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:

Joes Lake/Badger Brook Abitibi-Consolidated Cottage Development
Proponent: Abitibi-Consolidated Company of Canada

The proponent proposes to establish a cabin development area within Forest Management District 10, near Joes Lake. The undertaking will consist of constructing approximately 1.2 kilometres of new road, 0.25 kilometres of existing road upgrading and the establishment of 14 - 16 cabin lots. The total area is approximately 14 hectares. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin this summer/fall. The project was registered on July 2, 2003; public comments are due by August 7, 2003; and the minister's decision is due August 16, 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.

BIRD SURVEY SUBMITTED:

St. Lawrence Wind Demonstration Project
Proponent: The NeWind Group

The proponent of the above undertaking committed to the development and implementation of a baseline study of bird migration patterns prior to project construction. The 2002 bird surveys have now been submitted to the minister. The bird surveys are available for information purposes from the department's Web site or by contacting the Environmental Assessment Division at (709) 729-2562.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

1.       Sop�s Arm/Jackson�s Arm Hiking Trail
          Proponent: White Bay South Development Association

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

3.       Bonavista North (Lumsden) Golf Course
          Proponent: Town of Lumsden and Town of New-Wes-Valley

The above project has been released subject to the following conditions:

• Rare plant and bird surveys shall be conducted prior to the start of construction. The Inland Fish and Wildlife Division of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation shall be consulted regarding survey design, timing and intensity. Survey results must be submitted to the Department of Environment.
• A 50 m vegetated buffer should be maintained from the high water mark on all water bodies to mitigate for the effects of the golf course on water quality and habitat for wildlife. Consultation with the Inland Fish and Wildlife Division is required for any buffers less than 50 m.
• A project-specific Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) shall be submitted to and approved by the Minister of Environment. The EPP should focus on specific mitigative measures for piping plover, and rare plants and birds and include mapping for the redesigned golf course. Construction on areas which may impact upon piping plover and rare plants and birds shall not commence until the EPP has been approved. The Inland Fish and Wildlife Division should be consulted during preparation of the EPP.

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 07 03                                        9:30 a.m.