H2... Oh?

Seasons greetings!

The Sullivan Regulatory Hearing that began back on November 12 is taking a break over the holiday season and is set to resume in High River in mid-January, 2009. Once dates have been confirmed I’ll have them posted on the site.

Last week, direct evidence was provided by members of the Pekisko Group and Dr. Brad Stelfox – a landscape ecologist whose work with a cumulative effects simulation (called ALCES) in the Eastern Slopes has garnered local interest over the years from a variety of stakeholder groups.

You may recognize Dr. Stelfox’s name from previous work that was conducted as part of the Southern Foothills Study – a study whose purpose was "to provide background data for informed land use planning and to understand the potential effect of all types of landuse development on an ecosystem which provides significant value to Alberta." Petro-Canada contributed to the support of this study.

Mac Blades, Francis Gardner and Gordon Cartwright – a trio of long-term lease holders and well-respected ranchers – presented the position of the Pekisko Group to a full house of supporters. In addition to their concerns over potential impacts on range habitat and the natural landscape, one of the recurring themes of this hearing has been water – specifically, what impact Petro-Canada’s proposed project could have on this resource?

From what I’ve heard, it’s not Petro-Canada’s use of water in the area – Petro-Canada's overall water use is expected to be very minimal in amounts allowed without formal approval under the Alberta Water Act – but rather the potential impact any development could have on water quantity and quality in the region.

It's a concern we don't take lightly.

What I can say is that there are limited pathways by which routine, anticipated Project effects will impact water quality or quantity in the Sullivan region. Through project planning and design, surface water flow will not be adversely affected by the project. Our design of well pads, pipelines and watercourse crossings incorporates features to maintain and manage surface and near surface flows. Sediment and erosion control structures will also be installed and maintained in sensitive areas.

Our environmental protection plan provides details on mitigation measures put in place to minimize spill risk and in an unlikely event, respond to any inadvertent release. As Albertans, it is in our best interest to maintain the quality of our water – as employees of Petro-Canada our expectation is to achieve nothing less.

Best wishes for a restful holiday season.