Environmental Assessment (EA) Process

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s (CNSC) Environmental Assessment (EA) process is somewhat different from EA processes at other federal departments and agencies because our Commission Tribunal is responsible for making most EA decisions under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. If an EA is required for a particular project, the Commission must make the EA decision before considering if the project can proceed to licensing.

Generally, there are three main stages of the EA process at CNSC, each of which involves different steps.

1. Preparing for the EA

  • an applicant submits an application for a licence
  • CNSC personnel determine if an EA is needed before for the project can proceed
  • if an EA is needed, CNSC personnel determines the type of EA required, in accordance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act
  • CNSC develops project-specific EA guidelines, including the scope of the project and the scope of the factors to be considered by the applicant in the EA
  • the Commission Tribunal makes a decision on the scoping information and on whether the EA should proceed or whether it should be referred to a review panel
  • CNSC posts relevant documents and information about the EA on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry and on this Web site

2. Conducting the EA

  • if the EA is OK to proceed, CNSC personnel or the applicant, if appropriate, undertake the technical studies required to assess and evaluate the potential environmental effects of the project
  • the applicant is encouraged by CNSC to consult the public and Aboriginal peoples about their project and on their technical studies, if appropriate
  • potential environmental effects are identified and options are developed to reduce or eliminate possible negative effects
  • CNSC’s technical experts analyze and assess the applicant’s technical studies and the Environmental Impact Statement

3. EA Decision by Commission Tribunal

  • CNSC personnel prepare an EA report and consult the public on the findings
  • the Commission Tribunal may hold a public hearing to make its decision on whether the project can proceed, based on the potential environmental impacts
  • if the project is OK to proceed, the applicant provides the final documents required to proceed with the licence application
  • CNSC personnel provide a recommendation on the licence to the Commission Tribunal for a final decision and a public hearing may be held for the public to provide input on the licence
  • if the project is approved, CNSC issues the appropriate licence

Find out more

See the list of ongoing EAs >

Find out how to participate in an EA >