2004 Highlights of Regional Management Groups

Syncrude is a founding and active member in four multi-stakeholder groups that monitor and/or manage key issues of interest to oil sands developers and their regional stakeholders. Our people serve these groups in a variety of leadership positions.

Stakeholder Engagement and Regional Environmental Monitoring

	2004	2003	2002	2001	2000
Annual Contributions ¹	$3,962,000	$3,201,000	$2,946,025	$2,502,000	$2,173,000
1 Includes Athabasca Tribal Council, five Industry Relations Corporations, Métis-Industry Consultation Office, Regional Issues Working Group, Wood Buffalo Environmental Association, Regional Aquatics Monitoring Program and Cumulative Environmental Management Association.

Cumulative Environmental Management Association (CEMA)

During the year, CEMA members reached consensus on issues pertaining to air quality and land management.

Members developed a regional Acid Deposition Management Framework, which will now be implemented by Alberta Environment as part of its regulatory process. The framework calls for reductions in sulphur and nitrogen emissions from new projects through the use of Best Available Technology Economically Achievable. Such technology is also to be implemented by all oil sands developers when they are replacing old equipment. CEMA members also agreed to a process to achieve further emissions reductions if acid deposition in regional lakes or soils exceeds agreed upon limits.

To minimize land disturbance during project exploration and development, industry members of CEMA have voluntarily agreed to a standard set of management practices. As well, a Landscape Design Checklist that defines factors to be addressed during the design of reclaimed landscapes was agreed upon. CEMA has recommended to Alberta Environment that the Checklist be adopted.

For more information visit: www.cemaonline.ca

Regional Aquatics Monitoring Program (RAMP)

RAMP established four new water quality testing sites in 2004. The sites were established as part of the group’s expanding monitoring activities in the Athabasca oil sands region. They are located both upstream and downstream of established oil sands projects; seven sites are located in proximity to Syncrude’s Mildred Lake and Aurora operations. In addition, Syncrude operates two water quality monitoring stations and submits findings to RAMP for analysis. RAMP frequently adjusts its activities to reflect monitoring results, technological advances and community concerns.

Findings from RAMP’s most recent water quality studies are discussed here.

RAMP reports and plans for future activities can be viewed at: www.ramp-alberta.org

Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA)

The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association, which operates the most extensive ambient air monitoring system in Alberta and which provides a real-time air quality index to the public through its website, has increased stakeholder communication in an effort to improve understanding of air quality issues among residents of the Wood Buffalo region. During the year, the association enhanced its newsletter to make content more relevant and meaningful to readers, launched a student engagement program involving science experiments that demonstrate the properties of air, and actively participated at community events. The Association is comprised of government, NGO, Aboriginal, community and industry stakeholders.

Access the Association’s real-time air quality index and more information about its air quality monitoring at www.wbea.org

Community Open Houses

The region’s three multi-stakeholder environmental organizations also are working toward an ongoing series of joint open houses. The sessions are designed to inform area residents about regional environmental management activities and seek feedback on key issues. Thus far, open houses have been held in Anzac and Fort McKay. Syncrude is an active member in the three multi-stakeholder groups.

Regional Issues Working Group (RIWG)

The Athabasca Regional Issues Working Group and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo began work in 2004 to formulate a business plan that highlights the risk of oil sands growth being constrained by a lack of public infrastructure and services needed to support a growing population and a high quality of life. RIWG notes that key stress areas include transportation, housing, primary infrastructure and recreational facilities. The group anticipates that a higher level of awareness of regional issues by the provincial and federal governments will result in increased infrastructure funding for the region, and the continuation of social and economic benefits to the provincial and national economies.

Learn more about the issues RIWG is working to manage at www.oilsands.cc