The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, has announced the following relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.

UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:
New Nain Airport Project                                                                         (Reg. 2280)
Proponent: Nunatsiavut Government
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and the Nunatsiavut Government are each required to conduct an environmental assessment of the above noted project. The three jurisdictions are working together to avoid duplication in the environmental assessment, and each jurisdiction will make a decision on the undertaking.

The Proponent proposes to construct a new airport to replace the existing airstrip in Nain, Labrador. The project would include an 1,830-metre-long gravel runway, a multifunctional airport terminal, hanger and other related infrastructure, and a 13-kilometre access road. The new facility would operate year-round to provide essential services to the community. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/eccm/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on December 18, 2023; the deadline for public comments is February 16, 2024; and the minister’s decision is due by February 26, 2024.

Comments on the undertaking can be submitted to EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca.

If you wish for your comments to also be considered by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and the Nunatsiavut Government, please submit your comments to Nain@iaac-aeic.gc.ca, and environmentalreviews@nunatsiavut.com.

Badger Chute Quarry                                                                               (Reg. 2281)
Proponent: Penney Paving Limited
The Proponent is proposing to construct and operate a 10-hectare quarry approximately 5 km southeast of the town of Badger. Development would consist of clearing the site of organic material and mineral soil before proceeding to remove sand and gravel resource material. The purpose of the quarry is to supply aggregate products for construction contracts throughout central Newfoundland. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on December 18, 2023; the deadline for public comment is January 22, 2024; and the minister’s decision is due by February 1, 2024.

Black Mountain North Quarry                                                                (Reg. 2282)
Proponent: Newcrete Investments Limited
The Proponent is proposing to develop a 116.6-hectare sand and gravel quarry in the Black Mountain Pond region within the City of St John’s municipal boundary. The quarry location is approximately 1-kilometre northwest of Incinerator Road, off the Foxtrap Access Road. Access to the site would include development of a new 480-metre access road and relocation of 2.2 kilometres of existing ATV trail that currently runs through the proposed quarry site. The quarry material would be used for aggregate and concrete production operations across the province. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on  December 18, 2023; the deadline for public comment is January 22, 2023, and the minister’s decision is due by February 1, 2023.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT REQUIRED:

Strange Lake Rare Earth Mining Project                                          (Reg. 2272)
Proponent: Torngat Metals Ltd.
The minister has advised the Proponent that an environmental impact statement (EIS) is required for the project. Additional information is needed to inform the minister of the following, including but not limited to:  effects of the project on caribou and habitat; updated field surveys; quarrying and exploration activities; assessment of the effects of the lower-grade ore stockpile; permissions for carrying out project activities on private land; impacts of road construction on permafrost; baseline assessments of human health factors; consultation with Indigenous Governments and Organizations and the public; and measures that will be taken to mitigate for adverse effects.

An Environmental Assessment Committee will be appointed by the minister to prepare draft guidelines for conducting the EIS and to provide scientific, technical and regulatory advice. Project information is available at www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2272/ .

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

Maccles Lake Road Beef Farm Expansion                                         (Reg. 2274)
Proponent: Gordon’s Farm / Maccles Ridge Ranch

The project is released from environmental assessment subject to the following conditions:

• The Proponent must 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:
• • A minimum 50-metre, undisturbed riparian buffer zone shall be established around all waterbodies, from the high-water mark, that are identified on either the 1:50,000 scale National Topographic System maps, or the topographic mapping layer shown in the Provincial Land Use Atlas, to protect sensitive riparian and aquatic species and their habitats; and
  • Vegetation clearing is not to occur within 800 metres of a bald eagle or osprey nest during the nesting season (March 15 to July 31) or within 200 metres during the remainder of the year. The 200-metre buffer applies to all other raptor nests (e.g. Northern Goshawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, American Kestrel, Great-horned Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Sawwhet Owl). The location of any raptor nest sites shall be reported to the Wildlife Division.
• The Proponent must advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met, by e-mailing a written description, document, and images (where applicable) to demonstrate that the conditions have been fulfilled.
• The Proponent must 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 within one year from the date of release, and to provide additional updates if required.

Hampden Residential House                                                                  (Reg. 2275)
Proponent: Zeta Osmond
The Project is released from environmental assessment subject to the following conditions:

• The Proponent must uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the project on the environment.
• The Proponent must 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 within one year from the date of release, and to provide additional updates if required.

Learn more
Environmental Assessment Division
Department of Environment and Climate Change
West Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700, St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6

Environmental assessment information is available at:

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/GUIDE-TO-THE-PROCESS_December-2023.pdf

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

Project comments may be forwarded to: EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca

Anyone submitting comments on a Project under environmental assessment is asked to please advise the Department if they DO NOT wish to have their comments shared with the Project Proponent.