A ground disturbance permit (GDP) is a document that outlines the type of work you want to perform on your property and the exact locations where it can be conducted. Ground disturbances can include things like building construction, well installation, pipelines, roads, and other projects that require digging or other earth-moving activities. Before beginning any type of ground-disturbing project on private or public land, you will need to obtain a permit. The process varies by location and the type and scale of the project, but permits for most projects will be managed by one of Canada’s three federal land management departments: The Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) or the National Energy Board (NEB). Before obtaining a permit, you will need to decide which department manages the land where the project will be conducted. Some types of permits have multiple departments managing them, so it isn’t possible to say with certainty which department will issue the permit for your specific project. Depending on the scope of the project, you might need to apply for one permit or many permits from different departments. For example, a road construction project might involve building a road, a bridge and a new water line. Each of these activities would require a different type of permit. For most projects, the first step is to identify the type and location of the project and then check if permits are required. Once permits are required, the next step is to apply for them. This article will provide an overview of the process for obtaining a ground disturbance permit in Canada.

Understand which permits are required for your project

Before applying for any permits, you’ll need to understand which permits are required for your project. This will depend on the type of project, its location and the amount of work that will be done. The most common permits for ground disturbances are: - Environmental assessment permits - Ground water assessment permits - Ground investigation permits - Ground and surface water permits - Road construction permits - Well construction permits - Well abandonment permits - Wildlife habitat mitigation permits - Wildlife assessment permits - Wildlife investigation permits - You can find a full list of permits for ground disturbances in Canada here.

Ensuring you understand what is being proposed

Before applying for permits, you should make sure that you understand what is being proposed. You can do this by getting a site visit from the appropriate land management department. You can also request to be put on a department’s mailing list so that you are informed about permit applications and any public meetings related to the project. You can also review the department’s website to learn more about their permit process and any public meetings or public open houses that are happening at the same time as permit applications.

Apply for permits where needed

Once you understand what is being proposed, you can apply for permits where they are needed. You can apply for permits for different types of projects at the same time. For example, you could apply for a well abandonment permit and a road construction permit at the same time. You will need to apply for permits at the correct department for the correct project. This will vary depending on the location and type of project. For example, if you want to build a new well and new road, you will need to apply for a well construction permit and a road construction permit. If you want to abandon an existing well, you will need to apply for an abandonment permit. If you want to build a new road across someone else’s property, you will need to apply for a road construction permit. If you want to build a new well that is on your private property and requires a new surface water discharge, you will need to apply for a well construction permit.

Apply for permits early and often

When applying for permits, you should apply for them as early as possible. This will help you stay on track with the project and avoid delays. It will also allow you to address any issues or concerns with the permit application that could impact your ability to obtain the permit. It is also important to apply for permits for your project as often as possible. If you have to stop or delay the project because you missed a permit, you could face additional fees and fines. It is best to apply for permits as early as possible and as often as possible to avoid delays and fines.

Confirm the permit has been issued

Once you have applied for a permit, it may take time for the permit to be issued. You should continue to monitor the progress of the permit application. If there is no progress or if the permit is rejected, you will need to reapply. It is also important to keep detailed records of your permit application. This will help you stay on track with the project and ensure that you can reopen the permit if needed.

Summing up

The process for obtaining a ground disturbance permit in Canada can be complicated. You will need to understand which permits are required for your project, visit the correct department to apply for permits and monitor the permit process. It is also important to apply for permits early and often to stay on track with the project. When a permit is needed, you will need to confirm that it has been issued. This will allow you to stay on track with the project and avoid delays. You should apply for permits for your project as often as possible, and monitor the permit process to stay on track with the project.