Environmental Assessment Bulletin

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.

UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:

Joan Lake Direct-Shipping Ore Project (Phase Two)
Proponent: New Millennium Capital Corp. (Reg. 1465)

The proposal is to mine iron ore from six deposits in western Labrador, approximately 45 kilometres northwest of Schefferville. The iron ore will be transported for processing at facilities proposed in the Elross Lake Area Iron Ore Mine (Phase One) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which is currently undergoing a public and agency review as per the Environmental Protection Act. Fifteen kilometres of short haul roads will be required between the six pits and a 27-kilometre haul road is required between the two project phases. Other physical features include three or four waste rock dumps and four sedimentation ponds for water pumped from the pits. If approved, construction is scheduled to start in spring 2012 and mining in 2013.

The undertaking was registered on January 20, 2010; public comments are due by February 24, 2010; and the minister's decision is due by March 6, 2010.

Crown District 1 Five-Year Operating Plan (2007-2011) Amendment
Proponent: Department of Natural Resources (Reg. 1466)

The amendment is for the harvesting of 30-40 hectares in a 900-hectare area northeast of St. Catherines and Mount Carmel. The stands located in this area were silviculturally treated, second cycle forest with high sawlog content. No new access roads are planned, yet upgrades to existing roads may be required. Harvesting is scheduled to commence upon approval.

The undertaking was registered on January 21, 2010; public comments are due by February 24, 2010; and the minister's decision is due by March 7, 2010.

For further information on the environmental assessment process, please contact 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 department website at www.gov.nl.ca/env. 

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Media contact:
Melony O'Neill
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575; 689-0928
moneill@gov.nl.ca 

2010 01 21                                                    2:40 p.m.