September 23, 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:

Forest Management Plan District 1 Avalon (Amendment)
Proponent: Newfoundland Forest Service

The proponent proposes an amendment to the Five Year Operating Plan for the Southern Shore area of District 1 (Avalon) for domestic wood cutting. The areas proposed for amendments have been killed by the hemlock looper. The rational for opening up these stands is that other areas of healthier immature timber can be closed. Six separate cutting blocks, which were originally approved in the 1997 five-year plan, will see changes to their size and some minor changes to actual locations including: the Tolt, Lamanche, Cape Broyle, Calvert, Merrymeeting Pond and Renews. The undertaking was registered on September 15, 1998, public comments are due on October 15, 1998 and the minister's decision is due on October 30, 1998.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED FROM ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:

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

(1) Emiral Siding to Esker Road (Labrador) Snowmobile Trail

(2) Port au Port Barite Mine

(3) George's Lake Development Plan

(4) Argentia Multi-purpose Cleaner/Degreaser Manufacturing

These projects have 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 09 23                                                                 3:30 p.m.