Environment and Conservation
July 23, 2015
Environmental Assessment Bulletin
The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Environment and Conservation, has announced the following events relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.
UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:
Bay d'Espoir to Western Avalon TL 267 Transmission Line (Reg. 1803)
Proponent: Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro
The proponent proposes to construct a 188 kilometre, 230 kilovolt transmission line to connect the existing Bay d'Espoir and Western Avalon Terminal Stations. The proposed new line will parallel two existing transmission lines from Bay d'Espoir to Sunnyside on the Avalon Peninsula. The width of the proposed transmission line right of way is 40 metres and runs south of the existing transmission lines passing through the Bay du Nord Wilderness Reserve. The proposal will require the removal of the right of way area from the Bay du Nord Wilderness Reserve. The proponent also proposes to upgrade the existing infrastructure at Bay d'Espoir and Western Avalon terminal stations. The rationale for the project is to ensure the continued stability and reliability of the Island Interconnected System particularly during faulting events.
The Wilderness and Ecological Reserve Advisory Council (WERAC) has also been asked to review the proposal in accordance with s. 21(2) of the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Act which stipulates the process to decrease the area of a reserve. The public is advised that the WERAC process will also include a public consultation hosted by WERAC as per s. 16 of the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Act. The Minister will make a single decision on the entire project once the EA and WERAC processes have been completed.
Construction is proposed to begin in March 2016.
The undertaking was registered on July 20, 2015 and the deadline for public comments is August 26, 2015. Public comments can be sent to EAprojectcomments@gov.nl.ca
UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:
Burin Peninsula White Mountain ATV Trail (Reg. 1792)
Proponent: White Mountain Trail Association
The project is released subject to the following condition:
- To protect sensitive habitats, a minimum 30-metre naturally vegetated buffer must be maintained along all waterbodies and wetlands.
Labrador West - Block 103 Mineral Exploration (Reg. 1781)
Proponent: Cap-Ex Iron Ore Ltd.
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, NLA1B 4J6
Environmental assessment information is on the department website at: www.gov.nl.ca/env
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Media contact:
| Jennifer Collingwood
Director of Communications Department of Environment and Conservation 709-729-2575 JenniferCollingwood@gov.nl.ca |
2015 07 23 4:05 p.m.