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:

(1) Mint Brook (Gambo Pond) Transmission Line
Proponent: Newfoundland Power Inc.

The proponent proposes to construct a 0.4 kilometre extension to the aerial power and communication (telephone) transmission line located at Mint Brook on the north side of Gambo Pond, in Central Newfoundland. The proposed extension will include an aerial crossing of Mint Brook, a scheduled salmon river. The rationale for the project is to provide power and telephone service to cabins located on the southwestern side of Mint Brook. Additional planned work includes a 2.4 kilometre upgrade to the existing transmission line between Gambo River and Mint Brook. The project is planned to consist of 10 to 15 metre high single pressure treated CCA wood poles with an average span of 70 metres between each pole and cable attached approximately 3 metres from the top of the poles. The cleared width of right-of-way will be approximately 5.4 metres, or 2.7 metres either side of centerline. The project will include surveying, brush clearing and installation of poles and cables. The undertaking was registered on May 8, 2003; public comments are due by June 12, 2003; and the minister�s decision is due June 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.

UNDERTAKING WITHDRAWN:

(1) Argentia (Building 510) Biomedical Waste Management Facility
Proponent: Edward Collins Contracting Ltd.

The proponent has withdrawn the above undertaking from further environmental assessment review.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

(1) Milton Sawmill Operation
Proponent: O.K. Ventures Ltd.

(2) District 12 (Abitibi) 5-Year Operating Plan Amendment
Proponent: Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods

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 05 08                                       3:15 p.m.