Find Environmental Assessments

Table of Contents

What is an Environmental Assessment?
Background Materials & McMaster Holdings
1. Some Useful Publications on the Federal EA Process Held at McMaster:

What is an Environmental Assessment?

An environmental assessment is an evaluation of the potential impact of a proposed activity or facility on the water, land, air and wildlife surrounding it.

The practice of conducting EA's emerged in the 1960's but gained real prominence during the late 1970's and early 1980's when megaprojects, such as the Mackenzie Valley Gas Pipeline, were being proposed.

Environmental Assessments are conducted by all levels of government. The federal government established the Federal Environmental Assessment Review Office (FEARO) to oversee its activities in 1973. Ontario passed its Environmental Assessment Act in 1975. Most other provinces followed suit between 1975 and 1988. Many municipalities, regional governments and planning authorities have incorporated the EA process into their own activities. Various levels of government often work together on joint assessment.

Dozens of environmental assessments are conducted each year across the country. McMaster University attempts to acquire all assessments deemed to be of interest to its students, faculty and researchers. Special emphasis is placed on assessments conducted in the local area.

Background Materials & McMaster Holdings

Federal Environmental Assessements - McMaster Holdings

(1995)

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.
Military Flying Activities in Labrador and Quebec: Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, February 1995.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 460 - 95 M32

(1994)

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Federal Environmental Assessment Panel Reviewing the Nuclear Fuel Waste Management and Disposal Concept. 1994.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 464 - 94 F22

(1993)

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Halifax Harbour Cleanup Project - Report of the Federal Provincial Environmental Assessment Review Process for the Halifax-Dartmouth Metropolitan Wastewater Management System, July 1993.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 461 - 93 R45

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, Rabbit lake Uranium Mining A-Zone, D-Zone,Eagle Point. 1993.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 461 93 R51

Hydro Quebec.
Grand-Baleine Feasibility Study [a large collection of documents submitted by Hydro- Quebec to the Quebec and Federal governments]. 1993.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 PQ NR 75 - 93...

(1992)

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, Air Traffic Management in Southern Ontario, Interim Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, November 1992.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 461 92 R43

(1991)

Canada. Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.
Beaufort Region Environmental Assessment and Monitoring Program (BREAM) - Final Report. 1991.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 IA 35 - 91 S67

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Celgar Expansion Review Panel, Final Report, Submitted under the Federal Environmental Assessment and Review Process and British Columbia Major Project Review Process. 1991.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 460 91 C23

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Celgar Expansion Review Panel, Interim Report Submitted under the Federal Environmental Assessment and Review Process and British Columbia Major Projects Review Process. 1991.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 460 91 C22

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Information Survey - Kinds and Sources - For the Environmental Assessment Review Process, Beaufort Sea Hydrocarbon Production and Transportation Proposal. 1991.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 460 - I57

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, Oldman River Dam, Dam Safety and Design. 1991.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 461 81 R39

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, Rafferty-Alameda Project. 1991.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 461 91 R41

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, Vancouver International Airport, Parallel Runway Project. 1991.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 461 91 P40

(1990)

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, Northern Diseased Bison. 1990.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EA 461 90 R35

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, The Northumberland Strait Crossing Project. 1990.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 461 90 R34

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Review of the Beaufort-Sea Environmental Assessment Program Review. 1990.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 460 - 90 E81

(1989)

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, Sea Island Fuel Barge Facility. 1989.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 461 89 R33

(1986)

Canada. Department of the Environment. West Coast Exploration. Environmental Assessment Panel.
Offshore Hydrocarbon Exploration Report and Recommendations of the West Coast Offshore Exploration Environmental Assessment Panel. 1986.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 470 - 86 O23

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, Fraser-Thompson Corridor Review. 1986.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 461 86 R31

(1985)

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, CN Rail Twin Tracking Program, British Columbia. 1985.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 461 85 R28

(1984)

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, Beafort Sea Hydrocarbon Production and Transportation, Final Report. 1984.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 461 84 R25

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, Beafort Sea Hydrocarbon Production and Transportation, Summary of the Final Report. 1984.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 461 84 R27

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, Port of Quebec Expansion Project. 1984.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 461 84 R26

(1983)

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, CN Rail Twin Tracking Program, British Columbia, Interim Report. 1983.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 461 83 R23

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, CP Rail Rogers Pass Development, Glacier National Park, Final Report. 1983.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 461 83 R22

(1982)

