OWMA supports the approach…

OWMA supports the approach to have only “designated projects” subject to comprehensive environmental assessments. This will ensure that only projects so designated as a Part II.2 project, conducted by any proponent (public or private sector), will be designated by the regulations as requiring a comprehensive environmental assessment.

The new project-list approach will enable focus on projects with medium to high risk of environmental impact, and is likely to reduce the overall amount of projects subject to environmental assessment.

For waste management sector projects that are clearly in the public interest, there is a need to update existing lists and tables for projects on the list. Appropriate consideration should be given to projects that meet reasonable size thresholds for being incorporated into a more streamlined process.

For example, for changes to existing sites, a threshold expressed as a minimum percentage change in EPA total authorized volume (such as 25%), would allow for smaller expansions at larger sites to be subject to the Streamlined Environmental Assessment provisions of the amended Environmental Assessment Act. The enclosed supporting document details our recommendations.