Manager, Strategic and Regional Assessments
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Canada A1C 6M1
Tel. (709) 682-4192

Email: stephen.bonnell@canada.ca

I am the Manager of Strategic and Regional Assessments with the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, based in St. John’s NL.

I have over 20 years experience in planning, managing and completing environmental assessments (EAs) and associated environmental studies, consultation programs and permitting for proposed developments throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and elsewhere. This has included projects in the oil and gas, mining, electricity, transportation and other sectors, for which I have held various roles in both government and in industry (as proponent and consultant). I also have experience in Indigenous engagement and negotiation initiatives related to resource development and management.

I hold a PhD in Strategic Environmental Assessment from the University of Dundee, Scotland as well as Masters and Bachelors Degrees in Geography from Memorial University, where I am also currently involved in EA related teaching and student supervision. I have published and presented extensively on EA issues and approaches at national and international forums.

My research interests relate primarily to exploring how EA participants in general – and proponents in particular – “behave” during EA review processes, including when, how and why developers view and use the EA process as a valuable planning exercise rather than simply as a permitting step and required regulatory approval. This includes evaluating how involvement in the EA process affects project plans and designs, as well as influencing the perspectives, objectives and values of those that participate in it.

Research and Teaching Interests

• Environmental Assessment / Strategic Environmental Assessment
• Indigenous Consultation and Involvement in Resource Developments
• Regulatory Planning and Environmental Permitting

Education

PhD, School of the Environment, University of Dundee, Scotland, UK. March 2016

MA, Geography, Memorial University, May 1998

BA (Hons), Geography, Memorial University, May 1995

Select Publications and Presentations

Published Papers

Bonnell, S (2019) "Project EA scoping in an SEA context: A case study of offshore oil and gas exploration in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada." Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal. Published online July 29 2019. DOI: 10.1080/14615517.2019.1647396

Bonnell, S. (2003). “Environmental assessment of forestry in Canada.” The Forestry Chronicle, 79(6): 1067- 1070.

Bonnell, S., Leeder, C. and R. Pottle. (2002). “Assessing the cumulative environmental effects of the Trans Labrador Highway (Red Bay to Cartwright): Methods, challenges and lessons.” In: A. J. Kennedy (ed.). Cumulative Environmental Effects Management: Tools and Approaches. pp. 395-410. Calgary, Alberta, Canada: Alberta Society of Professional Biologists.

Bonnell, S. and K. Storey. (2000). “Addressing cumulative effects through strategic environmental assessment: A case study of small hydro development in Newfoundland, Canada.” Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management, 2(4): 477-499.

Select Presentations and Articles

Bonnell, S (2018) “Regional environmental assessment: Purpose, application, outcomes, key considerations”. Presentation to the Federal–Provincial-Territorial Environmental Assessment Administrators Forum. Ottawa, ON. October 4, 2018.

Bonnell, S (2018) “Environmental assessment as “planning” vs. “permitting”: Issues, opportunities and insights from theory and practice”. Public Seminar - Environmental Policy Institute, Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland. Corner Brook, NL. March 16, 2018.

Bonnell, S (2017) “Environmental assessment of oil and gas exploration: Processes, challenges and opportunities”. Invited Speaker at the Newfoundland and Labrador Oil and Gas Industry Association (NOIA) 2017 Conference. St. John’s, NL. June 20, 2017.

Bonnell, S (2017) "Project EA scoping in an SEA context: A case study of offshore oil and gas exploration in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada." IAIA 2017: 37th Annual Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment. Montreal, QC. April 6, 2017.

Bonnell, S (2017) "Decision-making about strategic environmental assessment: An investigation of potential SEA use in corporate strategic planning." IAIA 2017: 37th Annual Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment. Montreal, QC. April 6, 2017.

Bonnell, S (2017) “Oil and gas exploration in Newfoundland and Labrador: Plans, process, potential - Improving the effectiveness and efficiency of environmental regulatory reviews”. Keynote Address at the Newfoundland and Labrador Oil and Gas Industry Association (NOIA) 2017 Annual General Meeting. St. John’s, NL February 2, 2017.

Bonnell, S (2016) “Assessing and managing cumulative environmental effects: Concepts, challenges and lessons.” Invited Speaker at Indigenous Consultation Atlantic Conference, The Canadian Institute Membertou, NS. November 9, 2016.

Bonnell, S (2016) “Going beyond environmental regulatory requirements: Key drivers, enablers and impediments for voluntary environmental planning and mitigation initiatives by corporations.” NewLEEF 2016: Newfoundland and Labrador’s Green Economy Conference. St. John’s, NL October 12, 2016.

Bonnell, S (2016) “Environmental assessment - Issues, opportunities and lessons from practice. Presentation to the Expert Panel, Review of Federal EA Processes in Canada. St. John’s, NL October 5, 2016.

Bonnell, S (2015) “Decision-making about strategic environmental assessment: An investigation of potential SEA use in corporate strategic planning.” NewLEEF 2015: Newfoundland and Labrador’s Green Economy Conference. St. John’s, NL. October 8, 2015.

Bonnell, S (2015). "Environmental assessment of proposed energy developments in Western Newfoundland". Energy West Symposium. Corner Brook, NL. September 24, 2015.

