Trans Labrador Highway, Phase III released from environmental assessment

Tom Osborne, Minister of Environment and Conservation, today announced that Phase III of the Trans Labrador Highway (TLH) has been released from the environmental assessment (EA) process, subject to certain terms and conditions.

"The deficiencies and concerns identified in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and its addenda by various stakeholders have now been properly addressed and, therefore, no further environmental assessment is required," said Minister Osborne. "With all key environmental concerns addressed, coupled with the conditions of release from environmental assessment, the construction and operation of the TLH Phase III project can now proceed in an environmentally acceptable manner."

The minister said government is committed to ensuring the highest level of environmental protection possible during the construction and operation of the TLH. "The major environmental issues raised have been addressed due to the selection of a southerly route for a key section of the new highway, instead of the initial northern route. Indeed, government has heard and heeded public concerns raised regarding the TLH project."

Minister Osborne said conditions of the release from the EA process include implementation of mitigation measures and monitoring and follow-up commitments by the proponent, the Department of Transportation and Works, as contained in the Environmental Impact Statement, Environmental Impact Statement Addendum and Environmental Impact Statement Supplementary Addendum.

Specific conditions of release include mitigation measures such as a survey of active raptor nests prior to the start of the construction season; maintenance of drainage to and through wetlands; implementation of a �no hunting/fishing/trapping� policy for on-site workers during construction; and maintenance of buffer zones around waterbodies. Monitoring and follow-up programs include passerine (song bird) surveys; field investigation of rare and endangered plant species; examination of acid rock drainage potential; preparation of environmental protection plans for each construction season; archaeological field surveys during construction; consultation with tourism operators regarding project-related activities and scheduling; and meeting with Innu representatives in advance of each construction season.

Minister Osborne said that a Mealy Mountain Caribou Herd monitoring program and a waterfowl monitoring program will also be implemented by the Department of Environment and Conservation�s Inland Fish and Wildlife Division and the Canadian Wildlife Service, respectively.

"Government is committed to working pro-actively and cooperatively with all stakeholders to identify and address any potential environmental issues which could occur with increased activities and access to the area as a result of the new highway, such as increased hunting and fishing," said the minister. "Environmental issues will also be addressed through the many and various permits and authorizations required during the different construction phases of this major highway project."

Minister Osborne said government remains committed to the timely and environmentally-responsible completion of Phase III of the Trans Labrador Highway.

Media contact: Sonia B. Glover, Communications, (709) 729-2575

2004 07 05                                         2:20 p.m.