Timeline
Our estimated processing time for this application is 30 to 175 business days, depending on the application type. See our timeline spreadsheet for updates.
Purpose of the Application
We review applications for energy projects that fall under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) or the Water Act (WA). Some applications will require environmental impact assessment (EIA) reports to be submitted along with the applications. Learn more about the EPEA legislation and WA legislation.
EPEA applications include the following:
- approvals: new, amendments, renewals
- registrations: new, amendments
EPEA indicates which activities require our approval or registrations and what must be done to obtain our approval or registration. Under the act, companies must review and report any potential environmental impacts.
WA applications and notices include the following:
- approvals – baseline, additional review
- licences – new, amendments, and renewals
- temporary diversion licences (TDLs)
- preliminary certificates
- notices under the WA codes of practice
Process Checklist
Submit an Application
Companies must submit their EPEA applications and WA licence applications, excluding TDL applications, by email to EPEA.WA.Applications@aer.ca.
- WA TDL applications must be submitted through the WATERS system.
- All applications for WA approvals, amendments, and code of practice notifications must be submitted through OneStop.
By submitting an application, the company accepts that its information is no longer confidential; however, applicants may request confidentiality, and we may approve or refuse the request.
Review Process
- We share all applications on our Public Notice of Application page to encourage public participation in the approval process.
- Anyone who believes they may be directly and adversely affected by an application can file a statement of concern (SOC). If we receive an SOC, it may take us longer to process the application.
- We will assign the application to subject matter experts for initial review. They may refer the applications to the appropriate subject matter experts for additional review. If information is missing (i.e., the application is not complete), we may return the application to the applicant or request that the needed information be submitted within a specified timeline. Otherwise, we will proceed with a full technical review.
- The application must typically include confirmation from the Aboriginal Consultation Office that any required consultation with First Nations or Métis settlements is adequate. We cannot make a decision on an application until confirmation is provided.
- If we return the application to the applicant (incomplete), the applicant may reapply without prejudice.
- We may request additional information (through a supplemental information request) to complete our technical review.
- If there are outstanding concerns from the SOCs after our technical review is complete, we will determine whether the project needs to go through a hearing.
- If the project is recommended for a hearing, we will initiate the hearing process. After the hearing, a decision report will be published. If it is determined that a hearing is not required, then our technical review is complete.
- After our technical review and hearing, if needed, is complete, we will decide to approve or deny the license. If we deny it, the applicant can file an appeal through our appeal process.
- We will email the applicant to notify them of our EPEA or WA decision, which is accessible through the Integrated Application Registry. We will also share our decision on our Publication of Decision page.
