August 22, 1996
(Environment and Labour)

Environmental assessment bulletin issued

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

• Jackson's Arm Christmas Tree Farm
  (Proponent: Mr. Terry House)

The proponent proposes to operate a Christmas tree farm on farmland located three kilometres west of Jackson's Arm. Existing fir trees will be thinned and pruned to produce marketable Christmas trees. Site development is tentatively scheduled for the fall of this year. The proposal was registered on August 13, 1996 and the minister's decision is due on September 27, 1996.

• Baie Verte Stog'er Tight Gold Mine
  (Proponent: Ming Minerals Incorporated)

The proponent proposes to construct and operate an open pit gold mine on the Stog'er Tight Deposit located in the northern portion of the Baie Verte Peninsula, off the Pine Cove Forest Access Road.

Approximately 430 metres of road will be constructed to gain access to the site. Other infrastructure will include a 25,000 volt power line, construction camp and accommodations, crusher or grizzly, settling and polishing ponds, coffer dam, service area, and stockpile areas. The mine will be developed as an open pit with a total area of approximately 3.2 hectares. The ore will be trucked to the existing Ming Minerals Inc. mill located on the Rambler property. The proposal was registered on August 16, 1996, and the minister's decision is due on September 30, 1996.

• Abitibi-Price Operating Plan Forest Management, District 14
  Proponent: Abitibi Price Incorporated

The proponent has submitted a five-year forest operating plan for District 14 forest management unit. District 14 is located in the western region of the province. The plan describes proposed harvesting, silviculture, road construction and forest protection activities, including environmental protection measures to be employed. The proposal was registered on August 16, 1996 and the minister's decision is due on September 30, 1996.

• Abitibi-Price Operating Plan Forest Management, District 16
  Proponent: Abitibi Price Incorporated

The proponent has submitted a five-year forest operating plan for District 16 Forest Management Unit. District 16 is located in the Sop's Arm region of the province. The plan describes proposed harvesting, silviculture, road construction and forest protection activities, including environmental protection measures to be employed. The proposal was registered on August 16, 1996 and the minister's decision is due on September 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 September 21, 1996.

COMPONENT STUDY ACCEPTED:

• Northwest Arm Brook (Connoire Bay)
  Mini Hydroelectric Generating Station
  Proponent: St. Mary's Bay Hydro Corporation

The minister has decided that the Caribou Component Study is acceptable.

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 the following numbers: (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
  A1B 4J6