The Natural Resources Conservation Board Act 

Under the Natural Resources Conservation Board Act (NRCBA), the NRCB conducts independent, quasi-judicial reviews of proposed natural resource projects to determine their public interest. Project proposals are automatically referred to the NRCB if they are required under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act to submit an environmental impact assessment (EIA).  Projects may also be referred to the NRCB by Order in Council under section 4(f) of the NRCBA, as was done in this case.  

Public interest review 

The NRCB’s public interest review will consider the potential effects of the proposed project on the environment, the community, and the economy. The NRCB is responsible for defining the scope and content of the information to be included in an application for approval under the NRCBA. 
 
Public participation 

The NRCB values public participation in its review process. Albertans who are directly affected by the proposed project are encouraged to participate in the process, including a public hearing on the matter. Information about how to participate in the review of this project will be made available on the NRCB website in future. 

Process 

More information on the NRCB review process for reviewable projects under the NRCBA can be found in The Board Review Process under the NRCBA Process Guide. The process guide includes several references distinguishing between reviewable projects that require an EIA and those that don’t. Heidelberg Materials Canada Limited has not been directed to prepare an EIA for the Scott Pit Project. As a consequence, many of the statements in the process guide that refer specifically to an EIA or EIA procedures will not apply.