The Environmental Review Tribunal functions as a quasi-judicial body, subject to the rules of natural justice and the requirements of the Statutory Powers Procedure Act.

The Tribunal's primary role is adjudicating applications and appeals under twelve environmental and development control statutes.

The Tribunal hears applications and appeals under the Clean Water Act, 2006, the Environmental Assessment Act, the Environmental Protection Act, the Nutrient Management Act, 2002, the Ontario Water Resources Act, the Pesticides Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002, leave to appeal applications under the Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993, and matters under the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001 and the Greenbelt Act, 2005.

The Environmental Review Tribunal also functions as the Office of Consolidated Hearings to hear applications made under the Consolidated Hearings Act and as the Niagara Escarpment Hearing Office to hear development permit appeals and Niagara Escarpment Plan amendment applications under the Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act.

The Environmental Review Tribunal Legal Services Branch, consisting of one counsel and one articling student, provides legal services to the Tribunal. For administrative purposes, we report to the Director, Legal Services Branch, Landlord and Tenant Board.