Environment Assessment Bulletin

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

UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:

(1) Flatwater Pond Cottage Development                                          (Reg. 1251)
Proponent: Land Management Division

The proponent proposes the development of 30 cottage lots within the Flatwater Pond Cottage Planning Area, located on the Baie Verte Peninsula, off Highway Route 410. The development will be confined to areas on the northern and northeastern shorelines of Flatwater Pond and will consist of extensions to pre-existing cottage development areas. At a typical cottage lot size of 0.4 hectares each, the 30 proposed lots represent a total development area of 12 hectares. Approximately 1.35 kilometres of new road construction is planned to provide access to the lots. Lands Branch will construct the road, survey and sell the lots. All further development will be the responsibility of individual cabin owners. The undertaking was registered on April 25, 2006; public comments are due by May 31, 2006; and, the minister's decision is due by June 9, 2006.

(2) Felix Cove Mink Farm                                           (Reg. 1252)
Proponent: Bedo�s Fur Ranch Ltd.

The proponent proposes to construct and operate a 1,250 female breeder mink fur farm in Felix Cove, on the Port au Port Peninsula. The site is approximately 32 acres in size and is partially cleared. A one kilometre access road will be constructed plus three mink sheds (60 metres by 10 metres each). Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in August 2006. The undertaking was registered on April 26, 2006; public comments are due by May 31, 2006; and, the minister's decision is due by June 10, 2006.

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.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT REQUIRED:

Argentia Wind Farm                                       (Reg. 1224)
Proponent: Wind Project Inc.

The minister has advised the proponent that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required for this project. The EIS is required to provide sufficient baseline information, through original field data collection, on raptor distribution, flight patterns and habitat use of the area proposed for development. An environmental assessment committee will be appointed to provide advice to the minister and to prepare draft guidelines for conducting the EIS. The public will be invited to provide comment on the draft guidelines. For further information on this project contact Ed Kaufhold at 729-0090 or e-mail at EKaufhold@gov.nl.ca

UNDERTAKING WITHDRAWN:

Heart�s Content Mink Fur Farm                                                             (Reg. 1230)
Proponent: Lower Trinity South Regional Development Association

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

UNDERTAKING RELEASED:

Joe Batt�s Arm All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Trail                                 (Reg. 1241)
Proponent: Aneas G. Emberley

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 04 26                                  4:20 p.m.