Environmental Assessment Bulletin

Environment Minister Ralph Wiseman has announced the following events relative to the Environmental Assessment Act. Copies of documents may be obtained by contacting the Department of Environment at 729-2562 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.

UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:

LaManche Sand & Gravel Pit Access Road
Proponent: LaManche River Resources Inc. (Roderick Mercer, Bay Roberts)

The proponent proposes the construction of 1.5 kilometres of resource road to access 250,000 cubic metres of sand and gravel in an area of less than 10 hectares by adding to an existing access west off Route 10, just south of the LaManche River Bridge. The 10-metre wide road will require installation of one bridge and one culvert. It is planned that construction will employ six persons for a four-week period beginning in late-September, and the road will be used from May to October each year. The undertaking was registered on August 6, 2001, public comments are due September 10, and the minister's decision is due September 20.

Forest Management District 5 - 5 Year Operating Plan (Amend)
Proponent: Newfoundland Forest Service

The proponent proposes to undertake a pilot project to assess the viability of helicopter logging for timber alienated from the annual allowable cut. Four potential blocks have been identified on the Content peninsula, northeast of Glovertown, with one to be designated for harvesting based on the results of reconnaissance surveys. The harvesting area will cover approximately 400 ha of forest stands within a total area of approximately 1,200 ha and will consist of harvesting approximately 5,000 cubic metres of merchantable softwood. No access road will be required. Felling will employ moto-manual methods with forwarding by helicopter. The undertaking was registered on August 2, 2001, public comments are due September 10, and the minister's decision is due September 16. 

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 /env

2001 08 06                                                 2:55 p.m.