What is screening?
refers to narrowing of EIA application to projects requiring assessment b/c of perceived sig enviro effects and regulations.
- screening is the trigger for an EIA and ensures no unnecessary EAs are carried out
- asks “is an EA required? If so, what kind?”
What are the 3 approaches to screening?
- case-by-case
- list-based (prescriptive)
- threshold-based
What is the case-by-case approach to screening?
It is discretionary/criteria-based.
- evaluates project characteristics against a checklist of regulations/screening criteria
- allows max flexibility to screen in/out potential development based on site specific characteristics
- time consuming, inconsistent, costly, may be abused by decision makers
What is list-based screening?
List of projects for which EIA is required or not.
- inclusion and exclusion lists (is EA required or not?)
- straightforward, quick, consistent
- not site specific
- CEAA 1995 used this process but not under CEAA 2012
What is threshold-based screening?
Puts proposed projects in categories and sets thresholds for each type (ex. project size, emission level, pop affected).
- used in conjunction with list-based
- simple, quick, easy, consistent
- inflexible rules, no common sense (problem when project lies just below the threshold)
- CEAA 2012 uses method (ex. oil sands has limit of bitumen production)
What is the best approach to screening?
- to combine all 3 methods into a hybrid approach b/c this ensures that all the best aspects of EAs are done
What does screening in Canada currently apply to (CEAA 2012)?
- only applies when a project is a “designated project” or authorities make a decision
What does a designated project mean?
Carried out on fed land that is designated by Reg Designating Phys Activities or by the Minister of Env
What are the 3 responsible authorities able to carry out EA in Canada?
Although an EA is the responsibility of the proponent, res. authorities can carry out.
- Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA)
- Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC)
- National Energy Board (NEB)
What are the 3 tiers of info in EAs?
a) general: location, consultation, details on other EIA legislation, identify affected agencies
b) project: description, construction scheduling, material requirements
c) site-specific: affected enviro components
What are the 2 types of EA?
- EA by responsible authority: for smaller projects originally, but now mainly for projects with predictable/expected outcomes
- EA by review panel: for uncertain, complex projects
What is the precautionary principle?
When scientific info is incomplete, but there is a threat present, lack of full certainty should not be used as a reason to preclude or postpone actions to prevent harm.
- should always be practiced in EA
How has the definition of enviro effect changed from 1995 to 2012?
1995: any change a project could cause in the environment, society, or economy (broad)
2012: any change to a component of the enviro under fed jurisdiction (ex. fish and migratory birds), on fed lands, or effects on Aboriginal peoples (narrow)
What are the potential outcomes of screening?
- EA required
- EA not required
- Limited (aka streamlined) EA required (ex. class EA)
- more studies required to determine if EA needed
What is the ultimate goal of screening?
- ensure no unnecessary EAs are carried out
- ensure developments warranting assessment are not overlooked
What is an assessment conducted by a res authority occur?
- systematically documents potential enviro effects, identifies mitigation measures, determines need to modify project/recommends further assessment
When/what does/is an assessment conducted by a review panel (occur)?
- occurs when enviro impacts uncertain/significant
- composed of group of experts appointed by minister
When was an EA in 1995?
- project proposed by fed authorities
- project involved fed funding
- project involved fed land
- project required a permit/license
What were the types of EAs in 1995?
- Screening EA - for small regular projects (99% of EAs were this)
- Comprehensive Study - if project fell under comprehensive study list regulations (threshold-based)
- Review Panel - for complex, uncertain projects
What is required pre-EA in CEAA 2012?
Project description is for the purpose of screening (EA needed?)
Consists of:
- general info (location, consultation info, regulatory requirements)
- project info (purpose, size capacity, activity types, waste production)
- location info (geo coordinates, maps, proximity to residences)
- fed involvement (funding, land, permits)
- enviro effects (biophysical setting, description of changes that might be caused)
What is the “need for” and “purpose of” project sections in a project description?
Need for: problem project will address
Purpose of: what is intended to be achieved
Ex. we need electrical station for the purpose of supplying reliable, cost-efficient energy
What is scoping?
- determines important issues and parameters that should be addressed in EA, establishes spatial/temporal boundaries, and focuses on assessment of relevant issues/concerns
What are the main objectives of scoping?
- identify biggest issues
- establish boundaries
What are the two types of scoping?
- open: content and scope determined by participatory, transparent process
- closed: content and scope based on law
