The Experts below are selected from a list of 99117 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Bram F. Noble - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Cumulative Effects RESEARCH: ACHIEVEMENTS, STATUS, DIRECTIONS AND CHALLENGES IN THE CANADIAN CONTEXT
Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management, 2015Co-Authors: Bram F. NobleAbstract:This paper reflects on the state of Cumulative Effects research in Canada and future directions and challenges. The assessment and management of Cumulative Effects has been an enduring theme in the impact assessment literature, and scholars have consistently identified the challenges to assessing and managing Cumulative Effects under regulatory, project-based impact assessment. Current research on Cumulative Effects is focused largely on the development of frameworks and methodologies to advance Cumulative Effects assessment and management from individual projects to broader regional scales, and on developing the science and tools for assessing and monitoring Cumulative Effects. Ensuring that scholarly research continues to shape Cumulative Effects practice in the future requires that scholars not only attempt to improve practice under current existing regulatory processes, but also push the boundaries to ensure that decision processes also evolve so as to be accommodating of new and innovative approaches to Cumulative Effects at regional scales. This requires interdisciplinary approaches and sustained research funding, both of which present practical challenges to scholars, and research programmes that are developed in collaboration with industry, governments and communities.
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Capacity for watershed Cumulative Effects assessment and management in the South Saskatchewan Watershed, Canada
Canadian Water Resources Journal Revue canadienne des ressources hydriques, 2015Co-Authors: Bram F. Noble, Prajwal BasnetAbstract:Canada’s watersheds are under increasing pressure from the Cumulative Effects of human development. There is a recognized need to assess and manage Cumulative Effects to Canada’s watersheds, but there has been limited assessment of the current capacity for Cumulative Effects assessment and management. This paper assesses the current capacity to implement and sustain watershed-based Cumulative Effects assessment and management in the South Saskatchewan Watershed. Eight core requisites and 40 capacity indicators for watershed Cumulative Effects assessment and management are assessed based on a survey of 73 watershed stakeholders. Results indicate that many of the perceived threats to the health of the South Saskatchewan Watershed are not subject to regulatory environmental assessment. Participants identified leadership and multi-stakeholder collaboration as the most important requisites for watershed Cumulative Effects assessment and management, but under-valued the importance of vertical and horizontal lin...
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A framework for assessing Cumulative Effects in watersheds: An introduction to Canadian case studies
Integrated environmental assessment and management, 2013Co-Authors: Monique G. Dubé, Bram F. Noble, Peter N. Duinker, Lorne A. Greig, Martin Carver, Mark R. Servos, Mark E. Mcmaster, Hans Schreier, Lee Jackson, Kelly R. MunkittrickAbstract:From 2008 to 2013, a series of studies supported by the Canadian Water Network were conducted in Canadian watersheds in an effort to improve methods to assess Cumulative Effects. These studies fit under a common framework for watershed Cumulative Effects assessment (CEA). This article presents an introduction to the Special Series on Watershed CEA in IEAM including the framework and its impetus, a brief introduction to each of the articles in the series, challenges, and a path forward. The framework includes a regional water monitoring program that produces 3 core outputs: an accumulated state assessment, stressor–response relationships, and development of predictive Cumulative Effects scenario models. The framework considers core values, indicators, thresholds, and use of consistent terminology. It emphasizes that CEA requires 2 components, accumulated state quantification and predictive scenario forecasting. It recognizes both of these components must be supported by a regional, multiscale monitoring program. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2013;9:363–369. © 2013 SETAC
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Capacity for Watershed Cumulative Effects Assessment and Management: Lessons from the Lower Fraser River Basin, Canada
Environmental management, 2013Co-Authors: Stephanie Kristensen, Bram F. Noble, Robert J. PatrickAbstract:This study examines the capacity to support the Cumulative Effects assessment and management for watersheds. The research is set in the Lower Fraser River Basin, a densely populated sub-watershed in British Columbia’s lower mainland. Eight requirements or requisites for the watershed Cumulative Effects assessment and management are applied to evaluate current capacity for implementation in the Lower Fraser, and to identify the areas in need of capacity development. Results show that advancing watershed Cumulative Effects assessment and management requires not only good science but also leadership in the coordination of monitoring programs, and in ensuring the appropriate incentives and penalties for engagement and nonengagement. The lack of leadership in this regard is the result of existing governance structures arranged around the political boundaries, which have produced over time multiple agencies and jurisdictional fragmentation. Notwithstanding this, we argue that the watershed is the most appropriate scale for assessing and managing the Cumulative Effects to complex ecosystems.
