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.

• ENVIRONMENTAL PREVIEW REPORT REQUIRED:

  Combined Cycle Generating Unit at the Holyrood Generating Station
  Proponent: Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro

The minister has directed the proponent to prepare an Environmental Preview Report to address data gaps identified in the registration document. Additional information is required on; concrete basins containing the wash water and "clean" water, waste water treatment plant, cooling water discharge, Environmental Effects Monitoring program, SO2 and particulate emissions, Environmental Protection Plan, freshwater and marine fish and fish habitat issues and a more detailed site plan.

• MINISTER'S GUIDELINES ISSUED:

  Argentia Nickel Smelter and Refinery
  Proponent: Voisey's Bay Nickel Company Limited

The minister has provided the proponent with the Guidelines for the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Environmental Impact Statement and for the Comprehensive Study for this undertaking. The proponent is required to prepare the TOR which will be made available for public and government review prior to ministerial approval. Anyone wishing to obtain a copy of the guidelines may do so by contacting the Environmental Assessment Division. The guidelines are also available on the Environmental Assessment News Release Internet address.

• NEW UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:

  Five Year Operating Plan for Crown Land - Forest Management
  District 1 (Avalon Peninsula)
  Proponent: Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods

The proponent has submitted a five-year forest operating plan for Crown land in District 1. District 1 is located on the Avalon Peninsula. The plan describes past forestry activities, reserves, the allocation of wood supply and harvesting, silviculture, road construction and decommissioning, protected water supply areas and environmental protection and land use. Supporting maps for the appendices are available for review at the Environmental Assessment Division. The proposal was registered on March 26, 1997 and the minister's decision is due on May 10, 1997. Public comments are due on April 26, 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

Environmental Assessment News Releases are on the Internet //www.gov.nl.ca/envlab/env_news.htm