Environment and Conservation
December 14, 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.

UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:

Goose Bay Soil Biotreatment Facility                               (Reg. 1684)
Proponent: Sanexen Environmental Services Inc.

The proponent intends to operate a soil decontamination facility on South Branch Road in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, approximately 1.3 kilometres west of Northwest River Road. The facility will utilize biological treatment to remediate soils that have been contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons, such as gasoline and diesel. Treated soils will be used as cover material at the municipal landfill. The main infrastructure will consist of concrete pads for contaminated soil treatment, leachate collection system, office trailer, truck scale and other associated infrastructure. Construction is proposed to begin in April 2013, upon receipt of all required permits and approvals.

The undertaking was registered on December 12, 2012; the deadline for public comments is January 18, 2013; and the minister’s decision is due by January 26, 2013.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT REQUIRES ADDITIONAL WORK:

Kami Iron Ore Project                                                   (Reg. 1611)
Proponent: Alderon Iron Ore Corp.

Following public and agency review of the October 1, 2012 submission of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Kami Iron Ore Project, it has been determined that the proponent must provide additional information to supplement the EIS.

This includes further information on: the proposed railway routing; land use, including current mineral resources in the mine area; potential project effects on Duly Lake Provincial Park; affect on the Management Units of the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture Program; and Air Dispersion Modeling.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT REQUIRED:

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

The minister has advised the proponent that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS),
is required for this project. Additional information on the project and baseline information requirements will have to address but are not limited to: terrestrial and aquatic wildlife and habitat; impacts on surface water and groundwater; mining resource development details; tailings management and socio-economic conditions. An Environmental Assessment Committee will be appointed to provide scientific and technical advice to the minister and to prepare draft guidelines for conducting the EIS. The public will be invited to provide comment on the draft guidelines. For further information on this project, contact the Environmental Assessment Committee chairperson Brenda Rowe at 709-729-2553 or email browe@gov.nl.ca

ENVIRONMENTAL PREVIEW REPORT REQUIRED:

Encanex Wastewater Treatment Operation                     (Reg. 1679)
Proponent: Encanex Environmental Oil & Gas Corp.

The minister has advised the proponent that an Environmental Preview Report (EPR) is required for this project. The EPR is necessary to address, but is not limited to, information on: types of wastewater fluids, treatment processes and monitoring, storage and discharge details and potential impacts on the surrounding infrastructure and environment. An Environmental Assessment Committee will be appointed to provide scientific and technical advice to the minister and guidance regarding the information requirements to the proponent. The information to be provided will reflect requirements under the Environmental Protection Act and other pertinent legislation. The proponent will be required to hold public meetings during the EPR process. For further information on this project, please contact the Environmental Assessment Committee Chairperson, Eric Watton, at (709) 729-2822 or email at ericwatton@gov.nl.ca.

UNDERTAKING RELEASED:

Cormack Area Christmas Tree Farm                              (Reg. 1670)
Proponent: Natasha Fox

The project is released from further environmental assessment, however, it will not be permitted to commence due to concerns raised by the Department of Natural Resources, Agrifoods Branch and the Department of Transportation and Works.

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

- 30 -

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

2012 12 14                                3:50 p.m.