Environmental Assessment Bulletin

Environment Minister Ralph Wiseman 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 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:
2001 Mimic Forest Spray Program for Hemlock Looper
Proponent: Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods

The proponent proposes to implement an aerial insecticide spray program using the product Mimic (tebufenozide) against the hemlock looper insect pest. The proposed forest areas designated for application are forecast to receive moderate to severe defoliation by hemlock looper in 2001. The insecticide program using Mimic is proposed to be a smaller component of the overall control program for the hemlock looper using the biological insecticide, B.t.k.. The registration document submitted provides background information on the current infestations, control options, information on the product Mimic, details of the actual spray program and the schedule. The locations of the proposed control program using Mimic are on the Northern Peninsula in areas adjacent to Ten Mile Pond, several sites near Castors River and south of Main Brook. The undertaking was registered on March 9, 2001; public comments are due on April 13, 2001; and the minister's decision is due on April 23, 2001.

2001 Neemix 4.5 Forest Spray Program for Sawfly
Proponent: Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods

The proponent proposes to implement an aerial insecticide spray program using the product Neemix 4.5 (azadirachtin). Two operational aerial control programs are proposed to selected forest area (mainly silviculturally treated stands) to address the infestation of balsam fir sawfly and yellow headed spruce sawfly. The first program will focus on western and southern regions forecast to receive moderate and severe defoliation in 2001 from the balsam fir sawfly, and the second will focus on the yellow headed spruce sawfly on planted or young natural black spruce areas in central and south-central regions. The registration document submitted provides background information on the current infestations, control options, information on the product Neemix 4.5, details of the actual spray program and the schedule. The locations of the proposed control program are in the Grand Lake area, Millertown - Head of Bay d'Espoir area, and Bay d'Espoir highway near Gander River. The undertaking was registered on March 9, 2001; public comments are due on April 13, 2001; and the minister's decision is due on April 23, 2001.

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
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/

2001 03 09                           4:00 p.m.