Dr. Steve Bonnell

Michelle Gosse
April 11, 2017
Shem Evans
April 18, 2017
Michelle Gosse
April 11, 2017
Shem Evans
April 18, 2017

Steve J. Bonnell

Email:  [email protected]

I am Amec Foster Wheeler’s Environmental Assessment Practice Leader in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, and have nearly 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 mining, electricity, oil and gas, transportation and other sectors, for which I have held roles as an environmental consultant, government regulator and as proponent. I also have experience in aboriginal engagement and negotiation initiatives related to resource development and management. Prior to joining Amec Foster Wheeler in September 2011, I worked for 6 years with Nalcor Energy – Lower Churchill Project, where I held senior positions related to the EAs and associated aboriginal involvement processes for the Labrador-Island Transmission Link and Lower Churchill Hydroelectric Generation Project. Prior to this I worked with the then NL Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, and initially, commenced my career with another major environmental and engineering consultancy.

I completed my PhD at the School of the Environment, University of Dundee (Scotland, UK), where my doctoral research focussed on investigating the potential adoption and use of EA approaches and tools (and Strategic Environmental Assessment, in particular) by corporations as part of their strategic planning and decision-making processes.

My research interests relate primarily to exploring how EA participants in general – and proponents in particular – “behave” during project EA review processes, and especially, when, how and why developers view and use the EA process as an important and 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 are involved in it.

Research and Teaching Interests

  • Environmental Assessment / Strategic Environmental Assessment
  • Aboriginal 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. 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.
  • 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. (2003). “Environmental assessment of forestry in Canada.” The Forestry Chronicle, 79(6): 1067- 1070.
  • Presentations and Articles
  • 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.”  Indigenous Consultation Atlantic Conference, The Canadian Institute Membertou, Nova Scotia. 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, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. October 8, 2015.
  • Bonnell, S (2015). “Environmental assessment of proposed energy developments in Western Newfoundland”. Energy West Symposium. Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 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, Nova Scotia, Canada. 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, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 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, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 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, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 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, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 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, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 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, Alberta, Canada. 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, Alberta, Canada. May 13-16, 2013.
  • Bonnell, S (2013). “Environmental assessment of mining projects and other resource developments in Labrador: Processes, benefits, challenges, opportunities”. Northern Exposure 2013 – Labrador Opportunity Conference. St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 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, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. September 13, 2012.
  • Bonnell, S. (2011). “Application of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act to proposed electricity infrastructure projects: Issues and opportunities”. Canadian Electricity Association – Generation Council Regulatory Workshop. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. 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, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 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, Northwest Territories, Canada. March 6-7, 2003.
  • Bonnell, S. (2002). “Environmental assessment of aquaculture projects in Newfoundland and Labrador.” Newfoundland and Labrador Aquaculture, 7(4): 7.
  • 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, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The Banff Center for Management.
  • Bonnell, S. (1997). “Addressing cumulative environmental effects through integrated and comprehensive resource planning.” Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association of Geographers. St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 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.
  • Bonnell, S., Bull, P., Culhane, M. and K. Storey. (1996). “Tourism and sustainable community development: An annotated bibliography.” In: M.J. Staite and R.A.G. Wong (eds.). Tourism and Sustainable Community Development. (Travel and Tourism Research Association of Canada Conference Proceedings). Ottawa, Ontario, Canada: TTRA.
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