Which of the following would most likely trigger the requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessment in a development project?

Q: What is the correct answer to: Which of the following would most likely trigger the requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessment in a development project?

The correct answer is Developing a shopping center near a wetland. Option C is correct because developing a shopping center near a wetland combines two key EIA triggers: significant project scale and proximity to environmentally sensitive areas. Wetlands are protected under federal legislation like the Fisheries Act and provincial environmental acts. Commercial developments of this magnitude typically exceed provincial thresholds for mandatory environmental assessment due to their potential impacts on water quality, wildlife habitat, drainage patterns, and ecosystem integrity. The combination of large-scale development and wetland proximity makes an EIA virtually certain under Canadian environmental legislation.

Q: What background knowledge is needed for this Land Use & Planning question?

Environmental Impact Assessments are mandatory evaluations required under provincial environmental legislation when development projects exceed certain thresholds or affect sensitive areas. Key triggering factors include project scale (size, cost, scope), environmental sensitivity of the location (wetlands, endangered species habitat, water bodies), and potential for significant environmental effects. Federal legislation like the Fisheries Act protects fish habitat including wetlands, while provincial acts establish specific EIA requirements. Wetlands are particularly protected due to their ecological importance for water filtration, flood control, and biodiversity. Commercial developments typically have higher thresholds than residential projects due to their greater potential environmental impact.

Q: What is a good way to remember the answer to this Land Use & Planning question?

Remember WISE: Wetlands + Industrial/commercial + Scale + Environmental sensitivity = EIA required. Think of being WISE about protecting the environment - when you see large commercial projects (shopping centers, industrial facilities) near sensitive areas like wetlands, waterways, or protected habitats, an Environmental Impact Assessment will be WISE and required. When you see exam questions about EIA requirements, apply WISE: look for the combination of significant project scale (commercial/industrial vs. residential) and environmental sensitivity (wetlands, water bodies, protected areas). The more factors present, the more likely an EIA is required.

Q: What exam tip applies to this Land Use & Planning question?

Look for combinations of large-scale commercial/industrial development with environmentally sensitive locations. Wetlands, waterways, and protected habitats are key triggers. Single-family homes and minor additions rarely require EIAs unless in extremely sensitive areas.

Q: How does this Land Use & Planning concept apply in real world practice?

A developer wants to build a 50-store shopping plaza adjacent to a provincially significant wetland. Before proceeding, they must conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment examining potential effects on water quality, wildlife corridors, stormwater management, and wetland hydrology. The assessment would evaluate mitigation measures, alternative designs, and long-term monitoring requirements. Provincial environmental ministry review and public consultation would be mandatory before development approval, potentially requiring design modifications or enhanced environmental protection measures to proceed.

Question

Land Use & PlanningEnvironmental RegulationsMEDIUM

Which of the following would most likely trigger the requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessment in a development project?

Answer Options

A

Building a single-family home on an existing lot

B

Constructing a small office addition

C

Developing a shopping center near a wetland

D

Installing a residential swimming pool