Environmental Review Group

In 2018 the NWMO established an Environment Review Group (ERG) to provide independent expert advice and guidance on environmental programs and impact assessment planning.

    Overview

    A photo of the environmental review group

    The impact assessment process involves conducting detailed analyses of the potential impacts of the project. The results of these analyses are used in the design of the project, including measures that will be implemented to mitigate or offset potential negative effects.

    The Environmental Review Group advises the NWMO on developing an effective impact assessment process, including engagement and the interweaving of Indigenous Knowledge and western science, as well as international best practice.

    The group connects quarterly (once per year in person) to discuss strategic issues relating to assessing potential impacts of the APM project on the natural environment.

    Members of the Environmental Review Group

    Dr. Suzanne Livingstone

    Dr. Suzanne Livingstone has 25 years’ experience in global biodiversity conservation and has been working in the field of biodiversity and business since 2011. She has extensive experience working internationally with large development projects (particularly mining and renewables) in both terrestrial and marine environments.

    Suzanne specialises in ecological and environmental impact assessment, specifically to understand and manage biodiversity risk. Her expertise includes navigating IFC PS6 and other international best practice standards. She has considerable practical experience in biodiversity risk profiling, critical habitat assessment, strategic baseline survey design and management, biodiversity action plans, offset design, strategy, feasibility assessment and implementation planning, as well as monitoring plans. She also has experience of working directly with lenders on E&S due diligence. Suzanne is skilled at technical delivery and project management of the biodiversity-related risks and opportunities of large infrastructure projects, providing strategic advice and guidance to clients.

    Prior to TBC, Suzanne worked for the IUCN Red List Unit and several international NGOs, including Conservation International and WWF. In these roles she developed conservation programmes on the ground in the Caribbean and Africa, resolving conflicting demands of diverse stakeholder groups. She has marine and terrestrial expertise, specialising in marine turtles.

    Dr. Bill Ross

    Dr. Bill Ross is an emeritus professor of Environmental Design at the University of Calgary. His scholarly expertise is the professional practice of impact assessment. He has been teaching impact assessment since 1973 and has served on eight Canadian environmental assessment panels from 1978 to 2015. Dr. Ross taught impact assessment training courses around the world, has many papers and professional publications, and has received awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Association for Impact Assessment. From 1997 to 2015, he served on the Independent Environmental Monitoring Agency, an independent watchdog for good environmental management at the Ekati Diamond Mine in Northern Canada. In 2019, Bill was appointed to the Technical Advisory Committee of the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada. In 2022, Bill was appointed to the Tŝilhqot’in Nation’s External Advisory Committee for its Impact Assessment Framework project.

    Tammy Tremblay, B.Sc.

    Tammy Tremblay (Monedo Giizhigo Kwe) is a member of Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation and part of the Marten (waabzeshi) Clan (doodem). Ms. Tremblay is the Founder and operator of MG Kwe Consulting, an independent consultant that provides expertise on building healthy relationships with Indigenous people and the land.

    Tammy brings over 10 years of experience within First Nations Environmental and Natural Resource Management in the Robinson Huron Treaty and Treaty 9 territories. Tammy has limitless experience with boots on the ground and strives towards balancing traditional knowledge and western science. Tammy is a strong believer in collaboration through all forms of communication that is needed to build healthy relationships amongst First Nations, supporting organizations, government, and industry. Tammy values the 3R Principle (Respect, Reciprocity, Responsibility) and believes this principle should be applied to all projects and initiatives.

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