Overview

Purpose of the EAO

The Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) was created in 1995 to coordinate the assessment of proposed major projects in British Columbia as required under the Environmental Assessment Act (the Act). In December 2002, a new Environmental Assessment Act was introduced to provide greater flexibility and timeliness in the process.

The assessment process examines major projects for potentially adverse environmental, economic, social, health and heritage effects that may occur during the life cycle of these projects, including construction, operation and decommissioning. The process includes:

• opportunities for all interested parties, government agencies and First Nations to provide input and identify issues;
• consultations with First Nations to address, and where appropriate accommodate, potential effects on established and asserted Aboriginal rights and title;
• technical studies of environmental, social, economic, heritage and/or health effects to identify potentially adverse effects of a proposed project;
• strategies to prevent, or reduce, adverse effects through mitigation or project redesign; and
• development of a comprehensive report summarizing input and findings that may include recommendations on whether to make a decision on an environmental assessment certificate for a project. Project certification, issued by ministers at the conclusion of an environmental assessment, represents government’s approval in principle and allows a proponent to seek any other statutory authorizations necessary to proceed with the development of a project.

Issues or concerns identified by provincial, federal and local governments, First Nations and the public may trigger modifications or changes to a project as it moves through the environmental assessment process. Proponents also have specific accountabilities in the review process to provide information on their projects and work to reduce the level of project impact.

Projects in the following sectors that meet or exceed the size thresholds established in the Reviewable Projects Regulation (BC Reg 370/2002) are automatically subject to the Act: industrial, mining, energy, water management (dams, dykes, and reservoirs), waste disposal, food processing, transportation and tourism (destination resorts). Project proponents may also apply to have their project reviewed under the Act; and the Minister has the discretion to require the assessment of other projects where there is a compelling public interest to do so.

Major projects in British Columbia may be subject to review under both federal and provincial environmental assessment legislation. In March 2004, British Columbia and Canada renewed a bi-lateral agreement to coordinate their respective environmental assessment requirements to avoid duplication and overlap. Under the agreement, projects subject to federal and provincial review use a common process, and information requirements wherever possible, that meets the legal requirements of both governments.

During an assessment, the EAO obtains valuable advice from other provincial ministries, such as the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, the Ministry of Small Business and Revenue, and the Ministry of Environment on technical and policy considerations within their respective mandates.

Vision, Mission and Values

Vision

Environmentally and socially responsible development that contributes to a strong and vibrant economy in British Columbia.

Mission

The EAO delivers a timely and integrated process for assessing the environmental, social, heritage, economic and health effects, and potential impacts to First Nations’ claims to Aboriginal rights and title, of major projects in British Columbia, reports the findings of environmental assessment reviews to government and may make recommendations regarding project certification.

Values

The EAO respects First Nations and all stakeholders in the environmental assessment process through a principle-based approach that is neutral, fair, balanced and open. The EAO relies on science and results-based standards wherever possible, encourages innovation and creativity, and values:

• Cooperation and teamwork
• Respect for the opinions of others
• Honesty and integrity
• Service excellence
• A healthy workplace
• Accountability to the people of British Columbia