Final Environmental Assessment

A unique introduction to the nature, procedures, current practice and future development of environmental impact assessment (EIA), combining both theoretical and procedural aspects of the subject.

This report summarizes an evaluation conducted to provide an independent & impartial review of the experience to date in implementing British Columbia's environmental assessment process. The evaluation focused on the procedural purposes of the province's Environmental Assessment Act. The primary basis for the evaluation was consultation with stakeholders and participants via questionnaires, workshops, and discussions. The report begins with an review of the legal and policy framework of the environmental assessment process and its implementation to date. Systemic, strategic, and specific issues regarding implementation are then discussed, such as process inflexibility, adequacy of project reviews, First Nations participation, and pre-application preparedness. Finally, recommendations are outlined regarding enhancing the effectiveness of the process, ensuring identification of the full range of issues and effects, ensuring resolution of technical issues, promoting certainty, and encouraging accountability. Appendices include a copy of the survey questionnaire.

"The final report of the Beaufort Sea Environmental Assessment (EA) Panel was submitted in July 1984 and released soon after. These actions concluded the lengthiest and most comprehensive public inquiry conducted to date under the federal Environmental Assessment and Review Process (EARP)"--Intro., p. 3.

Recoge: 1. Introduction - 2. Project Methodology - 3. Final selection of cases - 4. Case description - 5.Comparative analysis and evaluation of Case-studies and SEA Regulations and Systems - 6. The Role of SEA - 7. Policy Framework, Objectives and Targets - 8.Compliance with Basic SEA Requirements - 9. Actors and Liability - 10. SEA Management - 11. Overall Appreciation and Motivation - 12. Key Issues and Recommendations.

Life cycle assessment (LCA) of production and processing in the food industry is an important tool for improving sustainability. Environmental assessment and management in the food industry reviews the advantages, challenges and different applications of LCA and related methods for environmental assessment, as well as key aspects of environmental management in this industry sector. Part one discusses the environmental impact of food production and processing, addressing issues such as nutrient management and water efficiency in agriculture. Chapters in Part two cover LCA methodology and challenges, with chapters focusing on different food industry sectors such as crop production, livestock and aquaculture. Part three addresses the applications of LCA and related approaches in the food industry, with chapters covering combining LCA with economic tools, ecodesign of food products and footprinting methods of assessment, among other topics. The final part of the book concentrates on environmental management in the food industry, including contributions on training, eco-labelling and establishing management systems. With its international team of editors and contributors, Environmental assessment and management in the food industry is an essential reference for anyone involved in environmental management in the food industry, and for those with an academic interest in sustainable food production. Reviews the advantages, challenges and different applications of LCA and related methods for environmental assessment Discusses the environmental impact of food production and processing, addressing issues such as nutrient management and water efficiency in agriculture Examines environmental management in the food industry, including contributions on training, eco-labelling and establishing management systems

This report summarizes the findings of the Ongoing Monitoring Program conducted to assess the performance of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act as part of its five-year review. Program objectives were to monitor the societal benefits resulting from the application of the Act, to assess the costs & benefits to industry resulting from the requirements & administration of the Act, and to recommend improvements to the Act. The methodology involved selection of 20 case studies and their subsequent analysis, focusing on contributions of the Act toward sustainable development. Three classes of benefits are identified (process, study, & outcome) and findings are presented with regard to the distribution of these benefits for all three levels of assessment (screening, comprehensive studies, joint panels) as well as among various stakeholders. Environmental assessment costs, incremental costs driven by the Act, and project capital costs are estimated. Potential impacts to competitiveness are discussed in relation to these costs, with special attention to project start-up. Factors affecting the Act's benefits and costs are then discussed, with a review of such issues as variations in interpretation of the Act and whether the Act is a primary or secondary driver of environmental assessment. The final section summarizes the document and presents recommendations in relation to major elements of the Act review. Appendices contain summaries of the case studies, a benefits matrix of the Act, and results of perspectives benefits analysis.

This book evaluates the predictive accuracy of the forecasts in a sample of federal environmental impact statements. It examines a major federal attempt to impose rationalistic reforms on government decision makers and the first view of National Environmental Policy Act reforms.