Frontier Oil Sands Mine Project ESRD and CEAA Responses Integrated Application Appendix 139c.1: Frontier Oil Sands Mine Project Supplemental Information Request, Round 2 Aboriginal Consultation Plan
Appendix 139c.1 Frontier Oil Sands Mine Project Aboriginal Consultation Plan
October 2013 ESRD and CEAA Responses Frontier Oil Sands Mine Project Appendix 139c.1: Frontier Oil Sands Mine Project Integrated Application Aboriginal Consultation Plan Supplemental Information Request, Round 2
October 2013 UTS Energy Corporation & Teck Cominco Limited
Frontier Oil Sands Mine Project
A BORIGINAL C ONSULTATION P LAN
UTS Energy Corporation (UTS) and Teck Cominco Limited (Teck Cominco) are committed to ensuring appropriate consultation with potentially affected Aboriginal communities with respect to the application of the Frontier Oil Sands Mine Project (the Project). The Aboriginal consultation process is designed to be ongoing from initial planning through construction, operations, and decommissioning of the proposed Project.
UTS & Teck Cominco have developed this consultation plan for a number of reasons. The Crown has determined that the Project triggers consultation. Therefore, the Alberta’s First Nation Consultation Guidelines on Land Management and Resource Development requirements must be met. The Project has the potential to impact areas traditionally used by Aboriginal communities for hunting, trapping, fishing, gathering and other culturally significant activities. Finally, UTS & Teck Cominco recognizes that several Aboriginal communities may be affected by the proposed Project and intends to develop long‐lasting and mutually beneficial relationships with those communities.
Project Description
The proposed Frontier Project consists of a mining and bitumen extraction and processing facility to be developed in phases. Phase 1 is currently planned to be located on UTS and Teck Cominco’s jointly owned Leases 311, 468, 470, 477 and 610 on the west side of the Athabasca River in Townships 010 and 101 Range 11. The proposed project mining area is approximately 10‐20 miles northwest of the Fort Hills Project location and is bordered to the south and east by Shell Canada’s proposed Pierre River Project. Initial production rate of Frontier is expected to be in the range of 100,000 – 160,000 barrels per day starting in 2015. Additional mining operations for expansion of the initial phase are being considered on Leases 513, 514, 610 and 840 depending on the results of further exploration.
A detailed project description is attached in Appendix I, as well as a project information update brochure (March 2008).
Goals and Objectives
The objective of the UTS & Teck Cominco Consultation Plan is to ensure meaningful involvement for all Aboriginal communities potentially affected by the Project. Although Métis consultation requirements have yet to be clarified by the Government of Alberta, UTS has included potentially affected Métis communities in the consultation plan as a matter of best practice and desire to develop mutually beneficial relationships with all Aboriginal communities in the region. Effective consultation with Aboriginal communities is critical in building and maintaining working relationships, and requires involving Aboriginal communities in decisions that affect Aboriginal interests, rights, and traditional practices. The UTS & Teck Cominco consultation strategy will strive to integrate the current proposed Project and UTS/Teck Cominco Aboriginal Consultation Plan – Frontier Oil Sands Project Page 1 of 9 activities planned for the future. Specifically, UTS & Teck Cominco will utilize the following steps to guide the overall consultation process:
1. Provide sufficient information to potentially affected Aboriginal communities about the proposed Project in order to ensure adequate understanding of the Project. 2. Provide sufficient time for potentially affected Aboriginal communities to absorb and understand Project information. 3. Ensure careful documentation of issues and concerns voiced by potentially affected Aboriginal communities throughout the regulatory process. 4. Ensure meaningful consideration of those expressed issues and concerns in Project design and approval processes.
Sufficient Information
UTS & Teck Cominco will ensure plain‐language information about the Project will be specifically prepared for distribution to potentially affected Aboriginal communities and their members. Plain‐language material will utilize a non‐technical description of the proposed nature and scope of the Project, including all environmental, social and cultural information collected throughout the application process known to UTS & Teck Cominco. In addition, all potentially positive and negative effects of the Project known to UTS & Teck Cominco will be outlined to those communities in a clear and manageable format. Requests for additional information from the communities will be considered and responded to.
Sufficient Time
It is the intent of UTS & Teck Cominco to provide sufficient time for Aboriginal communities to consider and understand Project information. Consultation efforts will be identified and fully reported through the bi‐monthly reporting process to Alberta Environment (AENV). Project updates will commence prior to Project application filing and will continue beyond.
Careful Documentation
UTS & Teck Cominco will carefully document all contact with potentially affected Aboriginal communities and how members were involved in the consultation process. This will include names, dates, method of communication and any issues and concerns that were expressed in relation to the proposed Project. This record will be shared with the relevant community to ensure UTS & Teck Cominco “got it right” and accurately reflected the consultation efforts. UTS & Teck Cominco also understands that this record of consultation will be one of the mechanisms by which AENV and others involved in the regulatory process will measure the adequacy of the consultation process at the end of the day.
Meaningful Consideration and Mitigation Strategies
UTS & Teck Cominco are committed to meaningful consultation with those Aboriginal communities who are potentially affected by its proposed Project. Meaningful dialogue translates into responding to expressed issues and concerns related to the proposed Project through collaborative development of strategies designed to mitigate or avoid impacts to Traditional Rights and Uses. Issues and concerns will be community specific and will be responded to in that manner.
There are a range of possible mitigation strategies that UTS & Teck Cominco, in collaboration with community representatives, can consider depending on the nature and scope of the specific community concern(s). These could fall under the following categories: Avoidance (e.g., site protection); UTS/Teck Cominco Aboriginal Consultation Plan – Frontier Oil Sands Project Page 2 of 9 Conservation and Reclamation strategies; Cultural preservation and retention initiatives; Capacity building; Community socio‐economic/environmental initiatives; Access Management; Environmental studies, etc.
UTS & Teck Cominco will strive for agreement through ongoing discussions with those communities who have concerns; and when agreement is not possible, a thorough explanation to AENV of why agreement was not possible will be provided.
Specific Consultation Tasks
The Aboriginal consultation and engagement component of the Project will involve completion of the following tasks:
Task 1: Comprehensive Identification of Potentially Affected Aboriginal Communities
o UTS & Teck Cominco has identified potentially affected Aboriginal communities based on proximity of traditional lands to the Project area, and other Aboriginal communities and groups who have previously expressed concerns with oil sands development in the Fort McMurray area. Please see Appendix II for this list.
o Identified Aboriginal communities have been further categorized based on proximity to the Project area and potential impact on Aboriginal Rights and Traditional Uses. Group #1 communities will receive the fullest extent of consultation efforts (including face‐to‐face meetings, telephone, email and open houses). Group #2 communities will receive direct notification and the opportunity for periodic meetings, if requested. Group #3 communities will receive all relevant Project information and information provided at public notification triggers. UTS & Teck Cominco will respond to requests for additional consultation efforts accordingly.
Task 2: Develop Project Information
o UTS & Teck Cominco have developed a Project Disclosure Document (PDD) describing key attributes of the UTS & Teck Cominco Project in culturally sensitive, non‐technical, plain‐ language format (Appendix I). o Plain language project information updates will be made available throughout the regulatory process, and as project information changes.
Task 3: Initiate Contact with Group #1 Communities
o UTS & Teck Cominco initiated requests for introductory meetings with Group #1 communities, commencing mid March 2008. Preferred community “next steps” for involvement in the consultation process (2008) will be identified. For example, discussions surrounding options for open houses or Elders meetings are currently underway.
Task 4: Disseminate Project Information
o Project information will be directly distributed in a variety of methods to all Aboriginal communities outlined in the Community Inclusion List (attached in Appendix II), including:
• Hand‐delivery UTS/Teck Cominco Aboriginal Consultation Plan – Frontier Oil Sands Project Page 3 of 9 • Surface mail and/or courier • Email • Web‐based material • Meetings • Power point presentation
o Copies may also be distributed to:
• Chief and Council • IRC representatives, or designated Consultation Office contacts • Alberta Aboriginal Relations First Nation Contact Listing • Other known community contacts known to UTS & Teck Cominco and its sub‐ contractors
Task 5: Document concerns, issues and opportunities
o UTS & Teck Cominco have developed a Record of Communication (ROC) tool that will reflect all correspondence and interviews with Aboriginal communities regarding the Project. This will be updated throughout the consultation process, and emerging issues will be tracked. An example of the ROC is included in Appendix III.
Task 6: Community Meeting(s)
o UTS & Teck Cominco will work with Group #1 communities to arrange community meeting(s) before the completion of the approval process. The goal of these meetings will be to provide information and allow an opportunity for community members to converse directly with UTS & Teck Cominco and key biophysical discipline leads about their questions, concerns and suggestions. o Various print materials necessary, including maps, charts and information boards to communicate relevant information about the Project will be available.
Public Notice Delivery Method
UTS & Teck Cominco will ensure that public notices, at key regulatory milestones, are directly provided to all Aboriginal communities outlined in the Community Inclusion List. Provision of public notices will be accomplished through a variety of methods, including: • Hand‐delivery • Mail and/or courier • Web‐based material • Email
UTS & Teck Cominco will ensure the community‐at‐large is aware of important regulatory milestones, including:
• Draft Terms of Reference • Final Terms of Reference • Application submission • Completeness decision • Opportunity for Statements of Concern
UTS/Teck Cominco Aboriginal Consultation Plan – Frontier Oil Sands Project Page 4 of 9 • Granting of authorizations, and • Opportunity for appeals
UTS & Teck Cominco will prepare all application public notices for distribution to Aboriginal communities in culturally sensitive, non‐technical, plain‐language format.
Bi‐Monthly Reporting
AENV will receive a report on the progress of consultation activities on a bi‐monthly basis. These reports will include a record of communications, detailing names, dates, methods of communication and any issues and concerns that were expressed in relation to the Project. For each issue and concern, a possible mitigation strategy will be suggested by UTS & Teck Cominco and in cases where agreement cannot be reached, a thorough explanation will be given. An example of a Record of Communication can be found in Appendix III.
Conflict Resolution
UTS & Teck Cominco are committed to creating, building and maintaining positive and productive relationships with the Aboriginal communities potentially affected by the Project. Issues and concerns in relation to the Project will be considered and responded to, and mitigation will be suggested with these critical relationships in mind. All efforts will be put towards preventing misunderstanding and conflict. However, should a conflict arise, UTS & Teck Cominco will act in good faith and take an interest‐based approach to discussions in an effort to find a solution acceptable to each party involved. Any conflicts, and efforts towards resolving those conflicts, will be duly noted in the bi‐monthly reports to the AENV.
Other Considerations
1. Local caterers will be contracted to provide hosting services wherever possible. 2. Established community honoraria for elder participants in interviews or meetings will be respected. 3. UTS & Teck Cominco will respect all community requests for ceremonies and other protocols.
