Major aquaculture project in Placentia Bay released from N.L. environmental assessments

A major aquaculture project in Placentia Bay has been released from provincial environmental assessmentson several conditions, according to a release from the Newfoundland and Labrador government on Friday.

• Province confirms major aquaculture project for Placentia Bay
• Marystown salmon hatchery previewed in environmental review

The project, overseen byGrieg NL Seafarms Ltd., involves astate-of-the-art salmon hatchery/nursery facility in Marystownand fourmanagement areas developed along the western side of Placentia Bay and near Long Harbour.

In Friday's release, government said the project is released from further environmental assessment, subject to the following conditions:

• Only triploid Altantic salmon are permitted to be used.
• The department requires an annual progress report regarding the phased approach from using mixed sex triploids to the use of all female triploids.
• Prior to the commencement of construction activities, the proponent must submit to the Department of Advanced Education and Skills additional information on workforce and timelines for the project.
• Prior to the commencement of construction activities, the proponent must submit to the Women's Policy Office a Women's Employment Plan for the project that meets the approval of the deputy minister.
• Prior to the commencement of construction activities, the proponent must submit to Health Canada an inventory of all regulated substances that are intended to be used for the project.
• Company

Perry Trimper, the provincial environment minister, said the news now means that the development is just one step in a larger process, which will need to take place before it can proceed any further.

Company responds

Grieg NL Seafarms reacted to the news on Friday, saying it was pleased with the announcement from the Department of Environment and Conservation.

"This is a very important step in introducing modern aquaculture to Newfoundland and Labrador," the release said, "as well as creating significant job opportunities in the area."