The environmental assessment process provides a mechanism for systematically examining the environmental impacts of major projects and identifying appropriate mitigation measures. The process is intended to ensure that environmental considerations are balanced against economic and technical factors. However, while the over-riding principals of EA practice have been set out in legislation, the ability of the process to effectively address the issues of sustainability and air quality has been questioned.
This study undertaken for Health Canada represents the first phase of a comprehensive review of the Environmental Assessment process as applied to transportation projects in Canada. The intent of the study was to review the process used to assess transportation projects and identify opportunities for improvement, with particular emphasis on how the process can be enhanced to ensure that sustainability considerations, including concerns related to vehicle emissions and air quality, are appropriately accounted for throughout the entire process, from evaluation of alternatives to assessment of impacts.
As part of this study, Morrison Hershfield:
- Reviewed EA process requirements at the federal level, as well as provincial requirements in British Columbia and Ontario. The purpose of this review was to examine common elements between jurisdictions and assess strengths and weaknesses
- Identified the aspects of an EA study that are necessary for a proper accounting of the cumulative impacts of transportation activities on the environment
- Developed a checklist for assessing the adequacy of EA studies
In addition, Morrison Hershfield reviewed several EA studies from Ontario and British Columbia in order to:
- Examine the extent to which actual EA studies conform to the applicable EA requirements
- Identify major deficiencies
- Establish the “gap” that exists between “current” and “desired” practice
The process review carried out by Morrison Hershfield provides insight into the gaps and deficiencies in the existing EA process and its application across Canada. This review provides the foundation for developing an enhanced EA framework which ensures sustainability issues are appropriately addressed in project planning and design.
In addition, the EA checklist developed by Morrison Hershfield provides Health Canada with a formalized list of criteria for evaluating EA studies, thus supporting Health Canada’s role as a review agency by providing a sound basis for critiquing EA projects and allowing for more meaningful feedback.