August 20, 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:

    Corner Brook Metal and Auto Recycling Salvage Yard
    Proponent: Newco Metal and Auto Recycling Limited

The proponent proposes to construct and operate a scrap metal and auto recycling salvage yard on the Bay of Islands South highway, near Watsons Pond in the City of Corner Brook. The proposal involves the operation of a metal salvage yard to process scrap metal, recover reusable auto parts and to crush car bodies. The site is 17 hectares in area, will be enclosed with a fence and will contain an office building, weigh scales and a mobile car crusher. The undertaking was registered on August 14, 1998; public comments must be received by September 18, 1998; and the minister's decision is due on September 28, 1998.

DECISION DATE EXTENDED:

    Southwest River (Port Blandford) Small Hydroelectric Development
    Proponent: Frontier Hydro Group and Algonquin Power Corporation Inc.

The due date for the minister's decision on the acceptability of the Environmental Preview Report, as amended, is now August 21, 1998. The extended time period will facilitate completion of the scientific and technical review of the document.

GUIDELINES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PREVIEW REPORT APPROVED

    Newfoundland Integrated Snowmobile Trail
    Proponent: Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation

The guidelines for the Environmental Preview Report have been approved by the minister. Anyone wishing copies of the guidelines may contact the chairperson, John Eason at (709) 729-5706.

AMENDED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT NOT SATISFACTORY

    Northwest River Power Development (Port Blandford)
    Proponent: Genergy Inc. on behalf of Belle Isle Power Corporation

Upon consideration of the comments and submissions received, the minister has decided that there are deficiencies in the amended EIS. Further information is required, therefore the proponent must submit a revised addendum for government and public review. In general, some deficiencies in the original EIS were not adequately treated and, in some instances, the analysis and interpretation of information was inaccurate. The deficiencies, must be addressed to facilitate an informed decision concerning the environmental acceptability of the project.

Re-registration required

In accordance with Section 9(17) of the Environmental Assessment Regulations, an approved component study is valid for three years and if the project has not commenced by the end of this period, then the project must be registered again. The three-year validity period of the Fisheries Component Study expired on August 15, 1998.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED FROM ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:

The minister has decided that an Environmental Impact Statement is not required for the Reidville Insectarium. This project has been released from environmental assessment as per requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act.

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 08 20                       3:00 p.m.