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.

• Five Year Operating Plan for Crown Land - Forest Management District 14 (St. George's)
  Proponent: Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods

The proponent has submitted a five-year forest operating plan for Crown land in District 14. District 14 is located on the west coast in the St. George's area. The plan describes past activities, the allocation of wood supply, fuelwood operations, silviculture, resource access roads and bridges, and environmental protection and land use. The proposal was registered on October 22, 1996 and the minister's decision is due on December 6, 1996.

• Five Year Operating Plan for Crown Land - Forest Management District 16 (Pynn's Brook)
  Proponent: Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods

The proponent has submitted a five-year forest operating plan for Crown land in District 16. District 16 is located in the Pynn's Brook area (White Bay Region). The plan describes past activities, the allocation of wood supply, fuelwood operations, silviculture, resource access roads and bridges, and environmental protection and land use. The proposal was registered on October 22, 1996 and the minister's decision is due on December 6, 1996.

The public is invited to examine these registration documents and offer written comment to the minister on whether an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) should be ordered. The deadline for the receipt of public comments is November 24, 1996.

NO ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REQUIRED

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

• Abitibi-Price Operating Plan Forest Management District 14 and 16
• Flatwater Pond (Baie Verte Peninsula) Cottage Access Road
• Nine Island Pond South (Roaches Line) Cottage Access Road

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