| Does the NWB have jurisdiction over the ocean? Back to top |
Not as a regulator. The NWB's regulatory jurisdiction is limited to inland fresh water: lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, ground water, etc.; and does not include marine areas. However, the NWB has advisory functions over marine areas in Nunavut either on its own or jointly as a member of the Nunavut Marine Council with the Nunavut Impact Review Board ("NIRB"), the Nunavut Planning Commission ("NPC") and the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board ("NWMB"). |
| Do individuals need to have a water licence for their own camp? Back to top |
No. Approvals of the NWB are not required for domestic or personal use, fishing, swimming, navigation, firefighting, or flood control during an emergency. |
| Who needs to have a water licence? Back to top |
All uses of water and disposal of waste into water, with the exception of domestic or emergency use, require NWB approval. This includes municipal activities, mining exploration activities, mining operations, camps, etc. |
| How long does it take to obtain a water licence? Back to top |
The process may take between six weeks to more than a year, depending on the scope and magnitude of the application, and whether it will require an environmental assessment before a licence can be issued by the NWB. |
| Are all applications subject to a public hearing? Back to top |
No. While the NWB has passed an Order requiring NWB approval for all water uses and disposal of waste into water, certain classes of project are exempt from the requirement of a public hearing and are authorized under a 'Type B' water licence as provided for in applicable regulations. These projects are exempt from environmental assessment and can be dealt with summarily by the NWB. However, the NWB retains the power to hold a hearing on any application where satisfied that it would be in the public interest to do so. Other classes of projects are subject to a public hearing and are authorized by a 'Type A' water licence, which can only be issued by the NWB after the completion of an environmental assessment under Article 12 of the NLCA. |
| Does the NWB have jurisdiction over the entire territory of Nunavut? Back to top |
Yes, the jurisdiction of the NWB extends to the whole territory of Nunavut (except national parks), including Inuit-owned lands where additional provisions also apply. |
| What is the relationship between the NWB, the NPC, and the NIRB? Back to top |
With some exceptions, before processing any water application, the NWB must first refer it to NPC, who will verify that it is in conformity with an approved land use plan. Classes of applications that are subject to a public hearing (Type A) must then undergo a screening (except in the case of a municipality) and in some cases a review, after which the NWB is then authorized to issue a 'Type A' water licence. These three agencies, often referred to as IPGs, cooperate and coordinate their efforts in the review, screening, and processing of water applications to avoid duplication and to ensure that they are dealt with in a timely fashion. |