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 Mgt District 14 Amendment Little Barachois Brook
Proponent: Abitibi-Consolidated Inc.

The proponent proposes an amendment to the five year operating plan for Forestry Management District 14, near the headwaters of Little Barachois Brook in South Western Newfoundland. The planned amendment is for the harvesting of approximately 6,200 cubic metres of timber over a 104 hectare area and the construction of 3.3 kilometres of access roads. The timber will be harvested using manual cutting techniques and will be shipped to the Stephenville mill. Approximately 86 per cent of the mature and over-mature forest stands in this area have been identified as Crown Closure Class III, which generally indicates the timber is in the process of blowing down. The undertaking was registered on August 17, 2000. Public comments are due on September 22, 2000 and the minister's decision is due on October 1, 2000.

Lewin's Cove to Little St. Lawrence Transmission Line
Proponent: Newfoundland Power

The proponent proposes to construct a 25 kilometre transmission line from Lewin's Cove to Little St. Lawrence on the Burin Peninsula. Construction will include rebuilding the existing line from Lewin's Cove to Epworth Junction, and line extension from Epworth Junction to Little St. Lawrence. The rational for the project is the proposed 12.5 kilovolt transmission line which will replace an existing line which is deteriorated and near the end of its useful life. The extension of the line from Epworth Junction to Little St. Lawrence will be part of the NewTel fibre optic network which is needed to provide digital service to all communities from Little St. Lawrence to Point May. The undertaking was registered on August 18, 2000. Public comments are due on September 22, 2000 and the minister's decision is due on October 2, 2000.

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

2000 08 18               2:45 p.m.