Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

News Release

Federal Environment Minister announces decision on the Trans Labrador Highway (Phase III)

OTTAWA - July 5, 2004 - The Honourable David Anderson, Minister of the Environment, today announced that the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Transportation and Works proposal to construct and maintain a two-lane gravel surface highway from Cartwright Junction to Happy Valley-Goose Bay will not require referral to a mediator or review panel under theCanadian Environmental Assessment Act. Minister Anderson has referred the project back to the federal authority, Transport Canada, for appropriate action.

The Minister has determined that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. The Minister based his decision on the following:

• the comprehensive study report, including the conclusions and recommendations submitted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada;
• public comments received during the 50-day consultation period on the comprehensive study report;
• the implementation of mitigation measures identified in the report; and
• the implementation of a follow-up program.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Transportation and Works has submitted a proposal to construct and maintain a two-lane gravel surface highway from Cartwright Junction (87 km south of Cartwright) to Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The road will be constructed to a 80 km/hr design standard with a posted speed limit of 70 km/hr. Construction is expected to be carried out in phases over a six-year period.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the federal environmental assessment process, which identifies the environmental effects of proposed projects and measures to address those effects, in support of sustainable development.

For more information:

Claire Chippindale
Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Tel.: (613) 957-0313
Fax: (613) 957-0946
E-mail: claire.chippindale@ceaa-acee.gc.ca