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Science requisites for Cumulative Effects assessment for wetlands
Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, 2013Co-Authors: Cherie J. Westbrook, Bram F. NobleAbstract:Wetland habitat continues to be lost to Cumulative Effects of development on the landscape. Part of the problem is that there currently exists only limited guidance as to how to use the existing scientific tools, conceptual frameworks and guidance documents to advance Cumulative Effects assessment (CEA) from the project scale to the broader regional scale at which land-use planning occurs. To strengthen CEA science for wetlands there are three minimum requirements: (1) understand the baseline science of wetland functions; (2) delineate the primary drivers (anthropogenic and natural) of disturbance; and (3) develop the science to link drivers to changes in wetland function in an interactive, synergistic and Cumulative way. The paper concludes by identifying ways in which the state of CEA science and management of wetlands could be improved.
Robert J. Patrick - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Capacity for Watershed Cumulative Effects Assessment and Management: Lessons from the Lower Fraser River Basin, Canada
Environmental management, 2013Co-Authors: Stephanie Kristensen, Bram F. Noble, Robert J. PatrickAbstract:This study examines the capacity to support the Cumulative Effects assessment and management for watersheds. The research is set in the Lower Fraser River Basin, a densely populated sub-watershed in British Columbia’s lower mainland. Eight requirements or requisites for the watershed Cumulative Effects assessment and management are applied to evaluate current capacity for implementation in the Lower Fraser, and to identify the areas in need of capacity development. Results show that advancing watershed Cumulative Effects assessment and management requires not only good science but also leadership in the coordination of monitoring programs, and in ensuring the appropriate incentives and penalties for engagement and nonengagement. The lack of leadership in this regard is the result of existing governance structures arranged around the political boundaries, which have produced over time multiple agencies and jurisdictional fragmentation. Notwithstanding this, we argue that the watershed is the most appropriate scale for assessing and managing the Cumulative Effects to complex ecosystems.
Harry Spaling - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Improving the practice of Cumulative Effects assessment in Canada
Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, 2001Co-Authors: Wanda Baxter, William A. Ross, Harry SpalingAbstract:This paper presents the findings of a critical evaluation of 12 Canadian Cumulative Effects assessment (CEA) documents, and offers responsive interpretation and recommendations. The evaluation focused on environmental impact assessment (EIA) documents for which CEAs have been required. A variety of types of document have been reviewed — different jurisdictions (both provincial and federal), different types of project, and different levels of EIA (comprehensive studies and major panel reviews). Findings show that: CEA is inadequately distinguished from EIA; scoping is inadequate; and Cumulative Effects analysis and follow-up are weak. Based on the results of the evaluation, four actions are recommended to improve the professional practice of CEA: include CEA considerations in terms of reference; use context scoping; use more follow-up studies; and link project and regional CEA.
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MANAGING REGIONAL Cumulative Effects OF OIL SANDS DEVELOPMENT IN ALBERTA, CANADA
Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management, 2000Co-Authors: Harry Spaling, Janelle Zwier, William Ross, Roger CreaseyAbstract:This paper demonstrates an approach to regional Cumulative Effects management using the case of oil sands development in Alberta, Canada. The 17 existing, approved, or planned projects, all concentrated in a relatively small region, pose significant challenges for conducting and reviewing Cumulative Effects assessment (CEA) on a project-by-project basis. In response, stakeholders have initiated a regional Cumulative Effects management system that is among the first such initiatives anywhere. Advantages of this system include (1) more efficient gathering and sharing of information, including a common regional database, (2) setting acceptable regional environmental thresholds for all projects, (3) collaborative assessment of similar Cumulative Effects from related projects, (4) co-ordinated regulatory review and approval process for overlapping CEAs, and (5) institutional empowerment from a Regional Sustainable Development Strategy administered by a public authority. This case provides a model for integrating project-based CEA with regional management of Cumulative Effects.
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Methods for Cumulative Effects assessment
Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 1995Co-Authors: Barry Smit, Harry SpalingAbstract:Abstract A variety of methodological tools are available to analyze and assess Cumulative Effects. This article develops a classification of methods for Cumulative Effects assessment, and evaluates them using criteria derived from recently proposed conceptual frameworks of Cumulative environmental change. The classification differentiates two broad approaches. Analytical approaches include spatial analysis, network analysis, biogeographic analysis, interactive matrices, ecological modeling, and expert opinion. Planning approaches are classified into multi-criteria evaluation, programming models, land suitability evaluation, and process guidelines. Selected methods of CEA are evaluated for their ability to consider multiple perturbations, additive and interactive pathways of accumulation, and different types of Cumulative Effects. Geographic information systems, landscape analysis, and simulation modeling are shown to be useful methods of CEA. Loop analysis and cause-effect diagramming serve mainly as heuristic devices. A challenge for future methodological development is the design and testing of methods that incorporate processes of Cumulative environmental change.
