Energy, Environmental Impacts, and Sustainable Development Presented by Cat Shrier, Ph.D., P.G....

Energy, Environmental Impacts,

and Sustainable Development

Presented byCat Shrier, Ph.D., P.G.Water Resources Planner(403) 532-5797cshrier@golder.com

Key Components of an EIA

REGULATORS

PROPONENT

TECHNICAL

STAKE-HOLDERS

NEPA Process

A process not a permit or approval

Projects with a federal nexusStates and localities have own EIA processes

Lead agency is responsible for NEPACooperating AgenciesProponent PaysThird Party Consultant (works for agency)

The Public Plays a Critical Role

The Scoping Process

Draft EIS

Final EIS

Record of Decision (ROD)

Comparative Study for NRCan

Process clarity and predictability are key Scoping Roles and responsibilities Timelines

Time to complete EIA impacted by: Size, complexity, sensitivity of the environment Community and cultural issues Requirements and inter-jurisdictional process Delays due to regulatory capacity issues /

completeness of submittals

EIA Process Adds Value

Enables regulatory / funding approval

Positive community relationships

Optimized project design

Reduced environmental liabilities

More predictable schedule / framework

Consistent with corporate environmental policies

Supports development and implementation of strategies for SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT … WHAT???

Sustainable Development Is …

NOT just a buzzword

NOT just an academic concept

NOT just a vision statement

An integral part of how companies approach projects

Based on sound and established practices

Sustainable Development is …

… Environmental Impacts

Continually finding ways to …

Sustainable Development is …

… not just permit negotiations

Partnerships with local communities …

Sustainable Development is …

… Considering all stages of a project

Life cycle value assessment

(LCVA)

Sustainable Development is …

… for increased efficiency and environmental benefits

… Improving technology and understanding

Sustainable Development is …

… Reclamation through Post-Closure

When Developing Energy Resources …

Chris Schenk

PaulVonguerard

Russ George

Sue Lowell

… it is critical to understand

The resources being developed

The environment and potential impacts to that environment

The communities and stakeholders and potential impacts to them (negative and positive)

The regulatory process

Strategy for a sustainable approach