The Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment, has announced the following events relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.
UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:
Junction Brook Quarry (Reg. 2097)
Proponent: Rodney’s Contracting Limited
The proponent proposes to develop a seven-hectare quarry for gravel and sand in the Junction Brook area located approximately three kilometres east of Reidville in Western Newfoundland. The quarry will consist of two pits approximately four hectares and three hectares in size. The quarry will be accessed by an existing road on the western side of the Trans Canada Highway near Junction Brook.
The undertaking was registered on August 14, 2020; the deadline for public comments is September 18, 2020; and the minister’s decision is due by September 28, 2020.
Indian Bay Quarry (Reg. 2096)
Proponent: Oldford’s Sand & Gravel Ltd.
The proponent is proposing to develop a 2-hectare sand and gravel quarry located 1.4 kilometres off Route 320, 3.5 kilometres northeast of Indian Bay. An existing ATV trail will be upgraded to access the site.
The undertaking was registered on August 12, 2020; the deadline for public comments is September 18, 2020; and the minister’s decision is due by September 26, 2020.
ENVIRONMENTAL PREVIEW REPORT REQUIRED:
Salmonier Line Cottage Development (Reg. 1958)
Proponent: Gerbar Holdings Inc.
The minister has advised the proponent that an Environmental Preview Report (EPR) is required for this project. Additional information is required, including, but not limited to: a revised project design such that the development is in compliance with the department’s Policy for Land and Water Related Developments in Protected Public Water Supply Areas and includes a 30–metre undisturbed buffer around waterbodies and wetlands; a water quality monitoring program; a description of Southwest Pond and Maloney’s River Tributary; a survey for boreal felt lichen (Erioderma pedicellatum); and clarification of land title. An environmental assessment committee will be appointed to provide scientific and technical advice to the minister and guidance regarding the information requirements to the proponent. The minister will issue guidelines to the proponent to assist with the development of the EPR. For further information on this project, please contact Paul Carter at pcarter@gov.nl.ca.
Exploits River (Bishop’s Falls South Side) Cottage
Development (Reg. 1990)
Proponent: Alex Cooke
The minister has advised the proponent that an Environmental Preview Report (EPR) is required for this project. Additional information is required, including, but not limited to: a revised project design of the proponent’s property such that the development is in compliance with the department’s Flood Plain Management Policy; a site layout plan showing the 1 in 20-year and 1 in 100-year flood zones and the historic flood risk area; a Level 1 groundwater assessment; a Buffer Zone Rehabilitation/Maintenance Plan; a description of use of the NL T’Railway Provincial Park; and an Historic Resources Impact Assessment. An environmental assessment committee will be appointed to provide scientific and technical advice to the minister and guidance regarding the information requirements to the proponent. The minister will issue guidelines to the proponent to assist with the development of the EPR. For further information on this project, please contact Paul Carter at pcarter@gov.nl.ca.
ENVIRONMENTAL PREVIEW REPORT GUIDELINES ISSUED:
Stephenville Range Complex (Reg. 2043)
Proponent: Town of Stephenville
The minister has approved the guidelines for the preparation of the environmental preview report (EPR) for the Stephenville Range Complex project. The EPR guidelines identify the information that the proponent will be required to include in the EPR. The EPR guidelines document is available on the department’s website at: www.gov.nl.ca/mae/projects/project-2043/. Information can be obtained by contacting the Chair of the environmental assessment committee, Brenda Rowe, by email at browe@gov.nl.ca.
UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:
Wooddale East Family Farm (Reg. 2084)
Proponent: 83992 Newfoundland & Labrador Inc.
The project is released subject to the following conditions:
- The proponent is required to uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the project on the environment.
- A minimum 30-metre undisturbed buffer is required along all waterbodies and wetlands that appear on a 1:50,000 topo map to protect sensitive riparian and aquatic species, and their habitat.
- No vegetation clearing is to occur within 800 metres of a bald eagle or osprey nest during the nesting season (March 15 to July 31) and 200 metres during the remainder of the year. The 200-metre buffer also applies to all other raptor nests (e.g. Northern Goshawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, American Kestrel, Great-horned Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl). The location of any raptor nest site must be reported to the Wildlife Division of the Department of Fisheries and Land Resources.
- The proponent is required to advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met, by emailing a written description, documents, and images (where applicable) to demonstrate that the conditions have been fulfilled to EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca.
- The proponent is required to update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the project, including a copy of all permits, licenses, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the project, one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates if requested. Project updates should be emailed to EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca.
Markland Farm Expansion (Reg. 2081)
Proponent: Taylor Farm Products
The project was released subject to the following conditions:
- The proponent is required to uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the project on the environment.
- No vegetation clearing is to occur within 800 metres of a bald eagle or osprey nest during the nesting season (March 15 to July 31) and 200 metres during the remainder of the year. The 200-metre buffer also applies to all other raptor nests (e.g. Northern Goshawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, American Kestrel, Great-horned Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl). The location of any raptor nest site must be reported to the Wildlife Division, Department of Fisheries and Land Resources at 709-637-2025.
- A minimum 30-metre undisturbed buffer is required along all waterbodies and wetlands that appear on a 1:50,000 topo map to protect sensitive riparian and aquatic species, and their habitat.
- The proponent is required to update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the project, including a copy of all permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for your project, one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates if required by the Environmental Assessment Division. Please email your project updates to EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca.
Learn more
Environmental Assessment Division
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.gov.nl.ca/mae/env-assessment/
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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
709-691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca