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Analysis of uncertainty consideration in environmental assessment: an empirical study of Canadian EA practice

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  • Juliette Lees
  • Jochen A.G. Jaeger
  • Jill A.E. Gunn
  • Bram F. Noble

Abstract

Identifying and communicating uncertainty is core to effective environmental assessment (EA). This study evaluates the extent to which uncertainties are considered and addressed in Canadian EA practice. We reviewed the environmental protection plans, follow-up programs, and panel reports (where applicable) of 12 EAs between 1995 and 2012. The types of uncertainties and levels of disclosure varied greatly. When uncertainties were acknowledged, practitioners adopted five different approaches to address them. However, uncertainties were never discussed or addressed in depth. We found a lack of suitable terminology and consistency in how uncertainties are disclosed, reflecting the need for explicit guidance, and we present recommendations for improvement. Canadian Environmental Impact Statements are not as transparent with respect to uncertainties as they should be, and uncertainties in EA need to be better considered and communicated.

Suggested Citation

  • Juliette Lees & Jochen A.G. Jaeger & Jill A.E. Gunn & Bram F. Noble, 2016. "Analysis of uncertainty consideration in environmental assessment: an empirical study of Canadian EA practice," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 59(11), pages 2024-2044, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jenpmg:v:59:y:2016:i:11:p:2024-2044
    DOI: 10.1080/09640568.2015.1116980
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    Cited by:

    1. Teresa Fidélis & Ana Rita Rosa & Rita Albergaria, 2016. "Developing an Analytical Framework to Assess the Consistency of Contents and Terminology used by SEA Reports for Similar Types of Plans," Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management (JEAPM), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 18(04), pages 1-39, December.
    2. Ben Cave & Ryngan Pyper & Birgitte Fischer-Bonde & Sarah Humboldt-Dachroeden & Piedad Martin-Olmedo, 2021. "Lessons from an International Initiative to Set and Share Good Practice on Human Health in Environmental Impact Assessment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-23, February.
    3. Maartje Bodde & Karin Van der Wel & Peter Driessen & Arjan Wardekker & Hens Runhaar, 2018. "Strategies for Dealing with Uncertainties in Strategic Environmental Assessment: An Analytical Framework Illustrated with Case Studies from The Netherlands," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-24, July.

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