Environmental Assessment Bulletin

April 4, 2024

Gander Agriculture Development                                             (Reg. 2297)
Proponent: Craig Waterman
The Proponent is proposing to develop approximately 92 hectares of land west of Gander for the agricultural production of blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. Development would include land clearing, tree cutting, rock removal, leveling, crop planting, soil amendment, and the construction of a greenhouse and outbuildings. 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 April 4, 2024; the deadline for public comment is May 9, 2024; and the minister’s decision is due by May 19, 2024.

Comments may be sent to: EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca

IOC Western Hillside Tailings Pipeline                                                (Reg. 2296)
Proponent: Iron Ore Company of Canada
The Proponent is proposing a new tailings management plan that would include optimizing available space of the existing Wabush Lake tailings storage facility and utilizing the Western Hillside. The Project would include the development of an access road and pipeline alignment, transmission lines, pumps and pumphouses, and a modified strategy for deposition of tailings into Wabush Lake. 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 April 4, 2024; the deadline for public comment is May 9, 2024, and the minister’s decision is due by May 19, 2024.

Comments may be sent to: EAProjectComments@gov.nl.caENVIRONMENTAL PREVIEW REPORT REQUIRED:

Botwood Flower’s Hill Quarry                                                                (Reg. 2287)
Proponent: C & H Construction
The minister has advised the Proponent that an environmental preview report (EPR) is required for the Project. The EPR is required to include:

• Identification of an access route to the proposed quarry that:
  • Is located outside the Wind Energy Reserve (existing roads within the reserve can be used);
  • Complies with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure’s highway access policy requirements; and
  • Satisfies the requirements of the lease holder (Crown Lands lease 158455) if the road needs to cross over the waterline easement.
• A commitment to maintain a minimum 50-metre naturally vegetated buffer along all waterbodies in the event that the quarry boundaries area amended.
• A Water Resources Management Plan that identifies the potential effects of the Project on nearby wetlands and waterbodies and describe onsite water and sediment control measurements.
• A Project-specific Contingency Plan to enable a quick and effective response to a spill event.

An Environmental Assessment Committee (EAC) has been appointed to provide scientific and technical advice to the minister and to prepare guidelines to advise the Proponent of the information to be included in an EPR. The public will be invited to provide comments on the EPR upon its submission. The EAC includes representation from the following government departments:

• Department of Environment and Climate Change
• Environmental Assessment Division – Chair
• Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
  • Policy and Strategic Planning
  • Policy, Planning and Research

• Department of Industry, Energy and Technology
• Mines Division

• Department of Transportation and Infrastructure
• Highway Design and Construction Division

Comments may be sent to: EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca

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

NT4