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, Alaska Highway Gas Pipeline, Technical Hearings (June 7-12, 1982), Final Report. 1982.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 461 82 R21

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, CP Rail Rogers Pass Development, Glacier National Park, Preliminary Report. 1982.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 461 82 R20

(1981)

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, Alaska Highway Gas Pipeline Routing Alternatives Whitehorse/Ibex Region. 1981.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 461 81 R17

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, Norman Wells Oilfield Development and Pilot Project. 1981.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 461 81 R16

(1980)

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, Arctic Pilot Project (Northern Component). 1980.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 461 80 R14

(1979)

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, Alaska Highway Gas Pipeline. Yukon Hearings (March-April 1979). 1979.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 461 79 R10

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, Banff Highway Project (East Gate to km 13). 1979.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 461 79 R11

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, Boundary Bay Airport Reactivation. 1979.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 461 79 R12

(1978)

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, Eastern Arctic Offshore Drilling - South Davis Strait Project. 1978.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 461 78 R06

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, Port-Granby Uranium Refinery Proposal Eldorado Nuclear Ltd. 1978.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 461 - 78 R04

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, Shakwak Highway Project. 1978.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 461 78 R05

(1977)

Canada. Department of the Environment.
Alaska Highway Pipeline - Interim Report of the Environmental Assessment Panel, July 27, 1977.
LOCATION: CA1 EP 460 - 77 A43

Canada. Federal Environmental Assessment Review Agency.
Wreck Cove Hydro Electric Project, Environmental Assessment Panel Report to the Minister of Fisheries and the Environment. 1977.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 460 77 W61

(1976)

Canada. Department of the Environment. Lands Directorate.
An Environmental Impact Assessment of the Vancouver International Airport Expansion Proposals, A Summary Report. 1976.
LOCATION: Thode CA1 EP 60 76 S945

Canada. Department of the Environment. Lands Directorate.
Synopsis of Key Sections of the Ecological Sub-Committee Summary Report: Impact Assessment of the Vancouver International Airport Expansion Proposals. 1976.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 60 - 76 S94

Canada. Department of Transportation.
Comparative Environmental Assessment Study of Alternative Airport Sites at Hamilton. 1976.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 T - 76C52

(1975)

Canada. Environmental Assessment Review.
Point Lepreau, New Brunswick Nuclear Generation Station - Environmental Assessment Panel Report to the Minister of the Environment, May 1975.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 460 - 75 P64

Canada. Transportation Development Agency
Bell Voyageur 002 AVC: Environmental Assessment. 1975.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 T 30 - 75 B28

(1974)

Canada. Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Assessment - Environmental and Socio-Economic Effects of the Proposed Canadian Arctic Gas Pipeline on the North West Territories and the Yukon. 1974.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 IA - 74 M18

Canada. Department of the Environment. Lands Directorate.
Environmental Assessment of Nanaimo Port Alternatives. 1974.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 60 - 74 E50

Canadian Arctic Gas Pipeline Ltd.
Environmental Impact Assessment of the Portion of the Mackenzie Gas Pipeline from Alaska to Alberta. 1974.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA7 AG - 74 E531

Federal Environmental Assessments - Background File

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, proclaimed in force January 1995, established a new legislative framework for evaluating the potential environmental consequences of federal projects, activities, programs or plans. The new act applies to all federal authorities, including departments, agencies and boards.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) was established to administer the new guidelines. (This body replaced the FEARO, the Federal Environmental Assessment Review Office.)

The Act established four types of environmental assessments:

1. Screening

Vast majority of assessments fall into this category.
Self-directed (conducted by the government department, agency or board itself).
Final report varies in length depending on the complexity of the issues (from a few pages to several hundred). The report documents: 1) the cumulative effects of the project and any potential accidents associated with it; 2) any feasible measures that could be instituted to reduce or eliminate the damages; 3) any public concerns surrounding the project.
If the environmental effects are determined to be significant, the project cannot proceed. The Minister may elect to send the project for further review (by comprehensive study, mediator or panel) if the effects are uncertain or if public concern seems significant.
Class screenings can be conducted for routine and repetitive projects where a significant body of sound knowledge exists (e.g., highway maintenance or dredging projects).