UTS/Teck Cominco Aboriginal Consultation Plan – Frontier Oil Sands Project Page 5 of 9
Frontier Project Timeline
Provide Consultation Plan to Communities Initiate Consultation Develop and AENV to Approve March – April 2008 Aboriginal Consultation Plan with Aboriginal Communities March 2008 March 2008 Incorporate Comments from Communities Ongoing
File Public Disclosure Document Direct notice to Communities March 2008 March 2008
Provide Draft TOR to Incorporate Comments from Prepare Draft Terms of Reference Communities Communities Feb – March 2008 March 2008 April – June 2008
Final Terms of Reference Issued Direct notice to Communities July- August 2008 August 2008
Conduct EA studies and Consultation Activities Jan 2008 – Jan 2010
Direct Notice to Aboriginal Submit EA Report Communities July 2010 July 2010
EIA Report Completeness Decision Direct Notice to Aboriginal Communities TBD TBD
Approval Process Direct Notice to Aboriginal Communities TBD
Construction & Project Start Up 2011 - 2015
UTS/Teck Cominco Aboriginal Consultation Plan – Frontier Oil Sands Project Page 6 of 9 Known Impacts to First Nation Rights and Traditional Uses
UTS & Teck Cominco recognize the proposed Project may have affects on Aboriginal Rights and Traditional Uses, culture and well‐being. UTS & Teck Cominco are committed to designing and developing mitigation strategies to address affects to areas and sites important to Aboriginal communities in a collaborative manner. To be successful in this endeavour, it is imperative to understand the Project’s potential effects from the Aboriginal community perspective.
UTS & Teck Cominco also recognizes that the lease sites on which the proposed Project is situated is relatively undeveloped land, and there is a potential the Project will overlap with current and traditional hunting, trapping, fishing, and gathering sites. There is also potential for the existence of culturally sensitive areas, which may include cabins, trails, graves, spiritual sites, medicinal plant gathering areas, archaeological and palaeontological sites, and animal habitat areas.
On behalf of UTS & Teck Cominco, FMA Heritage Inc. has undertaken the following studies for the Frontier Project:
• A Historical Resources Overview has been submitted (2007) for Frontier. It was determined that few archaeological or historic period sites were on record within the Project area due to the lack of historical resources studies conducted. However, numerous sites are on record in surrounding areas, particularly to the west in the Birch Mountains and Namur Lakes areas but also including numerous sites recently (2007) identified in the neighbouring Value Creation Inc. Terre de Grace Project area. As such, the potential for significant historical resources sites to be present within the Project area is deemed to be high. Field studies will be undertaken in summer 2008.
• A Historical Resources Impact Assessment for palaeontology has been completed for Frontier. Fossil sites were found along the McIvor River and the Birch Mountains Escarpment. These sites contain ammonite fossils (an early squid‐like animal with coiled shell) and abundant but disarticulated remains of fish (sharks and bony fish). The main palaeontological concern for the mine (lowland areas) will be disturbance of potential buried fossil horizons during overburden removal for the mine (i.e., Wabiskaw Member). The main palaeontological concern for the SAGD operation (Birch Mountains) will be disturbance of potential buried fossil sites in the Shaftesbury Formation by development of roads and pipelines across the Birch Mountains Escarpment.
Known Issues and Concerns
A review of recent Environmental Impact Assessments and Alberta Energy and Utilities Board decisions (2006) outlined a number of consistent issues and concerns from Aboriginal communities within the Fort McMurray area. UTS & Teck Cominco proposes to build upon these previously expressed issues and use them as a basis of discussion with communities with respect to Project specific issues and concerns.
23 previous EIA reports were reviewed and issues were categorized by community and concern. The comprehensive list of those concerns is attached as Appendix IV (Master Issues List) and the following is a list of some of the commonly expressed concerns, as related to commercial development:
• Respect for Aboriginal peoples and communities • Adequate consultation • Increased noise pollution from industry traffic UTS/Teck Cominco Aboriginal Consultation Plan – Frontier Oil Sands Project Page 7 of 9 • Water quality • Air quality • Access management of traditional lands • Effects to community health • Protection of cultural keystone wildlife and plant species
Other common issues and concerns raised include (access to long‐term employment opportunities with possibilities for advancement; access to business opportunities; housing; access to secondary and post‐ secondary education; creation of recreation and cultural facilities).
Contact Information
For further information on the Aboriginal Consultation process or for more information on the Frontier Oil Sands Mine Project please call Cam Bateman, Manager, Regulatory and Stakeholder Relations.
Cam Bateman Manager, Regulatory and Stakeholder Relations UTS Energy Corporation 1000 350‐7th Ave SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 3N9
[email protected] Toll free: 1‐866‐538‐7030. Telephone: (403) 538‐7024 Fax: (403) 538‐7033
http://www.uts.ca/
UTS/Teck Cominco Aboriginal Consultation Plan – Frontier Oil Sands Project Page 8 of 9
APPENDIX I
APPENDIX II
Appendix II
Community Inclusion List Group #1—North of Fort McMurray ‐ FULL CONSULTATION
1. Fort McKay First Nation P.O. Box 5905 Fort McMurray, AB T9H 4V9 Phone: 780‐828‐2480 Fax: 780‐828‐4393 • Chief Jim Boucher (02/08) • Lisa Schaldemose, IRC Director
2. Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation P.O. Box 366 Fort Chipewyan, AB T0P 1B0 Phone: 780‐697‐3730 Fax:0 78‐ 697‐3500 • Chief Alan Adams Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation IRC Suite 333, 9816 Hardin Street Fort McMurray, AB T9H 4K3 Phone: 780‐791‐9131 Fax: 780‐791‐9102 • Lisa King, Interim IRC Director
3. Mikisew Cree First Nation P.O. Box 90 Fort Chipewyan, AB T0P 1B0 Phone: 7780‐ ‐69 3740 Fax: 780‐697‐3826 • Chief Roxanne Marcel (06/08) Mikisew Cree First Nation IRC Suite 208, 9715 Main Street Fort McMurray, AB T9H 1T5 Phone: 780‐714‐6500 Fax: 780‐715‐4098 • Melody Lepine, IRC Director
4. Métis Local #125 (Fort Chipewyan) P.O. Box 406 Fort Chipewyan,P AB T0 1B0 • President Fred (Jumbo) Fraser
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5. Métis Local #63 (Ft. McKay) General Delivery Fort McKay, AB T0P 1C0 • Ron Quintal, President • Cort Gallup, General Manager
Group #2 – Fort McMurray NOTIFICATION AND PERIODIC MEETINGS
6. Fort McMurray First Nation (#468) P.O. Box 6130, Clearwater Station Fort McMurray, AB T9H 4W1 Phone: 780‐334‐2293 Fax: 780‐334‐2457 • Chief Albert Cree (04/08) • Tina Cree, IRC Director
7. Métis Local #1935 (Fort McMurray) 441 Sakitawaw Trail Fort McMurray, AB T9H 4P3 Phone: 780‐743‐2659 Fax: 780‐791‐2654 • President Bill Loutitt • Brian Fayant, General Manager
8. Métis Local #2020 (Fort McMurray) 129 Alberta Drive Fort McMurray, T9H 1R2 • President Glen Tremblay
9. Chipewyan Prairie Dené First Nation General Delivery Chard, AB T0P 1G0 Phone: 780‐ 559‐2259 Fax: 780‐559‐2213 • Chief Vern Janvier (02/07) • Shaun Janvier, IRC Director
10. Métis Local #193 – Conklin P.O. Box 38 Conklin, AB T0P 1H0 • President Shirley Tremblay • Wendy Tremblay and/or Bonnie Evans, Consultation Contact
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11. Métis Local #214 – Chard P.O. Box 150 Chard, AB T0P 1H0 Phone: none available • President Darlene Herman
12. Métis Local #780 – Anzac (Willow Lake) #107 – 5 Christina Drive Anzac, AB T0P 1J0 Phone: 780‐334‐2461 • President Margaret Scott
13. Wood Buffalo First Nation (Wood Buffalo First Nation Elders Society, Clearwater River Band #175) 119 Hilyard Cres. Anzac, AB T0P 1J0 Phone: 780‐792‐4085 • John Malcolm
Group #3 – South of Fort McMurray and Northwest Territories ‐ NOTIFICATION ONLY
14. Bigstone Cree First Nation P.O. Box 960 Desmarais, AB T0G 2K0 Phone: 780‐891‐3836 Fax: 780‐891‐3942 • Chief Francis Gladue (09/08) • Ray Yellowknee, Consultation Manager
15. Deninu K’ue First Nation P.O. Box 1899 Fort Resolution, NT X0E 0M0 Phone: 867‐394‐4335 Fax: 8674‐39 ‐5122 • Chief William Robert Modest Norn (02/11)
16. Salt River First Nation P.O. Box 960 Fort Smith, NT X0E 0P0 Phone: 867‐872‐2986 Fax: 867‐872‐3550 • Chief James Schaefer (08/08)
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Regional Organizations
17. Athabasca Tribal Council 9206 McCormick Drive Fort McMurray, AB T9H 1C7 Phone: 780‐791‐6538 Fax: 780‐791‐0946 • Roy Vermillion, CEO • Flossie Cyprien, APCA SocioEconomic Director
18. Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta c/o Santa Fe Plaza 18178 – 102 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5S 1S7 Phone: 780‐4444‐9366 Fax: 780‐484‐1465 • Arthur Noskey, Grand Chief
19. Métis Nation of Alberta Region #1 10106‐102 Avenue P.O. Box 1350 Lac La Biche, AB T0A 2C0 Phone: 780‐623‐3039 Fax: 780‐623‐2733 Toll free: 1‐800‐638‐5704 • Ken Bourque, President
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APPENDIX III
Company/Group/Organization Title
Address (1): Address (2): Address (3): Address (4):
Phone: (XXX) XXX-XXXX Fax: (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Keyy Contact: Alternate:
DATE TYPE OF INTERACTION PARTICIPANTS DISCUSSION TOPIC DETAILS ACTION ATTACHMENTS? ISSUE RECORDED ISSUE FORM LOCATION RECORD SUBMITTER
APPENDIX IV
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT 1
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation Atmospheric Environment
Decrease in air quality around Fort Chipewyan1 Air pollution from oil¹ Water pollution caused by air pollution¹
Rotten egg smell near Jackfish1 Bad odours with a southern wind¹ Airborne pollution²
Yellow stuff on the surface of collected rainwater and deposited Smell of sulphur and oil haze in the sky are affecting ACFN⁴ White residue in drying puddles¹ along creek banks⁵
Yellow residue in puddles after rain1 Yellow residue (sulphur)¹ Black stuff in the snow⁵ Melting snow leaves black stuff at the bottom of the pot and a rim Smoke from oil and gas activity to the south creating acid rain1 Acid rain¹ of sticky, greasy material⁵ Increase in dust, cars are covered with it, fear that it may getting Increased prevalence of asthma1 Air quality is especially bad around development sites¹ into food – both human and animal⁵,⁸ Large quantities of dust kicked up by industrial traffic on nearby Human and animal health is affected by air quality.⁴ Sites let off more emissions at night when visibility is low¹ road are been blow over trappers cabins⁸ Concerns have been raised about traditionally used plants that exhibit a deposition of grey or black material on the leaves and Cancer rates are a concern in the community.⁴ “Chemical snow” on cars in morning¹ stems. People are concerned that the consumption of these plants may affect their health.18,23 ACFN want increased air quality monitoring methods⁴ Gardens don't grow as well as they used to¹ Fumes and chemicals, especially the flares affect the animals and What effects will the Voyageur South Project and the Baseline vegetation (i.e.: the spruce are yellow–brown where the limbs Case developments have on ambient air quality in the region? 22 come out of the trunk and there are more dead trees)
What effects will air emissions from the Project and the Baseline Case developments have on the deposition of acid-forming compounds in the region?22
What effects will air emissions from the Project and the Baseline Case developments have on concentrations of ground-level ozone in the region?22
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT 2
