Environmental Assessment Studies

Environmental Assessments 

Overview

A Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) is a phased study that identifies potential positive and negative effects of municipal capital projects such as roads, water and wastewater. The process includes an extensive evaluation of impacts on the natural and social environment, which includes the impacts to plants and animals, traffic patterns, and to residents and businesses in the community. Through the process, measures are identified to prevent or mitigate any negative impacts. Over the long term, environmental assessment provides decision makers with the kind of information they need to approve projects that are suitable with a healthy, sustainable environment for both present and future generations.

Process

In Ontario, municipal EAs follow the Municipal Engineers Association document "Municipal Class Environmental Assessment," (October 2000, amended 2007). Public consultation is a vital part of the EA process and in the District of Muskoka, Public Information Centre's (PIC) are planned in the community as well as consulting directly with area municipal councils, review agencies, interest groups, and property owners.