SECTION 1: People Overview Subsection 1.0: Table of Contents
1 VOLUME OVERVIEW
Table of Contents
1.1 INTRODUCTION...... 1-1 1.1.1 VOLUME CONTENT...... 1-1 1.1.2 COMPONENT ORGANIZATION ...... 1-1 1.2 BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 1-3 1.2.1 LITERATURE CITED ...... 1-3 ♦
July 2005 Page 1-i VOLUME 9
SECTION 1: People Overview Subsection 1.1: Introduction
1.1 Introduction
1.1.1 VOLUME CONTENT
The People volume of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Imperial Oil Resources Ventures Limited (Imperial Oil) Kearl Oil Sands Project – Mine Development (the Kearl project) provides an assessment of the potential effects of the project on resource use, historical resources, socio-economics and traditional land use. The assessment addresses all relevant sections of the EIA Terms of Reference (TOR) from Alberta Environment (AENV 2004) (see Volume 1, Appendix A). For a concordance table that lists the location in the EIA where each item in the TOR is addressed, see Volume 4, Appendix 1.
1.1.2 COMPONENT ORGANIZATION
The assessment of the project’s effects on people has been divided into four components:
• Resource Use • Historical Resources • Socio-Economics • Traditional Land Use
The following information is provided in the People volume of this EIA:
• Introduction – see Section 1 • Approach – see Section 2 • Resource Use – see Section 3 • Historical Resources – see Section 4 • Socio-Economics – see Section 5 • Traditional Land Use – see Section 6 • Resource Use Technical Appendix – see Appendix 3 • Socio-Economics Technical Appendix– see Appendix 5 ♦
July 2005 Page 1-1 VOLUME 9
SECTION 1: Volume Overview Subsection 1.2: Bibliography
1.2 Bibliography
1.2.1 LITERATURE CITED
AENV (Alberta Environment). 2004. Final Terms of Reference: Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the Propos./,ed Imperial Oil Resources Kearl Oil Sands Project. Issued by Alberta Environment, April 22, 2004. ♦
July 2005 Page 1-3 VOLUME 9
SECTION 2: People Approach Subsection 2.0: Table of Contents
2 APPROACH
Table of Contents
2.1 ASSESSMENT CASES...... 2-1 2.1.1 CASE DESCRIPTION ...... 2-1 2.2 SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL CONSIDERATIONS ...... 2-3 2.2.1 STUDY AREAS ...... 2-3 2.2.1.1 Resource Use Study Areas ...... 2-3 2.2.1.2 Historical Resources Study Areas ...... 2-3 2.2.1.3 Socio-Economics Study Areas ...... 2-4 2.2.1.4 Traditional Land Use Study Areas ...... 2-4 2.2.2 TIME SNAPSHOTS...... 2-4 2.2.2.1 Resource Use Temporal Periods ...... 2-4 2.2.2.2 Historical Resources Time Periods ...... 2-4 2.2.2.3 Socio-Economics Time Periods ...... 2-4 2.2.2.4 Traditional Land Use Time Periods ...... 2-4 2.3 METHODS ...... 2-7 2.3.1 ASSESSMENT METHODS OVERVIEW ...... 2-7 2.3.1.1 Resource Use Methods...... 2-7 2.3.1.2 Historical Resources Methods...... 2-7 2.3.1.3 Socio-Economic Methods ...... 2-7 2.3.1.4 Traditional Land Use Methods...... 2-8 2.4 KEY QUESTIONS...... 2-9 2.4.1 KEY QUESTION OVERVIEW...... 2-9 2.4.1.1 Resource Use Key Questions ...... 2-9 2.4.1.2 Historical Resources Key Questions ...... 2-9 2.4.1.3 Socio-Economics Key Questions ...... 2-9 2.4.1.4 Traditional Land Use Key Questions ...... 2-10 2.5 BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 2-11 2.5.1 LITERATURE CITED ...... 2-11 ♦
July 2005 Page 2-i VOLUME 9
SECTION 2: People Approach Subsection 2.1: Assessment Cases
2.1 Assessment Cases
2.1.1 CASE DESCRIPTION
The development cases addressed in the People portion of the EIA include the Existing and Approved Case (EAC), the Project Case and the Potential Development Case (PDC). The cases provide information for assessing the potential effects of the Kearl project and also, the incremental effects of the Kearl project on people in relation to other developments. For a complete list of all developments included in the EAC and PDC, see Volume 4, Table 2-1.
The EAC defines the basis to which the Kearl project will be compared. It includes the existing conditions, as well as changes that could occur based on future activities of existing and approved but not yet built developments.
The Project Case assesses the effects of the Kearl project combined with existing and approved developments.
The PDC assesses the effects of existing and approved developments, the Kearl project, plus other potential developments that have been publicly disclosed. The developments included in the PDC assessment may or may not proceed. In addition, the scope and size of the potential developments could change with final design and approvals. ♦
July 2005 Page 2-1 VOLUME 9
SECTION 2: People Approach Subsection 2.2: Spatial and Temporal Considerations
2.2 Spatial and Temporal Considerations
2.2.1 STUDY AREAS
2.2.1.1 Resource Use Study Areas
Resource use regional study areas (RSAs) were selected to assess the potential effects of the project on users of key resources, including:
• aggregate resources • agriculture • forest resources • wildlife (hunting and trapping) • fish resources (fishing) • designated ecological areas • recreation and tourism • access • aesthetics
The RSAs varied in shape and area with the resource in question. The local study area (LSA) for resource use and visual aesthetics corresponds to the outer boundary of the project development area (PDA) for the Kearl project and the Kearl project leases.
2.2.1.2 Historical Resources Study Areas
The historical resources RSA is defined by the Muskeg River drainage system, including Jackpine (Hartley) Creek, Kearl Lake and surrounding wetlands. The basis for using this drainage system is that cultural homogeneity is assumed to be greater in areas with similar environmental characteristics, especially when linked by features that provide connected travel corridors. Thus, to compare interpretive value of historical resource sites in the Kearl project area with sites in the RSA, sites with similar environmental features were selected.
The unit used to delineate the historical resources in the RSA is the Borden Block, part of the classification system for the Canadian archaeological database. Based on subdivisions of 10’ latitude by 10’ longitude, it is the basis for defining historical resource site location.
The RSA falls across 17 Borden Block units, ranging between 56° 50’N and 57° 30’N, and 111° 0’W and 111°50’W.
The historical resources LSA corresponds to the PDA.
July 2005 Page 2-3 VOLUME 9
Section 2: People Approach
2.2.1.3 Socio-Economics Study Areas
The study area for the Socio-economic Impact Assessment (SEIA) includes the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) and the First Nations’ reserves within its boundaries. The project’s fiscal and economic impacts are discussed in a provincial or national context.
2.2.1.4 Traditional Land Use Study Areas
A broad RSA was delineated, encompassing the core area that the Aboriginal participants perceived to be subject to impact from oil sands development. For all Aboriginal communities assessed, the LSA was defined as the PDA.
2.2.2 TIME SNAPSHOTS
2.2.2.1 Resource Use Temporal Periods
The baseline, construction and operations, and post-closure periods of the Kearl project were assessed for resource use. Progressive mining and reclamation of the project was considered when examining potential effects. All other development footprints were considered at full build-out, without factoring in reclamation progress. As a result, the assessments of cumulative effects, particularly for the PDC, are conservative and overpredict levels of cumulative effects.
2.2.2.2 Historical Resources Time Periods
Two temporal periods of the project were used to understand the effects of development on historical resources:
• the preconstruction state of historical resources • the post-reclamation condition of those sites after development is completed
Development cases were analyzed from these two viewpoints to determine effects on the interpretive value of the contents and contexts of affected sites.
2.2.2.3 Socio-Economics Time Periods
The SEIA focused on the project’s effects duringconstruction phase, with special attention placed on the 2009 to 2010 period when Production Train 1 and Production Train 2 overlap and the construction impact is at its peak. The SEIA also addresses the impacts of the operations phase of the project based on all three production trains being in operation.
2.2.2.4 Traditional Land Use Time Periods
The traditional land use assessment considered past, current and future use of traditional lands and resources by the Aboriginal communities consulted.
Page 2-4 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 2.2: Spatial and Temporal Considerations
Past traditional land use pertains to the use of the land through “time immemorial” to the onset of regional oil sands development. Current traditional land use pertains to the contemporary relationship of the Aboriginal communities to their lands. It includes actual and potential use of the land for hunting, trapping, fishing, medicinal and food plant-gathering, berry picking, recreation and camping. Future use pertains to the potential for current members of the consulted Aboriginal communities, and their descendants, to continue to maintain their traditional relationship to the land. Future use includes opportunities to practice traditional ways of life, and the maintenance of cultural and spiritual values. Future use has implications for community wellness in terms of social sustainability and continuation of cultural identity. ♦
July 2005 Page 2-5 VOLUME 8
SECTION 2: People Approach Subsection 2.3: Methods
2.3 Methods
2.3.1 ASSESSMENT METHODS OVERVIEW
2.3.1.1 Resource Use Methods
Assessment methods for resource use were primarily qualitative assessments of project effects on resource use activities, and of project consistency with applicable regional management. Potential effects on visual aesthetics were assessed using geographic information system computer modelling. Potential effects of fish tainting on fishing opportunities were evaluated in conjunction with predictive modelling (see Volume 6, Section 5, Surface Water Quality).
2.3.1.2 Historical Resources Methods
Results of historical resources investigations in the Kearl project leases between 1998 and 2004 were used to assess project effects on historical resources in the LSA. The preconstruction state of sites identified during the HRIAs was compared with the anticipated post-reclamation condition of those sites.
The focus of the historical resource assessment in the LSA was the predicted change in interpretive value of identified archaeological sites in the Kearl project area. The interpretive value was used to identify actions necessary to reduce effects of the project on historical resources. Mitigation will vary depending on the interpretive value and anticipated effects on that site.
For an understanding of project effects in the RSA, the records from the Archaeological Sites Inventory database for the 17 Borden Blocks of the Muskeg River drainage area were reviewed.
The regional interpretive value was assessed by comparing individual sites in the LSA with sites in the RSA. Significance of a site in the LSA increases when its contents, context, age or cultural characteristics differ from those in the RSA, e.g., unusual location, rare specimens or unique activities.
2.3.1.3 Socio-Economic Methods
The SEIA used a range of models, including the following:
• The Urban Population Impact Model, developed on behalf of the Regional Issues Working Group (RIWG) by Nichols Applied Management (Nichols). This model, which was last updated to reflect new data in the first quarter of 2005, was used to estimate future populations in Fort McMurray. • The Input-Output model of the provincial economy developed and maintained by Alberta Treasury. The analysis used published outputs from this model.
July 2005 Page 2-7 VOLUME 9
Section 2: People Approach
All estimates of construction and operating expenditures are in 2005 Canadian dollars.
2.3.1.4 Traditional Land Use Methods
In consultation meetings and interviews, Aboriginal participants’ observations and concerns about the project were documented and reported to Imperial Oil. Actions for mitigation, monitoring or follow-up suggested by study participants were also noted. During discussions, if participants consented, specific sites, features and areas of importance identified by participants were recorded on a map of the lease boundaries plotted on a 1:50,000 scale National Topographic Series (NTS) mapsheet.
The traditional land use effects assessment consultant acted as a facilitator, not an assessor. The assessment of perceived effects was entirely from the point of view of the participants from each Aboriginal community. The Traditional Land Use section summarizes participants’ views and impressions recorded during the consultation forums.
Once traditional issues consultation was completed, issues and concerns discussed in meetings and interviews were summarized in the traditional land use assessment report.
To verify the accuracy of the traditional land use assessment, study results will be presented to Aboriginal communities for review. This will also provide each community with the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed mitigation, follow-up and monitoring activities. ♦
Page 2-8 July 2005 VOLUME 9
SECTION 2: People Approach Subsection 2.4: Key Questions
2.4 Key Questions
2.4.1 KEY QUESTION OVERVIEW
Key questions were used to focus the EIA on the key issues raised by stakeholders, including regulatory, public and Aboriginal stakeholders.
2.4.1.1 Resource Use Key Questions
The following resource use key questions were developed:
• Is the Kearl project consistent with the regional management goals of the Fort McMurray–Athabasca Oil Sands Subregional Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) (AEP 1996)? • Could the Kearl project affect aggregate resources? • Could the Kearl project affect agriculture? • Could the Kearl project affect forestry? • Could the Kearl project affect hunting and trapping opportunities? • Could the Kearl project affect fishing? • Could the Kearl project affect designated ecological areas? • Could the Kearl project affect recreation and tourism? • Could the Kearl project affect access and infrastructure? • Could the Kearl project affect visual aesthetics?
2.4.1.2 Historical Resources Key Questions
The following historical resources key questions were developed:
• Could the Kearl project result in the loss of contents or disrupt the interpretive contexts of historical resource sites? • Could the interpretive value of the regional historical resources database be compromised by Kearl project development?
2.4.1.3 Socio-Economics Key Questions
The following Socio-Economics key questions were developed:
• What are the economic, including employment creation, and fiscal impacts of the Kearl project on the Wood Buffalo region and the province of Alberta? • What are the population impacts of the Kearl project?
July 2005 Page 2-9 VOLUME 9
Section 2: People Approach
• How will the population impacts of the Kearl project affect residents and service providers in the Wood Buffalo region where traditional land and culture, traffic, housing and other issue areas are concerned?
2.4.1.4 Traditional Land Use Key Questions
The traditional land use assessment process used an interview process to document Aboriginal communities concerns about the project effects on traditional land uses. ♦
Page 2-10 July 2005 VOLUME 9
SECTION 2: People Approach Subsection 2.5: Bibliography
2.5 Bibliography
2.5.1 LITERATURE CITED
AEP. (Alberta Environmental Protection). 1996. Fort McMurray-Athabasca Oil Sands Subregional Integrated Resource Plan. Publication No. I/358. Edmonton, AB. 57 pp.
July 2005 Page 2-11 VOLUME 9
SECTION 3: Resource Use Subsection 3.0: Section Introduction
Table of Contents 3.1 SECTION INTRODUCTION...... 3-1 3.1.1 SECTION CONTENT...... 3-1 3.1.2 TERMS OF REFERENCE ...... 3-1 3.2 APPROACH AND METHODS...... 3-3 3.2.1 KEY ISSUES AND QUESTIONS ...... 3-3 3.2.1.1 Key Issues ...... 3-3 3.2.1.1.1 Public Consultation...... 3-3 3.2.1.1.2 Traditional Knowledge ...... 3-3 3.2.1.1.3 Regional Committees and Management Plans ...... 3-4 3.2.1.2 Key Issues Summary...... 3-4 3.2.1.3 Key Questions ...... 3-5 3.2.2 ASSESSMENT CASES...... 3-6 3.2.3 SPATIAL CONSIDERATIONS ...... 3-6 3.2.3.1 Regional Study Area ...... 3-6 3.2.3.2 Local Study Area ...... 3-8 3.2.4 TEMPORAL CONSIDERATIONS ...... 3-8 3.2.5 CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 3-9 3.2.6 KEY INDICATORS ...... 3-9 3.2.7 ASSESSMENT METHODS...... 3-9 3.2.8 MODELS AND ASSUMPTIONS...... 3-10 3.2.9 SOURCES OF DATA ...... 3-10 3.2.10 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL...... 3-10 3.2.10.1 Data Quality ...... 3-11 3.2.10.2 Document Control...... 3-11 3.3 BASELINE SUMMARY...... 3-13 3.3.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 3-13 3.3.2 FORT MCMURRAY–ATHABASCA OIL SANDS SUBREGIONAL INTEGRATED RESOURCE PLAN ...... 3-13 3.3.3 AGGREGATE ...... 3-13 3.3.4 AGRICULTURE ...... 3-13 3.3.5 FORESTRY ...... 3-15 3.3.6 HUNTING AND TRAPPING ...... 3-15 3.3.7 FISHING...... 3-16 3.3.8 DESIGNATED ECOLOGICAL AREAS...... 3-16 3.3.9 RECREATION AND TOURISM...... 3-17 3.3.10 ACCESS ...... 3-17 3.3.11 VISUAL AESTHETICS...... 3-19 3.3.12 LAND USE DEPOSITIONS ...... 3-19 3.4 FORT MCMURRAY-ATHABASCA OIL SANDS SUBREGIONAL IRP ...... 3-23 3.4.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 3-23 3.5 AGGREGATE RESOURCES ...... 3-25 3.5.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 3-25
July 2005 Page 3-i VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
3.5.2 METHODS ...... 3-25 3.5.3 EXISTING AND APPROVED CASE ...... 3-25 3.5.4 PROJECT CASE ...... 3-25 3.5.4.1 Linkage Analysis...... 3-25 3.5.4.2 Mitigation...... 3-26 3.5.4.3 Effects Analysis ...... 3-26 3.5.4.4 Applicable IRP Guidelines...... 3-27 3.5.5 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CASE...... 3-27 3.5.5.1 Effects Analysis ...... 3-27 3.5.6 PREDICTION CONFIDENCE ...... 3-28 3.5.7 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING ...... 3-28 3.5.8 SUMMARY...... 3-28 3.6 AGRICULTURE...... 3-29 3.6.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 3-29 3.6.2 METHODS ...... 3-29 3.6.3 EXISTING AND APPROVED CASE ...... 3-29 3.6.4 PROJECT CASE ...... 3-29 3.6.5 PREDICTION CONFIDENCE ...... 3-29 3.6.6 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING ...... 3-29 3.6.7 SUMMARY...... 3-29 3.7 FORESTRY...... 3-31 3.7.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 3-31 3.7.2 METHODS ...... 3-31 3.7.3 EXISTING AND APPROVED CASE ...... 3-31 3.7.4 PROJECT CASE ...... 3-31 3.7.4.1 Mitigation...... 3-32 3.7.4.2 Land Capability Ratings...... 3-34 3.7.4.3 Effects Analysis ...... 3-35 3.7.4.4 Applicable IRP Guidelines...... 3-38 3.7.5 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CASE...... 3-38 3.7.6 PREDICTION CONFIDENCE ...... 3-39 3.7.7 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING ...... 3-39 3.7.8 SUMMARY...... 3-39 3.8 HUNTING AND TRAPPING...... 3-41 3.8.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 3-41 3.8.2 METHODS ...... 3-41 3.8.3 EXISTING AND APPROVED CASE ...... 3-41 3.8.4 PROJECT CASE ...... 3-42 3.8.4.1 Linkage Analysis...... 3-42 3.8.4.2 Mitigation...... 3-42 3.8.4.3 Effects Analysis ...... 3-42 3.8.4.4 Applicable IRP Guidelines...... 3-43 3.8.5 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CASE...... 3-43 3.8.6 PREDICTION CONFIDENCE ...... 3-43 3.8.7 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING ...... 3-44 3.8.8 SUMMARY...... 3-44
Page 3-ii July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 3.0: Section Introduction
3.9 FISHING...... 3-45 3.9.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 3-45 3.9.1.1 Fishing Opportunities...... 3-45 3.9.1.1 Fish Tainting ...... 3-45 3.9.2 METHODS ...... 3-45 3.9.2.1 Fishing Opportunities...... 3-45 3.9.2.2 Fish Tainting ...... 3-45 3.9.3 EXISTING AND APPROVED CASE – FISHING OPPORTUNITIES ...... 3-45 3.9.4 PROJECT CASE – FISHING OPPORTUNITIES...... 3-46 3.9.4.1 Linkage Analysis...... 3-46 3.9.4.2 Mitigation...... 3-46 3.9.4.3 Effects Analysis ...... 3-46 3.9.4.4 Applicable IRP Guidelines...... 3-46 3.9.5 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CASE – FISHING OPPORTUNITIES ...... 3-47 3.9.6 PREDICTION CONFIDENCE – FISHING OPPORTUNITIES...... 3-47 3.9.7 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING – FISHING OPPORTUNITIES...... 3-47 3.9.8 SUMMARY – FISHING OPPORTUNITIES ...... 3-47 3.9.9 EXISTING AND APPROVED CASE – FISH TAINTING ...... 3-47 3.9.10 PROJECT CASE – FISH TAINTING...... 3-47 3.9.10.1 Linkage Analysis...... 3-47 3.9.10.2 Mitigation...... 3-48 3.9.10.3 Effects Analysis ...... 3-48 3.9.11 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CASE – FISH TAINTING...... 3-48 3.9.11.1 Linkage Analysis...... 3-48 3.9.11.2 Effects Analysis ...... 3-48 3.9.12 PREDICTION CONFIDENCE – FISH TAINTING...... 3-48 3.9.13 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING – FISH TAINTING ...... 3-49 3.9.14 SUMMARY – FISH TAINTING ...... 3-49 3.10 DESIGNATED ECOLOGICAL AREAS...... 3-51 3.10.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 3-51 3.10.2 METHODS ...... 3-51 3.10.3 EXISTING AND APPROVED CASE ...... 3-51 3.10.4 PROJECT CASE ...... 3-52 3.10.4.1 Linkage Analysis...... 3-52 3.10.4.2 Mitigation...... 3-52 3.10.4.3 Effects Analysis ...... 3-53 3.10.4.4 Applicable IRP Guidelines...... 3-54 3.10.5 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CASE...... 3-54 3.10.6 PREDICTION CONFIDENCE ...... 3-55 3.10.7 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING ...... 3-55 3.10.7.1 Regional Committees...... 3-55 3.10.7.2 Imperial Oil Initiatives ...... 3-55 3.10.8 SUMMARY...... 3-55 3.11 RECREATION AND TOURISM...... 3-57 3.11.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 3-57 3.11.2 METHODS ...... 3-57
July 2005 Page 3-iii VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
3.11.3 EXISTING AND APPROVED CASE ...... 3-57 3.11.4 PROJECT CASE ...... 3-57 3.11.4.1 Linkage Analysis...... 3-57 3.11.4.2 Mitigation...... 3-58 3.11.4.3 Effects Analysis ...... 3-58 3.11.4.4 Applicable IRP Guidelines...... 3-58 3.11.5 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CASE...... 3-58 3.11.6 PREDICTION CONFIDENCE ...... 3-59 3.11.7 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING ...... 3-59 3.11.7.1 Regional Committees...... 3-59 3.11.7.2 Imperial Oil Initiatives ...... 3-59 3.11.8 SUMMARY...... 3-59 3.12 ACCESS...... 3-61 3.12.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 3-61 3.12.2 METHODS ...... 3-61 3.12.3 EXISTING AND APPROVED CASE ...... 3-61 3.12.4 PROJECT CASE ...... 3-63 3.12.4.1 Linkage Analysis...... 3-63 3.12.4.2 Mitigation...... 3-63 3.12.4.3 Effects Analysis ...... 3-63 3.12.4.4 Applicable IRP Guidelines...... 3-64 3.12.5 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CASE...... 3-64 3.12.6 PREDICTION CONFIDENCE ...... 3-64 3.12.7 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING ...... 3-64 3.12.8 SUMMARY...... 3-65 3.13 VISUAL AESTHETICS...... 3-67 3.13.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 3-67 3.13.2 METHODS ...... 3-67 3.13.2.1 Data Used for Modelling...... 3-68 3.13.3 EFFECTS ANALYSIS ...... 3-68 3.13.4 Applicable IRP Guidelines ...... 3-75 3.13.5 SUMMARY...... 3-75 3.14 CONCLUSIONS ...... 3-77 3.14.1 AGGREGATE RESOURCES...... 3-77 3.14.2 AGRICULTURE ...... 3-77 3.14.3 FORESTRY ...... 3-77 3.14.4 HUNTING AND TRAPPING ...... 3-77 3.14.5 FISHING...... 3-78 3.14.6 DESIGNATED ECOLOGICAL AREAS...... 3-78 3.14.7 RECREATION AND TOURISM...... 3-78 3.14.8 ACCESS ...... 3-78 3.14.9 VISUAL AESTHETICS...... 3-79 3.14.10 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING ...... 3-79 3.15 BIBLIOGRAPHY...... 3-81 3.15.1 LITERATURE CITED ...... 3-81 3.15.2 PERSONAL COMMUNICATION...... 3-82
Page 3-iv July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 3.0: Section Introduction
3.15.3 INTERNET SITES ...... 3-83
List of Figures Figure 3-1: Resource Use Study Areas...... 3-7 Figure 3-2: Aggregate Resources...... 3-14 Figure 3-3: Protected and Environmentally Significant Areas in the Regional Study Area ..... 3-18 Figure 3-4: Aggregate Resources Linkage Diagram ...... 3-25 Figure 3-5: Forestry Linkage Diagram ...... 3-32 Figure 3-6: Clearing Requirements for the First 10 Years of the Kearl Project...... 3-33 Figure 3-7: Land Capability Classes in the Soils and Terrain Local Study Area – Existing and Approved Case...... 3-36 Figure 3-8: Land Capability Classes Following Closure and Reclamation...... 3-37 Figure 3-9: Hunting and Trapping Linkage Diagram...... 3-42 Figure 3-10: Fishing Linkage Diagram...... 3-46 Figure 3-11: Designated Ecological Areas Linkage Diagram ...... 3-52 Figure 3-12: Recreation and Tourism Linkage Diagram...... 3-58 Figure 3-13: Access Near the Regional Study Area ...... 3-62 Figure 3-14: Access Linkage Diagram ...... 3-63 Figure 3-15: Steam Plume Visibility – 50 Percent Likelihood...... 3-69 Figure 3-16: Steam Plume Visibility – 10 Percent Likelihood...... 3-70 Figure 3-17: Potential Visibility at Closure from Fort McKay...... 3-71 Figure 3-18: Potential Visibility at Closure from Clausen’s Landing ...... 3-72 Figure 3-19: Potential Visibility at Closure from the Muskeg River...... 3-73 Figure 3-20: Potential Visibility at Closure from Kearl Lake ...... 3-74
List of Tables
Table 3-1: Key Issues, Source and Relevance to the Kearl Project...... 3-5 Table 3-2: Regional Study Areas...... 3-8 Table 3-3: Key Indicators for Resource Use...... 3-9 Table 3-4: Non-Oil and Gas Land Use Dispositions in the Local Study Area...... 3-19 Table 3-5: Aggregate Volume – Estimated Requirements for the Kearl Project ...... 3-26 Table 3-6: Changes in Land Capability Classes Following Reclamation...... 3-35 Table 3-7: Area and Fibre Volume of Productive Forest in the Local Study Area – Project Case...... 3-35 Table 3-8: Cumulative Footprints in the Regional Study Areas...... 3-41 Table 3-9: Change in Habitat Availability in the Local Study Area – Existing and Approved Case at Closure ...... 3-43 Table 3-10: Cumulative Footprints in Environmentally Significant Areas – Existing and Approved Case...... 3-51 Table 3-11: Cumulative Disturbance in Environmentally Significant Areas ...... 3-55 Table 3-12: Cumulative Disturbed Area in the Local and Regional Study Areas...... 3-57 Table 3-13: Linear Extent of Potential Access Routes ...... 3-61
July 2005 Page 3-v VOLUME 9
SECTION 3: Resource Use Subsection 3.1: Section Introduction
Section Introduction
3.1.1 SECTION CONTENT
This section of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the proposed Kearl Oil Sands Project – Mine Development (the Kearl project) describes potential effects from the project on the types and levels of resource use within the proposed project footprint and in surrounding planning areas.
3.1.2 TERMS OF REFERENCE
Alberta Environment (AENV) issued EIA Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Kearl project that provided key direction on the assessment focus for resource use (AENV 2004). Key issues relevant to resource use include:
• project effects on designated ecological areas, such as Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) and natural areas
• existing land uses
• expected land use changes
• project consistency with land management plans, policies and initiatives
• existing recreational use
• project effects on aggregate resources
• project effects on timber users and trappers
• project effects on sport fish resources
• effects of reclamation and closure on end land use
• visual impact of project ♦
July 2005 Page 3-1 VOLUME 9
SECTION 3: Resource Use Subsection 3.2: Approach and Methods
Approach and Methods
3.2.1 KEY ISSUES AND QUESTIONS
3.2.1.1 Key Issues
While the final TOR provided much of the direction for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), the assessment focus for resource use was also influenced by input from:
• public consultation • traditional knowledge • regional committees
The nature of this input is briefly discussed in the topics following.
3.2.1.1.1 Public Consultation
Public concerns about the effects of the project on resource uses were documented in stakeholder meetings and open houses, and, where relevant, were incorporated in this assessment. Resource-related issues arising from this consultation include:
• effects of increased levels of access, such as inappropriate hunting and fishing or damage to trails and traplines
• loss of traplines resulting from project development
• concerns about the length of time until First Nations will be able to fish and hunt on their traditional lands
3.2.1.1.2 Traditional Knowledge
A traditional land use effects assessment was completed for the Kearl project. This study identified traditionally used resources in the project area and potential project-related conflicts with those resources. For the results of this study, see Volume 9, Section 6.
July 2005 Page 3-3 VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
3.2.1.1.3 Regional Committees and Management Plans
The mandates and goals of the following regional committees and management plans were considered and where, relevant, incorporated in the scope of this assessment:
• the Fort McMurray–Athabasca Oil Sands Subregional Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which contains goals and guidelines for resource development
• the Regional Sustainable Development Strategy, which provides a framework for balancing development with environmental protection
• the Sustainable Ecosystems Working Group (SEWG) of the Cumulative Environmental Management Association (CEMA), whose purpose is to recommend a management system to address cumulative effects on ecosystems and landscapes in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) through the pursuit of sustainable development
• the municipal development plan for the RMWB, which outlines goals for:
• conserving and protecting the region’s natural, historical and archaeological resources while accommodating development in a way that serves the community and the greater public interest
• achieving orderly exploration and development of natural resources in a way compatible with the environmental and social considerations of the region
• the Athabasca Regional Issues Working Group (RIWG), which works closely with oil sands developers, municipal and provincial governments and other stakeholders to assist organizations in their development planning. Initiatives relating to resource use include evaluating aggregate reserves in the RMWB and developing the East Athabasca Access Road.
For a discussion of land management plans, policies and initiatives, see Volume 3, Section 11.
3.2.1.2 Key Issues Summary
For a summary of the key issues defined for the resource use assessment, see Table 3-1.
Page 3-4 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 3.2: Approach and Methods
Table 3-1: Key Issues, Source and Relevance to the Kearl Project
Project Phase Key Issue Primary Source Relevance to Project Construction and Land use TOR: Mine development will result in operations capability and 5.5b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i,j,k progressive clearing, terrain resource use IRP(a) alteration, mining and reclamation CEMA (2004) over about 200 km2 (square kilometres) in 60 years. This will result in changes in land use capability and the availability of resources in the lease area. Therefore, effects of the mine on other land uses and resources were assessed in this EIA. Visual TOR: 4.5b, 4.7a, Elevated mine features, e.g., resources 4.11b, 5.6.2h overburden disposal areas and IRP(a) emission plumes will be visible from a variety of receptor locations, e.g., public roads and population centres, and will affect viewshed characteristics. Therefore, effects of the mine on viewshed characteristics were assessed in this EIA. Closure Land use TOR: At closure, the landscape will have capability and 5.5b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i,j,k topographic, vegetation and resource use IRP(a) drainage characteristics that will CEMA (2004) differ from predisturbance conditions. This will result in changes in land use capability and availability of other resources in the lease area. Therefore, effects of the mine closure plan on other land uses and resources were assessed in this EIA. NOTE: (a) Fort McMurray–Athabasca Oil Sands Subregional IRP.
3.2.1.3 Key Questions
The following 10 key questions were developed to address key issues and focus the assessment on those issues:
RU1: Is the project consistent with the regional management goals of the Fort McMurray Athabasca Oil Sands Subregional IRP?
RU2: How could the Kearl project affect aggregate resources?
RU3: How could the Kearl project affect agriculture?
RU4: How could the Kearl project affect forestry?
July 2005 Page 3-5 VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
RU5: How could the Kearl project affect hunting and trapping opportunities?
RU6: How could the Kearl project affect fishing?
RU7: How could the Kearl project affect designated ecological areas?
RU8: How could the Kearl project affect recreation and tourism?
RU9: How could the Kearl project affect access and infrastructure?
RU10: How could the Kearl project affect visual aesthetics?
3.2.2 ASSESSMENT CASES
Where relevant, the key questions were evaluated in the context of the following assessment scenarios:
• Existing and Approved Case, includes all existing and approved developments
• Project Case, includes the Existing and Approved Case and the project
• Potential Development Case, includes the Project Case and potential developments publicly disclosed at least six months before submission of this EIA
For additional information on this approach and on the developments included in each of the assessment scenarios, see Volume 9, Section 2, People Approach.
3.2.3 SPATIAL CONSIDERATIONS
3.2.3.1 Regional Study Area
The resource use regional study areas (RSA) were selected to assess the potential effects of the project on users of key resources, including:
• aggregate resources • agriculture • forest resources • wildlife (hunting and trapping) • fish resources (fishing) • designated ecological areas • recreation and tourism • access • aesthetics
For the RSA used for each key resource, see Figure 3-1 and Table 3-2.
Page 3-6 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 3.2: Approach and Methods
Figure 3-1: Resource Use Study Areas
July 2005 Page 3-7 VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
Table 3-2: Regional Study Areas
Key Resource Regional Study Area Used Aggregate resources The Mildred–Kearl Lakes Resource Management Area (RMA) of the Fort McMurray Athabasca Oil Sands Subregional IRP, and the portion of the Athabasca–Clearwater RMA within the boundary of the Mildred–Kearl Lakes RMA Agriculture The Mildred–Kearl Lakes RMA and the portion of the Athabasca– Clearwater RMA within the boundary of the Mildred–Kearl Lakes RMA Forest resources Forest Management Unit (FMU) A15 Hunting and trapping Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) 530 for hunting and Registered Fur Management areas (RFMAs) 1714, 1716, 2137 and 2172 for trapping Fishing The Mildred–Kearl Lakes RMA and the portion of the Athabasca– Clearwater RMA within the boundary of the Mildred–Kearl Lakes RMA Designated ecological areas The Mildred–Kearl Lakes RMA and the portion of the Athabasca– Clearwater RMA within the boundary of the Mildred–Kearl Lakes RMA Recreation and tourism The Mildred–Kearl Lakes RMA and the portion of the Athabasca– Clearwater RMA within the boundary of the Mildred–Kearl Lakes RMA Access The Mildred–Kearl Lakes RMA and the portion of the Athabasca– Clearwater RMA within the boundary of the Mildred–Kearl Lakes RMA Aesthetics The Mildred–Kearl Lakes RMA and the portion of the Athabasca– Clearwater RMA within the boundary of the Mildred Kearl Lakes RMA
3.2.3.2 Local Study Area
The local study area (LSA) for resource use and visual aesthetics corresponds to the outer boundary of the project development area (PDA) for the Kearl project and the Kearl leases. This area includes:
• Lease 6 • Lease 31A • Lease 36 • Lease 87 • Leases 88A and 88B • parts of Leases 6A, 7, 85, 87A
3.2.4 TEMPORAL CONSIDERATIONS
The following periods were considered for this assessment:
• baseline (December 2004) • construction and operations (2007 to 2060) • post-closure window, 10 years following closure (2075)
Page 3-8 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 3.2: Approach and Methods
Progressive mining and reclamation of the Kearl mine was considered when examining potential project effects. All other project footprints were considered at full build-out, without factoring in reclamation progress. As a result, the assessments of cumulative effects, particularly for the Potential Development Case, are conservative and overpredict levels of cumulative effects.
3.2.5 CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate is one of the primary controls of vegetation distribution and occurrence. Changes in climate are expected to continue to alter vegetation patterns (IPCC 2001). These changes might affect the outcome of proposed reclamation and closure plans. As a result, end land use potential might be different than expected following closure.
3.2.6 KEY INDICATORS
Key indicators and associated measurable parameters were selected to complete assessments related to key questions. For a list of key indicators and measurable parameters by key question, see Table 3-3.
Table 3-3: Key Indicators for Resource Use
Key Question Measurable Parameter How could the Kearl project affect Aggregate volume aggregate resources? How could the Kearl project affect Number and area of agricultural agriculture? operations How could the Kearl project affect Timber productivity, volume of forestry? merchantable fibre How could the Kearl project affect Preferred hunting locations, wildlife hunting and trapping opportunities? habitat quality How could the Kearl project affect Locations of sport fish species, preferred fishing opportunities? sport fishing locations, potential fish tainting How could the Kearl project affect Areal extent of designated ecological the use of and integrity of areas designated ecological areas? How could the Kearl project affect Known recreation activities and preferred recreation and tourism? locations How could the Kearl project affect Known access routes access and infrastructure? How could the Kearl project affect Visible project features and emissions visual aesthetics? from key viewing locations
3.2.7 ASSESSMENT METHODS
Assessment methods for resource use were primarily qualitative assessments of project effects on resource use activities, and of project consistency with
July 2005 Page 3-9 VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
applicable management guidelines. Potential effects on visual aesthetics were assessed using geographic information system (GIS) computer modelling.
3.2.8 MODELS AND ASSUMPTIONS
Modelling techniques were used only for Visual Aesthetics. For a discussion of the model used to assess visual aesthetics, see the Visual Aesthetics topic.
3.2.9 SOURCES OF DATA
Information on resource use in the RSA was developed from existing data sources and from other discipline-specific assessments completed for the Kearl project. The existing information was complemented by personal communication with individuals and representatives from various organizations. Data sources for the resource use baseline study included:
• public consultation meetings and open houses
• traditional land use studies and effects assessment
• published government reports and management plans
• personal communication with representatives of various government and nongovernment agencies and organizations
• websites for various government and nongovernment agencies and organizations
• the Land Status Automated System — the provincial government’s database of all surface dispositions on Crown land
• the Environmental Management System Database and Authorization/Approval Viewer – the provincial government’s database of water licences and approvals under the Water Act and Water Resources Act
• Alberta Vegetation Inventory (AVI) data
• other environmental impact studies and consultant reports
3.2.10 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL
To ensure the data used in support of this assessment was of sufficient quality to ensure that conclusions were not compromised, the following two components were considered:
• data quality • document control
Page 3-10 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 3.2: Approach and Methods
3.2.10.1 Data Quality
Data used in this assessment was primarily provided by:
• regional committees • industrial operators in the area • consultant reports for the area
Information was taken from other discipline assessment sections of the EIA, which were subjected to their own quality-assurance and quality-control procedures.
3.2.10.2 Document Control
The following quality-assurance and quality-control procedures were used for document control:
• data received from internal and external sources was archived in appropriate folders and coded by source
• all working documents were dated and archived once updated ♦
July 2005 Page 3-11 VOLUME 9
SECTION 3: Resource Use Subsection 3.3: Baseline Summary
Baseline Summary
3.3.1 INTRODUCTION
The following baseline summary provides a brief description of resource use in the RSA and LSA. For detailed descriptions, see Volume 3, Section 11.
3.3.2 FORT MCMURRAY–ATHABASCA OIL SANDS SUBREGIONAL INTEGRATED RESOURCE PLAN
The project occurs in two RMAs of the Fort McMurray–Athabasca Oil Sands Subregional IRP (see Figure 3-1):
• the Mildred–Kearl Lakes RMA • the Athabasca–Clearwater RMA
For details about the Fort McMurray–Athabasca Oil Sands Subregional IRP, see Subsection 3.4.
3.3.3 AGGREGATE
Most aggregate in the RSA is currently supplied by two glaciofluvial (resulting from glacial meltwater) deposits (see Figure 3-2):
• Poplar Creek • Susan Lake gravel pits
The Poplar Creek gravel pit has been the principal source of aggregate in the RSA for more than 30 years and will likely be depleted by 2005. The Susan Lake gravel pit has been in operation for about six years and will likely be depleted by 2009 (Birch Mountain 2004a). Additional aggregate is available from the oil sands leases.
A recent RIWG survey on existing supply and annual demand in the region indicated a severe shortage of aggregate, with only 37.2 million m3 (cubic metres) of aggregate remains in commercial sources, including the Susan Lake and Poplar Creek pits (Birch Mountain 2004a; RIWG 2003).
3.3.4 AGRICULTURE
There are no agricultural operations in the RSA or the LSA (Alberta Energy 2004; Golder 2001).
July 2005 Page 3-13 VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
Figure 3-2: Aggregate Resources
Page 3-14 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 3.3: Baseline Summary
3.3.5 FORESTRY
The Kearl project is located in FMU A15, which includes former FMU A7J, and is located in the Alberta-Pacific (Al-Pac) Forest Industries Forest Management Agreement (FMA) area. Al-Pac holds an FMA with the Government of Alberta that provides for the sustainable forest management of about 5.8 x 106 ha (hectares) of land in northeastern Alberta. Under this FMA, Al-Pac has the right to harvest deciduous or hardwood trees and 35.46 percent of the coniferous annual allowable cut (AAC) in FMU A15.
Northland Forest Products Ltd. holds a Quota Certificate with the Government of Alberta. This quota provides rights to harvest 64.54 percent of the coniferous volume in FMU A15. The forest management strategies of Al-Pac and Northland Forest Products are described in the draft Alberta-Pacific FMA Area Forest Management Plan (Al-Pac 2004). Most of the project LSA is located in Al-Pac’s FMA (see Figure 3-1). Parts of the LSA, however, fall in unallocated areas of FMU A15 to the south and east.
Preliminary estimates indicate the merchantable fibre volume of productive stands in the LSA is 1,113,323 m3 of deciduous fibre and 315,089 m3 of coniferous fibre. There area 4332 ha of timber in the LSA that were burned after 1998. Because the burn information has not yet been incorporated in the Alberta vegetation inventory (AVI), burned areas were not included in calculations of productive timber. These numbers have been updated since the time of the baseline report because the full extent of the PDA had not been established at that time.
3.3.6 HUNTING AND TRAPPING
Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) 530 was used as the RSA to assess project effects on hunting. This unit is a popular area for hunting big game and game bird species.
Each year there are 250 to 400 resident hunters in WMU 530. In addition, 20 outfitting operations hold allocations for harvesting in the WMU. These outfitting operations hold 237 allocations for black bear, moose and white-tailed deer (Brick 2004, personal communication). About 70 percent of allocations are used annually (Alberta Professional Outfitters Society 2004, Internet site).
Parts of the LSA have been described as good spots for hunting moose and black bear and contain animals of good size and age, though better hunting opportunities have been identified in higher country to the east. In the LSA, Kearl Lake provides good opportunities for hunting waterfowl (Graves 2004, personal communication).
A registered trapline system governs trapping in Alberta. Under this system, trapline owners are licensed to harvest in a registered fur management area (RFMA). All RFMAs in the province have had a long-term decline in revenue
July 2005 Page 3-15 VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
(from 1977 to 2001). This corresponds to a similar decline in both harvests and pelt prices over this time. Trappers in the region attribute the decrease in pelt value partly to decreasing demand for furs and partly to decreasing quality of furs taken from traplines in the region (Golder 2001). Four RFMAs overlap the PDA (see Figure 3-1).
3.3.7 FISHING
There are limited opportunities for sportfishing in either the RSA or LSA. No sport fish were found in the LSA during the 2003 and 2004 baseline field surveys for the project (see Volume 3, Section 6). In the RSA, however, northern pike are known to occur in the Muskeg River from the mouth of Wapasu Creek to the Athabasca River and in Muskeg Creek (Bjornson 2004, personal communication). Additionally, the lower reaches of the Muskeg River might contain (Rhude 2004, personal communication; Golder 2001):
• walleye • perch • arctic grayling • rocky mountain whitefish
Pike were discovered in Kearl Lake in 2003. Given the shallow nature of the lake, it is unlikely the fish were able to successfully overwinter in the lake.
About 50 percent of residents in the Fort McMurray area indicated that they fish. However, less than one percent indicated that they fished in the Muskeg River (Golder 2001). Only two percent of visitors to the Fort McMurray area indicated that they planned to fish during their visit (Fort McMurray Visitor’s Bureau 2000). There are no commercial fishing operations in the RSA (Rhude 2004, personal communication).
Fishing occurs near the mouth of most tributaries to the Athabasca River in the RSA. However, most of these tributaries are accessible only by boat. Popular fishing locales in the RSA that are accessible by driving include (Visser 2004, personal communication): • the mouth of the Muskeg River • Kearl Lake
3.3.8 DESIGNATED ECOLOGICAL AREAS
The only protected area in the RSA is La Saline Natural Area (see Figure 3-3), which is about 25 km (kilometres) southwest of the LSA.
The 2719-ha Fort Hills Proposed Provincial Recreation Area (see Crown Reservation 5538, PNT 850171 in Volume 3, Appendix 11) is located about 20 km northwest of the LSA.
Page 3-16 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 3.3: Baseline Summary
Three ESAs overlap the boundary of the LSA: • Muskeg River Regionally Significant ESA • Kearl Lake Regionally Significant ESA • Kearl Lake Moose Area Regionally Significant ESA
The proposed water pipeline will pass through the following three ESAs: • McClelland Lake Provincially Significant ESA • McClelland Lake Sinkholes Provincially Significant ESA • Fort Hills Regionally Significant ESA
3.3.9 RECREATION AND TOURISM The RSA is used for a number of nonconsumptive recreational activities, including (Golder 2001; BOVAR 1996): • hiking • camping • canoeing • kayaking • snowmobiling • all terrain vehicle (ATV) riding • boating • cross-country skiing • photography • plant studies • dog mushing • swimming • picnicking • snowshoeing Although sometimes used for recreation, the LSA has not been identified as the preferred location for any of these activities (Graves 2004, personal communication; Visser 2004, personal communication). The distance from Fort McMurray, as well as the wet muskeg terrain, limits the recreational potential of the LSA.
3.3.10 ACCESS Access to the LSA is via Canterra Road, which provides direct access to Kearl Lake and to project Leases 36 and 87, and continues southward to the Suncor Firebag oil sands leases. Numerous trails and cutlines traverse both the LSA and RSAs, providing potential ATV and snowmobile access throughout the study area. ATVs and snowmobiles ease access in less favourable conditions.
