Assessing and Managing Cumulative Environmental Effects

6 - 9 NOVEMBER 2008

Cumulative Effects Mitigation and Management at Sub-Regional Levels (Part 1)

Moderator: Larry Canter

      Presentations

      Using Existing Environmental Management Programs

      Presenter(s): Larry Canter

      An initial consideration for mitigation and cumulative effects management should focus on pollutant emissions trading programs and resource conservation and enhancement emphases. Several countries have implemented air pollutant programs, as well as water quality (pollutant) programs. Features include the use of emission caps (air) and total maximum daily loads (water). Resource programs include wetlands mitigation banking, resource offsets, and designated protection and conservation areas. Illustrations of such programs are provided, and opportunities for usage in CEA will be proposed.

      Implementation of a Desert Tortoise Recovery Plan Task

      Presenter(s): Danny Reinke, Judy Hohman

      The desert tortoise (DT) is a listed species in the southwestern United States. The Recovery Plan identifies raven predation as a cumulative impact parameter and control of predation as a recovery task. With U.S. FWS as the lead agency and the collaboration of agencies from the Mojave Desert Managers Group, a plan was developed and is being implemented through a multi-agency working group. The details of this collaboration and development of the project-specific task will be discussed.

      Strategic Approach to Cumulative Effects: The Proposed Kimberley LNG Hub in Western Australia

      Presenter(s): Jenny Pope, Paul Gamblin

      In response to increasing pressure to open up the pristine Kimberley Region for resource development, the Government of Western Australia has committed to an integrated, strategic process to identify a suitable location for a multi-user LNG hub in the region for processing gas from the Browse gas fields. The process aims to minimise the cumulative effects of LNG developments, while ensuring that unique environmental and cultural values are preserved and that social benefits, particularly for the Traditional Owners, are delivered.

        Towards Acceptable Change: A Thresholds Approach to Manage Cumulative Effects in Southern Alberta

        Presenter(s): Peggy Holroyd

        The Southern Foothills Study was launched by a group of landowners, industry, environmental groups and local governments to assess the cumulative impact of future land use in southwest Alberta. Building on the Study, this research tests a participatory, innovative approach to identify thresholds that can help to manage the cumulative effects of land use activity on valued ecosystem components. Lessons from this case study and recommendations for scenario analysis and thresholds-based management of cumulative effects are provided.

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