Exercise: What Is a "Project" Under the CEAA?
When faced with a proposed initiative, two main questions should be asked to help determine whether an environmental assessment in accordance with the CEAA is required:
- Is the initiative a physical activity in relation to a "physical work"?
- Is the initiative included in the Exclusion List Regulations or is it a response to an emergency situation?
The following examples provide an opportunity to practice identifying the types of initiative that would require the completion of an environmental assessment in accordance with the CEAA.
Is an environmental assessment in accordance with the CEAA required for…
- the construction of a new irrigation structure?
Answer: Yes, since there is a physical work as defined by the CEAA. Furthermore, this physical work would take place in or close to a water body.
Is an environmental assessment in accordance with the CEAA required for…
- the implementation of a tree nursery?
Answer: To make a proper determination, we would need to know if the initiative includes the construction of a building and if irrigation structures are planned, in addition to their physical dimensions and other characteristics related to the presence of water bodies.
Is an environmental assessment in accordance with the CEAA required for…
- the construction of latrines distributed in different communities?
Answer: The construction of latrines may require the completion of an environmental assessment under the CEAA, depending on the circumstances. Such initiatives often involve the implementation of many latrines, distributed over a large territory. In such cases, rather than undertaking an environmental assessment for each individual construction, a
class environmental assessment can be conducted for each eco-region, or region with similar environmental characteristics. Such an assessment presents the accumulated knowledge about the environmental effects of a given type of initiative, and provides insight into the guidelines that will be followed to avoid degradation and nuisances. These guidelines include criteria for site selection, and details on the technical, maintenance, and management aspects. The pertinence of such environmental assessments must be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Is an environmental assessment in accordance with the CEAA required for…
- the construction of a 2 m high dyke to retain water for agricultural purposes?
Answer: Yes, since there is a physical work as defined by the CEAA. Furthermore, this physical work would take place in or close to a water body.
Is an environmental assessment in accordance with the CEAA required for…
- assistance to an agricultural cooperative for the distribution of fertilizers?
Answer: If no physical works are involved, an environmental assessment in accordance with the CEAA would not be required. Nevertheless, the integration of environmental concerns is important and in line with
CIDA's Policy for Environmental Sustainability. An environmental assessment of smaller scope would thus be required.
Is an environmental assessment in accordance with the CEAA required for…
- the creation of a microcredit fund?
Answer: Such initiatives are to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Usually, if CIDA's funding can be traced directly to the ground level, and if a loan goes toward a specific physical work as defined by the CEAA, then an environmental assessment in accordance with the CEAA would be required. However, if CIDA funds contribute to the microcredit fund, and it is not possible to track CIDA funds to a specific activity resulting from a loan during the time frame of the initiative, then an environmental assessment in accordance with the CEAA may not be required.
