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January 20, 2020

The following is an  update on MCEA Reform.

 

For some time, MEA has been seeking changes to the Municipal Class EA (MCEA) process to eliminate duplication, simplify and streamline the MCEA process, exclude Part II Order Requests (PIIORs) on Schedule A & A+ projects and align level of effort with risk.   After several years of inaction the following has transpired:

• April 2019 – MECP releases Discussion Paper
• June 2019 – Bill 108;
  • Exempt PIIORs for Schedule A & A+ projects
  • Limit scope and time for PIIORs
• June 2019 – Class EA Proponents encouraged to amend their respective Class EAs
• Sept 30, 2019 – MEA submits proposed amendments of MCEA to address remaining issues.

 

This amendment to the MCEA updates a number of sections in Part A but the major changes are to the project schedules in Appendix 1.   The amended project schedules use environmental impacts as triggers, classify based on risk and recognize that other approvals mitigate risk.   In December 2019, the proposed amendment was discussed with MECP staff and the wording finalized.   The finalized proposed amendment includes the following changes to the project schedules;

 

New Projects Added to Schedule A+	Projects Shifted from Schedule B or C to A or A+	Projects Shifted from Schedule A to A+
LID Features	Pumping Stations or Water Storage Facilities (no new property)	Maintenance Projects at Treatment Facilities that could Impact the Community
Hauled Waste Receiving Station	Minor (<50%) Increased to Capacity at Treatment Facilities	Expand Water/Wastewater System within Road Allowance
Roundabouts Continuous Turn Lanes	Infrastructure Crossing a Water Course if Replacement, Trenchless or Attached to Existing Bridge.	New Sidewalks
Retaining Walls	Stockpiling Salt Inside a Building	Utility Relocations
Road Diets Traffic Calming	One Lane Bridge to Two Lanes	New Fences
Expand Expressways – Schedule C	Patrol Yards
	Pathways within ROW
	Active Transportation Bridges
	Heritage Bridges after Heritage Issues are Addressed.  Note – MEA is currently working to update the checklist that will be used to address heritage issues.
	Arterial and Collector Roads Required as a Specific Condition of a Planning Approval
	New Traffic Control Devices New Safety Projects
	Project to Address an Emergency Note – Must Notify Director

 

Going forward, we understand that MECP will post the proposed amendment of the MCEA for comment in January 2020.   In February-March, MEA will review and respond to comments from the posting and then submit the entire package to the Minister for approval.   The amendment, when approved, will mean significant changes requireding:

 

1. A complete re-write of the MCEA manual which we expect to complete soon after the Minister approves the amendment
2. Training to outline the changes.  MEA is developing a ½ day training course to address this need. Anticipating an early spring approval of the amendment, MEA is tentatively scheduling this training for the week of June 7 – 13, 2020 and October 13 – 16, 2020.   Reserve this time in your calendars.