The EA Process
|
|
|
 |
|
B.C.'s environmental assessment (EA) process provides a mechanism for reviewing major projects to assess their potential impacts. B.C.'s environmental assessment process is important to ensure that major projects meet the goals of environmental, economic and social sustainability. The assessment process is also needed to ensure that the issues and concerns of the public, First Nations, interested stakeholders and government agencies are considered.
In general, the environmental assessment includes four main elements:
- opportunities for all interested parties, including First Nations and neighbouring jurisdictions, to identify issues and provide input;
- technical studies of the relevant environmental, social, economic, heritage and health effects of the proposed project;
- identification of ways to prevent or minimize undesirable effects and enhance desirable effects; and
- consideration of the input of all interested parties in compiling the assessment findings and making recommendations about project acceptability.
An environmental assessment certificate, if issued by ministers at the conclusion of an environmental assessment, represents government's approval in principle and allows a proponent to seek any other statutory authorizations needed to proceed with the project.
|
|
