May 24, 2013
Environmental Assessment Bulletin
The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Environment and Conservation, has announced the following events relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.
UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:
Wabush 3 Open Pit Mine Project in Labrador West (Reg. 1711)
Proponent: Iron Ore Company of Canada
The proponent has submitted a proposal to construct and operate a new open pit mine at its Labrador West mine site. This will be a conventional open pit mine that will provide iron ore to IOC's existing concentrator plant and will also provide a new source of iron ore to extend the operating life of its Carol Project. The proposed footprint (464 hectares) is mostly greenfields and is located entirely within the Town of Labrador City Planning Boundary. Two ponds, Pumphouse Pond (7.5 hectares) and Drum Lake (5.6 hectares), will be removed or altered with the project development. The proposed project will require a water extraction system, waste rock and overburden storage areas and a water treatment and discharge area – all to be located in order to avoid the Beverley Lake protected watershed.
The undertaking was registered on May 23, 2013; the deadline for public comments is June 28, 2013; and the minister’s decision is due by July 5, 2013.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE APPOINTED:
Flat Bay Petroleum Exploration Wells & Access Road (Reg. 1702)
Proponent: Investcan Energy Corp.
On May 13, 2013, the Minister advised the proponent that an Environmental Preview Report (EPR) is required for this project. An Environmental Assessment Committee has now been appointed to provide scientific and technical advice to the Minister and to prepare draft guidelines for conducting the EPR. The Assessment Committee has representation from the following government agencies:
- Department of Environment and Conservation
- Environmental Assessment Division – Committee Chairperson
- Pollution Prevention Division
- Water Resources Management Division
- Department of Natural Resources
- Environment Canada
UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:
Roddickton Access Road Between Sail Pond and Coles Pond (Reg. 1701)
Proponent: Apostolic Faith Mission
The project is released subject to the following condition:
- A 30-metre buffer is to be maintained from waterbodies and wetlands except for those crossings that maybe approved under the Water Resources Act.
Forteau (Buckles Point) Marine Terminal (Reg. 1700)
Proponent: C & T Enterprises Ltd.
The project is released subject to the following condition:
- An Environmental Protection Plan must be submitted to and approved by the Minister of Environment and Conservation prior to the start of construction.
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, NL A1B 4J6
Environmental assessment information is on the department website: www.gov.nl.ca/env
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Media contact:
Deborah Thomas
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575; 728-8092
DeborahThomas@gov.nl.ca
2013 05 24 2:30 p.m.