The Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation, has announced the following events relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.

1.) Ramea Wind-Hydrogen Diesel Project (Reg. 1357)

Proponent: Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro

The proponent has outlined a research initiative (2007-2011) for a Remote Community Wind-Hydrogen-Diesel Energy Solution to integrate renewable energy supply into isolated electrical distribution systems. It involves the combination of hydrogen production, storage and electricity generation technologies with wind generation technology and diesel generation technology. The project will allow wind power to be used to produce and store hydrogen. The hydrogen will then be used later to produce electricity through an internal combustion hydrogen generator. Physical features include: a hydrogen electrolyser, storage tanks, associated generating units, and one-to-three wind turbines (30-50 metres). Ramea is an island community located approximately eight kilometres off the south coast of Newfoundland near Burgeo.

The undertaking was registered on October 29, 2007; public comments are due by December 5, 2007; and the minister's decision is due by December 13, 2007.

2.) Crown District 9 (Baie Verte) Five-Year Plan (2007-11) Amendment (Reg. 1358)

Proponent: Department of Natural Resources

The amendment to the five-year plan is for an area of land on the northwest section of the Baie Verte Peninsula that has been temporarily transferred to the Crown from Corner Brook Pulp and Paper. To facilitate its administration of domestic harvesting activity by local residents, the proposal is to subdivide the area into 19 domestic harvesting blocks which will be incorporated into the current Crown five-year plan and issue cutting permits based on these boundaries. Over the life of the plan, approximately 20,000 cubic metres of timber will be harvested for home heating and other personal uses. No road building or silviculture is associated with this amendment.

The undertaking was registered on October 30, 2007; public comments are due by December 5, 2007; and the minister's decision is due on December 14, 2007.

Comments on submitted documents are invited from the public, addressed in writing to the minister, prior to the deadline date shown.

For further information on the environmental assessment process may contact the Director of Environmental Assessment at 709-729-4211, or toll-free 1-800-563-6181 or by mail to:

Environmental assessment information is on the department Web site at //www.gov.nl.ca/env.

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Media contact:

Diane Hart
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 685-4401
dianehart@gov.nl.ca