Leveraging impact assessment for satisfactory project outcomes: benefits of early planning and participatory decision-making

This article demonstrates to proponents that adopting good practices early in the impact assessment process can help to achieve positive project outcomes. Drawing from a case study of the Adaptive Phased Management Project proposed by Canada’s Nuclear Waste Management Organization, we show ways in which impact assessment can be leveraged to achieve beneficial outcomes for interested parties through early planning that includes a commitment to transparency and participatory engagement. A considerable benefit of the approach we outline is the establishment of good relationships between stakeholders, rights-holders, and the proponent, which facilitate dialogue regarding the goals of each party and how implementing the project can help to achieve them. Examples of stakeholder, Indigenous community, and proponent collaboration during early planning for the regulatory approval process, including legislated impact assessment, of a multi-billion dollar infrastructure project with an extended timeline are provided.