December 24, 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.

• Newville Automobile Salvage Yard
  Proponent: Willard Boyde

The proponent proposes to operate an automobile salvage yard near Newville, New World Island. A new 1,040 square foot storage building will be constructed on site. The project was registered on December 12, 1996 and the minister's decision is due January 26, 1997.

• Portugal Cove-St. Philips Waste Incinerator
  Proponent: Michael Murray

The proponent proposes to construct and operate a multi-chamber industrial incineration system capable of disposing of bio-medical waste, waste rubber tires, oil-soaked rags and hazardous household wastes. The incinerator will provide a disposal service for the Department of Health and the Newfoundland and Labrador Health Care Association. The proposal is to collect, transport, incinerate and dispose of bio-medical waste generated by the health care delivery system. Also associated with the facility will be a greenhouse facility for the production of horticultural products. The site is located on the east side of Bauline Line in the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philips, approximately four kms from Route 40 (Main Road). Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in April of 1997. The project was registered on December 16, 1996 and the minister's decision is due on January 30, 1997.

• Come By Chance Electric Power Generation Facility
  Proponent: Atlantic Petroleum Management Limited on behalf of Placentia Bay Power Company Limited

The proponent proposes to construct and operate a privately owned electric power generation station with an installed capacity of 50 megawatts (MW), located adjacent to the Newfoundland Processing Limited (NPL) refinery at Come By Chance. The development would include three reciprocating engine generator sets of 16.3 MW capacity each, using residual fossil fuels available at NPL. Steam generated from engine exhaust heat is available for cogeneration applications at NPL. The project was registered on December 17, 1996 and the minister's decision is due January 31, 1997.

• Star Lake Hydroelectric Project Dam Re-alignment
  Proponent: Star Lake Hydro Partnership

The proponent proposes a re-alignment to the main dam to be located on Star Brook between Star Lake and Red Indian Lake. The design is an alternative to the original alignment described in the Star Lake Hydroelectric Project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The re- alignment consists of rotating the dam around the east abutment in order to avoid a deep deposit of overburden in the river bed and allow the dam foundation to be placed on a ridge of bedrock. The re-alignment and revisions will reduce the cost and time for dam construction. The project was registered on December 23, 1996 and the minister's decision is due on February 6, 1997.

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 January 23, 1997.

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