Environmental assessment: getting started

Environmental assessment: getting started

The Department of Environment and Climate Change regulates and oversees the environmental assessment process. The department makes sure that industry complies with provincial laws and regulations to protect the environment and human health.

Environmental assessment process

The environmental assessment process is one of the ways the Department of Environment and Climate Change makes sure new and traditional industries can develop projects that benefit Nova Scotians - projects that fight climate change, support housing and build a strong and resilient economy -- while ensuring the environment remains protected.

When a company wants to start a large industrial project (like a mine, wind farm or manufacturing plant) the environmental assessment is typically one of the first environmental approvals they need. The process requires companies to identify the benefits of their project, its potential environmental impacts and how the impacts will be managed.

An environmental assessment brings together scientific data and evidence, along with consultation with the public and the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia. It looks at what effect the project will have on the environment, climate change and people, and how the company will reduce or eliminate impacts the project could cause.

The Department of Environment and Climate Change carefully reviews the information provided through the environmental assessment process to understand the benefits of the project and the impacts it may have for the environment, as well as how the company will manage those impacts. If the regulator approves the project, the department monitors it to ensure the company complies with its terms and conditions.

Environmental assessments help Nova Scotia build a strong economy and thriving communities. They also help protect the environment and human health.

Class I and II

Nova Scotia has 2 different levels or classes of environmental assessment processes depending on the type of the project. The regulations outline which types of projects require which process. Both processes require the company to complete scientific studies to identify the benefits and environmental impacts of the project and to engage the public and the Mi’kmaq. Most commonly, projects require a Class I process which is robust and efficient.

Project information

You can find information on projects undergoing an environmental assessment and past projects at Environmental Assessment Projects.

Types of projects that may require a Class I environmental assessment process include:

  • pits and quarries of a certain size
  • mines (like mines for gypsum, gold mines and critical minerals)
  • energy generation projects (like wind, hydrogen and natural gas)
  • industrial facilities (like those that manage certain wastes)
  • highways of a certain size

More complex projects like pulp and paper mills, cement plants and petrochemical facilities require a Class II environmental assessment process.

Commenting on projects

As part of the preparation process for an Environment Assessment, companies must identify all the benefits and impacts the project could have for our environment, people and climate change.

Companies are expected to engage with the Mi’kmaq and communities that may be impacted by the project. This is your opportunity to ask questions, share your concerns or provide comments to the company in writing.

Watch your newspaper, social media, post office or other public and municipal building for notices of upcoming engagement sessions held by the organization behind the project.

When a company registers their project for an environmental assessment with the Department of Environment and Climate Change, we also invite the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia and the public to provide comments directly to the department during a 40-day comment period.

Related legislation

Related information