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.

UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:

Gallants Gravel Quarry                 (Reg. 1724)
Proponent: Herbert Parsons

The proponent has submitted a proposal to develop a small gravel quarry off of Spruce Brook Road in Gallants. The proponent has applied for a 0.5 hectare gravel quarry to fill gaps caused by washout on their property. The project includes the construction of a small road (100 metres) and quarrying of gravel. This quarry will provide gravel so that Mr. Parsons may repair his property. Construction is proposed to begin in the fall 2013.

The undertaking was registered on September 16, 2013; the deadline for public comments is October 23, 2013 and the minister’s decision is due by October 31, 2013.

Big Triangle Pond Mineral Exploration Access Road
Proponent: Eagleridge International Limited                 (Reg. 1725)

Eagleridge International Limited intends to construct an 11 kilometre access road from the Trans Canada Highway, near Big Triangle Pond southeast toward Conns Pond. The road is being constructed to provide access to mineral exploration activity in the area which is being contemplated. The road will be six metres wide with a 20 metre right-of-way. There are two known water crossings. Mineral exploration may include ground geo-physics, soil sampling, drilling and trenching. Construction is anticipated to commence in late 2013 and continue into 2014.

The undertaking was registered on September 16, 2013; the deadline for public comments is October 23, 2013; and the minister’s decision is due by October 31, 2013.

Fortune ATV Trail
Proponent: Fortune ATV Trail Association                 (Reg. 1726)

The Fortune ATV Trail Association proposes to develop a 5.5 kilometre multi-purpose ATV trail between Fortune Brook and Jenkins Hill. The trail will connect to the existing Fortune North West Pond trail system as well as the Lamaline trail system to the south and the existing Grand Bank – Lance au Loup Trail to the east. Construction of the trail will require the use of a small track excavator and manual labour to remove brush and debris. Construction is proposed to be completed in two phases in the fall 2013 and in the fall 2014.

The undertaking was registered on September 17, 2013; the deadline for public comments is October 23, 2013 and the minister’s decision is due by November 1, 2013.

Crown Districts 14 and 15 Five Year Operating Plan                 (Reg. 1727)
Proponent: Department of Natural Resources

The proponent, the Department of Natural Resources, has submitted a Five-Year Operating Plan (2014–2018) for Forest Management Districts 14 and 15 (Planning Zone 6). Districts 14 and 15 are located on the west and southwest coasts of the island and extend from Burgeo and Port aux Basques in the south to the southern boundary of Gros Morne National Park. In District 14 there will be harvesting of approximately 180,000 cubic metres of timber, construction of 11 kilometres of primary forest access roads and various silviculture treatments. In District 15 approximately 160,000 cubic metres of timber will be harvested. The undertaking will allow the continuation of existing commercial forestry industry and allow domestic harvesting for home heating. Activities are scheduled to commence on January 1, 2014 and end on December 31, 2018.

The undertaking was registered on September 17, 2013; the deadline for public comments is October 23, 2013; and the minister’s decision is due by November 1, 2013.

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:
Deborah Thomas
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 728-8092
DeborahThomas@gov.nl.ca 

2013 09 18             3:10 p.m.