Approval of the terms of reference for the Detroit River International Crossing Environmental Assessment
The ministry’s approval of environmental assessment terms of reference for a project to identify a solution to move people and goods across the Canadian-U.S. border in the Detroit River area.
Notice of approval – terms of reference
Proponent: Ministry of Transportation
Environmental assessment file number: EA-02-07
As provided for by subsection 6(4) of the Environmental Assessment Act, Terms of Reference, as submitted for approval to the Ministry of the Environment on May 20, 2004, including the Errata Sheet submitted on July 7, 2004, to govern the preparation of an environmental assessment for the above-noted undertaking, is hereby approved.
Reasons
I am satisfied that an environmental assessment prepared in accordance with the Terms of Reference will be consistent with the purpose of the Environmental Assessment Act and the public interest for the following reasons:
- The Terms of Reference requires that the proponent meet the intent of the Environmental Assessment Act by providing for the identification of issues and concerns, and the preferred means of addressing them with due regard to adoption of environmental management, protection and mitigation measures.
- The Terms of Reference has been reviewed by the public and the Government Review Team. There are no outstanding concerns that cannot be addressed in the environmental assessment.
- The Terms of Reference requires the proponent to implement a comprehensive consultation plan during the preparation of the environmental assessment. In addition, the Environmental Assessment Act requires continued consultation and documentation of the consultation during the preparation of the environmental assessment. As well, there will be additional opportunities for public and agency consultation when the environmental assessment is submitted to the ministry.
Pursuant to subsection 6(4) of the Environmental Assessment Act, any environmental assessment, submitted to the Ministry of the Environment pursuant to subsection 6.2(1) of the Environmental Assessment Act, must be prepared in accordance with the Terms of Reference as hereby approved.
Dated the 17th day of September, 2004 at Toronto.
Original signed by:
Minister of the Environment
135 St. Clair Avenue West, 12th floor
Toronto, Ontario
M4V 1P5