Abstract
In 1989, environmental assessment was developed as an environmental management tool to allow for the consideration of public concerns relating to broad environmental issues when evaluating proposed developments. Environmental assessment ensures that environmental, human health, socio-economic, cultural, historical, architectural and archaeological concerns from all stakeholders and the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia are identified and addressed at the earliest stage of development planning. Through consideration of these broad environmental issues and public and Mi’kmaq concerns, the Minister of Environment decides whether or not the development can proceed in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Environmental assessment is used in every province and territory in Canada and in many countries world-wide. It is a tool which promotes good project planning, thereby avoiding or minimizing environmental impacts caused by a development. It also allows developments to incorporate environmental considerations at the planning stage, which may avoid expensive changes once the project design has been finalized.
The Nova Scotia Environment Act and Environmental Assessment Regulations (Appendix A) provide the legislative framework for environmental assessment that includes opportunities for public involvement. The Act and regulations are administered by Nova Scotia Environment through Environmental Assessment Administrators, who are appointed by the Minister.
The Act and regulations are designed to identify the environmental impacts associated with designated development proposals (undertakings) long before the proposals are implemented. Environmental assessment gives government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia, local residents and the general public an opportunity to provide information that will be considered by the Minister when making a decision. Contributions from these groups are essential.
Projects of all sizes may need to undergo environmental assessment. They may be proposed by large and small companies, municipalities, community groups, government departments or individuals. This citizen’s guide aims to explain the Act and regulations governing environmental assessment so that all Nova Scotians can take part in the process.
This guide to the Act and regulations presents a concise overview of environmental assessment in Nova Scotia. This guide is not a legal authority and is not a substitute for the Act and regulations. Where the process and time frames given in this document differ from the regulations, the regulations shall prevail. For definitive reference, please refer to the official copies of the Act and regulations.