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:

Duck Pond Copper-Zinc Mine
Proponent: Thundermin Resources Inc./Queenston Mining Inc.

The proponent proposes the development and operation of a 1,500 tonne per day copper-zinc mine near Duck Pond, 30 km southeast of Buchans. The project was previously proposed in 1988 by Noranda Minerals Inc. and the minister directed the company to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Before the EIS was finalized the project was put on hold as Noranda was unable to discover sufficient reserves to make the project economically feasible. The present proponent has downsized the project to conform with known resources. The physical features of the undertaking will include the construction of a road, transmission line, temporary construction camp, underground mine workings, processing plant, two open pits, tailings storage area, potable and process water supply, domestic and mine waste disposal area, and chemical storage area. A concentrate unloading/loading marine facility has not yet been selected. Set-up at the site is tentatively scheduled to begin in April-May 2001. The undertaking was registered on March 31, 2000; public comments are due on May 5, 2000; and the minister's decision is due on May 15, 2000.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED FROM ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:

The minister has released the following project from environmental assessment as per requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act:

Sunnyside to Come by Chance Refinery Transmission Line
Proponent: Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro

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

2000 04 05                                                                 3:40 p.m.