Addressing the cumulative effects of development on the environment is a priority for Alberta Environment, as mandated by Premier Ed Stelmach.

Cumulative effects is about considering the environmental implications of development for an entire region. This new approach is necessary if we intend to protect the air, land and water of our province.

Because every landscape is different, and requires setting different outcomes to protect the environment, the new cumulative effects management framework will consider environmental effects of development on a regional basis.

Under this approach, we will adopt new methods - such as setting regional limits, building external partnerships and developing long-term shared outcomes.

The new approach will evolve the present environmental management system to make sure the cumulative effects of development are considered as part of regular business.

Regional assessments and projections will be addressed over more meaningful geographic scales and time spans. The existing project-based environmental impact assessment process will be streamlined, with more focus on environmental assessments that deal directly with the shared environmental objectives for the region.

Environmental regulation will have its place in the new system and individual companies will still need to know and be held accountable to enforceable requirements. Each department and board will continue to fulfill its mandate. The new approach enables a full spectrum of non-regulatory and policy tools, including economic incentives, education and voluntary action all aimed at achieving the objectives.

The new approach will evolve the present environmental management system to include cumulative effects management as part of regular business, rather than as an “add-on” at the end of project design. Regional assessment and projections will be addressed over more meaningful geographic scales and time spans.

In addition, project approvals and other authorizations based on generic standards or on technology will be phased out, to be replaced by approvals based on how particular projects relate to shared regional objectives.

Click here to read Minister Renner's speech announcing the cumulative effects management framework.

For more information about the cumulative effects management framework and the Industrial Heartland, click here. For a fact sheet about the cumulative effects policy paper, click here. For a fact sheet about the cumulative effects management framework overall approach, click here. For a fact sheet about the Industrial Heartland, please click here.