June 8, 2011
Environmental Assessment Bulletin
The Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Environment and Conservation, has announced the following events relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.
UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:
Summerford Area Quarry (Reg. 1587)
Proponent: Wheeler’s Excavation
The proposed project involves the development of an abandoned two hectare gravel quarry along Route 340 within the municipal boundary of the Town of Summerford. The proposed quarry will provide gravel and stone for local markets and will operate year round in accordance with demand for the product. The project is scheduled to begin in July 2011.
The undertaking was registered on June 7, 2011; the deadline for public comments is July 13, 2011; and the minister’s decision is due by July 21, 2011.
Gander Bay Agriculture Development (Reg. 1586)
Proponent: Penney Holdings Ltd.
The proponent proposes to develop a 600 hectare site for agriculture use, including: Christmas trees, sod, forage and vegetable growing near the mouth of the Gander River, Gander Bay. The farm site will be located between Gander River and Gander Bay Road (Route 330), near Gander Bay South. The proposed agriculture development will be for 162 hectares of land each for Christmas trees, sods, and forage production and eight hectares of land for vegetable production. The project will include construction of an access road and land clearing is scheduled to begin in spring 2011.
The undertaking was registered on June 6, 2011; the deadline for public comments is July 13, 2011; and the minister’s decision is due by July 21, 2011.
Musgrave Harbour Cabin Access Road (Reg. 1585)
Proponent: Vick Guy
The proponent proposes to build a cabin access road / ATV trail to access a remote cabin at Jabes Pond, near Musgrave Harbour. The trail will be approximately seven kilometres long and will provide year round access by ATV and snowmobile. Construction of the project will be done by manual labour and no excavation is required. Construction is to begin in the spring of 2011.
The undertaking was registered on June 7, 2011; the deadline for public comments is July 13, 2011; and, the minister’s decision is due by July 18, 2011.
Crabbes River West Forage Production (Reg. 1584)
Proponent: Chaffey’s Dairy Farm Inc.
The proponent intends to develop an agricultural forage production area 31.2 hectares in size, approximately 10 kilometres south of St. Fintan’s on Route 405. The area will be cleared and used to grow grasses and clover for use as animal feed. The site will be accessed from the Trans Canada Highway. The proponent anticipates land clearing to start in July 2011.
The undertaking was registered on June 7, 2011; the deadline for public comments is July 13, 2011; and the minister’s decision is due by July 21, 2011.
Labrador City Area Mineral Exploration Program (Reg. 1583)
Proponent: Alderon Resource Corp.
Alderon Resource Corp (Alderon) proposes to undertake a mineral exploration drilling program south of Labrador City. The proposed area falls within an Eastern Habitat Joint Venture Management Unit (Pike Lake South), an identified waterfowl use area. Alderon proposes to complete 20,000 metres of drilling (total) at 25 to 30 locations. Access to the drill sites will be via existing roads and ATV trails. A skidder or dozer will be used to assist in moving the drill rigs throughout the site. Water will be required for drilling operations and proposed withdrawal locations are identified within the registration document. No exploration drilling will take place within 50 metres of any waterbodies within the project area. Work is scheduled to commence July 1, 2011 and continue until winter weather terminates access to the site.
The undertaking was registered on June 6, 2011; the deadline for public comments is July 13, 2011; and the minister’s decision is due by July 21, 2011.
UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:
Huguette Lake Sand and Gravel Quarry (Reg. 1571)
Proponent: H & H Enterprises Ltd.
Aspen Brook - Exploits River Quarry (Reg. 1477)
Proponent: Penney Paving Ltd.
Released from further environmental assessment subject to the following conditions:
- Operation of the quarry is to be limited to areas above the design flood high water mark and a minimum 100 meter undisturbed vegetated buffer between the proposed quarry operations and any watercourses must be maintained;
- A minimum 50 meter undisturbed vegetated buffer shall be maintained between the proposed quarry operations and the existing quarry to the east; and,
- A requirement to restrict quarry operating hours to be conducted between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays only and not to operate the quarry between June 15 and September 15.
The proponent is also required to complete a Development Plan as well as a Rehabilitation /Closure Plan to the satisfaction of the Department of Natural Resources. The Rehabilitation/Closure Plan must provide details on the progressive rehabilitation of the site, which will be completed annually to limit the area of disturbance, and also on potential visual impacts and how this will be addressed through the life of the quarry.
Sandy Lake Dam Increase (Reg. 1568)
Proponent: Newfoundland Power Inc.
Holyrood Gravel/Sand Quarry (Reg 1463)
Proponent: Pennecon Ltd.
Released from further environmental assessment subject to the following condition:
- The proponent must maintain a 50-metre undisturbed vegetated buffer between project-related activities and all bodies of water.
Holyrood Access Road Sand/Gravel Quarry (Reg 1540)
Proponent: Black Ridge Construction Ltd.
Released from further environmental assessment subject to the following condition:
- The proponent must maintain a 50-metre undisturbed vegetated buffer between project-related activities and all bodies of water.
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:
Tina Coffey
Public Relations Specialist
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-5783; 728-8650
tcoffey@gov.nl.ca
2011 06 08 11:35 a.m.