New Directions In Environmental Impact Assessment In Canada

'This book should be read by anyone commissioning impact assessments who wants to build their understanding of the more progressive and innovative end of the topic. A job well done in the eyes of stakeholders and regulators requires proper social analysis.' Jon Samuel, Head of Social Performance, Anglo American 'The list of authors reads like a who's who in SIA. Academics and practitioners are equally represented among the authors. The book provides a good mix of broad theoretical concepts and specific practical topics.' Martin Haefele, Manager, Environmental Impact Assessment at Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada 'This book gives a very broad overview of where Social Impact Assessment is coming from, where it is now and where it could go: from an impact assessment tool to an impact management tool. It provides a realistic insight in both the achievements and the struggles of Social Impact Assessment. A recommended read for both those interested in Social Impact Assessment and those in related domains where social issues are gaining increasing importance, such as Environmental Assessment and Sustainability Appraisal.' Rob Verheem, Deputy Director, Netherlands Commission for Environmental Assessment This important new book outlines current developments in thinking in the field of Social Impact Assessment (SIA). It advances the theory and practice of SIA, and argues that a dramatic shift is required in the way socioeconomic studies and community participation is undertaken. The book emphasizes that, much more than the act of predicting impacts in a regulatory context, SIA needs to be the process of managing the social aspects of development and that there needs to be a holistic and integrated approach to impact assessment. It stresses that greater attention needs to be given to ensuring that the goals of development are attained and enhanced. This significant addition to the literature will be an invaluable reference for academics, consultants and practitioners.

"Is environmental assessment useful and relevant? Is environmental assessment helping to achieve sustainable development in Canada? Is pollution reduced or prevented as a result of environmental assessment? Is biodiversity protected? Are ecosystems essential to the prosperity of present and future generations of Canadians better protected? Is environmental assessment helping decision-makers make informed choices by providing sound information about likely environmental effects of projects and policies? This report attempts to address these questions for Canada. The report summarizes Canada?s efforts to achieve relevant and useful environmental assessment processes that contribute to sustainable development. The report also summarizes achievements, challenges and future directions for environmental assessment in Canada."--Introduction.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has become a vital management tool worldwide. EIA is a means of evaluating the likely consequences of a proposed major action which will significantly affect the environment, before that action is taken.This new edition of Wood's key text provides an authoritative, international review of environmental impact assessment, comparing systems used in the UK, USA, the Netherlands, Canada, the Commonwealth of Australia and New Zealand and South Africa.

This paper draws on Canadian and international experience in the field of environmental assessment (EA) to review key perspectives and approaches for including health considerations as an integral part of the environmental assessment process. It reviews the benefits of including health in EA; the international policy context, current practices, requirements, principles and guidelines regarding the inclusion of health concerns in EA; procedural elements common to inclusion of health in EA, such as project screening, identifying EA issues to be considered, assessing potential health effects, public consultation, determining significance or importance of those effects, and implementing mitigation measures; and key priorities and needs for improving health impact assessment. The appendix includes a summary of European Union environmental health principles.

This directory provides a listing of the various legal and policy instruments and guidelines in Canada, which together provide an indication of the current state of Canadian EA practice. It identifies the EA legislation and regulations in various jurisdictions; the EA policy statements and directives of government departments and organizations; and the EA guidelines developed by various sectors. The references provided herein are cross-referenced between sections, as appropriate. As well, documents that are available in both English and French are indicated within the same citation. When available in both languages, the translation is provided as second title. Appendix 1 provides contacts where the listed EA documents can be requested. The list provides key federal, provincial, territorial and municipal departments, as well as Crown Corporations, Institutions, Associations and private sector firms.