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation Atmospheric Environment cont'd What effects will air emissions from the Project and the Baseline Case developments have on odours in regional communities? 22 Will emissions from Project be in compliance with relevant AENV, EUB and federal emission guidelines? 22 What effects will air emissions from the Project have on visibility? 22 What effects will air emissions from Project have on the production and management of greenhouse gas emissions? 22 What effects will air emissions from the project and the Baseline Case developments have on local and regional water bodies and their aquatic resources?22 What effects will air emissions from project and the Baseline Case developments have on local and regional soils?22 What effects will air emissions from the project and the Baseline Case developments have on local and regional terrestrial vegetation and wetlands?22 What effects will air emissions from the Project and the Baseline Case developments have on wildlife and wildlife habitat?22
Sound Environment What effects will activities associated with the project and the Increase in noise² Baseline Case developments have on local noise levels?22 Traffic and overall noise problems³ Disruption to peace & quiet⁵ Noise pollution drives out wildlife⁵, especially moose⁸, especially ungulates (except deer)¹¹ Serious noise pollution, not only in industrial areas but also in the bush is disturbing animals and trappers alike⁸,¹¹
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT 3
Mikisew Cree First Nation Fort McMurray First Nation Athabasca Tribal Council Atmospheric Environment What effects will the Stp project and the existing and approved Odours from existing development² Snow brings air pollution to the ground.¹⁰ developments have on ambient air quality in the region? 20 What effects will air emissions from the STP project and the Air quality² Smog can be seen most days.¹⁰ existing and approved developments have on odours in regional communities? 20 EIA proposes monitoring air and water quality but no specific What effects will air emissions from the STP project have on the You can smell the emissions in the winter¹⁰ details are described.¹¹ production and management of greenhouse gas emissions? 20 Are there adaptive plans to deal with the results of monitoring results?¹¹ Are there background air and water quality levels established?¹¹
Could air emissions be channelled towards the MCFN lands?¹¹ Have acid deposition rates and effect on soil and vegetation been modeled properly?¹¹
Would potential channelling effects of air emissions affect the predictions on acid deposition in an unpredicted fashion?¹¹
Air and water quality are key concerns for MCFN¹¹
Sound Environment
What effects will activities associated with the STP Project and the existing and approved developments have on local noise levels? 20
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. CONSULTATION 1
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation Consultation Consultation in early phases of development, i.e., before Métis are excluded from consultation and their Aboriginal rights Companies do not listen, understand, or respect the input of exploration in the planning stages¹ ignored¹ Aboriginal peoples¹,⁶,⁷ Companies destroy everything and then ask the community how Ongoing communication throughout life of project¹ Double standard in favour of regional development¹ it affects them¹ Companies get rich on the land and make Aboriginal communities Promises need to be kept past regulatory approval stages¹ Promises are not kept¹ poor in the process¹ Traditional lifeways have already been significantly affected by Views of community need to be respected and heeded¹ Little benefit from consultation with industry¹,⁶ development¹ Not against development, but more balanced and sustainable Negative effects of development are not balanced by the benefits One elder had recommended to AlPac to leave a 1 km perimeter approach needed¹ that industry has offered other communities¹ around McClelland Lake, they did not¹ More and continual consultation necessary: a minimum of four Profits need to be shared¹ Community input is disregarded¹ meetings held annually; the meetings have to be out on the land, even in winter; discussions have to be open¹ Métis want to see continued growth of their relationship with No appropriate approach to compensate ACFN trappers⁴ Town Hall-type meetings impede meaningful discussion¹ companies in the context of the EIA project¹ Feedback on how FMFN input is received and whether it is Earlier, more frequent, and more consistent consultation¹,⁴ useful¹ TEK-TLU work should incorporate input from people recognized Project information needs to be supplied earlier, more for their knowledge and skills, their desire to pass on their frequently, and less piecemeal⁴ wisdom¹ Current compensation is inadequate for the effects that industry is Strong and lasting relationships¹,⁴ having on traditional lifeways¹ Adequate community consultation in advance of development Trapper Compensation –given extent of development and (from EUB hearing on Muskeg River Mine Project)² cumulative impacts, current compensation is grossly inadequate⁷
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. CONSULTATION 2
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation Consultation cont'd ACFN overloaded with requests for consultation⁴ Trappers should be compensated for damages¹ Scientific and technical studies are hard to understand.⁴ Land gets sold without permission or compensation¹ Results of studies not communicated in culturally appropriate Who to complain to?¹ ways.⁴ Some studies are inaccurate because researchers have no practical Limited respect from regional developers for traditional users knowledge of the land.⁴ (asking permission, protocol, awareness of impact)² Developers do not maintain presence in community after Regional developers communicate poorly with community, approvals are granted.⁴ especially Aboriginal community² Monetary compensation not likely to be long-lasting for Past agreement have not been honoured by developers.⁴ individuals or the community² Compensation should be paid directly to individuals, not to the Promises made before approval aren’t kept after afterwards.⁴ Band⁷ Time lag between project approval and project initiation results Trappers need to be appropriately notified and consulted, in in the community not receiving benefits accruing from advance of public disclosure³ compensatory agreements until years later.⁴ Better consultation and information regarding project (e.g., Elders are concerned that the Alberta government is avoiding its Where and when are the PTI and Oil Sands camps being moved? fiduciary duty to consult in the EIA process.⁴ What seismic activities are being carried out in the winter of 2004/5?)³ Youth of the community are not involved in understanding No point in identifying land use sites locations in LSA, because project development and the EIA process⁴ they are not heeded anyway⁴ Consultation – companies need to engage in face-to-face consultation, clearly explaining the project, and potential project effects⁷ FMFN cannot understand why their community has so few resources when surrounded by oil and gas⁷
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. CONSULTATION 3
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation Consultation cont'd Interpreters needed at all meetings⁷ Log salvage – want to know who would be conducting log salvage associated with proposed project⁷ Safety measures – what are Deer Creek’s safety measures, how would they deal with site accidents like blow-outs, spills, etc.⁷ Better communication needed to quell current feelings of mistrust, helplessness, disappointment, anger, sadness, and frustration⁶ Oil companies must work cooperatively with trappers and elders, who are stewards of the land.⁸ Elders are concerned that consultation starts too late in the process.⁸ Shareholders are often informed too late to respond.⁸ There is a need for culturally relevant maps in the consultation process as this is a factor in the ability of traditional land users to interpret the project.⁸ Elders feel that scientists do not serve their needs¹¹ FMFN members want to restrict access to traplines¹¹
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. CONSULTATION 4
Mikisew Cree First Nation Fort McMurray First Nation Athabasca Tribal Council Consultation Elders feel there should be no pipeline until the can examine and Can the reclamation plan be trusted?¹¹ approve the route.¹⁰ Have the potential effects been encompassed by the EIA?¹¹ Elders want to be consulted more.¹⁰
Do proper contingency plans exist for spills?¹¹ Elders feel they are not given proper notices of developments.¹⁰ Poor communication between industrial developers and Were the best sampling methodologies employed?¹¹ trappers¹³,¹⁴ Given that the methods appear inadequate in the EIA are its Past abandonment of projects have led to concerns over conclusions valid?¹¹ contamination and proper disposal of waste materials¹³
Who has been consulted?¹¹ Inadequate consultation on the part of industrial developers¹³
Has the Alberta government fulfilled its duty to consult?¹¹
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. CUMULATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 1
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation
Cumulative Environmental Effects Environmental effects of industry affect ability to practice and Concern about the overall effects of regional development – what maintain traditional cultural activities such as plant gathering, Millions of plants have been destroyed¹ will the land be like in 50-75 years?¹ hunting, fishing and trapping¹ Métis are concerned that industry is not developing sustainably in Ability to live off the land is severely restricted¹ Developers help each other destroy the land¹ the region.¹ Air and water pollution from oil and gas industry¹ Bugs and micro-organisms are dying¹
Effluent from pulp and paper mills¹ No water left¹ No one is considering effects of development in a larger “All the world will die. No life. All the animals, everything. All cumulative area⁴ the people, we all die.”¹ Increase in local population has lead to serious noise pollution, ACFN are concerned about cumulative downstream effects⁴ not only in industrial areas but also in the bush¹ Millions of plants have been destroyed¹ Developers help each other destroy the land¹ Bugs and micro-organisms are dying¹ No water left¹ “All the world will die. No life. All the animals, everything. All the people, we all die.”¹ Increase in local population has lead to serious noise pollution, not only in industrial areas but also in the bush¹ Drastic changes for the worse due to industrial development, non- Aboriginal presence and land control⁵,⁸ General concern over cumulative effects⁷ Any additional projects would worsen currently bad conditions⁶ Community members feel surrounded, fenced-in by development⁶ Fear of being kicked off their land by encroaching development⁶ No studies have been conducted that adequately address the long- term effects of the SAGD extraction process on the environment.¹² What replaces the oil when it is extracted?¹² Cumulative effects of Jackpine Mine in combination with other regional developments on traditional land use in the region and the gradual loss of traditional way of life¹⁵
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. CUMULATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 2
Mikisew Cree First Nation Fort McMurray First Nation Athabasca Tribal Council
Cumulative Environmental Effects Does this EIA take into account the additive effects from other Industry must change its practices to offset the impact on future similar facilities and projects in the region?¹¹ generations and promote sustainable development¹⁰ Why is there no blanket statement for water quality similar to the Cumulative effects of developers on their ability to continue using one for air emissions?¹¹ the land¹³,¹⁴ How are project operators in the region working together to Past abandonment of projects have led to concerns over address cumulative effects?¹¹ contamination and proper disposal of waste materials¹³,¹⁴ Would the potential channelling of air amplify the cumulative Restriction of the traditional land base and practices through the effects of air pollution?¹¹ presence of multiple industrial projects¹³ Given the number of projects in the region, how far are the cumulative effects expected to reach?¹¹ Have reclamation plans considered lower groundwater levels and quality?¹¹
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. FRESHWATER AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM 1
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation Fish Population
