New Brunswick’s Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation (Regulation 87-83) came into force on July 13, 1987, to provide a legislative framework for proactive environmental planning including opportunities for public involvement. The Clean Environment Act, RSNB 1973, c C-6 is the source legislation for Regulation 87-83.
As stated in Section 5(2) of the EIA Regulation, proponents of undertakings listed in Schedule “A“ of the Regulation must register their proposals with the Department of Environment and Local Government (DELG) for review. This is accomplished by submitting a “registration document” that reports on the results of an EIA study conducted by the proponent and includes details of the proposed undertaking, its potential environmental impacts, and how significant impacts may be addressed. It is the proponent’s responsibility to provide a full project description by ensuring that the registration document addresses all the requirements outlined in the Registration Guide. Full and accurate descriptions of the location, proposed activities, existing environment, potential impacts, and proposed mitigation are required. The registration document is prepared at the proponent’s expense. Depending on the complexity and/or setting of the project, preparation of the registration document may require the use of specialist consultants hired by the proponent. A registration document must be submitted and a positive decision rendered by the Minister of DELG in addition to any other applicable provincial permits, approvals or licences before any physical work can be initiated. It is in the best interest of the proponent to submit the registration document early in the planning process so that there is sufficient time to address identified concerns.
