Energy, Environmental Impacts, and Sustainable Development Presented by Cat Shrier, Ph.D., P.G. Water Resources Planner (403)

Key Components of an EIA REGULATORS PROPONENT TECHNICAL STAKE- HOLDERS

NEPA Process  A process not a permit or approval  Projects with a federal nexus  States and localities have own EIA processes  Lead agency is responsible for NEPA  Cooperating Agencies  Proponent Pays  Third 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

Sustainable Development Is …  Considering the entire life cycle of the project through post-closure  Finding ways to avoid, minimize, mitigate, and monitor impacts  Closure and restoration plans that work with nature e.g. geomorphically designed and self-healing drainage channels  Work with local communities – not just permit negotiations, but ongoing partnerships and planning for social and economic benefits during and after the project

When Developing Energy Resources … Chris Schenk Paul Vonguerard 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

Regardless of where EIAs are done … PROPONENT STAKE- HOLDERS TECHNICAL REGULATORS

NEPA Process

NEPA Process (Continued)

Typical NEPA Document Format 1.0Introduction 1.1Statement of Purpose and Need 1.2Decisions to be Made by Responsible Officials 2.0Proposed Action and Alternatives 2.1Proposed Action 2.2Alternatives 2.3No Action Alternative 2.4Alternatives Considered But Not Carried Forward For Analysis 3.0Description of Affected Environment 3.1Climate 3.2Geology 3.3Topography 3.4Soils 3.5Vegetation 3.6Wildlife 3.7Etc.

Typical NEPA Document Format (Cont.) 4.0 Environmental Consequences 4.1Vegetation Impacts Mitigation Measures Cumulative Impacts 5.0 Public Involvement, Cooperation and Coordination 5.1Scoping 5.2Cooperation 5.3Coordination 6.0 List of Preparers, Agencies and Organizations 7.0 Bibliography 8.0 Glossary 9.0 Index