Environment and Conservation
November 13, 2012

Environmental Assessment Bulletin

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

ENVIRONMENTAL PREVIEW REPORT REQUIRED:

Argentia Wellhead Platform for White Rose Extension                                 (Reg. 1665)
Proponent: Husky Energy

The minister has advised the proponent that an Environmental Preview Report (EPR) is required for this project. The EPR is necessary to address project design alternatives with regard to disposal of materials resulting from dredging and the graving site excavation, groundwater information, extent of existing contamination on site, potential effects of ocean dredging on fisheries in Placentia Bay, additional workforce/employment details and gender and diversity considerations. An Environmental Assessment Committee will be appointed to provide advice to the minister and guidance on the information requirements to the proponent. The information to be provided will reflect requirements under the Environmental Protection Act and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act as per harmonization and coordination with the C-NLOPB in their scoping document and screening level environmental assessment of the White Rose Extension Project. For further information on this project contact, Paul Carter, Environmental Assessment Division at 709-729-0188 or email at PCarter@gov.nl.ca.

AMMENDMENT TO REGISTRATION DOCUMENT:

Joyce Lake Direct Shipping Iron Ore Project
Proponent: Labec Century Iron Ore                                         (Reg. 1674)

As required by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) in the review of the project description, the proponent has submitted revisions to the project registration document that provide additional background information on the following: a description of and the results of any consultations undertaken with any jurisdictions and other parties; information about any environmental studies, past or present, in the project area; the provisions in the schedule to the Regulations Designating Physical Activities describing the project in whole or in part; and a description of any changes to the environment on federal lands, in other provinces or outside Canada.

The amendment is available and may be accessed on the department’s website: www.gov.nl.ca/env/env_assessment/projects/Y2012/1674/index.html

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

Brown’s Arm Quarry
Proponent: A&B Construction Ltd.                                      (Reg. 1662)

The undertaking is released from further environmental assessment. However, the undertaking will not proceed due to the following:

• The Department of Natural Resources has indicated that the proposed parcel of land has significant agricultural value.

Robinson’s Pasture Road Forage Production                         (Reg. 1668)
Proponent: New World Dairy Inc.

The undertaking is released from further environmental assessment. However, the undertaking will not proceed due to the following:

• The Department of Environment and Conservation (Crown Lands Division) has rejected the Crown Land application due to unacceptable effects in a Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Ltd. Five-Year Operating Area.

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

2012 11 13                             4:10 p.m.