Environmental Assessment Bulletin

Environment and Conservation Minister Tom Osborne has announced the following events relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.

UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:

(1) Port au Port Peninsula Seismic Project                                          (Reg. 1239)
Proponent: Tekoil and Gas Corporation

The proponent proposes to conduct a three-dimensional seismic exploration program on the Port au Port Peninsula, in western Newfoundland. The proposed program is to be conducted onshore Port au Port Peninsula and extending to the offshore transition zone along the western shore. The offshore component will be to a maximum water depth of 50 metres. The proposed seismic program covers an area of approximately 270 kilometres square. The onshore portion of the seismic survey will be conducted using conventional methods including dynamite shot hole sources and surface geophone detectors. Preparation work for the onshore survey will include: line surveying; drilling small diameter shot holes approximately 50 metres apart; setting up receiver lines that will run in a southeast-northwest direction for a length of approximately 12 kilometres each and laid parallel, approximately 400 metres apart for grid coverage of the 22.5 kilometre long by 12 kilometre wide area; and recording the seismic source from approximately 7,000 points. Onshore preparation work is planned to start in May and the project is scheduled to be completed by October, 2006. The undertaking was registered on February 23, 2006; public comments are due by March 30, 2006; and, the minister's decision is due by April 9, 2006.

(2) Cavendish Critch�s Mink Fur Farm                                                (Reg. 1240)
Proponent: Henry and Mildred Critch

The proponent proposes to develop a mink fur farm for up to 200 female breeding mink on Fox Farm Road, located 1,000 metres off Route 80 between Hearts Delight and Cavendish, at the former Kinsella Fox Farm property. Construction is planned to include three 28 metre long sheds (one six metres wide and two three metres wide) during the 2006 construction season. There will be temporary storage of manure on site before transportation to local farmers for spreading on their fields. Feed preparation and pelting will be contracted to existing off-site operations. The project was registered on February 21, 2006; public comments are due by March 30, 2006; and, the minister's decision is due by April 7, 2006.

UNDERTAKING RELEASED:

North Atlantic Refinery Storage Tank Expansion                                      (Reg. 1232)
Proponent: North Atlantic Refinery Ltd.

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.

Further information may be obtained by contacting the Director of Environmental Assessment at (709) 729-4211 or toll-free: 1-800-563-6181 or by mail to:

Director, Environmental Assessment Division
Department of Environment and Conservation
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

2006 02 24                      11:10 a.m.