The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, has announced the following relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.
UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:
Brown’s Arm ATV Trail (Reg. 2323)
Proponent: Brown’s Arm Recreation Committee
The Proponent is proposing to develop a two-kilometre ATV/snowmobile trail that would connect an existing access road to the town of Brown’s Arm. Trail development would be limited to vegetation clearing using a mini excavator, chainsaws and brush saws. A description of the Project can be found on the department’s webpage at: https://pattern-loop.live/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/%3C/a%3E.%3Cbr /> The undertaking was registered on September 19, 2024; the deadline for public comment is October 25, 2024; and the minister’s decision is due by November 3, 2024.
Blaketown to Riverhead 94L Transmission Line Rebuild (Reg. 2322)
Proponent: Newfoundland Power
The Proponent is proposing a revision to its project (Registration #2184) that was released from further environmental assessment in January 2022. The revised work would involve the rerouting of a section of their 94L Transmission Line between the communities of Blaketown and Riverhead to avoid sensitive wetlands. A description of the Project can be found on the department’s web page at: https://pattern-loop.live/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/%3C/a%3E.%3C/p%3E
ENVIRONMENTAL PREVIEW REPORT REQUIRED AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE APPOINTED:
Argentia Renewables Project
Proponent: Argentia Renewables Wind LP (Reg. 2318)
The Minister has advised the Proponent that an environmental preview report (EPR) is required for the Project. Additional information is needed to inform the Minister of the following, including, but not limited to:
- Water source for hydrogen and ammonia production, and alternative source;
- Flora and fauna, including species at risk in/near the Project area;
- Potential effects of blasting on dams in protected public watershed;
- Viewscape assessment, Visitor Information Centre integration, and consultation with local tourism operators;
- Effluent characteristics, treatment process and outfall location from hydrogen and ammonia production facility;
- Supply and demand for quarry materials and potential access restrictions to existing quarry operators;
- Waste management.
An Environmental Assessment Committee (EAC) has been appointed to provide scientific and technical advice to the Minister and to draft guidelines for the Proponent in preparing the EPR. The EAC includes representatives from the following provincial and federal government agencies:
- Department of Environment and Climate Change
- Environmental Assessment Division – Chair
- Pollution Prevention Division
- Water Resources Management Division
- Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
- Department of Industry, Energy and Technology
- Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
- Environment and Climate Change Canada
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada
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:
https://pattern-loop.live/ecc/env-assessment/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
https://pattern-loop.live/ecc/files/GUIDE-TO-THE-PROCESS_Jan-2024.pdf%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
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.
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