PLE 715

This course introduces the concepts and methods of Environmental Assessment in Ontario. It examines the biological, economic and social impacts that are commonly associated with development activities and the means used to predict, evaluate and mitigate impacts in human and natural environments. It includes a review of the history of environmental assessment and its relation to environmental planning principles. It covers the basic elements of assessment; geophysical, biological and socio-economic impacts and their inter-relationships. The course concludes with a review of current practice in impact assessment and the major controversies in the field.