Apply for an Environmental Impact Assessment
What is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?
An environmental impact assessment helps to determine any possible impacts, positive or negative, that a proposed project might have on the environment. In this way, negative or harmful impacts can be identified and addressed before a project begins.
An EIA examines the possible impacts of a project on people, animals, plants, land, air, and water.
When is an Environmental Impact Assessment required?
You need to apply for an environmental impact assessment if your project includes any new construction, industry, or operation or any alternation of an existing operation or industry that may:
- cause the release of any contaminant into the environment;
- have an effect on any unique, rare, or endangered feature of the environment;
- have a significant effect on the environment, or make further development necessary that is likely to do so; or
- cause public concern because of its known or possible effect on the environment.
Any project that meets the above criteria must be screened by the Department.
Are there additional requirements?
There may be. If you are establishing an operation that will house livestock, you must also complete and submit a Commercial Livestock Operations Project Information Form.
What is the fee for an Environmental Impact Assessment?
The fee is based on the cost of the project, as follows:
| Fee | Cost |
| $100 | Under $200,000 |
| $500 | $200,000 to $999,999 |
| $2,500 | $1,000,000 to $2,499,999 |
| 10,000 | $2,500,000 and over |
All fees include HST. Cheques should be made payable to the PEI Minister of Finance.
How long will it take to process my application?
Processing your application can take from 60 days to six months. An explanation of the steps involved is available at the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Review.
Who can I contact for more information?
Dale Thompson (Environmental Assessment Officer)
Jones Building, 4th floor
11 Kent Street
Charlottetown, PEI
C1A 7N8
Telephone: (902) 368-5049
Fax: (902) 368-5830
Email: dethompson@gov.pe.ca
Greg Wilson (Manager, Environmental Land Management)
Jones Building, 4th floor
11 Kent Street
Charlottetown, PEI
C1A 7N8
Telephone: (902) 368-5274
Fax: (902) 368-5830
Email: gbwilson@gov.pe.ca