An Introduction to Environmental Assessment · An Introduction to Environmental Assessment Prepared...
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An Introduction to Environmental Assessment Prepared by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Want to learn more? More information on environmental assessment is available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency’s website at www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca Environmental assessment key terms and examples Proponent: The proponent is the person, company or government who is planning a project. An example of a proponent would be a company that wanted to build a gold mine. Project: A project is something that the proponent wants to build. A new mine, a dam or a large power plant are examples of the types of projects that would likely need an environmental assessment. Environmental effects: Environmental effects are changes to the environment that result from a project. This includes effects on fish, aquatic species or migratory birds and their habitats and to water, air and soil health. An adverse (negative) environmental effect is one that is harmful to the environment. An example of an adverse environmental effect that could occur during a mine project would be a pond containing mine waste that overflows into a nearby stream during heavy rains, contaminating the fish habitat. Mitigation measures: Mitigation measures are actions that can be done to reduce (mitigate) or avoid the negative effects that a project could have on the environment. An example of a mitigation measure that could be introduced for the above environmental effect would be constructing a channel to a small secondary pond which could contain the overflow when there is heavy rain. Aussi disponible en français. February 2014 *This pamphlet is intended for information purposes only. It is not a substitute for the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012) or any of its regulations. In the event of any inconsistency between this content and CEAA 2012 or its regulations, CEAA 2012 or its regulations, as the case may be, would prevail.
Transcript of An Introduction to Environmental Assessment · An Introduction to Environmental Assessment Prepared...
An Introduction to Environmental Assessment
Prepared by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Want to learn more?
More information on environmental assessment is available on
the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency’s website at
www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca
Environmental assessment key terms and examples
Proponent: The proponent is the person, company or government who is planning a project.
An example of a proponent would be a company that wanted to build a gold mine.
Project: A project is something that the proponent wants to build.
A new mine, a dam or a large power plant are examples of the types of projects that would
likely need an environmental assessment.
Environmental effects: Environmental effects are changes to the environment that result from
a project. This includes effects on fish, aquatic species or migratory birds and their habitats and
to water, air and soil health. An adverse (negative) environmental effect is one that is harmful
to the environment.
An example of an adverse environmental effect that could occur during a mine project would be
a pond containing mine waste that overflows into a nearby stream during heavy rains,
contaminating the fish habitat.
Mitigation measures: Mitigation measures are actions that can be done to reduce (mitigate) or
avoid the negative effects that a project could have on the environment.
An example of a mitigation measure that could be introduced for the above environmental
effect would be constructing a channel to a small secondary pond which could contain the
overflow when there is heavy rain.
Aussi disponible en français. February 2014
*This pamphlet is intended for information purposes only. It is not a substitute for the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012
(CEAA 2012) or any of its regulations. In the event of any inconsistency between this content and CEAA 2012 or its regulations, CEAA 2012 or
its regulations, as the case may be, would prevail.
An environmental assessment is a way to find out how a project could affect the
environment before the project goes ahead. Generally, environmental assessments are
done for large projects that could harm the environment.
Why do an environmental assessment?
An environmental assessment:
1. Identifies possible effects the project could have on the
environment;
2. Identifies measures to avoid or reduce negative effects;
3. Predicts whether significant negative environmental effects are still
likely to occur
4. Informs environmental assessment decisions by the Minister of
Environment; and
5. For projects that go ahead, establishes enforceable conditions and
ensures that these are met.
An environmental assessment is a planning and decision making tool that predicts the negative effects a project could have on the environment. It identifies potential ways to avoid or reduce (mitigate) these effects. The Government of Canada uses this information to help decide whether or not the project can go forward.
Who does environmental assessments in Canada?
The federal government and all the provincial governments have laws on environmental assessment. Environmental assessment processes also exist in the territories.
Other governments (municipal, regional, or Aboriginal) may have their own rules for environmental assessment. When possible, the various governments work together.
Aboriginal Groups
Federal expert departments
Other jurisdictions with EA
responsibilities
Members of the public
Who is involved in a federal environmental assessment?
Participation of public & Aboriginal groups A federal environmental assessment must provide the public and Aboriginal groups with the opportunity to be involved at different times during the environmental assessment. Comments will be taken into account in the assessment.
Aboriginal Consultation The federal government must consult with and, where appropriate, accommodate Aboriginal groups when its activities associated with a project could have a negative effect on potential or established Aboriginal or Treaty rights.
What is an environmental assessment?
The project proponent/
company
