October 6, 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:

Deer Lake Hotel & R.V. Park Complex
Proponent: Stay West Incorporated

The proponent proposes to construct a four storey, 120 room full service hotel and a 50 unit recreational vehicle (RV) park complex on a 68 acre site in the Municipality of Deer Lake, between Route 430/TCH interchange and the Humber River. The undertaking was registered on October 1, 1998, public comments are due on November 4, 1998 and the minister's decision is due on November 15, 1998.

Wabush Mines Infilling of Vern Lake
Proponent: Wabush Mines: Cliff's Mining Company

The proponent proposes to infill Vern Lake and surrounding lands with approximately six million tons of waste rock per year from the West Pit Extension and South Pit at Wabush Mine's iron ore mining operation near Wabush, Labrador. Infilling will occur from both the east and west sides of Vern Lake which is 1.4 kilometres long and has a surface area of 26 hectares. This will provide a 30 year capacity for waste rock disposal from the West Pit Extension and South Pit. The undertaking was registered on October 2, 1998, public comments are due on November 5, 1998 and the minister's decision is due on November 16, 1998.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT AND MIGRATORY BIRD/BIRDS OF PREY COMPONENT STUDY SUBMITTED:

Trans Labrador Highway (Red Bay to Cartwright)
Proponent: Dept. of Works Services and Transportation

The proponent has submitted the Environmental Impact Statement for review which is intended to predict and evaluate the environmental impacts of the proposed highway. The public has until November 20, 1998 to make comments on the EIS and has until November 5, 1998, to make comments on the Migratory Bird/Birds of Prey Component Study. The Wildlife and Historic Resources Component Studies have not yet been submitted. Copies of documents may be obtained by contacting the EA Committee Chairperson, Pat Marrie at (709) 729-2813 or e-mail pmarrie@env.gov.nf.ca.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED FROM ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

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

(1) Baie Verte Sawmill

(2) Horwood Auto Salvage Yard, Horwood

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 //www.gov.nl.ca/env

1998 10 06                                    2:50 p.m.