Environmental Assessment

Class Environmental Assessments

There are currently 10 approved class environmental assessments (class EAs) in Ontario which cover a wide range of projects and activities including: municipal infrastructure, transit, provincial highways, forest management, activities in provincial parks, disposition of Crown resources, nuisance species control, fish stocking, shoreline and stream bank stabilization, access roads, hydro transmission lines, modifications to hydroelectric facilities, as well as flood and erosion control projects.

The class EA document is prepared by the proponent in accordance with the approved terms of reference. The class EA document outlines the planning process to be followed, as well as the categorization of projects. It is submitted to the ministry for review and a decision following the EA process. Once approved, the proponent can follow the streamlined EA process as outlined in the approved class EA document to plan the listed activities.

The appeal mechanism for class EA projects is a Part II Order request. The request must be made in writing to the Minister of the Environment. Ministry staff will review the request, consult with appropriate persons, and make a recommendation to the Minister or delegate who is ultimately responsible for making a decision. 

If the Minister decides to make a Part II Order, the proponent will be required to prepare a ToR and an EA for submission to the ministry for review and a decision.

• Approved Class EAs
• Part II Orders