Lesson 4: Risk Assessments, Brownfield / Green-Fields, Environmental Impactg Assessment Flashcards
The process of estimating probability of occurrence of an adverse effect on human and ecological health resulting from contaminant exposure
RISK ASSESSMENT
Purpose of Risk Assessment
PROVIDES A CONSISTENT, SCIENTIFIC BASIS FOR INVESTIGATING, ASSESSING AND REMEDIATING CONTAMINATED SITES
Three components of a risk assessment
RECEPTORS
CONTAMINANTS
EXPOSURE PATHWAYS
Pathway by which the receptor come into contact with environmental contaminant
EXPOSURE PATHWAY
IF A CHEMICAL CONCENTRATION EXCEED THE SELECTED STANDARD, THE CONTAMINANT IS CONSIDERED A CONTAMINANT OF CONCERN
CONTAMINANTS
Major exposure pathways
AIR
SEDIMENT
SOIL
GROUNDWATER
INHALATION
DERMAL
INGESTION
Receptors
ON-SITE HUMAN RECEPTORS
TRESPASSERS, WORKERS, RECREATIONAL USERS, RESIDENTS
OFF-SITE HUMAN RECEPTORS
GROUNDWATER, AIR, SURFACE WATER
ECOLOGICAL RECEPTORS
PLANTS, SOIL INVERTEBRATES, MAMMALS, BIRDS, AQUATIC ORGANISMS
BC’s environmental assessment (EA) process provides a mechanism for reviewing major projects to assess their potential impacts.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ACT - BC
Projects that may need to go through the EA process include the following:
ENERGY PROJECTS
WATER MANAGEMENT PROJECTS
MINE PROJECTS
TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS
TOURIST DESTINATION RESORT PROJECTS
Five pillars considered in every EA in B.C.
ECONOMY
SOCIAL
CULTURE
HEALTH
ENVIRONMENT
Environmental Assessment Process 2018
EARLY ENGAGEMENT (INITIAL PROJECT DESCRIPTION, SUMMARY OF ENGAGEMENT)
EA READINESS DECISION ( DETAILED PROJECT DESCRIPTION, NOTICE OF CONSENT (EXEMPTION/TERMINATION))
PROCESS PLANNING (EA COMMENCEMENT)
APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT & REVIEW
EFFECTS ASSESSMENT
RECOMMENDATION
DECISION
POST CERTIFICATE
Impact Assessment Act: Key Features
PROACTIVE STRATEGIC AND REGIONAL ASSESSMENT
EVALUATE BIG-PICTURE ISSUES (E.G. CLIMATE CHANGES, BIODIVERSITY, SPECIES AT RISK)
EVALUATE CUMULATIVE EFFECTS OF PROJECTS
EARLY PLANNING AND ENGAGEMENT PHASE
TO BUILD TRUST, INCREASE EFFICIENCY, IMPROVE PROJECT DESIGN AND GIVE COMPANIES CERTAINTY ABOUT NEXT STEPS IN THE REVIEW PROCESS
INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT AND PARTNERSHIP
THROUGHOUT PROCESS
INCREASED PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
LEGISLATED TIMELINES
PROVIDE CLARITY AND REGULATORY CERTAINTY
REDUCED FROM 365 DAYS TO A MAXIMUM OF 300 DAYS, PANEL REVIEWS FROM 720 DAYS TO 600 DAYS
STRENGTHENED MONITORING, FOLLOW-UP, AND ENFORCEMENT
LIFE-CYCLE REGULATORS AND PERMITTING DEPARTMENTS WOULD WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH COMMUNITIES AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES TO ENHANCE MONITORING, FOLLOW-UP, AND COMPLIANCE
Impact Assessment Act: Process
PLANNING
IMPACT STATEMENT
IMPACT ASSESSMENT
DECISION-MAKING
POST DECISION
Key participants in the impact assessment system
REVIEW PANEL
PROPONENT
FEDERAL AUTHORITIES
INDIGENOUS GROUPS
MINISTER
IMPACT ASSESSMENT AGENCY OF CANADA
GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL
OTHER JURISDICTIONS
PUBLIC
All activities affecting fish and fish habitat in Canada are subject to changes under this act.
FEDERAL FISHERIES ACT
