Syncrude Canada Ltd. 2004 Sustainability Report - 2004 Stakeholder Engagement Actions

Stakeholders continued to express concern about high levels of SO2 and particulate emissions from Syncrude. Toward resolution of this concern, a major emissions reduction project was approved by regulators in 2004 and is now in the engineering stage. The project will commence operation in 2009 and will, by 2011, reduce total SO2 emissions by 60% from current levels (an 82% capture rate) and particulate matter by 50% from current levels even while crude oil production will increase by about 45% over this period.
Also see discussion on regional air monitoring.
In response to community concerns, Syncrude, along with industry and government stakeholders, is developing a long-term strategy to monitor and measure human health in the Wood Buffalo region. Part of the strategy involves the periodic study of local residents’ exposure to indoor and outdoor airborne contaminants. The first study was conducted in 1998 and involved 300 people from Fort McMurray; it showed that ambient levels of airborne contaminants are low compared to provincial, national and international guidelines. Other regional communities, including Fort McKay, are being studied on an alternating basis over a period of six years so that sufficient data can be gathered to determine any longterm trends. Fort McMurray was studied again in late 2004, and Fort Chipewyan will be studied in 2005.
For more information, look for the report on Alberta Oil Sands Community Exposure and Health Effects at www.health.gov.ab.ca/resources/publications
Syncrude’s regulatory application to extend its research field trial for In-Ground Sulphur Storage raised concerns among some stakeholders. The trial is part of an Alberta-wide sulphur management initiative, and will provide a better understanding of the benefits and potential effects of in-ground storage versus the current Syncrude practice of above-ground storage. Toward ameliorating stakeholder concerns, Syncrude provided information to clarify the trial’s scope and purpose, and will engage in ongoing consultation as the research project continues.
Import of water from the Athabasca River by Syncrude and other oil sands developers continues to be a concern of many stakeholders. In response, Syncrude has been working successfully to reduce its water import on a per barrel basis and to increase its use of recycled water.
See water use discussion.
Poor educational outcomes such as a low graduation rate among high school students continue to concern the community of Fort McKay. In response, Syncrude is working with community leaders to improve the quality of education students receive. As one example, a literacy project implemented by Syncrude and the community a few years ago to help students who were behind in their reading ability has demonstrated measurable improvement; students in grades one through four progressed an average of one full year in their reading comprehension levels. In 2004, Syncrude also worked with the community to bring student teachers from the University of Alberta into the school; Syncrude provides housing and transportation for these student teachers.
To address concerns that the Wood Buffalo region’s modern industrial economy is affecting a traditional way of life among local Aboriginal people, Syncrude is working to develop Memoranda of Understanding with three of the region’s First Nations to clarify and formalize a framework for sharing Traditional Environmental Knowledge between the First Nations and Syncrude.
Concerns regarding a rising turnover rate among Syncrude’s Aboriginal employees (7 per cent in 2004) prompted Syncrude to conduct focus groups comprising Aboriginal employees, hiring managers and external agencies to better understand challenges associated with Aboriginal attraction and retention efforts. The results will be tabulated in 2005 and will provide the foundation for recommendations and key work initiatives to reduce Aboriginal employee turnover.
Concerns about the pace of Syncrude’s land reclamation were addressed in part by an increase in the land available for reclamation in 2004; as a result, a record 318 hectares were reclaimed in 2004. As well, an additional 335 hectares of land that had been previously reclaimed as temporary were declared permanent, bringing to 653 hectares the total reclamation rate for 2004.
See discussion on reclamation.

Diverter Stack Use Leads to Enhanced Stakeholder Relations

Syncrude learned some valuable lessons in stakeholder relations after our two carbon monoxide boilers failed only days apart from each other in July. The failures led to the release of untreated gases into the atmosphere through a diverter stack while the boilers underwent emergency repairs. The diversions were visibly noticeable and generated several concerns by regional stakeholders. They also caused some construction workers engaged on Syncrude’s Upgrader Expansion project to report to our Health Centre with complaints of respiratory and eye irritation.

While the diverter stack is intended for use during such emergencies, and notice was given to regional stakeholders consistent with established protocols during the first incident, negative employee and contractor response led Syncrude to conduct much more extensive workforce and stakeholder notification when the second boiler failed just days later.

Workforce and stakeholder notification also was a central element in planning for a subsequent boiler outage, which was needed to ensure reliable operation of the unit until its next scheduled maintenance turnaround. This work was conducted under an Environmental Protection Order issued by Alberta Environment. The Order also called for Syncrude to evaluate and communicate possible effects of diverter stack releases on workers and others, and to minimize emissions during the repair period.

The repairs were executed during a long weekend in October, a timeframe that minimized exposure to contractors and Syncrude employees. All potentially affected stakeholders were notified before the repairs commenced. During the repairs, crude oil production was reduced to minimize emissions and air quality monitoring was conducted on and off the Syncrude site. The monitoring found no violations of legislated air quality limits or guidelines; these findings also were communicated to stakeholders. As well, an independent consultant was retained to conduct dispersion modelling and prepare an assessment of potential health impacts posed by use of the diverter. The study found that while concentrations of some airborne compounds are likely to increase during a diversion, they are not likely to exceed either legislated exposure or environmental limits nor cause any adverse health effects either on- or off-site. The study also recommended that Syncrude explain to stakeholders why diverter events sometimes occur, and what the effects of these events might be. These recommendations are being implemented.

View the facts about Syncrude’s management of air quality and emissions: www.syncrude.com/syn_library/lib_fact.html