Minister calls for further environmental assessment
of amendments to area 16 forest operating plan

Oliver Langdon, Minister of Environment and Labour, announced today that he is requiring further environmental assessment of Corner Brook Pulp and Paper�s proposed amendment to the District 16 five year Forest Operating Plan for 1997-2001.

Corner Brook Pulp and Paper registered the proposed amendment with the Department of Environment and Labour on December 14, 1999. The amendment seeks significant expansion of timber harvesting activity in District 16 which includes the area around Main River and Sheffield Lake.

"Based on significant public reaction to the proposed amendment, deficiencies in the registration document and the need to address other environmental issues, I am requiring the company to undertake an Environmental Preview Report (EPR) as per the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act," saidMinister Langdon. In the course of preparing the EPR, the company will be required to hold appropriate public meetings to explain the details of their proposal.

The EPR will be prepared by the company based on guidelines issued by the Department of Environment and Labour. The EPR will be made available to the public for comment once it is received by the Minister of Environment and Labour.

Media contact: Sean Kelly, Communications, (709) 729-2575.

2000 02 07                                                         4:30 p.m.