Environmental Assessment

The staff in the Environmental Affairs Section are environmental analysts. Our primary function is to review the variety of projects and activities that take place in the Yukon in terms of their potential effects on fisheries, wildlife, parks, habitat and parks and recreation.

Why do we have an Environmental Assessment Team?

We speak on behalf of the Department of Environment and Yukon Government regarding impacts and mitigation for project proposals, and ensure there is one Departmental viewpoint instead of many conflicting recommendations.

Every project that happens has the potential to have an impact on the environment. It is our job to:

• Identify the projects and activities involved;
• Translate the activities involved to our stakeholders so there is a clear understanding of what will actually take place on each project;
• Consult in varying degrees with a wide range of stakeholders including trappers, outfitters, biologists, the public, senior management, First Nations, other governments, and non-government organizations;
• Gather the facts and concerns to develop a department or government viewpoint on the project that outlines possible impacts and mitigation;
• Present our position to various regulators and policy forums to ensure that the department's needs are put into the permits governing a project;
• Follow-up to ensure that the recommendations we made are accepted and utilised;
• Keep Department of Environment senior managers apprised of sensitive issues and help provide solutions to resolve these issues; and
• Stay up-to-date on the effectiveness of current methods in limiting impacts due to development.

We can answer your questions about a specific project or proposal, or give you more information about our review and referral process.

Additional Resources

• Development Assessment Branch - Yukon government contact on matters relating to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Act
• Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Board