Environmental Assessment Bulletin

Environment and Conservation Minister Clyde Jackman has announced the following event relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT REQUIRED:

Long Harbour Commercial Nickel Processing Plant                                 (Reg 1243)
Proponent: Voisey�s Bay Nickel Company Limited

The proposal as registered on March 21, 2006 has been reviewed and opportunity to comment has been given to the public as required by the Environmental Protection Act. In consideration of the concerns and comments received, the Minister of Environment and Conservation has concluded that there is potential for significant environmental effects to occur as a result of this undertaking. Therefore Voisey�s Bay Nickel Company (VBNC) is required to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The EIS is to address, but not be limited to, effects on air quality, terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems, an analysis of process and waste treatment alternatives, an analysis of socio-economic effects, and the provision of mitigative measures, monitoring programs, and decommissioning plans. VBNC will be required to carry out a public consultation program during the assessment process. The minister will shortly be appointing an assessment committee of federal and provincial agency representatives to develop guidelines for the EIS preparation and to advise him on scientific and technical matters. The public will be invited to comment on the draft guidelines prior to their finalization. For further information on this project contact Carl Strong at (709)729-0834 or e-mail at CStrong@gov.nl.ca

Further information may be obtained by contacting 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 government web site at //www.gov.nl.ca/env

2006 05 11                      4:50 p.m.