Environment and Labour 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 and Labour 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

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�Wooddale Christmas Tree Farm
Proponent: Hamer Farm Ltd.

The proponent proposes to operate a Christmas tree farm as part of an agricultural development at Wooddale near Grand Falls-Windsor on the west side of Newbay Road, south of Peter's River. Hamer Farm Ltd. plans to utilize land unsuitable for agriculture to grow balsam fir Christmas trees to supply provincial markets. Hamer Farms Ltd. indicated that trees unsuitable for this market will be left for lumber production or the manufacture of Christmas wreaths. This operation will start as soon as possible. The proposed undertaking was registered on May 13, 1996 and the minister's decision is due on June 27, 1996.

Newfoundland Styro Inc. Expanded Polystyrene Manufacturing
Proponent: Newfoundland Styro Inc.

The proponent proposes to construct and operate a facility at Bishop's Falls to manufacture expanded polystyrene shipping containers for transporting seafood, fresh fruits and vegetables. The project involves construction of a 10,000 square foot building in the industrial park at Bishop's Falls. The proponent indicated that approximately 12 jobs will be created and construction will begin as soon as possible. The proposed undertaking was registered on May 16, 1996 and the minister's decision is due on June 30, 1996. The public is invited to examine these registration documents and offer written comments to the minister on whether an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) should be ordered for these proposals. The deadline for the receipt of public comments is June 15, 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.

Lethbridge Sawmill Operation (Resubmission)

THREE COMPONENT STUDIES ACCEPTABLE

TWO COMPONENT STUDIES NOT ACCEPTABLE

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

The minister has decided that the following component studies are acceptable: Moose, Raptors and Waterfowl/Migratory Birds. The Fish and Fish Habitat component studies are not acceptable and require revisions.

A guide to the Environmental Assessment Process is available from the Department of Environment and Labour. 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 and Labour
West Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700
St. John's, NF
A1B 4J6