These are the costs for getting all the permits you need to operate your project. While permitting is generally done before your project is commissioned, it can begin at various stages depending on the project. Project approvals can include environmental, municipal, provincial and federal regulatory requirements

Permitting costs generally can be considered to include the costs of preparing a site for operation. You will pay for them over the useful life of the facility or the length of the permit - whichever is shorter. 

If your permit requires an annual renewal, the cost associated with obtaining the permit each year should be expensed. A portion of the cost of permits and approvals may be covered by the Aboriginal Renewable Energy Fund.

Examples of reports you may have to submit as part of your Renewable Energy Approval include:

• design and operations report
• project description report
• technology specifications report
• site plan
• emergency response plan
• stormwater management plan.

Site-specific studies your project may require include:

• bird studies
• bat studies
• noise studies
• effluent management studies
• surface water studies
• hydrogeology studies
• coastal environment studies
• fish inventory and habitat studies
• archaeology assessment
• heritage assessment.

Please note that the project financing information in this section was prepared by the OPA to provide you with an approximate guideline only to assist you. Actual costs and/or revenues will vary by project and by community and you should not rely only on this information. YOU ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR INVESTIGATING ALL REQUIREMENTS OF YOUR PROJECT INCLUDING COSTS AND REVENUES. THE OPA DOES NOT REPRESENT, WARRANT OR OTHERWISE GUARANTEE THE COSTS, REVENUES, FINANCING OR SUPPORT FOR ANY PROJECT.