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:

White Brook Diversion and Dewatering of Hakim Lake (Labrador City)
Proponent: Iron Ore Company of Canada

The proponent commenced mining of Phase 1 (Luce South) of the Luce Deposit in 1999 following site preparation activities in 1998 and early 1999. The Luce Deposit is located three to five kilometres southeast of the current mining area and has an expected life of approximately 30 years. In order for the Luce Deposit pit to be extended and mined, the diversion of White Brook and the dewatering of Hakim Lake is scheduled to commence in 2002. The proponent states that the evaluation of alternative mining scenarios since 1997 has indicated that mining of the entire Luce deposit is an essential component for long-term cost reduction. The undertaking was registered on August 7, 2000; public comments are due on September 12, 2000; and the minister's decision is due on September 21, 2000.

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 08 08                               11:50 a.m.