July 2005 Page 3-17 VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
Figure 3-3: Protected and Environmentally Significant Areas in the Regional Study Area
Page 3-18 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 3.3: Baseline Summary
3.3.11 VISUAL AESTHETICS Topographically, the proposed Kearl project is located in nearly level terrain. The land is mostly dominated by forest or by fen and bog. Kearl Lake is located in the southwest portion of the PDA and the upper reaches of the Muskeg River and several of its tributaries surround and cross the PDA. The LSA is directly visible from Canterra Road, which crosses Leases 36 and 87. Numerous cutlines and trails also traverse the lease area, providing a diffuse array of viewpoints. No direct lines of sight exist between the lease area and either Fort MacKay or the Athabasca River. However, trappers’ cabins are present at several locations in the lease area, including locations next to Kearl Lake (Visser 2004, personal communication). The landscape surrounding the PDA is dominated by existing or proposed oil sands operations. As such, the primary visual receptors for the Kearl project will be these operations.
3.3.12 LAND USE DEPOSITIONS
The mineral leases for the project are held by Imperial Oil Resources (Imperial Oil) and ExxonMobil Canada (ExxonMobil). A number of other users, however, hold rights or dispositions on these lands for a variety of uses. For details on the non-oil and gas related dispositions, see Table 3-4. Some non-oil and gas related dispositions are discussed in other sections of this document, e.g., Trapping Agreements and Forest Management Agreements.
Table 3-4: Non-Oil and Gas Land Use Dispositions in the Local Study Area
Legal Location Activity ID Type of Activity Client Name Status 4-08-095-35-SW CNT 040013 Consultative Notation – Alberta Energy Approved 4-08-095-35-NW metallic and industrial July 7, 2004 until minerals lease Feb. 11, 2019 (limestone) 4-07-095-32 CNT 040040 Consultative Notation – Alberta Energy Approved 4-07-096-04-SE metallic and industrial July 8, 2004 until minerals lease Feb. 11, 2019 (limestone) 4-08-096-05-SE CNT 900018 Consultative Notation – Land and Forest Approved public wood cutting Service – Jan. 19, 1990 until (Green Area) Fort McMurray Jan. 31, 2005 4-07-095-31-NE CRP 000322 Conservation and Suncor Energy Active/Disposed 4-07-095-32 Reclamation Plan – Inc. March 29, 2001 4-07-096-05-SW sand and gravel until March 28, 2011 4-07-095-32-SE EZE 810015 Easement – power line Husky Oil Active/Disposed 4-07-095-32-NE Operations Feb. 26, 1981 Limited Indefinite term
July 2005 Page 3-19 VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
Table 3-4: Non-Oil and Gas Land Use Dispositions in the Local Study Area (cont’d)
Legal Location Activity ID Type of Activity Client Name Status 4-07-096-05-SE EZE 850009 Easement – power line Husky Oil Active/Disposed 4-07-096-05-NW Operations Feb. 26, 1981 4-07-096-05-NE Limited Indefinite term 4-07-096-07-NE 4-07-096-08-SW 4-07-096-08-NW 4-07-096-18-SE 4-07-096-18-NW 4-07-096-18-NE 4-08-096-04-NW LOC 5726 Licence of Occupation Suncor Energy Letter of Authority 4-08-096-05-SE – access road Inc. Amendment 4-08-096-05-SW March 23, 1999 4-08-096-05-NE Indefinite term 4-08-096-09-SW 4-08-096-09-NW 4-08-096-09-NE 4-08-096-15-SW 4-08-096-16-SE 4-08-096-04-12 LOC 001050 Licence of Occupation Syncrude Canada Letter of Authority – meter station site Ltd. June 16, 2000 until June 15, 2010 4-07-095-32-SE LOC 790743 Licence of Occupation Suncor Energy Active/Disposed 4-07-095-32-NE – access road Inc. Jan. 16, 1980 4-07-096-05-SE Indefinite term 4-07-096-05-NW 4-07-096-05-NE 4-07-096-07-NE 4-07-096-08-SW 4-07-096-08-NW 4-07-096-18-SE 4-07-096-18-NW 4-07-096-18-NE 4-07-096-19-SW 4-07-096-19-NW 4-08-096-15-SW 4-08-096-24-SE 4-08-096-24-NW 4-08-096-24-NE 4-07-096-19-SW LOC 810287 Licence of Occupation Imperial Oil Active/Disposed 4-07-096-19-NW – access road Resources Limited on 4-07-096-19-NE Feb. 27, 1981 4-07-096-20-NW Indefinite term 4-07-096-20-NE
Page 3-20 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 3.3: Baseline Summary
Table 3-4: Non-Oil and Gas Land Use Dispositions in the Local Study Area (cont’d)
Legal Location Activity ID Type of Activity Client Name Status 4-07-095-31-10 LOC 860906 Licence of Occupation Northland Forest Active/Disposed 4-07-095-31-15 – access road Products Ltd. Nov. 14, 1986 4-07-096-05-02 until Nov. 13, 4-07-096-05-03 2011 4-07-096-05-04 4-07-096-06-01 4-07-096-06-02 4-07-095-34-NE LOC 962153 Licence of Occupation Suncor Energy Letter of Authority 4-07-096-02-SW – access road Inc. Amendment 4-07-096-03-SE Jan. 10, 1997 until Dec. 18, 2021 4-07-095-32-SW PNT 890583 Protective Notation Public Lands and Approved 4-07-095-32-NW Forests Nov. 30, 1989 until Nov. 30, 2009 NOTES: The Status column represents different stages in a project’s lifecycle: Application – an application for a disposition or activity has been made, but approval has not yet been granted. Active/Disposed – a disposition or activity has been approved. Dates for the term of approval are usually included. Cancelled: Outstanding – approval for a disposition has been cancelled, but the client has outstanding requirements that must be completed before the disposition is considered fully cancelled. SOURCE: Alberta Energy 2004 ♦
July 2005 Page 3-21 VOLUME 9
SECTION 3: Resource Use Subsection 3.4: Fort McMurray-Athabasca Oil Sands Subregional IRP
Fort McMurray-Athabasca Oil Sands Subregional IRP
3.4.1 INTRODUCTION
The goal of the Mildred–Kearl Lakes RMA is to promote orderly planning, exploration and development of resources with emphasis on the area’s oil sands reserves (AEP 1996). The following three goals of the RMA are relevant to the Kearl project:
• to provide opportunities for industry to further identify the extent of oil sands reserves that can be surface mined
• to encourage the orderly, efficient development and production of oil sands reserves that can be surface mined, and to optimize regional and provincial economic and employment benefits
• to encourage the recovery of other valuable mineral, aggregate and surface material resources during the mining and processing of oil sands
The goal of the Athabasca–Clearwater RMA is to protect the aesthetic, recreational, traditional and environmental values of the natural landscape. The landscape includes water, wildlife habitat, ecology and geology. The RMA goal of exploring and developing mineral and surface material resources in a way that protects and minimizes impacts on unstable slopes and on the watershed, wildlife, ecological, historical, traditional and recreational values of the RMA, is relevant to the Kearl project
The Kearl project is consistent with the above goals for both the Mildred–Kearl Lakes RMA and the Athabasca–Clearwater RMA. For information on resource-specific IRP guidelines, see the discussion in the subsections following. ♦
July 2005 Page 3-23 VOLUME 9
SECTION 3: Resource Use Subsection 3.5: Aggregate Resources
Aggregate Resources
3.5.1 INTRODUCTION
Aggregate is an important resource in the oil sands region that is used in the construction and maintenance of roads, infrastructure and plant sites.
3.5.2 METHODS
Data on quantities and sources of aggregate in the RSA, and estimated aggregate requirements for the Kearl project was used to qualitatively assess the effects of current and future aggregate demands on the availability of the resource. The Kearl project was also evaluated for consistency with guidelines in the IRP.
3.5.3 EXISTING AND APPROVED CASE
Currently, most aggregate demand in the RSA is supplied by two glaciofluvial deposits: Poplar Creek and Susan Lake gravel pits (see Figure 3-2). The only current requirement for aggregate in the LSA is for periodic upgrading of Canterra Road.
A recent RIWG survey on existing supply and annual demand in the region indicated a severe shortage of aggregate, with only 37.2 million m3 of aggregate remaining from commercial sources, including the Susan Lake and Poplar Creek pits (Birch Mountain 2004a; RIWG 2003).
3.5.4 PROJECT CASE
3.5.4.1 Linkage Analysis
Project construction and operations will use a considerable quantity of the aggregate currently available. Therefore, effect of the project on aggregate resources is a valid issue for consideration. For the linkage diagram that shows project effects on aggregate resources, see Figure 3-4.
Facility and Effects on infrastructure development Use of aggregate resources regional aggregate resources
Figure 3-4: Aggregate Resources Linkage Diagram
July 2005 Page 3-25 VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
3.5.4.2 Mitigation
An important component of the Kearl mine development plan is reliable sources of aggregate for constructing roads and infrastructure. Up until the winter of 2005, a few isolated occurrences of aggregate were identified in the PDA through legacy soil surveys and from coring and overburden drilling programs. So far, there has been a limited effort to explore for and delineate these and potentially other deposits.
As part of the 2005 coring program in the PDA, an exploration program was completed to identify potential usable granular deposits. A number of target gravel pits on the PDA were identified based on the known isolated occurrences, described previously, and the physical features commonly associated with these granular materials. A seismic drill rig was used to test these target areas by drilling a series of auger holes. Any promising evidence of aggregate was followed-up with a limited test pit program using a backhoe. Additional exploration work will be done in 2006 to further delineate the granular resource and provide volume estimates.
The project aggregate management plan is to locate and use as much aggregate as possible from deposits in the project leases to limit the amount of aggregate required from external sources.
3.5.4.3 Effects Analysis
The Kearl project will need aggregate for the construction of roads, infrastructure and plant sites. For preliminary estimates of the required volumes, see Table 3-5.
Table 3-5: Aggregate Volume – Estimated Requirements for the Kearl Project
Mining Requirements Type and Size (m3)(a) Concrete 0.2 million Crushed – 75 mm 27.58 million Granular pit run 49.7 million Total estimate 77.48 million NOTE: (a) Roads and infrastructure.
The project aggregate management plan is to use as much of the required aggregate as possible from deposits within the PDA. The remaining portion will likely be sourced from other commercial sources. Based on preliminary estimates, there is not expected to be surplus aggregate material from the PDA for use elsewhere.
Page 3-26 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 3.5: Aggregate Resources
It is estimated the project will require 77.48 million m3 of aggregate. The currently available commercial supply is estimated to be 37.2 million m3 (RIWG 2003). 3.5.4.4 Applicable IRP Guidelines The guidelines for the Athabasca–Clearwater RMA state that instream gravel production requires a 50-m (metre) buffer from the high-water mark of any river. However, a similar buffer is not applied to oil sands mining operations. Mining is allowed throughout the PDA, provided that proposed mitigation measures and reclamation procedures reflect the characteristics and sensitivities of the area. Some aggregate resources in the PDA might be associated with fluvial deposits along those upper reaches of the Muskeg River to be diverted during mining operations. Salvage of these materials would be done as part of orderly mine advance and, hence, would be consistent with IRP guidelines. 3.5.5 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CASE 3.5.5.1 Effects Analysis As indicated previously, the estimated aggregate requirements for the project will exceed the remaining commercially available supply. However, the full extent of the remaining aggregate resources has yet to be explored. Birch Mountain Resources Ltd. (Birch Mountain) has identified new, potential aggregate sources in the RSA. Birch Mountain recently filed an application for approval of the proposed Muskeg Valley Quarry, a limestone quarry about 18 km southwest of the LSA. An independent prefeasibility study was also done for their Hammerstone project, a proposed southern extension to the Muskeg Valley Quarry. This independent prefeasibility report defined 1.19 x 109 t (tonnes) (661,111,111 m3) of limestone reserve in the two project areas that could potentially be used for aggregate production (Birch Mountain 2005). Birch Mountain estimates that its Hammerstone project should supply more than 50 years of forecasted oil sands industry demand for aggregate (Birch Mountain 2004b). Quantifying the effects of potential developments on regional aggregate resources is also difficult because most potential projects in this assessment case have not estimated or identified their aggregate requirements in detail. If it is assumed that potential projects will need the same quantity of aggregate as the project, then additional sources of aggregate beyond those identified by Birch Mountain will need to be found. Although the major users of aggregate in the RSA are oil sands developments, the proposed East Athabasca Access Road will also likely need significant quantities of aggregate. In addition, the North East Alberta Transportation Initiative, which proposes road and heavy rail system upgrades in the RSA, will likely also be a major draw on aggregate resources. For more information on these two initiatives, see Volume 3, Section 11, and the discussion under Access, in this section.
July 2005 Page 3-27 VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
3.5.6 PREDICTION CONFIDENCE The information used to assess potential project effects on aggregate resources was reliable. The total quantity of available aggregate resources in the RSA is not fully explored. Additionally, the requirements for other projects are also not fully estimated at this time.
3.5.7 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING Imperial Oil will continue its participation in RIWG in an effort to develop solutions to the long-term demands for aggregate resources in the RSA.
3.5.8 SUMMARY
The project aggregate management plan is to use as much of the required aggregate as possible from deposits in the PDA. The remaining portion will likely be sourced from other commercial sources. Based on preliminary estimates, there is not expected to be surplus aggregate material from the PDA for use elsewhere. It is estimated that the project requirement for aggregate will exceed the currently available commercial supply. Birch Mountain has identified new potential aggregate sources in the RSA, which could supply more than 50 years of forecasted oil sands industry demand. ♦
Page 3-28 July 2005 VOLUME 9
SECTION 3: Resource Use Subsection 3.6: Agriculture
Agriculture
3.6.1 INTRODUCTION
The potential for project effects on agricultural activities in the LSA was assessed.
3.6.2 METHODS
A search for agricultural activities in the RSA used existing information from Golder (2001) and was supplemented for the LSA by information from Alberta Energy’s (2004) Land Status Automated System (LSAS).
3.6.3 EXISTING AND APPROVED CASE
Soils in the LSA and RSA severely limit the potential for sustainable agricultural activities. As a result, there are no agricultural operations in the LSA or RSA (Alberta Energy 2004; Golder 2001) other than the Syncrude bison paddock.
3.6.4 PROJECT CASE
There is no agricultural activity in the RSA. Therefore, the project will not affect agricultural activities and the assessment linkage is invalid.
3.6.5 PREDICTION CONFIDENCE
Confidence in the quality of available information is high.
3.6.6 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING
No management or monitoring of agricultural activities is required.
3.6.7 SUMMARY
There are no agricultural operations in the LSA or RSA. ♦
July 2005 Page 3-29 VOLUME 9
SECTION 3: Resource Use Subsection 3.7: Forestry
Forestry
3.7.1 INTRODUCTION
Mine construction and operations will require clearing of extensive tracts of forest and will influence Al-Pac’s timber harvest management decisions in FMU A15. Therefore, effects of the project on timber harvesting activities were assessed.
3.7.2 METHODS
Timber productivity for the LSA was evaluated using AVI data. In the AVI system, stands were given a timber productivity rating of good, moderate, fair or unproductive. For this assessment, black spruce and tamarack stands were considered unproductive because they are not harvested. A large area of the LSA was burned by a forest fire in 2002 and was not included in productivity or fibre volume calculations.
The AVI data used in this assessment was based on 1998 photography and was approved by Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (ASRD) in 2002 (D. Cheyne 2004, personal communication). Disturbance information was incorporated in the analysis based on 2003 as-built information and 2004 aerial photographs. Al-Pac ground checked and audited the AVI information.
Merchantable fibre volume was estimated using Alberta Environment’s Volume Look-up Table. This table was developed using historical AVI data for the Central Mixedwood Subregion. It provides average coniferous, deciduous and total volume factors, e.g., height and crown closure for coniferous, deciduous and mixedwood community types.
3.7.3 EXISTING AND APPROVED CASE
A number of terrain alterations in the LSA have removed timber from the harvestable land base. These terrain alterations, totalling 470 ha, include Canterra Road, numerous cutlines, and areas that have and will be affected as part of Imperial Oil’s drilling program. Forest fire burned an additional 4332 ha of the LSA in 2002. Of the 4332 ha burned, 1824 ha was productive timber.
3.7.4 PROJECT CASE
The project will require the removal of large volumes of merchantable timber from the LSA. Therefore, effect of the project on timber resources is a valid issue for consideration. For the linkage diagram that shows project effects on forestry, see Figure 3-5.
July 2005 Page 3-31 VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
Site clearing
Removal of merchantable timber Effects on forestry
Closure and reclamation
Figure 3-5: Forestry Linkage Diagram
3.7.4.1 Mitigation
Al-Pac and Imperial Oil are working together to develop an integrated land management (ILM) strategy to manage the forest resource efficiently and effectively. For example, Al-Pac has developed harvesting plans that integrate their AAC requirements with the clearing requirements for the project. This approach will reduce cumulative forest clearing and fragmentation.
A water pipeline will be required for the project. The pipeline will run from the PDA to the Athabasca River and the merchantable timber from the pipeline right- of-way will need to be harvested. As part of its ILM, Imperial Oil will discuss timber clearing requirements with Al-Pac to integrate clearing requirements for the project (see Figure 3-6) with Al-Pac’s harvesting plans.
Imperial Oil will work with ASRD to ensure that merchantable timber volumes within the mine footprint, but outside Al-Pac’s FMA area, are accounted for and harvested as per ASRD requirements.
One of the main goals of the reclamation plan for the project is to restore the PDA to equivalent land capability for forestry and equivalent forest productivity. The Closure, Conservation and Reclamation Plan (see Volume 2, Section 9) outlines the methods for re-establishing forest lands in the LSA. Reclamation will be phased over the life of the mine, which will allow re-establishment of forested lands as early as possible. Imperial Oil will work with the CEMA Reclamation Working Group to help develop methods to estimate future forest productivity.
Page 3-32 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 3.7: Forestry
Figure 3-6: Clearing Requirements for the First 10 Years of the Kearl Project
July 2005 Page 3-33 VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
3.7.4.2 Land Capability Ratings
Land capability ratings were assigned to the closure landscape based on the following factors:
• overburden characteristics – the texture and chemistry of overburden varies across the PDA. For example, finer-textured material is more common in the northern half of the footprint, overburden material in the southern half of the footprint is sandier. Capability of reclaimed soils in overburden disposal areas will depend on the nature of these substrate materials.
• topographic position –use of variable soil and subsoil textures, in addition to variations in topography, will provide a range of moisture regimes and land capabilities. Together, they will help establish a variety of vegetation communities and habitats.
• characteristics of cover soil – all reconstructed soils using a peat–mineral mix will have medium nutrient regimes. Therefore, the factors that determine differences in land capability will be largely related to the texture of the mineral soil in the mix, texture of underlying subsoils and soil moisture regime. Reclamation prescriptions using finer-textured overburden in upland areas will have higher land capability ratings than those using coarse-textured material with lower moisture-holding capacity. This effect will be magnified on steeper slopes, particularly if the slope has a southeast to southwest aspect.
Based on the proposed closure plan, the area of productive land for forestry (capability Classes 1 to 3) will increase overall by 4705 ha, or 48 percent (see Table 3-6). Class 3 lands will increase by 6620 ha, primarily because formerly nonproductive wetlands (measured by potential for forestry) will be reclaimed to low-capability upland soils.
Areas with transitional Gleysolic soils will also largely be reclaimed to low-capability Class 3 areas, which will lead to a loss of 1498 ha of Class 4 (conditionally nonproductive) lands. Class 1 (high capability) lands will be reduced by 264 ha. Class 2 (moderate capability) lands will be reduced by 1651 ha. In the reclaimed landscape, Class 1 soils will occur as inclusions in Class 2 areas in the reclaimed landscape. Water and disturbed land are classified as Class 5, permanently nonproductive.
Page 3-34 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 3.7: Forestry
Table 3-6: Changes in Land Capability Classes Following Reclamation
Existing and Approved Case Closure Change Proportion Proportion Proportion of Soils and of Soils and of Soils and Capability Area Terrain LSA Area Terrain LSA Area Terrain LSA Class (ha) (%) (ha) (%) (ha) (%) 1 313 1.2 49 0.2 -264 -1.0 2 2,950 11.1 1,299 4.9 -1,651 -6.2 3 6,530 24.7 13,150 49.7 6,620 25.0 4 3,686 14.0 2,188 8.3 -1,498 -5.7 5 13,001 49.0 9,794 36.9 -3,207 -12.1 Total 26,480 100 26,480 100 0 0 NOTE: Water and disturbed land are classified as Class 5, permanently nonproductive.
For land capability classes under the Existing and Approved Case, and following closure and reclamation, see Figure 3-7 and Figure 3-8.
3.7.4.3 Effects Analysis
For the preliminary estimates of merchantable timber volumes to be harvested from the LSA during project construction and operations, see Table 3-7. Al-Pac’s new forest management plan is currently under review by ASRD; therefore, specific AAC values for FMU A15 have not yet been approved. As a result, an assessment of timber clearing requirements for the project cannot be made in the context of the AAC.
Table 3-7: Area and Fibre Volume of Productive Forest in the Local Study Area – Project Case
Deciduous Fibre Coniferous Area Volume Fibre Volume Productive(a, b) Forest in the LSA (ha)(c) (m3) (m3) Located in Al-Pac’s FMA 6,841 1,053,359 254,670 Located outside Al-Pac’s FMA 918 59,964 60,421 Entire LSA 7,759 1,113,323 315,089 NOTES: (a) There are 4332 ha of timber in the LSA that were burned after 1998. Because the burn information has not been incorporated in the AVI yet, burned areas were not included in calculations of productive timber. (b) Productive coniferous forest includes only jack pine and white spruce. Productive mixedwood forest includes only trembling aspen, white birch, jack pine, balsam poplar and white spruce. (c) All existing and approved disturbances in the LSA have been removed from area totals. These numbers have been updated to reflect footprint changes since baseline surveys were completed. SOURCES: Al-Pac 2004 and AVI 1998
July 2005 Page 3-35 VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
Figure 3-7: Land Capability Classes in the Soils and Terrain Local Study Area – EAC
Page 3-36 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 3.7: Forestry
Figure 3-8: Land Capability Classes Following Closure and Reclamation
July 2005 Page 3-37 VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
Al-Pac will harvest parts of the PDA as part of their 97074 ILM harvest plan, which they are currently preparing. The plan will involve harvesting all merchantable timber in the 10-year mine development footprint over three years. Al-Pac will harvest the merchantable timber from the next phase of mine development about five years after the first cut (D. Pope 2005, personal communication). For clearing requirements for the first 10 years of the project, see Figure 3-6. Areas will be harvested according to Al-Pac’s operational ground rules. Reforestation commitments for Al-Pac will be waived if the project lease areas are withdrawn from the Al-Pac FMA area.
Al-Pac’s draft forest management plan (FMP) for FMU A15 outlines forest-management strategies for the other portions of the area that can be surface mined for oil sands (Al-Pac 2004). In FMU A15, about 40,000 ha of productive forest land in the surface mineable oil sands area have been targeted as part of Al-Pac’s timber supply analysis sequence to be fully harvested over the next 15 years.
Wood felled during industrial clearing is considered salvaged wood, and Al-Pac is not required to factor this clearing into its AAC. However, whenever possible, the salvage timber is accounted for in timber planning and forest management in the FMU. Timber to be cleared for the project will likely be charged against the AAC.
Reclamation is expected to return the LSA to equivalent land capability for forestry. Once reclaimed and planted to trees, lands would be available for commercial harvest again in 80 years for deciduous species and 120 years for coniferous species, based on typical growth rates for the area.
3.7.4.4 Applicable IRP Guidelines
The integrated resource plan guidelines for the Athabasca–Clearwater RMA relating to forestry focus on harvesting operations by forestry companies. The forestry-related guideline for the Mildred–Kearl Lakes RMA stipulates that where loss of the forest land base occurs through surface mining, reforestation can be done at locations identified during the development and reclamation stages. Reclamation of the project will be phased over the life of the project, and reforestation of disturbed areas will occur at the earliest opportunity. The reclamation plan for the project ensures compliance with this guideline.
3.7.5 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CASE
No known future development other than the Kearl project has been identified for the LSA. Therefore, a Potential Development Case was not assessed.
Page 3-38 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 3.7: Forestry
3.7.6 PREDICTION CONFIDENCE
Confidence in the quality of the AVI and disturbance data used in this assessment is high. Analytical techniques used to calculate preliminary timber volumes followed industry standard and confidence in them is high. Confidence in the ability of ILM to reduce effects to resources is high, as is the use of reclamation plans to re-establish forest land capability.
3.7.7 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING
Imperial Oil will work with Al-Pac to develop an ILM plan.
The Al-Pac FMA area FMP includes commitments to identify a series of ecological benchmarks that are representative of the habitat diversity of the FMA (Al-Pac 2004). Al-Pac has completed a protected area gap analysis for the FMA and identified potential representative benchmark areas that meet regional requirements for long-term reference areas.
Al-Pac has identified and voluntarily deferred harvest in two large areas in the FMA. These ecological benchmarks will act as reference areas. The two sites, Athabasca and Gypsy–Gordon, contain forest types representative of those found in the project leases. Imperial Oil will support the development of these benchmark areas as a reference to compare with reclaimed portions of the project leases. Imperial Oil supports protection of these sites as regional benchmark areas.
3.7.8 SUMMARY
Al-Pac and Imperial Oil have been working together to develop an ILM strategy that will integrate harvesting plans with the clearing requirements for the project.
Imperial Oil will work with ASRD to ensure that merchantable timber volumes in the PDA, but outside Al-Pac’s FMA area, are accounted for and harvested as per ASRD requirements.
Reclamation of the Kearl mine is expected to return the LSA to equivalent land capability for forestry. ♦
July 2005 Page 3-39 VOLUME 9
SECTION 3: Resource Use Subsection 3.8: Hunting and Trapping
Hunting and Trapping
3.8.1 INTRODUCTION
The following RSAs were used to assess effects on hunting and trapping:
• WMU 530 (see Figure 3-1) • RFMAs 1714, 1716, 2137 and 2172
3.8.2 METHODS
Development footprints for each assessment case were used to quantify loss of hunting and trapping areas in WMU 530 and RFMAs 1714, 1716, 2137 and 2172.
3.8.3 EXISTING AND APPROVED CASE
Industrial developments, such as oil sands operations, have removed large areas of land used for hunting and trapping in WMU 530, and also removed certain RFMAs. In the LSA and the RSAs, additional effects on hunting and trapping opportunities have resulted from numerous road and cutline systems. Roads and cutlines, however, also provide easier access to traplines and preferred hunting spots. The 2002 forest fire also reduced trapping potential in both the LSA and RSA. For the current area of disturbance in the RSA, see Table 3-8.
Table 3-8: Cumulative Footprints in the Regional Study Areas
Management Area Cumulative Footprint Area Existing and Potential Size Approved Case Project Case Development Case Name(a) (ha) (ha) (%) (ha) (%) (ha) (%) LSA 22,825 4,802 (4,332) 21.0 22,825 100.0 5,662 24.8 WMU 530 2,170,076 81,168 (12,923) 3.7 99,497 4.6 140,164 6.5 RFMA 1714 38,572 10,045 (6,905) 26.0 18,755 48.6 14,987 38.9 RFMA 1716 23,655 205 (29) 0.9 7,621 32.2 1,409 6.0 RFMA 2137 27,095 9,991 (0) 36.8 10,438 38.5 9,983 36.8 RFMA 2172 37,071 17,973 (256) 48.5 19,304 52.1 28,361 76.5 NOTES: (a) The RFMAs are presented separately to identify the effect on individual RFMAs. The number in parentheses is the portion of the disturbance area that is burned.
July 2005 Page 3-41 VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
3.8.4 PROJECT CASE
3.8.4.1 Linkage Analysis
Site clearing for the Kearl project will alter the available habitat for species of hunting and trapping concern in the LSA. Therefore, effect of the project on hunting and trapping is a valid issue for consideration. For the linkage diagram that shows project effects on hunting and trapping, see Figure 3-9.
Change in wildlife habitat How will addition Change in preferred hunting of the Kearl project and trapping locations affect hunting and To trapping? traditional land use Closure and reclamation
Figure 3-9: Hunting and Trapping Linkage Diagram
3.8.4.2 Mitigation
For mitigation related to wildlife mortality and potential alteration of wildlife habitat, see Volume 7, Section 5.
The goal of the Closure, Conservation and Reclamation Plan (see Volume 2, Section 9) is to restore the LSA to equivalent land capability for hunting and trapping.
Imperial Oil will compensate trappers for damage to their traplines and loss of fur revenue, both temporary and permanent.
3.8.4.3 Effects Analysis
Clearing associated with the Kearl project will result in a temporary loss of wildlife habitat in the RSA. In WMU 530, addition of the project to existing and approved developments will result in a cumulative footprint of 99,497 ha of the total 2,170,026 ha (see Table 3-8). This amounts to a loss of less than five percent of the WMU and will not substantially reduce hunting opportunities. Project clearing will also affect trapline holders in the RSA. For cumulative footprints within WMU 530 and individual RFMAs, see Table 3-8.
The wildlife EIA (see Volume 7, Section 5) provides an evaluation of the change in habitat availability for certain species of hunting and trapping importance. The change in habitat availability is based on the net change in habitat units, which are a representation of habitat quality and quantity. For a summary of the findings of that assessment for the LSA, see Table 3-9.
Page 3-42 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 3.8: Hunting and Trapping
Table 3-9: Change in Habitat Availability in the Local Study Area – Existing and Approved Case at Closure
Species Percent Change in Habitat Availability Moose +1.3 Black bear +1.0 Waterfowl (staging habitat) +397.7 Beaver +125.3 Fisher -19.0 Canada lynx -16.5 Snowshoe hare -15.6
For further discussion of the potential effects of mine operations and clearing on wildlife habitat and mortality, see Volume 7, Section 5.
3.8.4.4 Applicable IRP Guidelines
For the IRP guidelines related to wildlife, see Volume 7, Section 5.
3.8.5 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CASE
The project at closure, combined with other potential developments, will result in an additional increase in disturbance in the hunting RSA (WMU 530) of about two percent (see Table 3-7). As with the Project Case, the Potential Development Case will not have a significant effect on the RSA.
For RFMAs 1714, 1716 and 2137, there will be a net decrease in the amount of disturbance, as opportunities for trapping interrupted by the project return in the LSA. However, RFMA 2172 will show an increase in disturbance because of other potential developments.
3.8.6 PREDICTION CONFIDENCE
Confidence in baseline data is moderate to high. Comprehensive wildlife baseline field surveys were done throughout the LSA to establish habitat conditions (see Volume 7, Section 5). Baseline information from previous EIAs was reviewed to validate and cross-check findings of baseline surveys for the Kearl project. Habitat suitability modelling was done using standard and accepted procedures. For additional information on wildlife baseline information and habitat modelling, see Volume 7, Section 5.
July 2005 Page 3-43 VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
3.8.7 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING
Imperial Oil is a member of CEMA and participates with SEWG in developing an environmental management system aimed at sustaining wildlife populations for:
• safe consumption • subsistence hunting and trapping • commercial trapping, guiding and outfitting
Imperial Oil will compensate trappers for damage to their traplines and loss of fur revenue.
3.8.8 SUMMARY
In WMU 530, the cumulative footprint from existing and approved projects and the Kearl project will be less than five percent of the 2,170,026-ha RSA. Therefore, there will be no substantial reduction in hunting opportunities in the RSA.
Imperial Oil will compensate trappers for damage to their traplines and loss of fur revenue.
Opportunities for hunting and trapping in the LSA will gradually return as reclamation of the PDA occurs.
Following reclamation and closure, there will be a decrease in habitat availability for species of trapping interest (fisher, Canada lynx and snowshoe hare), except for beaver, and an increase in habitat availability for species of hunting interest (moose, black bear and waterfowl). ♦
Page 3-44 July 2005 VOLUME 9
SECTION 3: Resource Use Subsection 3.9: Fishing
Fishing
3.9.1 INTRODUCTION
3.9.1.1 Fishing Opportunities
Mine development will alter the landscape, which in turn will cause alterations in surface hydrology, which will affect fishing opportunities.
3.9.1.1 Fish Tainting
Tainting in fish is defined as abnormal flavour, aroma or texture of edible fish tissue. Tainting is of concern for fish species that are consumed by people. For technical details about fish tainting, see Appendix 3.
3.9.2 METHODS
3.9.2.1 Fishing Opportunities
Potential effects of the project on sport fishing were assessed by examining habitat alteration relative to sport fishing opportunities. Areas of disturbance for each assessment case were used to quantify loss of fishing areas in the RSA.
3.9.2.2 Fish Tainting
Water quality models (see Volume 6, Section 5) evaluate the potential for tainting in watercourses potentially affected by the project, including:
• Kearl Lake • Wapasu Creek • Unnamed Creek • Firebag River • Muskeg River • Athabasca River
3.9.3 EXISTING AND APPROVED CASE – FISHING OPPORTUNITIES
Industrial developments, such as oil sands projects, have altered the natural hydrology of a number of areas in the RSA. Though there are only a few popular fishing locations in the RSA and roads and cutlines associated with industrial development have improved access to these locations. The only popular fishing location identified in the LSA is Kearl Lake.
July 2005 Page 3-45 VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
3.9.4 PROJECT CASE – FISHING OPPORTUNITIES
3.9.4.1 Linkage Analysis
Although no sport fish were found in the LSA during baseline surveys, the project will alter the headwaters and drainage characteristics of the Muskeg River and could affect downstream fishing potential. Therefore, effect of the project on fishing opportunities is a valid issue for consideration. For the linkage diagram that shows project effects on fishing, see Figure 3-10.
Project construction
Change in fish habitat Alteration of preferred sport fishing locations Effects on fishing
Closure and reclamation
Figure 3-10: Fishing Linkage Diagram
3.9.4.2 Mitigation
Imperial Oil proposes to extend Kearl Lake to address the loss of stream habitat. For further details on these extension plans, see the Conceptual Compensation Plan – Fish Habitat in Volume 2, Section 6. The proposed Kearl Lake extension will be designed to provide habitat for sport species.
3.9.4.3 Effects Analysis
There is no documentation to indicate that the streams and waterbodies that will be lost support sport species, though the habitats in these locations have some limited suitability for northern pike. The proposed Kearl Lake extension will compensate for the loss of sport fishing opportunities in the LSA by providing areas in Kearl Lake where fish could overwinter.
For a discussion of potential effects on fish and fish habitat, see Volume 6, Section 6.
3.9.4.4 Applicable IRP Guidelines
The fisheries-related guideline for the Athabasca–Clearwater RMA requires emphasis on site selection and erosion control for proposed developments. The purpose is to maintain riparian habitat and shoreline vegetation and to protect water quality and fish-spawning and fish-rearing habitat.
Page 3-46 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 3.9: Fishing
Because the Kearl project has planned diversions of the Muskeg River, the shoreline vegetation will be cleared. The RMA guideline permits clearing of vegetation along the shoreline only if it provides significant benefits to the public. Vegetation removed along the Muskeg River will be replaced by wetland and riparian communities associated with sustained drainage features in the closure landscape.
3.9.5 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CASE – FISHING OPPORTUNITIES The proposed Kearl Lake extension will compensate the loss of sport fishing opportunities in the LSA. Therefore, the Potential Development Case was not assessed.
3.9.6 PREDICTION CONFIDENCE – FISHING OPPORTUNITIES Confidence in information gathered from the fish habitat baseline surveys and the analytical techniques used to analyze the data is high. Confidence in the success of the proposed Kearl Lake extension as a habitat-compensation measure is high (see Volume 6, Section 6).
3.9.7 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING – FISHING OPPORTUNITIES Imperial Oil is a member of CEMA and participates with SEWG in developing an environmental management system aimed at sustaining fish populations for: • safe consumptive use • subsistence purposes
3.9.8 SUMMARY – FISHING OPPORTUNITIES There is no documentation to indicate that the stream and waterbody areas that will be lost support sport fish species, though the habitats in these locations do present limited suitability for northern pike. The Kearl Lake extension is proposed to address the loss of stream habitat. For further details, see the Conceptual Compensation Plan – Fish Habitat in Volume 2, Section 6.
3.9.9 EXISTING AND APPROVED CASE – FISH TAINTING Four existing or approved open-pit oil sands developments lay within the Muskeg River watershed in the aquatics study area (ASA).
3.9.10 PROJECT CASE – FISH TAINTING
3.9.10.1 Linkage Analysis Seepage and outflow from pit lakes associated with the project could cause fish tainting through direct exposure to tainting compounds in water. The project is predicted to result in negligible changes to sediment quality in the LSA (see Volume 6, Section 5). Therefore, the linkage between sediment and tainting is invalid.
July 2005 Page 3-47 VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
Indirect exposure to tainting compounds through dietary uptake of tainted organisms could occur in the oil sands region. However, because there is no quantitative data on the concentrations of tainting substances in fish food organisms, this potential effects pathway was not examined. If negligible changes are predicted for water and sediment quality, then negligible changes in the indirect exposure pathway would also be expected.
3.9.10.2 Mitigation
Potential fish tissue tainting impacts from the Kearl project, and existing and approved developments, are directly related to changes in receiving water quality, which result primarily from the release of process-affected water. For a description of mitigation measures that will be used to limit potential effects of changes in water quality see Volume 6, Section 5.
3.9.10.3 Effects Analysis
Results of water quality modelling indicate that potential tainting concentrations in all waterbodies are expected to remain below the tainting threshold for the life of the project and into the far-future. Potential tainting levels in the Muskeg and Athabasca rivers are also expected to remain below the tainting threshold for the life of the project and into the far-future. Therefore, negligible effects on fish tainting are predicted to occur as a result of the project.
3.9.11 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CASE – FISH TAINTING
3.9.11.1 Linkage Analysis
As explained in the Project Case, fish might only become exposed to tainting substances as a result of direct exposure to tainting substances in water.
3.9.11.2 Effects Analysis
Results of water quality modelling for the Potential Development Case indicate that potential tainting of fish in Kearl Lake, the Muskeg River and the Athabasca River are not expected to occur (see Volume 6, Section 5).
3.9.12 PREDICTION CONFIDENCE – FISH TAINTING
Confidence in the predictions for fish tainting resulting from the water to fish linkage is high, because conservative assumptions were used to predict potential tainting levels in the waterbodies. Even using conservative assumptions, potential tainting concentrations are much lower than the tainting threshold.
Page 3-48 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 3.9: Fishing
3.9.13 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING – FISH TAINTING
Imperial Oil is an active participant in CONRAD and its ongoing work to address tainting potential. Imperial Oil also participates in RAMP, CEMA, CONRAD and other regional initiatives involved in ongoing research, development and aquatic monitoring in the oil sands region.
3.9.14 SUMMARY – FISH TAINTING
Tainting potential in all waterbodies is predicted to remain below the threshold throughout the life of the project and into the far-future. No fish tainting is predicted to result from the project combined with other existing and approved and potential developments. ♦
July 2005 Page 3-49 VOLUME 9
SECTION 3: Resource Use Subsection 3.10: Designated Ecological Areas
Designated Ecological Areas
3.10.1 INTRODUCTION
In addition to the La Saline Natural Area and one Crown reservation, there are a number of environmentally significant areas (ESAs) in the RSA (see Figure 3-3).
For details about designated ecological areas, see Volume 3, Section 11.
3.10.2 METHODS
Potential effects on ESAs were evaluated by considering why the area was identified as an ESA and by calculating the extent of the ESA that would be affected by the development footprint.
3.10.3 EXISTING AND APPROVED CASE
Industrial developments, such as oil sands operations, roads and cutlines alter land within ESA boundaries in the RSA. The 2002 forest fire also disturbed the ecological features within certain ESA boundaries. For the area of cumulative footprints in each ESA, see Table 3-10.
Table 3-10: Cumulative Footprints in Environmentally Significant Areas – Existing and Approved Case
Total Disturbed Area Area(a) Ecologically Significant Area (ha) (ha)(b) (%) Athabasca River–Tar Sands Reach(c) 31,244 8,818 28.2 Ells River 4,433 53 1.2 Eymundson Sinkholes 841 12 1.4 Firebag River 5,750 35 0.6 McClelland Lake 6,403 26 0.4 McClelland Lake Fen 3,070 2,111 68.8 McClelland Lake Sinkholes 1,451 53 3.7 Birch Mountain Caribou Area 823 229 27.8 Calumet Plains 17,619 6,317 35.9 Calumet River 2,269 774 34.1 Dover River 1,895 13 0.7 Dover-MacKay Moose Area 3,560 89 2.5 Fort Hills 17,635 5,565 31.6 Hartley Creek 3,312 448 13.5 Joslyn Creek Old-Growth Forest 159 6 3.8
July 2005 Page 3-51 VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
Table 3-10: Cumulative Footprints in Environmentally Significant Areas – Existing and Approved Case (cont’d)
Total Disturbed Area Area(a) ESA (ha) (ha)(b) (%) Kearl Lake 1,429 317 (161) 22.2 Kearl Lake Moose Area 27,179 8,403 (6,612) 30.9 MacKay River 5,318 394 7.4 Muskeg River (North) 8,455 2,716 (1,497) 32.1 Pierre River 1,662 16 1.0 Steepbank River 3,149 75 2.4 Tar River 2,715 2,563 94.4 NOTES: (a) Indicates only the area within the RSA boundary. (b) The number in parentheses is the portion of the cumulative footprint contributed by the burn. (c) Includes the Calumet Old-Growth Forest Regionally Significant ESA and the Ells River Old-Growth Forest Regionally Significant ESA.
3.10.4 PROJECT CASE
3.10.4.1 Linkage Analysis
Project clearing and mining operations will affect parts of ESAs in the LSA. Therefore, effect of the project on the ecological integrity and use of ESAs is a valid issue for consideration. For the linkage diagram that shows project effects on designated ecological areas, see Figure 3-11.
Project construction
Area of altered conditions Effects on within ESA designated ecological areas
Closure and reclamation
Figure 3-11: Designated Ecological Areas Linkage Diagram
3.10.4.2 Mitigation
One of the ESAs, Kearl Lake, will experience an overall increase in size. As outlined in the Conceptual Compensation Plan (see Volume 2, Section 6), it is proposed that Kearl Lake be extended to compensate for the loss of stream habitat.
Page 3-52 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 3.10: Designated Ecological Areas
Certain ESAs have been identified because of their habitat value. The closure, conservation and reclamation measures will result in an improvement in habitat for some species in the LSA, such as moose and waterfowl (see Subsection 3.8, Hunting and Trapping).
3.10.4.3 Effects Analysis
The project will affect the following four regionally significant ESAs:
• Muskeg River • Kearl Lake • Kearl Lake Moose Area • Fort Hills
The proposed water pipeline will pass through the following two provincially significant ESAs:
• McClelland Lake • McClelland Lake Sinkholes
The pipeline will also pass through the regionally significant Fort Hills ESA.
The Muskeg River ESA was identified as an important sport fishing location. However, baseline studies (see Fish and Fish Habitat in Volume 3, Section 6, and Resource Use in Volume 3, Section 11) did not identify the presence of sport fish or indicate the area was used for sport fishing. The Muskeg River ESA currently has 2716 ha of disturbance as a result of the Existing and Approved Case. The Project Case will result in an additional 979 ha (11.6 percent) of disturbed land. The Kearl project has planned diversions of the Muskeg River.
The Kearl Lake ESA is identified as a hydrologically important lake and an important waterfowl staging area. This ESA currently has 317 ha of disturbance as a result of the Existing and Approved Case. The project will result in an additional 137 ha (4.1 percent) of disturbed land. The proposed extension of the ESA, as part of the fish habitat compensation, will result in an enlargement of Kearl Lake and an overall improvement in the Kearl Lake ESA. The extension will provide overwintering areas for sport fish that previously did not exist in the lake and will enlarge staging, reproductive and rearing habitat for waterfowl.
The Kearl Lake Moose Area ESA is a regionally significant ESA that currently has 8403 ha of disturbed land as a result of existing and approved developments. Of the 8403 ha, 6612 ha were altered by fire damage. The project will disturb 12,817 ha (47.2 percent) of the ESA. Following reclamation and project closure, there will be an increase in available moose habitat in the LSA (see Hunting and Trapping). For additional information on the potential effects on moose habitat, see Wildlife in Volume 7, Section 5.
July 2005 Page 3-53 VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
The McClelland Lake ESA is 6403 ha in size. Existing and approved developments have resulted in 26 ha of disturbed land. The water pipeline right-of-way for the project will occupy an additional 13 ha (0.2 percent) of the ESA. The McClelland Lake Sinkholes ESA is 1451 ha in size, of which 53 ha are disturbed land as a result of existing and approved developments. The water pipeline right-of-way will occupy an additional 10 ha (0.7 percent) of the ESA, although the pipeline will not directly encounter any sinkholes. The Fort Hills regionally significant ESA has 5565 ha of disturbed land as a result of existing and approved developments. The proposed water pipeline right-of-way will occupy an additional 4 ha, or 0.02 percent of the ESA.
3.10.4.4 Applicable IRP Guidelines Guidelines for the Athabasca–Clearwater RMA state that:
• development proposals are required to reduce adverse effects on national or provincial ESAs
• surface mining will only be considered in tributaries of the RMA where the proponent clearly demonstrates that efforts are being made to apply mitigation measures and reclamation procedures that reflect the sensitivity of the area
• in the upland portion of the McClelland Lake wetland block, access development should incorporate buffers around sinkholes, along creeks and around the perimeter of the open fen The project will be consistent with the above guidelines. The proposed water supply pipeline passes through two provincially significant ESAs. The pipeline right-of-way will be designed to avoid sensitive features such as sinkholes and the perimeter of the McClelland fen complex. Therefore, additional disturbance of these ESAs from the pipeline can be considered minimal. The water management plan for the Kearl project describes planned diversions of the upper reaches of the Muskeg River (see Volume 2, Section 5). The proposed Kearl Lake extension is designed to compensate for loss of sport fishing that might occur from diverting the upper reaches of the Muskeg River.