2. Comprehensive Study

Used for large projects viewed as having the potential for severe environmental effects and or significant public concern (e.g.., a large oil and gas development or hydro electric project).
Self-directed (conducted by the government department, agency or board itself).
Process is more complex than a simple screening. The government authority submits a detailed report to the Agency (report includes: 1) the purpose of the project; 2) alternative means of carrying out the project; 3) public comments; 4) the need for follow-up procedures). The Agency publishes a notice indicating that the report is available for public comment. The Minister of the Environment examines the report and resultant public input, and determines whether the project can proceed.
Minister can elect to send the project for further review (by mediator or panel) if: 1) the environmental damage is uncertain; 2) the damage is probable but the it is uncertain whether the effects are justifiable; or 3) public concern is significant.

3. Mediations

Independent review (conducted by an impartial individual, appointed by the Minister of the Environment).
Conducted when: 1) only a small number of parties is involved; 2) all parties are interested in achieving a quick solution; and 3) the issues are not too complex.
Can be used in conjunction with other environmental assessment strategies (e.g.., use mediation to resolve the noise issues associated with an airport expansion, but a panel review for the rest of the project).
If unsuccessful, the Minister may elect to forward the project for panel review.

4. Panel Reviews

Independent review (conducted by a panel of experts - usually three - appointed by the Minister of the Environment).
Conducted when 1) several parties are involved; 2) some parties are not interested in achieving a quick solution; 3) the issues are complex.
Provides an opportunity for significant public debate (at public hearings).
The process is fairly formal: The Panel holds "scoping meetings" to determine the key issues and seek public comment. This information is used by the Panel to write a draft set of guidelines to be used by the proponent in writing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project. Once written, this EIS is released to the public for review (no less than 60 days). If satisfied with the completeness of the EIS, the Panel schedules public hearings (minimum 21 days notice). Following the hearings, the Panel publishes a final report, including their conclusions and recommendations. The Minister releases the report to the public and makes a formal response to the recommendation. The Government is not obliged to follow the recommendations.

Some Useful Publications on the Federal EA Process Held at McMaster:

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.
Canadian Environmental Assessment Process: A Citizen's Guide. 1994.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 460 -94 C12

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.
Environmental Assessment in Canada: Achievements, Challenges and Directions. 1996.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 460 - 96 E51

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.
Directory of Environmental Assessment Practices in Canada. 1995.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 466 - 95 D32

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.
Environmental Assessment in Canada: Frameworks, Procedures and Attitudes. 1996.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 460 - 96 E51

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.
A Reference Guide for the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. 1996.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA1 EP 460 - 96 R21

Ontario Environmental Assessments - McMaster Holdings

(1995)

Ontario. Joint Board.
Steetley - South Quarry Landfill Site: Decision and Reasons for Decision in the Matter of a Proposal by Steetley Quarry Products. 1995.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON JB 95 S72

Ontario. Ministry of Environment and Energy.
Proposed East Quarry Landfill Environmental Assessment (Taro). 1995.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON EV 170 - 95 P62

Ontario. Ministry of Environment and Energy.
Review of the Downtown Windsor Marina. 1995.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON EV 175 - 95 R22 (Microform - Compact Shelving)

Ontario. Ministry of Environment and Energy.
Tri-Neighbours Waste Management System Plan Environmental Assessment Summary Document. 1995.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON EV 175 - 95 T65 (Microform - Compact Shelving)

(1994)

Ontario. Ministry of Environment and Energy.
Review of the Interim Waste Authority Landfill Site Environmental Assessment - Durham
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON EV 175 - 94 R22 (Microform - Compact Shelving)

Ontario. Ministry of Environment and Energy.
Review of the Interim Waste Authority Landfill Site Environmental Assessment - Peel. 1994.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON EV 175 - 94 R23 (Microform - Compact Shelving)

(1993)

Ontario. Ministry of Environment and Energy.
Review of the Environmental Assessment - Eglington West Rapid Transit. 1993.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON EV 170 - 93 R22 (Microform - Compact Shelving)

Ontario. Ministry of Environment and Energy.
Review of the Environmental Assessment - Yonge Spadina Subway Loop. 1993.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON EV 170 - 93 R23 (Microform - Compact Shelving)

(1992)

Ontario. Ministry of Natural Resources.
Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Park Management. 1992.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON NR 230 - 92 C421

Ontario. Ministry of Natural Resources.
Review of Class Environmental Assessment for Small Scale Projects. 1992.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON NR - 92 R21 (Microform - Compact Shelving)

Ontario. Ministry of the Environment.
Review of the Environmental Assessment 'South Quarry' Engineered Landfill Site Proposal. Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth, August 1992.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON EV 92 R22

Ontario. Ministry of the Environment.
Review of the Class Environmental Assessment for the Provincial Highways Program. 1992.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON EV 92 R21 (Microform - Compact Shelving)

(1991)

Ontario. Ministry of the Environment.
Municipalities of Grimsby, Lincoln, Pelham and West Lincoln Solid Waste Management Master Plan / Environmental Assessment Study. September 1991.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON EV 170 - 91M75 (Microform - Compact Shelving)

(198?)

