Environmental 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:
Abitibi Forest District 12 (Grindstone/Joe Glodes Areas) Amendment               (Reg. 1258)
Proponent: Abitibi-Consolidated Company of Canada

The proponent proposes to harvest approximately 62,300 cubic metres of mature to over-mature timber, representing an area of approximately 489 hectares and construction of 10.6 kilometres of new operational roads in Forest Management District 12 in central Newfoundland. Two harvesting areas are proposed, including: (1) the Grindstone area (Mary March Brook) representing 49,900 cubic metres of timber (389 hectares) and 6.6 kilometres of roads, and (2) the Joe Glodes area (near Joe Glodes Pond) representing 12,400 cubic metres of timber (100 hectares) and 4 kilometres of roads. This proposed harvest is outside the current 5-year operating plan and will be scheduled for harvest during summer/fall of 2006. The undertaking was registered on May 16; public comments are due by June 20; and the minister's decision is due by June 30.

2006 Balsam Fir Sawfly Spray Program Using NeabNPV                 (Reg. 1259)
(Nucleopolyhedrovirus)

Proponent: Department of Natural Resources, Forestry Services Branch

The Forestry Services Branch propose to use a highly species-specific microbial biological control agent (balsam fir sawfly Nucleopolyhedrovirus - NeabNPV) against its natural host the balsam fir sawfly. Applications would be made aerially on up to 20,000 hectares of mostly selected silviculturally treated forest stands, forecast to receive moderate to severe balsam fir sawfly defoliation in 2006 and at the leading edge of infestation. The registration provides background information on the current infestations, control options, information on the product NeabNPV (which goes by registered trade name - Abietiv), details of the spray program and schedule. The proposal to apply NeabNPV is for a spray area located on the east and west sides of Deer Lake that extend to Goose/North Arm and Bonne Bay Big Pond on the western side, and to Grand Lake on the eastern side in western Newfoundland. Treatment is proposed to begin in early-July. The undertaking was registered on May 16; public comments are due by June 20; and the minister's decision is due by June 30.

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 05 16                        4:35 p.m.