Forestry Branch

Environment Act Licencing

The Manitoba Environment Act outlines an environmental assessment and licencing process for developments that may have potential for significant environmental effects. Some developments may require both provincial and federal environmental approval prior to proceeding. Under agreement, Manitoba and Canada have agreed to co-operate and co-ordinate respective environmental assessment processes, in order to promote an effective and consistent environmental assessment process in Manitoba. Early consultation with Manitoba Conservation will help determine whether both federal and provincial environmental approvals are required.

Forest developments of greater than 300 m3 per year are considered Class 2 Developments under the Manitoba Environment Act and therefore require that an Environment Act Proposal Form be submitted to Environmental Approvals Branch. The application must be accompanied by 25 copies of the plan for distribution to Public Registries and the Technical Advisory Committee for review and comment.

Environmental Approvals Branch will advertise the Proposal and submission of the Plan, and request public review and comment. Comments and concerns from a public meeting concerning the Plan must be summarized by the proponent and provided to the Environmental Approvals Branch.

For more information about Environmental Licencing, visit Manitoba Conservation, Approvals Branch Web site, or call the Branch at(204) 945-7071.

Environmental Impact Assessment

Guidelines for the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement for long-term Forest Management Plans are prepared by the Technical Advisory Committee, advertised in local papers, placed in the Public Registries, reviewed by the public, and issued by the Director of Environmental Approvals.

Clean Environment Commission Hearings

The Environment Act provides authority for the Minister to call public hearings to consider Proposals filed under the Act. Hearings are not mandatory under the Act, but generally are called where a development Proposal is of general interest to, or will affect, a large number of Manitobans or where through the screening process there are significant public concerns identified. Hearings conducted by the Clean Environment Commission ultimately provide advice and recommendations to the Minister based on evidence received during the hearing process.

Environment Act Licence

At the conclusion of the public review period and Clean Environment Commission Hearings, all public and Technical Advisory Committee comments and Clean Environment Commission recommendations are considered. A licencing decision will be made to approve or refuse a proposal. If approved, a licence will be issued with limits, terms and conditions identified.