Environmental Impact Assessment (EA / EIA / CEA)

Environmental impact assessment presents baseline conditions and an assessment of potential project impacts on vectors which are being assessed (e.g. wildlife or vegetation resources) within the project study area (local/regional). Baseline information can be compiled from:

• Field studies conducted specifically for the assessment
• Pre-existing monitoring and inventory data
• Regionally pertinent pre-existing data
• Relevant scientific/grey literature

An impact assessment typically evaluates potential environmental effects from a proposed project in the context of the local and regional area.

Assessment of cumulative effects is typically based on guidance documentation from provincial or federal regulators. Assessments will also typically include a comprehensive summary of all proposed monitoring, research and other strategies or plans to minimize, mitigate and manage potential adverse effects.