Lawrence)
Proponent: Burin Minerals Ltd.

The minister has decided that the revised environmental preview report for the Shoal Cove Pond Tailings Disposal Project is satisfactory and an environmental impact statement is not required.

Adaptive Management Process

Proponent: Forestry Branch, Department of Natural Resources

The minister has decided that the environmental preview report for the Adaptive Management Process is acceptable and an environmental impact statement is not required. The purpose of the Adaptive Management Process is to provide an effective planning mechanism involving all stakeholders in the development of forest management plans. The Forestry Branch is now required to develop the District 20 forest management plan using the Adaptive Management Process and to reregister the plan in accordance with the Environmental Assessment Act. Upon the review of the District 20 Plan registration, the minister will decide whether further assessment is required.

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 comments known. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Director of Environmental Assessment 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, NF
A1B 4J6