Activity Authorizations

Every operator that wants to conduct activities in the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore area must submit an application and an authorization must be granted before this work can begin. Depending on the type of activity, additional approvals may also be required. The application must meet our standards to ensure the work will be conducted in a manner that prioritizes the well-being of personnel working offshore, protection of the environment, and co-existence with other ocean use industries, including Indigenous and non-Indigenous fisheries, shipping, etc. We go to great lengths to ensure that strict requirements are met before an authorization may be granted, which includes:

• Ensuring all necessary equipment, systems, operating plans and procedures are in place;
• Appropriately trained personnel are in place; 
• All reasonable precautions are taken to protect safety and the environment.

Renewable Energy Authorization Process  
 

One of the first steps of the authorization process is the completion of an Environmental Assessment. Depending on the type of activity, we may lead a project-specific environmental assessment or the Impact Assessment Agency may lead an impact assessment to support our review of an application pursuant to the Accord Acts. This process must be completed before an application for an authorization for offshore activities may be approved.

Before an operator proposes an activity, the operator must prepare and compile documentation related to the proposed project, in addition to the environmental assessment process.

When the operator is preparing to submit documents for an activity authorization, we will assign a coordinator to facilitate the review completed by our team. Reviewing an activity authorization is a collaborative effort across our organization.

Once all documents are reviewed and an authorization is granted, our role transitions to Monitoring and Compliance. This is to ensure activities are conducted in compliance with all regulatory requirements and commitments made as part of the application for the activity. We also ensure the activity is conducted in a safe and environmentally responsible manner for the duration of the project.

Renewable Energy Activity Authorization Application  

We expect operators to develop a series of comprehensive plans and procedures that demonstrate they’re able to perform all activity in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.

The details of authorization application requirements will be outlined in Offshore Renewable Energy Regulations that are developed by governments in accordance with the Accord Acts. Given these Regulations are not yet available, the Canada Offshore Renewable Energy Regulations that have been developed for the Canada Energy Regulator provide some information about what to expect, given the Accord Acts Offshore Renewable Energy Regulations will be based on them.