The Honourable Derek Bennett, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Municipalities, has announced the following events relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.

UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:

Baytona Snowmobile Trail                                                            (Reg. 2119)
Proponent: Town of Baytona

 The proponent is proposing to construct a 6-kilometre snowmobile trail in Baytona. The trail would begin near the intersection of Route 340 and the town of Baytona and head north. The construction would comprise of cutting and removing any vegetation. The project is expected to begin in the fall of 2021.

The project was registered on February 17, 2021; the deadline for public comments is March 26, 2021; and the Minister’s decision is due by April 3, 2021.

Springdale Indian River Fishway Reconstruction                    (Reg. 2120)
Proponent: Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada  

The proponent is proposing to reconstruct the existing pool and weir fishway in order to restore/enhance the safe and continued passage of fish. The existing concrete structure would be dewatered, demolished and removed in its entirety. A new pool and weir fishway would be reconstructed in the same footprint as the existing structure. The proposed site is located at Indian River, 10 kilometres east of Springdale. Construction is set to begin in early fall 2021.

The undertaking was registered February 17, 2021; the deadline for public comments is March 26, 2021; and the Minister’s decision is due by April 3, 2021.

ENVIRONMENTAL PREVIEW REPORT GUIDELINES ISSUED:

Hopeall Abattoir                                                                                (Reg. 2105)
Proponent:  Kettle Hill Farm

The minister has approved the final guidelines for the preparation of the environmental preview report (EPR) for the Hopeall Abattoir. 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 of Environment, Climate Change and Municipalities website at  https://www.gov.nl.ca/eccm/projects/project-2105/ or by contacting the Chair of the Environmental Assessment Committee, Brenda Rowe, by email at browe@gov.nl.ca

UNDERTAKING RELEASED:

Pinware River Cottage and Access Road                                     (Reg. 2110)
Proponent: Mr. Denis O’Dell

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.
• The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires the following:
• 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; and,
• A minimum 30-metre naturally vegetated buffer be maintained along streams and waterbodies that appear on a 1:50,000 topographical map to protect sensitive riparian and aquatic species, and their habitat.
• An archaeological impact assessment is required prior to any development. The assessment must include a visual survey of previously disturbed lands as well as testing of any undisturbed portions of the subject lands. The proponent is responsible for hiring an archaeologist to have the assessment carried out.
• 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.

Learn more

Environmental Assessment Division
Department of Environment, Climate Change and Municipalities
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: https://www.gov.nl.ca/eccm/env-assessment/

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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Environment, Climate Change and Municipalities
709-729-5449; 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca