Preliminary Information Statement

As the first step in the procedure, the proponent must complete a Preliminary Information Form. This step should coincide with the preliminary planning of the project, when the proponent is studying the various possible options and the technical, economic, environmental and social aspects of a project so as to select the best options for further study. Under Articles 155 and 156 of the Act, the proponent must then send the appropriate Administrator a notice of intent and the preliminary information on the project. The content of this preliminary information is set out in Article 2 of the Regulation respecting the environmental and social impact assessment and review procedure applicable to the territory of James Bay and Northern Québec, and includes in particular:

• The identity of the proponent and their consultant, if there is one;
• the project title;
• the project objectives and justification;
• the project location and any plans to study alternative locations;
• a description of the project and alternatives under study;
• main environmental and human constraints;
• primary impacts anticipated;
• public information and consultation processes;
• project schedule;
• subsequent phases and related projects;
• in the case of a “grey zone” project, which is not automatically subject to or exempt from the procedure according to Schedules A and B of the Act, sufficient information must be provided to enable a summary evaluation of the social and environmental impacts of the project and to determine, if necessary, whether or not the project must undergo the assessment and review procedure.

Please visit the page “Renseignements préliminaires pour la réalisation d’un projet en milieu nordique” on the MELCCFP website for more details on the information required and the form that must be completed.