January 24, 1997 (Environment and Labour) 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 may 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.
The proponent proposes to construct and operate a year round adventure tourism facility adjacent to the Adies River. The facility will accommodate up to 24 guests for hiking, canoeing, fishing, snowmobiling, snow-shoeing and cross country skiing activities. Buildings comprise four Deltec lodges and a general storage building. A small dock will be constructed. Construction is tentatively scheduled for June 1997.
The proponent proposes to construct and operate a shooting range for residents of Southeastern Labrador in the area of Port Hope Simpson. The range would be available to the Canadian Rangers and the general public. The proposed site is located approximately 11 kilometres northeast of the community of Port Hope Simpson, along the forest access road. A small storage and luncheon building will be constructed. The site is presently undeveloped. Construction is estimated to take three to four years, as funding permits. The project was registered on January 20, 1997 and the minister's decision is due on March 06, 1997.
The proponent has submitted a five year forest operating plan for Crown land in District 17. District 17 is located on the Northern Peninsula in the Port Saunders area. The plan describes past forestry activities, the allocation of wood supply, fuelwood operations, silviculture, resource access roads and bridges, protected water supply areas, and environmental protection and land use. The proposal was registered on January 20, 1997 and the minister's decision is due on March 6, 1997.
The proponent has submitted a five year forest operating plan for Crown land in District 18. District 18 is located on the Northern Peninsula in the Roddickton area. The plan describes past activities, the allocation of wood supply, fuelwood operations, silviculture, resource access roads and bridges, protected water supply areas, and environmental protection and land use. The proposal was registered on January 20, 1997 and the minister's decision is due on March 6, 1997.
The proponent proposes to introduce Alfalfa Leafcutter Bees to be studied as an alternative pollinator for fruit crops. The demonstration project will be with a blueberry grower in the Conception Bay North area. The project will commence just prior to peak blueberry bloom (June 15th) and run until the end of June. The proposal was registered on January 21, 1997 and the minister's decision is due on March 7, 1997.
The proponent proposes to construct at the existing generating station at Holyrood, an oil-fired, thermal generating unit with a nominal capacity of 175 megawatts (MW). The power will supply a projected requirement for additional electrical generation by the year 2000. The project was previously registered on August 13, 1987 and an Environmental Preview Report (EPR) was required. The EPR was submitted by the proponent and approved by the minister on May 1, 1991, however, the time allowed for start of construction (three years) has now lapsed. The undertaking will be constructed as an extension measuring approximately 37m by 89m to the east end of the existing generating plant. The proposed facility has an assumed lifespan of 30 years. Construction of the facility will take approximatley 48 months. The project was registered on January 22, 1997, and the minister's decision is due on March 8, 1997.
The proponent proposes to construct and operate a marine oil processing plant at an existing building located at the site of the former Baie Verte Asbestos Mine. The purpose of the undertaking is to process marine oils from fish and seals harvested by fishers and landsmen seal hunters in the province. The undertaking will consist of an oil processing facility and storage area, offices, parking lot, storage yard and oil storage shed. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin early spring of 1997. The project was registered on January 22, 1997 and the minister's decision is due March 8, 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 February 23, 1997.
The minister has directed the proponent to prepare and submit an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The main issues within provincial jurisdiction that were highlighted during the screening period relate to air emissions, solid waste disposal, waste water disposal, water supply, transportation and handling of dangerous goods on land and sea, increased demands on municipal and social services, and women's issues such as equitable employment opportunities. A harmonized environmental assessment process has been agreed to by provincial and federal government officials that meets the requirements of both the Newfoundland and Canadian Environmental Assessment Acts. The process provides for a thorough environmental assessment of the project with opportunities for public input in accordance with both acts.
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.
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:
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