April 1, 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 UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:

Long Cove Auto Repair and Salvage Yard
Proponent: M.T.R. Auto Collision Repairs Ltd.

The proponent proposes to operate a salvage yard to repair and dismantle auto salvage for resale in the community of Long Cove, Trinity Bay approximately five kilometres from the Trans Canada Highway. The proposal will be a year round operation with remaining metal being crushed and shipped to Argentia. The project was registered on March 25, 1998, public comments must be received by May 1, 1998 and the minister's decision is due on May 9, 1998.

Forest Management Plan District 15 (Corner Brook/Deer Lake) Amendment
Proponent: Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Limited

The proponent proposes an amendment to the Five Year Operating Plan for Forest Management District 15 (Corner Brook/Deer Lake). The amendment is near the Bonne Bay Big Pond/Whitewash Pond area and is required to facilitate a selective logging trial in managed timber stands on the proponent's limits. The project was registered on March 27, 1998, public comments must be received by May 1, 1998 and the minister's decision is due on May 11, 1998.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT REQUIRED:

Terra Nova River Dam
Proponent: Community of Terra Nova

The minister has directed the proponent to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) to determine if the project may have significant environmental impacts. A governmental Environmental Assessment Committee will be appointed to meet with the proponent to elaborate on the environmental concerns to be addressed in the EIS.

NO ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REQUIRED:

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 the public. The undertakings are released subject to other regulatory and permitting requirements

- Aguathuna Dolomite/Limestone Quarry and Marine Facility

- Newfoundland Bison Farming

- Buchans Barite Plant (Reactivation)

NO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT REQUIRED:

Baie Verte Tannery and Marine Oil Purification Facility (MOPF)

The minister required an environmental preview report (EPR) for the tannery and MOPF on January 26, 1998. The purpose of an EPR is to determine whether or not an environmental impact statement is required. The proponent submitted additional information which addressed deficiencies in the original registration for the MOPF and included substantive revision to the project description. The information was reviewed by government agencies and the public with an interest in the project. Following the review, the minister decided that environmental issues associated with the MOPF can now be adequately addressed by existing legislation and an environmental impact statement is not required. Therefore, the MOPF may be excluded from the environmental preview report and the project may proceed subject to permitting requirements. The proponent must prepare an EPR for the tannery in accordance with the original requirement.

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