Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Evaluation and application of current methodologies for social, economic, and biophysical impact assessment and the ISO 14001 standard for environmental management systems. Equivalent Courses: MRM646

COURSE DETAILS:

This course examines the historical and theoretical integration of environmental considerations into contemporary planning theory and practice. We examine environmental planning regulations, decision-making processes and the techniques of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for infrastructure projects (highways, pipelines, power generation, transmission lines, industrial facilities, waste disposal, etc.). We then examine the integration of EIA into municipal land use though “natural heritage” planning that integrates ecology with planning. Natural Heritage case studies include the Ontario Greenbelt Plan and local BC plans. The course will primarily review EIA applied to hard infrastructure projects, but will also review “strategic EA”.  We will examine both domestic EIA processes and projects in Canada as well as case studies in the developing world through the World Bank EIA procedures. Public consultation in EIA is examined in detail including how to design effective programs that integrate local values into the planning and decision-making process, including BIPOC and marginalized groups. First Nations (FN) and Traditional Ecological Knowledge is reviewed with a view to consensus building and reconciliation. We will examine FN case studies issues affecting the Six Nations of Grand River FN (ON), Pictou Landing FN (NS) and pipelines controversies with various FNs in BC.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

After completing REM 646, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the history of environmentalism and how that history was integrated into contemporary planning theory and practice
• Learn a basic 10 step planning approach to EIA as a methodology that is common is all regulatory processes
• Review different EIA regulatory procedures in various provinces as well as the federal Impact Assessment Act
• Examine the globalization of EIA and World Bank procedures through the first assignment and exam
• Learn the common multi-disciplinary tools and techniques of environmental impact assessment and natural heritage planning
• Examine the role of the “Environmental Planner” in project managing the EIA process and the impact studies from many and various disciplinary specialists (e.g. terrestrial biologist, hydrogeologist, etc)
• Review participatory approaches that integrate stakeholder involvement into decision-making
• Appreciate the issues surrounding Environmental Justice and Social Equity through the final paper, film and attendance with the guest speakers
• Demonstrate an appreciation for First Nations, traditional ecological knowledge and social justice in environmental planning through attendance, the exam and the final paper.

Grading

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

RECOMMENDED READING: