ID: 1862
Presenting Author: Jennifer Cole
Session: 678 - Advancing government approaches to effective science communication in Impact Assessment
Status: pending
An environmental baseline database reveals how current IA reporting practices limit data reuse, reduce transparency, and highlights the need for standardized, FAIR-aligned data reporting.
Governments rely on high-quality scientific information to make informed decisions during Impact Assessments (IA). However, the way baseline environmental data is currently reported in IA documents often falls short of the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable). This not only limits data reuse for innovation but also undermines transparency, trust, and the efficiency of the IA process.
This case study explores the creation of a national mine waste geochemistry database built from publicly available baseline data submitted during IA processes across Canada. The database development process revealed systemic issues that hinder effective science communication and evidence-based decision-making. This includes missing metadata, non-machine-readable formats, and inconsistent terminology. It highlights the need for standardized reporting formats and minimum information requirements to ensure that environmental data is not only scientifically sound but also accessible and understandable.
Improving data stewardship in IA reporting would enhance transparency, build public trust, and support more efficient, science-based regulatory processes. This case study offers practical insights into how better data practices can strengthen the integrity and usability of scientific information in support of sustainable development.
Research scientist specializing in mine waste geochemistry characterization studies, Jennifer leads the database development and is part of a team that supports impact assessment in Canada.
Coauthor 1: Amy Cleaver
Coauthor 2: Olivia Clay
Coauthor 3: Richard Goulet