Projects under comprehensive review

For projects that could have a significant environmental impact, a more detailed review called a Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment is required. This thorough review offers added opportunities for public and First Nations involvement and helps ensure a transparent, accountable, and community-engaged decision-making process.

Under the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation, reviews begin when a proponent submits a registration document. Most projects are assessed through a determination review, which involves a Technical Review Committee of subject matter experts. However, if the Minister suspects the potential of a significant impact or determines more study is needed, the project enters the comprehensive review process.

The Comprehensive EIA process carefully considers potential environmental, social, and economic impacts. Involving the public and First Nations ensures that all stakeholder concerns and rights are addressed. The Duty to Consult with First Nations is a distinct but parallel process that occurs alongside the EIA. First Nations may choose to provide input through both channels.

There are five key stages in the process where the public and First Nations can get involved:

• Draft guidelines are prepared by government subject matter experts to define the scope of the study, outlining the issues the proponent must address.
• These draft guidelines are publicly released for review.
• The public and First Nations are invited to provide input before final guidelines are prepared.
• Final guidelines are created by the EIA Branch based on feedback.
• These guidelines are project-specific, considering the proposed project and its location.

• The proponent develops draft terms of reference based on the final guidelines, describing how they intend to conduct the study.
• The proponent engages with the public and First Nations on the draft terms of reference.
• Government experts review the draft, request revisions and approve the final version.
• This becomes the roadmap for the EIA study.

• The proponent conducts the EIA study and submits a draft report to the department.
• Government experts review and may request revisions.
• The final report, along with a summary and a statement on the review process, is publicly released.
• Public and First Nations are invited to review the material and prepare for engagement with the independent panel.

• A panel of independent experts leads public engagement through public meetings and accepts written submissions.
• The panel considers all input and prepares a summary report and recommendations for government.

• The Minister reviews:
  • the panel’s recommendations
  • findings from the EIA Branch
  • results of the Duty to Consult process
• After the final public meeting, there is a 15-day window for additional written comments.
• A public participation summary is prepared and shared publicly, incorporating:
  • transcripts
  • written briefs
  • additional comments
• The full documentation package, including Duty to Consult outcomes (if applicable), is sent to the Minister for a final decision.

A current example of a project undergoing a comprehensive EIA is NB Power’s proposal to install a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) at the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station. Due to the potential impact, this project is subject to the full comprehensive EIA process.

Progress to date:

• Final EIA guidelines were issued to NB Power on November 27, 2023.
• NB Power is currently developing the terms of reference for the project.
• The project will follow the full process, with opportunities for public and First Nations participation at every stage, as outlined above.

For reference and transparency, documents from past comprehensive EIA projects are available in the archives section.