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 (709) 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:

          1) Walking Trail (Pouch Cove to St. John's)
          Proponent: East Coast Trails

The proponent proposes to upgrade a traditional coastal walking trail system from Pouch Cove to St. John's. The trail would be approximately 1.0 metre wide and 42 kilometres long. Proposed trail construction would take place over the next three years. The trail would, for the most part, proceed through a wilderness setting with the addition of boardwalks, stairs and bridges where necessary. The undertaking was registered on October 18. Public comments are due on November 26, and the minister's decision is due December 2.

          2)Walking Trail (Northeast Arm, Placentia)
          Proponent: East Coast Trails

The proponent proposes to construct a walking trail along Northeast Arm near Placentia. The trail would be approximately 1.0 metre wide and 10.4 kilometres long. This proposed trail would be a part of the D'IBERVILLE trail system from Ferryland to Placentia. Trail construction is proposed to start in August 2003 with work continuing over the next few years. The trail would, for the most part, proceed through a wilderness setting with the addition of boardwalks, stairs and bridges where necessary. The undertaking was registered on October 18. Public comments are due on November 26, and the minister's decision is due December 2.

          3)Blueberry Farm (Botwood Area)
          Proponent: Barry C. Martin

The proponent proposes to set up and operate a blueberry farm five kilometres north of Botwood. The proposed site is bounded on the east by a jack pine plantation; Northern Arm Brook is about 500 metres to the north. The proposed site now has 50-60 per cent coverage of blueberry plants and with cultivation would have 80-90 per cent coverage. The proponent proposes to cut and burn unwanted brush, to remove stumps, level some land and to burn or mow all land. The proponent plans to start the project by April of 2002. The undertaking was registered October 19. Public comments are due on November 26, and the minister's decision is due December 3.

UNDERTAKING RELEASED:

          Garden Hill Drilling and Production Program - Stage 1
          Proponent: Canadian Imperial Venture Corp.

The minister has released the undertaking from environmental assessment in accordance with the Environmental Assessment Act subject to the following conditions:

�	that the proponent prepare and submit a human resources plan for the Garden Hill Drilling and
	Production Program - Stage 1 within three months, outlining specific initiatives and targets to
	fulfil the stated intent for local employment preference and to address the need for gender equity
	in the undertaking, and
�	that the proponent prepare and submit an employment monitoring report on a quarterly basis,
	including collection of employment statistics by gender and residence, in order to track progress
	on the plan and to implement adjustment strategies, where possible, if targets are not being
	attained.

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 information is on the government Web site at: www.gov.nl.ca/env/

2001 10 22                              4:00 p.m.