Environmental Assessment

Geography 886

An ONLINE course offered by the University of Saskatchewan

January 5th - April 6th, 2021

Course Instructor: Dr. Bram Noble, Professor, University of Saskatchewan

Note: GEOG 886 is open for registration by professionals and graduate students in Canada and internationally. For non-University of Saskatchewan students, please see below for registration instructions. An undergraduate degree in environmental studies, environmental science, planning, engineering, geography, law or related discipline is required. No prior coursework or practitioner experience in Environmental Assessment is required.

COURSE FORMAT

The course consists of 13 modules, with a flexible delivery approach. Each module is comprised of a short online/live lecture or seminar/discussion that introduces each module and addressed foundational principles and case examples. Live online lectures/seminars will occur weekly on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m to 11:20am local time in Saskatchewan (Central Standard Time; UTC/GMT -6 hours). This will be complemented by on-line discussion forums, pre-recorded videos, applications, and independent readings and exercises. A detailed course schedule will be posted closer to the start date.

COURSE TOPICS

Module 1: Environmental assessment principles and objectives

We will explore the definition and purpose of EA and its underlying objectives. The basic steps in the EA process will be introduced and the various actors typically involved - from the project proponent to different interests and decision makers. We will also explore deeper the extant expectations of EA, from an applied science to information provision tool to civic science.

Module 2: Environmental assessment systems and evolution

This module will introduce the diversity of EA systems. Although we will focus on Canada as an illustrative example of the diverse EA landscape, select international systems will be used for comparison. The core of this module is focused on how EA has evolved over time, since its beginnings under the US National Environmental Policy Act, and some of the major pressures currently facing EA globally.

Module 3: Pre-project planning and engagement

We will explore the planning process that leads-up to an EA, and the importance of such matters as 'alternatives consideration' and establishing the project need. Emphasis will be placed on principles of early public participation, including participation strategies, and its role in shaping the scope and outcomes of EA.

Module 4: Determining the need for assessment

We explore different screening approaches to determining whether an EA is required, and use examples under different EA systems to apply screening methods. The challenges presented by 'small projects' are also discussed - projects that can overwhelm the capacity of an EA system, but projects that can result in significant cumulative impacts over time.

Module 5: Scoping and environmental baselines

What is included in the scope of EA? This module focuses on scoping practices, the identification and selection of valued components (VCs) and indicators, and establishing spatial and temporal boundaries for assessment. We also introduce good practices for condition and change assessment when establishing environmental baselines, and discuss the 'shifting baseline' syndrome that plagues many EAs.

Module 6: Predicting and characterizing environmental impacts

Notwithstanding the uncertainty in how an environmental or social system might respond to change, impact prediction is foundational to EA. Unfortunately, impact predictions are sometimes wrong - or worse, they are presented in such a way that they cannot be verified or follow-up. This module addressed the good-practice principles for impact prediction in EA, the role of uncertainty, and approaches to impact characterization.

Module 7: Impact mitigation and management

Identifying strategies to mitigate potentially adverse impacts is core to any EA application. This module explores the impact mitigation hierarchy in EA, approaches to impact management, and the formulation of mitigation commitments. We also discuss the emerging practice of 'impact and benefit agreements' as a means to create or enhance potential positive impact, and discuss the implications of privately negotiated agreements for the public EA process.

Module 8: Significant determination

This module explores approaches to significance determination in EA. Emphasis is placed on the difference between impact measurement and impact context, and the importance of thresholds, values, and sustainability-based considerations.

Module 9: Follow-up and monitoring

The rationale for post-decision monitoring is explored, including the different types of monitoring in EA processes, and foundational principles for good follow-up and monitoring programs are discussed.

Module 10: Indigenous engagement, rights, and the UN Declaration

This module examines Indigenous engagement in EA, including consultation requirements and international obligations under the United Nations. We address the foundational principles for meaningful Indigenous engagement in EA and discuss the emergence of Indigenous-led EA systems and approaches.

