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:

  Paddy's Pond Commercial Airstrip
  Proponent: Private Aircraft Association of Newfoundland and Labrador

The minister has directed the proponent to prepare an Environmental Preview Report (EPR) to address data gaps in the registration document and land use issues identified by the public and review agencies. Additional information is required on: project design, safety, pollution and effluent control, environmental protection measures and land conflicts.

A governmental Environmental Assessment Committee will be appointed to meet with the proponent to elaborate on these environmental concerns to be addressed in the EPR

• REGISTRATION ADMINISTRATIVE FEE:

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. Non profit organizations are exempt.

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