3.10.5 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CASE Although the proposed water pipeline for the project will potentially affect two provincially significant ESAs and one regionally significant ESA, there will be no additional disturbance arising from potential developments in the RSA (see Table 3-11).
Page 3-54 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 3.10: Designated Ecological Areas
Table 3-11: Cumulative Disturbance in Environmentally Significant Areas Cumulative Area Disturbed Total Existing and Potential Area(a) Approved Case Project Case Development Case ESA (ha) Hectares Percent Hectares Percent Hectares Percent McClelland Lake 6,403 26 0.4 39 0.6 39 0.6 McClelland Lake 1,451 53 3.7 63 4.3 63 4.3 Sinkholes Fort Hills 17,635 5,565 31.6 5,569 32.1 5,569 32.1 NOTE: (a) Indicates only the area within the RSA boundary.
3.10.6 PREDICTION CONFIDENCE
Overall confidence in available ESA data, and mitigation and compensation measures is medium to high. Data on the ecological functions and features of ESAs was obtained from published reports, and confidence in the data is high. Confidence in the success of the proposed Kearl Lake extension as a habitat-compensation measure is high (see Volume 6, Section 6). Confidence in the wildlife habitat information is medium to high (see Section 3.7.6).
3.10.7 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING
3.10.7.1 Regional Committees
Imperial Oil participates in CEMA and its associated working groups, including SEWG and the Reclamation Working Group.
3.10.7.2 Imperial Oil Initiatives
The Closure, Conservation and Reclamation Plan (see Volume 2, Section 9) will include an integrated, reclamation-monitoring program. This monitoring program will document reclamation success and allow for adaptive management of procedures suitable for specific site conditions. Successful reclamation and closure activities will help re-establish natural ecological conditions in the ESAs.
3.10.8 SUMMARY
Effects on sport fishing in the Muskeg River ESA will be compensated for by the proposed Kearl Lake extension.
The proposed Kearl Lake extension, proposed as part of the fish habitat compensation, will result in an overall improvement in aquatic resources and waterfowl habitat in the Kearl Lake ESA.
Following reclamation in the LSA, there will be an increase in available moose habitat, which is the ecological feature for which the Kearl Lake Moose Area regionally significant ESA was identified. ♦
July 2005 Page 3-55 VOLUME 9
SECTION 3: Resource Use Subsection 3.11: Recreation and Tourism
Recreation and Tourism
3.11.1 INTRODUCTION
Project development will involve clearing vegetation from an area large enough to potentially affect nonconsumptive recreation in the LSA.
For consumptive recreation activities, such as hunting and fishing, see the discussions under those topics.
3.11.2 METHODS
Information from recreation surveys in the area and personal communication with local residents was used to qualitatively evaluate recreation use. Areas of disturbance for each assessment case were used to quantify loss of recreation areas in the RSA.
3.11.3 EXISTING AND APPROVED CASE
A number of development footprints and natural disturbances currently in the RSA and LSA affect recreation opportunities in these areas. Development footprints, totalling 470 ha, include Canterra Road, cutlines and areas that have and will be disturbed as a result of Imperial Oil’s drilling program. Forest fires burned an additional 4332 ha of the 22,825-ha LSA in 2002. Roads and cutlines should not be construed as negative features, as they can provide enhanced access to preferred recreation areas. For a summary of the cumulative disturbance in the LSA and RSA, see Table 3-12.
Table 3-12: Cumulative Disturbed Area in the Local and Regional Study Areas
Study Area Cumulative Disturbed Area
Size Existing and Approved Case Project Case Name (ha) (ha) (%) (ha) (%) LSA 22,825 4802 (4332) 21.0 22,825 100.0 RSA 363,810 107,900 (7668) 29.7 126,233 34.7 NOTE: The number in parentheses is the portion of the disturbance area that is burned.
3.11.4 PROJECT CASE
3.11.4.1 Linkage Analysis
Clearing and mining operations for the Kearl project will remove vegetation and potentially affect recreation opportunities in the LSA. Therefore, effect of the project on recreation is a valid issue for consideration. For the linkage diagram that shows project effects on recreation and tourism, see Figure 3-12.
July 2005 Page 3-57 VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
Site clearing
Alteration of preferred Effects on recreation locations recreation and tourism
Closure and reclamation
Figure 3-12: Recreation and Tourism Linkage Diagram
3.11.4.2 Mitigation
One of the goals of the project’s reclamation plan is to restore the LSA to equivalent land capability for recreation (see Volume 2, Section 9).
3.11.4.3 Effects Analysis
Project construction and mine operations will require clearing of vegetation. This will temporarily reduce recreation potential and disrupt recreational activities in the LSA. For public safety, Imperial Oil will control access in the LSA during project operations (see the discussion under Access).
No campgrounds or other recreational facilities in the LSA will be affected by the project. People from nearby work camps periodically use an informal camp and makeshift boardwalk on the north shore of Kearl Lake. Access to this camp might be temporarily disrupted during mine operations.
Kearl Lake is the only preferred recreation site in the LSA. Therefore, the LSA contributes little to recreation potential in the RSA as a whole. Continued access to Kearl Lake will need to be managed by the oil sands companies that have operations in and around the Kearl Lake area.
3.11.4.4 Applicable IRP Guidelines
The IRP recreation guidelines focus on the Fort Hills Proposed Provincial Recreation Area, and roadside recreation and tourism opportunities. Because Canterra Road, the only major road in the LSA, might be replaced by the proposed East Athabasca Access Road by 2010, there will be no long-term roadside recreation and tourism opportunities in the LSA. Additionally, the project will not affect the proposed recreation area 20 km northwest of the LSA.
3.11.5 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CASE
No other future developments are planned for the LSA, and the Kearl project likely will enhance recreation opportunities by enlarging Kearl Lake. As a result, the Potential Development Case was not assessed.
Page 3-58 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 3.11: Recreation and Tourism
3.11.6 PREDICTION CONFIDENCE
Confidence is high for disturbance data and moderate for recreation-use data compiled from previous surveys.
3.11.7 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING
3.11.7.1 Imperial Oil Initiatives
The Closure, Conservation and Reclamation Plan for the project includes an integrated reclamation-monitoring program (see Volume 2, Section 9). This monitoring program will document reclamation success and allow for adaptive management of procedures suitable for specific site conditions. Successful reclamation will re-establish the recreational capability of LSA.
3.11.8 SUMMARY
Kearl project construction and mine operations will temporarily affect recreational opportunities in the LSA.
One of the goals of the Closure, Conservation and Reclamation Plan is to restore recreation opportunities affected by the project, so that the project will have no long-term effects on recreation in the RSA. ♦
July 2005 Page 3-59 VOLUME 9
SECTION 3: Resource Use Subsection 3.12: Access
Access
3.12.1 INTRODUCTION
Oil sands projects result in the development of winter trails and more permanent access roads in support of exploration, construction and operational activities. These features can allow access to areas previously unavailable to resource users. However, during mining operations, many roads will not be open to the public for safety reasons.
3.12.2 METHODS
Project effects on access were assessed by examining any potential change in number and accessibility of access routes resulting from the Kearl project.
3.12.3 EXISTING AND APPROVED CASE
Access to the LSA is via Canterra Road, which provides direct access to Kearl Lake and the southern parts of the PDA and continues southward to Suncor’s Firebag oil sands leases. Numerous trails, seismic lines and cutlines traverse both the LSA and RSA, providing potential ATV and snowmobile access throughout the study areas (see Figure 3-13). For the linear extent of access features for existing and approved developments in the RSA and LSA, see Table 3-13.
Table 3-13: Linear Extent of Potential Access Routes
Regional Study Area Local Study Area Access Type (km) (km) Primary road 186.5 13.3 Secondary road 0.0 0.0 Minor pipeline 466.5 5.8 Major pipeline 0.0 0.0 Major transmission line 0.0 0.0 Trails, seismic lines and cutlines 3,046.8 255.9 Total length 3,699.8 274.9
July 2005 Page 3-61 VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
Figure 3-13: Access Near the Regional Study Area
Page 3-62 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 3.12: Access
3.12.4 PROJECT CASE
3.12.4.1 Linkage Analysis For public safety, Imperial Oil will be controlling access along potential access routes in the LSA during project operations. Therefore, effect of the project on access is a valid issue for consideration. For the linkage diagram that shows project effects on access, see Figure 3-14.
Facility and infrastructure development
Change in known access routes Effects on access
Closure and reclamation
Figure 3-14: Access Linkage Diagram
3.12.4.2 Mitigation The project will require removal of Canterra Road, which is the main access to the LSA. To replace this road, oil sands industry companies are proposing to build a new access road into the East Athabasca region. The preferred route for this new road will consist of a new bridge across the Athabasca River and a two-lane paved public highway. This route would originate at Highway 63 near the Syncrude plant site, travel east across the Athabasca River, head northeast to follow the existing Firebag utility right-of-way and end at the Canterra Road terminus (see Figure 3-12). The proposed road and bridge is required by 2010 (OIREAAR 2004). During project reclamation, additional access routes constructed as part of the project will be closed. Imperial Oil is continuing consultation with First Nations representatives regarding access concerns, such as maintaining access to Kearl Lake during the project.
3.12.4.3 Effects Analysis For public safety, Imperial Oil will manage access in the LSA during project construction and operations. As a result of this control, available access routes in the LSA will decrease during project operations. Following closure, the level of access development on the closure landscape can vary considerably, depending on land-use priorities selected for the area. For example, if the area is re-established as core security habitat for wildlife, then roads and trails would largely be eliminated from the landscape. Conversely, if the area is established for more intensive multiple use, then a network of roads would be permitted on the landscape. Imperial Oil will work with regulators and stakeholders on access plans for the closure landscape.
July 2005 Page 3-63 VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
3.12.4.4 Applicable IRP Guidelines
The Mildred–Kearl Lakes RMA guidelines encourage proponents of oil sands developments on the east side of the Athabasca River that need pipeline connections to the south, to use the Athabasca oil sands multiple-use corridor proposed by Alberta Environment. However, the proposed East Athabasca Access Road supersedes the corridor, and it is Imperial Oil’s intent to use the proposed access road.
The Athabasca–Clearwater RMA guidelines require that recreation and tourism needs be considered, where possible, in the development of access roads and other linear features, e.g., seismic lines, that service resource-extraction areas. This guideline does not apply to roads within a project site. The Kearl project will use the proposed East Athabasca Access Road. Recreation and tourism needs related to this road are being addressed by RIWG.
The Athabasca–Clearwater RMA guidelines require that reclamation procedures and landscaping techniques be implemented to reduce riverbank disturbances such as erosion and negative visual effects. To meet this guideline, the water management plan for the Kearl project describes planned diversions of the upper reaches of the Muskeg River (see Volume 2, Section 5).
3.12.5 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CASE
Following project closure, access roads in the LSA will be closed, and the project will not affect access outside the LSA. Access issues associated with the potential replacement of Canterra Road with the proposed East Athabasca Access Road will be dealt with as part of the approval process for the new road. Therefore, a Potential Development Case has not been pursued.
3.12.6 PREDICTION CONFIDENCE
Confidence in access data is moderate because it is difficult to have complete knowledge of all access routes and levels of use. Confidence in the success of access-control measures is moderate because it is difficult to completely control all potential user access points.
3.12.7 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING
Imperial Oil will continue its participation in RIWG and the East Athabasca Access Road initiative to ensure future access requirements in the RSA are met.
Imperial Oil is continuing consultation with First Nations representatives regarding access issues, such as maintaining access to Kearl Lake during the project.
Page 3-64 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 3.12: Access
3.12.8 SUMMARY
For public safety, Imperial Oil will manage access in the LSA during construction and operations.
Following closure, all Kearl project access routes will be reclaimed.
Imperial Oil is continuing consultation with First Nations representatives regarding access issues, such as maintaining access to Kearl Lake during the project. ♦
July 2005 Page 3-65 VOLUME 9
SECTION 3: Resource Use Subsection 3.13: Visual Aesthetics
Visual Aesthetics
3.13.1 INTRODUCTION
The Kearl project will result in:
• land clearing • landform modifications • visible steam plumes
Each of these effects has the potential to affect regional aesthetics.
3.13.2 METHODS
Modelling was done to assess effects of the project on visual aesthetics in the RSA. Visual aesthetics were analyzed using ArcGIS, Version 8.3 (ESRI 2003) and the extensions, Spatial Analyst and 3D Analyst. Potential visibility of the project was assessed considering:
• viewshed effects • effects on designated receptor sites • potential effects from production of steam plumes
Viewshed effects were modelled for locations in the landscape where a particular feature, such as a steam plume, can be seen. Several scenarios involving different steam plume heights were modelled. The potential for project generation of ground-level fog was also assessed. Visible plume heights for the cogeneration units were calculated using the hourly meteorological data that was used for the air quality assessment (see Volume 5, Section 2 and Appendix 2B).
Receptor-effects modelling identifies whether a particular mine feature, such as an overburden disposal area, is visible from a receptor point on the landscape. A series of analyses representing the visibility of the project at closure from various observer locations were modelled. Key locations in the RSA selected for analysis included:
• Fort McKay • Clausen’s Landing Provincial Recreation Area • Kearl Lake • Muskeg River
July 2005 Page 3-67 VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
The modelling technique accounts for the curvature of the earth and includes a maximum visibility distance under optimal conditions. The modelling did not take into account:
• climatic conditions, such as cloud cover, rain, mist or fog • mitigation techniques, such as vegetation screening • individual observer variations • small-scale variations in terrain or vegetation cover
3.13.2.1 Data Used for Modelling
Regional terrain was generated from provincially available digital elevation model (DEM) data. Processing included tiling, error correction and augmentation with existing borehole and other survey data. The DEM was enhanced by vegetation cover and height information.
Local visual modelling was produced using a detailed LiDAR-based DEM. Future scenarios of proposed mine pits, and other features such as tailings areas and material stockpiles were superimposed on the local LiDAR base and the regional base to produce visual representation of the project during operations and at closure.
3.13.3 EFFECTS ANALYSIS
The visible steam plumes assessed for the project were those that will be generated from large combustion sources, e.g., the cogeneration units. During the coldest months of the year, moisture in these plumes can condense and become visible. The dimension of these visible plumes will vary depending on the atmospheric conditions and the time of year. The visible plumes from the project will not cause ground-level fog on local roadways. The cogenerators release plume at a rate of 18 m per second, causing the plumes to rise directly up from the stack. It would be several kilometres before the plumes reached the ground and at those distances, moisture in the plume would have dispersed and would no longer be visible. For the areas in which plumes from large combustion sources would be visible, see Figure 3-15 and Figure 3-16.
Line of sight assessment scenarios show that project features at closure are not visible from Fort McKay (see Figure 3-17), Clausen’s Landing Provincial Recreation Area (see Figure 3-18) or the viewpoint along the Muskeg River (see Figure 3-19). From Kearl Lake, however, the tops of the overburden disposal areas are visible (see Figure 3-20).
Emissions from the project are not expected to result in any significant deterioration of visibility in the region.
Page 3-68 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Figure 3-15: Steam Plume Visibility – 50 Percent Likelihood
July 2005 Page 3-69 VOLUME 9
Figure 3-16: Steam Plume Visibility – 10 Percent Likelihood
Page 3-70 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Figure 3-17: Potential Visibility at Closure from Fort McKay
July 2005 Page 3-71 VOLUME 9
Figure 3-18: Potential Visibility at Closure from Clausen’s Landing
Page 3-72 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 3.13: Visual Aesthetics
Figure 3-19: Potential Visibility at Closure from the Muskeg River
July 2005 Page 3-73 VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
Figure 3-20: Potential Visibility at Closure from Kearl Lake
Page 3-74 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 3.13: Visual Aesthetics
3.13.4 Applicable IRP Guidelines
The Mildred–Kearl Lakes RMA guidelines indicate that Alberta Economic Development and Tourism will be included in the referral system for any proposals that might adversely affect potential roadside recreation and tourism opportunities, including viewing areas of special interest. The project will not affect potential roadside recreational opportunities because Canterra Road is scheduled to be replaced by the East Athabasca Access Road.
The Athabasca–Clearwater RMA guidelines identify the need to limit impacts of developments on river users and recreationists using the river as a travel corridor. The project should produce no significant effects on the aesthetics of the Athabasca River Valley.
3.13.5 SUMMARY
Viewshed assessments of steam plume visibility indicated that high-visibility occurrences are relatively rare events (10 percent of the year) during which the plume rises to 108 m above the ground.
Visible plumes from the Kearl project will not cause ground-level fog on local roadways.
Receptor effects assessment scenarios show that project features at closure are not visible from Fort McKay, Clausen’s Landing Provincial Recreation Area or the viewpoint along the Muskeg River. From Kearl Lake, however, the tops of the overburden disposal areas are visible.
Emissions from the project are not expected to result in any significant deterioration of visibility in the region as a result of haze. ♦
July 2005 Page 3-75 VOLUME 9
SECTION 3: Resource Use Subsection 3.14: Conclusions
Conclusions
3.14.1 AGGREGATE RESOURCES
The project aggregate management plan is to use as much of the required aggregate as possible from deposits in the PDA. The remaining portion will likely be sourced from other commercial sources. Based on preliminary estimates, there is not expected to be surplus aggregate material from the PDA for use elsewhere. It is estimated that the project requirement for aggregate will exceed the currently available commercial supply.
Birch Mountain has identified new potential aggregate sources in the RSA, which could supply more than 50 years of forecasted oil sands industry demand.
3.14.2 AGRICULTURE
There are no agricultural operations in the LSA or RSA.
3.14.3 FORESTRY
Al-Pac and Imperial Oil have been working together to develop an ILM strategy that will integrate harvesting plans with the clearing requirements for the project.
Imperial Oil will work with ASRD to ensure that merchantable timber volumes in the mine footprint, but outside Al-Pac’s FMA area, are accounted for and harvested as per ASRD requirements.
Reclamation of the Kearl mine is expected to return the LSA to equivalent land capability for forestry.
3.14.4 HUNTING AND TRAPPING
In WMU 530, the cumulative footprint from existing and approved projects and the Kearl project will be less than five percent of the 2,170,026-ha RSA. Therefore, there will be no substantial reduction in hunting opportunities in the RSA.
Imperial Oil will compensate trappers for damage to their traplines and loss of fur revenue.
Opportunities for hunting and trapping in the LSA will gradually return as reclamation of the PDA occurs.
Following reclamation and closure, there will be a decrease in habitat availability for species of trapping interest (fisher, Canada lynx and snowshoe hare), except for beaver, and an increase in habitat availability for species of hunting interest (moose, black bear and waterfowl).
July 2005 Page 3-77 VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
3.14.5 FISHING
There is no documentation to indicate that the stream and waterbody areas that will be lost support sport fish species, though the habitats in these locations do present limited suitability for northern pike.
The Kearl Lake extension is proposed to address the loss of stream habitat. For further details, see the Conceptual Compensation Plan in Volume 2, Section 6.
Tainting potential in all waterbodies is predicted to remain below the threshold throughout the life of the project and into the far-future. No fish tainting is predicted to result from the project combined with other existing and approved and potential developments.
3.14.6 DESIGNATED ECOLOGICAL AREAS
Effects on sport fishing in the Muskeg River ESA will be compensated for by the proposed Kearl Lake extension.
The proposed Kearl Lake extension, proposed as part of the fish habitat compensation, will result in an overall improvement in aquatic resources and waterfowl habitat in the Kearl Lake ESA.
Following reclamation in the LSA, there will be an increase in available moose habitat, which is the ecological feature for which the Kearl Lake Moose Area regionally significant ESA was identified.
3.14.7 RECREATION AND TOURISM
Kearl project construction and mine operations will temporarily affect recreational opportunities in the LSA.
One of the goals of the Closure, Conservation and Reclamation Plan is to restore recreation opportunities affected by the project, so that the project will have no long-term effects on recreation in the RSA.
3.14.8 ACCESS
For public safety, Imperial Oil will manage access in the LSA during construction and operations.
Following closure, all Kearl project access routes will be reclaimed.
Imperial Oil is continuing consultation with First Nations representatives regarding access issues, such as maintaining access to Kearl Lake during the project life.
Page 3-78 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 3.14: Conclusions
3.14.9 VISUAL AESTHETICS
Viewshed assessments of steam plume visibility indicated that high-visibility occurrences are relatively rare events (10 percent of the year) during which the plume rises to 108 m above the ground.
Visible plumes from the Kearl project will not cause ground-level fog on local roadways.
Receptor effects assessment scenarios show that project features at closure are not visible from Fort McKay, Clausen’s Landing Provincial Recreation Area or the viewpoint along the Muskeg River. From Kearl Lake, however, the tops of the overburden disposal areas are visible.
Emissions from the project are not expected to result in any significant deterioration of visibility in the region as a result of haze.
3.14.10 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING
Imperial Oil will continue its involvement with regional initiatives, such as RIWG and CEMA. This involvement will enable Imperial Oil to provide meaningful input into resource management decisions in the region.
Imperial Oil will work with regional operators and stakeholders to develop integrated land management plans for the efficient use and conservation of resources.
Imperial Oil will monitor the success of reclamation in the LSA and will support the development of ecological benchmark areas as a reference for comparison with reclaimed portions of the PDA. ♦
July 2005 Page 3-79 VOLUME 9
SECTION 3: Resource Use Subsection 3.15: Bibliography
Bibliography
3.15.1 LITERATURE CITED
Alberta Energy. 2004. Land Status Information System (LSAS).
AEP (Alberta Environmental Protection). 1995. Water Quality Based Effluent Limits Procedures Manual. Edmonton, Alberta.
AEP. 1996. Fort McMurray-Athabasca Oil Sands Subregional Integrated Resource Plan. Edmonton, Alberta.
AENV (Alberta Environment). 2004. Final Terms of Reference Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the Proposed Kearl Oil Sands Project. Edmonton, Alberta.
Al-Pac (Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc.). 2004. Alberta-Pacific FMA Area Forest Management Plan – DRAFT. September 2004.
Al-Pac. 2005. Timber Damage Assessment for the Imperial Kearl Mine, 2009–2013, Development Full TDA Value. March 8, 2005.
AVI (Alberta Vegetation Inventory). 1998. Obtained from Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc. (Al-Pac) in 2004.
Birch Mountain (Birch Mountain Resources Ltd.) 2004a. Muskeg Valley Quarry – Application and Environmental Impact Assessment. Submitted to: Natural Resources Conservation Board and Alberta Environment.
Birch Mountain. 2004b. Public Disclosure Document for the Proposed Hammerstone Project. December 2004.
Birch Mountain. 2005. News Release – February 25, 2005.
BOVAR. 1996. Non-Traditional Resource Use in the Syncrude Aurora Mine. Prepared for Syncrude Canada Ltd. Calgary, Alberta.
CEMA (Cumulative Environmental Management Association). 2004. Sustainable Ecosystems Working Group: Terms of Reference, Version 1. November 5, 2004.
ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.). 2003. ArcGIS Version 8.3. GIS (Geographic Information System) software.
Fort McMurray Visitor’s Bureau. 2000. 2000 guest book statistics: Fort McMurray, Alberta. Cited in Athabasca Oil Sands Regional Resource Use Baseline. Submitted to Petro-Canada Oil and Gas, Rio Alto Exploration Ltd., Shell Canada Limited and Suncor Energy Inc. Golder Associates Ltd. 2001. Calgary, Alberta.
July 2005 Page 3-81 VOLUME 9
Section 3: Resource Use
Golder (Golder Associates Ltd.). 2001. Athabasca Oil Sands Regional Resource Use Baseline. Submitted to Petro-Canada Oil and Gas, Rio Alto Exploration Ltd., Shell Canada Limited and Suncor Energy Inc. Calgary, Alberta.
HydroQual (HydroQual Laboratories Ltd.). 1996. Laboratory Studies on Trophic Level Effects and Fish Health Effects of Suncor Tar Island Dyke Wastewater. Report for Suncor Inc., Oil Sands Group. Calgary, Alberta. 50 p. + Tables + Figures =+ Appendices.
IPCC (International Panel on Climate Change). 2001. Chapter 15: North America. In J.J. McCarthy, O.F. Canziani, N.A. Leary, D.J. Dokken, K.S. White (ed.). Climate Change 2001: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. 735–800.
Jardine, C.G. and S.E. Hrudey. 1988. Threshold Detection Values of Potential Fish Tainting Substances from Oil Sands Wastewaters. Water, Science and Technology 20: 19–25.
KPMG (KPMG Canada Inc.). 1995. Implementing the Revised Timber Damage Assessment. Prepared for Alberta Environmental Protection and Alberta Energy. May 1,1995.
OIREAAR (Oil Sands Industry Representatives of East Athabasca Access Road). 2004. East Athabasca Access – Introduction Letter for Stakeholders. August 16, 2004.
PEI (PEI Food Technology Centre). 2000. Evaluation of the Potential for Oil Sands CT Water to Cause Taint in Laboratory Exposed Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Using a Selected, Screened, Trained sensory Evaluation Panel. Prepared for HydroQual Laboratories Ltd. Calgary, Alberta. 25 p. + Appendices.
RIWG (Athabasca Regional Issues Working Group). 2003. Aggregate Survey 2002. Fort McMurray, Alberta.
3.15.2 PERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Bjornson, C. 2004. Golder Associates. Calgary, Alberta. E-mail. July 2004.
Brick, M. 2004. Alberta Professional Outfitters Society. Edmonton, Alberta. Telephone conversation and e-mail. July 2004.
Cheyne, D. 2004. Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc. Boyle, Alberta. Telephone conversation. August 2004.
Graves, C. 2004. Majic Country Wilderness Adventures. Fort McMurray, Alberta. Telephone conversation. August 2004.
Rhude, L. 2004. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. Fort McMurray, Alberta. Telephone conversation. August 2004.
Visser, M. 2004. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Fort McMurray, Alberta. Telephone conversation. August 2004.
Page 3-82 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 3.15: Bibliography
3.15.3 INTERNET SITES
Alberta Professional Outfitters Society. 2004. Most Frequently Asked Outfitting Industry Questions. Available at: http://www.apos.ab.ca/about_us/faqs/index.htm. Accessed July 2004. ♦
July 2005 Page 3-83 VOLUME 9
SECTION 4: Historical Resources Subsection 4.0: Section Introduction
Table of Contents
4.1 SECTION INTRODUCTION...... 4-1 4.1.1 SECTION CONTENT...... 4-1 4.1.1.1 Historical Resources Assessments ...... 4-1 4.1.1.2 Interpretive Value ...... 4-1 4.1.1.3 Mitigation...... 4-1 4.1.2 TERMS OF REFERENCE...... 4-2 4.2 APPROACH AND METHODS...... 4-3 4.2.1 KEY ISSUES AND KEY QUESTIONS ...... 4-3 4.2.1.1 Introduction...... 4-3 4.2.1.2 Key Questions ...... 4-3 4.2.2 ASSESSMENT CASES ...... 4-4 4.2.3 SPATIAL CONSIDERATIONS...... 4-6 4.2.3.1 Regional Study Area ...... 4-6 4.2.3.1.1 Borden Blocks...... 4-6 4.2.3.2 Local Study Area ...... 4-6 4.2.4 TEMPORAL CONSIDERATIONS...... 4-9 4.2.5 KEY INDICATOR RESOURCES...... 4-9 4.2.5.1 Prehistoric Isolated Artifact Finds ...... 4-9 4.2.5.2 Prehistoric Artifact Scatters ...... 4-10 4.2.5.3 Prehistoric Campsites...... 4-10 4.2.5.4 Historic Campsites ...... 4-11 4.2.5.5 Historic Residential–Domestic Sites...... 4-11 4.2.6 ASSESSMENT METHODS ...... 4-11 4.2.6.1 Assessing Local Study Area Effects ...... 4-11 4.2.6.2 Assessing Regional Study Area Effects...... 4-12 4.2.7 ASSUMPTIONS ...... 4-12 4.2.8 SOURCES OF DATA...... 4-12 4.2.8.1 Archaeological Sites Inventory Database ...... 4-12 4.2.8.2 Literature Review...... 4-13 4.2.9 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL ...... 4-13 4.3 BASELINE SUMMARY...... 4-15 4.3.1 INTRODUCTION...... 4-15 4.3.2 SUMMARY OF HISTORICAL RESOURCES IN THE LOCAL STUDY AREA...... 4-15 4.3.3 KEY CULTURAL FACTORS OF SITES IN THE REGIONAL STUDY AREA ...... 4-17 4.3.3.1 Site Characteristics...... 4-17 4.3.3.2 Beaver River Sandstone ...... 4-18 4.4 PROJECT EFFECTS ON HISTORICAL RESOURCES...... 4-21 4.4.1 INTRODUCTION...... 4-21 4.4.2 METHODS...... 4-21 4.4.2.1 Effects Classification ...... 4-21
July 2005 Page 4-i VOLUME 9
Section 4: Historical Resources
4.4.3 EXISTING AND APPROVED CASE...... 4-22 4.4.3.1 Effects Analysis ...... 4-22 4.4.4 PROJECT CASE...... 4-22 4.4.4.1 Linkage Analysis...... 4-22 4.4.4.2 Mitigation...... 4-25 4.4.4.3 Effects Analysis ...... 4-26 4.4.4.3.1 Current Historical Resource Site Condition...... 4-26 4.4.4.3.2 Anticipated Project Effects ...... 4-29 4.4.4.4 Effects Classification ...... 4-34 4.4.4.4.1 Effects Classification Results: Low Effects...... 4-34 4.4.4.4.2 Effects Classification Results: Moderate Effects...... 4-35 4.4.5 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CASE ...... 4-35 4.4.6 PREDICTION CONFIDENCE...... 4-35 4.4.6.1 Quality and Quantity of Baseline Information...... 4-35 4.4.6.2 Confidence in Analytical Techniques ...... 4-36 4.4.6.3 Confidence in the Success of Mitigation ...... 4-36 4.4.7 MANAGEMENT AND FOLLOW-UP MITIGATION ...... 4-36 4.4.8 SUMMARY ...... 4-37 4.5 PROJECT EFFECTS ON REGIONAL INTERPRETIVE VALUE...... 4-39 4.5.1 INTRODUCTION...... 4-39 4.5.2 METHODS...... 4-39 4.5.2.1 Effects Classification ...... 4-39 4.5.3 EXISTING AND APPROVED CASE...... 4-39 4.5.3.1 Effects Analysis ...... 4-39 4.5.4 PROJECT CASE...... 4-41 4.5.4.1 Prehistoric Sites in the Local Study Area ...... 4-42 4.5.4.2 Historic Sites in the Local Study Area...... 4-42 4.5.4.3 Regional Study Area Site Context ...... 4-43 4.5.4.4 Local Study Area Site Context...... 4-43 4.5.4.5 Effects Classification ...... 4-45 4.5.4.5.1 Classification Results: No Development Effects ...... 4-46 4.5.4.5.2 Classification Results: Low Effects ...... 4-46 4.5.4.5.3 Classification Results: Low to Moderate Effects...... 4-47 4.5.4.5.4 Classification Results: Moderate Effects ...... 4-47 4.5.5 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CASE ...... 4-47 4.5.6 PREDICTION CONFIDENCE...... 4-48 4.5.6.1 Quality and Quantity of Baseline Information...... 4-48 4.5.6.2 Confidence in Analytical Techniques ...... 4-49 4.5.6.3 Confidence in Success of Mitigation ...... 4-49 4.5.7 MANAGEMENT AND FOLLOW-UP MITIGATION ...... 4-50 4.5.8 SUMMARY ...... 4-50 4.6 CONCLUSIONS ...... 4-53 4.6.1 EXISTING AND APPROVED CASE...... 4-53 4.6.1.1 Local Study Area ...... 4-53 4.6.1.2 Regional Study Area ...... 4-53 4.6.2 PROJECT CASE...... 4-53
Page 4-ii July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 4.0: Section Introduction
4.6.2.1 Local Study Area ...... 4-53 4.6.2.2 Regional Study Area ...... 4-54 4.6.3 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CASE ...... 4-54 4.6.3.1 Local Study Area ...... 4-54 4.6.3.2 Regional Study Area ...... 4-54 4.6.4 SUMMARY OF ASSESSMENT...... 4-55 4.6.5 MANAGEMENT AND FOLLOW-UP MITIGATION ...... 4-55 4.7 BIBLIOGRAPHY...... 4-57 4.7.1 LITERATURE CITED...... 4-57
List of Figures Figure 4-1: Historical Resources Regional Study Area...... 4-7 Figure 4-2: Historical Resources Local Study Area ...... 4-8 Figure 4-3: Historical Resource Sites in the Local Study Area...... 4-16 Figure 4-4: Historical Resources Linkage Diagram – Primary Effects ...... 4-23 Figure 4-5: Historical Resources Linkage Diagram – Secondary Effects ...... 4-24 Figure 4-6: Recommended Historical Resource Site Mitigation in the Local Study Area...... 4-30
List of Tables Table 4-1: Archaeological Investigations in the Regional Study Area...... 4-5 Table 4-2: Historical Resource Sites in the Local Study Area ...... 4-17 Table 4-3: Condition of Known Historical Resource Sites in the Local Study Area ...... 4-27 Table 4-4: Mitigation and Residual Effects in the Local Study Area...... 4-31 Table 4-5: Proposed Development Effects on Historical Resources – Local Level...... 4-34 Table 4-6: Historical Resource Sites in the Regional Study Area Before Kearl Project...... 4-40 Table 4-7: Historical Resource Sites in the Regional Study Area After Kearl Project ...... 4-41 Table 4-8: Existing and Approved, and Project Case Effects on Historical Resource Sites .....4-43 Table 4-9: Undisturbed Historical Resource Sites in the Regional and Local Study Areas...... 4-44 Table 4-10: Proposed Development Effects on Historical Resources – Regional Level ...... 4-45 Table 4-11: Historical Resource Site Disturbance in the Regional Study Area ...... 4-48
July 2005 Page 4-iii VOLUME 9
SECTION 4: Historical Resources Subsection 4.1: Section Introduction
Section Introduction
4.1.1 SECTION CONTENT
This section of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the Kearl Oil Sands Project – Mine Development (the Kearl project):
• summarizes the results of all archaeological Historical Resources Impact Assessments (HRIAs) in the Kearl project leases
• assesses effects of the Kearl project on the interpretive value of the archaeological sites in the project area
• describes mitigation to reduce project effects on archaeological sites
4.1.1.1 Historical Resources Assessments
The HRIAs in the Kearl project leases between 1998 and 2004 (Clarke 1999; Unfreed and Blower 2005) are discussed to describe:
• the archaeological historical resources in the Kearl project area that might be affected by development
• the mitigation planned for the archaeological historical resource sites in the Kearl project area, beyond the methods used during the HRIAs
4.1.1.2 Interpretive Value
The key issue is whether a project affects the interpretive value of historical resources in the project area. Interpretive value is based on the ability of site content and context to provide clues about past lifestyles, behaviour and activities. Change in the interpretive value of the historical resources in the Kearl project development area was assessed using key questions. Answers to these questions focused on the relationship between historical resource site types (key indicator resources) and the Kearl project effects.
4.1.1.3 Mitigation
Understanding the potential effects of the Kearl project on key indicator resources helps define mitigation options to reduce or avoid project effects on historical resources.
July 2005 Page 4-1 VOLUME 9
Section 4: Historical Resources
4.1.2 TERMS OF REFERENCE
The Terms of Reference for the Kearl project specify completion of a number of historical resource tasks, including:
• provide a general overview of the results of the Historical Resource Impact Assessment (HRIA) of the project, including any previous heritage resource studies that have been completed in the study area
• provide an outline of the historical resources mitigation program and schedule of field investigations that might be required to assess and mitigate effects of the project on historical resources ♦
Page 4-2 July 2005 VOLUME 9
SECTION 4: Historical Resources Subsection 4.2: Approach and Methods
Approach and Methods
4.2.1 KEY ISSUES AND KEY QUESTIONS
4.2.1.1 Introduction Prehistoric and historic period archaeological and paleontological sites are considered historical resources under the Historical Resources Act (Alberta Legislature 2000). These types of resources represent the evidence of past cultures or societies (prehistoric and historic archaeological sites), or plant and animal communities (paleontological). Historical resources reveal clues about past human and animal behaviour, adaptations and relationships. These resources, particularly evidence of cultural patterns, are extremely fragile and are the product of unique preservation conditions. Understanding the context in which the materials are found is important to their interpretation. Fossils (natural materials) and artifacts (cultural materials) are susceptible to alteration or destruction through the disturbance of the environment in which they occur. Interpretive value can be disrupted through two types of information loss:
• loss of site contents, including artifacts and fossils
• loss of site context, which provides the framework within which artifacts and fossils can be interpreted
This assessment is focused on the archaeological historical resources and does not consider paleontological historical resources. Paleontological historical resources will be assessed in a later review.
4.2.1.2 Key Questions Two key questions were used to assess effects of the Kearl project on historical resource sites:
HR1: Could the Kearl project result in the loss of contents or disrupt the interpretive contexts of historical resource sites?
HR2: Could the interpretive value of the regional historical resources database be compromised by Kearl project development? The first question evaluates Kearl project effects on historical resources in the local study area (LSA). The second question investigates the Kearl project and its effects on the interpretive value of sites in the regional study area (RSA).
July 2005 Page 4-3 VOLUME 9
Section 4: Historical Resources
4.2.2 ASSESSMENT CASES Variables used to assess project effects on historical resources are related to:
• land area affected (spatial considerations) • project phase (temporal considerations)
For each combination of variables, the observed or anticipated condition of the historical resources will be discussed in terms of the:
• Existing and Approved Case • Project Case • Potential Development Case
Information in the Archaeological Sites Inventory database (maintained by Heritage Resource Management Branch of Alberta Community Development) used to assess the Existing and Approved Case scenario was generated during 71 permitted archaeological investigations. For the projects associated with these studies, see Table 4-1. The archaeological investigations were prompted by:
• highway development (n=18) • oil sands development (n=39) • pipeline construction (n=4) • quarry development (n=1) • transmission line development (n=2) • urban development (n=2) • research investigations (n=6)
Database information used to review the Project Case is related to three archaeological studies done for the Kearl project including:
• ExxonMobil Canada (ExxonMobil) Lease 36 and Shell Canada Limited (Shell) Lease 36 in 1998 (Clarke 1999)
• Leases 6, 87 and 88A in 2003 and 2004 (Unfreed and Blower 2005)
Database information used to assess the Potential Development Case was drawn from:
• Husky Energy Inc. (Husky Energy) Sunrise Thermal project • Petro-Canada Lewis steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) project • Shell Muskeg River Mine expansion
Although the Shell Jackpine Mine – Phase 2 project is also in the RSA, a complete HRIA has not been done in that area. As a result, the Existing and Approved, Project and Potential Development cases were assessed without information from the Jackpine Mine – Phase 2 study.
Page 4-4 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 4.2: Approach and Methods
Table 4-1: Archaeological Investigations in the Regional Study Area
Number of Archaeological Project Type Project Name Studies Alberta Infrastructure projects related to upgrading and Highway borrow sources for Secondary Route 963 and 18 development Highway 63 Albian Sands Energy Inc. (Albian) Muskeg River Mine 3 Alsands project 5 Canstar Oil Sands project 2 Canadian Natural Resources Limited Horizon mine 2 Imperial Oil Resources Ventures Limited (Imperial Oil) 1 test drilling program OSLO project 1 Oil sands Petro-Canada-NOVA Fort Hills test drilling program 1 mining Shell Jackpine Oil Sands (Phase 1) mine 1 Shell Lease 13 (Albian Muskeg River Mine) project 1 Solv-Ex Experimental Co-Production project 1 Suncor Energy Ltd. (Suncor) tailings pond 1 Syncrude Canada Ltd. (Syncrude) Aurora mine 11 Syncrude Leases 17, 22, 36 4 TrueNorth Fort Hills Oil Sands project 4 ATCO Muskeg River pipeline 1 Northwestern Utilities pipeline 1 Pipeline Simmons Liege pipeline 1 Texaco utilities pipeline 1 Quarry Birch Mountain Resources Muskeg Valley Quarry 1 Archaeological Survey of Alberta research 5 Research Other research 1 Transmission ATCO Dover to Aurora transmission line 2 line Fort McKay First Nation 1 Urban Fort McKay residential expansion development Fort McKay Métis Local 122, industrial use site 1 Total 71
July 2005 Page 4-5 VOLUME 9
Section 4: Historical Resources
4.2.3 SPATIAL CONSIDERATIONS
4.2.3.1 Regional Study Area
The historical resources RSA is defined by the Muskeg River drainage system, including Jackpine (Hartley) Creek, Kearl Lake and surrounding wetlands. The basis for using this drainage system is that cultural homogeneity is assumed to be greater in areas with similar environmental characteristics, especially when linked by features that provide connected travel corridors. Thus, to compare interpretive value of historical resource sites in the Kearl project area with sites in the RSA, sites with similar environmental features were selected.
4.2.3.1.1 Borden Blocks
The unit used to delineate the historical resources in the RSA is the Borden Block, part of the classification system for the Canadian archaeological database (Borden 1954). Based on subdivisions of 10’ latitude by 10’ longitude, it is the basis for defining historical resource site location.
The RSA falls across 17 Borden Block units, ranging between 56° 50’N and 57° 30’N, and 111° 0’W and 111°50’W (see Figure 4-1).
4.2.3.2 Local Study Area
The historical resources LSA for the Kearl project (see Figure 4-2) corresponds to the following parts of the Kearl project footprint:
• Lease 6 • Lease 31A • Lease 36 (ExxonMobil Canada) • Lease 87 • Leases 88A and 88B
As the historical resources baseline surveys were completed before the Kearl project footprint was finalized, minor footprint additions in Leases 6A, 7, 85 and 87A are part of the LSA but have not been included in the current evaluation. Future HRIA investigations of these areas will be discussed separately in an HRIA report under permit to Alberta Community Development.
Page 4-6 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 4.2: Approach and Methods
Figure 4-1: Historical Resources Regional Study Area
July 2005 Page 4-7 VOLUME 9
Section 4: Historical Resources
Figure 4-2: Historical Resources Local Study Area
Page 4-8 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 4.2: Approach and Methods
4.2.4 TEMPORAL CONSIDERATIONS Two temporal periods of a project are important in understanding effects of any development on historical resources:
• the preconstruction state of historical resources • the postreclamation condition of those sites after development is completed All assessment cases will be analyzed from these two viewpoints to determine development effects on the interpretive value of the contents and contexts of affected sites.
4.2.5 KEY INDICATOR RESOURCES The key to understanding interpretive value is the pattern of cultural or biological materials at each location. To understand recurrent patterns that reflect human and animal behaviour, historical resources are organized into site types. Archaeological site types are defined by either:
• physical configuration, e.g., isolated finds, artifact scatters or stone features • interpreted function, e.g., campsite, workshop or kill site Each archaeological site has a different interpretive value based on the attributes of site contents and context, including:
• quantity • quality • preservation • age • cultural similarities with other archaeological sites in the RSA As the basic interpretive unit, archaeological site types are used as key indicator resources for evaluating change in the interpretive value of historical resources. The key indicator resources of archaeological sites for the Kearl project are:
• prehistoric isolated artifact finds • prehistoric artifact scatters • prehistoric campsites • historic campsites • historical residential–domestic sites
4.2.5.1 Prehistoric Isolated Artifact Finds Prehistoric sites are Aboriginal sites created before contact with Europeans. Isolated artifact finds are locations where a single artifact is found, often a tool or a waste by-product of tool production. Often, isolated finds are observed in exposed or disturbed contexts.
July 2005 Page 4-9 VOLUME 9
Section 4: Historical Resources
In disturbed situations, the interpretive value of an isolated artifact find is generally low. Where finished tools are identified, interpretive value is higher if the tools provide information about age, cultural affiliation or specialized activities. Regardless of their limitations, the primary importance of isolated artifact finds is their location in the environment. Their distribution in the landscape yields information about landscape use.
4.2.5.2 Prehistoric Artifact Scatters Artifact scatters contain multiple artifacts and can be identified in either surface or buried contexts. Unlike isolated artifact finds, they include locations where a wide range of activities was practised. Artifact scatters include:
• tool workshops • hunting lookouts • short-term activity locales Artifact scatters have high interpretive value when their artifact assemblages are large and varied. Such assemblages allow interpretation of:
• multiple activities • age • cultural affiliations • travel or communication routes • seasons of use Interpretive value of artifact scatters is lower when the assemblage is smaller and less varied in artifact styles or material types. Similar to isolated artifact finds, the location of artifact scatters is important because, as an indicator of preferred terrain use, it aids understanding of regional settlement patterns.
4.2.5.3 Prehistoric Campsites Prehistoric campsites contain materials that indicate camp maintenance activities such as hearths and fire-broken rock. These activities are usually more varied than those suggested at other sites, so materials in campsite assemblages tend to have more varied artifacts and material types. Diagnostic tools, if present, permit correlation of tool kits from campsites with others in the regional area. Such comparisons enhance interpretation of cultural affiliations across regional areas. Animal remains (bones, scales and shell) enable reconstruction of subsistence preferences and seasons of use. Where adequate amounts of burned bone or charcoal from campfires are present, radiocarbon dating can identify the period of occupation. Depending on the diversity, size and age of the cultural assemblage and the location of the site, the interpretive value of a campsite can range from low to high.
Page 4-10 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 4.2: Approach and Methods
4.2.5.4 Historic Campsites Historic campsites represent activities that occurred after Aboriginal contact with European populations. Similar to prehistoric campsites, historic campsites also represent settlement areas where a number of activities occurred.
