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 UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:

  Upper Humber/Main River Forest Management District 16
  (Amendment)
  Proponent: Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Limited

The proponent has submitted an amendment to the Five Year Operating Plan for the Upper Humber/ Main River Region of Forest Management District 16 which was registered with this division on July 3, 1996 and subsequently released from the environmental assessment process on August 17, 1996. The amendment consists of three relatively small areas that were overlooked during the preparation of the Five Year Plan. The areas are to be used for pulpwood harvesting. They are located at Hinds Brook, Voyins Brook and Silver Mountain. The project was registered on May 9, 1997, public comments are due on June 13, 1997 and the minister's decision is due on June 23, 1997.

• St. Veronica's Christmas Tree Farm
  Proponent: Coast of Bays Resource Enhancement Corporation

The proponent proposes to prepare and develop 26 hectares of Crown land for the establishment of a commercial Christmas tree farm. The proposed site is located off Route 360 in the general vicinity of St. Veronica's, Bay D'Espoir and is accessible via the Indian Point forest access road. Site development is tentatively scheduled to commence July 1997. The proposal was registered on May 12, 1997, public comments are due on June 13, 1997 and the Minister's decision is due on June 26, 1997.

• ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE APPOINTED:

  Granite Canal Hydroelectric Development (Resubmission)
  Proponent: Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro

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:

• Department of Environment and Labour - Water Resources Division
  Department of Industry, Trade and Technology
  Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans - Marine Environment and Habitat Management
  Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods - Wildlife Division

  MINISTER'S GUIDELINES ISSUED:

  Silver Mountain (Upper Humber) Hydroelectric Development
  Proponent: Deer Lake Power Company Ltd.

The minister has provided the proponent with the Guidelines for the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Environmental Impact Statement/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 chairperson, Carl Strong, at 729- 0834.

• 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.

• Twillingate Winery

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