September 2016 Regulatory Bulletin for the Oil and Gas Industry in Western Canada

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Reminder to Send Post Construction Plans and Short Term Water Use Volumes Via eSubmission

Federal Government Approves Pacific NorthWest Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Project

On September 28, 2016, the federal government conditionally approved the controversial Pacific NorthWest LNG Project. This decision supports one of Canada’s largest resource development projects, located on the British Columbia (BC) west coast. The construction and operation of the project will result in environmental impacts, in particular, significant greenhouse gas emissions and impacts to species at risk. The Approval includes 190 conditions to reduce environmental impacts, however opponents to the project have vowed to commence legal appeals against the Approval. http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?mthd=tp&crtr.page=1&nid=1130489&crtr.tp1D=1http://www.ceaa.gc.ca/050/documents/p80032/115669E.pdf

FEDERAL

The BC Oil and Gas Commission issued Industry Bulletin 2016-28 on September 1, 2016. The bulletin is a reminder that with the launch of the new Application Management System (AMS), and updated eSubmission portal in July, 2016, Post Construction Plans and Short Term Water usage data will no longer be accepted by email. Instead, the portal should be used for plan and data submission. https://www.bcogc.ca/node/13462/download

On September 9, 2016, the National Energy Board adjourned its review of the Energy East and Eastern Mainline pipelines, with the three Panel Members recusing themselves from the process. Once the new panel is appointed, the review of the applications will proceed.http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?mthd=tp&crtr.page=1&nid=1122609&crtr.tp1D=1

National Energy Board Adjourns Energy East Pipeline Review Process

On August 23, 2016, testing conducted in Alberta by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed the presence of whirling disease in Johnson Lake, Banff National Park. On September 12, 2016, whirling disease was confirmed in the upper Bow River near the town of Banff. This is the first case of whirling disease in Canada. Whirling disease is caused by Myxobolus cerebralis, a microscopic parasite of salmonid fish, including trout, salmon, and whitefish. This disease is not harmful to humans but can have a significant impact on some fish populations. The severity of whirling disease depends largely on the age and size of the salmonid host. It can be transmitted to other water bodies through fish, fish parts, contaminated water, and equipment used for: swimming, paddling, boating, and fishing. Please consider how yourself, and your company, can help reduce the risk of spreading this disease.http://aep.alberta.ca/fish-wildlife/wildlife-diseases/whirling-disease/reducing-the-risk.aspxhttp://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/aquatic-animals/diseases/reportable/whirling-disease/fact-sheet/eng/1336686597267/1336686806593http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/banff/plan/aqua/lac-johnson-lake.aspx#reduce

Whirling Disease Detected In Banff National Park

ALBERTA

Jennifer Keturakis, P.Eng.Manager, Environment & Regulatory

403-619-9650Jennifer.Keturakis@IntegratedSustainability.ca

www.IntegratedSustainability.ca

Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) Comments on a Pilot Program for Oil Sands Projects

On September 7, 2016, the head of the AER, Jim Ellis, discussed a pilot program that enables one integrated application for an oil sands project instead of the current process that requires hundreds of discrete applications to be reviewed and approved for the project. This pilot is being tested with two oilsands project applications (the Suncor Energy Meadow Creek East steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) Project, and Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.’s addition of cold heavy oil production with sand (CHOPS) infrastructure near Primrose).Mr. Ellis predicted the pilot program will reduce the approval timeline from six or seven years back to a single year, saving Suncor Energy approximately $64 million over the life of the project, whilst still ensuring that environmental, public, and safety considerations are fully addressed. http://calgaryherald.com/business/energy/energy-regulator-says-its-saving-heavy-oil-producer-65-million-on-project-bid

Did You Know?Integrated Sustainability is pleased to welcome Environment Manager Jaclyn Mersereau, and Fisheries Ecologist Robert Best to our team.

With an increasing focus on environment and aquatic issues, we believe that Jaclyn and Robert will help us in providing

comprehensive and relevant support to our clients.

Wind Power Proposal Rejected

SASKATCHEWAN

On September 19, 2016, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment (MoE) rejected an application by Algonquin Power to construct a 177 megawatt wind power facility. The proposed project was the first in Saskatchewan to undergo an environmental impact assessment, and the MoE determined that the location of the project posed unacceptable risks to migratory bird activity near the site. Concurrent with this decision, the MoE released siting guidelines for future wind farms and other renewable energy generation projects. http://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2016/september/19/wind-project-denied-to-protect-birds

Contact Us

Jaclyn Mersereau, P.Eng.Manager, Environment

Robert Bes, M.Sc., P.Biol. Ecologist

AER – Application Requirements for Activities Within the Boundary of a Regional Plan

On September 2, 2016, the AER released a bulletin stating the AER’s obligation to comply with the regional plans established under the Alberta Land Stewardship Act (ALSA). Applicants submitting applications to the AER for an activity within the boundary of an approved regional plan under the ALSA must assess a range of issues relevant to the ALSA. The bulletin includes additional considerations for applications under the specific Acts within the AER’s jurisdiction. The requirements announced in the bulletin will also be incorporated into the AER’s directives and guides. https://www.aer.ca/documents/bulletins/Bulle-tin-2016-27.pdf