Although similar to historic residential–domestic sites, historic campsites are defined by the absence of permanent structures. Instead, evidence of temporary shelters such as a lean-to or tent might be present. Diversity in artifact and material types or classes, as well as culturally or temporally diagnostic artifacts, enhances the interpretive value. Depending on the range of items, the interpretive value of an historic campsite can vary from low to high.
4.2.5.5 Historic Residential–Domestic Sites
Historic residential–domestic sites represent a more specialized camping or living area. Although daily subsistence activities are represented, cultural assemblages are accompanied by buildings and structures, or evidence of former structures, including foundations and ruins.
Structures at these sites can vary in complexity from one-room cabins to multi- roomed buildings. In more complex residential locations, multiple buildings might be identified. Depending on the structures present and the contents of the artifact assemblages, the interpretive value of historic domestic-residential sites can range from low to high. Interpretive value is elevated when:
• there is a greater variety of cultural artifacts and material classes • the site is associated with more permanent activities • diagnostic materials are identified
4.2.6 ASSESSMENT METHODS
4.2.6.1 Assessing Local Study Area Effects Results of HRIAs in the Kearl project leases between 1998 and 2004 were used to assess project effects on historical resources in the LSA (Clarke 1999; Unfreed and Blower 2005). The preconstruction state of sites identified during the HRIAs was compared with the anticipated postreclamation condition of those sites. The focus of this historical resource assessment in the LSA was the predicted change in interpretive value of identified archaeological sites in the Kearl project area.
July 2005 Page 4-11 VOLUME 9
Section 4: Historical Resources
Interpretive value is influence by: • site integrity (whether the site is intact) • abundance and diversity of artifacts • abundance and diversity of other cultural materials, e.g., seeds, pollen and campfire charcoal • cultural features, e.g., stone alignments, campfire rings and buildings • areal extent of the site • rarity of the site in the LSA and RSA • age of the site • cultural similarities with other historical resource sites in the RSA Once determined, interpretive value is used to identify actions necessary to reduce effects of the Kearl project on historical resources. Mitigation will vary depending on the interpretive value and anticipated project effects on that site.
4.2.6.2 Assessing Regional Study Area Effects For an understanding of Kearl project effects in the RSA, the records from the Archaeological Sites Inventory database for the 17 Borden Blocks of the Muskeg River drainage area were reviewed. The regional interpretive value was assessed by comparing individual sites in the LSA with sites in the RSA. Significance of a site in the LSA increases when its contents, context, age or cultural characteristics differ from those in the RSA, e.g., unusual location, rare specimens or unique activities.
4.2.7 ASSUMPTIONS
To assess the historical resources in the LSA, it was assumed that the condition of individual sites had not changed since the HRIAs between 1998 and 2004.
4.2.8 SOURCES OF DATA
4.2.8.1 Archaeological Sites Inventory Database
Information about known historical resource sites in the LSA and RSA was collected from the Archaeological Sites Inventory database. The database contains information about site type, contents, context, relative significance and outstanding mitigation requirements. To assess Kearl project effects over the RSA, information about all known sites within the 17 Borden blocks defining the Muskeg River drainage area was considered.
Page 4-12 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 4.2: Approach and Methods
4.2.8.2 Literature Review
Information about known sites in the LSA and RSA was supplemented with descriptions from previous HRIA reports for sites in Lease 36 (Clarke 1999) and in Leases 6, 87 and 88A (Unfreed and Blower 2005).
4.2.9 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL
The HRIAs in the LSA and RSA followed the Archaeological Site Inventory Data Form Guide (Alberta Community Development 1989) for archaeological permit holders in Alberta, as well as Alberta Regulation 124/79, Historical Resources Act, Archaeological Research Permit Regulation (Alberta Legislature 2001). Both documents detail the acceptable procedures for an HRIA and the regulations governed and reviewed by Heritage Resource Management Branch of Alberta Community Development. ♦
July 2005 Page 4-13 VOLUME 9
SECTION 4: Historical Resources Subsection 4.3: Baseline Summary
Baseline Summary
4.3.1 INTRODUCTION
The baseline study represents the preconstruction state of the historical resources in the LSA and RSA. The focus was to:
• identify the archaeological historical resources in the LSA and RSA
• classify archaeological historical resources as site types, or key indicator resources
• identify characteristics of archaeological historical resource sites in the RSA to establish a regional historical resources context
The primary sources of information were HRIAs in the LSA from 1998 to 2004 (Clarke 1999; Unfreed and Blower 2005).
4.3.2 SUMMARY OF HISTORICAL RESOURCES IN THE LOCAL STUDY AREA
Three archaeological HRIAs have been done in the Kearl project LSA:
• Leases 31A and 36 for Mobil Oil in 1998 under Archaeological Investigation Permit 98-145 (Clarke 1999)
• Leases 6, 87 and a small southeastern portion of Lease 88 for Imperial Oil in 2003 under Archaeological Investigation Permit 2003-256 (Unfreed and Blower 2005)
• Lease 88A for Imperial Oil in 2004 under Archaeological Investigation Permit 2004-375 (Unfreed and Blower 2005)
Before these studies, no historical resources sites had been identified in the Kearl project area. The purpose of the studies was to identify archaeological historical resources that would be affected by the proposed development of the Kearl project. Study areas in the project leases were selected by modelling environmental characteristics that are more likely associated with archaeological site locations. This modelling was based on concepts defined for a study commissioned by the Cumulative Effects Management Association (CEMA) (Unfreed et al. 2004).
Seven new archaeological sites were identified in the area of ExxonMobil Lease 36 (see Figure 4-3 and Table 4-2). Assessment of Leases 6, 87 and 88A resulted in the addition of nine newly recorded sites to the archaeological database (see Figure 4-3 and Table 4-2, and Volume 3, Section 10).
July 2005 Page 4-15 VOLUME 9
Section 4: Historical Resources
Figure 4-3: Historical Resource Sites in the Local Study Area
Page 4-16 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 4.3: Baseline Summary
Table 4-2: Historical Resource Sites in the Local Study Area
Site Type Archaeological (Key Indicator Resources) Site Name Lease Investigation Permit Prehistoric isolated finds HhOs 3 87 2003-256 HhOt 7 36 98-145 HhOt 18 36 98-145 HiOs 2 87 2003-256 HiOs 4 88A 2004-375 HiOs 5 88A 2004-375 HiOt 2 88A 2004-375 Prehistoric artifact scatters HhOs 2 87 2003-256 HhOs 4 87 2003-256 HhOt 8 36 98-145 HhOt 9 36 98-145 HhOt 17 36 98-145 Prehistoric campsite HhOt 5 36 98-145 HhOt 6 36 98-145 Historic campsite HhOs 5 87 2003-256 Historic residential–domestic site HiOs 3 87 2003-256
4.3.3 KEY CULTURAL FACTORS OF SITES IN THE REGIONAL STUDY AREA
4.3.3.1 Site Characteristics
A number of features are characteristic of archaeological historical resource sites in the RSA:
• sites are often small
• sites tend to be adjacent to seasonal or permanent water courses, or on elevated well-drained landforms
• sites are on low isolated ridges and knolls in expanses of muskeg
• sites tend to be in areas that might have served as natural travel corridors, including higher land or well-defined watercourse
• sites are often based on the quarry, manufacture or use of Beaver River Sandstone as a raw material for tool manufacture
• site assemblages tend to be dominated by flakes that are the by-products of tool manufacture, with few formed tools and even fewer culturally or temporally diagnostic artifacts
July 2005 Page 4-17 VOLUME 9
Section 4: Historical Resources
• temporally or culturally diagnostic artifacts have been identified as having affiliations with cultures both to the north (subarctic) and the south (parklands) of the northeastern boreal forest environment
• the location of sites through time is moderated by the landscape effects of the Glacial Lake Agassiz catastrophic flood, about 9900 years before present
4.3.3.2 Beaver River Sandstone
Key to understanding the distribution of archaeological historical resource sites in the northeastern Alberta boreal landscape is the presence of Beaver River Sandstone. This material has been linked to prehistoric period occupation in the oil sands region. Although researchers do not agree about the specific composition or location of the material or its quarry sources, most agree that it was used as a raw material in many sites in the region, often in quantities that dominate even the largest artifact assemblages. Researchers have emphasized that identifying the specific quarry sources will locate “cultural nodes” for settlement and use of the region (Head and Van Dyke 1990; Ives and Fenton 1985; Ronaghan 1982; McCullough and Wilson 1982).
In the Kearl project area, Reeves (1996) identified large boulders of possible Beaver River Sandstone exposed along reaches of the Muskeg River and Jackpine Creek. He also observed several boulders perched on ridges and tablelands throughout the Shell Muskeg River Mine to the west, and the Syncrude Aurora project areas south and southwest of the Kearl project leases. Reeves (1996) suggested these materials could have been deposited during the catastrophic Glacial Lake Agassiz flood (McCullough and Wilson 1982), providing a readily available source of Beaver River Sandstone for early occupants of the area.
Two outcrops of a fine-grained material similar to the Beaver River Sandstone were recently identified in the RSA adjacent to the Muskeg River Mine (Saxberg and Reeves 2004). This find is significant, as before identification of these sources, outcrops of Beaver River Sandstone in the region were not the same quality as the materials used for tools in many prehistoric assemblages of the region.
To reflect the difference in quality between the newly identified outcrops of Beaver River Sandstone and those previously observed in the area, Saxberg and Reeves (2004) referred to the new “Beaver River Sandstone-like” material as the Muskeg Valley Silicified Limestone variation of Beaver River Sandstone.
Page 4-18 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 4.3: Baseline Summary
They noted that, while initial sources of Muskeg Valley Silicified Limestone were probably blocks deposited by the Glacial Lake Agassiz flood, erosion by floodwater would also have exposed primary sources (bedrock outcrops) of the material. With the availability of such primary sources, Saxberg and Reeves (2004) interpreted that:
With a more reliable, abundant and centralized source of an evidently highly valued resource, human populations were drawn to the area in larger numbers, resulting in a greater complexity in social interactions.
Identification of these new outcrops is an important key in understanding the land use patterns of prehistoric people in the region. ♦
July 2005 Page 4-19 VOLUME 9
SECTION 4: Historical Resources Subsection 4.4: Project Effects on Historical Resources
Project Effects on Historical Resources
4.4.1 INTRODUCTION
This section addresses Key Question HR1, the effect of the project on the interpretive value of the archaeological sites in the LSA.
4.4.2 METHODS
Kearl project effects on archaeological historical resources were assessed in two stages. First, HRIAs were done to identify historical resource sites in the LSA. This resulted in the identification of archaeological sites. Second, the interpretive value of the sites was evaluated by reviewing: • areal extent of each site • cultural contents and context • rarity of the contents or context • age and cultural character of contents • degree of site disturbance
Proposed project effects were analyzed using a table-top assessment, in which the outline of the development footprint was superimposed on a map of the sites. Where the potential for site disturbance from the project was anticipated, a qualitative prediction was made about effects and necessary mitigation.
4.4.2.1 Effects Classification
Effects classification at an LSA level is based on an interpretation of the influence of the Kearl project on each key indicator resource in the project area. The consequence of project effects on a specific key indicator resource is considered to be low when: • the site has low interpretive value before development
• the site is small and is considered to be completely mitigated during previous HRIAs
• the site is small, has a low artifact diversity and can be completely recorded during Stage I excavation of the site
• the development footprint will not affect the site
The consequence of project effects on archaeological key indicator resources is considered to be moderate to high when the HRIA and Stage I mitigation have not resulted in complete mitigation of sites.
Effects are moderate when the site has moderate to high interpretive value but is a key indicator resource that is relatively common in the LSA.
July 2005 Page 4-21 VOLUME 9
Section 4: Historical Resources
Effects are considered to be high when the site has a moderate to high interpretive value but is a key indicator resource that is rare in the LSA. Where such situations of moderate to high environmental consequences are identified, Stage II mitigation is often necessary to reduce effects of the development (see Section 4.4.4.2, Mitigation). When the contents of a site observed during Stage I mitigation proves to be unique to the local and regional archaeological patterns, it might be necessary to reduce development effects through consideration of footprint alternatives or development avoidance.
4.4.3 EXISTING AND APPROVED CASE 4.4.3.1 Effects Analysis Before the HRIAs conducted for the Kearl project, no historical resource sites had been identified in the LSA.
4.4.4 PROJECT CASE 4.4.4.1 Linkage Analysis The linkage analysis of Kearl project effects on historical resources focuses on two anticipated effects (see Figure 4-4 and Figure 4-5), resulting in loss of interpretive value: • alteration or loss of the contents • alteration or loss of the context A variety of project activities could contribute to the loss or alteration of site contents or context. These are classified as either primary or secondary project effects. Primary effects include activities or events that disturb topsoils and subsoils conducted during the preparation, construction, operations or reclamation phases of the project. They could include: • clearing of surface vegetation or forest cover • grading of landscapes • excavation • mixing of soil horizons • erosion Secondary effects are unplanned by-products of development. For the Kearl project, they will occur as new access to previously remote areas is created. Improved access, combined with public awareness of historical resource site areas, can lead to secondary effects on archaeological sites, such as: • unauthorized site artifact collection • unauthorized site excavation • site disturbance or vandalism Secondary effects can also occur during all project phases, but are more likely to take place during construction, operations and postclosure periods.
Page 4-22 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Vehicular traffic
Exploration and project site preparation Core-hole testing
Vegetation clearing
Disturbance of historical resource site contents Grading of landscapes
Reduced Soil compaction interpretive value of historical resources
Soil erosion Disturbance of historical resource site context Construction, operations, reclamation closure Excavation
Emergency fuel or chemical spills contaminating soils and vegetation and requiring containment Traditional land use
Increased wind throw and erosion from tree and vegetation loss
Figure 4-4: Historical Resources Linkage Diagram – Primary Effects
July 2005 Page 4-23 VOLUME 9
Disturbance of historical resource site contents
Improved access to sensitive areas that were previously remote
Reduced interpretive value of All project phases historical resources
Increased vehicular and foot traffic in sensitive areas
Disturbance of historical resource site context
Traditional land use
Figure 4-5: Historical Resources Linkage Diagram – Secondary Effects
July 2005 Page 4-24 VOLUME 9
Subsection 4.4: Project Effects on Historical Resources
4.4.4.2 Mitigation
The goal of the HRIA and the EIA was to identify project effects on the key indicator resources (site types) in the LSA, and determine the consequence of those effects relative to the RSA. Mitigation and management recommendations were developed from this assessment. Site-specific recommendations were formulated from available information, collected data and perceived site significance in the context of predicted effects.
Avoiding disturbance is the preferred option at sites with moderate to high interpretive value. This can be achieved by altering the proposed development, or by restricting the construction zones within a project footprint. Where this is not possible, further investigation was recommended to mitigate project effects.
Sites of low interpretive value were generally not recommended for further study if data-collection methods during the HRIA effectively reduced or eliminated potential effects on site interpretation. For sites with moderate to high interpretive value that might be affected by proposed development, further work was recommended when:
• sites will be removed by the project development
• site contents contain information about cultural and temporal associations, resource exploitation and land-use strategies
• sites contain information about unique aspects of early cultures
Additional study involves scientific investigation to reconstruct past activities at the sites, including:
• detailed mapping • photographic documentation • controlled surface collection of surface sites • excavation of buried sites
At sites containing surface features, e.g., historic cabins or cairns, individual feature and site maps were recommended, regardless of whether additional excavation was recommended. Such mitigation provides a permanent record of the individual features and range of variability within and between sites.
For excavation of buried sites, mitigation was recommended in a phased manner, consistent with practices currently accepted by Heritage Resource Management Branch of Alberta Community Development. This phased approach permits a quick initial sampling of the site deposits (Stage I mitigation), followed by a more detailed large-scale examination of the site (Stage II mitigation), if necessary.
July 2005 Page 4-25 VOLUME 9
Section 4: Historical Resources
The purpose of the Stage I mitigation is to provide a more detailed investigation of the buried site deposits than that conducted during shovel testing of the HRIA. For small sites, where it is felt by Heritage Resource Management Branch that no new information can be gained by additional testing, Stage I mitigation is the final stage of the mitigation.
Where it is felt that an archaeological site possesses great diversity in the activities represented and amounts of cultural material present, additional Stage II mitigation might be required by Heritage Resource Management Branch. Selection of sample sizes for both Stage I and Stage II mitigation phases are made in consultation with representatives of Heritage Resource Management Branch.
4.4.4.3 Effects Analysis
4.4.4.3.1 Current Historical Resource Site Condition As the result of the Kearl project, 16 archaeological sites were identified in the LSA. Before effects of the Kearl project, 12 sites in the LSA were identified in undisturbed contexts. The remaining four sites had been subject to some degree of disturbance resulting from one or more of the following: • construction of the Shell Canterra Road and tributary dirt access roads • construction of access roads for recreational use at Kearl Lake • construction of trapline cabins • creation of quad trails • logging • oil and gas activity, e.g., core-hole drilling and well sites, before acquisition of the Kearl project leases • forest fire • natural water and wind-based erosional forces For a detailed review of the current status of the archaeological historical resource sites in the LSA, see Table 4-3.
Page 4-26 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Table 4-3: Condition of Known Historical Resource Sites in the Local Study Area
Site Type (Key Indicator Site Artifact and Material Interpretive Resource) Name Lease Context Environmental Setting Type Integrity Value Prehistoric isolated HiOs 2 87 Buried deposit Upper terrace above tributary of Biface fragment (Beaver Undisturbed Low find the Muskeg River River Sandstone) HiOs 4 88A Buried deposit Small rise in muskeg area Flake (gray chert) Undisturbed Low HiOs 5 88A Buried deposit Upper terrace promontory above Flake (white siltstone) Undisturbed Low Muskeg River HhOs 3 87 Surface Raised level bank above Muskeg Heat-treated shatter Disturbed Low River floodplain (black chert) HhOt 7 36 Buried deposit Well-drained landform above Core (chert) Disturbed Low lower-lying fen HhOt 18 36 Buried deposit Slightly higher aspen forest Shatter (Beaver River Undisturbed Low surrounded by swamp; 100 m Sandstone) from edge of Kearl Lake HiOt 2 88A Buried deposit Low terrace above Muskeg River Bifacial reduction flake Undisturbed Low (Beaver River Sandstone) Prehistoric artifact HhOs 2 87 Buried Level raised bank above Muskeg Shatter, flakes, and core Undisturbed Moderate to scatter deposits River floodplain; near confluence fragment (Beaver River High with unnamed tributary Sandstone, limestone, quartzite) HhOs 4 87 Buried Level raised bank above Muskeg Shatter, flakes, biface Undisturbed Moderate to deposits River floodplain; near confluence (silicified siltstone, chert, High with unnamed tributary Beaver River Sandstone) HhOt 8 36 Buried Level well-drained area; 100 m Flakes (Beaver River Undisturbed Low deposits northwest of Kearl Lake Sandstone) HhOt 9 36 Buried Small knoll in open jackpine forest Shatter and flake Undisturbed Low deposits in well-drained basin (sandstone) HhOt 17 36 Buried Situated on a low ridge that runs Shatter, flakes (quartz, Undisturbed Moderate to deposits north-south and is slightly diorite, Beaver River High elevated above the surrounding Sandstone) land; 40 m north of Kearl Lake
July 2005 Page 4-27 VOLUME 9
Table 4-3: Condition of Known Historical Resource Sites in the Local Study Area (cont’d)
Site Type (Key Indicator Site Artifact and Material Interpretive Resource Name Lease Context Environmental Setting Type Integrity Value Prehistoric HhOt 5 36 Buried Low bench 20 m west of Kearl Flakes, endscraper Undisturbed Moderate to campsite deposits Lake; only slightly above lake (Beaver River high level Sandstone) and charred and calcined bone HhOt 6 36 Buried Low terrace 75 m west of Kearl Flakes, used flake tools, Disturbed Moderate to deposits Lake lanceolate preform, high biface (Beaver River Sandstone) Historic campsite HhOs 5 87 Surface East bank of Muskeg River, about Enamelled metal bowl, Disturbed Moderate 250 m north of confluence with an manganese glass unnamed tributary; in burnt fragments, clear glass jackpine forest on a relatively fragments, pails, metal level sandy bench fragments, leg hold trap Historic residential– HiOs 3 87 Surface North edge of a small sandy lobe, None, although two Undisturbed High domestic site near the base of an escarpment; large circular features aspen forest are present
July 2005 Page 4-28 VOLUME 9
Subsection 4.4: Project Effects on Historical Resources
4.4.4.3.2 Anticipated Project Effects
Of the historical resource sites identified in the LSA, five are outside areas scheduled for development (see Figure 4-6 and Table 4-4) and will not be affected by the project. All are located along the northern and northwestern margins of Kearl Lake, in an environmental setback from the lake. These sites include:
• one prehistoric isolated artifact find site (HhOt 8) • two prehistoric artifact scatter sites (HhOt 17 and HhOt 18) • two prehistoric campsites (HhOt 5 and HhOt 6)
Eleven of the 16 sites identified in the LSA are located in proposed mine pits (see Table 4-3). These sites include:
• six prehistoric isolated artifact find sites (HiOs 2, HiOs 4, HiOs 5, HiOt 2, HhOs 3 and HhOt 7) • three prehistoric artifact scatter sites (HhOs 2, HhOs 4 and HhOt 9) • one historic campsite (HhOs 5) • one historic residential–domestic site (HiOs 3)
These 11 sites will be completely removed as the result of mining activities. Activities that will affect the sites are anticipated to start in 2007, with the draining and removal of muskeg, and forest clearing. Mining activities that will affect the area of the archaeological historical resource sites will start in 2021 and continue until 2056.
Of the 11 sites that will be removed by the Kearl project, the majority (n=7) have low interpretive value, based on limited areal site extent and sparse artifact assemblages lacking diagnostic artifacts. Testing at the sites with low interpretive value during the HRIAs has mitigated project effects for those seven sites.
Four sites have moderate to high interpretive value:
• artifact scatters (HhOs 2 and HhOs 4) • historic campsite (HhOs 5) • historic domestic–residential (HiOs 3) Additional investigation and mitigation before development is recommended for these sites, including staged excavation.
July 2005 Page 4-29 VOLUME 9
Section 4: Historical Resources
Figure 4-6: Recommended Historical Resource Site Mitigation in the Local Study Area
Page 4-30 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Table 4-4: Mitigation and Residual Effects in the Local Study Area
Residual Effect After Stage I Excavation Proportion Proportion Site Type Recommended Mitigated by Mitigated Proportion (Key Site Mitigation HRIA by Removed by Indicator Site Anticipated Nature of Interpretive Size (if site is affected by testing Excavation Development 2 Resource) Name Project Effect Effect Value (m ) project) (%) (%) (%) Recording and artifact Muskeg and forest Complete collection has clearing (2007); HhOs 3 removal of Low 1 preserved site 100 0 0 mining in South Pit site information; no further (2051) work recommended Recording and artifact Muskeg and forest Complete collection has clearing (2007); HhOt 7 removal of Low 1 preserved site 100 0 0 mining in South Pit site information; no further (2041) work recommended Recording and artifact collection has Outside footprint; HhOt 18 None Low 1 preserved site Site will be avoided within lake setback information; no further work recommended 1 Recording and artifact Muskeg and forest Prehistoric Complete collection has clearing (2007); HiOs 2 removal of Low preserved site 100 0 0 isolated mining in East Pit site information; no further artifact find (2030) work recommended 1 Recording and artifact Muskeg and forest Complete collection has clearing (2007); HiOs 4 removal of Low preserved site 100 0 0 mining in North Pit site information; no further (2025) work recommended 1 Recording and artifact Muskeg and forest Complete collection has clearing (2007); HiOs 5 removal of Low preserved site 100 0 0 mining in North Pit site information; no further (2025) work recommended 1 Recording and artifact Muskeg and forest Complete collection has clearing (2007); HiOt 2 removal of Low preserved site 100 0 0 mining in North Pit site information; no further (2027) work recommended
July 2005 Page 4-31 VOLUME 9
Table 4-4: Mitigation and Residual Effects in the Local Study Area (cont’d)
Residual Effect After Stage I Excavation
Proportion Proportion Site Type Mitigated Mitigated Proportion (Key Anticipated Site by HRIA by Removed by Indicator Site Project Nature Interpretive Size Recommended Mitigation testing Excavation Development 2 Resource) Name Effect of Effect Value (m ) (if affected by project) (%) (%) (%) Muskeg and forest 2 Stage I excavation of 10 m in clearing Complete Moderate to development area; Stage II HhOs 2 (2007); removal 60 0 16 84 high excavation if warranted by mining in of site results of Stage I South Pit (2056) Muskeg and forest 2 Stage I excavation of 10 m in clearing Complete Moderate to development area; Stage II HhOs 4 (2007); removal 4 0 100 0 high excavation if warranted by mining in of site results of Stage I South Pit (2056) Outside Recording and artifact footprint; collection has preserved site HhOt 8 None Low 1 Site will be avoided Prehistoric within lake information; no further work artifact setback recommended scatter Muskeg and forest Recording and artifact clearing Complete collection has preserved site HhOt 9 (2007); removal Low 1 100 0 0 information; no further work mining in of site recommended North Pit (2034) If site remains outside development footprint, no further work recommended. Outside Should development plans be HhOt footprint; Moderate to changed, Stage I investigation None 2000 Site will be avoided 17 within lake high through shovel testing at 5-m setback intervals across the site (n=280 shovel tests); Stage II excavation if warranted by results of Stage I
July 2005 Page 4-32 VOLUME 9
Table 4-4: Mitigation and Residual Effects in the Local Study Area (cont’d)
Residual Effect After Stage I Excavation
Proportion Site Type Proportion Mitigated Proportion (Key Anticipated Site Mitigated by by Removed by Indicator Site Project Nature Interpretive Size Recommended Mitigation HRIA testing Excavation Development 2 Resource) Name Effect of Effect Value (m ) (if affected by project) (%) (%) (%) If site remains outside development footprint, no further work recommended. Should development plans be changed, Stage I investigation through Outside shovel testing at intersection HhOt footprint; Moderate to None 10 points in a 3-m grid across the Site will be avoided 5 within lake high site (n=69 shovel tests), as well setback as shovel testing of a 5-m grid to ensure site boundaries are confirmed (n=48 shovel tests); Prehistoric Stage II excavation if warranted campsite by results of Stage I If site remains outside development footprint, no further work recommended. Should development plans change, Outside Stage I investigation with 150 HhOt footprint; Moderate to None 1,500 shovel tests at 5-m grid intervals Site will be avoided 6 within lake high and five, 1 m by 1 m excavation setback blocks excavated near the original 1 m by 1 m test; Stage II excavation if warranted by results of Stage I Muskeg and forest Detailed mapping of site area clearing Complete Historic HhOs and controlled surface collection (2007); removal Moderate 1,200 0 100 0 campsite 5 of materials; no further work mining in of site recommended South Pit (2051) Muskeg and forest 2 Historic Stage I excavation of 15-m clearing Complete residential– HiOs Moderate to trench through long axis of both (2007); removal 55 0 27 73 domestic 3 high depressions; Stage II excavation mining in of site site if warranted by results of Stage I North Pit (2021) July 2005 Page 4-33 VOLUME 9
Section 4: Historical Resources
4.4.4.4 Effects Classification
For classification of project effects on historical resources at the local level, see Table 4-5.
Table 4-5: Proposed Development Effects on Historical Resources – Local Level
Consequence Site Type of Effects after (Key Indicator Interpretive Number Stage I Resource) Value of Sites Mitigation Comment Low 7 Low One site lies in environmental setback Prehistoric outside development footprint and will not isolated finds be affected Low 2 Low One sites lies in environmental setback outside development footprint and will not be affected Prehistoric Moderate to 3 Moderate One site lies in environmental setback artifact scatters high outside development footprint and will not be affected; one site will be 100 percent mitigated during Stage I mitigation; one site will be 16 percent mitigated during Stage I mitigation Precontact Moderate to 2 Low Both sites lie in environmental setback, campsites High outside development footprint Historic Moderate 1 Low Site lacks buried cultural materials campsites Historic Moderate to 1 Moderate Site will be 27 percent mitigated during residential– high Stage I mitigation domestic sites
4.4.4.4.1 Effects Classification Results: Low Effects
The consequence of development effects will be low for the following key indicator resources:
• prehistoric isolated finds of low interpretive value • prehistoric artifact scatters of low interpretive value • prehistoric campsites of moderate to high interpretive value • historic campsites of moderate interpretive value
For the prehistoric isolated finds and prehistoric artifact scatters of low interpretive value, two site lie in the environmental setback, outside the development footprint. As a result, they will not be affected by the Kearl project. Another seven sites in the LSA contained a few, relatively common artifacts. Thus, it was concluded that the maximum amount of information available at these sites was collected during the HRIAs. Based on this, the consequence of project effects on these sites is considered to be low.
Page 4-34 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 4.4: Project Effects on Historical Resources
Both prehistoric campsites of moderate to high interpretive value lie outside the development footprint. As a result, as long as steps are taken to prevent inadvertent secondary effects, these sites will not be disturbed by the Kearl project. For this reason, the consequence of project effects on these sites will be low. Although the historic campsite contains a large number of surface artifacts, it is felt that Stage I mitigation will result in collection and recording of a sufficient amount of information to adequately interpret the site. Thus, after mitigation, the consequence of project effects on this key indicator resource will be low.
4.4.4.4.2 Effects Classification Results: Moderate Effects Two key indicator resources will be subject to moderate effects from project development. These include the:
• prehistoric artifact scatters of moderate to high interpretive value • historic residential–domestic sites of high interpretive value One of the prehistoric artifact scatters lies in the environmental setback of the footprint, and will not be affected by the project. The remaining two prehistoric artifact scatters of moderate to high interpretive value require Stage I mitigation before development. For the smaller of these two sites, Stage I mitigation will probably result in complete excavation and recording of the materials associated with the site. For the other site, Stage I mitigation will result in investigation of only 16 percent of the site. For this reason, the effect of the project after Stage I mitigation on the key indicator resource of prehistoric artifact scatters of moderate to high interpretive value is considered to be moderate. The consequence of development effects on the historic residential–domestic key indicator resource in the LSA will also be moderate. This is based on the fact that Stage I mitigation will result in the excavation of only 27 percent of the site.
4.4.5 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CASE As no known future developments will affect the LSA, no future loss of known sites in the LSA is predicted.
4.4.6 PREDICTION CONFIDENCE 4.4.6.1 Quality and Quantity of Baseline Information Anticipated changes in the interpretive value of sites were assessed qualitively at the local level. The interpretive value of a site was assessed based on the results of standard testing methods used during the HRIA. This testing was guided by modelling of the project area to identify target areas most likely to contain historical resource sites. As the emphasis of this model was to test areas considered to be of moderate and high potential for the identification of archaeological sites, the environmental data used to create the model was fairly broad, confidence in the quality and quantity of baseline information is moderate.
July 2005 Page 4-35 VOLUME 9
Section 4: Historical Resources
4.4.6.2 Confidence in Analytical Techniques Analytical techniques used to review Kearl project effects on historical resources are standard methods for assessing changes in the interpretive value of archaeological sites. They contrast the preconstruction (current) state of historical resource sites in the LSA with project effects during the postreclamation phase based on a consideration of the changes in site contents and contexts. Confidence in the use of these techniques is moderate.
4.4.6.3 Confidence in the Success of Mitigation Confidence in mitigation is based on the ability to successfully preserve information, including artifacts and contextual details, about archaeological sites where the individual sites cannot be preserved. Successful mitigation is based on sampling large areas of individual sites. Because of the limited artifact assemblages and surface context of the materials in the prehistoric isolated finds, confidence in success of mitigation of this key indicator resource is high. For the prehistoric artifact scatters, because one of the sites will be tested using only 16 percent of its total area, confidence in the success of Stage I HRIM is moderate. This will improve if Stage II mitigation is required by Heritage Resource Management Branch. Confidence in the success of mitigation is not applicable to the prehistoric campsites, as they will not be affected by the proposed development. One historic campsite will be mitigated using mapping and surface artifact- collection techniques. As the site does not contain any buried cultural materials, confidence in the success of mitigation of this key indicator resource is high. For the historic residential–domestic site, an estimated 27 percent of the area will be investigated during Stage I mitigation. Based on this, confidence in the success of mitigation of this key indicator resource is moderate.
4.4.7 MANAGEMENT AND FOLLOW-UP MITIGATION Since completion of the last HRIA in 2004, the proposed development footprint has been slightly modified. Some alterations extend beyond areas considered under the three previous HRIAs, including: • the proposed water intake pipeline • potential offstream storage facilities in Leases 6A and 7 • overburden areas that will extend east and south into Leases 85 and 87A
Page 4-36 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 4.4: Project Effects on Historical Resources
An HRIA investigation of these unexamined areas will be required before development. Future management considerations include:
• HRIAs in the proposed water intake pipeline, offstream storage and additional overburden areas
• follow-up mitigation that might be required for historical resources of moderate or high interpretive value identified during additional assessments. Appropriate mitigation, possibly including staged excavation, will be recommended.
4.4.8 SUMMARY
In the LSA, 16 historical resource sites were identified, representing five different types of key indicator resources. Of these sites, 11 could be affected by the planned development for the Kearl project. This will result in disruption of the contents and contexts of the sites at a primary level of disturbance. Assessment of anticipated development effects on the historical resource sites in the LSA yielded the following results:
• low consequence effects on prehistoric isolated artifact finds • moderate consequence effects on prehistoric artifact scatters • low consequence effects on prehistoric campsites • low consequence effects on the historic campsite • moderate consequence effects on the historic residential–domestic site
Confidence in the quantity and quality of the data and the analytical techniques is moderate.
Based on anticipated effects of the Kearl project, Stage I mitigation has been recommended for four sites. As a result of mitigation during previous HRIAs, and the future Stage I HRIM, the success of mitigation on the sites relies on its ability to yield information that is useful in interpreting ancient site activities. Based on the current interpretive value of these sites, it is anticipated that the success of mitigation will vary from moderate to high, depending on the key indicator resource considered:
• high for prehistoric isolated finds, and prehistoric and historic campsites
• moderate for prehistoric artifact scatters and the historic residential–domestic site
Where a high degree of success is predicted, it is anticipated that the sites will completely or nearly completely excavated, and all cultural materials associated with the sites will be collected. Where success is predicted to be moderate, there is a great likelihood that additional Stage II mitigation will be required to further mitigate project effects. ♦
July 2005 Page 4-37 VOLUME 9
SECTION 4: Historical Resources Subsection 4.5: Project Effects on Regional Interpretive Value
Project Effects on Regional Interpretive Value
4.5.1 INTRODUCTION
This section addresses Key Question HR2, the effect of the project on the interpretive value of the regional historical resources database. The two main issues in assessing this key question are:
• effects of the Kearl project on the abundance of the key indicator resources (site types)
• effects of the Kearl project on the interpretive value of key indicator resources (site integrity)
4.5.2 METHODS The assessment of project effects on historical resources in the RSA contrasts the character, interpretive value and integrity of the sites in the LSA with those in the RSA. The purpose of the assessment is to identify whether rare sites, or sites with a unique context or interpretive value in the regional database will be altered by the Kearl project.
4.5.2.1 Effects Classification
Classification of Kearl project effects in the RSA is based on considering the project’s influence in alteration of the interpretive value of the regional database. The project is considered to have no effect on the regional key indicator resources when the site types occur in the RSA but are not in the LSA. As a result, they will not be affected by the project.
The effect of a project is considered to be low on a key indicator resource when key indicator resources of low to moderate interpretive value that are common in the LSA and RSA are affected by the project. Project effects are considered to be moderate when sites of moderate to high interpretive value are removed by the project, but are sites that are more common in the LSA and RSA. When sites of moderate to high interpretive value are rare in the LSA and RSA, project effects on these types of sites is considered to have a high environmental consequence.
4.5.3 EXISTING AND APPROVED CASE
4.5.3.1 Effects Analysis Before HRIA studies were conducted for the Kearl project, 690 historical resource sites had been identified in the RSA (see Table 4-6). These include:
• 615 sites representing the prehistoric period • 27 sites representing the historic period • 5 sites with both prehistoric and historic occupations
July 2005 Page 4-39 VOLUME 9
Section 4: Historical Resources
Table 4-6: Historical Resource Sites in the Regional Study Area Before Kearl Project Undisturbed Sites in Existing Sites Scheduled Sites in Existing and Approved for Future Site Type and Approved RSA that Will Not Development Period (Key Indicator Resource) RSA Be Disturbed Disturbance Isolated artifact finds 137 31 17 Artifact scatters 442 104 26 Campsites 30 3 6 Prehistoric Quarry sites 2 0 0 Rock art sites 2 0 0 Trails 2 0 0 Artifact scatters 1 0 0 Campsites 1 0 0 Stone features 1 0 1 Residential–domestic 7 1 2 Historic Trading posts 1 0 0 Quarry sites 1 0 0 Industrial sites 14 1 7 Trails 1 0 0 Artifact scatters 1 0 0 Prehistoric Campsites 1 0 0 and Historic Residential–domestic 1 0 1 Trading posts or camps 2 0 0 No information 43 N/A Totals 690 140 60 NOTES: N/A Not applicable.
In addition, 43 sites from the RSA were registered in the Archaeological Sites Inventory database, but do not contain sufficient information to evaluate their site type or temporal affiliation. None of these 690 sites were identified in the Kearl project LSA.
Although insufficient information exists in the Archaeological Sites Inventory Database for 6.2 percent of the 690 sites identified, information about the current status of the remaining 93.8 percent is available. Of the 690 sites, 20.3 percent are in undisturbed states that maintain their interpretive value. The remaining sites comprise either those that have been previously disturbed through development or vandalism (71 percent) or those scheduled for disturbance through future development (8.7 percent). The latter will be affected by ongoing development associated with the following approved projects:
• Shell Jackpine mine – Phase 1 • Petro-Canada/UTS Fort Hills oil sands project • Syncrude Canada Ltd. Aurora North and South Mine
Page 4-40 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 4.5: Project Effects on Regional Interpretive Value
4.5.4 PROJECT CASE With the addition of the 16 sites identified in the Kearl project LSA, the number of sites in the RSA rises to 706. Of these, those in the LSA comprise 2.3 percent of the sites recorded for the Existing and Approved, and Project cases in the RSA (see Table 4-7). Fourteen of the sites in the LSA represent the prehistoric period, while two are related to the historic period. Of these, nine prehistoric and two historic sites will be affected by development of the LSA. The remaining five sites lie in an environmental setback and will not be affected by development.
No sites of mixed prehistoric and historic components were identified in the LSA, although four sites with these affiliations are recorded in the RSA.
Table 4-7: Historical Resource Sites in the Regional Study Area After Kearl Project Sites in Sites in Sites in Existing Sites in LSA LSA that Site Type and Project Percentage will be Sites in LSA (Key Indicator Approved Case of all RSA Disturbed Proposed for Period Resource) RSA LSA Cases by Project Further Work Isolated artifact 137 7 4.9 6 0 finds Artifact scatters 442 5 1.1 3 2 Prehistoric Campsites 30 2 6.3 0 0 Quarry sites 2 0 0.0 0 0 Rock art sites 2 0 0.0 0 0 Trails 2 0 0.0 0 0 Artifact scatters 1 0 0.0 0 0 Campsites 1 1 50.0 1 1 Stone features 1 0 0.0 0 0 Residential– 7 1 12.5 1 1 Historic domestic Trading posts 1 0 0.0 0 0 Quarry sites 1 0 0.0 0 0 Industrial sites 14 0 0.0 0 0 Trails 1 0 0.0 0 0 Artifact scatters 1 0 0.0 0 0 Campsites 1 0 0.0 0 0 Prehistoric Residential– and 1 0 0.0 0 0 Historic domestic Trading posts– 2 0 0.0 0 0 camps Not Site forms not 43 N/A recorded yet submitted Totals 690 16 2.2 11 4 NOTES: N/A Not applicable.
July 2005 Page 4-41 VOLUME 9
Section 4: Historical Resources
4.5.4.1 Prehistoric Sites in the Local Study Area Among the prehistoric site types, those in the LSA comprise 2.2 percent of all prehistoric sites in the Existing and Approved, and Project cases of the RSA. By prehistoric site type, the LSA sites represent:
• 4.9 percent of the prehistoric isolated finds • 1.1 percent of the prehistoric artifact scatters • 6.3 percent of the prehistoric campsites
Isolated finds in the LSA have been identified either as being in areas that will avoid development effects, or as sites with low interpretive value. The artifact scatters in the LSA include two that will avoid development effects and three that will be affected by the project. Of these, only two of the artifact scatters have sufficient interpretive value to require Stage I mitigation before development.
Although prehistoric campsites occur in the Existing and Approved, and Project RSA, those in the LSA lie in environmental setbacks that will not be impacted by the footprint. As a result, they will not be affected by the Kearl project.
Prehistoric site types in the RSA that do not occur in the LSA include quarry sites, rock art sites and trails. These three site types are rare in the RSA, resulting in a high interpretive value for all these sites. As these sites do not occur in the LSA, however, they will not be affected by the proposed Kearl project.
4.5.4.2 Historic Sites in the Local Study Area
The two historic sites recorded in the LSA comprise 6.9 percent of the 29 historic sites in the RSA. The historic residential–domestic site represents 12.5 percent of those site types in the RSA, while the historic campsite represents 50 percent of all historic campsites in the region. The rarity of both sites, in the LSA and the RSA, leads to recommendations for additional mitigation before development of the Kearl project.
In addition to these sites identified in the LSA, other types of historic sites have been identified in the RSA, including:
• industrial sites (largely related to 19th- and 20th-century oil development) • a trading post • a stone feature • a quarry • a trail
Each of these historic site types has high interpretive value, based on their rarity in the RSA. As none of these types was identified in the LSA, they are not a concern for designing mitigation strategies for the project.
Page 4-42 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 4.5: Project Effects on Regional Interpretive Value
4.5.4.3 Regional Study Area Site Context A number of the sites in the Existing and Approved, and Project Case portions of the RSA had been previously disturbed by a variety of activities before the Kearl project, including: • oil sands developments (n=165 sites) • pipeline construction (n=55 sites) • highway development (n=42 sites) • borrow site development (n=11 sites) • transmission line construction (n=6 sites) • residential development (n=6 sites) • vandalism (n=6 sites) • natural erosion (n=3 sites) • forestry (n=2 sites) • unspecified (n=194 sites) Based on plans for the Kearl project and other Existing and Approved developments in the RSA, an additional 77 sites will be disturbed through future development (see Table 4-8). The Kearl project will result in the alteration of 11.7 percent of these newly disturbed sites. Following completion of Existing and Approved, and Project case developments, combined with sites previously disturbed as a result of other activities in the area, 79.7 percent of the archaeological sites in the RSA will have been subject to disturbance that reduces their interpretive value.
Table 4-8: Existing and Approved, and Project Case Effects on Historical Resource Sites Number of Undisturbed Undisturbed Sites Sites Scheduled for Sites that Will Currently Future Development Not Be Case Disturbed Disturbance Disturbed Total Existing and Approved 482 68 140 690 Project 4 9 3 16 Total 486 77 143 706
4.5.4.4 Local Study Area Site Context Of the currently known undisturbed sites in the RSA, the Kearl project will affect the following (see Table 4-9): • 7.5 percent of all undisturbed prehistoric isolated artifact finds (n=4) • 2.2 percent of all undisturbed prehistoric artifact scatters (n=3) • 25 percent of all undisturbed historic residential–domestic locations (n=1) For prehistoric and historic campsites in the LSA, disturbance of previously undisturbed sites will not occur. This is the result of the fact that the historic campsite was previously disturbed, while the two prehistoric campsites lie in the environmental setback and will not be affected by the development footprint.
July 2005 Page 4-43 VOLUME 9
Section 4: Historical Resources
Table 4-9: Undisturbed Historical Resource Sites in the Regional and Local Study Areas Existing and Approved, and Project Regional Study Area Local Study Area Undisturbed Sites that Will Be Removed by Undisturbed Sites that Oil Sands Will Be Removed by Developments the Kearl Project(b) Site Type Sites in Proportion Proportion (Key Sites RSA of Sites in LSA of Site Indicator in Currently Undisturbed Currently Undisturbed Period Resource) RSA Undisturbed Number RSA Undisturbed Number LSA Isolated artifact 144 53 21 39.6 5 4 80.0 finds* Artifact 447 135 29 21.5 6 3 50.0 scatters* Prehistoric Campsites* 32 9 6 66.7 3 0 0.0 Quarry sites 2 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 Rock art 2 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 sites Trails 2 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 Artifact 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 scatters Campsites* 2 1 1 100.0 0 0 0.0 Stone 1 1 1 100.0 0 0 0.0 features Residential– 8 4 3 75.0 1 1 100.0 Historic domestic* Trading 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 posts Quarry sites 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 Industrial 14 8 7 87.5 0 0 0.0 sites Trails 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 Artifact 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 scatters Prehistoric Campsites 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 and Residential– 1 1 1 100.0 0 0 0.0 historic domestic* Trading 2 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 posts/camps No information 43 N/A Total 706 212 69 32.5 15 8 53.3 NOTES: N/A Not applicable. * Total includes sites identified in Kearl project area.
Page 4-44 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 4.5: Project Effects on Regional Interpretive Value
4.5.4.5 Effects Classification
For Kearl project effects on historical resource sites at the regional level, see Table 4-10.
