Overview of BC Environmental Assessment Process

Transcription

1 Overview of BC Environmental Assessment Process Northwest Transmission Line (NTL) Project November

2 Environmental Assessment Act Applies to major projects Considers potential environmental, economic, social, health & heritage effects Focuses on avoiding, preventing or minimizing adverse effects Ministers decide whether or not to certify a project 2

3 Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) Administers Environmental Assessment Act and Regulations Manages environmental assessment process Prepares recommendations for Ministers 3

4 Reviewable Projects \ Projects of certain type and size as set out in Reviewable Projects Regulation Minister of Environment designates project reviewable Proponent applies for project to be designated reviewable (e.g., NTL) 4

5 Proponent with specialist consultants Key Review Participants Public EAO Federal Government First Nations Provincial Government Local Government 5

6 Key Principles Coordinated process Consultative approach Public access to information Prescribed timelines for key decisions Neutral role Fair and flexible approach Balanced decisions 6

7 Two-Stage Process Pre-Application Stage Application Review Stage 7

8 Pre-Application Stage EAO confirms whether project is reviewable EAO issues procedural order Proponent identifies information requirements for Application (referred to as Terms of Reference) Public comment period on draft Terms of Reference Environmental Assessment Office issues final Terms of Reference * Proponent prepares Application N O T I M E L I N E 8 * Process harmonized with federal EA where applicable

9 Application Review Stage Proponent submits Application for screening against final Terms of Reference * 30 DAYS EAO accepts EA Application accepts for formal review and holds public comment period EAO drafts Assessment Report* 180 DAYS EAO refers EA Application, Assessment Report & Recommendations to Ministers Ministers decision on EA Certificate 45 DAYS 9 * Process harmonized with federal EA where applicable

10 Consultations Regulators Local Governments First Nations Public/Stakeholders 10

11 Technical Working Group Federal Government First Nations EAO chair Provincial Government 11 Local Government

12 Public Consultation Guided by Public Consultation Policy Regulation 7 day notice requirement for ads Access to information Electronic Registry Two public comment periods Terms of Reference and Application 12

13 First Nations Consultations Proponent & EAO required to consult First Nations during both stages of the review First Nations invited to participate on technical Working Group First Nations invited to comment on key documents produced during the review 13

14 Role of Proponent Undertakes all studies related to project Conducts consultations with agencies, public and First Nations Addresses issues raised during environmental assessment 14

15 Concurrent Permitting Proponent may request concurrent review of provincial permit applications at same time as EA Application Permit decisions made within 60 days if EA certificate is issued by ministers No decision on provincial permits until EA certificate decision 15

16 Status of NTL Project Review 16 In Pre-application review stage 30 day public comment period on the draft Terms of Reference (Nov.13 to Dec.13, 2007) Comments posted to EAO s electronic registry Names & personal information made public unless otherwise requested

17 Contact Information Further information on the EAO process and this project is available at: Comments & questions can be forwarded to Anne Currie or Lori Henderson at the BC Environmental Assessment Office: 17 Fax:

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