Analysis of uncertainty consideration in environmental assessment: an empirical study of Canadian EA practice. Issue 11 (1st November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lees, Juliette; Jaeger, Jochen A.G.; Gunn, Jill A.E.; Noble, Bram F.
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental planning and management. Volume 59:Issue 11(2016)
• Page Start: 2024
• Page End: 2044
• Publication Date: 2016-11-01
• Subjects: uncertainty -- communication -- disclosure -- environmental assessment (EA) -- prediction -- environmental protection plans (EPPs) -- follow-up -- transparency; City planning -- Periodicals; City planning -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Regional planning -- Periodicals; Regional planning -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 333.7
• DOI: 10.1080/09640568.2015.1116980
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0964-0568

Abstract

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.