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.

• NEW UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:

  Kamistastin (Mistastin) River Hydroelectric Project
  Proponent: Kamistastin Hydro Inc. (KHI)

The proponent proposes to construct and operate a 60 megawatt (MW) hydroelectric development on the Mistastin River in northern Labrador, approximately 60 kilometres south-west of Voisey's Bay. The project components include a control structure, canals, site road, powerhouse, power tunnel, diversion weir, airstrip, a 138 kV transmission line to Voisey's Bay, and 46 kV transmission lines to Natuashish and to Nain. Construction of the project will require approximately two years to complete. The project was registered on February 28, 1997 and the minister's decision is due on April 14, 1997. Public comments are due on April 5, 1997.

• APPOINTMENT OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE:>

  Torrent River Site 1C Hydroelectric Development

The minister has appointed an Environmental Assessment Committee pursuant to Subsection 2 of Section 22 of The Environmental Assessment Act, RSN 1990, c. E-14 to advise the minister on scientific and technical matters related to the proposed Torrent River Site 1C Hydroelectric Development and to prepare technical and scientific reports. The committee will be represented by the following provincial and federal agencies:

• Water Resources Division - Environment and Labour
  Impact Management Section - Environment and Labour
  Wildlife Division - Forest Resources and Agrifoods
  Tourism Branch - Tourism, Culture and Recreation
  Historic Resources Division - Tourism, Culture and Recreation
  Energy Branch - Mines and Energy
  Coast Guard - Fisheries and Oceans
  Environmental Protection Branch - Environment Canada
  Canadian Wildlife Service - Environment Canada
  Habitat Management Branch - Fisheries and Oceans

The chairperson, in consultation with the Environmental Assessment Committee, will finalize the preparation of guidelines to be issued to the proponent for the preparation of the Terms of Reference for the EIS.

• APPOINTMENT OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE:

  Argentia Nickel Smelter and Refinery

The minister has appointed an Environmental Assessment Committee, pursuant to Subsection 2 of Section 22 of The Environmental Assessment Act, RSN 1990, c. E-14 to advise the minister on scientific and technical matters relating to the proposed Argentia Nickel Smelter and Refinery and to prepare technical and scientific reports. The committee will be represented by the following provincial agencies:

• Water Resources Division - Environment and Labour
  Impact Management Section - Environment and Labour
  Industrial Environmental Engineering Division - Environment and Labour
  Environmental Management Division - Environment and Labour
  Wildlife Division - Forest Resources and Agrifoods
  Industry, Trade and Technology
  Community Health - Health
  Geological Survey - Mines and Energy
  Department of Social Services
  Eastern Region - Tourism, Culture and Recreation
  Agriculture Branch - Forest Resources and Agrifoods
  Development and Rural Renewal
  Urban and Rural Planning - Municipal and Provincial Affairs

The Federal Environmental Assessment Committee is represented by the following agencies:

• Transport Canada
  Fisheries and Oceans
  Public Works and Government Services Canada
  Environment Canada
  Health Canada
  Emergency Preparedness Canada
  Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

The provincial and federal committees will work cooperatively to prepare guidelines to be issued to the proponent for the preparation of the Terms of Reference for the EIS.

• 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 public. The undertaking is released subject to other regulatory and permitting requirements.

• - Port Hope Simpson Shooting Range

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