June 10, 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:

Caplin Cove Peat Quarry
Proponent: Harbour View Supermarket Ltd.

The proponent proposes to mine peat for the manufacture of topsoil. The area in question is adjacent to an existing quarry, off the main road between Caplin Cove and Old Perlican. The undertaking was registered on June 3, 1998; public comments must be received by July 10, 1998; and the minister's decision is due on July 18, 1998.

Fort Amherst to Cappahayden Coastal Trail
Proponent: East Coast Trail Project

The project will upgrade an existing coastal trail system from Fort Amherst to Cappahayden (approximately 195 km), to create a continuous permanent hiking trail. Physical features of the undertaking will include boardwalks, stairs, and bridges, which will be installed at sites that may be degraded by overuse. The undertaking was registered on June 5, 1998; public comments must be received by July 10, 1998; and the minister's decision is due on July 20, 1998.

WITHDRAWN FROM FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:

Phase II - 2 MW Hydro Project on Southwest River, Port Blandford

NO ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REQUIRED:

The minister has decided that an Environmental Impact Statement is not required for the following undertakings:

(1) Upper Gullies Poultry Processing Facility

(2) Stephenville Mineral Moulding Composite Facility

(3) Five Year Forest Management Plan (District 7) Bay d'Espoir

These undertakings have recently been registered and examined by government and public. The undertakings are released subject to other regulatory and permitting requirements.

COST RECOVERY POLICY (as of May 11, 1998):

The minister has issued a policy on fees to be charged to proponents of major undertakings, with projected capital costs greater than $15 million. Fixed fees will be charged at each stage of the environmental assessment to recover administration costs, as stipulated in the Provincial Budget for 1997/98. These fees are in addition to the $230 registration fee applied to all undertakings. A copy of the policy is available upon request from the Department of Environment and Labour. 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

1998 06 10                           4:30 p.m.