What is a streamlined environmental assessment?
There are some groups or classes of projects that are carried out routinely and have predictable environmental effects that can be readily managed. These types of projects, such as building a dam or municipal road can follow an environmental assessment (EA) process that is more streamlined
Streamlined EA projects do not need a separate approval by the Minister if the planning process set out in the class EA or a regulation is followed and successfully completed. This is a proponent-led self-assessment process. Streamlined EAs include class EAs projects; and projects covered under the electricity, waste management and transit regulations.
When do proponents contact the ministry during the class environmental assessment process?
Proponents should contact the ministry's regional office before starting the class environmental assessment project. Proponents are required to send all public notices such as a notice of commencement or a notice of completion to the ministry.
How can significant, outstanding environmental concerns be addressed?
Actions you can take include:
- participating in the environmental assessment (EA) process and discussing your issues with the proponent
- requesting that the proponent consider self-directed mediation to resolve issues
- requesting a Part II Order or Elevation for a higher level of assessment
The proponent can revise project documentation and/or make additional commitments.
The ministry can:
- refer the matter to mediation
- require the proponent to take on further work
- deny Part II Order or Elevation request with conditions
- require the proponent to complete a terms of reference and an individual EA
