Environmental Assessment Bulletin

Environment Minister Robert Mercer has announced the following events relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.

UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:

(1)      Crown Five Year Operating Plan Forest Management District 8 (2003-2008), Exploit�s Bay
          Proponent: Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods

The proponent proposes a five year operating plan which presents the proposed forest ecosystem management activities on Crown limits in Management District 8 for the period April 1, 2003, to March 31, 2008. The district is referred to as the Exploit�s Bay Management District and is located on the northeast coast of the island of Newfoundland. Proposed activities include: harvesting, road construction, silviculture, environmental protection, and monitoring. The undertaking was registered on February 14, 2003; public comments are due by March 25, 2003; and the minister�s decision is due by March 31, 2003.

(2)      Andrews Pond (Clarenville) Water Control Structure
          Proponent: Town of Clarenville

The proponent proposes to construct a water control structure at Andrews Pond to allow for increased water storage. Andrews Pond is located approximately 13 km upstream of the Town�s water supply intake on Shoal Harbour River. The end result will be that the Town of Clarenville will be able to increase the flow of water into its water supply/treatment system during the low flow months of June, July and August. The water control structure will consist of a concrete structure approximately 35m long, 2m high and 2m wide. Incorporated in the structure will be two water control gates for release of water during times of low flow, a fish ladder to ensure that fish migration patterns are not disrupted, and an overflow spillway. An earth fill dam will also extend southward along the shoreline for approximately 60 m. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in mid-July and conclude by mid-September 2003. The undertaking was registered on February 17, 2003; public comments are due March 25, 2003; and the minister�s decision is due April 3, 2003.

The minister encourages all interested parties to become involved and to make comments known. Comments on submitted documents are invited from the public, addressed in writing to the minister, and are welcome prior to the deadline date shown.

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, NL, A1B 4J6

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

2003 02 18                                        4:10 p.m.