Environmental Assessment Bulletin

Environment Minister Kevin Aylward has announced the following events relative to the Environmental Assessment Act.

NEW UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:

2002 Balsam Fir Sawfly Spray Program Using NPV
(Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus)
Proponent: Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service

The Canadian Forest Service in cooperation with the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods is proposing to carry out an experimental research application of a microbial biological control agent (balsam fir sawfly Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus - NeabNPV). Applications would be made aerially to some 5,000 hectares on selected silviculturally treated forest stands forecast to receive moderate to severe balsam fir sawfly defoliation in 2002. The registration document submitted provides background information on the current infestations, control options, information on the product NeabNPV, details of the actual spray program and the schedule. It is proposed to apply NeabNPV to three selected sites in western Newfoundland in the Corner Brook region, including: (1) west of Cooks Brook, 1,300 hectares; (2) north of Corner Brook Lake, 500 hectares; and (3) south of Old Mans Pond, 3,200 hectares. Treatment is proposed to begin in July. The project was registered on May 31, 2002; public comments are due by July 5, 2002; and the minister's decision is due July 15, 2002.

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

2002 05 31 2:10 p.m.