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Other Locations:
June
8 Millarville
June
8 Vulcan
June
9 Pincher Creek
June 19 Red Deer
June
20 Drayton Valley
June
21 Rocky Mtn. House
June
22 Sundre
June
24 Grande Prairie
June
26 Edson
June
27 Hinton
June
28 Leduc
June
29 Calgary
Summary
Aboriginal
Summary
Response Forms
Summary
Written Forms
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Session Overview:
The final Discussion Session, held in Calgary, was very
well attended. The format was well received by participants,
with many commenting favorably about having the opportunity
to meet directly with members of the Advisory Committee. Key
and consistent topics presented to the Committee during the
Calgary session included: (1) concern about the
effectiveness of the EUB given its affiliation with
government and industry; (2) issues related to the adequacy
of ERPs; (3) communications challenges between the public
and the EUB and industry; and, (4) concern about the
negative human, animal and environmental impacts of sour gas
emission.
Prevention, Policy and
Jurisdiction
- Several of the participants in Calgary suggested that
because the EUB is affiliated with industry and the
Provincial governments, the organization is biased in
favor in industry. This has resulted in distrust in the
EUB among some members of the public. The need for the
EUB to more accountable to the public was mentioned by a
few participants.
- A few indicated that the EUB mandate to generate
provincial economic gain through development of the oil
and gas industry conflicts with ensuring public health
and safety.
- The need for improved cooperation between the
companies, the EUB and the Municipal Districts (MD) was
mentioned by a few individuals. It was suggested by one
individual that the Health Authority should play a larger
role in the protection of public health as it relates to
sour gas emissions.
- Some of the individuals in Calgary indicated that the
hearing process is difficult and frustrating for the
public, requiring an excessive time and financial
commitment. One individual suggested that the hearing
process is oppositional and combative and that a
negotiation process would be more effective.
- The lack of EUB impartiality in the granting of
applications was cited as an issue by a few
participants.
- Some participants expressed concerns about
proliferation of development near densely populated
areas. It was suggested that applications should not be
granted on an individual basis, but should consider the
total existing and proposed development in an area.
- One individual said that issues of public safety
should be resolved with the MD before development can
proceed. A few others indicated that companies should be
required to provide long term plans for a development
site before they receive approval.
- Several of the participants indicated that the EUB
needs to develop stricter regulations, conduct more
monitoring and enforce regulations more consistently. A
few individuals suggested that there should be separate
regulations in areas of dense, urban population. One
participant suggested that protocols should be developed
instead of regulations.
- Some participants commented on the lack of EUB staff,
suggesting that because they are understaffed, the EUB is
not proactive and cannot effectively monitor or enforce
regulations or respond to public concerns in a timely
manner.
- The need for new technologies as alternatives to
flaring was identified by a few participants. A few
individuals expressed concern about the effectiveness of
procedures for slow leak detection in pipelines.
Event Consequence
Management
- Several individuals identified concerns about
negative impacts on human, animal and environmental
health resulting from sour gas emissions. Participants
provided examples of symptoms that they attribute to sour
gas emissions, including: headaches, nausea, burning eyes
and throats, cancers and autoimmune diseases. A few
individuals noted that the acceptable levels of emission
do not adequately protect people with chemical
sensitivities. The mental stress associated with the
constant worry about sour gas issues was mentioned by a
few people. Environmental health concerns centered on air
and water quality.
- A few participants indicated that medical
professional in Alberta do not recognize health issues
resulting from sour gas emission and as such, the public
does not receive appropriate treatment and it is not
covered by Alberta Health.
- The suggestion for risk to be assessed on a
cumulative basis was made by a few participants. They
indicated that new wells should not be drilled until the
actual risks of existing wells are understood.
- Several individuals indicated that setback distances,
especially near urban development, should be increased.
It was suggested that additional criteria (long range
urban development plans, climate, topography) be used
when determining setback distances.
- A few participants said that the measurements used to
determine EPZs are inadequate. One individual suggested
that zone reductions places to much pressure on the
MD.
- It was suggested by several participants that ERPs
are inadequate and that there is no assurance of success.
Concerns included: the adequacy of evacuation plans for
recreational users, farmers in the field and large
numbers of and urban population; the ability of MDs to
deal with disasters because of limited resources; and the
ability of medical services to cope with large numbers of
people affected by emissions. Suggestions for improving
ERPs included: allowing the public to have more input
into the planning; completing ERPs prior to applications
being granted, conducting mock exercises, and ensuring
that companies have properly trained staff.
- A few participants identified a need for more
research related to the chronic effects of long term
exposure to sour gas emissions.
Communication and
Compensation
- Problems with communications between industry and the
public were cited by some of the Calgary participants.
Suggestion was made that some of the companies treat the
public with disrespect, are vague and unprofessional, and
do not disclose information to the public freely. A few
indicated that bigger companies have better communication
and consultation with the public.
- Some individuals mentioned communication issues with
the EUB. It was suggested that because in some cases the
response from the EUB has been poor, people don't trust
the EUB and do not come forward. One individual suggested
that an ombudsman was required.
- Public awareness about the hazards of sour gas was
considered poor by some individuals. It was suggested by
a few that the public has been misinformed about the
severity of hazards. Suggestions to improve awareness
included more open disclosure of information from
companies to the public and more company open houses and
information events.
- A few participants indicated that because of
misinformation, largely by the media, the public had
unfounded fears about sour gas.
- Issues related to inadequate compensation were
identified by some of the participants. It was suggested
that a framework of equitable compensation be developed
and that companies should be required to be more
responsible.
* Several participants indicated that they
were acting as representatives for larger groups and/or
organizations.
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