February 1, 2012
Environmental Assessment Bulletin
The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Environment and Conservation, has announced the following events relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.
UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:
Fox Island River Channel Wall and Breakwater Reconstruction (Reg. 1628)
Proponent: Fisheries and Oceans Canada
The proposed undertaking includes repairs to and enhancement of the existing DFO Small Craft Harbour facility in Fox Island River, Port au Port Bay. It involves the reconstruction of two channel walls, construction of a rubblemound breakwater, and dredging. The proposed channel wall reconstruction and breakwater construction is intended to provide shelter to existing wharf infrastructure and reduce the frequency of future maintenance dredging.
The undertaking was registered on January 27, 2012; the deadline for public comments is March 7, 2012; and the minister’s decision is due by March 12, 2012.
ENVIRONMENTAL PREVIEW REPORT REQUIRED:
Hughes Brook Residential Subdivision (Reg. 1552)
Proponent: Miceal
O’Leary
The minister has advised the proponent that an environmental preview report (EPR) is required for this project. The EPR is necessary to address issues and concerns brought forward by agency comments and public submissions during the review of the undertaking. An environmental assessment committee will be appointed to provide advice to the minister on guidelines for the proponent on the preparation of the EPR and the adequacy of the EPR when it is received from the proponent. The public will be invited to provide comments on the EPR upon its submission. For further information on this project, contact Paul Carter, Committee Chairperson at 709-729-0188 or e-mail at PCarter@gov.nl.ca
UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:
Postville Area Mink and Fox Farm
Proponent: J.F. fur Farms (Reg. 1612)
The project is released subject to the following condition:
Project
infrastructure be located at least 150 metres from any water body.
District 22 Crown Five-Year Forest Management Plan
Proponent: Department
of Natural Resources (Reg. 1616)
The project is released subject to the following conditions:
- No proposed activities are permitted within the boundaries of Duley Lake Provincial Park. All maps provided to domestic timber harvesters must include the boundaries of the park to ensure accidental harvesting does not occur.
- No proposed activities are permitted within the management unit within both the Labrador City Stewardship Zone and the Wabush Stewardship Zone.
- No proposed activities are to be permitted in Domestic Blocks I, K, L and M during caribou calving and post-calving periods (June 5–July 15) to minimize the impact on the caribou during this sensitive time
CONTINGENCY PLAN ACCEPTABLE:
Elross Lake Area Iron Ore Mine (Reg. 1380)
Proponent: New Millenium
Capital Corporation
Following government review, the following contingency plan submitted on November 15, 2011, is acceptable.
- Elross Lake Area Iron Ore Mine – Contingency Plan for Tailings and Dewatering Water Management
The contingency plan is available on the Department of Environment and Conservation Web site at: www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/env_assessment/projects/Y2010/1380/index.html
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE APPOINTED:
Kami Iron Ore Project
Proponent: Alderon Iron Ore Corp. (Reg. 1611)
On December 5, 2011, the
minister advised the proponent that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
is required for this project. An Environmental Assessment Committee has now
been appointed to provide scientific and technical advice to the minister
and to prepare draft guidelines for conducting the EIS. The assessment
committee has representation from the following government agencies:
- Department of Environment and Conservation
- Environmental Assessment Division – Committee Co-chairperson
- Pollution Prevention Division
- Water Resources Division
- Wildlife Division
- Land Management Division
- Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency – Committee Co-chairperson
- Women’s Policy Office
- Tourism, Culture and Recreation
- Advanced Education and Skills
- Natural Resources
- Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat
- Municipal Affairs
- Transportation and Works
- Environment Canada
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada
- Transport Canada
- Canadian Transportation Agency
- Health Canada
- Natural Resources Canada
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 Web site 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
2012 02 01 4:55 p.m.