Table 4-10: Proposed Development Effects on Historical Resources – Regional Level
Consequence of Project Site Type Total Effects after (Key Indicator Number Subset Interpretive Stage I Site Period Resource) in RSA in LSA Value Mitigation Isolated artifact 144 7 Low to moderate Low finds* Artifact scatters* 447 5 Low to high Low to moderate Prehistoric Campsites* 32 2 Moderate to high Low Quarry sites 2 0 High None Rock art sites 2 0 High None Trails 2 0 High None Artifact scatters 1 0 Low to high None Campsites* 2 1 Moderate to high Low Stone features 1 0 High None Residential– Moderate to 8 1 Moderate to high Historic domestic high Trading posts 1 0 High None Quarry sites 1 0 High None Industrial sites 14 0 Moderate to high None Trails 1 0 High None Artifact scatters 1 0 Moderate to high None Campsites 1 0 Moderate to high None Prehistoric Residential– 1 0 Moderate to high None and historic domestic Trading posts 2 0 High None and camps No information 43 0 N/A Total 706 16 NOTE: N/A Not applicable.
July 2005 Page 4-45 VOLUME 9
Section 4: Historical Resources
4.5.4.5.1 Classification Results: No Development Effects No development effects are anticipated for 12 key indicator resources in the RSA. These site types do not occur in the LSA and include: • prehistoric quarry sites • prehistoric rock art sites • prehistoric trails • historic artifact scatters • historic stone features • historic trading posts • historic quarry sites • historic industrial sites • historic trails • artifact scatters with both prehistoric and historic occupations • campsites with both prehistoric and historic occupations • residential–domestic sites with both prehistoric and historic occupations • trading posts and camps with both prehistoric and historic occupations
4.5.4.5.2 Classification Results: Low Effects The consequence of development effects was found to be low for the following key indicator resources in the RSA: • prehistoric isolated finds of low to moderate interpretive value • prehistoric campsites of moderate to high interpretive value • historic campsites of moderate to high interpretive value One of the prehistoric isolated finds of low interpretive value lie outside the development footprint and will not be affected by the Kearl project. Another six sites contained a few, relatively common artifacts. Thus, it was felt that the maximum information available at these sites was collected during the HRIAs. As a result, removal of either the disturbed or undisturbed isolated finds from the LSA will not alter the overall interpretive value of this key indicator resource in the RSA. Both prehistoric campsites of moderate to high interpretive value lie outside the development footprint. As a result, as long as steps are taken to prevent inadvertent secondary effects, these sites will not be disturbed by activities associated with the Kearl project. For this reason, the consequence of project effects on this key indicator resource in the RSA will be low. The historic campsite is one of two such sites in the RSA, although no undisturbed example of this type of site exists in the RSA. Despite the rarity of the site and the large number of surface artifacts, including bottle glass that could date to the late 19th-century, prior disturbance at the site lowers its interpretive value. Thus, after Stage I mitigation, the consequence of project effects on this key indicator resource will be low.
Page 4-46 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 4.5: Project Effects on Regional Interpretive Value
4.5.4.5.3 Classification Results: Low to Moderate Effects
Only three of the 447 artifact scatters in the RSA will be affected by the project, while only two of these have moderate to high interpretive value that warrants further investigation. To reduce project effects on these two undisturbed sites, additional preconstruction investigation has been recommended. As a result of this, the effect of the project on the prehistoric artifact scatters is considered to be low- to moderate.
4.5.4.5.4 Classification Results: Moderate Effects
The historic residential–domestic site is one of only eight sites in the RSA, and is one of four in an undisturbed context. These characteristics give the site a high interpretive value at the RSA level. To reduce project effects, further investigation of the site is recommended. As Stage I assessment will result in the excavation of 27 percent of the interpreted site area, project effects on this key indicator resource is considered to be moderate. For this reason, it is anticipated that additional Stage II mitigation will be required to further reduce project effects.
4.5.5 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CASE
Four potential developments will create additional pressure on the historical resources in the RSA:
• Husky Energy Sunrise Thermal project • Shell Muskeg River Mine expansion • Shell Jackpine Mine – Phase 2 • Petro-Canada Lewis SAGD project
Of these projects, HRIA studies have been done only for the Shell Muskeg River Mine expansion, the Petro-Canada Lewis SAGD project and the Husky Energy Sunrise Thermal project. As an HRIA has not yet been completed for Shell Jackpine Mine – Phase 2, the cumulative effects of this project on the interpretive value of historical resource sites in the RSA cannot be determined.
Through HRIA investigations of the three potential projects in the RSA, an additional 93 historical resource sites have been added to the regional Archaeological Sites Inventory database, bringing the total number of sites identified in the RSA to 799. Although the definition of the site type has not yet been registered for 16 of these sites, those classified include:
• prehistoric isolated finds (n=9) • prehistoric artifact scatters (n=68)
July 2005 Page 4-47 VOLUME 9
Section 4: Historical Resources
With the additional sites identified in the RSA, sites in the LSA comprise two percent of all archaeological historical resource sites in the RSA. Isolated finds in the LSA, with the addition of the Potential Case finds, make up 4.6 percent of all isolated artifact finds in the RSA. The artifact scatters in the LSA comprise one percent of the artifact scatters in the RSA defined by the Existing and Approved, Project and Potential Development cases.
Based on the increased archaeological historical resource site total for the RSA defined by the Existing and Approved, Project and Potential Development cases, disturbed sites and sites that will be disturbed by development comprise 81 percent of total sites in the RSA (see Table 4-11),. Of these, those in the LSA make up 1.8 percent of disturbed sites and undisturbed sites that will be affected by future development.
Table 4-11: Historical Resource Site Disturbance in the Regional Study Area
Undisturbed Undisturbed Sites Sites that will Scheduled for Future Sites Currently Not Be Development Case Disturbed Disturbed Disturbance Total Existing and Approved 482 140 68 690 Project 4 3 9 16 Potential Development 14 9 70 93 Total 500 152 147 799
4.5.6 PREDICTION CONFIDENCE
4.5.6.1 Quality and Quantity of Baseline Information
The quality and quantity of baseline information for assessment of project effects at an RSA level is affected by two issues:
• slight inconsistencies in the Archaeological Sites Inventory database, based on changes in information-recording methods accrued over 30 years
• the fact that not all areas in the RSA have been equally investigated for the presence of historical resources
The Archaeological Sites Inventory database contains records of all identified sites in the province from 1970 to the present. Although the quality of the records has varied over the last 30 years, recorded information is relatively standard. Some characteristics, such as nomenclature for site types or methods used to record accurate location coordinates, are more recent innovations. These innovations are refinements rather than revisions of procedures used to identify, assess and record historical resources. Therefore, records are sufficiently consistent to ensure that the results of the baseline and EIA are accurate.
Page 4-48 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 4.5: Project Effects on Regional Interpretive Value
Assessment of Kearl project effects on historical resources followed standard evaluation methods accepted by Heritage Resource Management Branch. Historical data used in the assessment included both archaeological database records, as well as the results of three HRIAs in the LSA (Clarke 1999; Unfreed and Blower 2005).
Assessment of development effects on historical resource sites can only occur where sites have been identified. Where no sites have been identified, no data is available for use in the assessment. Lack of data occurs:
• where no HRIA has been done
• where the results of an HRIA are not yet registered in the Archaeological Sites Inventory database
The historical resource assessment assumes that only areas of the RSA where sites have been identified can be used in the assessment, whether or not an HRIA has been done. An assessment of the LSA, however, is done only after an HRIA has been completed.
Based on the fact that some changes have occurred in the archaeological site information recorded, and that not all areas of the RSA have been investigated through HRIA examinations, the prediction confidence in the quality and quantity of the baseline information is moderate.
4.5.6.2 Confidence in Analytical Techniques
Comparing known historical resource sites in the LSA with those reported in the RSA is a standard method of analysis. Confidence in the use of the analysis is only as strong as confidence in accuracy of the site information in the RSA. Although the condition of all 799 sites in the RSA was not verified during HRIA ground truthing, a relative consistency in data reporting by previous investigators supports a reliability of the data. As a result, confidence in the analytical techniques used to determine project effects in the RSA is moderate.
4.5.6.3 Confidence in Success of Mitigation
Mitigation of development effects on historical resources takes place only at the level of the LSA. For the discussion of confidence in the success of mitigation, see Key Question HR1 in Subsection 4.4.
July 2005 Page 4-49 VOLUME 9
Section 4: Historical Resources
4.5.7 MANAGEMENT AND FOLLOW-UP MITIGATION Future management and monitoring of Kearl project effects on historical resources is related to: • additions to the footprint after completion of the 2004 HRIA • exposure of currently unrecorded historical resource sites during activities, e.g., core-hole drilling, conducted after completion of the HRIAs of the project footprint An HRIA is therefore recommended for all areas that have been added to the Kearl project footprint, including the: • proposed water intake pipeline • potential off-stream storage facilities in Lease 6A and Lease 7 • overburden areas that will extend east and south into Lease 85 and Lease 87A
All new sites recorded will be evaluated according to the same criteria used for the sites identified in the LSA in 1998, 2003 and 2004. Where newly identified sites are interpreted as being of moderate or high interpretive value, additional mitigation to reduce anticipated project effects will be recommended.
4.5.8 SUMMARY
The sites identified in the Kearl project LSA represent 16 of 799 historical resource sites currently recorded in the RSA. Of these, many of those in the LSA are the most common types of sites identified in the RSA, including:
• prehistoric artifact finds (n=6) • prehistoric artifact scatters (n=7) • prehistoric campsites (n=1)
The only exceptions to this were the two historic sites, including the historic campsite and the historic residential–domestic site. Both these site types were identified more rarely in the RSA.
Evaluation of the Project Case identified five archaeological sites in the LSA that will fall outside the development footprint. As long as steps are taken to ensure that inadvertent secondary effects on these sites from the Kearl project are avoided, no further investigation of these sites is necessary.
Further consideration was necessary for the remaining 11 sites in the development footprint. Determination of appropriate mitigation of an historical resource site that will be subject to primary development effects is based on the:
• perceived development impact • interpretive value of a site
Page 4-50 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 4.5: Project Effects on Regional Interpretive Value
Where the HRIA determined that sites in the LSA had low interpretive value, no mitigation beyond the methods used during the HRIA was recommended. Where sites were found to have moderate to high interpretive value, further work was recommended.
In the LSA, four sites were considered to have sufficient interpretive value to warrant further investigation:
• two prehistoric artifact scatters • one historic campsite • one historic residential–domestic site
Recommended mitigation for these sites ranges from mapping and surface artifact collection to staged excavation. If accepted by Heritage Resource Management Branch of Alberta Community Development, mitigation will start with Stage I excavations between 10 and 15 m2 and will be expanded during Stage II excavation, if warranted (see Table 4-9).
Based on the proposed mitigation, it is anticipated that effects of the Kearl project on the regional archaeological database include:
• low-consequence effects on prehistoric isolated artifact finds, prehistoric campsites and the historic campsite
• low- to moderate-consequence effects on prehistoric artifact scatters
• moderate-consequence effects on historic residential–domestic sites
Confidence in the quantity and quality of the data and the analytical techniques is moderate. In addition to the assessment of identified sites in the LSA, provisions have been made for follow-up monitoring and mitigation of areas added to the development footprint after completion of the HRIAs for the Kearl project. Where newly identified sites are interpreted as being of moderate or high interpretive value, additional mitigation will be recommended according to the same criteria used for sites currently identified in the LSA. ♦
July 2005 Page 4-51 VOLUME 9
SECTION 4: Historical Resources Subsection 4.6: Conclusions
Conclusions
4.6.1 EXISTING AND APPROVED CASE
4.6.1.1 Local Study Area
Before the HRIAs conducted for the Kearl project, no historical resource sites had been identified in the LSA.
4.6.1.2 Regional Study Area
In the RSA, 690 historical resource sites had been identified in the Existing and Approved Case areas. Of these sites, 29.0 percent are currently in undisturbed contexts. The remaining sites have been disturbed as the result of vandalism or development. Future development will affect 8.7 percent of the sites, including the following approved projects:
• Shell Jackpine mine – Phase I • Petro-Canada/UTS Fort Hills oil sands project • Syncrude Canada Ltd. Aurora North and South Mine
4.6.2 PROJECT CASE
4.6.2.1 Local Study Area
As a result of the Kearl project, 16 archaeological sites were recorded in the LSA. Before the effects of the Kearl project, 12 sites in the LSA were identified in undisturbed contexts. The remaining four had been subject to some degree of disturbance through the creation of access roads, trails, forest fire or logging.
Of the archaeological sites identified in the LSA, five are outside areas for scheduled for development and will not be affected by the project. All are located along the northern and northwestern margins of Kearl Lake, in an environmental setback from the lake.
Eleven of the 16 sites identified in the LSA are located in proposed mine pits associated with the Kearl project. These will be completely removed as the result of mining activities, which are expected to start in 2007 with the draining and removal of muskeg and forest clearing.
Of the sites identified within mine pits, seven have low interpretive value based on limited areal site extent and sparse artifact assemblages lacking diagnostic artifacts. Testing conducted at the sites with low interpretive value during the HRIAs has mitigated project effects for those sites.
July 2005 Page 4-53 VOLUME 9
Section 4: Historical Resources
Four archaeological sites in the LSA have moderate to high interpretive value. Additional investigation and mitigation before development is recommended for these sites, including staged excavation.
4.6.2.2 Regional Study Area
With the addition of the 16 sites identified in the Kearl project LSA, the number of sites in the RSA under the Project Case scenario is 706. Of these, those in the LSA comprise 2.3 percent of the sites in the RSA.
Based on plans for the Kearl project and other Existing and Approved developments in the RSA, 77 sites will be disturbed through future development. The Kearl project will result in the alteration of 11.7 percent of these newly disturbed sites. Following completion of Existing and Approved, and Project case developments, combined with sites previously disturbed as the result of other area activities in the area, 79.7 percent of the archaeological sites in the RSA will have been subject to disturbance that reduces their interpretive value.
4.6.3 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CASE
4.6.3.1 Local Study Area
As no known future developments will affect the LSA, no future loss of known sites in the LSA is predicted.
4.6.3.2 Regional Study Area
Four potential developments will create additional pressure on historical resources in the RSA in the future:
• Husky Energy Sunrise Thermal project • Shell Muskeg River Mine expansion • Shell Jackpine Mine – Phase 2 • Petro-Canada Lewis SAGD project
Through HRIA studies conducted for the Husky Energy Sunrise Thermal project and the Shell Muskey River Mine expansion, an additional 93 archaeological sites were added to the RSA database. This brings the total number of sites identified in the RSA for the Existing and Approved, Project and Potential Case scenarios to 799 sites.
With the additional sites identified in the RSA, sites in the Kearl project LSA comprise 2 percent of all archaeological sites in the RSA. Based on the increased archaeological site total for the RSA defined by the Existing and Approved, Project and Potential Development cases, disturbed sites and sites that will be disturbed by development in the future comprise 81 percent of the total sites in the RSA. Of these, those in the LSA make up 1.8 percent of disturbed sites that will be affected by future development.
Page 4-54 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 4.6: Conclusions
4.6.4 SUMMARY OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment of anticipated development effects on the historical resource sites in the LSA yielded the following results:
• low consequence effects on prehistoric isolated artifact finds • moderate consequence effects on prehistoric artifact scatters • low consequence effects on prehistoric campsites • low consequence effects on the historic campsites • moderate consequence effects on the historic residential-domestic site
Based on anticipated effects of the Kearl project, seven of the sites that will be affected by the Kearl project have been mitigated through the HRIAs already conducted. For the remaining four sites that will be affected by mining development, Stage I mitigation has been recommended for four sites, including two prehistoric artifact scatters, the historic campsite and a historic residential– domestic site. As a result of mitigation during previous HRIAs, and the future Stage I HRIM, the success of mitigation on the sites relies on its ability to yield information that is useful in interpreting ancient site activities. Based on the current interpretive value of these sites, it is anticipated that the success of mitigation will vary from moderate to high, depending on the key indicator resource considered:
• high for prehistoric isolated finds, and prehistoric and historic campsites
• moderate for prehistoric artifact scatters and the historic residential–domestic site
Where a high degree of success is predicted, it is anticipated that the sites will be completely or nearly completely excavated, and all cultural materials associated with the sites will be collected. Where success is predicted to be moderate, it is likely that additional Stage II mitigation will be required to further mitigate project effects.
4.6.5 MANAGEMENT AND FOLLOW-UP MITIGATION
Since completion of the last HRIA for the Kearl project in 2004, the proposed development footprint has been slightly modified. Some alterations extend beyond areas considered under the three previous HRIAs, including:
• the proposed water intake • potential offstream storage facilities in Leases 6A and 7 • overburden areas that will extend east and south into Leases 85 and 87A
July 2005 Page 4-55 VOLUME 9
Section 4: Historical Resources
An HRIA investigation of these unexamined areas will be required before development. Future management considerations include:
• HRIAs in the proposed water intake pipeline, offstream storage and additional overburden areas
• follow-up mitigation that might be required for historical resources of moderate or high interpretive value identified during additional assessments. Appropriate mitigation, possibly including staged excavation, will be recommended ♦
Page 4-56 July 2005 VOLUME 9
SECTION 4: Historical Resources Subsection 4.7: Bibliography
Bibliography
4.7.1 LITERATURE CITED
Alberta Community Development. 1989. Archaeological Site Inventory Data Form Guide. Unpublished manuscript on file. Heritage Resource Management Branch, Alberta Community Development. Edmonton, Alberta.
Alberta Legislature. 2000. Historical Resources Act (Revised statutes of Alberta 2000). Queen’s Printer. Edmonton, Alberta.
Alberta Legislature. 2001. Alberta Regulation 124/79 Historical Resources Act, Archaeological Research Permit Regulation. Queen’s Printer. Edmonton, Alberta.
Borden, Charles. 1954. A Uniform Site Designation Scheme for Canada. In: Anthropology in British Columbia 4:44–48.
Clarke, Grant. 1999. Historical Resources Impact Assessment, Mobil Lease 36, Archaeological Research Permit 98-145. Golder Associates Ltd. Unpublished consultant’s report on file. Heritage Resource Management Branch, Alberta Community Development. Edmonton, Alberta.
Head, Thomas H. and Stanley G. Van Dyke. 1990. Historical Resources Impact Assessment, Mitigation, Cree Burn Lake Site (Permit 88-32). Bison Historical Services Ltd. Unpublished consultant’s report on file. Heritage Resource Management Branch, Alberta Community Development. Edmonton, Alberta.
Ives, J.W. and M. Fenton. 1983. Continued research on geological sources of Beaver River Sandstone. Archaeology in Alberta, 1982. Archaeological Survey of Alberta Occasional Paper No. 21. David Burley (ed.). Archaeological Survey of Alberta. Edmonton, Alberta.
McCullough, E.J. and M.C. Wilson. 1982. A Prehistoric Settlement-Subsistence Model for Northeastern Alberta, Canstar Oil Sands Ltd. Bituminous Sands Leases 33, 92 and 95: A Preliminary Statement. Canstar Oil Sands Ltd. Environmental Monograph 1982-1. Calgary, Alberta.
Reeves, B.O.K. 1996. Aurora Mine Project Historical Resources Baseline Study. Lifeways of Canada Limited. Unpublished consultant’s report on file. Syncrude Canada Ltd. Calgary, Alberta.
Ronaghan, Brian. 1982. Historical Resources Impact Assessment of the Alsands Proposed Temporary Water Intake and Associated Drainage Structures. Lifeways of Canada Limited. Unpublished consultant’s report on file. Heritage Resource Management Branch, Alberta Community Development. Edmonton, Alberta.
Saxberg, N.J., M.W. Shortt and B.O.K. Reeves. 1998. Historical Resources Impact Assessment: Aurora Mine North Utility and Access Road Corridors, Final Report (Permit 97-043).
July 2005 Page 4-57 VOLUME 9
Section 4: Historical Resources
Lifeways of Canada Limited. Unpublished consultant’s report on file. Heritage Resource Management Branch, Alberta Community Development. Edmonton, Alberta.
Saxberg, N. and B. Reeves. 2004. Birch Mountain Resources Ltd. Muskeg Valley Quarry, Historical Resources Impact Assessment, 2003 Field Studies, Final Report, ASA Permit 2003-249. Lifeways of Canada Limited. Unpublished consultant’s report on file. Heritage Resource Management Branch, Alberta Community Development. Edmonton, Alberta.
Unfreed, W.J. and D. Blower. 2005. Final Report: Historical Resources Impact Assessment, Imperial Oil Resources Limited, Kearl Oil Sands Project, Leases 6, 87 and Part of 88 (Townships 95 to 97, Ranges 7 to 8, W4M), Permit 2004-375. FMA Heritage Resources Consultants Inc. Unpublished consultant’s report on file. Heritage Resource Management Branch, Alberta Community Development. Edmonton, Alberta.
Unfreed, Wendy J., K. Peach, D. Blower, E.J. McCullough, A. Blyth and D. Cake. 2004. Environmental Indicators of Archaeological Site Potential in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. FMA Heritage Resources Consultants Inc. Unpublished consultant’s report on file. Cumulative Effects Management Association. Fort McMurray, Alberta. ♦
Page 4-58 July 2005 VOLUME 9
SECTION 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Subsection 5.0: Table of Contents
5 SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Table of Contents
5.1 INTRODUCTION...... 5-1 5.1.1 SECTION CONTENT...... 5-1 5.1.2 TERMS OF REFERENCE ...... 5-1 5.2 APPROACH AND METHODS...... 5-3 5.2.1 KEY ISSUES AND KEY QUESTIONS...... 5-3 5.2.2 ASSESSMENT CASES...... 5-3 5.2.3 SPATIAL CONSIDERATIONS ...... 5-6 5.2.4 TEMPORAL CONSIDERATIONS ...... 5-6 5.2.5 KEY INDICATORS ...... 5-6 5.2.6 MODELS AND ASSUMPTIONS...... 5-8 5.2.7 SOURCES OF DATA ...... 5-8 5.2.8 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL...... 5-9 5.3 BASELINE SUMMARY ...... 5-11 5.3.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 5-11 5.3.2 ECONOMIC SITUATION...... 5-11 5.3.3 EMPLOYMENT AND POPULATION...... 5-12 5.3.4 PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE...... 5-14 5.3.5 REGIONAL SERVICE PROVIDERS ...... 5-15 5.3.6 SUMMARY...... 5-16 5.4 ECONOMIC AND FISCAL IMPACTS...... 5-17 5.4.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 5-17 5.4.2 METHODS ...... 5-17 5.4.3 GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF EXPENDITURES...... 5-18 5.4.4 APPROACH TO CONTRACTING ...... 5-19 5.4.5 CONSTRUCTION PHASE EMPLOYMENT ...... 5-20 5.4.6 APPROACH TO OPERATIONS EMPLOYMENT ...... 5-21 5.4.7 OPERATIONS PHASE EMPLOYMENT ...... 5-22 5.4.8 CUMULATIVE WORKFORCE IMPACT...... 5-23 5.4.9 INCOME IMPACTS ...... 5-24 5.4.10 FISCAL IMPACTS ON ALBERTA AND CANADA ...... 5-25 5.4.11 FISCAL IMPACT ON THE MUNICIPALITY ...... 5-26 5.4.12 ALTERNATIVE PROJECT EXECUTION...... 5-26 5.4.13 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING ...... 5-27 5.5 POPULATION IMPACTS...... 5-29 5.5.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 5-29 5.5.2 METHODS ...... 5-29 5.5.3 EXISTING AND APPROVED CASE ...... 5-29 5.5.4 PROJECT CASE ...... 5-29 5.5.5 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CASE...... 5-30 5.5.6 ALTERNATIVE PROJECT EXECUTION...... 5-30 5.5.7 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING ...... 5-30
July 2005 Page 5-i VOLUME 9
Section 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
5.6 COMMUNITY IMPACTS...... 5-33 5.6.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 5-33 5.6.2 METHODS ...... 5-33 5.6.3 TRADITIONAL LAND AND CULTURE ...... 5-34 5.6.3.1 Existing and Approved Case ...... 5-34 5.6.3.1.1 Community Implications...... 5-34 5.6.3.2 Project Case...... 5-35 5.6.3.3 Potential Development Case...... 5-35 5.6.4 TRAFFIC ...... 5-35 5.6.4.1 Existing and Approved Case ...... 5-35 5.6.4.1.1 Community Implications...... 5-37 5.6.4.2 Project Case...... 5-37 5.6.4.3 Potential Development Case...... 5-38 5.6.5 HOUSING COSTS ...... 5-38 5.6.5.1 Existing and Approved Case ...... 5-38 5.6.5.1.1 Community Implications...... 5-39 5.6.5.2 Project Case...... 5-40 5.6.5.3 Potential Development Case...... 5-41 5.6.6 RESOURCE TOWN ECONOMY ...... 5-41 5.6.6.1 Existing and Approved Case ...... 5-41 5.6.6.1.1 Community Implications...... 5-42 5.6.6.2 Project Case...... 5-43 5.6.6.3 Potential Development Case...... 5-44 5.6.7 INFRASTRUCTURE ...... 5-44 5.6.7.1 Existing and Approved Case ...... 5-44 5.6.7.1.1 Community Implications...... 5-45 5.6.7.2 Project Case...... 5-45 5.6.7.3 Potential Development Case...... 5-46 5.6.8 SERVICES...... 5-46 5.6.8.1 Existing and Approved Case ...... 5-46 5.6.8.1.1 Community Implications...... 5-47 5.6.8.2 Project Case...... 5-48 5.6.8.3 Potential Development Case...... 5-48 5.6.9 ALTERNATIVE PROJECT EXECUTION...... 5-48 5.6.10 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING ...... 5-49 5.6.10.1 Traditional Lands and Culture...... 5-49 5.6.10.2 Traffic...... 5-50 5.6.10.3 Housing...... 5-50 5.6.10.4 Resource Town Economy...... 5-51 5.6.10.5 Infrastructure Deficit ...... 5-52 5.6.10.6 Service Deficit...... 5-52 5.7 CONCLUSION...... 5-55 5.7.1 SOCIO-ECONOMIC PLANS, POLICIES AND INITIATIVES ...... 5-55 5.7.2 ECONOMIC AND FISCAL IMPACTS ...... 5-55 5.7.2.1 Predicted Effects...... 5-55 5.7.2.2 Prediction Confidence ...... 5-56
Page 5-ii July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 5.0: Table of Contents
5.7.3 POPULATION IMPACTS ...... 5-56 5.7.3.1 Predicted Effects...... 5-56 5.7.3.2 Prediction Confidence ...... 5-56 5.7.4 COMMUNITY IMPACTS ...... 5-57 5.7.4.1 Predicted Effects...... 5-57 5.7.4.2 Prediction Confidence ...... 5-57 5.8 BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 5-59 5.8.1 LITERATURE CITED ...... 5-59 5.8.2 PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS...... 5-61 5.8.3 INTERNET SITES ...... 5-61
Figure List
Figure 5-1: SEIA Study Area...... 5-7 Figure 5-2: Capital Expenditures – Oil Sands Industry – 1996 to 2004...... 5-12 Figure 5-3: Fort McMurray Population Growth Rates ...... 5-13 Figure 5-4: On-Site Construction Workforce ...... 5-21
Table List
Table 5-1: Assessment Cases...... 5-5 Table 5-2: Construction Expenditure by Geography for Kearl Project ...... 5-18 Table 5-3: Annual Operating Expenditure by Geography (excluding energy costs) – for Kearl Project ...... 5-19 Table 5-4: Average Annual Daily Traffic on Selected Sections of Highway 63...... 5-36 Table 5-5: Collisions and Fatalities on Selected Sections of Highway 63 ...... 5-36 ♦
July 2005 Page 5-iii VOLUME 9
SECTION 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Subsection 5.1 Introduction
5.1 Introduction
5.1.1 SECTION CONTENT
This section contains the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment (SEIA) of the Kearl Oil Sands Project - Mine Development (the Kearl project). It addresses the issues raised in the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Kearl project (AENV 2004). It also discusses concerns raised by stakeholders during project-specific consultations and as documented by recent SEIAs for other developments.
The SEIA is organized as follows:
• the approaches and methods used in the assessment of the economic and socio-economic impacts of the Kearl project (see Section 5.2) • context of the current socio-economic situation in the Wood Buffalo region (see Section 5.3) • economic context, with attention to direct and total employment creation and the anticipated distribution of expenditures on construction and operations (see Section 5.4) • population impact on the Wood Buffalo region, especially on Fort McMurray where most in-migrants take up residence (see Section 5.5) • the impacts of the Kearl project and associated population growth on the community (see Section 5.6)
5.1.2 TERMS OF REFERENCE
The TOR for the Kearl project, as issued by Alberta Environment (AENV) in April of 2004, specify that the assessment of the project shall provide information on the socio-economic effects of the project, including discussion of the following:
• selection of study areas, information sources, and assessment methods • distribution of people who may be affected by the project • the economic impacts of the project on the study areas and Alberta • employment and business opportunities the project may create for local communities and the region • the social impacts of the project on the study areas and Alberta • strategies to mitigate the socio-economic concerns raised by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and other stakeholders in the region ♦
July 2005 Page 5-1 VOLUME 9
SECTION 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Subsection 5.2 Approach and Methods
5.2 Approach and Methods
5.2.1 KEY ISSUES AND KEY QUESTIONS
Key issues have been compiled through a consideration of:
• the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) TOR • the results of ongoing community consultations by Imperial Oil Resources Ventures Limited (Imperial Oil), including open houses and interviews with stakeholders • the findings of recent SEIAs of other oil sands developments
The key socio-economic issues associated with the Kearl project are addressed by the following key questions:
What are the economic, including employment creation, and fiscal impacts of the Kearl project on the Wood Buffalo region and the province of Alberta?
What are the population impacts of the Kearl project?
How will the population impacts of the Kearl project affect residents and service providers in the Wood Buffalo region where traditional land and culture, traffic, housing and other issue areas are concerned?
5.2.2 ASSESSMENT CASES
The SEIA uses the following three assessment cases:
• the Existing and Approved Case (EAC), which includes the existing and approved developments in the Wood Buffalo region • the Project Case, which includes the EAC developments plus the Kearl project • the Potential Development Case (PDC), which includes the Project Case plus all other developments planned for the study area, provided they have been disclosed at least six months before the submission of the Kearl project application
The Project Case is based on a camp based operation for the Kearl project that minimizes daily commuting from Fort McMurray with most of the operations workers living outside the region, traveling to and from the Kearl project site by plane, and staying in on-site accommodations during their shift rotations. In discussing the Project Case, the SEIA focuses on the specific Kearl project impacts.
The operations camp proposed differs from the standard oil sands industry operation, in which the operations workers live in Fort McMurray and commute
July 2005 Page 5-3 VOLUME 9
Section 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
to and from the oil sands facilities on a daily basis. The industry-standard operation has been considered as an option for the Kearl project, but it does not provide Imperial Oil with a means of sustaining a safe, healthy, productive and efficient work environment. In Imperial Oil’s view, a daily commuting time of at least 90 minutes each way between the project and Fort McMurray, combined with long shifts on-site, is not sustainable and does not meet Imperial Oil`s objectives.
Although the industry-standard operation has not been selected for the Kearl project, the SEIA, where appropriate, considers its impacts if it would have been selected as an alternative to the camp based operation. The impacts that would be associated with the industry-standard scenario are summarized in several places under the heading of Project Execution Alternative.
All of the cases mentioned above are cumulative effects cases. This focus reflects the current socio-economic context in the Wood Buffalo region, since it is virtually impossible to isolate the socio-economic effects of any individual development.
The developments considered under each assessment case are presented in Table 5-1.
Page 5-4 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 5.2: Approach and Methods
Table 5-1: Assessment Cases
EAC Project Case PDC Existing + Approved Existing and Approved Developments + Kearl Developments Existing + Approved Developments + Kearl Project Project + Potential Developments Albian / Shell: Albian Sands Muskeg River Mine and Albian / Shell: Albian Sands Muskeg River Mine and Albian / Shell: Albian Sands Muskeg River Mine Shell Jackpine Mine–Phase 1 Shell Jackpine Mine–Phase 1 and Shell Jackpine Mine–Phase 1 Suncor Energy Inc.: Lease 86/17, Steepbank Mine, Suncor Energy Inc.: Lease 86/17, Steepbank Mine, Suncor Energy Inc.: Lease 86/17, Steepbank Mine, Fixed Plant Expansion, Fee Lot 2, Project Millennium, Fixed Plant Expansion, Fee Lot 2, Project Millenium, Fixed Plant Expansion, Fee Lot 2, Project Millenium, Firebag ETS, Firebag SAGD, Millennium Coker Unit Firebag ETS, Firebag SAGD, MCU and STP Firebag ETS, Firebag SAGD, MCU and STP (MCU) and South Tailings Pond (STP) Syncrude Canada Ltd.: Mildred Lake Mining and Syncrude Canada Ltd.: Mildred Lake Mining and Syncrude Canada Ltd.: Mildred Lake Mining and Upgrading, Aurora North and South(a) Mines, Mildred Upgrading, Aurora North and South(a) Mines, Mildred Upgrading, Aurora North and South(a) Mines, Mildred Lake Upgrader Expansion and Emissions Reduction Lake Upgrader Expansion and ERP Lake Upgrader Expansion and ERP Program (ERP)
E Devon Canada Corporation (Devon): Dover SAGD – Devon Canada Corporation (Devon): Dover SAGD – In- Devon Canada Corporation (Devon): Dover SAGD In-situ Pilot Project and Jackfish SAGD Project situ Pilot Project and Jackfish SAGD Project – In-situ Pilot Project and Jackfish SAGD Project X I ConocoPhillips Canada: Surmont Commercial SAGD ConocoPhillips Canada: Surmont Commercial SAGD ConocoPhillips Canada: Surmont Commercial SAGD S T Japan Canada Oil Sands Limited: Hangingstone – In- Japan Canada Oil Sands Limited: Hangingstone – In- Japan Canada Oil Sands Limited: Hangingstone – I Situ Pilot Situ Pilot In-Situ Pilot N Petro-Canada: Mackay River and Meadow Creek(a) In- Petro-Canada: Mackay River and Meadow Creek(a) In- Petro-Canada: Mackay River and Meadow Creek(a) G Situ Situ In-Situ Petro-Canada / UTS: Fort Hills Oil Sands Project Petro-Canada / UTS: Fort Hills Oil Sands Project Petro-Canada / UTS: Fort Hills Oil Sands Project & Canadian Natural: Horizon Oil Sands Project Canadian Natural: Horizon Oil Sands Project Canadian Natural: Horizon Oil Sands Project
A Canadian Natural: Burnt Lake, Primrose and Wolf Lake Canadian Natural: Burnt Lake, Primrose and Wolf Lake Canadian Natural: Burnt Lake, Primrose and Wolf and Kirby Project and Kirby Project Lake and Kirby Project P P OPTI Canada Inc. / Nexen Canada Ltd.: Long Lake OPTI Canada Inc. / Nexen Canada Ltd.: Long Lake Pilot OPTI Canada Inc. / Nexen Canada Ltd.: Long Lake Pilot and Commercial Project and Commercial Project Pilot and Commercial Project R O Deer Creek: Joslyn Project Pilot and Phase II Deer Creek: Joslyn Project Pilot and Phase II Deer Creek: Joslyn Project Pilot and Phase II V Imperial Oil Resources Limited: Cold Lake In-situ, Imperial Oil Resources Limited: Cold Lake In-situ, Imperial Oil Resources Limited: Cold Lake In-situ, E existing plus Nabiye and Mahihkan North Expansion existing plus Nabiye and Mahihkan North Expansion existing plus Nabiye and Mahihkan North Expansion D EnCana Corporation: Christina Lake, Foster Creek Pilot EnCana Corporation: Christina Lake, Foster Creek Pilot EnCana Corporation: Christina Lake, Foster Creek and Phases 1 & 2 and Phases 1 & 2 Pilot and Phases 1 & 2 Orion (Petrobank): Whitesands Pilot Project Orion (Petrobank): Whitesands Pilot Project Orion (Petrobank): Whitesands Pilot Project
BlackRock: Orion EOR and Hilda Lake pilots BlackRock: Orion EOR and Hilda Lake pilots BlackRock: Orion EOR and Hilda Lake pilots
Husky: Tucker Thermal Project Husky: Tucker Thermal Project Husky: Tucker Thermal Project Gas Plants: Devon, CNRL, EnCana, Husky, Paramount, Gas Plants: Devon, CNRL, EnCana, Husky, Paramount, Gas Plants: Devon, CNRL, EnCana, Husky, Viking Viking Paramount, Viking
Municipalities and Communities Municipalities and Communities Municipalities and Communities
Northland Forest Products: sawmill and Alpac Northland Forest Products: sawmill and Alpac Northland Forest Products: sawmill and Alpac
Aggregate Resources Aggregate Resources Aggregate Resources
Pipelines, Roadways, Others Pipelines, Roadways, Others Pipelines, Roadways, Others The Imperial Oil Resources Ventures Limited: Kearl Oil Imperial Oil Resources Ventures Limited: Kearl Project Sands Project – Mine Development Oil Sands Project – Mine Development
Albian Sands Energy Inc. / Shell Canada Limited: Muskeg River Mine Expansion, Shell Jackpine Mine – Phase 2 Suncor: Voyageur Project – Growth Plans
Husky: Sunrise Thermal Project
Synenco Energy Inc.: Northern Lights Project P JACOS: Hangingstone SAGD Project O T Petro-Canada: Lewis SAGD Project, Meadow Creek Expansion SAGD Project, Mackay River Expansion E SAGD Project N MEG Energy Corp.: Christina Lake Regional Project T – Pilot and Commercial I Deer Creek: Joslyn Creek SAGD Expansion and A Mine Project L Canadian Natural: Horizon In-Situ Project, Primrose East In-Situ Oil Sands Project Forestry
Birch Mountain Resources: Muskeg Valley Quarry Major pipelines, utility corridors, roadways and others
Municipal Growth NOTE: (a) Syncrude Aurora South Mine and Petro-Canada Meadow Creek have Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) Approval but have not applied for Alberta Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) or Water Act Approvals.
July 2005 Page 5-5 VOLUME 9
Section 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
5.2.3 SPATIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The study area for the SEIA includes the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) and the First Nations’ reserves within its boundaries (see Figure 5-1). In this report, the study area is referred to as the Wood Buffalo region or the region.
The project’s fiscal and economic impacts are discussed in a provincial or national context.
5.2.4 TEMPORAL CONSIDERATIONS
The assessment of the Kearl project covers the 50 years of the anticipated project life. The SEIA focuses on the Kearl project's effects during the construction phase, which is expected to take place between 2007 and 2018, with special attention placed on the 2009 to 2010 period when Production Train 1 and Production Train 2 overlap and the construction impact is at its peak. The SEIA will also address the impacts of the operation of the project based on all three production trains being in operation.
Bitumen production in the Wood Buffalo region will likely continue beyond the life of the Kearl project. It follows that Kearl project employees living in the region will likely find related employment elsewhere in the region when the project is completed. Since the socio-economic impacts related to employment and population will likely continue after the closure of the Kearl project, the impact of the closure is not examined in this assessment.
5.2.5 KEY INDICATORS
The SEIA uses the following indicators to assess the impact of the Kearl project on the human environment:
• income • workforce • municipal, provincial, and federal tax and royalty income • population change • the effects of population change on physical infrastructure e.g., roads, housing, water treatment, sewers • the effects of population change on residents and service providers
Page 5-6 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 5.2: Approach and Methods
Figure 5-1: SEIA Study Area
July 2005 Page 5-7 VOLUME 9
Section 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
5.2.6 MODELS AND ASSUMPTIONS
The assessment uses a range of models, including the following:
• The Urban Population Impact Model, developed for the Regional Issues Working Group (RIWG) by Nichols Applied Management (Nichols). This model, which was last updated to reflect new data in the first quarter of 2005, is used to estimate future populations in Fort McMurray. The model and its performance are discussed (see Appendix 5). • The Input-Output model of the provincial economy developed and maintained by Alberta Treasury. The analysis uses published outputs from this model.
All estimates of construction and operating expenditures are in 2005 Canadian dollars.
5.2.7 SOURCES OF DATA
The data used in the SEIA comes from a variety of sources, including:
• project data, including capital expenditure forecasts, construction and operating workforce estimates, and tax and royalty forecasts • industry statistics, including capital expenditure survey data gathered by the RIWG and the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) • governmental sources, such as:
• various census conducted by the RMWB, with the 2004 municipal census being the last one available
• Statistics Canada census, with the 2001 federal census being the last available
• labour market information published by Alberta Human Resources and Employment
• traffic volume and collision information obtained from Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation
• investment expectation from Alberta Economic Development • industry sources, including:
• regulatory applications of oil sands projects in the region
• studies, such as the Wood Buffalo Business Case 2005 • key respondent interviews in the areas of health and social services, education and municipal services
Page 5-8 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 5.2: Approach and Methods
5.2.8 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL
The SEIA was prepared using a variety of quality assurance and quality control mechanisms, including:
• review of analytical results by a senior practitioner • benchmarking of results against findings of SEIAs of other developments in the region ♦
July 2005 Page 5-9 VOLUME 9
SECTION 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Subsection 5.3 Baseline Summary
5.3 Baseline Summary
5.3.1 INTRODUCTION
This section provides an overview of the baseline socio-economic conditions in the region, giving special attention to the key areas of focus. Additional information is provided in each of the subsections of Section 5.6, where there is a discussion of topic-specific impacts.
5.3.2 ECONOMIC SITUATION
The introduction of a generic royalty regime and changes to the corporate tax regime for oil sands facilities, technology advances, increased emphasis on security of oil supplies, and relatively high oil prices, have led to an expansion phase in the oil sands industry in Alberta. Since 1996, industry has invested an estimated $34 billion on new and expanded oil sands facilities, associated projects and sustaining capital. An estimated $25 billion of this expenditure accrued to the Wood Buffalo region. The operating expenditures of currently producing facilities in the Wood Buffalo region are estimated at $2.9 billion per year.
A profile of oil sands industry capital expenditure in the 1996 to 2004 period based on survey data collected by RIWG shows that most of the expenditures are on facilities in the Wood Buffalo region (see Figure 5-2). This level of expenditure is driving the expansion of the Wood Buffalo region economy, which is also evidenced by high and sustained population growth.
July 2005 Page 5-11 VOLUME 9
Section 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
7,000.0
6,000.0
5,000.0
4,000.0 ion
mill 3,000.0 $
2,000.0
1,000.0
- 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Capital Expenditure Alberta Capital Expenditure Wood Buffalo
Figure 5-2: Capital Expenditures – Oil Sands Industry – 1996 to 2004
5.3.3 EMPLOYMENT AND POPULATION
The expansion of the regional economy has created employment growth in:
• the construction industry as new oil sands facilities are built, existing facilities expand, new residential, commercial and institutional buildings are erected, and municipal, highway and other infrastructure expands • the oil sands industry operations as production volumes increase, requiring additional operations workers • the general economy as new businesses establish themselves in the region and existing ones expand
Most of the new employment is in Fort McMurray, the urban centre of the Wood Buffalo region. Excluding the oil sands construction jobs, which are mostly located in rural areas and filled by workers living in camps near the worksites, the total job creation in Fort McMurray is estimated at over 12,000 in the 1996 to 2004 period. An estimated 2800 jobs or about one-quarter are construction related jobs and are expected to decline once the construction of new oil sands facilities, houses and other infrastructure abates.
To date, existing oil sands developers have expected their employees to live in the region. Developers with major production in the region in early 2005 provide daily bus transportation to their facilities from various points in Fort McMurray. However, commuting distances and times are increasing as new facilities are
Page 5-12 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 5.3: Baseline Summary
developed to the north of the existing operations. This raises concerns about longer work days, which have effects on both occupational health and safety and community wellness. Commuting time from the north end of Fort McMurray to a new development under construction in 2005 is at least one hour and fifteen minutes and may be longer if pickup time is considered, or even longer if road conditions are poor.
In response to the economic expansion, the population of the region has expanded. The very dynamic nature of the demographic situation in the Wood Buffalo region makes estimating the population difficult. However, published sources indicate that the resident population of the region increased from 35,800 in 1996 to 60,300 in 2004, an increase of 24,500 or 68 percent (RMWB 2004; Statistics Canada 1996, 2001). Most of the growth has taken place in the region’s urban areas, consisting of Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek and Gregoire Lake Estates. The latter two communities are bedroom communities of Fort McMurray.
The region’s average annual urban population growth rate was seven percent for the 1996 to 2004 period (see Figure 5-3). The figure also shows that the population growth is accelerating and that the annual growth rate was almost nine percent in 2002 and 2003.
18%
16%
14%
12%
10%
8%
6%
4%
2%
0% 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
Estimated Growth Rate Average Growth Rate
Figure 5-3: Fort McMurray Population Growth Rates
July 2005 Page 5-13 VOLUME 9
Section 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
In addition to the growth of the permanent population, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of people staying in the region for shorter periods and in camps in the rural area. The number of people staying in camps was estimated at 7800 in 2004, or 13 percent of the estimated total resident population.
5.3.4 PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
The physical infrastructure in the region has expanded. Examples of infrastructure projects in recent years include:
• twinning of Highway 63 between Fort McMurray and Suncor Energy Inc. (Suncor) • construction of an overpass at an intersection with Highway 63 in Fort McMurray
Most noticeable, however, is the expansion in Fort McMurray housing. After a decade of little or no new housing development, the housing market in Fort McMurray has responded to the increased demand from population growth. An estimated total of 6500 new dwellings were constructed in Fort McMurray in the 1997 to 2004 period.
