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.
APPEAL OF DECISION TO RELEASE UNDERTAKING:
Placentia Bay Atlantic Salmon Aquaculture Project (Reg. 1834)
Proponent: Grieg NL Nurseries Ltd. and Grieg NL Seafarms Ltd.
On September 6, 2018, the minister announced that the environmental impact statement for the above-noted project is acceptable. On October 30, 2018, the minister received an appeal of that decision under section 107 of the Environmental Protection Act. The appeal document can be viewed on the department’s website at: www.mae.gov.nl.ca/env_assessment/projects/Y2016/1834/index.html.
Inquiries can be directed to Ms. Joanne Sweeney, Environmental Scientist, Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment, at 709-729-2822 or by email at joannesweeney@gov.nl.ca. The deadline for public comments is November 19, 2018. The minister’s decision on the appeal is due by November 29, 2018.
ENVIRONMENTAL PREVIEW REPORT DEFICIENT:
Colinet-Rocky River Zip Line and Adventure Park (Reg. 1752)
Proponent: Mr. Trevor Linehan
In August 2014, the minister provided the environmental preview report (EPR) guidelines to the proponent for the preparation of an EPR. The minister has advised the proponent that the revised EPR submitted for review in July 2018, is deficient and that an addendum is required to address the deficiencies which include, but are not limited to: a description of all the land parcels to be used for the park; and the construction and planning details for the infrastructure, trails, roads, and zip line towers. Additional information is available at: www.mae.gov.nl.ca/env_assessment/projects/Y2014/1752/index.html
UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:
Ming’s Bight (Argyle) Gold Mine (Reg. 1959)
Proponent: Anaconda Mining Inc.
The project is released subject to the following condition:
- The acid rock drainage/metal leaching report must be finalized and approved by the Minister of Natural Resources.
Mary’s Harbour Breakwater (Reg. 1983)
Proponent: Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Small Craft Harbours
The project is released subject to the following condition:
- An environmental protection plan (EPP) for the project shall be submitted to and approved by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment prior to the commencement of project construction. The EPP shall include, but not be limited to, a description of the following:
- measures that will be undertaken to minimize/eliminate adverse environmental effects on-land and in-water during project construction, including measures to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species into and/or out of the bay;
- measures that will be undertaken to minimize and control the release or re-suspension of sediments or contaminants resulting from in-water activities to ensure compliance with the Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines. The Guidelines which recommend that human activities should not cause suspended solids levels to increase by more than 10 per cent of the natural conditions expected at the time;
- the presence of eelgrass beds that may be effected by the project and measures that will be undertaken to protect eelgrass beds and coastal wetlands during project construction;
- features of the project that demonstrate the incorporation of climate change projections into the project design; and
- a commitment to have a spill kit on-site during project construction.
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