Eastern Geo Services Inc.

Environmental Assessment

 

Environmental Assessment is the consideration and determination of environmental effects and consequences of a project before the initiation of the project. The process aims to facilitate an understanding of positive and negative impacts on biological, ecological, social, and other associated disciplines without having a predetermined environmental outcome. In it’s most general description it it is a planning tool that is an integral component of sound decision making.

 

In Canada environment assessments (EA) are governed by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (2012). It’s regulations are the legislative basis for practice of EA. Four broadstrokes components of the EA process are:

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1. Identify environmental effects – the involves collecting and using data in predictive models to simulate effects;

2. Proposing a plan to address concerns – making sure that due consideration has been given to concerns and effects of a project and finding solutions to those concerns;

3. Mitigation of adverse environmental effects via plan implementation;

4. Follow-up monitoring, environmental, geoscientific and engineering report writing, liaising with government, local community, Aboriginal, and other project stakeholders.

 

EA’s should be conducted as early as possible in the planning stages of a project. The Canadian Federal government relates that early studies for consideration of environmental effects can help -

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“By considering environmental effects and mitigation measures early in the project planning cycle, environmental assessment can support better decision making and result in many benefits, such as:

• avoidance or minimization of adverse environmental effects;

• opportunities for public participation and Aboriginal consultation;

• increased protection of human health;

• reduced project costs and delays;

• reduced risks of environmental harm or disasters;

• increased government accountability and harmonization;

• lessened probability of transboundary environmental effects; and

• informed decisions that contribute to responsible development of natural resources.”