However, even with the expansion of the highway and the construction of new housing an infrastructure gap remains. Housing is not keeping up with demand, as evidenced by high and rising house prices. Other infrastructure is also needed. In cooperation with the RMWB, the Northern Lights Regional Health Authority, the school boards, and Keyano College, RIWG estimates the need for $1.2 billion in new infrastructure over the next five years (RMWB, RIWG et al. 2005), including:
• $353 million in municipal projects, including water, wastewater, road and recreation facilities • $236 million in primary, secondary and post-secondary education facilities • $500 million in highway projects, including overpasses in Fort McMurray and a new access road to oil sands facilities located north of Fort McMurray and east of the Athabasca River • $136 million in health facilities and affordable housing
Most of this infrastructure is needed to accommodate the new growth expected in the 2005 to 2010 period. Some of it, however, is needed to meet current needs, notably:
• wastewater treatment facility upgrades
Page 5-14 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 5.3: Baseline Summary
• road improvements to meet traffic safety concerns, including those generated by the pronounced increases in traffic volume during morning and afternoon peak hours • new school capacity, especially in Timberlea where most new housing is located and where the Fort McMurray Catholic School District is currently in the process of building one new school • modernized recreation, health and other infrastructure, much of which was built in the 1970’s and is reaching the end of its expected life
5.3.5 REGIONAL SERVICE PROVIDERS
Regional service providers indicate an increase in the demand for services as the population increases.
For example, the Northern Lights Health Region has experienced an increase in the number of people that seek treatment at the Fort McMurray Hospital emergency room. One contributing factor is the work camp population which seeks medical services through the hospital emergency ward (Nichols 2003).
Medical services are generally stressed as evidenced by:
• a relatively low level of satisfaction with health services (Health Quality Council of Alberta 2004) • the lowest number of physicians per 10,000 population in the province’s nine health regions and anecdotal evidence that in-migrants cannot find a family physician, thus contributing to the demand for emergency room services
Issues with medical service delivery are common in rural and northern areas, but the high growth in Fort McMurray exacerbates these issues.
Another example of a service provider that is stressed by population growth is the RMWB, which plays a key role in developing sustainable communities. The municipality is responsible for, among other things, planning residential growth, providing sufficient quality water and wastewater facilities, planning and building arterial roads, urban policing, delivering selected social services and ensuring adequate recreation facilities.
Although the RMWB’s assessment base has expanded as new housing and commercial industrial facilities have been built, it has also increased its borrowing, as its resources are not sufficient to meet demand. One of the underlying reasons is that new assessment and thus municipal tax revenue associated with a new oil sands plant only materialize when the plant starts operations. However, the impact of a new facility in terms of employment growth and hence population growth and demand for municipal services tends to precede commencement of operations by several years.
July 2005 Page 5-15 VOLUME 9
Section 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
All service providers are experiencing similar issues related to the region’s rapid economic expansion, growth in population and the high cost of housing in Fort McMurray. These include:
• difficulty recruiting and retaining personnel • high operating costs
Several public sector agencies, including provincial government departments, the school boards and the regional health authority, have instituted living allowances over and above wages. However, they continue to have difficulty recruiting and retaining employees. This suggests that living allowances are often not sufficient to fully offset the cost of housing difference with other parts of the province and Canada.
5.3.6 SUMMARY
An estimated $25 billion in construction of new and expanded oil sands facilities and sustaining capital expenditure in the Wood Buffalo region since 1996 has created construction and operations employment in the regional economy. Because construction workers live in the region for the duration of the construction developments, and most operations workers live in Fort McMurray, this employment creation has driven sustained and rapid population growth, especially in Fort McMurray.
Notwithstanding some public investment in the region in recent years, local stakeholders indicate that the social and physical infrastructure is insufficient for the current population. Thus, service providers in the region are challenged to meet the demand from an increasing population. ♦
Page 5-16 July 2005 VOLUME 9
SECTION 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Subsection 5.4 Economic and Fiscal Impacts
5.4 Economic and Fiscal Impacts
5.4.1 INTRODUCTION
This section addresses the economic and fiscal impacts of the Kearl project. The construction capital cost is estimated to be between $4.5 billion and $6.5 billion. For the purposes of this analysis, the Kearl project is assumed to be a $5.5 billion multi-year construction project and a 50-year mining and ore processing operation with a nominal bitumen production of 300,000 bbl per day (barrels per day) once all three trains are operational. The Kearl project will be built in three phases. The timing of the construction is assumed to be as follows:
• 2007-2010 - a $2.3 billion Production Train 1 • 2009-2012 - a $1.6 billion Production Train 2 • 2014-2018 - a $1.6 billion Production Train 3
Actual timing of the production trains is subject to market and economic conditions and regulatory and corporate approval timing.
This section addresses the following economic impacts:
• the geographic distribution of the Kearl project’s expenditures during both construction and operations • direct, indirect and induced income and employment creation during both construction and operations
The section also discusses the anticipated revenues to government, consisting of tax and royalty payments of the Kearl project to Alberta and Canada.
The discussion of the Kearl project’s economic and fiscal impact is placed in the context of Imperial Oil’s approach to employment and procurement.
5.4.2 METHODS
The information presented in this section is derived using a variety of methods:
• The geographic distribution of expenditure is analyzed by breaking down the preliminary Kearl project budget using information from Kearl project staff and the oil sands industry. The resulting breakdown of expenditures is then geographically allocated using Alberta supply ratios derived from the Provincial Input-Output model maintained by Alberta Treasury (Alberta Treasury 2004). • The direct employment creation is derived from the preliminary engineering work conducted for the Kearl project.
July 2005 Page 5-17 VOLUME 9
Section 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
• The direct, indirect, and induced income and employment impacts are calculated using published multipliers and intensity ratios, derived from the Provincial Input-Output model (Alberta Treasury 2004). • The revenues to government (royalties and taxes) are calculated using Imperial Oil’s own assessment and are based on a public price forecast (RMWB, RIWG et al. 2005).
5.4.3 GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF EXPENDITURES
The construction and operations of the project will have an impact on the regional, provincial and Canadian economies. Some of the expenditure, however, will flow to suppliers outside Canada, mostly for equipment and materials not produced here. An example is the mobile equipment used in the mine. Most mobile mining equipment manufacturers are located in the U.S. and Japan, where they produce for a worldwide market. The geographic distribution of the Kearl project’s construction expenditure is estimated based on an analysis of project budget and supply relationship by commodity and industry derived from the Alberta Input-Output model (Alberta Treasury 2004) (see Table 5-2). An estimated 49 percent of the construction expenditure will accrue to workers and suppliers in Alberta and an additional 17 percent to suppliers elsewhere in Canada.
Table 5-2: Construction Expenditure by Geography for Kearl Project
Other Other Region Alberta Canada Foreign Total $2005 million Equipment and materials 35 1,161 642 1,829 3,668 Labour 122 779 284 -- 1,185 Engineering 14 601 32 -- 647 Total 171 2,541 959 1,829 5,500 Percent 3% 46% 17% 33% 100% NOTE: Some numbers are rounded for presentation purposes. Therefore, it may appear that the totals do not equal the sum of the individual values.
The amount of the total construction expenditure that is estimated to accrue to the region is limited, since most construction workers will be recruited from outside the region and most of the equipment and materials will be from suppliers from outside the region.
A similar analysis of operating expenditure indicates that an estimated 84 percent of the annual operating expenditures on labour and goods and services accrues to Alberta workers and suppliers, with an additional five percent accruing to suppliers elsewhere in Canada (see Table 5-3). The total annual operating cost is estimated to be $787 million per year, or about $1 billion per year including
Page 5-18 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 5.4: Economic and Fiscal Impacts
energy and sustaining capital. Energy costs are likely to fluctuate with market conditions.
The amount of total operating expenditure accruing to the region is affected by the camp-based operating model, which means that:
• most direct labour related operations expenditure accrue to workers living outside the region • expenditures on camp operations, which is likely to have a relatively high regional content, are extended into the operating phase of the project
Table 5-3: Annual Operating Expenditure by Geography (excluding energy costs) – for Kearl Project
Other Other Region Alberta Canada Foreign Total $2005 million Labour 100 456 5 -- 561 Equipment/materials 7 94 37 88 226 Total 107 550 42 88 787 Percent 14% 70% 5% 11% 100% NOTE: Labour includes direct operating labour, labour component of equipment and goods and services contracts, including camp operations.
The expenditure information (see Tables 5-2 and 5-3) is based on order-of- magnitude estimates that include average annual sustaining capital. In reality, sustaining capital, especially mobile equipment replacement, will vary from year to year. The analysis is based on the supply relationships in the Alberta Input- Output model. Those relationships may differ from the supply relationships implied by the procurement plan for the Kearl project.
5.4.4 APPROACH TO CONTRACTING
Much of the construction and ongoing operations maintenance work at the Kearl project will be executed by contractors. Imperial Oil's employees will be focused on plant and mine operations.
Imperial Oil maintains extensive commercial linkages with contractors and began a Core Contractor Strategy in the early 1990s. This strategy has tended to narrow the supplier base to larger companies that have the business, training and safety systems and performance in place to meet Imperial Oil's quality criteria. Smaller contractors may act as subcontractors to core contractors. One result of the Core Contractor Strategy is that many contracts are large and stretch over many years. Kearl project construction contracts will fall under the umbrella of Imperial Oil’s Core Contractor Strategy.
July 2005 Page 5-19 VOLUME 9
Section 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
Imperial Oil intends to work with its core contractors to ensure that local, and local Aboriginal persons are considered for contracts. It requires core contractors to report on the number of Aboriginal workers employed and there is an initiative in place to ensure that this reporting relationship is extended to subcontractors. Imperial Oil and its core contractors will use the RED Link system to notify participants of potential local business opportunities. RED Link is an initiative of the Northeast Alberta Aboriginal Business Association, the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce and the Fort McMurray Construction Association to promote the use of local and Aboriginal businesses in the procurement of goods and services.
Execution of the construction contracts within Imperial Oil’s Core Contractor Strategy will follow similar practices for large projects in the Wood Buffalo region, such as:
• use of an on-site camp to house construction workers • transportation of construction workers to and from Edmonton at shift rotations by plane
5.4.5 CONSTRUCTION PHASE EMPLOYMENT
The construction phase of the Kearl project will create an estimated total of 9980 workyears of employment in the 2007 to 2018 period, broken down as follows:
• 7620 workyears for construction workers and supervisory staff on site and in fabrication yards in Edmonton and elsewhere • 2360 workyears for engineers and support staff, located mainly in Calgary
The approximate breakdown of the 7620 workyears of employment for construction workers and supervisory personnel in the 2007 to 2018 period is as follows:
• 2007-2010 (Production Train 1) - 3180 workyears • 2009-2012 (Production Train 2) - 2220 workyears • 2014-2018 (Production Train 3) - 2220 workyears
The breakdown of the estimated 2360 workyears of engineers and support staff between production trains is expected to be approximately similar in percentage as for the construction workers and supervisory personnel.
Project data indicates that the on-site construction workforce will peak in the second and third quarter of 2009, when the first production train of the Kearl project is under full construction and construction of the second train is commencing. The peak on-site construction workforce is estimated at 1700
Page 5-20 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 5.4: Economic and Fiscal Impacts
persons (see Figure 5-4). The on-site construction workforce will be housed in one or more camps (see Section 5.6.5).
1,800
1,600
1,400 e t i S 1,200 on s
r 1,000 e k r 800 o
W 600 of o
N 400
200
- 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q
Train 1 Train 2 Train 3
NOTE: Q Quarter.
Figure 5-4: On-Site Construction Workforce
The construction of the plant facilities will require a full range of construction building trades. Key trades required include electricians and instrument technicians, iron workers, welders, pipefitters and plumbers, carpenters and millwrights. The construction workforce for the mine will be mainly equipment operators and heavy equipment mechanics.
The employment created directly by the Kearl project will also generate employment among suppliers to the Kearl project (indirect employment) and in the general economy (induced employment). The total direct, indirect and induced employment creation is estimated at 20,800 workyears over the total 2007 to 2018 construction period. This estimate is based on multipliers derived from the Alberta Input-Output model maintained by Alberta Treasury (Alberta Treasury 2004).
5.4.6 APPROACH TO OPERATIONS EMPLOYMENT
The approach to operations adopted for the Kearl project is based on Imperial Oil’s recognition that the industry-standard approach, in which workers live in Fort McMurray and commute to and from work, does not provide a practical means of sustaining a safe, healthy, productive and efficient work environment. In Imperial Oil’s view, the daily commuting time of at least 90 minutes each way
July 2005 Page 5-21 VOLUME 9
Section 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
between the Kearl project and Fort McMurray, combined with long shifts on-site, is not sustainable and does not meet Imperial Oil’s objectives.
The approach to operations selected for the Kearl project minimizes daily commuting by having most of the operations workers live outside the region, travel to and from the project site by plane, and stay in on-site accommodations during their shift rotations. The shift schedule has yet to be developed.
The Kearl project includes an airstrip to be built early in the construction phase and a permanent on-site operations camp that will grow in stages to accommodate 800 persons on-site at any one time. The project will operate flights, likely to Edmonton and possibly other centers to accommodate worker commutes. With this approach, Imperial Oil believes that it can develop a safe, healthy, productive and efficient work environment.
The camp based operation with rotational shift schedule provides, among others, the following additional benefits:
• a reduction in daily travel exposure (safety) • a reduction in commuting time • an overall reduction in potential traffic volumes on Highway 63 • attracting workers from a broader population base interested in this type of work schedule and lifestyle • a reduction in potential negative socio-economic effects on Fort McMurray, e.g., housing, infrastructure, medical and social services (see Section 5.6)
5.4.7 OPERATIONS PHASE EMPLOYMENT
Operating the Kearl project is estimated to require 1100-1300 workers (not all workers are on-site at any one time) once all three production trains are in operation. This operational workforce, which will increase as trains come on stream. For the purposes of the SEIA, workforce numbers used in the assessment were 550 in 2010, 900 by 2012, and 1200 by 2017.
The operations workforce will require a broad range of skills and backgrounds, ranging from heavy machinery operations to administration and management. Operations and maintenance trades are the key disciplines required to operate the plant. Heavy equipment operation and maintenance are the key skills needed in the mine operations.
The operations employment created directly by the Kearl project will also generate employment among suppliers to the Kearl project (indirect employment) and in the general economy (induced employment). The total direct, indirect, and induced employment creation is estimated at 2660 workyears annually over the
Page 5-22 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 5.4: Economic and Fiscal Impacts
operations period. This estimate is based on multipliers derived from the Alberta Input-Output model maintained by Alberta Treasury (Alberta Treasury 2004).
5.4.8 CUMULATIVE WORKFORCE IMPACT
The construction of the first production train of the Kearl project coincides with the planned construction periods of several other developments in the Wood Buffalo region. The Kearl project will also compete with planned developments (oil sands industry and other types) in other parts of Alberta and elsewhere. A total of $107 billion in major projects is listed by Alberta Economic Development (AED 2005). Construction industry forecasts suggest that the anticipated level of economic activities, especially in the 2007 to 2008 period, will be high and that there may be shortages in the availability of selected trades (e.g., Construction Workforce Development Forecasting Committee 2004).
The investment level implied in development announcements in the Wood Buffalo region alone suggests the need for up to 15,000 workers in 2009, up from levels of 7000 to 8000 in recent years. The actual level of construction activity and thus the demand for skilled workers is subject to uncertainty as some developments included in the forecast may not proceed or may not proceed on the timeline currently indicated. For example, the availability of skilled workers may cause some development schedules to change.
The cumulative total number of construction workers in the region is likely to be between the historical levels of 8000 and the maximum forecasted level of 15,000.
The availability of skilled workers to work on large industrial projects in Alberta, including the Kearl project, will be influenced by many factors, including:
• the demand for workers in other provinces • the number of young workers entering the trades and completing their training • the number of older workers retiring or staying on in the workforce and the number of youth becoming employed
A recent Statistics Canada study (Statistics Canada 2005) shows a marked increase in the labour force participation rate of 55- to 64-year old workers in the 1996 to 2004 period. In 1996 the labour force participation of older workers, which is a group increasing in number, was estimated at about 37 percent and trending downward. By 2004, this number had increased to 47 percent, reversing past trends.
The need for skilled workers is well recognized by industry and Alberta. The Alberta Government put in place the Prepared for Growth, Building Alberta’s Labour Supply strategy, which aims to meet the province’s skilled labour needs by increasing:
July 2005 Page 5-23 VOLUME 9
Section 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
• the skill and knowledge levels of Albertans • the mobility of labour in Canada • the number of immigrants to Alberta
Alberta Learning, Human Resources and Skill Development Canada, and Citizenship and Immigration Canada have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for The Entry of Temporary Foreign Workers for Projects in the Alberta Oil Sands. This MOU, signed in 2004, is part of Alberta’s Prepared for Growth strategy, which aims to facilitate the entry of temporary foreign workers for oil sands industry projects. Changes to the citizen application process announced by Citizenship and Immigration Canada may also influence the availability of workers (Citizenship and Immigration Canada 2005). If access to international human resources is necessary, Imperial Oil will involve the appropriate stakeholders, including consultations with governments and local communities, as well as organized labour and Canadian immigration, to facilitate this access.
5.4.9 INCOME IMPACTS
The Kearl project will add new economic activity to the region and Alberta. The project’s construction expenditure of $5.5 billion over the 2007 to 2018 period will create income for contractors and workers. Contractors will use the gross income that they receive from work on the project to pay their staff, purchase equipment and supplies, and defray operating costs. Workers will use part of their income to buy goods and services, thus creating opportunities in the general economy.
The total impact to income from the Kearl project construction can be estimated using multipliers derived from the Alberta Input-Output model, which is maintained by Alberta Treasury (Alberta Treasury 2004). The analysis indicates that the province’s gross domestic product (GDP) and household income in the 2007 to 2018 period will increase by a cumulative $4.3 billion and $2.6 billion, respectively.
The same methodology is also used to estimate the total impact to income of approximately $1 billion annual operating expenditure, including energy and sustaining capital of the Kearl project. The total annual impact is estimated at approximately $1 billion in GDP terms and $500 million in household income terms.
These total income impacts are order-of-magnitude estimates. They assume that the provincial economy will have some spare capacity, which it may or may not have in the 2007 to 2018 construction period or over the 50-year operations phase. In addition, the labour market is dynamic with a high level of mobility within Alberta and between provinces.
Page 5-24 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 5.4: Economic and Fiscal Impacts
5.4.10 FISCAL IMPACTS ON ALBERTA AND CANADA
The Kearl project, which will have a nominal production of 300,000 barrels per day when completed, will have a positive effect on the fiscal position of Alberta and Canada through royalties and corporate income tax payments. These payments will vary over time, depending mainly on product and input prices.
For the purposes of this analysis, a corporate income tax and royalty forecast was developed using Imperial Oil’s assessment based on pricing assumptions developed by RIWG. These pricing assumptions were developed in support of cumulative royalty and corporate income tax forecasts for the oil sands industry that were included in the Wood Buffalo Business Case 2005 (RMWB, RIWG et al. 2005) and include:
• a benchmark oil price of $30 (US) per barrel (West Texas Intermediate at Cushing) • diluent priced at a 10 percent premium over the benchmark oil price • gas price of $5 (US) per gigajoule • bitumen-light price differential of $12 (US) • US$ exchange rate of $0.80 (CDN)
All of these assumptions are in real terms.
The revenues to the federal and provincial governments associated with the project are defined as royalties and corporate income taxes. These revenue estimates take into account, or are net of, the cost of constructing and operating the project.
The total revenues to governments associated with the Kearl project are estimated at $24 billion (2005 $) over the project life. The timing of the financial flows varies, as follows:
• royalties are low in the early years of the project’s operation phase, reflecting provisions in the royalty regime that set the royalty rate at one percent of gross revenue prior to project payout and at 25 percent of net revenues thereafter • provincial and federal corporate income taxes are lower in the early years of the project’s operating phase, reflecting provisions in the tax regimes related to capital cost allowances
Because revenues to governments accrue over time and at different rates for different recipients, it is appropriate to discount the financial flows to make them more comparable. The estimated present value of total revenues to governments are estimated at $2.4 billion, using an eight percent real discount rate, consisting of $1.2 billion in provincial royalties, $400 million in provincial corporate income
July 2005 Page 5-25 VOLUME 9
Section 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
taxes and $800 million in federal corporate income taxes. This discount rate, which is equivalent to 10 to 11 percent in nominal terms, is a mid-point estimate between the approximately five percent long-term bond rate and the 10 percent discount rate that are used by some development banks.
On a discounted basis, the provincial government captures an estimated two- thirds and the federal government one-third of the total revenues to governments.
The revenues to governments presented here are not net of any investment that the provincial or federal government may make in support of the industry or the region that hosts the development. The RMWB, RIWG, the school boards, Keyano College and the Health Authority recently estimated the need for a $1.2 billion investment in the region’s public infrastructure in the 2005 to 2009 period (RMWB, RIWG et al. 2005). This investment would benefit the region and all developments located within it.
5.4.11 FISCAL IMPACT ON THE MUNICIPALITY
The Kearl project will pay property taxes that accrue mostly to the RMWB. The municipal property taxes are likely to start in 2010 when the first production train of the Kearl project becomes operational and increase as subsequent production trains are completed.
A preliminary estimate of the property tax payment of the Kearl project at its maximum extent is $14.5 million per year. The actual property payment of the Kearl project is subject to uncertainty as the assessment that forms the basis of the property tax calculation can only be done once the facility is built. The property tax payment in 2010 will also depend on the current mill rate.
The Kearl project itself will not have much of a direct impact on the capital and operating costs of the RMWB. It will provide its own water and sewer systems and access will be via provincial highways and air. In addition, by flying in operations workers from outside the region, the Kearl project will have limited demand for municipal wastewater, potable water and other services.
5.4.12 ALTERNATIVE PROJECT EXECUTION
The socio-economic assessment has considered what the impacts of the Kearl project would be if it were to use the industry-standard approach in which operations workers are housed in the region. This alternative execution strategy would have the following economic and fiscal impacts relative to the camp-based operations scenario selected by Imperial Oil:
• the percentage of annual operating expenditures on labour, materials and equipment accruing to the region would increase from 14 percent to 27 percent because most of the direct operating wage expenditures would accrue to the people in the region
Page 5-26 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 5.4: Economic and Fiscal Impacts
• the RMWB would see an increase in assessments as more housing and associated commercial developments were built in the region • The region would see an increase in costs associated with demand for services to support a larger population base, including items such as schools, health care services and serviceable lots
5.4.13 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING
There are management and monitoring systems in place, both internal and external to Imperial Oil, that track and enhance the economic and fiscal impacts of the Kearl project. These include:
• Imperial Oil’s Core Contractor Strategy, which requires that core contractors report the number of Aboriginal workers employed • support for the Northeast Alberta Aboriginal Business Association and the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce, two organizations that have a notification system for communicating potential local business opportunities to participants in the region (RED Link) • the project’s royalty and tax payments, which are subject to administrative oversight from the provincial, federal, and municipal governments ♦
July 2005 Page 5-27 VOLUME 9
SECTION 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Subsection 5.5 Population Impacts
5.5 Population Impacts
5.5.1 INTRODUCTION
This section discusses the effect of the Kearl project on the size of population in the region.
5.5.2 METHODS
The Kearl project’s effect on the urban segment of the regional population is analyzed using the Urban Population Impact Model. This model was designed on behalf of RIWG by Nichols in 1997 and is updated periodically to reflect new project and demographic information. For a discussion of the Urban Population Impact Model, see Appendix 5.
5.5.3 EXISTING AND APPROVED CASE
The region’s population is expected to grow under all three assessment cases. Under EAC assumptions, Fort McMurray’s urban area population, which accommodates virtually all new in-migrants, is estimated to increase to 77,020 in 2013. The EAC population forecast is estimated to stabilize at about 76,600 in the 2015 to 2020 period, when construction-related economic activity is expected to abate.
5.5.4 PROJECT CASE
During the construction phase the Kearl project’s effect on the Wood Buffalo region population is limited. Most of the construction workers will live in an on- site camp and a recent survey of existing camps suggests that 95 percent or more of the workers will come from outside the region (Nichols 2003). Although these workers will have some impacts on services in the region (see Section 5.6), they will not become part of the resident population.
During the operations phase, the Kearl project’s effect on the Wood Buffalo region population is defined by its camp-based operating model, which largely transfers the population impact of the project from the Wood Buffalo region to the Greater Edmonton area.
For the purpose of this analysis, it is assumed that 90 percent of operations workers will live outside the region. Under this assumption, the population impact of the Kearl project in 2013 is estimated at 420 people, which combined with the EAC developments, results in a total urban population estimate of 77,440 people. The Kearl project will create some additional population impacts when the third production train comes into production in 2018.
Developing the Kearl project as a camp based operation will shift most of the population effect of the project to locales outside of the region. For the purpose of this analysis, it has been assumed that the crew flights will originate in Edmonton,
July 2005 Page 5-29 VOLUME 9
Section 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
the nearest major metropolitan centre. As recent SEIAs of oil sands industry developments in the greater Edmonton area (e.g., Shell 2005, BA Energy 2004) have shown, the population impacts of 1200 new workers and their families are hard to distinguish from the growth of the Greater Edmonton area. The area has a population of about one million and some of the workers who would be recruited to operate the Kearl project likely live there already.
5.5.5 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CASE
The PDC includes a number of developments in addition to the EAC and Project Case. If these projects proceed, the population of the region is expected to grow to levels in excess of those discussed above.
The PDC population forecast is 93,740 people in 2013. Under this assumption, the Kearl project contributes approximately two and one half percent of the population effects in addition to the EAC.
Other projects in the PDC may chose to proceed on an operations camp basis, considering that a few have longer commute times than the Kearl project. The distance of anticipated developments from Fort McMurray may well influence the ultimate size of that community.
5.5.6 ALTERNATIVE PROJECT EXECUTION
If the Kearl project were operated according to the current oil sands industry standard practice of housing operations workers in Fort McMurray and busing them to site, the population increase due to the project in 2013 would be approximately 4740 people, 11 times higher than the planned approach. If this population impact were combined with the population impact of the EAC developments, it would result in an estimated total urban population in 2013 of 81,760. The population effect of the alternative project execution strategy would therefore be a Fort McMurray population that is 5.6 percent higher than that associated with the camp based operation selected by Imperial Oil.
Assuming that none of the other developments in the PDC are operated on an operations camp basis, the total urban population in 2013 would be estimated at 97,500, settling back to 95,120 in the 2015 to 2019 period. The impact of the alternative project execution in the PDC would therefore be a Fort McMurray population that is four percent higher than that associated with the operations camp strategy selected by Imperial Oil.
5.5.7 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING
Population changes in the region are driven mostly by the residence location of operations workers. Developing the Kearl project as a camp based operation reduces the population impacts in the Wood Buffalo region, which in turn reduces the anticipated stresses on infrastructure and service providers.
Page 5-30 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 5.5: Population Impacts
The decision to organize the Kearl project as a camp based operation is driven by the remoteness of the site as previously discussed. This approach also minimizes the community stresses caused by the Kearl project. Imperial Oil may periodically revisit the decision to operate the Kearl project as a camp based operation and may change its operating model if warranted by regional changes.
Imperial Oil is an active member of RIWG, which provides periodic updates on its population forecast, thus providing a monitoring instrument. ♦
July 2005 Page 5-31 VOLUME 9
SECTION 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Subsection 5.6 Community Impacts
5.6 Community Impacts
5.6.1 INTRODUCTION
This section assesses the socio-economic impacts of the current oil sands industry expansion and related population growth on communities and service providers in the Wood Buffalo region. The assessment focuses on Fort McMurray, the population and service centre of the region, since many of the impacts of oil sands industry expansion are concentrated there. The section is organized so as to focus attention on the key impacts, as follows:
• increased pressures on the traditional land and culture of Aboriginal peoples • increased traffic, both within the region and between the region and Edmonton • high and escalating housing costs, which is the primary cause of the high cost of living in Fort McMurray • rapidly growing northern resource town economy characterized by the following community stresses:
• weak sense of community
• geographic isolation
• prosperity gap
• prevalence of dual income couples and other employees working long hours, often on a shift basis
• increased levels of alcohol and drug abuse, gambling, and crime • infrastructure deficit • service deficit
5.6.2 METHODS
The assessment of the socio-economic impacts of oil sands expansion on communities and service providers in the Wood Buffalo region relies on several different methods, including:
• in-person and telephone interviews with key respondents in the areas of health and social services, education and municipal services • compilation, interpretation and analysis of community indicators including housing, traffic, crime and others • review of recent SEIAs of oil sands developments such as Suncor’s Voyageur Project, Husky Energy Inc.’s Sunrise Thermal Project, Shell’s Jackpine Mine–
July 2005 Page 5-33 VOLUME 9
Section 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
Phase I, and Canadian Natural’s Horizon Oil Sands Project (Suncor 2005, Husky 2004, Shell 2002, CNRL 2002) • review of recent responses to SEIAs of oil sands developments, as prepared by or on behalf of the Mikisew Cree First Nation (MCFN), Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN), Fort McKay First Nation (FMFN) and their Industry Relations Corporations (ING Environmental 2004, Shipley 2004, ACFN 2004) • analysis of other publications and statistics
5.6.3 TRADITIONAL LAND AND CULTURE
5.6.3.1 Existing and Approved Case
Oil sands industry expansion in the Wood Buffalo region is resulting in the development of several open pit mining operations and various in situ steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) facilities on the traditional lands of the region’s Aboriginal peoples.
The open pit mining operations and several of the SAGD facilities are located to the north of Fort McMurray on the traditional lands of the FMFN, the ACFN, the MCFN, and various Métis communities.
The importance of traditional lands to the culture and identity of these peoples is stated in Footprints on the Land, a book published recently by the ACFN (AFCN 2003). Although written in reference to the ACFN, their position applies to Aboriginal peoples in general:
“While their history tells of many changes over the centuries, the core of their identity and culture is still tied to their traditional use—hunting, gathering, collecting of medicinal plants—and spiritual understanding of the land” (ACFN 2003).
5.6.3.1.1 Community Implications
The implications of oil sands developments in the Wood Buffalo region on traditional land and culture can be summarized as follows:
• By using large tracts of land for surface mining and in situ operations, oil sands developments reduce the land available for traditional pursuits, thereby limiting the opportunity of those Aboriginal peoples who engage in those pursuits. • By creating employment opportunities, oil sands developments attract Aboriginal persons into the wage economy and the education system providing the qualifications required by that economy, thereby reducing their involvement in traditional pursuits.
Page 5-34 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 5.6: Community Impacts
• By generating population growth in the region, oil sands developments increase the number of non-Aboriginal persons who want to use the land and its limited traditional resources for recreational purposes, thus potentially decreasing the traditional resources available for Aboriginal communities.
5.6.3.2 Project Case
The Kearl project will affect traditional land and culture of Aboriginal peoples by:
• occupying more of the area currently available for traditional pursuits • attracting some Aboriginal people into the oil industry workforce and its supporting education system
The project will increase the number of people accessing traditional lands for recreational purposes. The extent of the Kearl project’s effects on traditional land and culture in this respect will be small because the project’s operations camp will keep the population impacts in the Wood Buffalo region to a minimum.
5.6.3.3 Potential Development Case
The developments included in the PDC, including the Kearl project (see Table 5-1), will affect the traditional land and culture of Aboriginal communities in the Wood Buffalo region.
5.6.4 TRAFFIC
5.6.4.1 Existing and Approved Case
The expansion of the oil sands economy has led to increased traffic in the Wood Buffalo region and beyond, notably between the region and Edmonton, the nearest major urban supply and fabrication centre.
Traffic on selected sections of Highway 63 during the 1995 to 2004 period was measured in terms of Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT), which reflects vehicle movements in either direction past a given point (see Table 5-4). The most dramatic traffic increases in recent years have been recorded immediately north of the Peter Lougheed Bridge just to the north of Fort McKay, where Highway 63 crosses from the west to the east side of the Athabasca River. The AADT on that section of Highway 63 rose from 230 in 2000 to 2910 in 2004, a twelve-fold increase. Additional increases are anticipated in the EAC scenario.
July 2005 Page 5-35 VOLUME 9
Section 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
Table 5-4: Average Annual Daily Traffic on Selected Sections of Highway 63
Section of Average Annual Daily Traffic Highway 63 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Fort McMurray to Suncor 3,640 4,300 4,680 4,790 5,880 6,570 9,530 8,980 9,780 10,310 Suncor to Syncrude 2,860 3,200 3,350 3,430 4,670 5,220 5,780 5,610 6,110 6,440 Syncrude to Peter Lougheed Bridge 1,180 1,340 1,280 1,320 1,630 1,830 3,530 3,420 3,730 3,940 North of Peter Lougheed Bridge 50 60 190 190 210 230 2,630 2,550 2,770 2,910 SOURCE: Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation (2004).
As traffic has increased, traffic collisions and fatalities on Highway 63 have also risen. For example, the number of collisions on Highway 63 between Fort McMurray and the Suncor exit during the 1999 to 2002 period totalled 150, up from 80 during the previous four-year period, an increase of 88 percent (see Table 5-5).
Table 5-5: Collisions and Fatalities on Selected Sections of Highway 63
Section of Length Highway 63 (km) 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Fort McMurray to Suncor 21.3 5 9 20 26(3) 25(1) 28(1) 56 34 32(2) Suncor to Syncrude 13.5 6 7 13 7 8 8 17(3) 17(5) 5 Syncrude to Peter Lougheed Bridge 14.4 0 4 5 1 4 4 8 16 8 North of Peter Lougheed Bridge 15.4 0 0 0 1 0 0 7(2) 8 5(1) Total 11 20 38 35(3) 37(1) 40(1) 88(5) 75(5) 50(3) NOTES: Fatalities are shown in parentheses. SOURCE: Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation, Driver Safety and Research (2004).
While the number of collisions have been increasing, the collision rates (i.e., the number of collisions per 100 million vehicle kilometres) have fluctuated, depending on the selected portions of Highway 63. The collision rate on Highway 63 between Syncrude and the Peter Lougheed Bridge, for example, has increased from 34 collisions per 100 million vehicle kilometres during the 1993-1997 period to 65 collisions per 100 million kilometres during the 1998-2002 period. By contrast, the collision rate on Highway 63 between the Suncor and Syncrude exits has decreased from 51 collisions per 100 million kilometres during the 1993- 1997 period to 45 collisions per 100 million vehicle kilometres during the 1998- 2002 period.
It should be noted that all of these collision rates on two-lane stretches of Highway 63 remain below the 2002 provincial average of 101 collisions per 100 million vehicle kilometres on similar highways.
Page 5-36 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 5.6: Community Impacts
Traffic increases in the Wood Buffalo region have also included increases in the transportation of hazardous materials through the urban service area of Fort McMurray.
Finally, there has been an increase in traffic congestion, especially on Highway 63 near the northern part of Fort McMurray’s urban service area. Such congestion is compounded by the pattern of traffic related to the construction and operation of oil sands facilities, which peaks in the early morning and late afternoon in response to shift changes at the plants.
Although some of the traffic impacts of approved developments are already being felt in the region, additional impacts are expected as developments are constructed and begin operations.
5.6.4.1.1 Community Implications
The increases in traffic, traffic collisions, and traffic fatalities associated with oil sands industry expansion and related population growth are concerns of Wood Buffalo residents.
Concerns about traffic safety are especially pronounced in the community of Fort McKay because:
• community members use Highway 63 to travel to and from Fort McMurray for education, shopping, access to health care and recreation • a major accident on the highway could delay the community’s access to emergency services in Fort McMurray
Increasing hazardous waste transportation traffic, particularly through Fort McMurray’s urban service area, is creating safety concerns among residents.
5.6.4.2 Project Case
The Kearl project will contribute to traffic increases in the Wood Buffalo region during both the construction and operations phases.
The volume of traffic during the construction phase will be minimized through the use of a construction camp on the Kearl project site to accommodate workers. The construction workforce will generate some traffic in the region through potential recreational visits to Fort McMurray and trips to and from Fort McMurray and points south in between shift rotations. The construction phase will also generate truck traffic, estimated to peak at about 290 vehicle movements per day in 2010 when operations have started and the Phase 2 construction is underway.
The volume of traffic during the operations phase will be restricted primarily to vehicle movements associated with service contractors travelling between the Kearl project site, Fort McMurray, and points south. The use of airplanes to
July 2005 Page 5-37 VOLUME 9
Section 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
transport workers from outside of the region to the plant site will increase air traffic in the region. The Kearl project includes an airstrip to move workers in and out of the area.
5.6.4.3 Potential Development Case
The developments in the PDC, including the Kearl project, will generate substantial increases to population and traffic in the Wood Buffalo region.
Access to developments on the east side of the Athabasca River, including the Kearl project will change because there are plans for mining operations that will limit access to the Canterra Road by 2008 or 2009. RIWG is working with Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation to plan continued access. One option under consideration is a new East Side Corridor road turn off Highway 63 just north of Suncor, that would cross the Athabasca River and follow existing utility corridors east and northeast. This routing would divert the traffic associated with several developments, including the Kearl project, Suncor’s Firebag SAGD project, and Husky’s Sunrise Thermal Project, away from the northern end of Highway 63, including the stretch of highway that passes close by Fort McKay.
5.6.5 HOUSING COSTS
5.6.5.1 Existing and Approved Case
The expansion of the oil sands industry in the Wood Buffalo region is creating demand for owned and rental housing that exceeds the supply and results in high and escalating housing costs.
The cost of both owned and rental housing in Fort McMurray, where most of the population growth and related housing demand is concentrated, is considerably higher than in Edmonton. The cost of an average single family dwelling in Fort McMurray was $342,000 in December 2004, almost 70 percent higher than the cost of a similar dwelling in Edmonton (Fort McMurray Real Estate Board, January 2005. http://www.buffalo.net/housing.htm).
The average monthly cost of rental accommodation in Fort McMurray during 2004 was $808 for a bachelor apartment, $989 for a one-bedroom, $1242 for a two-bedroom, and $1240 for an apartment with three- or more bedrooms (CMHC 2004). These costs were an average of 63 percent higher than the costs of similar accommodation in Edmonton during the same period, which rented for $504, $597, $730, and $804, respectively. The high costs of rental accommodation in Fort McMurray reflect very low vacancy rates, which averaged 0.2 percent, down from 3.5 percent during 2003 (CMHC 2004).
The housing industry in Fort McMurray has been increasing the housing stock. Housing starts in the RMWB totaled about 1390 in 2002, 880 in 2003 and 860 in
Page 5-38 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 5.6: Community Impacts
2004 (CMHC 2004). Expansion of the housing market is constrained by many factors, including:
• uncertainty about likelihood and timing of future projects • limited availability of developable land • the costs and timing of developing land
The stock of affordable housing is also growing, but not in keeping with demand. As of February 2005, the Wood Buffalo Housing and Development Corporation was managing about 720 units of affordable or subsidized housing, up from about 630 units in 2003, an increase of about 15 percent (Huizinga 2004: pers. comm.; Broadview 2004).
Under the EAC assumptions, the demand for housing in the urban area of Fort McMurray is estimated at 9170 units in the 2005 to 2010 period. After 2010, and assuming only the EAC developments, the area makes the transition from high and sustained construction activity to operating the existing and new facilities. As the population decreases with the departure from the region of people who were there to support industrial, commercial, and residential construction, the demand for housing will diminish. The long-term demand for housing units under the EAC is estimated at 6260 housing units between 2005 and 2012.
5.6.5.1.1 Community Implications
The high cost of housing in Fort McMurray, which accounts for about 80 percent of the difference between the cost of living in Fort McMurray and the cost of living in Edmonton, creates issues for residents and service providers in the community:
• The high cost of housing creates divisions in the community between those whose incomes are high enough to enable them to afford suitable housing and those whose incomes are too low to afford suitable housing. The former group includes persons working directly or indirectly in the oil sands industry. The latter group includes some individuals working in the public and private service sectors as well as those on social assistance or otherwise on the fringes of the wage economy. • The high cost of housing makes it difficult for public and private service providers to recruit and retain employees, thus placing a downward pressure on service levels. • The high cost of housing contributes to cost inflation, especially in those areas of the economy that are relatively labour intensive, such as residential construction, building maintenance and repair, and the service sector. Several private and public sector agencies have instituted northern or Fort McMurray living allowances and there is anecdotal evidence of signing bonuses.
July 2005 Page 5-39 VOLUME 9
Section 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
• The high cost of housing tends to increase the number of dual income families, thus reducing the time that some parents in the community can spend with their children.
The high cost of housing in Fort McMurray affects rural communities in the Wood Buffalo region. One effect is demographic churn as rural community residents move to Fort McMurray for employment and then return to their home community to avoid the high cost of housing in Fort McMurray.
The high cost of housing contributes substantially to the community stresses that result from the expanding oil sands industry in the Wood Buffalo region. These stresses are addressed more comprehensively in the section below that describes the rapidly expanding northern resource town economy that is driven by oil sands expansion.
The high and increasing cost of housing does not, of course, create burdens for everyone in Fort McMurray. The house building industry is expanding, as is the land development business, while people who already own homes are realizing substantial gains in home equity.
5.6.5.2 Project Case
The construction phase of the Kearl project will have a small effect on the housing market in Fort McMurray, since virtually all of the construction workforce will be housed in workforce camps during their stay in the region. The Kearl project will have a construction camp on-site for up to 3000 people. This camp is sized to accommodate the estimated 1700 person construction workforce and includes provision for some contingency.
The Kearl project will have an on-site operations camp where workers fly to and from the site and work on rotating shifts. The operations camp can be built during the construction phase of the project and used provisionally to provide accommodation options for the construction phase workforce.
The operations camp will minimize the impact of the operations phase of the Kearl project and reduce the cumulative effects of the oil sands industry on the housing market in Fort McMurray. Minimizing the impacts of the operations phase of the project through the use of an operations camp will not, by itself, bring the Fort McMurray housing market into balance and put an end to cost escalation. It will, however make it easier for the housing industry to catch up with housing demand. Operating the project with an on-site operations camp will still require an estimated 290 housing units in Fort McMurray and elsewhere in the region. This housing estimate pertains to the people who come to Fort McMurray for positions that support the Kearl project.
Page 5-40 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 5.6: Community Impacts
5.6.5.3 Potential Development Case
The developments included in the PDC, including the Kearl project, will increase population in the Wood Buffalo region and create demand for additional housing, especially in Fort McMurray. Assuming that potential developments proceed as planned, the transition from a high growth economy driven by construction projects to a more stable economy based on oil sands operations will be pushed into the future. Housing demand is estimated at 12,070 units in the 2005 to 2012 period.
5.6.6 RESOURCE TOWN ECONOMY
5.6.6.1 Existing and Approved Case
Oil sands industry expansion in the Wood Buffalo region is further emphasizing the northern resource town nature of Fort McMurray. While this economy is bringing prosperity and well-being to many, it is also creating community stresses that impact the quality of life for others. Some of the more important community stresses can be summarized as follows:
• The rapid population growth in Fort McMurray is producing a sense of transience and a weak sense of community. Most of the construction workers in the region maintain homes elsewhere. In addition, many of the people who take up residence in Fort McMurray to take advantage of employment opportunities do not intend to settle there permanently. For example, the most recent RMWB Census reports that 96 percent of the employees expecting to retire over the next year intended to leave the region (RMWB 2004). Many of the newcomers, who account for a significant portion of the population, have no personal or family ties to the community and have limited social support systems in place. • The rapid growth of the economy is creating a prosperity gap between those who are employed directly or indirectly in the oil sands industry and those who are employed in the public and private service sectors, on social assistance, or otherwise on the margins of the wage economy. The incomes of people in the former category are generally adequate to cover the high cost of living, notably housing, while the incomes of those in the latter group are generally not. • The shift work characteristic of the oil sands developments means that many residents of Fort McMurray are working long and irregular hours. Since most of the oil sands employment occurs at facilities located a considerable distance from Fort McMurray, many shift workers spend from one to two hours commuting each day, placing stress on families and reducing people’s time to contribute to their community. • Fort McMurray is a remote northern community located about 450 km (five hours or more by car) northeast of Edmonton. The sense of isolation is
July 2005 Page 5-41 VOLUME 9
Section 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
reinforced by the fact that there is only one primary highway linking Fort McMurray to the rest of the province, with Fort McMurray at the end of that road. Another feature of the remote northern location of Fort McMurray is the relatively cold winter weather, which tends to increase the sense of isolation by keeping many residents indoors. The average January temperature in Fort McMurray is -19.8oC (degrees Celsius), as compared to -8.9oC in Calgary and -14oC in Edmonton.
5.6.6.1.1 Community Implications
Fort McMurray’s rapidly growing northern resource town economy has effects on residents of the community, including:
• The weak sense of community in Fort McMurray increases the isolation of community members as well as the demand for social services from childcare to counselling. The growth in demand often prevents timely access to these services (see Section 5.6.8). • The prosperity gap between those employed directly or indirectly in the oil sands industries and the rest of the community is a growing issue for many Fort McMurray residents, especially for those who provide the public and private services on which the oil sands workers rely. Many Fort McMurray residents are concerned about a situation in which the prosperity of the majority tends to produce increased hardship for the minority by, for example, driving up the cost of housing. The prosperity gap is also a concern for social service providers, since it:
• increases the demand for services among both those who are struggling financially and those whose high disposable income which facilitates their engagement in potentially harmful activities like alcohol or drug use and gambling
• increases the difficulty of recruiting and retaining employees to provide services to individuals and families in need • The long and irregular hours of oil sands industry shift workers affects family life, reducing the time that parents can spend with their children and, conversely, increasing the time that children spend without parental supervision. • The geographic isolation of Fort McMurray limits the access of residents to cultural and recreational opportunities as compared to Edmonton or other major urban centres. Since Highway 63 ends north of Fort McMurray, residents of the community have the sense of living at the end of the road. The geographic isolation of Fort McMurray also has implications for service providers, since it increases the difficulty of recruiting and retaining services personnel.
