February 4, 1998
(Environment and Labour)

Environmental Assessment Bulletin

Environment and Labour Minister Oliver Langdon 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 shown for each item

NEW UNDERTAKING REGISTERED

Aguathuna Dolomite/Limestone Quarry and Marine Facility
Proponent: Midatlantic Minerals Inc.

The proponent proposes the development of a dolomite/limestone quarry and the construction of a marine facility at Aguathuna which is located on the Port au Port Peninsula. The undertaking consists of two phases. Phase one includes the operation of an open pit quarry, mobile crushing and screening plant and marine loading facility. Production is planned to be up to 150,000 tons of various sizes of crushed stone during 1998, increasing to 500,000 tons per year. Phase one construction activities are tentatively scheduled to commence in the spring of 1998 and be completed by August 1998. Phase two consists of the expansion of the marine facility in 1999 and the relocation of the plant and stockpiles to the east quarry. Construction for the expansion of the marine facility is expected to commence in the spring of 1999 and be completed by August 1999. The project was registered on February 2, 1998, public comments must be received by March 6, 1998 and the minister's decision is due on March 19, 1998.

ENVIRONMENTAL PREVIEW REPORT REQUIRED:

Baie Verte Tannery and Marine Purification Plant
Proponent: Caboto Seafoods Ltd.

The minister has directed the proponent to prepare an Environmental Preview Report (EPR) to address data gaps in the registration document identified by the public and review agencies. Additional information is required on: project design features, waste characteristics and waste treatment, air quality controls and environmental protection measures. 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.

NO ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REQUIRED:

The minister has decided that an environmental impact statement is not required for the Flat Bay Brook (Coal Brook) Gypsum Quarry which has recently been registered and examined by government and public. The undertaking is released subject to other regulatory and permitting requirements.

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 at /env/