December 24, 1998
(Environment and Labour)

Environment and Labour Minister Oliver Langdon has announced the following events relative to the Environmental Assessment Act. In the case of documents received or approved, copies may be obtained by contacting the regional office of the Department of Environment and Labour or by calling toll-free 1-800-563-6181. Comments on submitted documents are invited from the public, addressed in writing to the minister, and are welcome prior to the deadline date shown for each item.

NEW UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:

Nain Diesel Generating Plant
Proponent: Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro

The proponent proposes to construct a 2.64 megawatt capacity diesel generating plant in Nain, Labrador on the hillside immediately south of the existing diesel generating plant. The plant will have three diesel engines installed plus capacity for a fourth engine bay. Each engine bay will be able to accommodate a maximum one megawatt unit. The diesel plant will be 12 metres wide by 25 metres long and will replace the existing plant which will be removed. An aboveground pipeline will interconnect the existing fuel storage tank farm to the plant. The undertaking was registered on December 17, 1998, public comments are due on January 16, 1999 and the minister's decision is due on January 31, 1999.

Riverhead Crabshell Crushing and Drying Plant
Proponent: Northeast Crabshell Ltd

The proponent plans to start a crabshell crushing and drying plant at the former fish plant in Riverhead, St. Mary's Bay. Discarded crabshells will be collected from nearby plants and brought to the plant for crushing and drying for export to China. The proposed plant will have an annual capacity of 1,700 tons of crushed dried crabshell. The undertaking was registered on December 22, 1998, public comments are due on January 22, 1999 and the minister's decision is due on February 2, 1999.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT ADDENDUM REQUIRED

Trans Labrador Highway (Red Bay to Cartwright)
Proponent: Department of Works, Services and Transportation

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been reviewed by the public and the Environmental Assessment Committee. The minister has determined that the EIS is not satisfactory and must be amended. A summary of the key deficiencies is as follows:

• Additional information on the likely effects on the environment due to the effects of the project combined with those of other past, existing and planned projects and activities;

• Additional information on watercourse crossings and fish and fish habitat, particularly at the proposed causeways at St. Lewis and Alexis rivers;

• Additional information on sulphide bearing rocks in causeway locations and along the proposed route;

• Literature review of other linear projects that have taken place in northern Canada and a comparison of cumulative effects and predicted impacts to the current assessment at hand;

• Additional information on potential impacts to water supply areas and additional hydrology information.

To allow for further public input into the current environmental assessment, the EIS addendum, upon receipt, will be subject to further public review. For further information please contact the chairperson, Pat Marrie at (709) 729-2813.

MIGRATORY BIRD/BIRDS OF PREY COMPONENT STUDY ADDENDUM REQUIRED

Trans Labrador Highway (Red Bay to Cartwright)
Proponent: Department of Works, Services and Transportation

The Migratory Bird/Birds of Prey Component Study review is now complete. The minister has determined that the component study is not satisfactory and must be amended. To allow for further public input into the current environmental assessment, the component study addendum, upon receipt, will be subject to further public review. For further information please contact the chairperson, Pat Marrie at (709) 729-2813.

HISTORIC RESOURCES AND WILDLIFE COMPONENT STUDIES SATISFACTORY

Trans Labrador Highway (Red Bay to Cartwright)
Proponent: Department of Works, Services and Transportation

The Historic Resources and Wildlife Component Studies review are now complete. The minister has determined that the Historic Resources and Wildlife Component Studies are satisfactory. For further information please contact the chairperson, Pat Marrie at (709) 729-2813.

ENVIRONMENTAL PREVIEW REPORT RECEIVED

Newfoundland Integrated Snowmobile Trail
Proponent: Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation

The Environmental Preview Report for the Newfoundland Integrated Snowmobile Trail was received on December 23, 1998. The proponent proposes to construct a network of snowmobile trails from St. David's to St. Anthony and east to Glenwood in cooperation with 16 snowmobile associations. Public comments must be received by the minister on January 22, 1999. The minister's decision is due on February 6, 1999.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED FROM ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:

The minister has decided that an Environmental Impact Statement is not required for the Happy Valley/Goose Bay Christmas Tree Farm.

This project has been released from environmental assessment as per requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act.

A guide to the Environmental Assessment Process is available from the Department of Environment and Labour. The minister encourages all interested parties to become involved and to make comments known. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Director of Environmental Assessment at (709) 729-2562 or toll-free: 1-800-563-6181 or by mail to:

Director, Environmental Assessment Division
Department of Environment and Labour
West Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700
St. John's, NF, A1B 4J6

Environmental Assessment News Releases are on the Internet at /env

1998 12 24                    10:00 a.m.