Discrepancy with fisheries survey which said there were no fish in Current IFN guidelines are putting fish species at risk¹ Increased incidence of deformity in fish species¹ Camp Lake¹
FMFN no longer use Athabasca River or Muskeg River⁹ to fish, Dramatic decrease in fish population¹ Changes to the quality and colour of fish flesh¹ but Moose (Gardiner) or Buffalo (Namur) Lake1,6,16,17,19,23 Increased water pollution from oil and gas activities as well as a High levels of mercury¹ Quality of fish11,16,17,23 uranium mine in Saskatchewan¹
High levels of mercury were found in predatory fish like pike and Conservation of Richardson Lake (important for pickerel and 2,23 pickerel¹ whitefish spawning)¹ Dramatic decrease in fish population Fish in the Athabasca and other water bodies close to Fort MacKay Would like to conduct further studies but no government funding Conservation of inland lakes, where the fish are still healthy¹ are deformed and have worms (Fish had formerly been a large part is available¹ of the traditional diet)⁵, ⁶ Fish in general are smaller and have been seen with deformities and Major fisheries have collapsed as people fear contamination of fish “bumps”¹ in Athabasca River and surrounding waterways11,16,17,19,23
Removal of topsoil by oil and gas developers linked to high levels Fish are 'bad tasting'. 16,17,23 of mercury in fish¹
High levels of mercury16,17
People feel the fish are contaminated because they “taste oily, some are disfigured and the flesh is soft, mushy and strangely coloured”23
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. FRESHWATER AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM 2
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation Fish Habitat Effect of muskeg removal and use of groundwater on local lake Project-related water containment¹ Industry runoff ultimately deposited in Delta and Lake Athabasca¹ levels, esp. McClelland Lake¹ McClelland Lake ecologically unique (bottomless), use of Everything that comes down the Athabasca River ends up in the Effluent from tailings ponds¹ groundwater will drain the lake; Kearl lake would be similarly lake¹ affected¹ ACFN are concerned about water bodies being used as tailing Métis are concerned that Lake Athabasca is becoming extremely Declining water levels affect wildlife negatively23,1 ponds as well as the disruption of waterways⁴ polluted¹ Release of contaminated water into the Athabasca (anything put into Firebag River, ends up in the Athabasca, and eventually Declining quality of plant, animal and human health¹ Athabasca River levels are too low¹ Jackfish Lake, the Delta, and Lake Athabasca Lagoon)¹
Traditional water sources are not safe to drink – water quality has Stripping of muskeg affects natural filtration¹ Athabasca River is polluted5,7,16,17,23 declined since the 1980s¹
Believe that Suncor and Syncrude discharge unclean water into the Drastic changes in water levels in Delta¹ Much less water than before development⁵, ⁷ Athabasca¹ Athabasca River is grey, and oil has been seen on the surface at Old Yellow stuff on the surface of collected rainwater and deposited Effect of Bennett Dam¹ Fort¹ along creek banks⁵ Proper management of hydrocarbon chemicals during refuelling Industry is discharging polluted water in to the Athabasca River, Effect of regional industry¹ and pumping activities near beaver ponds and other water but no one will own up to it and therefore nothing is done¹ bodies⁵,⁸ Changes in water quality and quantity are affecting freezing and Hydrocarbon and chemical spills on SAGD well pads contaminate Water levels on Richardson (Jackfish) River and Lake¹ thawing patterns (log and ice jams no longer occur)¹ local water bodies⁵,⁸ Low water levels in the Delta¹ River no longer freezes over¹ Preservation of Ells River⁷ Construction of Bennett Dam in 1967 has most profoundly Ability to rely on predictable water levels from dam (water levels The installation of SAGD operations in the region seems to be affected water levels in Peace-Athabasca Delta and Lake Athabasca¹ affect trapping)¹ contributing to lowered water levels in area lakes¹² Oil and gas activity is compounding Bennett Dam problems¹ Athabasca River levels are too low¹ Where will water required for the project come from?¹²
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. FRESHWATER AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM 3
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation Fish Habitat cont'd Water levels have been decreasing since the 1980s,¹ industrial Seismic activity my be increasing the level of silt in water bodies. development contributing to low levels⁴ 19 Egg Lake, once the deepest lake on IR 201, receded to only four “tea made from snow forty miles from the (oil sands) plant site or five feet deep¹ still contained oil”23 “the snow looks like you put pepper on it.” There was a time when The river is now narrow and full of “lots of willows”¹ trappers used to cut ice from the river to drink, but the ice is now a yellowish colour and they feel it is no good for making tea.23 An issue of treaty rights, “because water levels that are too low threaten fish spawning areas”¹ What effects will air emissions from the project and the Baseline Case developments have on local and regional water bodies and their aquatic resources?22 What effects will the Project and the Baseline Case developments have on groundwater resources?22 What effects will the Project and the Baseline Case developments have on hydrologic conditions in the local project area?22
What effects will the Project and the Baseline Case developments have on hydrologic conditions in the Athabasca River? 22 What effects will the Project and the Baseline Case developments have on water quality and aquatic health in the local project area? 22
What effects will the Project and the Baseline Case developments have on water quality and aquatic health in the Athabasca River?22 Will the Pit Lakes created as part of the Project be able to support aquatic life?22
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. FRESHWATER AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM 4
Mikisew Cree First Nation Fort McMurray First Nation Athabasca Tribal Council Fish Population What effects will the project and the existing and approved Changes in fish quality, populations, health and taste² Dead fish found on river bank (jackfish and whitefish)¹⁰ developments have on aquatic biodiversity in McLean Creek and the Athabasca River? 20 What effects will the project and the existing and approved developments have on fish tainting in McLean Creek and the Athabasca River? 20
Fish Habitat The use of SAGD operations is leading to drastically low water What effects will the project and the existing and approved Reduced water quality in Fort Chipewyan area² levels in lakes, rivers, creeks, and muskeg.¹⁰ developments have on groundwater resources? 20 What effects will the project and the existing and approved Current low water levels in Athabasca River² Beaver dams are blown up causing levels to drop.¹⁰ developments have on hydrologic conditions in McLean Creek and the Athabasca River? 20 What effects will the project and the existing and approved EIA proposes monitoring air and water quality but no specific Clearwater River is at its lowest level ever.¹⁰ developments have on water quality and aquatic health in McLean details are described.¹¹ Creek and the Athabasca River?20 What effects will the project and the existing and approved Are there adaptive plans to deal with the results of monitoring Sludge seen floating in the river at Poplar Point.¹⁰ developments have on fish habitat and fish abundance in McLean results?¹¹ Creek and the Athabasca River? 20 What effects will the project and other regional developments Are there background air and water quality levels established?¹¹ have on aquatic resources? 20 Does the water management plan consider surface water quality (i.e. Salinity)?¹¹
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. FRESHWATER AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM 5
Mikisew Cree First Nation Fort McMurray First Nation Athabasca Tribal Council Fish Habitat cont'd Air and water quality are key concerns for MCFN.¹¹
Did a risk assessment demonstrate the likelihood of mine pit waters washing into the river?¹¹ Did a model show how far downstream a spill may be measurable?¹¹
Given minimal background information, is the 1:100 flood year rate expectation advisable?¹¹
Does the reported lack of change in aquatic biodiversity take into account the proximity of the project to the Athabasca River and potential changes of fish habitat that water withdrawal and discharges could have?¹¹ Why is there no blanket statement for water quality similar to the one for air emissions?¹¹ Why is the no blanket statement for water quality similar to the one for air emissions?¹¹
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. RECLAMATION 1
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation Reclamation
Little or no confidence that current reclamation practices can Current reclamation inadequate¹ restore the natural landscape ¹ Reclamation ought to be the restoration of "everything that Muskeg cannot be replaced¹ makes up the whole ecosystem"¹ Plants can be put back, but reclamation does not consider Reintroduce native animal species (moose, caribou, etc.)¹ wildlife¹ ¹ First Nations should play a major role¹ Current reclamation limited to tree and grass species -- inadequate⁸ Reclamation needs to include medicinal plants as well (once Involve youth in reclamation¹ destroyed from an area it will not come back on its own), e.g., rat root¹ Current practice of removing muskeg, storing it and then Companies put in lakes so that there is less land to reclaim¹ replanting it does not work; it dries out in storage and there needs to be water present to be ‘recreated’¹ Traditional trails are being planted over, limiting access to Areas that are reclaimed or 'recreated' outside trapline boundaries traditional territory¹ are of no use to current trappers using the area³ Things should be put back as they were.⁴ Reclamation cannot restore the land back to its original condition³ Reclamation to a state that enables traditional use will not occur Integrity of the landscape cannot be restored.⁴ within the lifetime of the current occupants/users³ New and better ways to reclaim muskeg⁴
Sphagnum moss from muskeg (has a number of traditional uses)⁴
Edible berries are harvested from muskeg⁴
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. RECLAMATION 2
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation Reclamation cont'd Water from muskeg is especially pure⁴ Reclamation efforts sometimes reclaim old roads and cutlines that the community has been using, again cutting off their access to their cabins and traplines⁵ Grasses should not be used⁷ Trees should not be planted with forestry industry in mind⁷ Land should be reclaimed and left undisturbed⁷ The land is slow to come back after these companies “rip up the land.”⁸ Fear that reclamation will take generations and that Aboriginal Knowledge will be lost in the mean time⁸ Ability of reclaimed land to support future land use questioned¹¹ Previous reclamation attempts that employ non-native plant species are creating problems for native vegetation and wildlife¹²
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. RECLAMATION 3
Mikisew Cree First Nation Fort McMurray First Nation Athabasca Tribal Council Reclamation
Can the reclamation plan be trusted?¹¹ Reclamation of existing sites¹³,¹⁴
Does the reclamation plan consider changes in terrain regularity Past abandonment of projects have led to concerns over and its effects on regional landscape diversity?¹¹ contamination and proper disposal of waste materials¹³,¹⁴ Where changes in groundwater levels will occur, how do all changes in groundwater levels affect both undisturbed vegetation and reclamation plans?¹¹ Have any existing or expected access management plans been incorporated into the assessment of reclamation success?¹¹ Have reclamation plans considered lower groundwater levels and quality?¹¹
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. SOCIO-CULTURAL ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 1
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation
Economy, Employment, Business
Would like pre-established number of jobs available to Access to employment and business opportunities¹ Greater opportunity offered to First Nations than Métis¹ community (approach community with exact numbers)¹