Page 5-42 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 5.6: Community Impacts
Key respondent interviews suggest a linkage between the issues discussed above and other sources of harm to the community, notably drug and alcohol abuse, gambling and crime. In this regard:
• Fort McMurray has the highest level of alcohol consumption and gambling expenditure per capita in the province (AADAC 2003). • Fort McMurray has crime rates that are generally higher than the provincial average, especially where drug offences and violent crimes are concerned (Statistics Canada 2004). Interviews with key respondents indicate that the use of cocaine is particularly prevalent.
Not all characteristics of a rapidly growing northern resource town economy are negative. Fort McMurray is also a vibrant and energetic community. One indication of the vitality of the community can be found in its generous support of the local United Way Campaign, which has the third highest rate of giving per capita in Canada. Economic growth has also increased the range of goods and services available to residents of the region. Such growth has also helped to keep the cost of goods down, notably through the opening of several big box stores. It is worth noting in this context that, housing excluded, the price of goods and services is not much higher in Fort McMurray than in Edmonton. According to the 2003 Place-to-Place Price Comparison Survey for Alberta Communities, food is 1.4 percent more expensive in Fort McMurray than in Edmonton, while utilities (gas, electricity, water/sewer, and garbage) are 13 percent more expensive (AED 2004).
Not all of the community stresses associated with the rapidly growing resource town economy of Fort McMurray apply to the Aboriginal communities in the rural areas of the Wood Buffalo region. Residents of those communities lived there before the arrival of the oil sands industry and will live there after there is no more economically recoverable oil sands. They tend to have extensive family connections in the region and a profound and abiding relationship with the land.
Even so, the rapidly growing resource town economy has implications for Aboriginal communities as it:
• increases the involvement of community members in the wage economy • decreases ability to access services
5.6.6.2 Project Case
The Kearl project will generate employment and population growth that will impact the growing resource town economy of Fort McMurray and increase community stresses. The Kearl project’s impact in this regard, however, will be relatively small because the operations camp will minimize the project related population growth in the region.
July 2005 Page 5-43 VOLUME 9
Section 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
5.6.6.3 Potential Development Case
The developments in the PDC, including the Kearl project, will increase employment and population that will add to the already rapidly growing northern resource town economy of Fort McMurray. The contribution of the Kearl project to these cumulative impacts will be limited due to its camp-based operations model. Based on the relative contribution to population, the Kearl project’s effects on services is expected to be about five percent of the total impacts under the PDC.
5.6.7 INFRASTRUCTURE
5.6.7.1 Existing and Approved Case
The rapid economic expansion and population growth in the Wood Buffalo region has created a deficit in the infrastructure required to meet the needs of residents, including schools, recreation and health care facilities, and highways. This deficit is intensified by the isolation of the Wood Buffalo region, the high costs of building and operating there, and the geographic location of Fort McMurray.
The infrastructure deficit has been acknowledged in a recent report entitled Wood Buffalo Business Case (RMWB, RIWG et al. 2005). The report, which is the result of a cooperative initiative involving Fort McMurray Catholic School District, the Fort McMurray Public School District, Keyano College, Northern Lights Health Authority, and RIWG identifies the need for major public sector infrastructure investment to:
• preserve, sustain and enhance existing infrastructure to meet current needs • create new infrastructure to meet future needs
Based on the planning of the RMWB, RIWG and regional public service providers, the report estimates the need for $1.2 billion in public infrastructure over the next five years, broken down as follows:
• $353 million in municipal projects, including water, wastewater, road and recreation facilities • $236 million in primary, secondary and post secondary education facilities • $500 million in highway projects • $136 million in health facilities and affordable housing
The RIWG and the RMWB have presented the results of their study formally to the provincial government.
Page 5-44 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 5.6: Community Impacts
5.6.7.1.1 Community Implications
The infrastructure deficit reduces the ability of service providers to alleviate the community pressures associated with rapid economic expansion and population growth. Building the infrastructure identified in the regional submission would have several implications, including:
• improvements to Highway 63 and Highway 881 would improve access to the region and improve traffic safety • upgrades to water and sewer systems in Fort McMurray would remove constraints on housing development • new and renovated schools would expand the education choices available to parents of school-aged children and reduce the need for students to attend schools outside of their neighbourhoods • new recreation facilities would provide residents of the region with enhanced opportunities to pursue physically active, healthy lifestyles • expanded and upgraded health facilities would provide community members with increased access to health services and reduce their need to travel to Edmonton for specialty services, such as MRIs
The province and the RMWB are investing in the region. The RMWB has increased its borrowing to finance new infrastructure in anticipation of assessment growth when new oil sands projects come on stream. Examples of recent infrastructure investment in Fort McMurray include a new fire station in the Timberlea area and renovations to other stations. Other examples include the recently completed overpass on Highway 63 at Hospital Street and a new primary school in the Timberlea area.
5.6.7.2 Project Case
The Kearl project will include its own on-site water and wastewater systems and will therefore not have any material impacts on this type of municipal infrastructure. It will, however, contribute to cumulative demands on existing roadway infrastructure. The Kearl project will also add to the need for new roadway infrastructure like the proposed road on the east side of the Athabasca River.
The Kearl project’s impact on other infrastructure in the Wood Buffalo region, including schools, recreation and health facilities, will be limited. Its operations camp will ensure that most of the population impacts of the operations phase will occur outside of the region, most likely in Greater Edmonton. The impacts on Greater Edmonton will be small relative to the large resident population, which is estimated at roughly one million people.
July 2005 Page 5-45 VOLUME 9
Section 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
5.6.7.3 Potential Development Case
The developments featured in the PDC, including the Kearl project, will continue to create new employment and drive population growth in the Wood Buffalo region, which in turn will place added pressures on infrastructure. The contribution of the Kearl project to these cumulative impacts on infrastructure is estimated at about 5 percent of the total.
5.6.8 SERVICES
5.6.8.1 Existing and Approved Case
Rapid economic expansion and population growth in the Wood Buffalo region has also created a deficit in the services required to meet the needs of residents. The focus of this discussion of the service deficit is on public services provided by government agencies, but the deficit in services provided by non-government agencies and private business is also acknowledged.
The service deficit in Fort McMurray has been acknowledged in The Human Services Needs Assessment conducted on behalf of the RMWB in 2002 (Converge Consulting 2002) and in recent socio-economic impact assessments of oil sands developments in the Wood Buffalo region (Suncor 2005, Husky 2004, Shell 2002, CNRL 2002, Shell 2005).
Three of the main dimensions of this deficit can be summarized as follows:
• The provincial funding formulas that define the level of financial support available for clients of some key social programs, such as the Income Support Program administered by Alberta Human Resources and Employment and Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped administered by Alberta Seniors and Support Services, are not adjusted to reflect the cost of living in different parts of the province. As a result, they do not meet the needs of individuals and families struggling with the high cost of living in Fort McMurray. • The provincial funding formulas that define the financial support available for public service agencies in the Wood Buffalo region do not always adequately take account of the costs of operating and delivering services there. • The high cost of living in Fort McMurray, combined with the geographic isolation of the Wood Buffalo region and the lure of oil sands industry salaries, makes it difficult for service providers to recruit and retain the staff they require to meet the needs of Wood Buffalo residents.
Page 5-46 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 5.6: Community Impacts
5.6.8.1.1 Community Implications
The service deficit, like the infrastructure deficit discussed above, reduces the ability of service providers to alleviate the community pressures associated with rapid economic expansion and population growth.
One implication, identified during consultations and in recent hearings, relates to medical services. The Northern Lights Health Region is challenged to meet community needs, partly because of the way they are funded and partly because of the difficulty in recruiting and retaining qualified staff. More generally, there are concerns about the shortage of medical services, as evidenced by:
• The number of persons per physician, which is the highest of the province’s nine health regions. As of 2003, the number of persons per physician in the Northern Lights Health Region was about 1350, two-and-a-half times higher than the provincial average of about 540 persons per physicians (Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons 2004). • A recent Survey of Albertans conducted by the Health Quality Council of Alberta found that the number of Northern Lights Health Region residents reporting easy access to family physicians, emergency services, and diagnostic imaging is significantly lower than most of Alberta’s health regions (Health Quality Council 2004).
Key respondent interviews indicate that many volunteer-based agencies, from soccer associations to social support organizations, are having difficulty recruiting and retaining the volunteers they require to meet the needs of Wood Buffalo residents. Some of the key reasons for this difficulty are the characteristics of the rapidly growing northern resource town economy of Fort McMurray, notably:
• the transient nature of many residents • the long and varied hours associated with shift work at oil sands facilities • the high cost of housing in Fort McMurray, which tends to increase the number of dual income couples
Key respondent interviews also indicate a deficit in private services available to residents of the Fort McMurray region. Manifestations of this deficit include long line-ups at fast food outlets, inexperienced staff in retail stores and store managers frequently working tills. These features of the private service sector in Fort McMurray reflect the difficulty of recruiting and retaining service staff.
The service deficit described here, while concentrated in Fort McMurray, also affects the residents of rural communities in the Wood Buffalo region. Residents of Fort McKay, for example, have noted that while they struggle with many of the stresses associated with rapid expansion of the oil sands industry, they do not have local access to the social and health services that would help them deal with
July 2005 Page 5-47 VOLUME 9
Section 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
these stresses. Access to services in Fort McMurray is constrained by the demand for those same services from the growing local population and concerns about traffic between Fort McKay and Fort McMurray.
The service deficit notwithstanding, many service providers are expanding to the meet community needs. For example, the Fort McMurray Fire Department hired 15 operational firefighters in 2004 and intends to hire another 15 in 2005 as part of a four-year plan to increase fire and ambulance personnel to between 120 to 130 staff members within the next couple of years.
5.6.8.2 Project Case
The Kearl project will contribute to the demand for public and private services in the Wood Buffalo region, especially in the service centre of Fort McMurray. The magnitude of that contribution, however, will be small. The Kearl project’s camp based operational approach will ensure that most of the population impacts of its operations phase will occur outside of the region, most likely in Greater Edmonton.
With respect to medical services, the permanent operations camp for the Kearl project will be equipped with a medical centre, and medical technicians capable of initial response to illness or injury. The on site airstrip will provide access to Medivac capability to either Edmonton or Fort McMurray.
Both the constructions and operations camps will be equipped with catering, laundry, commissary and recreational facilities so as to minimize the need for workers to travel to Fort McMurray to access public and private services.
5.6.8.3 Potential Development Case
The developments in the PDC, including the Kearl project, will continue to create new employment and increase population, which will in turn place added pressures on public and private services in the Wood Buffalo region. The contribution of the Kearl project to these cumulative impacts on services is estimated at about 5 percent of the total.
5.6.9 ALTERNATIVE PROJECT EXECUTION
The socio-economic impact analysis has considered what the impacts of the Kearl project would be if it were to operate using the industry-standard approach in which operations workers are housed in the region. This alternative execution strategy would have the following impacts relative to the operations camp scenario selected by Imperial Oil:
• It would produce more population growth in the region and increase the competition for wildlife and plants that sustain the traditional way of life for certain Aboriginal peoples.
Page 5-48 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 5.6: Community Impacts
• It would increase the number of commuter buses and private vehicles on the road. The impact during operations would be an estimated 150 vehicle movements per day. • It would increase the number of dwellings needed to house the population. Focusing on the situation in 2012 when the first two production trains will be operating, the Kearl project would generate the need for an additional 3210 houses over and above the 6260 units needed under the EAC assumptions, for a total of 9740 units. This compares to the need for 290 dwelling units if the project is operated as a camp based operation. • It would increase the housing demand to 13,260 units in the 2005 to 2012 period under the PDC. • It would contribute an estimated 24 percent of the impacts defined as the difference between the EAC and the PDC with regards to the issues discussed in Sections 5.6.6, 5.6.7 and 5.6.8. In contrast, the Kearl project operated as a camp based operation contributes an estimated 5 percent of the total cumulative impacts.
5.6.10 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING
5.6.10.1 Traditional Lands and Culture
Imperial Oil recognizes the importance of traditional land and culture to the identity and well-being of Aboriginal communities in the Wood Buffalo region. The company also recognizes that oil sands mining affects traditional land and culture. Imperial Oil will minimize the impacts of the Kearl project by:
• adopting a practice of phased reclamation of lands used for mining purposes so that such lands can be returned to the land base available for traditional practices as early as practical • consulting and co-operating with affected trappers to remove where possible any barriers to the use of their traplines • compensating registered trapline owners for related impacts • working with Aboriginal communities and other interested parties with the goal of incorporating traditional environmental knowledge into mine planning activities such as reclamation and end land-use
Imperial Oil is party to various agreements between oil sands developers and Aboriginal communities designed to address their concerns relating to industrial development in the Wood Buffalo region. These agreements include the following:
• various IRC agreements with Fort McKay, MCFN and ACFN • the Athabasca Tribal Council – All Parties Core Agreement
July 2005 Page 5-49 VOLUME 9
Section 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
Imperial Oil will continue to consult with Aboriginal communities regarding potential development impacts of the project.
5.6.10.2 Traffic
Imperial Oil recognizes the traffic safety concerns of residents of the Wood Buffalo region and acknowledges that the project will contribute to increases in traffic.
Imperial Oil will minimize traffic impacts during the construction phase of the project by maintaining a camp for construction workers, thus significantly reducing highway commuter traffic. Private automobile use will be discouraged.
During the operations phase of the Kearl project, Imperial Oil will minimize traffic impacts by maintaining an operations camp that will reduce the need to transport workers between Fort McMurray and the project.
Imperial Oil will also contribute to efforts to increase highway safety in the Wood Buffalo region by:
• promoting safe driving practices among its employees and contractors • supporting the efforts of the RMWB and RIWG to work with the provincial government to progress improvements to highway infrastructure in a timely manner • participating in RIWG-sponsored transportation workshops on both short-term and long-term planning
Finally, Imperial Oil will also support the efforts of RIWG’s Transportation Subcommittee to develop the East Side Corridor Road as a replacement for the Canterra Road, which connects with Highway 63 just north of Fort McKay. Current planning for the East Side Corridor Road is on an alignment that connects with Highway 63 just north of the Suncor facility, thus reducing traffic near Fort McKay.
5.6.10.3 Housing
Imperial Oil understands that the high and escalating cost of housing is largely responsible for the high cost of living in Fort McMurray and several related community issues. The company also recognizes that rapid oil sands industry expansion is the primary cause of high housing costs.
Imperial Oil will minimize the housing impacts of the Kearl project during its construction phase by providing camp accommodation for construction workers, thus reducing pressure on the housing market in Fort McMurray.
Page 5-50 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 5.6: Community Impacts
For the operations phase of the Kearl project, Imperial Oil will minimize housing impacts by maintaining an operations camp. This will reduce the housing demand relative to the industry standard approach of housing operations workers in Fort McMurray.
Imperial Oil recognizes that even with its operations camp, the Kearl project will have impacts on the housing market in Fort McMurray. The company will therefore contribute to regional efforts to address the housing issue by supporting the RIWG’s Housing Sub-committee, which is working with the RMWB towards:
• establishing a $17 million fund of government monies so that the RMWB can develop infrastructure to support housing development • developing an improved mechanism for the release of provincial lands for housing developments • providing timely information to the housing development industry to facilitate its response to emerging housing market needs
5.6.10.4 Resource Town Economy
Imperial Oil is aware that the rapidly growing northern resource town economy of Fort McMurray contributes to community stresses, including a weak sense of community, a prosperity gap between those who work in the oil sands industry and those who do not, and drug and alcohol abuse. The company is also aware that the Kearl project, by increasing oil sands employment and therefore population, will increase those stresses.
The company’s key approach to minimizing the contribution of the Kearl project to these community stresses during its construction phase will be the use of a full- service camp located near the Kearl project site. The camp will provide residents with recreational opportunities that will reduce their need to travel to Fort McMurray. The camp will adopt strict policies with respect to alcohol usage. Imperial Oil will co-operate with the RCMP to minimize conflicts that may be caused by employees or contractors working on the Kearl project.
Imperial Oil’s camp based operation will further minimize the negative impacts of the Kearl Project by maintaining a camp to house operations workers during the operations phase. This approach will minimize the project’s contribution to community stresses by having a limited number of newcomers to the region.
Imperial Oil recognizes that the Kearl project will have impacts on the already rapidly growing resource economy of Fort McMurray. The company will contribute to minimizing the negative characteristics of that economy by supporting the initiatives of RIWG, the Athabasca Tribal Council, and other regional organizations.
July 2005 Page 5-51 VOLUME 9
Section 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
5.6.10.5 Infrastructure Deficit
The rapid growth of the oil sands industry is creating an infrastructure deficit in the Wood Buffalo region and the Kearl project will contribute to the region’s infrastructure needs.
The project will rely on its own on-site infrastructure, including roads, water and sewer systems, but the company and its employees will also rely on municipal and provincial infrastructure.
For the operations phase of the project, Imperial Oil will minimize project impacts on public and private services by maintaining an operations camp that will reduce the number of operations workers establishing residence in the region, notably in Fort McMurray.
The company recognizes that even with the operations camp the project will have impacts on regional infrastructure. Imperial Oil’s primary contribution to minimizing the infrastructure deficit created by rapid oil sands expansion will take the form of its municipal and provincial tax and royalty payments. The company will also provide government infrastructure providers with accurate and timely information on its activities and development plans. Finally, Imperial Oil will support RIWG in its ongoing efforts to work with government on the awareness of the infrastructure needs of the Wood Buffalo region.
5.6.10.6 Service Deficit
Imperial Oil acknowledges that the rapid growth of the oil sands industry is creating a service deficit in the Wood Buffalo region and that the Kearl project will contribute to the region’s infrastructure needs.
The company’s key approach to minimizing demands on service providers during the construction phase of the project will be the use of a full-service camp located near the Kearl project site. The camp will provide construction workers with a range of retail, recreation, health, and other services that will reduce the demands on local service providers. More specifically:
• private security personnel will maintain good order within the camp, so that demands on the policing services of the RCMP are minimized • health services offered to camp residents will reduce demands on services offered by the Northern Lights Health Region
Furthermore, appropriate emergency services provided at the Kearl project site will minimize demands on the emergency services provided by the Fort McMurray Fire Department. They will also work to increase safety throughout the Wood Buffalo region by virtue of Imperial Oil’s participation in industry- government Mutual Aid Agreements.
Page 5-52 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 5.6: Community Impacts
Imperial Oil’s operations camp will reduce the project’s impacts on public and private services by having a limited number of operations workers residing in the region.
Imperial Oil recognizes, however, that even with the operations camp the project will increase demand for services. The company will minimize the impact of its employees on service providers through a company-sponsored Employee and Family Assistance Plan to help employees and their families deal with any difficulties they may have.
Imperial Oil has a well-established policy of helping service needs by donating funds to various public and charitable service agencies via the Imperial Oil Charitable Foundation. The work of this Foundation will be extended to the Wood Buffalo region. ♦
July 2005 Page 5-53 VOLUME 9
SECTION 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Subsection 5.7 Conclusions
5.7 Conclusion
5.7.1 SOCIO-ECONOMIC PLANS, POLICIES AND INITIATIVES
The execution of the Kearl project will include a number of socio-economic plans, policies, and initiatives. The key ones among them are:
• most construction workers will live outside the region, stay near the site in camps during rotations, and commute to and from the site by plane between rotations • given the remote location of the Kearl site, a camp based operating plan has been selected to allow Imperial Oil to develop a safe, healthy, productive and efficient work environment • the above two plans provide, among others, the following additional benefits of:
• overall reduction in potential traffic, especially on Highway 63
• a reduction in potential negative socio-economic effects on Fort McMurray infrastructure and services • impacts on traditional lands is minimized by phased reclamation, consultation and cooperation with affected trappers, and compensation of affected trapline owners for related impacts • Imperial Oil is party to the various agreements between oil sands developers and Aboriginal communities • Imperial Oil is party to the industry initiatives to identify and address regional issues, including the Regional Issues Working Group
5.7.2 ECONOMIC AND FISCAL IMPACTS
5.7.2.1 Predicted Effects
The $5.5 billion construction cost of the Kearl project will create 9980 workyears of direct employment in the 2007 to 2018 period. The total direct, indirect and induced employment impacts of the construction of the Kearl project is estimated at 20,800 workyears over the same period. The GDP effect of the construction phase of the Kearl project is estimated at $4.3 billion.
Once fully operational, the Project will require 1200 operations workers. The total direct, indirect and induced employment effect is estimated at 2660 workyears annually. The GDP effect of the operations phase of the Kearl project is estimated at approximately $1 billion per year once all production trains are in operations.
Using an 8% discount rate and in constant 2005 dollars, the Kearl project is expected to pay $1.2 billion in royalties, $400 million in provincial corporate
July 2005 Page 5-55 VOLUME 9
Section 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
taxes, and $800 million in federal corporate taxes over the life of the project. The project will also pay municipal property taxes, estimated at $14.5 million per year once all phases of the project are operational.
5.7.2.2 Prediction Confidence
The construction cost is the mid point of capital cost estimates ranging between $4.5 billion and $6.5 billion. Thus the capital cost used for the purposes of this analysis may be approximately 20% lower or higher than assumed here. The associated direct employment creation has a similar confidence interval. The estimates of direct, indirect and induced construction employment are based on broad industry multipliers published by Alberta Treasury and should be interpreted as order-of-magnitude estimates.
The operations cost is more tightly defined, but subject to uncertainty related to changes in input prices, especially energy. The confidence level of the direct employment creation during operations is high. The estimates of direct, indirect and induced operations employment are based on broad industry multipliers published by Alberta Treasury and should be interpreted as order-of-magnitude estimates.
The fiscal impacts of the project are order-of-magnitude estimates. Royalty and taxes, though aligned with commonly accepted industry practices, are modelled with a high level of accuracy but use future price assumptions that are subject to much uncertainty. The property tax estimate is subject to uncertainty because both the assessed value and the property tax rate in place when the project becomes operational are unknown at this time.
5.7.3 POPULATION IMPACTS
5.7.3.1 Predicted Effects
The population of the urban area of the Wood Buffalo region is expected to grow to 77,020 in 2013 if all projects in the Existing and Approved case proceed. The Kearl project will add an additional 420 people to this population estimate. If all projects assumed in the Potential Development Case proceed, the population of the urban area is expected to reach 93,740 in 2013.
5.7.3.2 Prediction Confidence
The forecasts of the urban population are order-of-magnitude estimates. The urban population impact model used to make the forecasts has been relatively accurate in estimating the total population numbers and the current forecasts are corroborated by a simple extrapolation model. However, future population levels are critically dependent on new project announcements, regulatory and commercial approvals, and timing of construction execution. All these factors produce uncertainty in the population forecasts.
Page 5-56 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 5.7: Conclusions
5.7.4 COMMUNITY IMPACTS
5.7.4.1 Predicted Effects
The Kearl project will contribute to cumulative impacts of oil sands industry expansion on traditional lands, traffic, housing, social stresses, and infrastructure and service deficits. The use of on-site camps during construction and operations minimizes these impacts.
5.7.4.2 Prediction Confidence
The analysis of community impacts is supported by interviews with key respondents and data on social conditions. However, it remains largely qualitative. Community impacts are by their nature subject to complex forces, including:
• ongoing oil sands industry development • personal choices of residents • the responses of governments and community-based organizations
Thus, while the confidence in the direction of the impacts is high, the size of the impacts is subject to much uncertainty. ♦
July 2005 Page 5-57 VOLUME 9
SECTION 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Subsection 5.8 Bibliography
5.8 Bibliography
5.8.1 LITERATURE CITED
AADAC (Alberta Drug and Alcohol Commission). 2003. Alberta Profile, Social and Health Indicators of Addiction. Edmonton AB.
ACFN (Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation). 2003. Footprints on the Land: Tracing the Path of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. 103 pp.
ACFN. 2004. List of Issues and Deficiencies from ACFN Review of Husky's Sunrise Thermal Project.
AED (Alberta Economic Development). 2004. 2003 Place-to-Place Price Comparison Survey for Selected Alberta Communities.
AED. 2005. Inventory of Major Alberta Projects, March 2005. Edmonton, AB.
AENV (Alberta Environment). 2004. Final Terms of Reference: Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the Proposed Imperial Oil Resources Kearl Oil Sands Project. Issued by Alberta Environment, April 22, 2004.
Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons. 2004. Physicians’ Registry. Edmonton AB.
Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation. 2004. Alberta Highways 1 to 986 Traffic Volume History (1995 - 2004).
Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation, Driver Safety and Research. 2004. Selected Collision and Fatality Statistics, 1994-2002.
Alberta Treasury. 2004. Alberta Economic Multipliers, 2000. Edmonton, AB.
BA Energy. 2004. Application for Approval, Heartland Upgrader Project. Calgary, AB.
Broadview (Broadview Applied Research Group). 2004. An Update to the Community Plan on Homelessness and Affordable Housing for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo 2004-2006.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada. 2005. News Release 2005-10. April 18, 2005. Ottawa, ON.
CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation). 2004. Rental Market Report. Edmonton AB.
July 2005 Page 5-59 VOLUME 9
Section 5: Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
CNRL (Canadian Natural Resources Limited). 2002. Horizon Oil Sands Project – Application for Approval. Volume 1 Prepared by Canadian Natural Resources Limited. Volumes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 Prepared by Golder Associates Ltd. for Canadian Natural Resources Limited. Submitted to Alberta Energy and Utilitles Board and Alberta Environment. June 2002. Calgary, AB.
Construction Workforce Development Forecasting Committee. 2004. Alberta Construction Workforce Supply/Demand Forecast, 2004-2008, Summary Report, May 2004.
Converge Consulting. 2002. Human Services Needs Assessment Report. Prepared on Behalf of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
Health Quality Council of Alberta. 2004. Page 5-13.
Husky (Husky Energy). 2004. Husky Sunrise Thermal Project Application and Environmental Impact Assessment. Submitted to Alberta Energy and Utilities Board and Alberta Environment. August 2004.
ING Environmental. 2004. Review of the Environmental Impact Assessment for Husky Energy's Sunrise Thermal Project. Prepared for the Mikisew Cree First Nation. Calgary, AB.
Nichols (Nichols Applied Management). 2003. Survey of Residents of Construction Camps in Wood Buffalo Region. Edmonton, AB.
RIWG (Regional Issues Working Group). 2005. Wood Buffalo Business Case 2005. Fort McMurray.
RMWB (Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo). 2004. Municipal Census. Fort McMurray, AB.
Shell (Shell Canada Limited). 2002. Jackpine Mine – Phase 1 Application, Environmental Impact Assessment and Socio-Economic Assessment. Volumes 1 to 7. Prepared by Shell Canada Limited, Golder Associates Ltd., Komex International Inc., Cantox Environmental Inc. and Nichols Applied Management. Calgary, AB. May 2002.
Shell. 2005. Muskeg River Mine Expansion Project Application and Environmental Impact Assessment. Volumes 1, 2, 3 and 4. Submitted to Alberta Energy and Utilities Board and Alberta Environment. Prepared by Shell Canada Limited in Association with Golder Associates Ltd. and Nichols Applied Management. April 2005. Fort McMurray, AB.
Shipley (Shipley Management Services). 2004. Socio Economic Impact Assessment Review for the Husky Thermal Sunrise Project. Prepared for the Fort McKay Industry Relations Corporation.
Statistics Canada. 1996. Census 1996. Ottawa, ON.
Page 5-60 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 5.8: Bibliography
Statistics Canda. 2001. 2001 Census.
Statistics Canada. 2004. Small Area and Administrative Data. Ottawa, ON.
Statistics Canada. 2005. Recent Changes in the Labour Market 1991 to 2004. Reported in the Statistics Canada Daily, March 18, 2005.
Suncor (Suncor Energy Inc.). 2005. Voyageur Project Application and Environmental Impact Assessment. Volumes 1A, 1B, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Submitted to Alberta Energy and Utilities Board and Alberta Environment. Prepared by Suncor Energy Inc. Oil Sands in Association with Golder Associates Ltd. and Nichols Applied Management. March 2005. Fort McMurray, AB.
5.8.2 PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS
Huizinga, Gilles (Chief Administrative Officer, Wood Buffalo Housing and Development Corporation). 2005. Personal communication with Paul Vanderham (Nichols Applied Management). Contacted February 11, 2005.
5.8.3 INTERNET SITES
Fort McMurray Real Estate Board, January 2005. http://www.woodbuffalo.net/housing.htm ♦
July 2005 Page 5-61 VOLUME 9
SECTION 6: Traditional Land Use Subsection 6.0: Section Introduction
Table of Contents
6.1 SECTION INTRODUCTION...... 6-1 6.1.1 SECTION CONTENT...... 6-1 6.1.2 TERMS OF REFERENCE ...... 6-1 6.1.3 TRADITIONAL LAND USE...... 6-2 6.1.3.1 Land, Culture and Identity ...... 6-2 6.1.3.2 Definition ...... 6-3 6.2 APPROACH AND METHODS...... 6-5 6.2.1 APPROACH ...... 6-5 6.2.2 SPATIAL CONSIDERATIONS ...... 6-5 6.2.3 TEMPORAL CONSIDERATIONS ...... 6-5 6.2.4 METHODS ...... 6-8 6.2.4.1 Consultation ...... 6-8 6.2.4.2 Report Presentation and Organization ...... 6-8 6.2.4.2.1 Discussion of Concerns ...... 6-8 6.2.4.2.2 Traditional Land Use Locations ...... 6-8 6.2.4.2.3 Participant Recommendations ...... 6-9 6.2.4.3 Community Review ...... 6-9 6.3 FORT MCKAY FIRST NATION ...... 6-11 6.3.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 6-11 6.3.1.1 Community...... 6-11 6.3.1.2 Aboriginal Perspective...... 6-11 6.3.2 CONSULTATION...... 6-11 6.3.2.1 Elders’ Meeting...... 6-12 6.3.2.2 Trapline Owner’s Meeting ...... 6-12 6.3.2.3 Previous Traditional Land Use Study ...... 6-12 6.3.3 DEVELOPMENT ISSUES...... 6-13 6.3.3.1 Consultation Process ...... 6-13 6.3.3.1.1 Consultation Timing ...... 6-13 6.3.3.1.2 Information Provision...... 6-13 6.3.3.1.3 Identification of Traditional Land Use Locations ...... 6-13 6.3.3.2 Land Access Management ...... 6-14 6.3.3.2.1 Theft and Vandalism...... 6-14 6.3.3.2.2 Trapline Access ...... 6-14 6.3.3.3 Reclamation ...... 6-15 6.3.4 LANDSCAPE-LEVEL EFFECTS ...... 6-15 6.3.4.1 Landscape Integrity and the Power of Place...... 6-15 6.3.4.2 Respect for Animals...... 6-16 6.3.4.2.1 Irresponsible Hunting Practices...... 6-16 6.3.4.2.2 Noise and Animal Stress...... 6-16 6.3.5 ECOSYSTEM HEALTH...... 6-17 6.3.5.1 Medicinal Plants and Trees ...... 6-17 6.3.5.2 Water Resources...... 6-17
July 2005 Page 6-i VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
6.3.5.3 Pollution...... 6-18 6.3.5.3.1 Water Pollution...... 6-18 6.3.5.3.2 Noise Pollution ...... 6-18 6.3.5.3.3 Air Pollution ...... 6-18 6.3.5.3.4 Pollution Effects on the Presence and Abundance of Wildlife...... 6-19 6.3.5.3.5 Pollution Effects on the Change in the Taste of Wild Game...... 6-19 6.3.5.3.6 Pollution Effects on Berry Crop Abundance...... 6-20 6.3.5.3.7 Pollution Effects on Tree Growth and Vigour...... 6-20 6.3.5.3.8 Pollution Effects on Climate Change ...... 6-20 6.3.6 HUMAN HEALTH AND COMMUNITY WELL-BEING...... 6-20 6.3.6.1 Employment and Education ...... 6-20 6.3.6.2 Human Health ...... 6-21 6.3.6.3 Psychological and Spiritual Health ...... 6-21 6.3.7 TRADITIONAL LAND USE LOCATIONS ...... 6-22 6.3.7.1 Study in 1998 ...... 6-22 6.3.7.2 Future Field Visits...... 6-23 6.3.8 CONSULTATION AND RESPONSE SUMMARY ...... 6-23 6.4 ATHABASCA CHIPEWYAN FIRST NATION ...... 6-29 6.4.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 6-29 6.4.1.1 Community...... 6-29 6.4.1.2 Aboriginal Perspective...... 6-29 6.4.2 CONSULTATION...... 6-29 6.4.2.1 Meet and Greet Session...... 6-29 6.4.2.2 Council of Elders Meeting ...... 6-30 6.4.2.3 Field Visit to Local Study Area ...... 6-31 6.4.3 DEVELOPMENT ISSUES...... 6-32 6.4.3.1 Consultation Process ...... 6-32 6.4.3.1.1 Consultation Timing ...... 6-32 6.4.3.1.2 Information Provision...... 6-34 6.4.3.1.3 Communication of EIA Results...... 6-35 6.4.3.1.4 Use of Traditional Wisdom in EIA...... 6-35 6.4.3.1.5 Relationships between Developers and the Community ...... 6-36 6.4.3.1.6 Agreements...... 6-37 6.4.3.2 Land Access Management ...... 6-38 6.4.3.3 Compensation...... 6-39 6.4.3.3.1 Regional Projects...... 6-39 6.4.3.3.2 Trappers’ Compensation...... 6-39 6.4.3.4 Bulk Fuel...... 6-39 6.4.3.5 Facilities ...... 6-40 6.4.3.6 Cumulative Effects...... 6-40 6.4.3.7 Reclamation ...... 6-40 6.4.4 LANDSCAPE LEVEL EFFECTS...... 6-41 6.4.4.1 Landscape Integrity and the Spirit of the Land...... 6-41 6.4.5 ECOSYSTEM HEALTH...... 6-41 6.4.5.2 Water Resources...... 6-41 6.4.5.3 Air Quality ...... 6-42
Page 6-ii July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.0: Section Introduction
6.4.5.3.1 Pollution...... 6-42 6.4.5.3.2 Air Quality Monitoring...... 6-43 6.4.5.3.3 Air Quality Effect on Human Health...... 6-43 6.4.5.4 Pollution Effects on Wildlife ...... 6-43 6.4.5.4.1 Pollution Effects on Presence and Abundance of Wildlife ...... 6-44 6.4.5.4.1 Pollution Effects on the Taste and Quality of Wild Game ...... 6-44 6.4.6 HUMAN HEALTH AND COMMUNITY WELL-BEING...... 6-44 6.4.6.1 Employment ...... 6-44 6.4.6.2 Human Health ...... 6-45 6.4.6.3 Noise and Dust Near Cabins ...... 6-46 6.4.6.4 Youth Participation in Environmental Assessment...... 6-46 6.4.6.5 Loss of Traditional Survival Skills ...... 6-46 6.4.6.6 Cultural Identity ...... 6-46 6.4.7 TRADITIONAL LAND USE LOCATIONS ...... 6-47 6.4.7.1 Canterra Road Jackpine Ridge...... 6-48 6.4.7.2 Kearl Lake...... 6-48 6.4.7.3 Kearl Lake Wetlands...... 6-48 6.4.7.4 Muskeg River...... 6-49 6.4.7.5 Cabin Sites ...... 6-49 6.4.7.6 Future Field Visits...... 6-49 6.4.8 CONSULTATION SUMMARY AND RESPONSE ...... 6-50 6.5 MIKISEW CREE FIRST NATION...... 6-61 6.5.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 6-61 6.5.1.1 Community...... 6-61 6.5.1.2 Aboriginal Perspective...... 6-61 6.5.2 CONSULTATION...... 6-61 6.5.2.1 Initial Meetings ...... 6-61 6.5.2.2 Fort Chipewyan Meet and Greet Session...... 6-62 6.5.2.3 Fort Chipewyan Elders’ Meeting...... 6-63 6.5.2.4 Fort McMurray Traditional Land Use Workshops ...... 6-63 6.5.3 DEVELOPMENT ISSUES...... 6-64 6.5.3.1 Consultation Process ...... 6-64 6.5.3.1.1 Timing and Information Provision ...... 6-65 6.5.3.1.2 Communication Method ...... 6-65 6.5.3.1.3 Inclusion of Youth in EIA Consultation...... 6-66 6.5.3.2 Land Access ...... 6-66 6.5.3.3 Cumulative Effects...... 6-66 6.5.3.4 Reclamation ...... 6-66 6.5.3.5 Compensation...... 6-67 6.5.4 LANDSCAPE LEVEL EFFECTS...... 6-68 6.5.4.6 Alteration of the Environment ...... 6-68 6.5.5 ECOSYSTEM HEALTH...... 6-68 6.5.5.1 Water Resources...... 6-68 6.5.5.1.1 Water Quality...... 6-68 6.5.5.1.2 Water Quantity...... 6-69 6.5.5.1.3 Use of Appropriate Measures ...... 6-70
July 2005 Page 6-iii VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
6.5.5.2 Air Quality ...... 6-70 6.5.5.3 Pollution...... 6-71 6.5.5.3.1 General Observations...... 6-71 6.5.5.3.2 Pollution Effects on Wildlife Presence and Abundance...... 6-72 6.5.5.3.3 Pollution Effects on the Taste and Quality of Wild Meat ...... 6-72 6.5.5.3.4 Pollution Effects on Vegetation...... 6-73 6.5.5.3.5 Pollution Effects on Climate Change ...... 6-73 6.5.6 HUMAN HEALTH AND COMMUNITY WELL-BEING...... 6-73 6.5.6.1 Human Health ...... 6-73 6.5.6.1.1 Sickness and Lifespan...... 6-73 6.5.6.1.2 Water Quality and Human Health ...... 6-74 6.5.6.2 Cultural Continuity ...... 6-74 6.5.6.2.1 Transmission of Traditional Knowledge ...... 6-74 6.5.6.2.2 Land for Future Generations...... 6-74 6.5.7 TRADITIONAL LAND USE LOCATIONS ...... 6-74 6.5.8 CONSULTATION AND RESPONSE SUMMARY ...... 6-75 6.6 BIBLIOGRAPHY...... 6-83 6.6.1 LITERATURE CITED ...... 6-83 6.6.2 INTERNET SITES ...... 6-83
List of Figures
Figure 6-1: Community Wellness Model ...... 6-2 Figure 6-2: Regional Area ...... 6-6 Figure 6-3: Traditional Land Use Local Study Area ...... 6-7
List of Tables
Table 6-1: Summary of Fort McKay First Nation Concerns and Imperial Oil Responses...... 6-24 Table 6-2: Summary of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Concerns and Imperial Oil Responses ...... 6-51 Table 6-3: Summary of Mikisew Cree First Nation Concerns and Imperial Oil Responses..... 6-76
Page 6-iv July 2005 VOLUME 9
SECTION 6: Traditional Land Use Subsection 6.1: Section Introduction
Section Introduction
6.1.1 SECTION CONTENT
This section of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the Kearl Oil Sands Project – Mine Development (the Kearl project) summarizes the traditional land use assessment conducted in consultation with Fort McKay First Nation, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and Mikisew Cree First Nation. The Aboriginal groups provided representatives to participate in group discussions and interviews with representatives of Imperial Oil Resources Ventures Limited (Imperial Oil). The sessions included discussions about traditional lifestyles in the Kearl project area, focusing on three broad themes:
• concerns about how industrial development has affected the land, air, water and traditional lifestyles in the oil sands region
• concerns about how the Kearl project will affect the land, air, water and traditional lifestyles in the oil sands region
• suggestions for action or mitigation from participants from each Aboriginal group
Results of the discussions with each of the Aboriginal groups are presented in separate sections. The concerns of the participants from each group, as presented in this report, reflect their assessment of how the Kearl project will affect their traditional use of the land.
Although the current EIA report focuses on three of the First Nation communities in the oil sands region, dialogue is ongoing with the Métis Locals. A discussion of Métis concerns is not presented in this document.
6.1.2 TERMS OF REFERENCE
The Terms of Reference (TOR) relevant to the Kearl project requires that the traditional land use assessment:
• provides details of Imperial Oil’s consultation with Aboriginal groups to determine project effects on traditional use in the Local Study Area (LSA)
• document stakeholder concerns regarding the impact of the project on the historical significance of the LSA and its current use by traditional users
• identify existing and historical Aboriginal land users with respect to activities such as fishing, hunting, traditional plant harvesting and other cultural uses
• determine the impact of development on these users and identify possible mitigation strategies
July 2005 Page 6-1 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
6.1.3 TRADITIONAL LAND USE
6.1.3.1 Land, Culture and Identity
The Aboriginal concept of the land is integral to the assessment process, as it encompasses their personal and cultural identities, their histories and their religions (Oakes et al. 1998). The culture and identity of Aboriginal peoples is intimately linked to their relationship with the land (Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation 2003; Coutu and Hoffman-Mercredi 2002; Momaday 1976; Northern River Basins Study 1996a, 1996b).
The assessment of effects of a proposed project on traditional land use is ultimately of socio-economic relevance as it pertains to the social and physical well-being of not only a community, but also to the individuals in that community (see Figure 6-1).
Figure 6-1: Community Wellness Model
Page 6-2 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.1: Section Introduction
6.1.3.2 Definition
Traditional land use refers to a community’s past and current use of a particular geographic area (traditional territory) as defined by that community. For Aboriginal peoples, traditional land use is more than just resource use and procurement; it is integral to community wellness. ♦
July 2005 Page 6-3 VOLUME 9
SECTION 6: Traditional Land Use Subsection 6.2: Approach and Methods
Approach and Methods
6.2.1 APPROACH
The assessment works to capture the complex relationship between community well-being, cultural identity and the land, as perceived by three Aboriginal communities affected by development in the oil sands region.
Each of the three Aboriginal communities involved in the traditional land use assessment (Fort McKay First Nation, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation) were invited to identify participants for discussion sessions. The purpose of the sessions was to identify concerns about the effect of the Kearl project on traditional issues.
The assessment involved collecting qualitative data about the perceived effects of the Kearl project on traditional land use and culture, from the perspective of the affected Aboriginal communities. The qualitative assessment was based on the traditional science and oral traditions of the Aboriginal participants, including information Aboriginal participants considered relevant for understanding the linked cultural–environmental context from which they assess project effects. Assessment of each of the traditional issues was based on the observations and concerns raised by the Aboriginal participants in these discussions.
6.2.2 SPATIAL CONSIDERATIONS
A broad regional area was discussed by the Aboriginal participants from the three communities (see Figure 6-2). Representatives from each community, however, identified the Kearl project LSA as lying within the overlapping territories of all three groups (Fort McKay First Nation, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation see Figure 6-2). Where possible, discussions were focused on the LSA, which was defined as the Project Development Area (PDA) (see Figure 6-3).
6.2.3 TEMPORAL CONSIDERATIONS
The traditional land use effects assessment considered past, current and future use of traditional lands and resources by the Aboriginal communities consulted.
Past traditional land use pertains to the use of the land through “time immemorial” to the start of regional oil sands development.
Current traditional land use defines the contemporary relationship of Aboriginal communities to their lands. It includes actual and potential use of the land for hunting, trapping, fishing, medicinal and food plant-gathering, berry picking, recreation and camping.
July 2005 Page 6-5 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
Figure 6-2: Regional Area
Page 6-6 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.2: Approach and Methods
Figure 6-3: Traditional Land Use Local Study Area
July 2005 Page 6-7 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
Future use pertains to the potential for current members of the consulted Aboriginal communities and their descendants, to continue their traditional relationship to the land. It includes opportunities to practise traditional ways of life, and the maintenance of cultural and spiritual values. Future use has implications for community wellness in terms of social sustainability and continuation of cultural identity.
6.2.4 METHODS
6.2.4.1 Consultation
In consultation meetings and interviews, Aboriginal participants’ observations and concerns about the project were documented. Actions for mitigation, monitoring or follow-up suggested by study participants were also noted.
During discussions, if participants consented, specific sites, features and areas of importance identified were recorded on a map of the LSA plotted on a 1:50,000 scale National Topographic Series (NTS) mapsheet.
The assessment of project effects was entirely from the point of view of the participants from each Aboriginal community. This assessment summarizes participants’ views and impressions recorded during the consultation sessions.
6.2.4.2 Report Presentation and Organization
6.2.4.2.1 Discussion of Concerns
To organize the presentation of observations and recommendations expressed by the Aboriginal participants in this assessment, concerns were grouped in one of four categories:
• development issues • landscape-level effects • ecosystem health • human health and community well-being
Although some information provided by the Aboriginal consultants pertained to more than one of these topic areas, the concerns and recommendations are arranged according to the most salient aspect of the information shared.
6.2.4.2.2 Traditional Land Use Locations
In addition to discussion of concerns, some information shared by participants included identification of specific traditional land use locations, e.g., cabins and resource-gathering areas. Where Aboriginal participants discussed this information, it is recorded under the topic, Traditional Land Use Locations, in each subsection.
Page 6-8 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.2: Approach and Methods
6.2.4.2.3 Participant Recommendations
Participants from each of the three Aboriginal communities consulted believe that existing developments have caused changes in environmental and human health and have precluded some traditional practices and resource use activities.
If future development planning occurs as it does now, the effects that participants believe to be linked to these developments will be exacerbated. Many of the participants expressed a wish for their communities to work with industry to ensure that negative development effects are limited to the utmost extent possible. To achieve this goal, Aboriginal participants in this assessment have offered suggestions or recommendations for dealing with some concerns. Where available, these are presented in the discussion of each concern.
6.2.4.3 Community Review
Imperial Oil has responded to many of the concerns identified by the Aboriginal participants in this assessment. Detailed summary tables of these responses are provided at the end of each community section.
To verify and update the traditional land use assessment, Imperial Oil will review the findings with the Elders and representatives from the Industry Relations Corporations (IRCs) of each of the consulted communities. This will provide each community the opportunity to comment on proposed mitigation, follow-up and monitoring activities. ♦
July 2005 Page 6-9 VOLUME 9
SECTION 6: Traditional Land Use Subsection 6.3: Fort McKay First Nation
Fort McKay First Nation
6.3.1 INTRODUCTION
6.3.1.1 Community
Fort McKay First Nation is composed of 587 registered members who reside primarily in Fort MacKay and Fort McMurray (INAC 2004). The band has three reserves (Fort McKay 174, Namur River 174A, Namur Lake 174B) totaling 5450 hectares (ha) (INAC 2004).
