The Efficiency Project: Introducing the Rapid Review Process for Low- and Negligible-Risk Projects
Benefits of the rapid review process
- Faster Review Times: We aim to reduce the review period from approximately four and a half months to 40 days or less without compromising project assessments.
- Ideal for Negligible-Risk and Low-Risk Projects: This process is suitable for straightforward projects like replacing a meter station or conducting work within company-owned and fenced land.
The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) has initiated the Efficiency Project to improve the regulatory review of energy projects. This initiative focuses on creating a more efficient, predictable, and transparent process while upholding high safety and environmental protection standards. As part of this effort, we are committed to advancing Reconciliation and ensuring that project assessments align with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Rapid Review Process for Low- and Negligible-Risk Projects
The rapid review process for low- and negligible-risk projects is the first significant improvement introduced through the Efficiency Project. This new process streamlines reviews for straightforward activities, such as minor facility additions or decommissioning work within company-owned, fenced land. It replaces the Section 58 Streamlining Order (SO) and the Decommissioning Exemption Order (DEO), offering a more efficient and predictable path for projects with minimal risk.
The process includes clear criteria and streamlined procedures that significantly reduce review times without compromising the quality of assessments. This enables faster approvals for straightforward, low-risk projects while protecting Indigenous rights and environmental standards.
New criteria to assess projects
To ensure fair and consistent decisions, we have developed comprehensive criteria to assess the risk level of projects. These criteria include:
- Adverse impacts on third parties: Evaluate potential negative effects on individuals or communities, such as noise and traffic disruption.
- Engagement requirements: Determining the necessary level of stakeholder involvement, such as public consultations and feedback sessions.
- Land ownership and rights: Considering property rights and potential conflicts, including easements and land use agreements.
- Environmental and socio-economic effects: Assess the broader environmental and societal implications. Examples: habitat disruption and local employment.
- Rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples: Ensuring the protection of Indigenous rights and interests, including traditional land use and cultural impacts.
- Engineering compliance: Verifying adherence to engineering standards and practices, such as safety standards and construction codes.
- Financial and economic impacts: Analyzing the project's economic effects, including project costs and benefits to the community.
Seeking Your Feedback
We are seeking feedback on the proposed criteria and processes for assessing negligible-risk and low-risk projects. We developed a discussion paper that outlines updates to the framework previously covered under the SO and DEO. We encourage input from Indigenous Peoples, regulated companies, landowners, and other interested parties. Specifically, we are looking for feedback on:
- Whether the proposed criteria adequately address negligible-risk activities.
- The clarity of the simplified review processes for both negligible- and low-risk project applications.
- Suggestions to further improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the regulatory review process.
How to Participate
Engagement will continue until October 31, 2024. You can access the discussion paper through the CER Dialogue webpage. Please email us at efficiency_project@cer-rec.gc.ca with your comments. Your input is essential in helping us refine and improve the Rapid Review Process, ensuring it continues to meet safety, environmental, and public interest obligations.
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