ACFN are concerned about availability of jobs for youth as Hiring of foreign workers when unemployment is so high in the Prefer to work directly with company and not third-party developer intends to bring foreign workers even though there is a area directly affected by the development¹ contractors so that benefits are available¹ very high local unemployment rate⁴ Industrial development decreases the opportunity for outfitting or Promises are made by companies but not kept¹ Limited opportunities for advancement or additional training¹ ecotourism as an economic development strategy² Project [CNRL Horizon] will negatively impact possible future Difficulty finding work even with training¹ Menial, or most dangerous, jobs offered¹ income² Unsatisfied with the number of jobs offered to community Type of work offered often menial (janitor, labourer, cook) or Promises about local hiring are not kept¹ members as compared to non-community members, particularly had health risks associated with them (welding)¹ Euro-Canadians⁶ Loss of land, which includes implications for cultural transfer, Often employed by contractors without the same benefits as Grade 12 requirement for hiring, keeps skilled Métis from being current use, loss of future economic opportunities, and available to oil and gas workers or union employees¹ hired¹ maintenance of treaty rights¹⁵ Would like access to office jobs¹ Safety tickets are a hurdle to getting work for Métis.¹
Access to employment options closer to home¹ Métis consider fly-in/out essential working at project.¹
Local wages should be commensurate with Fort McMurray¹ Métis seek seasonal employment.¹ Discrimination against Aboriginals in regional hiring practices, Aboriginals want first crack at jobs over foreign workers¹ foreign workers are favoured over Aboriginals¹ A fly-in/fly-out work program in Fort Chipewyan, with workers staying at a camp near the site would be ideal¹ ACFN members should be benefiting more from the oil and gas development in the region¹
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. SOCIO-CULTURAL ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 2
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation
Community Life Support for education, secondary and post-secondary “in the Construction of high school in Fort McKay (current commute to Access to affordable child-care¹ future there’s not going to be trapping, so the only way is Fort McMurray very dangerous)¹ education.”¹ Teaching traditional knowledge contributes to cultural and Encouragement of post-secondary education amongst community Access to education and training opportunities¹ community well-being¹ youth¹ Companies should support education, particularly for youth¹ Maintenance of experiential learning¹ Negative social effects² Education requirements for work should be based on age (youth Cost of living in Fort Chipewyan is very high, especially for those grade 12, older workers with only grades 10 or 11 should not be Children don’t learn Cree⁵ on a fixed income and seasonal/short-term workers¹ excluded because they have good experience)¹ Access to financial support to attend post-secondary schools Loss of language as children leave to pursue careers and No competition between retailers leads to high prices¹ elsewhere Education and Training¹ education⁸ Support for programs to secure cultural transmission, from elder High cost of fuel makes it difficult to pursue traditional activities Children have to go to school, but don’t have time to go out to to youth¹ (caribou hunting can involve travel up to 1000 km away)¹ traplines to learn their own culture⁵ Loss of culture as parents join the wage labour force, leaving the High cost of living in Fort McMurray and Fort Chipewyan¹ traplines and putting kids in school⁸ Inability to practice traditional life ways because of limited or Heating costs are very high in the winter (one barrel $150, 15 adversely affected resources leads to fewer learning barrels needed for winter)¹ opportunities for next generation⁶ Youth no longer able, due to lack of knowledge and resources, to Power and utilities expensive¹ practice traditional culture⁶ Groceries expensive (e.g., $3.25 per litre of milk, $6 per pound Fear that reclamation will take generations and that AK will be of butter)¹ lost in the mean time⁸ Cost of bulk fuel is prohibitively high⁴ Drugs and alcohol - Abundance of violence and drugs in Fort McMurray¹
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. SOCIO-CULTURAL ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 3
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation
Public Health & Safety Decrease in air quality around Fort Chipewyan¹ Air pollution from oil sands; bad odours with a southern wind¹ Water pollution caused by air pollution¹ Smoke from oil and gas activity to the south creating acid rain¹ White residue in drying puddles¹ No birds left to hunt¹ Rotten egg smell near Jackfish, yellow residue in puddles after Diminishing berry supply and quality (blueberries, pin cherry, Yellow residue (sulphur)¹ rain¹ cranberry, Labrador Tea)¹ Project-related water containment¹ Acid rain¹ No more saskatoons in Fort McKay¹ No land left in and around Fort McKay for community Contamination of underground water¹ Air quality is especially bad around development sites¹ recreational use¹ Traditional water sources are not safe to drink – water quality has Appearance of oil sands projects “It’s like the land has been “Chemical snow” on cars in morning¹ declined since the 1980s¹ raped.”¹ Increased water pollution from oil and gas activities as well as a Declining quality of plant, animal and human health¹ Overall decline in health⁶ uranium mine in Saskatchewan¹ Effects of development on the quality of potable water sources in Dramatic decrease in wildlife populations overall¹ Increase in allergies, asthma and other respiratory illnesses¹ traditionally used areas¹ Inadequacy of oil and gas project water treatment facility High levels of mercury were found in predatory fish like pike and inspection schedules; water distilleries are inspected once every Increase in asthma among children⁶ pickerel¹ five years¹ Fish in general are smaller and have been seen with deformities Effects of polluted drinking water on the health of the Increase in cancer and diabetes rates¹, ⁶ and “bumps”¹ community¹ A moose that was hunted was found to have oil all over it¹ Increased incidence of deformity in fish species¹ Decrease in lifespan of FMFN members¹ Anxiety, fear, and grieving further exasperate community well- Another hunted moose had cysts¹ Changes to the quality and colour of fish flesh¹ being⁶ Possibility of avian flu in wild ducks¹ High levels of mercury¹ Two to three kids were found with mercury in their bodies⁶ Significant decrease in berries since oil and gas development Decrease in all animal populations, due to industry and in some Illness attributed to development, as these ailments did not exist began in the 1960s, believed to be a result of air pollution and cases over-hunting (bear, moose, muskrats, rabbits, birds)¹ in their youth⁶ acid rain¹ Unnaturally high prevalence of cancer, asthma, and thyroid- Berries less abundant and diseased¹ One elder remembered very few colds as a child⁶ related conditions in Fort Chipewyan¹
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. SOCIO-CULTURAL ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 4
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation
Public Health & Safety cont'd Commensurate treatment with Fort McKay residents whose One elder remembered that children only died of pneumonia elders are delivered bottled water and who receive better Changes in bird health¹ when she was young⁶ treatment and support for health concerns¹ Discrimination in general, despite the claims of industry of having Culture and well-being is intimately linked to traditional lands Mallards are now skinny, have coloured gizzards¹ zero tolerance for racial intolerance¹ (which are rapidly deteriorating)¹ “All the world will die. No life. All the animals, everything. All Abundance of violence and drugs in Fort McMurray¹ Changes in furbearer health¹ the people, we all die.”¹ Traditional lifeways have already been significantly affected by Drugs and alcohol¹ Dead muskrats found with discoloured flesh¹ development¹ What are the risks of adverse health effects in humans associated Decreasing availability of traditional foods means that sharing in with long-term (chronic) exposure to emissions from the Project Fewer herbs for medicinal purposes¹ the community is less prevalent¹, ⁶ and the Baseline Case developments?22 What are the risks of adverse health effects in humans associated Decline in consumption of traditional foods has had negative with short-term (acute) exposure to emissions from the Project Health of plant species traditionally used¹ impact on physical, mental, and emotional health of community⁶ and the Baseline Case developments?22 Decrease in food sharing increases intake of less nutritional Blueberries and saskatoons appeared diseased, had a fungus¹ substitutes⁶ Decline in consumption of traditional foods lessens time spent Importance of muskeg as source of medicine and water filter¹ learning and practicing traditional lifeways⁶ Pursuit of traditional foods contributes to healthy level of physical Limited opportunities for advancement or additional training¹ activity⁶ Store-bought food is not a reasonable substitute as food Menial, or very dangerous, jobs offered¹ collection, hunting, processing, and preparing is a cultural process⁶ Teaching traditional knowledge contributes to cultural and Store-bought food is less nutritional and higher in fat⁶ community well-being¹ Future generations will not have the freedom to access traditional Quality of food at stores not as good as traditional sources¹ lands in the same way¹ Increased incidence of cancer, asthma and other respiratory Cultural preservation programs essential to community well- diseases¹ being¹
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. SOCIO-CULTURAL ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 5
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation
Public Health & Safety cont'd More general illness¹ Increase in traffic²,⁵,⁸ Increased rates of obesity from dietary changes (from not being to Dust on roads reduces visibility⁵,⁸ able to practice traditional activities)¹ High incidence of respiratory illness and cancer in community, Increased traffic speed⁵ linked to environmental quality and pollution of traditional foods¹ Drug and alcohol addiction¹ Loss of traditional food sources² Preservation of traditional life (or negative social and cultural Fears exist over pipeline breaks¹ effects will develop)² Loss of peace of mind if forced to trap next to a mine² Project will negatively impact current and future way of life² Traffic and overall noise problems³ People [workers] driver around the area while under the influence³ Water and snow thought to be polluted and are no longer used as traditional drinking water sources⁵ Melting snow leaves black stuff at the bottom of the pot and a rim of sticky, greasy material⁵ Increase in dust, cars are covered with it, fear that it may getting into food – both human and animal⁵,⁸ Considerable decline in traditional food quality⁶ Moose meat tastes different⁶ Decreased access to hunting and harvesting areas⁶ Participants want NO water removed from Ells River, town’s ⁷ Increased presence and control by non-aboriginals in area has lead to a sense of lost importance and power on the part of FMFN.⁸ “The Euro-Canadian has brought air and water pollution to the traditional lands of the Fort McKay community.”⁸
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. SOCIO-CULTURAL ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 6
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation
Public Health & Safety cont'd Loss of land, which includes implications for cultural transfer, current use, loss of future economic opportunities, and maintenance of treaty rights¹⁵ Concerns have been raised about traditionally used plants that exhibit a deposition of grey or black material on the leaves and stems. People are concerned that the consumption of these plants may affect their health.18
