Environmental authorization

Environmental Assessment Process

Environmental assessment is a process to predict environmental effects of proposed initiatives before they are carried out.

As defined on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency website, an environmental assessment:

  • identifies potential adverse environmental effects
  • proposes measures to mitigate adverse environmental effects
  • predicts whether there will be significant adverse environmental effects, after mitigation measures are implemented
  • includes a follow-up program to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment and the effectiveness of the mitigation measures

Environmental approvals

Federal and Provincial environmental approvals are required for the Lake Manitoba/ Lake St. Martin outlet channel project.

Environmental Licences are granted from government agencies that are the responsible authority for The Environment Act, The Fisheries Act, and The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.

These include:

  • Manitoba Sustainable Development – Environmental Approvals Branch
  • Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA)
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)

Manitoba environmental approvals

Environmental Assessment and Licensing Process Flowchart

Manitoba Sustainable Development Environmental Approvals Branch is responsible for administering the requirements of The Environment Act.

The Environment Act outlines the environmental assessment and licensing process for developments in Manitoba that may have potential for environmental and / or human health effects. The process exists to ensure environmental and human health protection, encourages early consultation, allow for full public participation, and ensure economic development occurs in an environmentally responsible manner.

Required approvals:

  • The Environment Act Proposal for the proposed Interim Operation of the Lake St. Martin emergency outlet channel
  • The Environment Act Proposal for construction of the all-season road that will provide access to the Lake St. Martin outlet channel 
  • The Environment Act Proposal for the permanent Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin outlet channels project

External links

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA)

Flowchart of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Process

CEAA ensures that an environmental assessment of a designated project is conducted in accordance with The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012.

The purpose of CEAA 2012 is to protect components of the environment that are within federal legislative authority from significant adverse environmental effects caused by a designated project.

CEAA 2012 applies to project described in the Regulations Designating Physical Activities and to projects designated by the Minister of the Environment.

Required approvals:

  • CEAA Licence for the Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin Outlet Channel Project

Public participation is encouraged at various stages during the environmental assessment process. Check out the link below for more information about the Canadian Environmental Agency.

External links

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)

Flowchart of the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Process

Fisheries Protection Provisions which focus on the management of threats to the sustainability and productivity of commercial, recreational and Aboriginal fisheries or to fish that support such a fishery.

The Lake Manitoba/ Lake St. Martin outlet channel project will be submitting an Application for Authorization under Paragraph 35(2)(b) of The Fisheries Act Regulations.

The Authorization includes terms and conditions the proponent must follow to avoid, mitigate, offset, and monitor the serious harm to fish resulting from the project.

External links