Ontario Waste Management Corporation.
[Reports on the proposed Smithville Hazardous Waste Disposal Site].
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON WMC..

(1989)

Ontario. Ministry of the Environment.
Halton Region Landfill Environmental Assessment Joint Board Decision. 1989.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON EV 170 - 89H26

(1987)

Ontario. Ministry of the Environment.
Petro-Sun/SNC Resource Recovery Facility in the Regional Municipality of Peel: Environmental Assessment. 1987.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON EV 87 P27 (Microform - Compact Shelving)

Ontario. Ministry of the Environment.
Review of the Environmental Assessment: Low Level PCB Oil Treatment Process Environmental Assessment. 1987.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON EV - 87R22 (Microform - Compact Shelving)

Ontario. Ministry of the Environment.
Review of the Finch Avenue West: Environmental and Needs Assessment. 1987.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON EV 87 R24 (Microform - Compact Shelving)

Ontario. Ministry of the Environment.
Review of the Class Environmental Assessment for Timber Management on Crown Lands in Ontario. June 1987.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON EV - 87 R21 (Microform - Compact Shelving)

Ontario. Ministry of the Environment.
Review of the Go-Transit Environmental Assessment Class Document for the Construction of New Commuter Rail Stations or Bus Terminals or Major Expansions of Existing Commuter Rail Stations. 1987.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON EV - 87 R23 (Microform - Compact Shelving)

Ontario. Ministry of the Environment.
Review of the Supply to Abitibi Price Inc. (Iroquois Falls): Environmental Assessment. 1987.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON EV 87 R27 (Microform - Compact Shelving)

Ontario. Ministry of the Environment.
Solid Waste Management: Township of Adelaide: An Environmental Assessment Document. 1987.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON EV 87 S58 (Microform - Compact Shelving)

Ontario. Ministry of Transportation.
Highway 6 (New) Hamilton to Caledonia Environmental Assessment and Preliminary Design Report. 1987.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON DT 87 H33

(1986)

Ontario. Ministry of Natural Resources.
Class Environmental Assessment for Small Scale Ministry of Natural Resources Projects. 1986.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON NR - 86 C42 (Microform - Compact Shelving).

Ontario. Ministry of the Environment.
Indian/McGregor Creek Flood Control Project Environmental Assessment. 1986.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON EV 86 I51 (Microform - Compact Shelving)

Ontario. Ministry of the Environment.
Review of the Class Environmental Assessment for Shoreline and Riverbank Improvements, Submitted by Ontario Hydro.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON EV 170 - 86 R27 (Microform - Compact Shelving)

Ontario. Ministry of the Environment.
Review of the Class Environmental Assessment Modifications to Hydroelectric Facilities (submitted by Ontario Hydro). 1986.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON EV 170 - 86 R23

Ontario. Ministry of the Environment.
Review Under the Environmental Assessment Act: Regional Municipality of Halton Landfill Component of Halton's Solid Waste Management System. 1986.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 EV 86 R27 (Micoform - Compact Shelving)

Ontario. Ministry of the Environment.
Township of Osnabruck Environmental Assessment Document for a Solid Waste Management System. 1986.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON EV 86 T55 (Microform - Compact Shelving)

(1984)

Ontario. Ministry of the Environment.
Sault Ste Marie Landfill Site: Environmental Assessment Report. 1984.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON EV 84 S171 (Microform - Compact Shelving)

(1983)

Ontario. Ministry of Natural Resources.
Class Environmental Assessment for Forest Management on Crown Lands in Ontario. 1983.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON NR - 83 C42

Ontario. Ministry of Transportation and Communications.
Provincial Highways Program Class Environmental Assessment. 1983.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON DT - 83 P63 (Microform - Compact Shelving)

Regional Municipality of Halton Ontario. Solid Waste Management Committee.
Summary Environmental Assessment Landfill Component (of Halton's Solid Waste Management System). 1983.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA3 ON HL L57 - 83 E51

(1979)

Ontario. Ministry of Transportation and Communications.
Queen Elizabeth Way, Burlington to Hamilton, Feasibility Study, Environmental Assessment Report. 1979.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON DT 75 - 79 Q72

(1976)

Grand River Conservation Authority.
Environmental Assessment of Water Control Structures in the Grand River Basin. 1976.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON ER 53 - 76 E5...