Land Use Bear and fishing camps have been set up on traditional ACFN Construction of bridge over Firebag River will open up more Sport hunters, Poachers¹ lands by government without consultation¹ territory to sport hunters¹ No land left in and around Fort McKay for community Concern over poaching and sport hunting¹ Bear-hunting camp reportedly takes 40 bears a season¹ recreational use¹ Development access leads to an increase in non-aboriginal Moose hunters from Europe killed 25, taking only their heads and Bear baiting should be discontinued (especially with the use of hunters⁴ leaving the meat¹ beaver as bait)¹ Non-Aboriginal land users have little or no awareness of Bear poachers take bladders, paws, skins for medicine and Appearance of oil sands projects “It’s like the land has been registered traplines or pre-existing traditional use¹ trophies¹ raped.”¹ Non-Aboriginal workers are using cabins for drinking, leaving Tourist lodges on every lake¹ “Don’t Shoot” signs everywhere¹ garbage and creating disturbances⁴ Establishment of Wildland Parks by Alberta Government without Limited access to activities for youth in Fort Chipewyan¹ Cabins and traplines vandalized, theft ³,⁶,⁹ consulting ACFN¹ Cabins vandalized, traplines (costing several thousand dollars) Ability to live off the land is severely restricted¹ White residue in drying puddles¹ destroyed by heavy equipment with no compensation¹ Preservation of cabins on traplines that are in the Project area Low water levels in Athabasca River since the 1980s make Yellow residue (sulphur)¹ [CNRL Horizon] (cabins are situated in the most productive area navigation very difficult (shallow markers are now necessary)¹ of traplines)² Low water levels inhibit transport of goods between Fort Chipewyan and Fort McMurray (cost of living in Fort Chipewyan Acid rain¹ Access to traditional areas and traplines¹,⁶,⁹ thereby increases)¹ Traditional trails are being planted over, limiting access to Gardens don’t grow as well as they used to¹ Traditional harvesting areas are blocked¹,⁹ traditional territory¹ Development access truncates existing trails⁴ “Chemical snow” on cars in morning¹ FMFN have to go through security to pick berries¹
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. SOCIO-CULTURAL ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 7
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation Land Use cont'd
Underground seepage from tailings ponds effluent¹ Stripping of muskeg affects natural filtration¹ Prevented from accessing their cabins in Fort Hills¹
Effects of development on the quality of potable water sources in Contamination of underground water¹ Concerned that trapping will not be possible in the future² traditionally used areas¹ Release of contaminated water into the Athabasca (anything put into Firebag River, ends up in the Athabasca, and eventually Drastic changes in water levels in Delta¹ Affects on traditional resource distribution² Jackfish Lake, the Delta, and Lake Athabasca Lagoon)¹ Traditional water sources are not safe to drink – water quality has Effect of water levels on local transportation¹ Water pollution caused by air pollution¹ declined since the 1980s ¹ Athabasca is grey, and oil has been seen on the surface at Old Ability to rely on predictable water levels from dam (water levels Declining water levels affect wildlife negatively¹ Fort¹ affect trapping)¹ FMFN no longer use Athabasca River to fish, but Moose Low water levels in the Delta¹ River no longer freezes over¹ (Gardiner) or Buffalo (Namur) Lake¹ Construction of Bennett Dam in 1967 has most profoundly Decrease in all animal populations, due to industry and in some Maintenance of Firebag River, which is good for beaver, otters, affected water levels in Peace-Athabasca Delta and Lake cases over-hunting (bear, moose, muskrats, rabbits, birds)¹ muskrats and bear¹ Athabasca¹ Egg Lake, once the deepest lake on IR 201, receded to only four No caribou have passed through Fort McKay since 1952; caribou Berries less abundant and diseased¹ or five feet¹ had been present north of the Muskeg River Mine in the 1970s¹ Water levels have been decreasing since the 1980s¹ Unwanted increase in sport hunting¹ Decline in bear and bird populations¹ The river is now difficult to navigate¹ No birds left to hunt¹ An issue of treaty rights, “because water levels that are too low Diminishing berry supply and quality (blueberries, pin cherry, threaten fish spawning areas”¹,⁴ cranberry, Labrador Tea)¹ Dramatic decrease in fish population¹ No more saskatoons in Fort McKay¹
Increased water pollution from oil and gas activities as well as a Preservation of Fort Hills (‘Old Fort’) where there is a uranium mine in Saskatchewan¹ particularly good berry site¹ Effect of muskeg removal and use of groundwater on local lake Dramatic decrease in wildlife populations overall¹ levels, esp. McClelland Lake¹ Travel time to good moose hunting spots has increased from 15 Muskeg is a water source in the bush¹ minutes to at least an hour¹ Significant decrease in berries since oil and gas development began in the 1960s, believed to be a result of air pollution and Increase in noise² acid rain¹ Competition from non-Aboriginal hunters²,⁶,⁹
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. SOCIO-CULTURAL ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 8
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation Land Use cont'd Unwanted increase in sport hunting⁸,¹¹ Disruption of wildlife² Unlimited access is causing ecological damage and disruption of hunting and trapping²,¹¹,¹²,¹⁵ Increased access may lead to vandalism and trespassing²,⁴,¹¹,¹⁵ FMFN members want to restrict access to traplines¹¹ Stream diversions lead to direct loss of beaver and moose habitat and will affect other resource distribution pattern² Development has severely limited the ability to carry out traditional harvesting and hunting³,⁵,⁹ Muskeg River water levels³,16 People staying at the work camps are interfering with trap sets and snares³ Gates established to restrict access to trappers' properties are being destroyed and cabins are frequently broken into³ Trappers are treated with disrespect by security personnel in their trapping and treaty area³ Trappers are not allowed to set their traps or snares near the camps³ Aesthetics are a concern as the area becomes 'uglier', with dyke getting higher and more vegetation being removed³ New access that interferes with the trails used by community members to access their traplines⁴ Nowhere to relocate traplines cabins that won’t be disturbed in the next decade⁴ Would like opportunity to work with coalition of developers on regional land access management plan⁴ Carrying bottled water limits mobility while trapping⁵ Development creates access for sport-hunters and increases noise and waste⁵ Developments who control access to their leases impede trappers’ access to their traplines and cabins⁵,⁸ Reclamation efforts sometimes reclaim old roads and cutlines that the community has been using, again cutting off their access to their cabins and traplines⁵,⁸
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. SOCIO-CULTURAL ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 9
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation Land Use cont'd Without boats community members are restricted to hunting locally⁶ Oil sands lease personnel and security demonstrate lack of sensitivity with FMFN residents⁶ Firearms are restricted in many areas controlled by developers⁶ FMFN have to get permission to access their own traplines and hunting areas, need to request company escorts or carry papers⁶ ‘No trespassing’ signs – hunters and trappers do not understand why they’re being prevented access to their traditional hunting and trapping areas⁷ The gating of CNRL/Deer Creek Road⁷ Maintenance of access to bridge over Ells River on Travers road⁷ Industry needs to work with affected trappers to ensure easy and direct access to their traplines⁷ Developers should open a road to Moose Lake for traditional users⁷ Mixed feelings about non-Natives hunting and camping on the land. Some concerns that there are too many of them but general acceptance that they “enjoy camping and hunting on the land too.”⁸ Loss of cabin sites⁹,16 Loss of traditional trails⁹ Loss of existing access to animal and plant resources⁹ Major fisheries have collapsed as people fear contamination of fish in Athabasca River and surrounding waterways¹¹ The installation of SAGD operations in the region seems to be contributing to lowered water levels in area lakes¹² Where will the water required for the project come from?¹² Trapping will be greatly affected by winter construction¹² Lack of adequate water flow beneath roadways is creating differential water supplies to fens, causing some to dry out while others increase in moisture levels.¹² Loss of land, which includes implications for cultural transfer, current use, loss of future economic opportunities, and maintenance of treaty rights¹⁵ Noise, traffic and road dust and the effects on the use and enjoyment of traplines¹⁵ Re-routing of Canterra Road and effects on access to regional traplines¹⁵
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. SOCIO-CULTURAL ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 10
Mikisew Cree First Nation Fort McMurray First Nation Athabasca Tribal Council
Economy, Employment, Business
What effects will the project and the existing and approved Access to employment² developments have on resource use and users? 20
Economic and health implications in the reduction of traditional food sources²
Community Life Elders want to know why development was done near residences and hunting areas instead of near Hwy 63.¹⁰ Increased competition for food as development brings in new workers¹⁰
Public Health & Safety What effects will the project and the existing and approved Loss of Traditional Environmental Knowledge² High rates of cancer linked to water and air pollution¹⁰ developments have on human health? 20 Development has led to social upheaval in the community, Effects on family cohesion² including drug use and loss of traditional practices¹⁰ Social disruption² Many hunters in the bush leading to dangerous situations¹⁴ Economic and health implication in the reduction of traditional food sources² How has increased traffic been prepared for on the winter road to Fort Chipewyan?¹¹ Will draining water and water discharges from and to the Athabasca River compromise the winter ice road safety?¹¹
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. SOCIO-CULTURAL ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 11
Mikisew Cree First Nation Fort McMurray First Nation Athabasca Tribal Council
Land Use Road is a good thing if it means that youth will have better access The potential for increased recreational hunting in the Fort ¹⁰ Chipewyan area. One interviewee surmised that increased to the bush development around For McKay will force wildlife to move ¹⁰ north, resulting in a movement of recreational hunters to Fort Elders want to restrict access to trapline Chipewyan. This would increase non-Aboriginal competition for Impacts to cultural sites and cabins¹⁰,¹³,¹⁴ game and therefore may reduce opportunities to harvest wildlife for the MCFN.² Change in access¹⁰,¹³,¹⁴
Destruction of local trails (and trail heads) to more distant Loss of Traditional Environmental Knowledge² cultural sites.¹³,¹⁴ Increase in access along right of ways is leading to vandalism, Air quality² garbage, damage to trails, noise, traffic and hunting pressures¹³,¹⁴ Restriction of the traditional land base and practices through the Changes in fish quality, populations, health and taste² presence of multiple industrial projects¹³ Reduced wildlife populations including moose, muskrat, lynx, Both increased and decrease access is a problem. For many marten, ducks, rabbit, frogs and red-winged blackbirds² trappers.¹⁴ Moose meat from Fort McMurray area is of poorer quality than that from the Fort Chipewyan area; believed to be due to Locked gates on old routes/new roads block access to RFMA’s¹⁴ industrial pollution² Moose movement² Reduced water quality in Fort Chipewyan area² Current low water levels in Athabasca River² EIA proposes monitoring air and water quality but no specific details are described.¹¹
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. SOCIO-CULTURAL ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 12
Mikisew Cree First Nation Fort McMurray First Nation Athabasca Tribal Council
