Introduction

The environmental assessment requirements under the Environmental Assessment Act (EAA) provide for the protection, conservation, and wise management of Ontario’s environment by ensuring that the environmental effects of new waste disposal sites and changes to waste disposal sites are reviewed in a manner that is consistent with the potential significance of those projects.

This guide to the requirements consists of 2 parts:

  • Part A of the guide is intended to help proponents of waste disposal sites, consultants, interested persons and Indigenous communities understand the environmental assessment requirements for waste management projects which are set out in part IV of the EAA Part II.3 Projects – Designations and Exemptions Regulation (referred to hereafter as the Comprehensive Environmental Assessment Projects Regulation or regulation), made under the EAA. It also provides some overview information about the environmental screening process which is found in part B of this guide.
  • Part B of the guide outlines the environmental screening process for waste management projects. As set out in the regulation, certain waste disposal sites are designated as subject to the requirements of the EAA, but are exempt from part II.3 of the Act on the condition that they are carried out in accordance with the environmental screening process in part B of this guide, which is incorporated by reference into the regulation. Proponents relying on the exemption outlined in the regulation are required to meet the requirements of the environmental screening process before proceeding with their project.
  • Please refer to this guide often to see if any revisions have been made or contact the Environmental Assessment Branch (branch) for any specific questions on the information provided in the guide. You may also reach out to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks' regional offices.

Environmental Assessment Branch
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
135 St. Clair Avenue West, 
Toronto, ON M4V 1P5
416-314-8001  1-800-461-6290   416-314-8452

Any suggestions for revision or clarification are welcomed and should be sent to the director of the Environmental Assessment Branch at the address listed above.

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Glossary

The Comprehensive Environmental Assessment Projects Regulation contains definitions of relevant terms. The following are additional definitions of terms and explanations of short forms used in this guide.

Aboriginal peoples
The Constitution Act, 1982 specifies that Aboriginal peoples include First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada. For the purposes of this guide, “Aboriginal peoples,” “Aboriginal communities” and “Indigenous communities” are terms which are used interchangeably.
Class environmental assessment
A document that sets out the undertakings (projects) to which it applies and the standardized planning process that must be followed for a proponent to proceed with the projects. 
The class environmental assessment (class EA) process typically includes requirements for consultation, including consultation with Indigenous communities, and requires the consideration of potential environmental impacts and mitigation of any such impacts before a project proceeds.
Projects that are subject to a class environmental assessment do not require approval under part II.3 of the EAA. These projects can proceed subject to complying with the applicable class EA, provided no section 16 order is made declaring that the project is a part II.3 project and thereby requiring the proponent to apply for approval under part II.3 (comprehensive environmental assessment) to be able to proceed with the project.
Comprehensive environmental assessment
An environmental assessment prepared and submitted when seeking approval under part II.3 of the EAA.
Director
Director of the Environmental Assessment Branch, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
Elevation
Interested persons, Indigenous communities or government agencies with outstanding environmental concerns may make a written request to the minister to elevate a project to a comprehensive environmental assessment. This process must happen during the mandatory review period for reports prepared under the environmental screening process.
Environment
Has the same meaning as in the EAA.
Environmental assessment (EA)
Environmental assessment is the study that assesses the potential negative and positive environmental effects of a proposed project. Key components of an environmental assessment include:
  • consultation with government agencies, Indigenous communities and the public
  • consideration and evaluation of alternatives
  • mitigation and management of potential negative environmental effects

Conducting an environmental assessment promotes good environmental planning before decisions are made about proceeding with a proposed project.

Environmental Assessment Act (EAA)
The EAA (and amendments and regulations thereto) is the provincial statute that sets out a planning and decision-making process to evaluate the potential environmental effects of a proposed project. Proponents wishing to proceed with a project must document their planning and decision-making process and submit the results from their environmental assessment to the minister when seeking to obtain approval to proceed with a project.
Environmental Assessment Branch
Environmental Assessment Branch (EAB or branch), Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
Environmental Assessment Coordinator
Environmental Resource Planner and Environmental Assessment Coordinator located in the Environmental Assessment Branch of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
Environmental screening processes
The environmental screening process is comprised of the steps outlined in part B of this guide. Projects designated in sections 22 and 23, in part IV (waste management projects) of the Comprehensive Environmental Assessment Projects Regulation can proceed subject to completing the environmental screening process, and provided they are not listed in sections 20 or 21 of the regulation.
Mediation
A dispute resolution process in which a neutral third party (mediator) who is acceptable to all participants assists disputants in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement. The mediator has no authority to impose a settlement and participation in the process is voluntary.
Minister
Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
Ministry
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (the ministry, MECP).
Negative environmental effects
Negative environmental effects are the negative effects that a project has, or could potentially have, directly or indirectly on the environment at any stage in the project life cycle. Negative environmental effects may include, but are not limited to, the harmful alteration, disruption, destruction, or loss of natural features, flora or fauna and their habitat, ecological functions, natural resources, air or water quality, and cultural or heritage resources. Negative environmental effects may also include the displacement, impairment, conflict or interference with existing land uses, businesses or economic enterprises, recreational uses or activities, cultural pursuits, social conditions or the local economy.
Net effects
Negative environmental effects of a project and related activities that will remain after mitigation and impact management measures have been applied.
Proponent
A person that carries out or proposes to carry out the project or is the owner or person having charge, management or control of a project.