July 4, 1996
(Environment and Labour)

Environmental assessment bulletin

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 UNDERTAKING REGISTERED

• Brigus Fibre Product Manufacturing
  Proponent: Fibertech Incorporated

The proponent proposes to take sawdust, cardboard and paper and produce a saleable fibre product. The project will be located at the former Brigus Academy School on School Lane, Brigus. The building will house a press, mixer and grinder. Construction is tentatively scheduled for September 1996. The proposal was registered on June 28, 1996 and the minister's decision is due on August 12, 1996.

The public is invited to examine this registration document and offer written comments to the minister on whether an Environmental Impact Statement should be ordered for this proposal. The deadline for the receipt of public comments is August 2, 1996.

PROJECT RELEASED

• Goulds By-Pass Road
  Proponent: Department of Works, Services and Transportation

The project has been released from the Environmental Assessment Process. The preferred route proposed by the Department of Works, Services and Transportation has been deemed acceptable. An Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) will be prepared and submitted for the minister's approval.

PROJECT RELEASED

• Star Lake Hydroelectric Development
  Proponent: Abitibi-Price Inc.

Cabinet has decided to release the project from environmental assessment subject to the following terms and conditions. Abitibi-Price is required to:

1. Abide by all commitments made in the Environmental Impact
   Statement and component studies.
2. Submit an Environmental Protection Plan for approval by the
   Minister of Environment and Labour prior to commencement of
   construction. The plan shall include, but not be limited to,
   criteria for construction stoppage during caribou migration
   which are acceptable to the Minister of Forest Resources and
   Agrifoods.
3. Develop an Environmental Effects Monitoring Program which is
   acceptable to the Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods
   and the Minister of Environment and Labour prior to the
   commencement of construction. The plan should include, but not
   be limited to, a monitoring program for fish and fish habitat,
   caribou and pine marten.
4. Obtain all applicable permits including Water Use
   Authorization(s) and Environmental Approval(s) from the
   Minister of Environment and Labour for any and all related
   activities during the construction period and the life of the
   project.
5. Accept responsibility for any and all compensation due to
   flood related damage and/or evacuation of any buildings as a
   result of dam break and flooding.

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.

• Newfoundland Styro Incorporated Expanded Polystyrene Manufacturing (Bishop Falls)

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, Newfoundland
  A1B 4J6