The first task of the consultant hired to prepare the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report was to submit a detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) in response to the Final EIA Guidelines issued on July 26, 2002.

The Terms of Reference are intended to clearly describe the methods proposed for carrying out the EIA, and the means by which the public, other stakeholders and Aboriginal communities will be consulted during the course of the EIA process.

In addition, the Terms of Reference must outline the components of any proposed field programs, any anticipated challenges/obstacles to be encountered, proposed modelling approaches, identify key members of the study team, and they fully describe all specific tasks to be completed as part of the study.

In particular, the Terms of Reference include a detailed description of how the physical environment of the estuary will be assessed by data collection and modelling, and they identify the experience of relevant staff with modelling software in doing similar studies.

As part of the Terms of Reference, a cross-referenced index (Concordance Table) is supplied, showing where the content and issues of the Final Guidelines have been addressed.

The Technical Review Committee will examine the Terms of Reference and comments may be provided for inclusion. In addition, interested parties, the public, other stakeholders and Aboriginal communities are encouraged to provide input to the Terms of Reference prior to finalization.