Environmental Assessment Bulletin

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

UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:

(1)     Botwood/Peterview Exploits Regional Water Supply Transmission     
         Main Proponent: Towns of Botwood and Peterview

The proponents, the towns of Botwood and Peterview intend to construct a new water transmission main from the existing Exploits Regional Water Supply Line on New Bay Road (near Wooddale Farms) to Botwood and Peterview. The transmission main will be approximately 17 kilometres in length and run generally in an east west direction. The main will be buried 1.8 metres under the existing ground and be constructed of either ductile iron or polyvinyl chloride pipe. The transmission main will be equipped with drain lines, main valves and air valves and will include one pressure reducing chamber. The undertaking was registered on March 26, 2003; public comments are due on May 2, 2003; and the minister's decision is due on May 10, 2003

(2)      District 12 (Abitibi) Five-Year Operating Plan Amendment
          Proponent: Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods

In accordance with agreements with Abitibi-Consolidated, the proponent intends to facilitate the harvest and salvage of 90,000 cubic metres of fire damaged timber as sawlogs, pulpwood, and fuelwood from the site of a 4,000 hectare fire between the Millertown Junction Road and the domestic cutting block immediately southwest of the Town of Badger. Silvicultural scarification and planting will also be undertaken. There will be a 100 metre buffer along the Exploits River and a minimum 20 metre buffer from other watercourses and waterbodies. Access will by secondary forest access roads, and 30 people will be employed in the harvesting planned to start immediately upon release and to be concentrated in the next two years. The undertaking was registered on March 26, 2003; public comments are due on May 2, 2003; and the minister's decision is due on May 10, 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.

UNDERTAKING RELEASED:

Georges Lake Communication Transmission Line
Proponent: Newfoundland Power Inc.

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 03 28 10:15 a.m.