August 2, 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.
UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:
Crown Five-Year Operating Plan FMD 4, 5, 6, and 8 (2012-2016) – Amendment
Proponent: Department of Natural Resources (Reg. 1716)
The Department of Natural Resources has proposed an amendment to the current Crown Five-Year Operating Plan for Forestry Management Districts 4, 5, 6 and 8, (Planning Zone 3). The proposed amendment is near Harvey’s Pond in the western portion of Forest Management District 5, near Gander Bay. The rationale for this amendment is to identify sufficient volumes of timber for commercial operations within the district due to unforeseen land use conflicts. Access is planned via forest access road off the Gander Bay highway with no primary access road construction required. This undertaking will include the harvesting of approximately 23,000 m3 of timber and the construction of 3.5 kilometres of secondary access roads. Construction will commence following approval.
The undertaking was registered on August 1, 2013; the deadline for public comments is September 6, 2013; and the minister’s decision is due by September 14, 2013.
North West Pond Cottage Access Road (Reg. 1715)
Proponent: Jesse Pickett
The proponent proposes to construct a 1.2 kilometre access road to access a recreational cottage on North West Pond, Indian Bay, Bonavista North. The proposed road will be approximately four metres in width and will take approximately 30 days to complete. Construction is proposed to begin immediately following the completion of the environmental assessment review and obtaining all approvals.
The undertaking was registered on July 31, 2013; the deadline for public comments is September 6, 2013; and the minister’s decision is due by September 14, 2013.
Rocky Harbour ATV Trail (Reg. 1714)
Proponent: Town of Rocky Harbour
The proponent plans to construct a new multi-purpose trail for all-terrain vehicle use, snowmobiling and mountain biking through the Rocky Harbour enclave adjacent to Gros Morne National Park. The trail will be approximately six kilometres in length and seven metres in width. Construction is scheduled to take place in the fall of 2013.
The undertaking was registered on July 30, 2013; the deadline for public comments is September 6, 2013; and the minister’s decision is due by September 13, 2013.
PROJECT WITHDRAWN:
Forest Management District 14 and 15 Five Year Operating Plan
Proponent: Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Limited. (Reg. 1713)
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 at: 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 08 02 11:10 a.m.