Land Use cont'd Are there adaptive plans to deal with the results of monitoring results?¹¹ Are there background air and water quality levels established?¹¹ Does the water management plan consider surface water quality (i.e. Salinity)?¹¹ Air and water quality are key concerns for MCFN.¹¹ Did a risk assessment demonstrate the likelihood of mine pit waters washing into the river?¹¹ Did a model show how far downstream a spill may be measurable?¹¹ Given minimal background information, is the 1:100 flood year rate expectation advisable?¹¹ What is the chance of leachates enter the groundwater? ¹¹
Have changes in groundwater levels been modeled properly?¹¹
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM 1
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation Soil Effect of muskeg removal and use of groundwater on local lake Underground seepage from tailings ponds¹ Gardens don’t grow as well as they used to¹ levels, esp. McClelland Lake¹
Contamination of underground water¹ White residue in drying puddles¹ Black stuff in the snow⁵
Yellow stuff on the surface of collected rainwater and deposited Yellow residue in puddles after rain¹ Yellow residue (sulphur)¹ along creek banks⁵ Chemical exhaust from running vehicles (chemical deposits leach Smoke from oil and gas activity to the south creating acid rain¹ “Chemical snow” on cars in morning¹ into the soil, affecting plants eaten by animals, and wash into water bodies)⁵ Removal of topsoil by oil and gas developers linked to high levels Stripping of muskeg affects natural filtration¹ of mercury in fish¹ What effects will air emissions from project and the Baseline Case developments have on local and regional soils?22 What effects will the Project and the Baseline Case developments have on terrain units, soil quality and soil quantity? 22
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM 2
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation Terrain Removal of topsoil by oil and gas developers linked to high levels Effect of muskeg removal and use of groundwater on local lake Stripping of muskeg affects natural filtration¹ of mercury in fish¹ levels, esp. McClelland Lake¹
Destruction of land² Loss of three little lakes in the Sharkbite due to Muskeg River Mine Expansion³ Stream diversions lead to direct loss of beaver and moose habitat and will affect other resource distribution pattern² Lack of adequate water flow beneath roadways is creating differential water supplies to fens, causing some to dry out while others increase in moisture levels.¹² Effects of planed stream diversions on local drainage patterns on Kearl Lake and on wildlife resources¹⁵
Vegetation Significant decrease in berries since oil and gas development Effect of muskeg removal and use of groundwater on local lake began in the 1960s, believed to be a result of air pollution and Decreased prevalence of plant species, including berries¹ levels, esp. McClelland Lake¹ acid rain¹
Removal of topsoil by oil and gas developers linked to high levels Berries less abundant and diseased, bears are now entering the Muskeg is a water source in the bush¹ of mercury in fish¹ community more frequently because of growing scarcity¹
Diminishing berry supply and quality (blueberries, pin cherry, Acid rain affecting the browse that moose eat¹ Fewer herbs for medicinal purposes¹ cranberry, Labrador Tea)¹
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM 3
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation Vegetation cont'd
Smoke from oil and gas activity to the south creating acid rain¹ Health of plant species traditionally used¹ No more saskatoons in Fort McKay¹ Preservation of Fort Hills (‘Old Fort’) where there is a Yellow residue in puddles after rain¹ Blueberries and saskatoons appeared diseased, had a fungus¹ particularly good berry site¹
Underground seepage from tailings ponds¹ Importance of muskeg as source of medicine and water filter¹ Preservation of McClelland Fen - good site for medicinal plants¹
Black dust on edible plants, thought to be from industrial Contamination of underground water¹ White residue in drying puddles¹ pollution2,16,17,19,23
What effects will air emissions from the project and the Baseline Case developments have on local and regional terrestrial Yellow residue (sulphur)¹ Berry picking area removed by Shell³ vegetation and wetlands?22
What effects will the project and the Baseline Case developments Acid rain¹ have on terrestrial vegetation?22
What effects will the Project and the Baseline Case developments Gardens don’t grow as well as they used to¹ have on biodiversity at the landscape and ecosystem levels? 22 Berries are not ‘coming back’ in a recently burned area in the development area due in part to dry weather in recent years, but “Chemical snow” on cars in morning¹ also because all the salvageable timber was removed resulting in a lack of shady areas necessary to the nurturing of young berry Declining quality of plant, animal and human health¹ bushes³
Stripping of muskeg affects natural filtration¹
Métis seek to protect old growth forest and other specific sites of Concern that pollution will soon affect the health of animals – importance (ecological and cultural)¹ chemicals coating plants⁵
Grave concern that industrial pollution is affecting land and resources⁵
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM 4
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation
Vegetation cont'd
Medicinal plants are destroyed⁵ Blueberry plants have an oily film on the leaves and are covered with dust⁵ Berries now need thorough washing before consumption, and still not very good, often desiccated on the branch⁶ Poor quality berries, declining abundance from increasing oil sands development pollution⁶ Loss of traditional plants⁹ Tree die off in certain localised areas is attributed to lack of water caused by drainage occurring during the clearing of cutlines. 16,17
Concerns have been raised about traditionally used plants that exhibit a deposition of grey or black material on the leaves and stems. People are concerned that the consumption of these plants may affect their health.18,23
Wetlands Effect of muskeg removal and use of groundwater on local lake Underground seepage from tailings ponds¹ White residue in drying puddles¹ levels, esp. McClelland Lake¹ Contamination of underground water¹ Yellow residue (sulphur)¹ Muskeg is a water source in the bush¹
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM 5
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation
Wetlands cont'd
Yellow residue in puddles after rain¹ “Chemical snow” on cars in morning¹ Muskeg is drier⁵ Lack of adequate water flow beneath roadways is creating Smoke from oil and gas activity to the south creating acid rain¹ Stripping of muskeg affects natural filtration¹ differential water supplies to fens, causing some to dry out while others increase in moisture levels.¹² Tree die off in certain localised areas is attributed to lack of water What effects will the project and the Baseline Case developments 22 Importance of muskeg as source of medicine and water filter¹ caused by drainage occurring during the clearing of cutlines. have on wetlands and forest resources? 16,17,23
Wildlife Populations Decrease in all animal populations, due to industry and in some Dramatic decrease in wildlife populations overall¹ Firebag River is good for beaver, otters, muskrats and bear¹ cases over-hunting (bear, moose, muskrats, rabbits, birds)¹ Concern over government wildlife management practices¹ White residue in drying puddles¹ Declining water levels affect wildlife negatively¹ New species (grizzlies and cougars), not traditionally present in Decrease in air quality around Fort Chipewyan¹ Yellow residue (sulphur)¹ LSA [CNRL Horizon Project], have been identified²
Maintenance of traditionally and currently hunted and trapped Smoke from oil and gas activity to the south creating acid rain¹ Acid rain¹ animals: moose, deer, bear, wolf, lynx, fisher, marten, muskrat, beaver, otter, weasel, fox, mink, coyote, wolverine, hare²
Scavenger and nuisance species (e.g. coyote and fox) increasing Yellow residue in puddles after rain¹ “Chemical snow” on cars in morning¹ because of garbage from work camps³ Concern that pollution will soon affect the health of animals – Project-related water containment¹ Industry runoff ultimately deposited in Delta and Lake Athabasca¹ chemicals coating plants,⁵ and water bodies⁸
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM 6
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation
Wildlife Populations cont'd Everything that comes down the Athabasca River ends up in the Effluent from tailings ponds¹ lake¹ Release of contaminated water into the Athabasca (anything put Logging has raised concerns with respect to decreasing habitat for into Firebag River, ends up in the Athabasca, and eventually Declining quality of plant, animal and human health¹ fur-bearers. 18 Jackfish Lake, the Delta, and Lake Athabasca Lagoon)¹ Traditional water sources are not safe to drink – water quality has Effects of development on the quality of potable water sources¹ declined since the 1980s¹ Athabasca is grey, and oil has been seen on the surface at Old Fort¹ What effects will the project and the Baseline Case developments have on forest resources? 22 What effects will the Project and the Baseline Case developments have on wildlife abundance, habitat and movement corridors? 22
What effects will the Project and the Baseline Case developments have on biodiversity at the landscape and ecosystem levels? 22
What are the risks of adverse health effects to wildlife populations associated with emissions from the Project and the Baseline Case developments?22
Large Game Decrease in animals sighted due to noise, especially ungulates (except deer)¹¹ Air pollution from the project may have a serious effect on young caribou, deer, bear and moose.¹²
No caribou have passed through Fort McKay since 1952; caribou Caribou move out of cleared areas, and it is feared that they will Caribou Caribou will move out of the area in response to development¹ had been present north of the Muskeg River Mine in the 1970s1, not return¹ 2,16,17,19,23
Bear Bears are sighted infrequently¹ Decrease in population¹ Decline in bear population,6,19 due to sport over hunting¹ Berries less abundant and diseased, bears are now entering the Bear baiting should be discontinued (especially with the use of community more frequently because of growing scarcity¹ beaver as bait)¹
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM 7
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation
Wildlife Populations cont'd
People don't eat bear meat anymore because the bears eat garbage and their meat tastes bad. 16,17,19,23 Ability to maintain moose hunting in Gardiner and Namur Lakes, Moose Pollution adversely affecting the moose population¹ Decrease in population¹ known for high density moose populations²
Decreased moose population due to traffic noise, increased access Acid rain affecting the browse that moose eat¹ for recreational hunters (esp. the bridge over Ells River), and clearing of forest areas by industry2,6,9,23
A moose that was hunted was found to have oil all over it¹ Serious decline in moose population (trapping a moose used to Another hunted moose had cysts¹ take 3 hours, now a trapper might see only one track a day), due to increase in human population, increased noise, clearing of Moose move out of cleared areas, and it is feared that they will habitat5,16,17,19 not return¹ Firebag River is good for moose, but travel time to good moose Moose are starting to lose their hair⁶ hunting spots has increased from 15 minutes to at least an hour¹
Moose meat tastes different⁶ Fear that there will be no moose left for the next generation⁶
Hunters believe that disturbances, increased hunters, and wolf populations are reducing moose populations. 18,23
Buffalo Hundreds of buffalo have moved to the NWT¹ Limited in number and confined to small well defined areas. 16,17 One type of deer has completely disappeared for seven years, Deer recently replaced by a new species⁵ Mule and white Tail deer numbers rising as land is cleared. 15,17
Drastic decline in bird population, in part due to low water Birds Decrease in population, estimated 1/100 of the original species¹ levels¹ Change in migratory patterns¹ No birds left to hunt¹ Decline in bird population, particularly ducks, chickadees, robins all due to pollution⁵
