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 Balsam Fir Sawfly Experimental Spray Program using NeabNPV
(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 highly species-specific microbial biological control agent (balsam fir sawfly Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus - NeabNPV). Applications would be made aerially to between 5,000 and 10,000 hectares on selected silviculturally treated forest stands forecast to receive moderate to severe balsam fir sawfly defoliation in 2003. 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 schedule. It is proposed to apply NeabNPV to three selected sites in western Newfoundland in the Corner Brook region, including: (1) around Old Man�s Pond to the north of Corner Brook; (2) on the west side of Deer Lake across from Pasadena; and (3) above Northern Harbour in Grand Lake to the south and east of Pasadena. Treatment is proposed to begin in mid-July. The project was registered on May 29, 2003; public comments are due by July 3, 2003; and the minister's decision is due July 13, 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:

Little Gander Pond ATV Trail
Proponent: Noel C. Hutton

The above project has been released from further environmental assessment subject to the following conditions:

• work on the trail may not be conducted during the first 15 days of May in any year.
• the width of the trail is to be restricted to two metres, and it must be decommissioned at such time that the remote cottage is decommissioned.

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

The above project has been released from further environmental assessment subject to obtaining necessary permits and approvals from municipal, provincial or federal authorities. The Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods must obtain a Pesticide Operators Licence under the Environmental Protection Act. The Pesticide Operators Licence will stipulate environment protection measures such as:

• no-spray buffer zones around all water bodies;
• public notification requirements of the spray program;
• advertising in local media;
• posting signs in areas to be treated;
• verbal notification to adjacent dwelling owners;
• toll-free information number.

Further information may be obtained by contacting:

1) Pesticides Operator Licence Information, (709) 729-3395
2) Forest Services, Forest Insect and Disease Control (709) 637-2424
3) Environmental Assessment Information, (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 29                                        3:15 p.m.