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.
UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:
Bonavista Microbrewery (Reg. 2233)
Proponent: Bonavista Brewing Company Inc.
The proponent is proposing to establish and operate a microbrewery and tap room within an existing commercial building located at 27-29 Church Street, in the Town of Bonavista. The development would include building renovations and electrical and plumbing upgrades. The facility will use the municipal water and sewer systems and operate year-round. 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 February 2, 2023; the deadline for public comment is March 10, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by March 19, 2023.
Shoal Cove to Chimney Cove Multi-Use Trail (Reg. 2234)
Proponent: Natalia Crocker
The proponent is proposing to construct an approximately 6160-metre multi-use trail from Shoal Cove to Chimney Cove. The trail construction will include clearing and grubbing and crossings of small waterways. Work is scheduled to begin during the summer of 2023. 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 February 2, 2023; the deadline for public comment is March 10, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by March 19, 2023.
Stanhope Equipment Storage Yard (Reg. 2235)
Proponent: Aurora Holdings Inc.
The proponent is proposing an extension to an existing business located along Route 341 within the community of Stanhope, west of Lewisporte. An equipment storage yard would be constructed and used to store imported equipment including ATV trailers, farm equipment and portable sawmills. The development would include the construction of a new building to store boats, RVs and automobiles. An area would be developed for the outdoor storage of RVs and trailers, and sea cans would be installed as personal storage units. 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 February 2, 2023; the deadline for public comment is March 10, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by March 19, 2023.
ENVIRONMENTAL PREVIEW REPORT REQUIRED:
Victoria River Quarry (Reg. 2227)
Proponent: Newcrete Investments Ltd.
The minister has advised the proponent that an environmental preview report (EPR) is required for this project. Additional information is needed to inform the minister of the following, including, but not limited to:
- justification for sourcing sand and gravel in the Victoria River region as opposed to less remote and more accessible locations in central Newfoundland, including a discussion of possible alternative sources of sand and gravel that would meet the company’s needs; an analysis of alternate quarry locations and access routes to minimize the potential effects on the Victoria River watershed and caribou migration routes;
- an analysis of the potential cumulative effects of the project on the Victoria River watershed, wildlife and wildlife habitat in the area and consideration of existing and proposed mining activities, road and transmission line development and other development near the proposed project area;
- identification of any public access routes to the river that may be present within the boundaries of the proposed site, and measures that will be undertaken by the proponent to preserve public access to the river while restricting public access to work sites;
- details on the expected longevity of the quarry and an estimate of the total volume of sand and gravel present that could be extracted from the site;
- an Archaeological Impact Assessment for project activities that would occur on the east side of the proposed access road;
- a Water Resources Management Plan;
- a Visibility Management Plan; and
- public consultation.
An Environmental Assessment Committee (EAC) has been appointed to provide scientific and technical advice to the minister and to draft guidelines for the proponent for preparation of the EPR. The EAC includes representatives from the following Provincial Government departments and agencies:
- Department of Environment and Climate Change
- Environmental Assessment Division – Chair
- Water Resources Management Division
- Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
- Wildlife Division
- Department of Industry, Energy and Technology
- Mines Branch
- Department of Tourism, Culture Arts and Recreation
- Tourism Product Development Division
UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:
Torbay Powder Coating Facility (Reg. 2228)
Proponent: APC Industrial Ltd.
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 proponent must 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 the Project, one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates if required.
Humber Valley Hiking Trail (Reg. 2230)
Proponent: International Appalachian Trail Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter 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.
- The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture advises the following:
- The registration document includes two maps that provide slightly differing illustrations of the trail location. The trail under Crown lands application 159964, which was reviewed in its entirety in the environmental assessment, is the trail that will be considered for issuance of a licence to occupy.
- Some sections of the proposed trail are located within suitable habitats for botanical species of conservation concern. The proponent must contact the Wildlife Division prior to vegetation clearing activities to discuss appropriate mitigation measures to ensure that listed plants or their habitats are not negatively impacted.
- 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 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 sites must be reported to the Wildlife Division.
- The proponent must 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.
- The proponent must 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 the project, one year from the date of this release letter 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
Public comments may be forwarded to: EAprojectcomments@gov.nl.ca
Environmental assessment information is available at:
www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/
www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/GUIDE-TO-THE-PROCESS_Jan-2023.pdf
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL
If you submit comments on a project that is under environmental assessment, please advise the Department if you DO NOT wish to share your comments with the project proponent.