Environmental Assessment

Terms of Reference

A terms of reference (ToR) is the first step in the environmental assessment (EA) application process. It is a framework or work plan for the preparation and evaluation of the EA prepared by the proponent and submitted to the ministry for review and a decision. The proponent must submit a ToR summary form with the application.

Consultation with the public and government agencies is mandatory during the preparation of the ToR and must be documented and submitted to the ministry.

Ministry staff provides a technical review of the ToR after submission and forwards a recommendation to the Minister who makes the decision about whether to approve the ToR. 

Once the ToR is approved, the proponent can begin to prepare the EA. The approval of the ToR does not guarantee the approval of the EA.

• ToR Summary Form