Information for Green Energy Proponents

Federal Fisheries Act

Conservation Authorities (CAs) have individual agreements with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to review proposals to assess its potential to be a harmful alteration, disruption or destruction (HADD) of fish habitat pursuant to Section 35 of the Federal Fisheries Act.

There are three levels of agreement which a CA may enter into with DFO.

Level 1

• CA takes information and looks at it on behalf of DFO – acts as a screener, if there is an issue, they defer to DFO.
  
  

Level 2

• Increased coordination – look for ways to modify the project if a HADD is possible- CA can issue letter of advice when there is discussion and negotiation.

Level 3

• If the project is likely to result in a HADD – CAs work on behalf of DFO to develop mitigation and compensation measures, but DFO will issue the Authorization* for the work.

*CAs do not possess the authority to grant an Authorization for a HADD.
All applications requiring an Authorization for a HADD are referred to DFO by the CA for final approval.