Project assessment
The Department of Environment and Climate Change has a coordinating role on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories for processes related to environmental assessment in the Mackenzie Valley under the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act and in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region under the Impact Assessment Act and the Inuvialuit Final Agreement.
These processes include:
- reviewing project applications during the preliminary screening process
- undertaking impact assessments
- consulting with Indigenous peoples and the general public
- building consensus among responsible ministers for decision-making with respect to the proposed project/activity.
Components of environmental assessments are completed by program-specific departments within the Government of the Northwest Territories and feed into one comprehensive project assessment managed and led by the Department of Environment and Climate Change. In general, the Project Assessment Branch within the Department of Environment and Climate Change coordinates the territorial government's technical input during the environmental assessment process. This information helps the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board, the Environmental Impact Review Board located in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, and other regulatory boards across the Northwest Territories assess projects and make recommendations to government regarding proposed developments.
In consultation with other government departments that have responsibilities related to the project being assessed, the Securities and Project Assessment Division reviews and analyzes board recommendations to assist the Minister of Environment and Climate Change with ministerial decision-making responsibilities as outlined in the Mackenize Valley Resource Management Act or the Inuvialuit Final Agreement (depending on the location of the proposed development).
What is a project assessment?
A project assessment is a legislated planning and evaluation process. It is intended to ensure the environmental, social, cultural and economic well-being of residents and communities is protected from any significant adverse effects that may be caused by a development project. Project assessments consider the potential environmental and socio-economic impacts of a project before it begins to ensure that negative impacts can be adequately mitigated. If the project goes ahead, information gathered through the environmental assessment process is used to guide changes to the project's design that may help minimize impacts on the environment and people.
Preliminary screening in the Mackenzie Valley
What is a preliminary screening?
A preliminary screening is conducted to determine if a proposed project might be cause for public concern or might have a significant adverse impact on the environment. The preliminary screening will determine whether the project should proceed without environmental assessment or if it will be referred to environmental assessment.
What is an environmental assessment?
An environmental assessment is a planning tool that helps decision-makers carefully consider the impacts of proposed projects on the environment, as well as understanding the social, economic, and cultural aspects of a project.
Who conducts the preliminary screening?
If a land use permit or a water licence is required for the project, the preliminary screening is conducted by the applicable land and water board. In cases where the project does not require a land use permit or water licence, but requires another kind of permit or licence, the preliminary screening is conducted by the appropriate federal, territorial government or board, agency or regulator.
The Department of Environment and Climate Change (ECC) conducts a preliminary screening for permits and licences issued under the following territorial legislation:
- Environmental Protection Act
- Forest Management Act
- Forest Protection Act
- Pesticide Act
- Species at Risk (NWT) Act
- Wildlife Act
In certain cases, ECC is also responsible for conducting a preliminary screening of a project it proposes that does not require a licence, permit or other authorization. For instance, the proposed establishment of any protected area under the Protected Areas Act requires a preliminary screening.
What projects are currently being screened by ECC?
The list below shows ECC’s current preliminary screening projects. Should you have a question about a current preliminary screening, please contact eamsupport@gov.nt.ca.
Visit the Mackenzie Valley Review Board website for information related to preliminary screenings at: http://reviewboard.ca/registry/preliminary-screenings