Applicants for Land Use Permits and Water Licences are encouraged to be familiar with the Acts and Regulations that govern the use of land and water, and the deposit of waste in the Mackenzie Valley. The Resources section of our website is dedicated to providing helpful and accurate information to all stakeholders. If you have ideas for content that would be helpful, please contact Simon Whitehouse via email.
Land and Water Board Documents
*Please note that as a result of devolution, as of April 1, 2014, legislative references have changed. Relevant products will be updated to reflect these changes.
Should you have any questions regarding these documents, please contact Angela Plautz.
Policies
- MVLWB Water Use Fee Policy (2021).
- Land and Water Board Transboundary Policy (2019).
- MVLWB Engagement and Consultation Policy (2018).
- Information for Proponents on the MVLWB's Engagement Requirements
- MVLWB Water and Effluent Quality Management Policy (2011).
Guidelines
- MVLWB/GNWT/CIRNAC Guidelines for Closure and Reclamation Cost Estimates for Mines (2022).
- MVLWB Guide to the Water Licensing Process (2021).
- MVLWB Guide to the Land Use Permitting Process (2021).
- MVLWB Guideline for the Design, Operation, Monitoring, Maintenance and Closure of Petroleum Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Soil Treatment Facilities in the Northwest Territories (2020).
- MVLWB/GNWT Guidelines for Aquatic Effects Monitoring Programs (2019).
- MVLWB Engagement Guidelines for Applicants and Holders of Water Licences and Land Use Permits (2018).
- MVLWB/GNWT Guidelines for Effluent Mixing Zones (2017).
- MVLWB Guidelines for the Closure and Reclamation of Advanced Mineral Exploration and Mine Sites in the Northwest Territories (2013).
- MVLWB Guidelines for Developing a Waste Management Plan (2011).
- MVEIRB Guidelines for Incorporating Traditional Knowledge in Environmental Impact Assessment (2005).
Standards
- MVLWB Geospatial Data Submission Standards (2021).
- MVLWB Method for Determining Winter Water Source Capacity for Small-Scale Developments (2021).
- MVLWB Standard Outline for Management Plans (2021).
- GNWT Standards for Reporting Water Quality Information (2020).
- MVLWB Standard Land Use Permit Conditions Template - Version 2.3 (.word) (.pdf) (2020).
- MVLWB Standard Water Licence Conditions and Schedules - Version 2.0 (.word) (.pdf) (2022).
- MVLWB Document Submission Standards (2019).
- MVLWB Standard Process for New Conditions (2013).
Templates
MVLWB/GNWT Operation and Maintenance Plan Templates for Municipal Water Licences:
- Sewage Disposal Facilities (SDF) (2018).
- Solid Waste Disposal Facilities (SWDF) (2018).
- Water Treatment Plant (WTP) (2018).
- Spill Contingency Plan (2018).
Determinations and Decisions
- MVLWB Reasons for Decision on the Interpretation of Subsection 26 of the MVLUR - April 22_21
- MVLWB City of Yellowknife Determination – Aug 18_11
- Frequently Asked Questions – City of Yellowknife Determination
Memorandums of Understanding
- MOU - MVLWB & Office of the Regulator of Oil and Gas Operations (2014).
- MOU - MVLWB & National Energy Board (2013).
- MOU - MVLWB & Parks Canada (2012).
LWB Drafts
- Guidelines for Municipal Sludge Management for Passive Sewage - DRAFT
- DRAFT - MVLWB Engagement and Consultation Policy
- DRAFT - MVLWB Waste Management Policy
- DRAFT - MVLWB Support Manual for Land Use Closer Costs Estimator
- DRAFT - MVLWB Land Use Closure Cost Estimator
External Documents
The following documents were not created by the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board, and may serve as technical reference resources and supplementary information for the above MVLWB documents.
Aquatic Effects Monitoring Programs
- Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC, NT Region). Guidelines for Designing and Implementing Aquatic Effects Monitoring Programs for Development Projects in the NWT: Vol. 4. (2008).
