CCME to Clarify Common Definitions Relating to Cumulative Effects

The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) recently announced the establishment of a Cumulative Effect Scoping Project Team to develop common (consistent) definitions for cumulative impact, cumulative effect, and cumulative assessment. Managing of cumulative effects is a growing area of interest for many Canadian jurisdictions which acknowledges that airsheds, watersheds, and landscapes have finite carrying capacity. Currently, jurisdictions are using differing definitions.

The new definitions are expected to be finalized by January 3, 2014.