Home > Services:Expertise > Environmental Assessments >

Cumulative Effects Assessments

The concept of Cumulative Effects Assessment (CEA) grew out of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and expands on the process of identifying and predicting the consequences of a proposed project.

Whereas EIAs have traditionally examined only the individual and combined effects that could result from a proposed project, CEAs take a much broader regional view. Effects of the proposed project are assessed in combination with other developments and human activities around it. Future development scenarios, with and without the proposed development, are typically compared to pre-development and current conditions.

Assessment of cumulative effects is considered by many to be an essential step towards achieving environmentally-sustainable development. Environmental legislation in Canada and the United States, as well as impact assessment guidelines for international financial institutions and development organizations, now require an assessment of cumulative effects. Cumulative effects assessment is also seen by some major industries as a fundamental component of their environmental management systems.

Resources

We are one of the few private consultancies with practical experience in conducting cumulative effects assessments. AXYS is one of the leaders in Canada in developing new, yet cost-effective techniques to quantify and manage cumulative effects.

AXYS recently developed a training course for the International Association for Impact Assessment explaining the concepts and issues involved in conducting a CEA. The Introductory Session is available online to provide an overview of CEA types, uses and methods.

Many of these methods employ advanced technologies using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and computer modelling. We have also assisted government agencies in incorporating cumulative effects assessments into their internal review processes, and in establishing national guidelines for the inclusion of cumulative effects assessments for federally-regulated projects.

Services

AXYS offers a full range of services to assist project developers in completing CEAs and to assist regulators when they incorporate cumulative effects in their review process:

Methodological approaches

Develop and use of computer simulations and modelling techniques to quantify cumulative effects on aquatic systems, vegetation, wildlife and resource use.

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) mapping and analysis

Provide advanced database management and GIS-based computer modelling to quantify cumulative effects. Specialized products such as computer graphics, hardcopy maps, interactive databases and videos can be developed to display the results of these analyses.

Appropriate response to legislated requirements

Recommend the scope of the study necessary to complete a CEA.

Incorporation of CEA into regulatory agency review process

Modify the existing detailed assessment or screening level process to ensure the consideration of cumulative effects issues.

Education and Training

Communicate what CEA involves and how organizations can respond to cumulative effects.

Selected Experience

AXYS has completed CEA projects for the following types of developments:

Oil and Gas

AXYS has assessed the cumulative environmental effects of a variety of oil and gas exploration and development projects, including in-situ heavy oil extraction facilities, natural gas pipelines and a multi-year regional study of offshore exploration in Canada's arctic.

Mines

Using computer modelling and advanced GIS techniques, AXYS evaluated the regional effects of a proposed diamond mine on barrenground caribou, grizzly bears, wolves and other wildlife.

Urban Development

We have completed cumulative effects assessments for several residential and resort developments in mountain valleys.

Sustainable Tourism

A principal of AXYS was appointed as a member of a Federal Task Force to conduct a comprehensive regional cumulative effects assessment of Banff National Park. Similar techniques will be used in an ongoing project on environmentally sustainable tourism in the Caribbean.

Regulatory Process

Using a series of workshops, AXYS has assisted a federal regulatory agency in incorporating cumulative effects into their screening review process. We also assisted in identifying key research to quantify the cumulative effects of mining and other human uses in northern Canada.

Training

We have prepared, presented and facilitated workshops and seminars designed to educate audiences about cumulative effects practice.

Sample Projects

Screwdriver Creek Wellsites

A Cumulative Effects Assessment of wellsites, pipelines and access roads jointly proposed by Canadian 88 and Shell Canada in Alberta's environmentally sensitive Eastern Slopes.

Cumulative Effects on Northern Wildlife

A Cumulative Effects Assessment of potential effects on wildlife due to Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. proposed open-pit diamond mine in the NWT.

Cumulative Effects Thresholds for Wildlife

Identification for the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs of management thresholds for various wildlife species in the Yukon affected by multiple resource developments.

Framework for Managing Cumulative Effects in Canada's North

Development for Environment Canada of a framework to manage cumulative effects in Canada's north.

Incorporating Cumulative Effects in Yukon Environmental Screening

Development for the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs of an approach to assess cumulative effects as part of Level 1 and 2 screening.