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM 8
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation
Wildlife Populations cont'd
Grouse No chickens (grouse)¹ Changes in bird health¹ Decrease¹, ⁶ Water pollution affecting the seasonal migration of waterfowl in Waterfowl Decrease¹ the Delta¹ Birds no longer stay in the Delta, ducks just fly over because of Mallards are now skinny, have coloured gizzards¹ the quality of the water¹ Wetlands that used to produce lot's of waterfowl are not Possibility of avian flu in wild ducks¹ supporting many ducks. 16,17
There once were many and now there are none' 16,17 Some people Songbirds Decrease¹ believe oil sands emissions may be to blame for the decline.19
Trapping activity has decreased because of development and low Small Animals Changes in furbearer health¹ fur prices² Despite lack of economic return, trapping and bush skills need to be taught to younger generations² Changes in furbearer health and populations in the area are generally spotty16,17 “100% decrease” in muskrat population, in turn affecting mink, Muskrat Decrease in population¹ Decrease⁹ otter, fox and wolf populations¹ Dead muskrats found with discoloured flesh¹ Seismic activity may be negatively affecting the population. 19 Muskrats with houses on Athabasca River were “all dead”; while Pollution may be negatively affecting the population. 19 those with habitat away from the Athabasca were “all okay”¹ Lynx population down, but may be due to their cyclical Lynx population dynamics² No consensus on marten population – for one trapper numbers Marten were up, for another down² No consensus on fisher population (one trapper believed healthy, Fisher another believed they had declined)² Timber harvesting in region is blamed for the low fisher numbers. 19
Wolverine Wolverine populations decreased dramatically2,16,17 Porcupine Porcupine have nearly disappeared from the area², ⁵, ⁶ Concern over government wildlife management practices – Fish Bear baiting should be discontinued (especially with the use of Beaver and Wildlife officers had used dynamite to break up a beaver beaver as bait)¹ dam, killing the beavers¹
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM 9
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation
Wildlife Populations cont'd
Hunting is restricted to beaver, which sport hunters are now using as bait¹ Destruction of beaver dams both on and off leases, inhibiting beavers from travelling and finding mates² Destruction of beavers – killed by developers and pollution⁵ Beaver well-being is essential because they are responsible for creating and maintaining water bodies, the muskeg, ‘irrigating’ A beaver was found with internal puss and blisters⁶ Spills near SAGD well pads have displaced beavers that move to avoid water pollution⁸ Seismic activity my be increasing the level of silt in water bodies which negatively affects the beaver population. 19 There is a concern that pollution has contaminated beavers and has led to reduced consumption of beavers. Dead beavers have been reported on the Muskeg river after a leak. 19 Drastic decline in rabbit population (chemical residue on Rabbit No rabbits¹ Decrease in population¹ vegetation, kills herbivores)⁵,⁶ Decrease in snowshoe hare⁹ Squirrels Decrease⁹ Ground Hogs Frogs/Toads Absence of frogs along the Athabasca River¹ Canadian toads have disappeared from the area³ Decline in frog population⁵ Some frog carcasses have been found near water treatment ponds (“salt ponds”) at the northern boundary of the Fort McKay community⁵
Insects Fewer butterflies¹ Mutations in insects noticed¹ Bugs and micro-organisms are dying¹
Wildlife Habitat Changes in water quality and quantity are affecting freezing and Concern that pollution will soon affect the health of animals – River no longer freezes over¹ thawing patterns (log and ice jams no longer occur)¹ chemicals coating plants⁵ Proper management of hydrocarbon chemicals during refuelling Declining water levels affect wildlife negatively¹ and pumping activities near beaver ponds and other water bodies⁵ Hydrocarbon and chemical spills on SAGD well pads contaminate local water bodies⁵
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM 10
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Fort Chipewyan Métis Local 125 Fort McKay First Nation
Wildlife Habitat cont'd Chemical exhaust from running vehicles (chemical deposits leach into the soil, affecting plants eaten by animals, and wash into water bodies)⁵ Animal traffic is greatly restricted by the installation of above- ground pipelines as animals are unable to cross under the pipelines because they are too low.¹² Wide, straight right of ways are problematic for animals and impede movement throughout the area because of a lack of protective vegetative cover.¹² Animal habitat is being destroyed by fragmentation of the muskeg and forest environments caused by excessive seismic activity, increased roadways and oil and gas development.¹² Stream diversions lead to direct loss of beaver and moose habitat and will affect other resource distribution pattern² More animals than usual are moving to lower elevations⁹ Effects of planed stream diversions on local drainage patterns on Kearl Lake and on wildlife resources¹⁵
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM 11
Mikisew Cree First Nation Fort McMurray First Nation Athabasca Tribal Council Soil Have acid deposition rates and effect on soil and vegetation been Birch trees are dying because the soil is drying out¹⁰ modeled properly?¹¹ What effects will the project and the existing and approved Would potential channelling effects of air emissions affect the Snow brings air pollution to the ground.¹⁰ developments have on terrain units, soil quality and soil quantity? predictions on acid deposition in an unpredicted fashion?¹¹ 20
What is the chance of leachates entering the groundwater?¹¹
Have changes in groundwater levels been modeled properly?¹¹
Where changes in groundwater levels will occur, how do all changes in groundwater levels affect both undisturbed vegetation and reclamation plans?¹¹
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM 12
Mikisew Cree First Nation Fort McMurray First Nation Athabasca Tribal Council Terrain Given minimal background information, is the 1:100 flood year What effects will the project and the existing and approved rate expectation advisable?¹¹ developments have on visual aesthetics? 20 Does the reclamation plan consider changes in terrain regularity and its effects on regional landscape diversity?¹¹
Vegetation What effects will the project and the existing and approved Have acid deposition rates and effect on soil and vegetation been Birch trees are dying because the soil is drying out¹⁰ developments have on terrestrial vegetation, wetlands and forest modeled properly?¹¹ resources? 20
Where changes in groundwater levels will occur, how do all What effects will the project and the existing and approved changes in groundwater levels affect both undisturbed vegetation Some areas are bald of trees¹⁰ developments have on environmentally important areas? 20 and reclamation plans?¹¹
Are the biodiversity indicators used in the EIA the same as other Berry areas are being destroyed. There are no blueberries left projects?¹¹ around Hangingstone¹⁰
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM 13
Mikisew Cree First Nation Fort McMurray First Nation Athabasca Tribal Council Vegetation cont'd Were changes in biodiversity assessed relative to air and water Damage to trees from air pollution¹³,¹⁴ availability, quality and acid deposition?¹¹ Has the developer shown whether geographically discrete animal Damages to wildlife habitat and plant populations¹⁰ or plant populations exist?¹¹ Fumes and chemicals, especially the flares affect the animals and What efforts will be made to control exotic or alien species?¹¹ vegetation (i.e.: the spruce are yellow–brown where the limbs come out of the trunk and there are more dead trees)¹⁴
Wetlands The use of SAGD operations is leading to drastically low water levels in lakes, rivers, creeks, and muskeg.¹⁰
Increased fragmentation of the muskeg is disrupting forest ecosystems¹⁰
Wildlife Populations The potential for increased recreational hunting in the Fort Chipewyan area. One interviewee surmised that increased What effects will the project and the existing and approved development around For McKay will force wildlife to move Animals are less healthy now¹⁰ developments have on wildlife abundance, habitat and movement north, resulting in a movement of recreational hunters to Fort corridors? 20 Chipewyan. This would increase non-Aboriginal competition for What effects will the project and the existing and approved Reduced wildlife populations including moose, muskrat, lynx, Dead mammals being found everywhere¹⁰ developments have on biodiversity at the landscape and ecosystem marten, ducks, rabbit, frogs and red-winged blackbirds² levels? 20
Fumes and chemicals, especially the flares affect the animals and Has the developer shown whether geographically discrete animal What effects will the project and the existing and approved vegetation (i.e.: the spruce are yellow–brown where the limbs or plant populations exist?¹¹ developments have on wildlife health?20 come out of the trunk and there are more dead trees)¹⁴
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM 14
Mikisew Cree First Nation Fort McMurray First Nation Athabasca Tribal Council
Wildlife Populations cont'd
What efforts will be made to control exotic or alien species?¹¹ Were changes in biodiversity assessed relative to air and water availability, quality and acid deposition?¹¹
Large Game
Caribou Bear
Moose movement² Moose
Moose meat from Fort McMurray area is of poorer quality than that from the Fort Chipewyan area; believed to be due to Low numbers of moose¹⁰ industrial pollution²
The moose are not healthy, when skinned there are green spots on their flesh¹⁰ Moose populations are decreasing because of increased amount of hunter from outside¹⁴ Buffalo
Deer
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM 15
Mikisew Cree First Nation Fort McMurray First Nation Athabasca Tribal Council
Wildlife Populations cont'd
Birds
Game birds are gone¹⁰
Grouse Waterfowl Changes in taste and quality of waterfowl² Songbirds
Small Animals Muskrat Low number of muskrat¹⁰
Lynx
Low number of marten¹⁰
Marten
Fisher
Wolverine
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM 16
Mikisew Cree First Nation Fort McMurray First Nation Athabasca Tribal Council
Wildlife Populations cont'd
Porcupine
Low number of beaver¹⁰ Beaver
Rabbit
Squirrels
Low number of ground hogs¹⁰ Ground Hogs
Frogs/Toads
Insects
Wildlife Habitat The use of SAGD operations is leading to drastically low water Air quality² levels in lakes rivers creeks and muskeg.¹⁰ Current low water levels in Athabasca River² Beaver dams are blown causing levels to drop.¹⁰
Clearwater River is at its lowest level ever.¹⁰
Sludge seen floating in the river at Poplar Point.¹⁰
Loss of habitat¹³,¹⁴ Damages to wildlife habitat and plant populations¹⁰
Footnotes refer to the source EIA, listed in the "Reference" worksheet. Please note that issues and concerns are not listed in order of community priority. REFERENCES 1
1 Synenco Northern Lights Mining and Extraction Project EIA (2006) 2 CNRL Horizon Project EIA (2002) 3 Albian Sands Shell (1999) 4 Imperial Kearl Lake Oil Mine Development (2005) 5 Petro-Canada MacKay River Expansion Project (2004) 6 Joslyn North Mine Project (2005) 7 Deer Creek Joslyn SAGD Project (2005) 8 Petro-Canada MacKay River Expansion Phase II Project (2005) 9 Husky Sunrise Thermal Project (2004) 10 Corridor Pipeline TLU (2000) 11 True North Energy Fort Hills Oil Sands Project (2001) 12 Petro-Canada Meadow Creek Project (2001) 13 OPTI Canada Long Lake Project (2000) 14 JACOS Hangingstone SAGD Demonstration Project (2000) 15 Shell Canada Ltd Jackpine Mine Phase I (2002) 16 Shell Canada Ltd Muskeg River Project (1998) 17 Mobil Oil Kearl Lake Project (1998) 18 Syncrude Canada Limited Aurora Mine (1996) 19 Suncor Energy Inc. Firebage In-Situ Oil Sands Project (2000) 20 Suncor Project Millennium (1998) 21 Suncor South Tailings Pond Project (2003) 22 Suncor Voyageur South Project (2007) 23 Syncrude Mildred Lake Upgrader Expansion (1998)
Resources to Check: 24 Suncor Steepbank (2005 or 2006?) Copy requested from Suncor