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Cumulative Effects ASSESSMENT: CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES
Impact Assessment, 1994Co-Authors: Harry SpalingAbstract:(1994). Cumulative Effects ASSESSMENT: CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES. Impact Assessment: Vol. 12, No. 3, pp. 231-251.
William R Sheate - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Integrating Cumulative Effects assessment into UK strategic planning: implications of the European Union SEA Directive
Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, 2004Co-Authors: Lourdes M Cooper, William R SheateAbstract:This paper considers several options for addressing Cumulative Effects in strategic planning, one of which is through strategic environmental assessment (SEA). The adoption of the EU Directive on the assessment of Effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment and its future incorporation into UK law by 2004 will have implications for the consideration of Cumulative Effects in strategic planning. An interview survey of 28 government regulators, experts, practitioners and planners revealed current understanding of Cumulative Effects, what Cumulative Effects issues could be addressed at the various planning levels and how they may be addressed through SEA. The findings helped inform the development of a framework for integrating Cumulative Effects assessment into the SEA and plan-making process. The proposed framework identifies key steps and activities in the SEA process to address Cumulative Effects.
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Cumulative Effects assessment a review of uk environmental impact statements
Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 2002Co-Authors: Lourdes M Cooper, William R SheateAbstract:Abstract The consideration of Cumulative Effects in environmental impact assessment (EIA) has been required in the UK, though somewhat ambiguously, since the EC Directive (85/337/EEC) was implemented in 1988. This paper describes the results of a review of Cumulative Effects considerations in 50 UK environmental impact statements (EISs) prepared for a variety of project types produced between 1989 and 2000. The results of the review suggest that Cumulative Effects are far from thoroughly addressed. Only 24 EISs (48%) mentioned the term ‘Cumulative Effects/impacts’ and only 9 EISs (18%) provided a discussion, which were mostly qualitative. The problems in addressing these issues are explored, and the main findings include the various interpretations of the concept of Cumulative Effects and the varied treatment of Cumulative Effects issues. Where Cumulative Effects are considered in the scoping stage, this led to a further discussion or analysis of these Effects. The research concludes that for a better consideration of Cumulative Effects, an effective driving force would be the local planning authority (and other competent authorities) requiring developers during the scoping process to address Cumulative Effects and so help meet the most recent strengthened legal requirements of the EC EIA Amendment Directive 97/11/EC and UK Regulations. More tailored guidance for developers and authorities alike is needed for this to happen.
Bill Ross - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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State of practice of Cumulative Effects assessment and management: the good, the bad and the ugly
Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, 2010Co-Authors: Larry W. Canter, Bill RossAbstract:The historical, current and future international practice of Cumulative Effects assessment and management (CEAM) is addressed. The ‘context’ of CEAM is explained and challenges from scientific and policy issues and numerous uncertainties are described. A six-step generic process for carrying out CEAM is provided. Opportunities for mitigation and management are highlighted, with emphasis given to ‘collaboration’ as a foundational element for dealing with Cumulative Effects. This state-of-practice review concludes by noting six ‘ugly lessons’ which result from lack of appropriate attention, eight ‘bad lessons’ which reflect practices that need improvement, and 12 ‘good lessons’ which can be used to articulate good practice principles related to CEAM. In many situations some modification of EIA methods and tools may be necessary. In summary, the practice of CEAM is growing out of its infancy. As experience is accrued, it is anticipated that good practice principles will be further articulated and utilized on...
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Cumulative Effects assessment: Does scale matter?
Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 2007Co-Authors: Riki Therivel, Bill RossAbstract:Abstract Cumulative Effects assessment (CEA) is (or should be) an integral part of environmental assessment at both the project and the more strategic level. CEA helps to link the different scales of environmental assessment in that it focuses on how a given receptor is affected by the totality of plans, projects and activities, rather than on the Effects of a particular plan or project. This article reviews how CEAs consider, and could consider, scale issues: spatial extent, level of detail, and temporal issues. It is based on an analysis of Canadian project-level CEAs and UK strategic-level CEAs. Based on a review of literature and, especially, case studies with which the authors are familiar, it concludes that scale issues are poorly considered at both levels, with particular problems being unclear or non-existing Cumulative Effects scoping methodologies; poor consideration of past or likely future human activities beyond the plan or project in question; attempts to apportion ‘blame’ for Cumulative Effects; and, at the plan level, limited management of Cumulative Effects caused particularly by the absence of consent regimes. Scale issues are important in most of these problems. However both strategic-level and project-level CEA have much potential for managing Cumulative Effects through better siting and phasing of development, demand reduction and other behavioural changes, and particularly through setting development consent rules for projects. The lack of strategic resource-based thresholds constrains the robust management of strategic-level Cumulative Effects.
