Environmental Assessment Bulletin

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

UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:

2003 Mimic Forest Spray Program For Hemlock Looper
Proponent: Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods

The proponent proposes to implement an aerial insecticide spray program using the product Mimic (tebufenozide) against the hemlock looper insect pest. The proposed forest areas designated for application are forecast to receive moderate to severe defoliation by hemlock looper in 2003. The insecticide program using Mimic (up to approx. 30,000 hectares) is proposed to be a smaller component of the overall control program for the hemlock looper using the biological insecticide, B.t.k (approx. 90,000 hectares). The registration document submitted provides background information on the current infestations, control options, information on the product Mimic, details of the actual spray program and the schedule. Treatment is planned to start in mid to late June (depending on weather affecting insect hatching and development) and continue into early August.

The locations of the proposed mimic control program are primarily to take place on the Northern Peninsula between the Coles Pond-Main Brook to St. Anthony Airport areas. In western Newfoundland in the Main River-Upper Humber-Whites River area, near Sandy Lake, and in the Crooked Lake-Landowns Pond area. Also, treatment is proposed in central Newfoundland between Victoria Lake, extending north and east of Noel Paul�s Brook to near Sandy Lake-Caledonia Brook. The undertaking was registered on April 7, 2003; public comments are due on May 12, 2003; and the minister's decision is due on May 22, 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.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

(1) Rocky Harbour Breakwater & Wharf
Proponent: Town of Rocky Harbour

(2) Mary�s Harbour Wind Power Project
Proponent: Westenwind NV

(3) Charlottetown Wind Power Project
Proponent: Westenwind NV

Both of the above (single) wind turbine wind power projects have been released from further environmental assessment subject to the following condition:

• An avian monitoring program will be required, to be developed in consultation with the Inland Fish and Wildlife Division, Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation and Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada.

The proponent is also required to comply with all relevant legislation, permits and approvals from the municipal, provincial and federal regulatory authorities. A development permit will be required from the respective Towns.

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 04 07                                        3:20 p.m.