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April 10, 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 25 kV distribution system (transmission line) between South East Bight and the Monkstown distribution system. The proposed distribution system will provide electrical power and energy to the community of South East Bight and will be interconnected with the Monkstown distribution system by a step-down transformer at South East Bight. The proposed route of the 25 kV transmission line begins near the community of Monkstown, and follows close to the coastline for approximately 24 km to its termination near the community of South East Bight. The transmission line and step-down transformer will be conventional structures with a minimum operating life of 30 years. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in June 1997. The project was registered on April 3, public comments are due on May 9, and the minister's decision is due on May 18, 1997.
The proponent proposes to establish a commercial Christmas tree farm on 14 hectares of land approximately five km north west of Northern Arm. Access to the site will be via the woods road known as Rowsell's Lake Road. The project was registered on April 4, public comments are due on May 9, and the minister's decision is due on May 19, 1997.
The proponent proposes to construct a tertiary wetland treatment system that would receive wastewater effluent from a secondary sewage treatment facility (Facultative Discharge Lagoon) in the community of Benton. The nutrients from the secondary system would be utilized to reduce the bacteria and nitrate loading from sewage outflow and establish a wetland for wildlife. The proposal includes the levelling of the bottom of the bog to 0.2 m, placement of a vegetative bog to form an internal berm, excavation of an outside ditch, installation of a water control system and construction of a dyke. The proposed wildlife management area will be approximately 20-30 acres and will include the constructed tertiary wetland (2.5 acres) and five 30 foot pairing ponds. Construction of the tertiary wetland is tentatively scheduled to begin in late spring 1997 and is expected to be completed by late fall 1997. The project was registered on April 4, public comments are due on May 9, and the minister's decision is due on May 19, 1997.
The proponent proposes to expand the existing sawmill operation located approximately one mile west of the Cabot highway at Bloomfield. The proposed 33 acre expansion area will be utilized for the following: a planer packaging facility, kiln site, lumber storage areas, access road, garage and parking area, round wood and pulp chip inventory storage areas, stacker building, remanufacturing plant and an office building. Construction is tentatively scheduled for spring 1997. The project was registered on April 7, public comments are due on May 9, and the minister's decision is due on May 22, 1997.
The proponent proposes to construct and operate a scrap metal salvage yard on Bloomfield Access Road in the District of Bonavista South. The site was previously utilized by a sawmill operation for approximately 20 years and is accessible by a 0.5 km road. An existing building will be upgraded and some excavation of the land will be required prior to operation. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in early spring 1997. The project was registered on April 8, public comments are due on May 9 and the minister's decision is due on May 23, 1997.
The proponent proposes to operate at their barite quarry site at Colliers Point, a self contained portable grinding plant. The Colliers Point deposit is located adjacent to Colliers Bay within the municipality of Norman's Cove, Trinity Bay. The deposit is anticipated to provide a supply of barite for at least six years for the Newfoundland offshore oil industry. The only structures to be placed on the site will be the portable grinding plant and control room unit. The estimated period of operation each year will be from May to November. Operations are tentatively scheduled to begin in May 1997. The project was registered on April 9, public comments are due on May 9, and the minister's decision is due on May 24, 1997.
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: project design features, emissions (NOx, SO2 ) and particulates and the potential health consequences, wastewater treatment, potable water quality of Quarry Brook and fish passage, freshwater and marine fish and fish habitat issues, and Environmental Protection Plan.
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 him on scientific and technical matters related to the project and to prepare technical and scientific reports. The Committee will be represented by the following provincial and federal agencies:
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 public. The undertakings are released subject to other regulatory and permitting requirements.
As a result of the 1997/98 Budget, the provincial government now requires that a $200 administrative fee be charged to all proponents registering an undertaking pursuant to the Environmental Assessment Act. This fee is effective as of April 1, 1997. Cheques must accompany registration documents and be made payable to the Newfoundland Exchequer Account. 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:
Environmental Assessment News Releases are on the Internet //www.gov.nl.ca/envlab/env_news.htm
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