1. INTRO

Question 1

Wat is Impact Assessment

Answer 1

process of identifying future consequences of a current or proposed action. Impact refers to difference between what would happen with or without action

Question 2

Dual nature of IA

Answer 2

1. technical tool to analyse consequences of action, provide info to stakeholders/decision-makers
2. legal/institutional procedure linked to decision-making process of planned project

Question 3

EIA helps …. (3) identify environmental consequences or impacts of proposed projects and actions

Answer 3

governments, developers, public

Question 4

EIA provides an estimation and evaluation of … of the environment resulting from a proposed activity

Answer 4

probable changes in the biophysical and socio-economic characteristics

Question 5

EIA should be … rather than reactive

Answer 5

proactive

Question 6

How can we define the environment

Answer 6

a) natural
-air, land, water, biota
-natural systems
-their relationships

b)human
-social systems
-economic systems
-cultural qualities

Question 7

EIA is a … by definition.

Answer 7

multi-disciplinary

Question 8

Why should conduct EIA?

Answer 8

Developments = beneficial + negative impacts. Adverse effects frequently impacts broader natural, social systems. Beneficial ones benefit limited enviro./individuals

all development cause impacts

Question 9

EIA is not about stopping development, so what is it about?

Answer 9

Intended to make developments better. Helps decision-makers by providing full understanding of impacts. It creates a setting within which decision-makers aware of impacts of their decisions (no guarantee decision-makers will make best decision)

Question 10

What EIA does for us?

Answer 10

protects natural/social environments
preserve/enhance quality life
ensure compliance with legislation (reduce legal liability)
public awareness/acceptance/confidence (improve professional credibility)
maximises info sources/improves knowledge (reduce surprises, can anticipate issues, manage risks)
advances policy and planning objectives (on-budget, on-time–> lower costs?)

Question 11

Brief timeline

Answer 11

1950: basic assessments for major projects

1960: public included

1970: Environmental Assessment and Review Process, Mackenzie Valley Pipeline (INDG, enviro. orgs)

1980: EARP = legal requirement applied to federal jurisdiction

1990:CEA Act, trans-boundary effects, social/economic assessments, sust principles, EIA as a tool to achieve sustainable developments (uncertainty how)

2010:EIA confidence crisis, INDG rights/title, government changes, expert panels reviewing EAs

2019: federal act (amended in 2024)
BC EA Act change to align with federal
INDG-led assessments options
pre-aplication preparation/review
more consultation opportunities, more things for proponents to consider