- INAC - Guidelines for Designing and Implementing Aquatic Effects Monitoring Programs for Development Projects in the Northwest Territories (2009).
- INAC - Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) Guidelines (1996).
- CCME - Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life: Site-Specific Guidance (2003).
Archaeology
- Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Center - Archaeological Guidelines for Developers
Consultation and Engagement
- Professional Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) - E3Plus: A Framework for Responsible Exploration: Principles and Guidance (2014).
- INAC - Aboriginal Consultation and Accommodation: Updated Guidelines for Federal Officials to Fulfill the Duty to Consult (2011).
- Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) - Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation
Environmental Assessment
- Guidelines for Preliminary Screeners
- Integrated Environmental Assessment Management – Linking Environmental Assessment to Environmental Regulation Through Adaptive Management (2011).
- MVEIRB Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Guidelines – Chapter 1, (2007).
- Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board (MVEIRB) Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines (2004).
Fisheries
- Beaver Dam Removal
- Culvert Maintenance
- End-of-Pipe Fish Protection Screens for Small water intakes in freshwater
- Fish Screen Design Criteria for Flood and Water Truck Pumps (2011)
- Framework for Assessing the Ecological Flow Requirements to Support Fisheries in Canada
- Northwest Territories Restrict Activity Timing Windows for the Protection of Fish and Fish Habitat
- Request a Review of Your Project Near Water
- Routine Maintenance Dredging
- Temporary Cofferdams and Diversion Channels
- Temporary Stream Crossings
Land Use Planning
- Sahtu Land Use Plan (2013).
- Sahtu Land Use Plan Implementation Guide (2013).
- Tłı̨chǫ Land Use Plan - Tłı ̨chǫ Wenek’e (2013).
- Gwich’in Land Use Plan - Nành’ Geenjit Gwitr’it T’igwaa’in (Working for the Land) (2003).
Mine Closure and Reclamation
- GNWT - RECLAIM 7.0 Model for Estimating Reclamation Costs - User Manual: Oil and Gas Version (2017).
- GNWT - RECLAIM 7.0 Spreadsheet – Oil and Gas (2017).
- GNWT - RECLAIM 7.0 Model for Estimating Reclamation Costs - User Manual: Mining Version (2017).
- GNWT - RECLAIM 7.0 Spreadsheet – Mining (2017).
- INAC - Mine Site Reclamation Policy for the NWT (2007).
- INAC - Cold Regions Cover System Design Technical Guidance Document (MEND Report 1.16.5c) (2012).
- GNWT - Environmental Guideline for Contaminated Site Remediation (2003).
Northern Land Use Guidelines
- GNWT - Seismic Operations (2015).
- GNWT - Camp & Support Facilities (2015).
- GNWT - Pits & Quarries (2015).
- GNWT - Access: Roads and Trails (2015).
Spills
- NWT Hazardous Spill Database Report (2016-2017): This report contains copied information regarding spills that were reported to the Northwest Territories 24-Hour Spill Report Line. For the most up to date information regarding spills please visit Environment and Natural Resources Hazardous Materials Spills Database. Information contained in this data set may change as updates to spill reports are received.
- NT-NU Spill Report Form
- INAC Guidelines for Spill Contingency Planning (2007): These Guidelines were adopted by the MVLWB in 2009.
Waste Management
The following are documents to assist with managing waste (as referenced throughout the MVLWB’s Solid Waste Facility template):
- Household Hazardous Wastes (referenced on page 7)
- Drum Disposal Protocol for Municipal Landfill
- Municipal Solid Wastes Suitable for Open Burning
- Guide to Recycling Mercury-Containing Lamps
- Guideline for the Management of Waste Antifreeze
- Guidelines for the Management of Waste Asbestos
- Guideline for the Management of Waste Batteries
- Guideline for the Management of Waste Lead and Lead Paint
- Used Oil and Waste Fuel Management Regulations – Plain Language Guide
- Environmental Guideline for Ozone Depleting Substances (ODSs) and Halocarbon Alternatives
- GNWT - Guidelines for the Planning, Design, Operations and Maintenance of Modified Solid Waste Sites in the Northwest Territories (2003).