Program or Service Description:
In 2001, both private and public sector electricity projects were made equally subject to the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act (EAA) through the Electricity Projects Regulation (O. Reg. 116/01) and the Guide to Environmental Assessment Requirements for Electricity Projects. Ontario Regulation 116/01 sets out the environmental assessment planning process for some electricity projects (e.g. natural gas) and determines the categories of assessment based on capacity, fuel type and potential for significant environmental effects. It is a proponent-led self-assessment process similar to the Class EA process.
Electricity projects that may have relatively benign environmental effects are not subject to any EA requirements. Electricity projects that may have some environmental effects that can be easily mitigated or managed are required to complete the Environmental Screening Process. Electricity projects that are likely to have significant environmental effects are required to complete the EA process as outlined in Part II of the EAA.
Submitters can request that an electricity project be elevated to an individual environmental assessment. If an elevation request is received, the project cannot proceed until the Director makes a decision on the request(s) for elevation.
Overall:
We are committed to the OPS service principles (i.e., accessible, responsive, reliable, caring, accountable; consistent, predictable, transparent, continuous improvement) and OPS common service standards (i.e., response times to general phone calls, mail, email, fax) as outlined in the ministry's service charter.
Program or Service-specific Standards:
- We will acknowledge the receipt of elevation requests within 15 business days of receipt
- We will review and make decisions on elevation request(s) within 30 calendar days of receiving all necessary information from the proponent,
- We will acknowledge receipt of requests for Minister review of a Director's decision within 10 business days of receiving a copy of the request
- Feedback on the process, or any other inquiries, can be directed to the ministry's Public Information Centre and a response will be provided within 15 business days (see below)
Program or Service Information:
Information regarding the Electricity Project Regulation can be accessed from the Ministry's web site at: http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/eaab/electricity-projects.php
Program or Service-specific Feedback:
Those interested in information about Ontario's environmental assessment process should consult the Ministry of the Environment's website or contact the ministry at:
Ministry of the Environment
Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch
2 St. Clair Avenue West, Floor 12A
Toronto, Ontario M4V 1L5 Canada
Telephone: 416-314-8001
Toll Free: 1-800-461-6290
Fax: 416-314-8452
E-mail: eaabgen.moe@ontario.ca
Website: www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/ea/index.htm
General Feedback:
Feedback on the ministry's service delivery is welcome through the following channels:
| Online: | MOE Internet site under Contact Us |
| In person: | At any ministry front counter office across the province |
| Telephone: | 416-325-4000 or 1-800-565-4923 |
| TTY: | 416-326-9236 or 1-800-515-2759 |
| Fax: | 416-325-3159 |
| Email: | picemail.moe@ontario.ca |
| Mail: | Public Information Centre 135 St. Clair Ave West, 1st Floor Toronto, Ontario M4V 1P5 |
