The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment, has announced the following events relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.
UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:
Port Blandford Marina Development (Reg. 1987)
Proponent: Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Small Craft Harbours Branch
The proponent proposes to construct a new wharf, concrete launchway, and a 163 metre breakwater at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Small Craft Harbours facility in Port Blandford. The project will involve dredging of the harbour basin with an approximate footprint of 4540 square metres. The project is expected to provide improved launch facilities and wharf infrastructure, and necessary protection for marina infrastructure at the facility.
The undertaking was registered on October 23, 2018; the deadline for public comments is November 29, 2018; and the Minister’s decision is due by December 7, 2018.
Corner Brook Cannabis Production Facility (Reg. 1988)
Proponent: Turtle Technologies Inc.
The proponent proposes to use a recently renovated 9,000 square foot building at 1 North Shore Highway, Corner Brook, for the aeroponic production of medical and recreational cannabis. The facility infrastructure will include an HVAC system with carbon filters and scrubbers, an artesian well, water holding tanks and a water/sewerage system.
The undertaking was registered on October 23, 2018; the deadline for public comments is November 29, 2018; and the Minister’s decision is due by December 7, 2018.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE APPOINTED:
Glenburnie Drydock (Reg. 1962)
Proponent: 3 T’s Limited
On July 25, 2018, the minister advised the proponent that an environmental preview report (EPR) is required for the project. On September 25, 2018, the proponent notified the minister they wish to proceed with the environmental assessment review. An Environmental Assessment Committee (EAC) has been appointed to provide scientific and technical advice to the minister and to prepare guidelines for conducting the EPR. The EAC includes representation from the following government agencies:
- Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment
- Environmental Assessment Division – Committee Chairperson
- Pollution Prevention Division
- Water Resources Management Division
- Local Governance and Planning Division
- Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
- Tourism Division
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada
- Fisheries Protection Program
- Parks Canada
- Gros Morne National Park
PLANS APPROVED:
Bay d’Espoir to Western Avalon Transmission Line (Reg. 1803)
Proponent: Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro
On June 17, 2016, the minister released the project from the environmental assessment process subject to a number of conditions. The conditions included the submission of a decommissioning plan which was submitted as required and approved on October 14, 2016. Onsite assessments conducted by the proponent prior to and during the construction of the transmission line resulted in much of the originally proposed access routing to remain in the new right-of-way. This required a decommissioning plan amendment, which was approved October 19, 2018.
DECISION ON APPEAL:
Indian Head Hatchery Expansion Project (Reg. 1975)
Proponent: Northern Harvest Smolt Ltd.
An appeal of the decision to release the above undertaking from further environmental assessment was received on September 20, 2018. The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment has determined that the decision on September 4, 2018, stands and the appeal is dismissed. The decision on the appeal can be viewed on the department’s website at: www.mae.gov.nl.ca/env_assessment/projects/Y2018/1975/index.html.
UNDERTAKING WITHDRAWN:
Happy Valley-Goose Bay Ex-Situ Bioremediation Facility (Reg. 1948)
Proponent: Nordlys Environmental Limited Partnership
Learn more
Environmental Assessment Division – toll-free at 1-800-563-6181 or by mail:
Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment
West Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700, St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6
Public comments may be forwarded to EAprojectcomments@gov.nl.ca
Environmental assessment information: www.mae.gov.nl.ca/env_assessment/
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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca