Notice of approval – terms of reference

Proponent: Ministry of Natural Resources
Environmental assessment (EA) file number: NR-AA-02

As provided for by section 6(4) of the Environmental Assessment Act (EAA), Terms of Reference (ToR), as submitted for approval to the Ministry of the Environment on November 1, 1999 and revised with through the submission of Terms of Reference dated March 1, 2000, to govern the preparation of an environmental assessment for the above-noted undertaking, are hereby approved.

Reasons

I am satisfied that an environmental assessment carried out in accordance with the ToR will be consistent with the purpose of the EAA and with the public interest for the following reasons:

  1. The ToR requires that the proponent meet the intent of the EAA 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.
  2. The Government review team has indicated that they have no outstanding concerns which cannot be addressed in the EA.
  3. The ToR requires the proponent to implement a comprehensive consultation plan outlining how to involve potential stakeholders and the timing and types of consultation. In addition, the EAA requires continued consultation and documentation of the consulting during the preparation of the EA. As well, there will be additional opportunities for public and agency consultation when the EA is submitted to the Ministry.

Pursuant to subsection 6.1(1) of the Environmental Assessment Act, any environmental assessment for the above-noted undertaking, 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 20th day of April 2000 at Toronto.

Original signed by
Minister of the Environment
135 St. Clair Avenue West, 15th Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M4V 1P5