February 8, 1999
(Environment and Labour)

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT BULLETIN

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:

Abitibi Forest Management Plan District 14 (Amendment)
Proponent: Abitibi Consolidated Inc.

The proponent proposes an amendment to the five year operating plan for district 14 to harvest timber in three new areas near Triangle Pond, Silver Lake and Southwest Brook. The plan amendment proposes the harvesting of 10,000 cubic metres of timber over a 280.7 hectare area. The undertaking was registered on January 28, 1999; public comments are due on February 27, 1999; and the minister's decision is due on March 13, 1999.

Abitibi Forest Management Plan District 13 (Amendment)
Proponent: Abitibi Consolidated Inc.

The proponent proposes an amendment to the five year operating plan for district 13 in the Southwest Lake area, near the Burgeo Highway. The plan amendment proposes the harvesting of 16,000 cubic metres of timber over a 327 hectare area to supply the Stephenville Mill. Scheduled harvesting is planned to begin immediately upon approval. The undertaking was registered on January 28, 1999; public comments are due on February 27, 1999; and the minister's decision is due on March 13, 1999.

Sunday Cove Island Smokehouse (Smoked Fish)
Proponent: Harvey G. Whitt

The proponent proposes to construct a commercial 10 metre by 12 metre smokehouse to cure smoked fish. The proposed site is on Sunday Cove Island in Halls Bay, approximately 100 metres from the causeway linking the island to route 381. Approximately 200 pounds of fish will be cured per day in the kiln with smoke recycled and emitted through a 150 mm diameter stove pipe. The building will include a walk-in cooler and a preparation and drying area. Construction is scheduled to begin May 1, 1999 and be completed in six weeks. The undertaking was registered on January 28, 1999; public comments are due on February 27, 1999; and minister's decision is due on March 13, 1999.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT COMPONENT STUDIES

Gisbourne Lake (McCurdy Group) Water Export Facility
Proponent: McCurdy Group of Companies

A review has been completed of the four component studies. The minister has determined that the Avifauna Component Study and Caribou Component Study are satisfactory. The Water Resources Component Study and Fish and Fish Habitat Component Study are not satisfactory and must be amended. Copies of the reports may be obtained by contacting the EA Committee Chairperson, Carl Strong, (709) 729-0834 or e-mail cstrong@env.gov.nf.ca

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT ADDENDUM SUBMITTED:

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

The proponent has submitted the EIS Addendum for the Trans Labrador Highway (Red Bay to Cartwright) Project. The public has until March 7, 1999 to make comments on the addendum. The minister's decision is due March 22, 1999. Copies of the document may be obtained by contacting the EA Committee Chairperson, Pat Marrie, (709) 729-2813 or e-mail pmarrie@env.gov.nf.ca

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

1999 02 08                                     4:35 p.m.