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:

(1) Top Pond (Burgeo Highway) Wind Power Farm                (Reg. 1260)
Proponent: Top Pond Wind Farm Limited Partnership

The proponent proposes to construct and operate a wind turbine power generation farm at a site near Top Pond, in southwestern Newfoundland, approximately 25 kilometres north of Burgeo, and is accessible from Route 480 via a gravel access road. The proposed wind farm will consist of a total of 13 wind turbines between 58 and 70 metres in height with a blade diameter of 71 metres. Each turbine will produce two megawatts (MW) of power for a total output of 26 MW. The wind generation facility will be connected to the power grid via the existing transmission line near Grandy's Brook Terminal Station, with the intention being to sell power to Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro under contract. Construction is scheduled to commence during the spring of 2008 and be operational during the fall of 2008. The undertaking was registered on May 19, 2006; public comments are due by June 23, 2006; and, the minister's decision is due by July 3, 2006.

(2) Jackson's Arm Snowmobile Trail                                                 (Reg. 1261)
Proponent: Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation

The proponent proposes to construct and operate a three kilometre section of snowmobile trail from the existing primary snowmobile trail on the Northern Peninsula to Jackson's Arm and will form part of the Humber Winterland Snowmobile Trail system. The proposed trail would be six metres wide complete with signs and water crossings as required. The trail would be constructed to Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation standards and be groomed and kept up to standards. Proposed work will consist primarily of cutting trees and brush with bridging as required at stream crossings. Construction is expected to take approximately 4 weeks to complete and is anticipated to begin in the autumn of 2006. The undertaking was registered on May 15, 2006; public comments are due by June 23, 2006; and, the minister's decision is due by June 29, 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.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

(1) District 13 Forest Management Area (West Tulks) Amendment                         (Reg. 1197)
Proponent: Abitibi-Consolidated

The minister released the above project from further environmental assessment subject to the following condition:

• develop a detailed harvesting plan for the District 13 (West Tulks) harvest area amendment in consultation with, and for the approval of the Inland Fish and Wildlife Division.

(2) Springdale Residential Development                 (Reg. 1244)
Proponent: Riverwood Holdings Inc.

The minister released the Springdale Residential Development from further environmental assessment subject to the following condition:

• the preparation and implementation of an approved Wildlife Buffer Zone Plan for that part of Indian River adjacent to this development.

(3) Grand Lake Remote Cottage ATV Trail                            (Reg. 1246)
Proponent: Mr. Sean Simon

(4) Eastern Arm Pond All-Terrain-Vehicle (ATV) Trail                (Reg. 1249)
Proponent: Mr. Justin E. Watts

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 19                        3:50 p.m.