Responsibilities
The responsibility of the Environmental Assessment Division is to protect the environment and quality of life of the people of the province; and facilitate the wise management of the natural resources of the province. It requires anyone who plans a project that could have a significant effect on the natural, social or economic environment to present the project for examination. The environmental assessment process ensures that projects proceed in an environmentally acceptable manner. When the potential environmental effects of projects are of concern, the process generates real benefits by: (i) providing for comprehensive project planning and design, (ii) maximizing environmental protection, (iii) enhancing government coordination, accountability and information exchange, and (iv) facilitating permitting and regulatory approval of projects.
Services
The Environmental Assessment Division administers the process including: (i) consulting at every stage with interested government departments and the public, (ii) evaluating submissions by proponents and reviewers, (iii) advising the Minister on potential environmental effects prior to decisions and (iv) monitoring released projects to ensure compliance and effectiveness of mitigation.
Clients
Clients include stakeholders involved in the assessment of proposed undertakings. The Division works to inform of potential impacts to the environment and effectively administer the legislation for the general public and strives to facilitate qualified and efficient analysis for proponents.
Contact
Joanne Sweeney
Director
Environmental Assessment Division
Department of Environment, Climate Change and Municipalities
Tel: (709) 729-0673
Email: joannesweeney@gov.nl.ca