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 tollfree 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:

Iron Ore Company of Canada Silica Flotation Plant
Proponent: Iron Ore Company of Canada

The proponent proposes to install and operate a silica flotation plant to enhance the current concentrating process and improve the grade of iron pellet produced at the Carol Mining Division of IOCC at Labrador City. The flotation plant will be located off the existing pellet plant and will operate at a maximum capacity of 1,400 tonnes per hour. This new process will allow the production of a pellet with a lower silica content than is presently achievable. This will increase the company's ability to compete in world markets where low silica pellets are in demand for modern steel making furnaces. The proponent has indicated that six jobs will be created due to the proposed flotation circuit. These will be filled by reallocation within the present workforce. Construction is due to commence in late 1996.

Grand Falls-Windsor Scrap Metal Salvage Yard
Proponent: K.D.J. Enterprises Limited

The proponent proposes to collect, sort and store various valuable metals such as copper, zinc and aluminum until they can be shipped to various markets in the province and the rest of Canada. The operation will be located on Whitmore Street in Grand Falls-Windsor. Start-up will occur as soon as possible.

Blue Straw Farms Christmas Tree Farm
Proponent: Blue Straw Farms - Norman Drake

The proponent proposes to develop an area of Crown land for the purpose of cultivating existing balsam fir trees and to plant seedlings as necessary. The site is located off Cochrane Pond Road approximately three kilometres south of the Trans Canada Highway. The proponent proposes to construct two greenhouses, a storage building and a barn complete with washroom facilities, change room and first aid station. Construction is scheduled to start in the fall of 1996.

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 29, 1996.

COMPONENT STUDIES SUBMITTED:

North West Arm Brook Hydroelectric Generating Station
Proponent: St. Mary's Bay Hydro Corp.

Five component studies have been submitted for government and public review. They are: fish and fish habitat, caribou, moose, raptor, and waterfowl and migratory birds. The public is invited to submit comments to the minister by April 1, 1996. The minister's decision on the acceptability of these component studies is due April 11, 1996.

COMPONENT STUDY NOT ACCEPTABLE:

Star Lake Hydroelectric Project
Proponent: Abitibi Price Inc. Grand Falls Division

The minister has decided that the wildlife component study is not satisfactory and must be amended. Among the issues to be addressed in the amendment is the accuracy, analysis and interpretation of caribou data.

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