Regulation 616/98 is a deadline regulation which provides for time lines which apply to all key decisions in the environmental assessment (EA) review and approval process including:

• approval of the Terms of Reference;
• public and agency comment period on the submission of the EA;
• completion of the Ministry Review;
• public and agency comment period on the Ministry Review; and,
• the Minister's decision on approval of the project.

These regulated time lines help provide certainty for all participants in the EA process.