determining significance

Question 1

What is Significance

Answer 1

Impact significance: judgement on the importance of environmental effects

-informed judgement
-biophysical and socio-economic
-involves some level of change

Question 2

what are the 4 measures of significance

Answer 2

-Timing, duratiton, and frequency
-spatial extent
-contextual factors
-mitigable effects

Question 3

what are the 4 approaches to significance

Answer 3

-technical
-collaborative
-reasoned argumentation
-composite

Question 4

describe the technical approach

Answer 4

3 methods:

Fixed point scoring: fixed number of values are distributed among all environmental components. Higher scores correspond to project impacts that are more significant

Rating: numerical scale

Paired Comparison: compares how significant each VEC is in comparison with another

Question 5

Describe the collaborative approach

Answer 5

no predefined thresholds or criteria. significance is determined through consultation with the publics and other parties

Question 6

describe the reasoned argumentation approach

Answer 6

similar to court cases where evidence is collected to support the significance determination

Question 7

describe the composite approach

Answer 7

combination of technical, collaborative and reasoned argumentation approaches

Question 8

what are the 9 guiding principles of significance determination?

Answer 8

1. focused and efficient -relevant topics
2. Explicit - values/bases for judgement are
   clear and understandable
   3.Logical and substantiated - reasoning is
   logical
   4.Systematic and traceable - clear procedure
   5.Appropriate - context consideration
   6.Consistent - similar projects treated in
   similar manner
   7.Collective and Collaborative - all parties
   involved
   8.Effective - outcome helps reach goals
   9.Adaptable - flexible to change over time