Module 11: Cumulative environmental effects

The notion of 'cumulative' environmental effects is explored, including the challenges that cumulative effects pose to project-based EA systems and practices. We then move beyond the project-scale to address regional frameworks and initiatives for cumulative effects assessment and management, and some of the opportunities and enduring challenges to their implementation.

Module 12: Strategic environmental assessment

Strategic EA deserves a course of its own. In this module we introduce and explore the nature of strategic EA, including its evolution over time, and the basic components of a strategic EA process. We then explore the role strategic EA as an instrument for sustainability transition, moving beyond the traditional 'impact assessment' role.

Module 13: Synopsis and the future of EA

In this concluding module we reflect on the nature of EA, its current challenges, and future directions.

Required Resources

1) Noble BF. 2020. Introduction to Environmental Assessment: A Guide to Principles and Practice. Oxford University Press. Print ISBN: 9780199028894; eText ISBN: 9780199028917

Available in hard copy or as an e-text through VitalSource at https://www.oupcanada.com/catalog/9780199028894.html

2) Additional journal articles and case study readings will be made available through the course site

REGISTRATION

All students must enroll in Geography 886 in either an audit or credit capacity. Options are available to switch between these for some time after the course.

Registration with the University of Saskatchewan, and Payment of Tuition Fees

All participants must apply for admission as a graduate student with the University of Saskatchewan.

A. Current Graduate Students in Canada

- Request permission to register in the course by emailing Dr. Bram Noble (b.noble@usask.ca) and including a brief statement of interest and background preparation.
- Students in Canada but external to the University of Saskatchewan can submit either a Canadian Universities Graduate Transfer Agreement (CUGTA) form or a Western Dean's Agreement (WDA) form, depending on the home institution. Please note that each university has its own version of the CUGTA form. Please consult with your home institution.
- Students will have their home institution sign the form and send it to The Department of Geography and Planning at the University of Saskatchewan (geography.planning@usask.ca), with "GEOG 886" in the subject line. They will be automatically registered in the course, but must pay student fees and tuition directly to the University of Saskatchewan

B. Graduate Students outside of Canada or Professionals

Request permission to register in the course by emailing Dr. Bram Noble (b.noble@usask.ca) and including a brief statement of interest and background preparation.
Apply for admission to the Winter 2021 term here. Once you have set up your log-in ID and PIN, select Application type = "non-degree".
Payment of the $90 non-refundable application fee should accompany the application.
You DO NOT have to submit transcripts, or submit proof of English equivalency and should ignore these requests if prompted automatically by the form.
You MUST provide a letter of permission (LOP). The LOP should be from the student’s home institution or employer in the case of professionals. The LOP must be on official letterhead, listing the course, the term it will be taken, and the dates that the course will be held. You can choose either to upload the LOP in the field for preliminary statement of marks or email it to grad.studies@usask.ca.
Once an application has been processed, you will receive access to a University of Saskatchewan "PAWs" account. You should monitor your admissions status on the PAWs account
Once you have been admitted, notify the Department of Geography and Planning (geography.planning@usask.ca) that you have been admitted and provide your student number so that a registration permission for the course can be entered.
After getting email confirmation from the Department, students taking the course for credit can register themselves and pay their tuition on PAWs. Students wishing to audit the course can contact Student Central at askus@usask.ca using their PAWs email account and request to be registered as an audit student in the course. Tuition will still be paid on PAWs.

C. Tuition

Tuition and fees are payable by all participants, but vary depending on your citizenship and whether you are taking the course for credit or as an audit student.

Tuition and Fees for Canadian Students

Credit: $737.70 CAD

Audit: $393.45 CAD

Tuition and Fees for non-Canadian Students

Credit: $1137.03 CAD

Audit: $593.12 CAD

Further Information

For questions about course content: Dr. Bram Noble (b.noble@usask.ca)
For queries related to registration: Ms. Phyllis Baynes (phyllis.baynes@usask.ca)
For information related to switching from credit to audit: U of S Student Central (askus@usask.ca, or phone 1-877-650-1212).
If you would like to request transfer of credit to your home institution, please order your transcript for the course directly through your PAWS account.

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