February 13, 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

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT APPROVED

Gisborne Lake Water Export Facility
(Proponent: McCurdy Group of Companies)

The minister has approved the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The next step in the environmental assessment process is preparation/submission of the EIS by the proponent and public review of the EIS. Copies of the TOR are available from the Environmental Assessment Division, St. John's office.

NEW UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED

Frenchman's Cove Golf Course Extension
(Proponent: Grande Meadows Golf Course Association)

The proponent proposes to construct a nine hole golf course extension to the existing nine hole golf course at Frenchman's Cove. The proposed expansion will include fairways, greens, sand traps and an irrigation system. Two sites are being considered for the expansion. Site "A" is land that was used for an air strip and is bounded by Fortune Bay and Highway 23. Site "B" is Frenchman's Cove Provincial Park. If Site "B" is chosen, the proponent proposes to relocate the provincial park to one of three possible sites in the area. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in September of 1998. The project was registered on February 12, 1998, public comments must be received by March 15, 1998 and the minister's decision is due on March 29, 1998.

Abitibi Consolidated Forest Management District 16 Amendment
(Proponent: Abitibi Price Incorporated)

The proponent proposes a 23 hectare amendment to the District 16 five-year forest management plan near Jackson's Arm. It is proposed to harvest 2,700 cubic metres of timber from this predominantly over mature forest area. An operational road of .3 kilometres is proposed. The project was registered on February 10, 1998, public comments must be received by March 15, 1998 and the minister's decision is due on March 27, 1998.

Happy Valley-Goose Bay Interceptor Ditch
(Proponent: Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay)

The proponent proposes to construct an open interceptor drainage ditch within the municipal boundaries of the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, to the east of residential developments in the Happy Valley section. The ditch will route overflow drainage from adjacent wetland areas away from residential subdivisions. The project will reduce the risk of flooding in the Deharving Drive/Chaulk Street/Michelin Street area. Construction is tentatively scheduled for the spring of 1998. The project was registered on February 10, 1998, public comments must be received by March 15, 1998 and the minister's decision is due on March 27, 1998.

Newfoundland Integrated Snowmobile Trail
(Proponent: Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation)

The proponent proposes to construct a network of snowmobile trails from St. David's to St. Anthony and east to Glenwood in cooperation with 16 snowmobile associations. A future trail to Clarenville may be considered. The trails will take approximately 3 years to complete and would utilize forest access roads and the abandoned railway as much as possible. The trails will be groomed and have appropriate signage. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin this spring. The project was registered on February 05, 1998, public comments must be received by March 15, 1998 and the minister's decision is due on March 22, 1998.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT REQUIRED:

Paradise River to Cartwright Road
(Proponent: Department of Works, Services and Transportation)

The minister has directed the proponent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement to address potential environmental impacts. The EIS will be combined with the current EIS (Red Bay to Paradise River) to produce one EIS for the Trans Labrador Highway from Red Bay to Cartwright. An Environmental Assessment Committee has been appointed by the minister.

NO ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REQUIRED:

The minister has decided that an environmental impact statement is not required for the St. John's Biomedical Waste Hydroclave/Incinerator (Resubmission) 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 the following numbers: (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