Ontario Environmental Assessments - Background File

The Environmental Assessment Act, passed by the Ontario government in 1975, sets up a process for reviewing the environmental impact of proposed activities prior to the granting of government funds.

The act applies to government ministries and agencies, conservation authorities and municipalities.

The act does not apply to private projects unless a special regulation is passed. The Minister of the Environment can, with Cabinet approval, exempt proponents, classes of undertakings or individual undertakings from the EA process.

The undertaking can be assessed individually or as part of a class (i.e., a type of activity with common characteristics and potential effects).

Key Steps in the Environmental Assessment Process:

The proponent, in consultation with the the Environmental Assessment Branch, if their undertaking is subject to the Act. If the undertaking falls outside the Act, then the proponent can proceed without further study.
The proponent submits an EA to the Ministry of the Environment. The EA describes the undertaking and its potential affect on the environment. Possible alternatives to the activity are outlined.
The Environmental Assessment Branch circulates the EA for government review to all interested provincial ministries and agencies, as well as federal bodies. The Branch prepares a summary review.
The Minister releases the EA and its government review to the public for comment (minimum 30 days).
At the end of the public review, the Minister can decide to accept the EA or to hold a hearing.
If the Minister accepts the EA, a 15-day public review is held. If no requests for a hearing emerge, the Minister can decide, with Cabinet approval, to accept the EA.
If the Minister decides to hold a hearing, notice is sent out to the proponent, reviewers and the affected public. Pre-hearing meetings or preliminary hearings may be held to exchange documents and determine the issues.
The EA Board writes its decision based on the hearing testimony.
The Minister has 28 days to rescind the Board's decision or request another hearing.

Consolidated Hearings Act

The Consolidated Hearings Act applies to undertakings falling under two or more specified statutes dealing with the environment and land-use planning (e.g., the EA Act, the Municipal Act and the Planning Act). The Act allows for one joint hearing to be conducted by the involved boards.

Some Useful Documents on the EA Process in Ontario

Ontario. Environmental Assessment Board.
Annual Report of the Ontario Environmental Assessment Board.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON EV 710 A56

Ontario. Legislative Assembly. Legislative Library.
Ontario's Environmental Assessment Process: Debates and Directions. 1990.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON YL 21 - 90P00 (Microform Section)

Ontario. Legislative Assembly. Legislative Library.
Ontario's First Timber Management Class Environmental Assessment. 1991.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON YL - 91 P04 (Microform Section)

Ontario. Ministry of the Environment. Environmental. Assessment Branch.
Citizen's Guide to Environmental Assessment. 1988.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON EV 170 - 88E51

Ontario. Ministry of the Environment. Environmental Assessment Branch.
Proponent's Guide to Environmental Assessment. 1992.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON EV 170 - 92P63

Ontario Waste Management Corporation.
Environmental Assessment B6, Human Health and Special Waste. 1986.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON WMC -86S206

Ontario Waste Management Corporation.
Environmental Assessment B7, Hazardous Waste Management Options for Ontario. 1986.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 ON WMC 86 E5207

Environmental Assessments for Other Provinces - McMaster Holdings

Manitoba. Environmental Protection Board
Towards an Environmental Impact Assessment of the Portion of the Mackenzie Gas Pipeline from Alaska to Alberta. 1973.
LOCATION: Thode CA2 MA EV 17 - 73 R03

Nova Scotia. Environmental Control Council. Halifax Harbour Cleanup Review Committee.
Report of the Halifax Harbour Cleanup Review Committee: Assessment of Public Concerns and Possible Environmental Effects Related to the Regional Sewage Treatment Project. 1988.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 NV EV 705 - 88 R23

Quebec.
Grande Baleine Complex [a large collection of documents submitted by Hydro-Quebec to the Quebec and Federal Governments]. 1993.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA2 PQ NR 75 - 93 G6101

Syncrude Canada Ltd.
Final Report of the Syncrude Canada Ltd. Environmental Impact Assessment: Addendum to the 1973 Report. 1978.
LOCATION: Gov. Pubs. CA7 SY - 78 F36A