Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

ERS 215 Midterm > Lecture 4 > Flashcards

Lecture 4 Flashcards

1
Q

What is screening?

A

refers to narrowing of EIA application to projects requiring assessment b/c of perceived sig enviro effects and regulations.

  • screening is the trigger for an EIA and ensures no unnecessary EAs are carried out
  • asks “is an EA required? If so, what kind?”
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the 3 approaches to screening?

A
  1. case-by-case
  2. list-based (prescriptive)
  3. threshold-based
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the case-by-case approach to screening?

A

It is discretionary/criteria-based.

  • evaluates project characteristics against a checklist of regulations/screening criteria
  • allows max flexibility to screen in/out potential development based on site specific characteristics
  • time consuming, inconsistent, costly, may be abused by decision makers
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is list-based screening?

A

List of projects for which EIA is required or not.

  • inclusion and exclusion lists (is EA required or not?)
  • straightforward, quick, consistent
  • not site specific
  • CEAA 1995 used this process but not under CEAA 2012
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is threshold-based screening?

A

Puts proposed projects in categories and sets thresholds for each type (ex. project size, emission level, pop affected).

  • used in conjunction with list-based
  • simple, quick, easy, consistent
  • inflexible rules, no common sense (problem when project lies just below the threshold)
  • CEAA 2012 uses method (ex. oil sands has limit of bitumen production)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the best approach to screening?

A
  • to combine all 3 methods into a hybrid approach b/c this ensures that all the best aspects of EAs are done
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What does screening in Canada currently apply to (CEAA 2012)?

A
  • only applies when a project is a “designated project” or authorities make a decision
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What does a designated project mean?

A

Carried out on fed land that is designated by Reg Designating Phys Activities or by the Minister of Env

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are the 3 responsible authorities able to carry out EA in Canada?

A

Although an EA is the responsibility of the proponent, res. authorities can carry out.

  1. Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA)
  2. Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC)
  3. National Energy Board (NEB)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are the 3 tiers of info in EAs?

A

a) general: location, consultation, details on other EIA legislation, identify affected agencies
b) project: description, construction scheduling, material requirements
c) site-specific: affected enviro components

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are the 2 types of EA?

A
  1. EA by responsible authority: for smaller projects originally, but now mainly for projects with predictable/expected outcomes
  2. EA by review panel: for uncertain, complex projects
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the precautionary principle?

A

When scientific info is incomplete, but there is a threat present, lack of full certainty should not be used as a reason to preclude or postpone actions to prevent harm.
- should always be practiced in EA

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

How has the definition of enviro effect changed from 1995 to 2012?

A

1995: any change a project could cause in the environment, society, or economy (broad)
2012: any change to a component of the enviro under fed jurisdiction (ex. fish and migratory birds), on fed lands, or effects on Aboriginal peoples (narrow)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the potential outcomes of screening?

A
  • EA required
  • EA not required
  • Limited (aka streamlined) EA required (ex. class EA)
  • more studies required to determine if EA needed
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is the ultimate goal of screening?

A
  • ensure no unnecessary EAs are carried out

- ensure developments warranting assessment are not overlooked

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is an assessment conducted by a res authority occur?

A
  • systematically documents potential enviro effects, identifies mitigation measures, determines need to modify project/recommends further assessment
17
Q

When/what does/is an assessment conducted by a review panel (occur)?

A
  • occurs when enviro impacts uncertain/significant

- composed of group of experts appointed by minister

18
Q

When was an EA in 1995?

A
  • project proposed by fed authorities
  • project involved fed funding
  • project involved fed land
  • project required a permit/license
19
Q

What were the types of EAs in 1995?

A
  1. Screening EA - for small regular projects (99% of EAs were this)
  2. Comprehensive Study - if project fell under comprehensive study list regulations (threshold-based)
  3. Review Panel - for complex, uncertain projects
20
Q

What is required pre-EA in CEAA 2012?

A

Project description is for the purpose of screening (EA needed?)
Consists of:
- general info (location, consultation info, regulatory requirements)
- project info (purpose, size capacity, activity types, waste production)
- location info (geo coordinates, maps, proximity to residences)
- fed involvement (funding, land, permits)
- enviro effects (biophysical setting, description of changes that might be caused)

21
Q

What is the “need for” and “purpose of” project sections in a project description?

A

Need for: problem project will address
Purpose of: what is intended to be achieved
Ex. we need electrical station for the purpose of supplying reliable, cost-efficient energy

22
Q

What is scoping?

A
  • determines important issues and parameters that should be addressed in EA, establishes spatial/temporal boundaries, and focuses on assessment of relevant issues/concerns
23
Q

What are the main objectives of scoping?

A
  • identify biggest issues

- establish boundaries

24
Q

What are the two types of scoping?

A
  1. open: content and scope determined by participatory, transparent process
  2. closed: content and scope based on law
25
Q

What are the initial decisions on scoping based on?

A
  • stakeholder consultation
  • methods to be used
  • consideration of alternatives
26
Q

What are the essential activities of scoping?

A
  1. scope alts (often limited by planning)
  2. identify VECs
  3. establish boundaries
  4. establish env baseline/trends
  5. identify potential impacts/issues of concern
27
Q

What are alternatives to (a project)?

A

Diff ways of meeting the need/purpose of purposed project. Alts to often not considered b/c proponent already invested money in project (typical alts are proceed, delay, abandon) - this alt is not done well.

ex. new road to improve traffic - alts to: do nothing, HOV lanes, improve transit

28
Q

What are alternative means (within a project)?

A

Diff options for carrying out a project (various implementation methods)

ex. new road to improve traffic - alt means: 2 lanes, 4 lanes, turning lane

ERS 215 Midterm (5 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions