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 us via email.  

Policies

• LWB Engagement and Consultation Policy (2023).
  • LWB Engagement and Consultation Policy – Review Summary (2023).
• Information for Proponents on the MVLWB's Engagement Requirements
• LWB Waste and Wastewater Management Policy (2023).
  • LWB Waste and Wastewater Management Policy – Review Summary Table (2023).
• LWB Water Use Fee Policy (2021).
• LWB Transboundary Policy (2019)

Guidelines

• LWB Guide to the Land Use Permitting Process (2023).
• LWB Guide to the Water Licensing Process (2023).
  • LWB Guides to the Land Use Permitting and Water Licensing Processes: Review Summary Table (2020)
• LWB Engagement Guidelines for Applicants and Holders of Water Licences and Land Use Permits (2018).
• MVEIRB Guidelines for Incorporating Traditional Knowledge in Environmental Impact Assessment (2005; adopted by the LWBs in December 2021).
• LWB Guidelines for Developing a Waste Management Plan (2011).
• LWB Guideline for the Design, Operation, Monitoring, Maintenance and Closure of Petroleum Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Soil Treatment Facilities in the Northwest Territories (2020).
• LWB/GNWT Guidelines for Effluent Mixing Zones (2023).
• LWB/GNWT Guidelines for Aquatic Effects Monitoring Programs (2019).
• LWB Guidelines for the Closure and Reclamation of Advanced Mineral Exploration and Mine Sites in the Northwest Territories (2013).
• LWB/GNWT/CIRNAC Guidelines for Closure and Reclamation Cost Estimates for Mines (2022).
  • LWB Closure Cost Guidelines - Review Summary (2022).

Standards

• LWB Document Submission Standards (2023).
• LWB Geospatial Data Submission Standards (2021).
• LWB Standard Outline for Management Plans (2021).
• LWB Standard Land Use Permit Conditions Template - Version 2.4 (word)(pdf) (2025).
• LWB Standard Water Licence Conditions and Schedules - Version 2.2 (word)(pdf) (2025).
  • LWB Standard Water Licence Conditions Template Review Summary Tables
• LWB Standard Process for New Conditions (2013).
• LWB Method for Determining Winter Water Source Capacity for Small-Scale Developments (2021).
  • LWB Technical Reference Document for the Method for Determining Available Winter Water Volumes for Small-Scale Developments (2021).
• LWB Standard Process for Setting Effluent Quality Criteria (2023)
• GNWT Standards for Reporting Water Quality Information (2020; adopted by the LWBs in December 2019).

Compensation Claims

• LWB Outline of General Board Process for Considering Claims for Water Compensation
  • LWB Notice of Intent to File Claim for Water Compensation
  • LWB Claim Form for Water Compensation - General
  • LWB Claim Form for Water Compensation - Inuit Organization
  • LWB Claim Form for Water Compensation - Sahtu or Gwich'in First Nation
  • LWB Claim Form for Water Compensation - Tlicho

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

• LWB Reasons for Decision on the Interpretation of Subsection 26 of the MVLUR - April 22_21
• LWB City of Yellowknife Determination – Aug 18_11
• Frequently Asked Questions – City of Yellowknife Determination

Memorandums of Understanding 

• MOU - LWB & Office of the Regulator of Oil and Gas Operations (2014).
• MOU - LWB & National Energy Board (2013).
• MOU - LWB & Parks Canada (2012). 

LWB Drafts

• DRAFT - LWB Guidelines for Municipal Sludge Management for Passive Sewage
• DRAFT - LWB Land Use Closure Cost Estimator
• DRAFT - LWB Closure Cost Estimator for Land Use Permits Policy and Support Manual