Bonnell, S (2015) "Environmental assessment of linear developments: Identifying and managing induced actions and effects" Environmental Concerns in Rights of Way Management - ROW 11 International Symposium. Halifax, NS September 22, 2015.

Bonnell, S. (2015). "Environmental assessment as a planning tool for oil and gas activities" NOTES 2015: NEIA Oil Industry and the Environment Seminar. St. John’s, NL. April 27, 2015.

Bonnell, S (2015). "Environmental assessment as a design tool: Enablers, impediments, lessons." IAIA 2015: 35th Annual Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment. Florence, Italy. April 20-24, 2015.

Bonnell, S. (2015). "Decision-making about strategic environmental assessment: An investigation of potential SEA use in corporate strategic planning." IAIA 2015: 35th Annual Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment. Florence, Italy. April 20-24, 2015.

Bonnell, S. (2014). “Environmental planning, mitigation and monitoring: Approaches and lessons from recent projects and practice” Session chair and invited speaker at NewLEEF 2014: Newfoundland and Labrador Environment and Economy Forum. St. John’s, NL. October 9-10, 2014

Bonnell, S. (2014). “Environmental assessment in Newfoundland and Labrador: Experiences, observations and insights from recent practice.” Environmental Assessment Practioners’ Forum, Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association. St. John’s, NL. February 6, 2014.

Bonnell, S. (2013). "Environmental assessment of oil and gas projects in Newfoundland and Labrador" Newfoundland & Labrador Oil & Gas Industries Association - NOIA News. 27 (4): 24-25. (December 2013).

Bonnell, S. (2013). “Environmental assessment in Newfoundland and Labrador: Experiences, observations and insights from recent practice.” NewLEEF 2013: Newfoundland and Labrador Environment and Economy Forum. St. John’s, NL. October 10-11, 2013.

Bonnell, S. (2013). “Introduction to Aboriginal groups and consultation requirements in Newfoundland and Labrador.” Aboriginal Consultation Roundtable – Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association. St. John’s, NL. September 18, 2013.

Bonnell, S. (2013). “Decision-making about strategic environmental assessment: Potential SEA adoption and application in corporate strategic planning.” 33rd Annual Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment. Calgary, AB. May 13-16, 2013.

Bonnell, S. and T. Burlingame (2013). “Environmental assessment scoping: Some methodological and structural issues". 33rd Annual Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment. Calgary, AB. May 13-16, 2013.

Bonnell, S (2013). “Environmental assessment of mining projects and other resource developments in Labrador: Processes, benefits, challenges, opportunities”. Invited Speaker at Northern Exposure 2013 - Labrador Opportunity Conference. St. John's, NL. January 24, 2013.

Bonnell, S (2012). “Environmental assessment of oil and gas exploration activities in Newfoundland & Labrador”. 7th International Symposium on Oil & Gas Resources in Western Newfoundland. Corner Brook, NL. September 13, 2012.

Bonnell, S. (2011). “Application of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act to proposed electricity infrastructure projects: Issues and opportunities”. Invited Speaker at Canadian Electricity Association - Generation Council Regulatory Workshop. Vancouver, BC. March 1, 2011.

Bonnell, S. and R. Pottle. (2005). “Assessing and managing the environmental effects of road-induced actions: A case study of the Trans Labrador Highway.” Annual Meeting of the Atlantic Division of the Canadian Association of Geographers. St. John's, NL. October 15, 2005.

Bonnell, S., Biasutti, M., Chaulk, K. and J. Botsford. (2005). “Environmental assessment and environmental management of the Voisey’s Bay Mine / Mill.” 25th Annual Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment. Boston, Massachusetts, USA. May 31-June 3, 2005.

Bonnell, S. and R. Pottle. (2005). “Assessing and addressing the cumulative environmental effects of induced actions: A case study of the Trans Labrador Highway.” 25th Annual Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment. Boston, Massachusetts, USA. May 31-June 3, 2005.

Bonnell, S., Leeder, C. and R. Pottle. (2003). “Considering induced actions in cumulative effects assessment: A case study of the Trans Labrador Highway.” Environmental Impact Assessment and Transportation Conference of the Western and Northern Canada Affiliate of the International Association for Impact Assessment. Yellowknife, NWT. March 6-7, 2003.

Bonnell, S. and C. Leeder. (1998). “Environmental assessment in Newfoundland and Labrador.” The NEIA Network. Fall 1998.

Bonnell, S. and C. Leeder. (1998). “Construction activities: Planning for environmental assessment.” St. John’s Board of Trade - Business News, 13(10): 28-29.

Bonnell, S. (1998). "Sectoral cumulative effects assessment." Cumulative Effects Assessment: A Workshop for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. January 26-29, 1998. St. John's, NL. The Banff Center for Management.

Bonnell, S. (1997). "Addressing cumulative environmental effects through integrated resource planning." Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association of Geographers. St. John’s, NL. August 20-23, 1997.

Bonnell, S. (1997). "The cumulative environmental effects of proposed small-scale hydroelectric developments in Newfoundland, Canada." 17th Annual Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. May 28-31, 1997.