Designated proponent's obligations

(1)

The designated proponent of the action must:

(a)

prepare a draft statement about the relevant impacts of the action (and any other impacts mentioned under subsection 102(3) in the guidelines for the content of the draft statement); and

(b)

obtain the Minister's approval for publication of the draft statement; and

(c)

publish in accordance with the regulations:

(i)

the draft statement; and

(ii)

an invitation for anyone to give the designated proponent comments relating to the draft statement or the action within the period specified in the invitation; and

(d)

give the Minister a copy and summary of the comments (if any) received within the period specified in the invitation.

Approval of publication of draft statement

(2)

The Minister may only approve the publication of the draft statement if he or she is satisfied that the draft statement adequately addresses the guidelines for the content of the draft statement.

Period for comment

(3)

The period specified in the invitation to comment must be the period specified in writing given by the Minister to the designated proponent. The Minister must not specify a period of less than 20 business days.