6.3.1.2 Aboriginal Perspective
In their document, From Where We Stand (Fort McKay Tribal Administration 1982), it was noted by Fort McKay First Nation that:
Our experience with oil sands development to date has not been a positive one. Our trappers, hunters, fishermen and gatherers have noted significant and adverse changes to our lands, water, air and wildlife resources.
As a result, the security of our resource harvesting activities as a source of income and food has been lessened. Our culture is intimately tied to the land and our traditional resource harvesting. The speed with which major resource projects have invaded our areas has not given us any time to cope with them or protect our people.
This section of the EIA summarizes traditional land use concerns in the regional area and LSA, as expressed by representatives of Fort McKay First Nation who participated in consultation meetings.
6.3.2 CONSULTATION
The effects of the Kearl project on the traditional practices of Fort McKay First Nation were discussed in two consultation meetings:
• an Elders’ meeting held in Fort MacKay • a meeting with a trapline owner in Fort McKay affected by the Kearl project
In addition, the results of a traditional land use study conducted for Mobil Lease 36 in 1998 were also consulted.
July 2005 Page 6-11 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
6.3.2.1 Elders’ Meeting
On October 19 and 20, 2004, a two-day meeting was held with 10 Elders from Fort McKay First Nation to discuss the effects of the Kearl project on the traditional practices of the community. The purpose of the Elders’ meeting was to:
• identify concerns of Fort McKay First Nation participants with respect to the Kearl project
• gather information about the effects of development on traditional land use
• identify broad trends of landscape change between the past and the present, from the perspective of members of Fort McKay First Nation
• identify possible traditional land use site locations in the LSA that might require mitigation or avoidance
6.3.2.2 Trapline Owner’s Meeting
On October 21, 2004, a meeting was held in Fort MacKay with a trapline owner and her son who will be affected by the Kearl project. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss specific details of traditional use in the area of her trapline, near the western and southern edges of Kearl Lake.
6.3.2.3 Previous Traditional Land Use Study
In 1998, as part of the initial investigation of Mobil Lease 36 for the Kearl project, a traditional land use study was conducted with representatives of Fort McKay First Nation. At that time, the purpose of the study was to:
• provide information about the Fort McKay First Nation community to facilitate understanding of traditional use of the area around Lease 36
• provide traditional land use information about regional and site-specific locations within Lease 36
• provide traditional land use information for use by the oil and gas industry to facilitate cooperative development of traditional territories
Results of the traditional land use study include four conclusions and three recommendations for continued development in the area of Lease 36 and the oil sands region.
Page 6-12 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.3: Fort McKay First Nation
6.3.3 DEVELOPMENT ISSUES
6.3.3.1 Consultation Process
6.3.3.1.1 Consultation Timing
Participants at the Elders’ meeting expressed frustration with the fact that consultation with Aboriginal people “…occurs too late in the development process.” Using the Kearl project as an example, many participants indicated that consultation should have occurred before any development activities, including drilling exploration.
One participant observed that when consultation takes place at the application phase, “…the plan is already put on the map…” and suggested that there is very little that the meeting participants can do to effect change. To be meaningful, participants suggested that consultation should occur earlier in the project planning process.
One participant expressed frustration with the timing of consultation when she asked “…why come here?” Some participants asked why they would want to be involved in consultation if it has no effect. It was noted that although there are Elders in the community who should attend the consultation meetings because of their knowledge of the area, they choose not to attend because of frustration with the consultation process. In general, there was a belief among the participants that development consultation meetings do not result in positive change.
6.3.3.1.2 Information Provision
At the time of the consultation meetings with Fort McKay First Nation, final mine plans for the Kearl project had not been completed. Participants said they could not make definite judgments about the Kearl project without knowing where footprint elements, e.g., plant site, roads, pipelines, pits and tailings areas, would be located. They requested that more detailed Kearl project plans be provided to Fort McKay First Nation.
6.3.3.1.3 Identification of Traditional Land Use Locations
Fort McKay First Nation participants were also frustrated by the request for them to identify specific traditional land use site locations within the LSA. Based on their experience, they stated that there is “…really no point…” in identifying site locations within the LSA, as they feel it would not stop development in the area.
July 2005 Page 6-13 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
6.3.3.2 Land Access Management
As regional developments create new access to the landscape, greater numbers of people are entering formerly less accessible areas in the region. Fort McKay First Nation participants expressed concern about this on two levels, as greater accessibility to the land results in:
• theft of and vandalism to personal property at cabins and along traplines
• fragmentation of routes and trails community members use to access their traplines and important resource areas in the LSA
6.3.3.2.1 Theft and Vandalism
Participants indicated that damage, theft and vandalism of trapline cabins and personal property is a common occurrence now that greater access has been created to formerly remote areas in the oil sands region. One participant stated that her cabin had been broken into numerous times. On one of these occasions, the break-in was accompanied by an attempt to burn down her outhouse and smokehouse.
Two other participants indicated that, as a result of increased activity in the region, traps have been stolen from traplines. This was expressed by one participant as “…oil companies have no respect for people….” The statement was interpreted to mean that increased development in the area leads to damage and theft on traplines.
6.3.3.2.2 Trapline Access
One participant noted that “…when they [the developers] go out on someone’s trapline, it wrecks the land….” Part of this destruction is related to new access that interferes with the trails used by community members to access their traplines.
As an example, participants discussed an access road built for another development project in the region. A participant noted that this access road “…wrecked the roads… and …blocked trapline access.” They indicated that the approach to access taken by this developer was one that they did not wish to see used by Imperial Oil for the Kearl project.
Cabin location is another important aspect of trapline access and use. Participants considered cabin relocation as the result of development to be related to this issue because as one participant stated: “What’s the point of rebuilding a cabin if you can’t get into the area?”
Page 6-14 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.3: Fort McKay First Nation
One participant illustrated problems with access by noting that as a result of another development in the region, she will have to relocate one of her cabins adjacent to Kearl Lake. She has found, however, that because of the increased development throughout the region, there is no place for her to relocate her cabin that will not be disturbed within the next decade.
Participants stated that they would like to see Fort McKay First Nation work cooperatively with a coalition of developers on a regional land access management plan. They emphasized that they do not expect industry to solve the access problems, but said that through cooperation, creative solutions could be devised to alleviate the situation.
6.3.3.3 Reclamation
Muskeg is considered of vital importance to the northern boreal forest environment. Muskeg was important in past traditional life, and is also important for current traditional land use. It was noted by a number of participants that:
• sphagnum moss from the muskeg has a number of traditional uses
• a variety of edible berries are harvested from the muskeg
• water from the muskeg is used for drinking and is thought to be a very pure liquid because of muskeg’s filtering effects
Participants encouraged all developers in the regional area to continue to find new and better ways to reclaim muskeg.
6.3.4 LANDSCAPE-LEVEL EFFECTS
6.3.4.1 Landscape Integrity and the Power of Place
One participant stated: “…the Creator put everything on this earth and it is disappearing and the oil companies are not paying attention.” She expressed concern that the developers did not know what they were destroying, and that when they dig up the earth, they remove the smallest creatures such as “…the mice and the nesting baby animals…this wrecks…everything [the Creator put] on this earth.” The participant was concerned that injuring even the smallest parts of the ecosystem would impair ecosystem health.
Participants generally agree that not only are the locations of special sites important, but that the environmental landscape and cultural contexts of these sites are equally important. The participants’ belief is that the integrity of the landscape depends on its context, and that integrity cannot necessarily be restored through reclamation.
July 2005 Page 6-15 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
Meeting participates noted that although reclamation might restore the predisturbance vegetation, the power of the place will not be restored. As a result, participants stated that the preservation of special sites within such a landscape was “pointless” if the area around the preserved location was “ruined” by effects of development. They expressed the belief that when the environmental context of a culturally significant site is affected, the overall significance of the area is reduced.
6.3.4.2 Respect for Animals
Increased infiltration of people and development into the oil sands region has resulted in a number of pressures on wildlife that have been observed by the participants, including:
• increased hunting and fishing pressure by sport hunters and fishermen • disrespectful and irresponsible treatment of animals by some hunters • noise pollution which increases animal stress
As their traditional subsistence relies on the wildlife in the region, participants emphasized the importance of respect for the animals in the environment.
6.3.4.2.1 Irresponsible Hunting Practices
Participants noted that when Aboriginal people hunt, all parts of the animal are used and nothing is wasted, e.g., the animal bladder was once used as a storage pouch and the brains were used to soften moose hides. This was contrasted with the practices of non-Aboriginal hunters, who were identified by the meeting participants as only using the thighs of the large game animals.
The participants were also concerned about bear hunting in the region. They noted that non-Aboriginal hunters use beaver meat in bear-baiting traps. Participants considered this irresponsible because:
• bears in the region are being killed off by non-Aboriginal hunters as a result of baiting activities
• Aboriginal people, who once hunted beaver as a source of meat in the summer, consider it a source of food. The use of beavers as bait is seen as a waste of food.
6.3.4.2.2 Noise and Animal Stress
It was also noted by participants that noise from developments scares animals. The change in the taste of moose meat is considered by some participants to be a result of the stress experienced by moose when they are scared by noise. It was explained that when moose run away from noise, it changes the quality of their flesh.
Page 6-16 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.3: Fort McKay First Nation
6.3.5 ECOSYSTEM HEALTH
6.3.5.1 Medicinal Plants and Trees Participants expressed concern that a number of trees and medicinal plant-harvesting areas will be removed as a result of the Kearl project. It was explained by participants that the removal of medicinal plant-collecting areas by development is negative because it destroys the “power of place” in such areas, which reclamation cannot restore. Participants noted that many medicinal plants grow along the edges of ponds. They have noticed that ponds are drying up in the region, causing a reduction in the medicinal plants that grow in riparian habitat. As a result of these observations, it was requested by the participants that Elders of Fort McKay First Nation be provided with two opportunities:
• to harvest medicinal plants in the Kearl project area before development
• to receive the timber (specifically spruce, birch and jackpine) that will be removed before development The salvaged timber will be used by Elders’ in their wood stoves, to heat their homes.
6.3.5.2 Water Resources Riparian zones bordering ponds, lakes and streams are particularly important, as they provide habitat for plants and animals traditionally used by the people of Fort McKay First Nation. Participants expressed concern that development in the region is causing natural water sources to dry up. Comments included:
• “…when the development occurs on someone’s trapline, it drains the ponds”
• “…the creeks are gone, as there is no shelter [i.e., because forests are diminishing] to save them” Another effect of ponds drying up, noted by a participant, is the loss of habitat for waterfowl. Participants said that duck eggs used to be collected from the ponds, but as the ponds dry up, the eggs are now gone. McClelland Lake is considered particularly important in the region, as it has clean water and is one of the largest waterbodies in the area associated with riparian habitat. One participant said that “…in the past [between 50 to 60 years ago], there were four other lakes in the area that were just as large as McClelland Lake. These lakes, however, have now all dried up.” Participants believe that if the fen around McClelland Lake dries up, it will kill the ducks, muskrats, minks and beaver, and that the “…trees and poplar will dry out and die.”
July 2005 Page 6-17 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
6.3.5.3 Pollution
Participants make the connection that “…pollution occurs when development occurs.” Furthermore, they expressed concern that “…pollution is getting worse.”
The effect of pollution on water, air and noise were all discussed. Participants believe there is a direct link between pollution and:
• abundance of plant and animal resources • the change in the taste of wild game • reduced plant vigour • climate change • effects on human and animal health
6.3.5.3.1 Water Pollution
Participants expressed concern that development in the oil sands region is contributing to greater water pollution. This they interpreted this as resulting in human and animal health problems and the degradation of the environment and its resources. For example, snow and ice were once used for drinking water in the past, but are now considered too polluted. One participant stated that she “…used to like eating ice and snow, but now [she] is too scared.”
One participant expressed concern that McClelland Lake will be “…a sewer…” when the Kearl project begins development. This was noted as a major loss because McClelland Lake is considered to “…have good water….”
6.3.5.3.2 Noise Pollution
Noise associated with development is believed to scare animals, leading to a decreased abundance of animals in the region. Participants noted that animals seem scarcer now: “…don’t see no animals, only see people.” They see a correlation between the larger number of people in the region, which results in more noise disturbance, and smaller numbers of animals.
6.3.5.3.3 Air Pollution
Participants expressed concern that development in the oil sands region is contributing to greater air pollution. They are concerned that this pollution also results in human and animal health problems and the degradation of the environment and its resources. This belief is changing participants’ perception of the healthfulness of traditional foods and resources, and the way they use those resources.
Page 6-18 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.3: Fort McKay First Nation
6.3.5.3.4 Pollution Effects on the Presence and Abundance of Wildlife
As a result of disturbance in the regional area, participants noted that a number of animal species are no longer present. Species named by the participants include:
• beaver • rabbit • caribou • muskrat • groundhog • “chickens” (grouse) • moose • bear • chickadee • squirrel • mice • robin • weasel • fox • loon • skunk • mink • frog • porcupine • wild horses
Participants specifically stated that there used to be many birds in the area, but that they are gone. One participant recalled a type of swallow that used to live on the rivers that could be used to make soup. She indicated, however, that she had not seen this type of bird for many years.
Woodland caribou were also cited by participants as a species that is no longer seen in the region. The loss of caribou was attributed by one participant to the fact that the area is not cold enough anymore. Participants expressed the belief that the decreased abundance of caribou might be a result of climate change.
6.3.5.3.5 Pollution Effects on the Change in the Taste of Wild Game
The belief that the changes in the taste of wild game is a result of pollution has led to a reluctance by some participants to eat certain types of traditional foods, e.g., bear meat and fish.
A number of participants noted that the taste of bear meat has changed in recent times. It was observed by one participant that “…bears eat anything…”, and was suggested that as they eat all types of garbage in the region that they are no longer good to eat. As a result, the change in the taste of bear meat was believed by some participants to be an indicator of environmental pollution.
With respect to fish, one participant noted that “…fish can’t be eaten these days,” as they are believed to be contaminated by water pollution in the Athabasca River.
According to other participants, “…moose is not as fat today and tastes different.” Some participants thought that this was the result of pollution, while others thought that because of the noise and activity in the area, the animals are scared more often and run away. Through this running, the meat changes flavour and colour, e.g., it is now darker than it used to be. Participants indicated that they believe that the change in taste of the animals is an indicator of a decrease in animal health.
July 2005 Page 6-19 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
6.3.5.3.6 Pollution Effects on Berry Crop Abundance One of the concerns expressed by participants with respect to pollution was that berry crops have been smaller than usual in the last few years. Participants noted that the berries near Fort McKay and the Kearl–McClelland Lake areas have “dried up.” Some participants attributed the loss of berries to a loss of ozone caused by pollution.
6.3.5.3.7 Pollution Effects on Tree Growth and Vigour Participants see climate change as affecting tree growth and vigour. For example, one participant noted that the leaves of the trees have grown brown and many of the spruce trees are brown and dead. It was further observed that “…there aren’t many birch trees, and they won’t last long.”
6.3.5.3.8 Pollution Effects on Climate Change Participants have noticed a change in climate. They said that in the past, winters were much colder, in the range of -50 or -60 degrees Fahrenheit. Participants said that there is less snow now than in the past. One participant noted that the snow would be “…over your knees…” but that now there “…was not enough snow anymore….” This was interpreted to mean that there is not as much snow now as in the past. One participant said that the sun seems hotter now than in the past because “…they broke it and that is why the sun is so hot…” referring to destruction of the atmosphere by development. Another participant suggested that these changes could be the result of nature, pollution or a combination of the two. Participants believe that climate change as an outcome of pollution and directly link it to changes they have noticed in:
• berry crop abundance • birch tree abundance • spruce tree health and vigour • decreasing numbers of woodland caribou
6.3.6 HUMAN HEALTH AND COMMUNITY WELL-BEING
6.3.6.1 Employment and Education Participants noted that “…a long time ago, nobody poor….” This was interpreted to mean that because of the bounty of the environment, a person could always feed their family. Participants recognize, however, that it is no longer possible to make a living from the bush, and that young people today need to have an adequate level of education to get employment. To emphasize this, one participant observed that “…a long time ago you didn’t need to have Grade 12 and you could still make a decent living in the bush…” but that today you “…have to have grade 12 or starve….”
Page 6-20 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.3: Fort McKay First Nation
Participants requested that development companies could work cooperatively to create an educational incentive program. The purpose of this program would be to encourage young people to stay in school, and get further college or university training.
Ideas discussed for educational incentive programs included creating a:
• community youth centre • mentoring program with discipline specialists working in the oil sands region
Participants indicated that they do not expect industry to solve the problem of educational incentives. They did, however, express the desire to have Fort McKay First Nation work cooperatively with industry toward a solution.
6.3.6.2 Human Health
A participant stated that when people lived in the bush, they never used to get sick. There is a general belief that pollution in the region now negatively affects human health. As an example of health changes, one participant recounted that in the 1970s, during the early days of oil sands development, some community members had allergic reactions such as itching skin and unusual rashes. She perceived these symptoms as allergic reactions to pollution. Other participants noted that currently, air pollution sometimes burns people’s eyes and has an unpleasant smell.
Another participant observed that the people of Fort MacKay now experience many types of sickness, and that a lot of people are getting cancer.
6.3.6.3 Psychological and Spiritual Health
During discussions, it was apparent that the participants have a general feeling of helplessness about the consultation process. Elders expressed concern that developers are not listening to their opinions, and that their opinions “…do not matter.”
The cumulative effect of this disappointment is a psychological and spiritual fatigue, occurring among the older, more traditional members of the community. They are tired of expressing the same concerns and telling the same stories, which seem to have no effect on the course of development.
One Elder noted that the increase in development around the traditional Fort McKay First Nation lands is like “…sitting in a bowl.” By this, she explained that the area is becoming increasingly surrounded by development, no matter what the Elders recommend.
July 2005 Page 6-21 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
6.3.7 TRADITIONAL LAND USE LOCATIONS
6.3.7.1 Study in 1998
Information for the 1998 study of Fort McKay First Nation traditional use of the Lease 36 area (Fort McKay Environmental Services and Agra Environmental 1998) was conducted through:
• a literature search of relevant Fort McKay First Nation documents • review of maps compiled by Fort McKay First Nation • interviews of Fort McKay First Nation members
The study focused on identifying general patterns of land use in Lease 36, noting that:
• numerous trails and cabins were found along the shoreline of Kearl Lake, as well as at least one historic campsite. These trails generally follow river valleys and lakeshores. Many of these trails, however, are being eliminated by the development of roads, seismic lines and cutlines.
• numerous species of large game were used by Fort McKay First Nation in the Kearl Lake area. Among these, moose and deer were the most prominent.
• numerous fish species were identified in the Kearl Lake area. Although at one time a northern pike fishery was present in the lake, it no longer exists. Grayling, however, is still fished in the Muskeg River.
• a variety of birds is present in the Kearl Lake area. Of these, grouse is the most frequently used, as well as ducks and geese. The eggs of ducks and geese are collected from the area around the lake.
The 1998 study resulted in four conclusions:
• exploration and testing on Lease 36 was already having a strong negative influence on members of the community who operate traplines
• major changes will occur to surface environments in the area of the proposed project mine, including increased access to adjacent areas, which could result in disruption, noise disturbance, theft and vandalism
• all changes will be augmented by more exploration within and adjacent to Lease 36
• the effects of the disturbances on the resource base will be …real, long term, and from the perspective of the Fort McKay community members, singularly negative (Fort McKay Environmental Services and Agra Environmental 1998)
Page 6-22 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.3: Fort McKay First Nation
Based on these conclusions, the 1998 traditional land use study made three recommendations:
• the developer should be prepared to evaluate the community’s Trapper Compensation policy and be prepared to compensate trapline owners
• the developer, along with its immediately adjacent lease-holding neighbours, should be prepared to investigate the cumulative effects of their projects …collectively on the community of Fort McKay and all of its members. This cannot be accomplished by evaluation of the project’s cumulative effects from a proponent’s perspective. It must be evaluated from the Recipient’s perspective, that is, from the community’s point of view (Fort McKay Environmental Ltd. and Agra Environmental 1998)
• the developer should employ trappers to monitor changes to the environment and to their traplines
6.3.7.2 Future Field Visits
During the 2004–2005 meetings for the Kearl project, Fort McKay First Nation participants did not identify any specific sites or areas of traditional land use concern in the LSA. They did request, however, that a field trip be held during the spring of 2005 so Elders could have a first-hand view of the proposed development area.
The proposed field trip was requested to occur in two parts:
• a trip via Canterra Road to the general area of SW-17-96-7-W4M (Lease 87), adjacent to newly recorded archaeological sites on the Muskeg River
• a helicopter overflight of areas not accessed easily by road
Plans for conducting a field trip of the PDA with Elders are in progress. During the trip, specific land use locations may be identified. If significant site locations are identified, participants expressed the desire for Imperial Oil to limit the project footprint to preserve the context of these locations.
6.3.8 CONSULTATION AND RESPONSE SUMMARY
For a summary of issues expressed by Fort McKay First Nation, and Imperial Oil’s responses, see Table 6-1.
July 2005 Page 6-23 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
Table 6-1: Summary of Fort McKay First Nation Concerns and Imperial Oil Responses
Fort McKay First Nation Theme Concern Description Request/Recommendation Imperial Oil Response Development Consultation Timing of consultation: • To be meaningful, consultation • Imperial Oil has been working with all three issues process • consultation with Aboriginal with Aboriginal people should Aboriginal groups to get early input about the people occurs too late in the occur earlier in the development project, conduct site-specific traditional land process. process, during planning and use studies, and document issues and before exploration. concerns identified during the consultation • consultation should start when process. resource exploration starts, not after the mine footprint has • Imperial Oil has responded to some already been decided. concerns at meetings with Elders and in information sessions with IRC technical consultants. Additional responses are provided in this section. • Imperial Oil will continue to consult on an ongoing basis. Information provided: • Request a more detailed copy of • A project description update, including a • project development plans, as the plans, when they become description of the mine plan, and such details presented in the meeting, did available. as tailings areas and plant location, was not provide specific information forwarded to Fort McKay's IRC director on about location of plants, pits, March 9, 2005. tailings areas and other facilities. • Detailed technical reviews of the project plans were also reviewed with Fort McKay IRC technical consultants on July 19, 2004 and February 22, 2005. • Imperial Oil will continue to meet with community members and Elders to discuss project plans and assess issues raised during ongoing consultation.
Page 6-24 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.3: Fort McKay First Nation
Table 6-1: Summary of Fort McKay First Nation Concerns and Imperial Oil Responses (cont’d)
Fort McKay First Nation Theme Concern Description Request/Recommendation Imperial Oil Response Development Land access Increased access: • Would like to participate • Imperial Oil recognizes that a regional land issues (cont’d) management • increased development leads cooperatively with a number of access management plan will require the to increased access to the companies to create a land cooperative efforts of oil sands operators, land by non-local people access management plan that regulatory agencies and local Aboriginal would be mutually agreeable to groups. Imperial Oil supports this concept and Disrespect: all parties, and would stem the is willing to participate in the multistakeholder • non-local people show flow of vandalism, theft, and process. inappropriate hunting and disrespect for the land and the • Imperial Oil will work with trapline owners to fishing practices. local people through ensure they can operate their traplines in vandalism, theft, damage and areas not affected by the active mining area. irresponsible hunting and fishing practices • Imperial Oil will provide fair compensation to registered trapline owners for related impacts. Fragmented access: • development access has truncated or blocked local trails used to gain access to traplines Reclamation Muskeg reclamation: • Encourages industry to find • Imperial Oil recognizes the importance of • muskeg is important for a new and better ways to reclaim muskeg and wetland areas. Imperial Oil variety of plants and animals muskeg. supports CEMA and its Reclamation Working traditionally important to Fort Group in their research efforts on wetlands McKay First Nation reclamation. Landscape-level Landscape Landscape context: • Would like Imperial Oil to • Imperial Oil recognizes that it might not be effects integrity and • when a significant site or attempt to limit project footprint possible to preserve certain traditional land Power of Place location loses its to preserve the context of use sites because they are in the area to be environmental context through significant locales. mined. However, Imperial Oil agrees to work disturbance, overall power of with Fort McKay First Nation to identify and the place is also reduced record the significance of these sites and to preserve this information by submitting it to Fort McKay First Nation's confidential traditional land use and traditional ecological knowledge database.
July 2005 Page 6-25 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
Table 6-1: Summary of Fort McKay First Nation Concerns and Imperial Oil Responses (cont’d) Fort McKay First Nation Theme Concern Description Request/Recommendation Imperial Oil Response Ecosystem Medicinal Removal of medicinal plants: • Would like the opportunity to • Imperial Oil will provide an opportunity for Aboriginal health plants and • development will remove a harvest medicinal plants in groups to harvest medicinal plants before trees number of important areas affected areas before development. development. used for medicinal plant • Imperial Oil is willing to consider the request for harvesting • Would like the opportunity to firewood from Aboriginal communities. Removal of trees: receive wood from cleared trees to be used to heat • development will remove a Elders’ homes. number of important timber stands (spruce, jackpine and birch) Water Water pollution: • No specific request or • Imperial Oil understands Fort McKay First Nation's resources • development in the oil sands recommendation identified. concern about water use and water quality issues. region is contributing to • To limit water-quality affects on adjacent greater water pollution, waterbodies (Kearl Lake, Muskeg River and resulting in human and tributaries of the Firebag River), the project design animal health problems and has a water-management plan to collect, recycle degradation of the and treat all waters that might have come in contact environment and its with oil sands mining and ore processing. resources • To limit impact on the Athabasca River during Water quantity: periods of low flow, tailings area will contain 30 days of water storage. In addition, an area northeast of • development in the oil sands the tailings area has been identified as a potential region is causing water area for additional water storage in the event that sources, e.g., lakes and water withdrawal restrictions are placed on the rivers, to dry up Athabasca River (requiring storage longer than • Could the Kearl project affect 30 days). the McClelland Lake and Water flows and quality will be monitored at key fen? • locations to ensure water quality and flows meet required standards in receiving streams. • A groundwater seepage management system will be installed around the external tailings area. • The project is not predicted to affect McLelland Lake or the McLelland Lake wetlands.
Page 6-26 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.3: Fort McKay First Nation
Table 6-1: Summary of Fort McKay First Nation Concerns and Imperial Oil Responses (cont’d)
Fort McKay First Nation Theme Concern Description Request/Recommendation Imperial Oil Response Ecosystem health Pollution Noise pollution: • No specific request or • Imperial Oil recently completed a noise impact (cont’d) recommendation identified. assessment study to predict possible noise levels • development in the oil sands region is contributing to that will be generated by the mine, extraction facilities and airstrip, and to predict the impact on changes in animal behaviour, nearby receivers, including trappers’ cabins and the i.e., scaring them away, resulting in reduced presence community of Fort McKay. and abundance of animals in • Predicted noise impacts for Fort McKay are the region and reduced hang negligible. However, a very small sound-level quality of the meat of some increase is predicted for three of the trappers’ game species, e.g., moose cabins in the lease area. Because the expected noise level changes are small (3 to 4dBA) and also intermittent, e.g., noise from aircraft landing on the airstrip, overall project noise impacts are not expected to be appreciable. Air pollution: • No specific request or • Imperial Oil recognizes that its proposed project will recommendation identified. add emissions to the regional airshed. Since the • development in the oil sands project does not include an upgrader on site, air region is contributing to greater air pollution, resulting in human emissions will come primarily from mine vehicle equipment, VOCs from the tailings area and and animal health problems, combustion emissions from processing ore. and degradation of the environment and its resources • Imperial Oil has included a number of mitigation measures, including: - low NOx emission technology - mine fleet vehicles that meet regulatory guidelines - tankage vapour-recovery units - tailings solvent recovery - no continuous flaring • These initiatives will meet government regulations and guidelines, help reduce energy consumption and reduce odours. • Imperial Oil participates in the Wood Buffalo Environment Association, and as such, participates in all regional monitoring activities.
July 2005 Page 6-27 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
Table 6-1: Summary of Fort McKay First Nation Concerns and Imperial Oil Responses (cont’d) Fort McKay First Nation Theme Concern Description Request/Recommendation Imperial Oil Response Ecosystem Animal • Concern that numerous • No specific request or • As part of the current EIA, Imperial Oil did health (cont’d) presence and species of animals are recommendation identified. wildlife studies to identify the presence and abundance declining or are no longer health of animals in the LSA and regional present. area (see Volume 3, Section 9, and Volume 7, Section 5). Human health Employment Job opportunity limitations: • Would like to participate • Ongoing consultation about education, and community and education • young people are not cooperatively with a number of training needs and opportunities is important well-being finishing high school and companies to create an for Fort McKay’s youth to get prepared for are limiting their educational incentive program potential job opportunities. that would encourage young opportunities • Imperial Oil will engage with Fort McKay people to stay in school and gain First Nation to develop capacity-building • few jobs for local community more advanced training. members initiatives specific to the Kearl project that • Suggestions for educational include education, training and employment. Educational incentive program: incentives include creation of a • Fort McKay First Nation youth centre at Fort McKay or a would like to encourage job-mentoring program. young people to continue their training to higher levels Traditional Field visit to Field visit: • Would like a spring 2005 field trip • Imperial Oil will work with Fort McKay IRC to Land Use review LSA • weather and lack of detailed with a number of Elders, to review organize a field trip for Fort McKay Elders in locations development plans proposed development areas. late spring or summer 2005. precluded an appropriate • Would like field trip with detailed • Detailed footprint maps will be available for field review of the footprint plans review, and any new traditional land use development area at the information gathered during the visit will be • Would like a helicopter overflight time of the consultation added to the confidential Fort McKay of the LSA meetings First Nation database. • Would like a ground--based field visit to SW-17-96-7-W4M to an area of the Muskeg River that contains a number of newly recorded archaeological sites. ♦
Page 6-28 July 2005 VOLUME 9
SECTION 6: Traditional Land Use Subsection 6.4: Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
6.4.1 INTRODUCTION
6.4.1.1 Community
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation is composed of 797 registered members (INAC 2004). Although focused in the community of Fort Chipewyan, members of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation also reside in Fort MacKay and Fort McMurray. Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation currently has land contained in eight reserves (Chipewyan No. 201 and 210A to 201G, inclusive), which totals 21,205 ha (INAC 2004).
6.4.1.2 Aboriginal Perspective
The land is the essence of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation culture, values and spirituality. The core of their identity and culture is still tied to their traditional use – hunting, gathering, collecting of medicinal plants – and spiritual understanding of the land (ACFN 2003).
This section summarizes Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation traditional land use concerns in the oil sands region and the LSA. These concerns were expressed by representatives of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation who participated in consultation meetings and a short field visit to the LSA. Recommendations for mitigation provided by the participants are included in these discussions.
6.4.2 CONSULTATION
The effects of the Kearl project on the traditional practices of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation were discussed in three consultation sessions:
• a “meet and greet” session with Elders in Fort Chipewyan • a meeting with the Council of Elders in Fort Chipewyan • a field visit and meeting conducted in the LSA
6.4.2.1 Meet and Greet Session
A meet and greet session was arranged with the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation in Fort Chipewyan on December 13, 2004. Thirty-five people attended the session, including Elders and IRC staff. Members of the Imperial Oil Kearl project team were also present. Dene language interpreters facilitated communication between the Kearl project team and the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Elders.
July 2005 Page 6-29 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
The meet and greet session was designed to be an informal discussion about issues related to the Kearl project. The purpose of the meeting was to provide an opportunity for:
• members of the Kearl project team to introduce themselves, their company and the Kearl project to Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation members living in Fort Chipewyan
• Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation members to express their concerns about the Kearl project and how it will affect their relationship to the land
Methods used to communicate information about Imperial Oil and the Kearl project included:
• a brief presentation about the project
• circulation of the Kearl project description document
• a question-and-answer session where the project team provided further information about the proposed work, answered questions and discussed concerns
Following the meet and greet session, Imperial Oil representatives attended the Elders’ Christmas party. This allowed further discussion of Elders’ concerns with the project.
6.4.2.2 Council of Elders Meeting
On April 26, 2005, a meeting between representatives of Imperial Oil and the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Council of Elders was held. Twelve Elders and one Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation trapper, whose trapline lies in a Kearl project lease, attended. Representatives of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation IRC were also present.
The purpose of the meeting with the Council of Elders was to:
• update the Elders about the current status of the Kearl project
• further identify Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation concerns about project effects on traditional lands
• discuss participant selection for detailed traditional land use interviews regarding the Kearl project area
Page 6-30 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.4: Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
The meeting began with a presentation by an Elder from the Council. This was followed by responses from a representative of Imperial Oil and a presentation by Imperial Oil’s traditional land use consultant about the company’s traditional land use assessment.
Information provided to the Elders included:
• copies of the Kearl project description document
• handouts defining key issues related to the collection and use of traditional information
The presentations were followed by general group discussions about the details of the Kearl project and the proposed nature of any additional traditional land use assessment work. The group dialogue allowed the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Elders and Imperial Oil representatives to discuss community concerns.
6.4.2.3 Field Visit to Local Study Area
On May 9 and 10, 2005, a field visit and meeting was held involving Imperial Oil’s traditional land use consultant and six participants from the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation participants included:
• two members of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation IRC • three Elders familiar with the region • one Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation trapper, who will be affected by the project
The purpose of the meeting was to:
• provide participants with an opportunity to view areas that will be affected by the project
• discuss areas of traditional significance in the LSA
Access to the area was achieved through ground transportation. As a result, the visit was limited to a review of traditional areas accessible from Canterra Road. Five areas of importance, including three cabins and camping locations, were visited.
July 2005 Page 6-31 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
6.4.3 DEVELOPMENT ISSUES
6.4.3.1 Consultation Process
The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation people have lost much of their opportunity to continue their traditional way of life as a result of development on their traditional lands (ACFN 2003). Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation participants consider the effects of developments on the land as an infringement of Treaty Rights.
If future development planning continues to occur as it does now, the effects that Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation believe to be linked to these developments will be exacerbated. Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation participants have expressed the wish to work with industry to ensure that development effects on the environment are limited to the utmost extent possible.
Participants emphasized that success in working with industry to achieve environmental outcomes is based on good communication. To this end, a number of concerns related to the communication of information were discussed: • consultation timing • information provision • communication of EIA results • use of traditional wisdom in the EIA • relationships between developers and the community • agreements • role of government in consultation
6.4.3.1.1 Consultation Timing
Participants expressed concern that developers do not provide information early enough in the development process to allow Aboriginal stakeholders a reasonable time for consideration of project effects. They noted that developers often provide information at the end of the application process.
One participant stated “…[Imperial Oil] needed to start this a year ago.” Participants expressed their frustration about a number of timing issues:
• much of the information about developments is “dumped” on meeting participants at the last minute
• the schedule of meetings is rushed
• the rushed pace of meetings and the amount of information that must be considered does not permit participants enough time to review the information and make good decisions about project effects on their lives and livelihoods
Page 6-32 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.4: Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
• the pace of the information review prevents meaningful discussion during meetings
• multiple developers often make conflicting requests for information consultation, resulting in Aboriginal participants feeling as if they are “…pulled in many directions…”
• there is a feeling of being overwhelmed with the pace and amount of information to be absorbed about so many developments, often leading to a loss of understanding about the projects and their associated proponent representatives
As an example of short timing on project consultation, some participants explained that when the fall drilling season starts, many developers wait until the last two weeks before drilling to initiate Aboriginal consultation. All the developers come forward at the same time, requesting meetings and consideration.
To deal with the current consultation situation, participants made a number of comments and suggestions:
• they requested developers take more care to work among themselves to spread out the review process of each of the projects. As an example, one participant suggested for the consultation before winter drilling, requests from the developers for Aboriginal review should be spread out during the spring or early summer, before the drilling season begins.
• they indicated that two-day notices for meetings, as has happened in the past, is not acceptable
• they stated that consultation should not be rushed. In the words of one participant, “…when you consult with us, you have to spend enough time on each individual area: environment, jobs, benefits.”
• they requested that in the future, a minimum of one month be scheduled between the time information about a project is provided and the meeting is held
It was noted by participants that if these protocols were followed, this would permit them a chance to read and consider the information provided by developers, and prepare themselves in a way that would facilitate meaningful discussion about the topics considered.
July 2005 Page 6-33 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
6.4.3.1.2 Information Provision The participants expressed concern that although developers make an attempt to consult, information appears to be lacking. One participant stated that this makes it seem like developers are purposefully withholding information. Participants also noted that information is often provided in a “piecemeal fashion”. This occurs when: • large projects are broken down into smaller isolated developments that treated by the developers as different projects rather than portions of an overall plan • impacts in areas result from developments conducted by multiple companies Two consequences appear to arise from this method of information sharing: • some participants believe that information that would have devastating consequences for their continued use of the land is being withheld from them • inadequate information from developers leaves community members unsure of the timing of projects impacts, and removes their ability to create plans to cope with the land alterations Some participants felt that developers only give enough information to gain project support from the Aboriginal people, and do not provide enough information for those groups to make good decisions regarding their future. One participant provided an example of the negative consequences of the piecemeal sharing of information. He said that although he had been warned about the Kearl core-hole drilling program, he was not fully aware of the placement of mine pits that might also affect some of his activities in the LSA. Another participant spoke of the consultation that is used when dealing with trappers. It was indicated that when trapline holders in the region are consulted, many developers address the issue of “meaningful consultation” by sending a letter and a map through the mail. Often, these submissions are not followed up with a phone call or face-to-face consultation. Recommendations made by the participants to resolve this problem included a variety of comments and suggestions: • “…let us know everything; that’s what we want.” • have developers provide more information to meeting attendees before each meeting, allowing them enough time to prepare meaningful feedback • have developers conduct consultation about projects more frequently to share ongoing information • have developers provide more detailed information about project phase timing, to permit land users to arrange mechanisms to cope with land alterations before they occur
Page 6-34 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.4: Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
6.4.3.1.3 Communication of EIA Results One meeting participant expressed concern that follow-up information from the numerous scientific studies conducted for development is rarely provided to the Aboriginal communities, or to the community members who participate in those studies. Moreover, when study results are communicated, they are not easily understandable to those without technical scientific backgrounds. Participants expressed concern that current methods of communicating project information preclude their full understanding of the projects, and impedes their participation in the EIA process. They noted that the EIA process generates large quantities of scientific and technical information that is difficult for many Aboriginal stakeholders to understand. They suggested that providing stacks of multi-page reports is a non-Aboriginal method of communication that does not work for Aboriginal Elders. Participants requested other methods of communication be identified for providing information. These might include:
• recognition that the most culturally appropriate method of information transmission is through oral means
• provide a one page summary sheet of scientific findings, written in plain language, to help Elders understand information that can help them prepare for meetings
• communicate the results of scientific studies in face-to-face meetings between developers, scientific specialists and Aboriginal stakeholders It was noted that information could be provided in a more informal setting involving questions-and-answers to help Aboriginal participants satisfy their information needs. This would include:
• meetings during the pre-planning stages of the project
• follow-up meetings to provide communities with the results of scientific studies
6.4.3.1.4 Use of Traditional Wisdom in EIA Participants noted scientific methods might not always be the best way to measure impacts of a development on an ecosystem. Scientific methods tend to divide the environment into a number of parts, and assess them each in isolation. Participants explained, however, that they have a holistic perspective of the environment as a complex inter-relationship of animals, humans and environmental elements. Because of this holistic perspective, participants assess impacts not as individual parts, but in the context of their relationships to one another and the spiritual essence of the land.
July 2005 Page 6-35 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
Participants expressed concern about the accuracy of scientific work conducted for some of the development projects. Based on their knowledge of the land, they observed that some of the work they have seen contains information that is not consistent with their personal experience.
One participant noted that inaccuracy in the scientific studies might be related to the fact that scientists take their knowledge from books, but lack the experience of living on the land. He stated “…we [the Aboriginal people] are the scientists of this land…” and suggested that studies would be more appropriate if they incorporated traditional wisdom in the planning stages of the project. “They [the scientists] read about [the environment], and they don’t know what’s true…come to native people in this part of the country and you’ll get all the information you want. They won’t be guessing here.” Information Aboriginal people provide represents generations of observations about the environment.
Participants expressed their belief that they have wisdom that should be incorporated in:
• designing the project footprint • conducting scientific studies • guiding reclamation studies and reclamation planning
6.4.3.1.5 Relationships between Developers and the Community
Participants are frustrated with developers who do not stay visible in the community after government regulators grant project approvals. They expressed the belief that developers only communicate information when they want something from the people. One participant observed that representatives of the developers come only once or twice to the communities, and never come back.
It was noted by participants that proper consultation protocol involves building long-term relationships, involving Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation in all aspects of project planning and development. One participant stated that the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation people “…want to be in all the way.”
Another participant observed that “…they [the community] all need answers…” and suggested that this could only be accomplished through long-term, ongoing relationships with the developers in their traditional territories. He stressed that this process continues long after government approvals are received for a project and stated that “…things are too much at stake right now.” Many participants noted that Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation will not recommend approval for a project unless there are some firm answers from developers.
To summarize the issue, one participant requested open, honest communication between developers and Aboriginal people: “…[if] most people are honest to one another, they will understand each other and can correct what is not being done right.”
Page 6-36 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.4: Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
One participant expressed anger at the government and other organizations, e.g., CEMA, for their lack of “meaningful consultation” with Aboriginal people. He stated that “…they come here with the policy already set, and they [government agencies] haven’t consulted with us. They’re arrogant enough to come to us and tell us the policy they already decided on. That’s not how it’s going to be. Consultation is mandatory, for government and for industry. You must follow the protocol for consultation – that’s why industry is here today.”
Participants stated that while developers make the effort to consult with them, government representatives are rarely involved. One participant asked “…how can we start the consultation process if one player [government] is not there?” He emphasized that the Alberta government also has a duty to consult, but that the government does not listen to Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation’s requests for consultation.
A participant requested that developers help Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation bring government representatives, like the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB), into consultation meetings with Elders. He stated that he believed that developers would be better able to do this because they have more influence with the government.
6.4.3.1.6 Agreements
Participants emphasized that although developers make many promises before approvals, these promises often do not materialize. Thus, the participants expressed concern that the community never benefits in the ways promised by developers. A participant observed that “…we have seen many people come at the beginning of a project and make commitments, but not follow through on those commitments, or change the rules in the middle of the game…we believe your words and commitments to be fair and honest. We will hold you to that.”
One participant noted that often projects do not start construction until many years after they are approved. As a result, there is a lag between when promises are made to the communities by developers and when they are acted on. A participant asked that once Imperial Oil gains approval for the Kearl project “…don’t forget about us.” The participants in the meetings agreed that they expect Imperial Oil to remain visible in the community even after government approval for the project has been given.
Participants stated that Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation will no longer enter into “handshake agreements” related to environmental or social benefits promised by developers. It was indicated by the Council of Elders that Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation will accept promises from developers only in writing, and will hold the developers to those agreements.
July 2005 Page 6-37 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
One participant suggested that if Imperial Oil is truly committed to working with the community, the community would like to see benefits of the project before its initiation.
6.4.3.2 Land Access Management
Participants raised the issue of access created and impeded by development. They expressed concern that development:
• opens up previously remote areas for use by non-Aboriginal people who do not show adequate respect for the land or its resources
• truncates, impedes or destroys traditional trails and access routes to resource-gathering areas and cabins
An example provided by two participants about the lack of respect for the land was the issue of bear hunting in the region. It was noted that many non-Aboriginal people come to the territory to hunt bear. When they kill a bear, however, participants noted that they only take away the head and paws, leaving the remainder of the animal to rot. Participants criticized this practice as wasteful.
Another example of waste related to bear hunting was the use of beaver meat by non-Aboriginal hunters to bait bears. The Aboriginal people of the area use beaver as a source of food. Using beaver meat to bait bears is considered an inappropriate use of the animal.
Participants noted that workers staying at work camps show a lack of respect by partying and drinking at secluded areas near Kearl Lake or at trappers’ cabins. The workers leave garbage, specifically alcohol bottles and cans, strewn about the landscape. They also disrupt the peace of the countryside, and cause conflicts when trappers are using cabins also selected as impromptu party locations. The behaviour of the workers was interpreted as being the result of the no-alcohol policy in the camps, which causes workers to leave the camps to drink.
It was suggested by one participant that this situation could be alleviated if workers were allowed to drink at the camps in which they live. This would remove their need to find drinking locations outside the camp.
Participants also suggested creating an access management plan that would help members of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation retain access to areas not yet developed in a phased-construction oil sands project.
Page 6-38 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.4: Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
6.4.3.3 Compensation
Participants expressed the belief that development of these tracts of land for oil sands development denies the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation’s Treaty Rights to that land. They spoke of this on two levels:
• the regional level • the individual trapper level
6.4.3.3.1 Regional Projects
The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation participants noted that although money is used to compensate Aboriginal people, it is not always adequate compensation for the loss of the Treaty Right to conduct traditional land use activities. They asked for cooperation of the developers in finding creative ways of compensating the denial of these treaty rights.
One suggestion that was made was that in exchange for giving up Treaty Rights to use the Kearl project area, the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation would solicit support from Imperial Oil for the Richardson backcountry management plan. It was indicated that all oil companies would need to participate in this project. The specific details of the backcountry management plan were not discussed.
6.4.3.3.2 Trappers’ Compensation
Participants indicated that while Fort McKay First Nation has a special process of dealing with compensation for trappers, the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation does not have such a process. As a result, he requested that Imperial Oil work with the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation to develop a process that would permit a similar style of compensation for trappers who lose access to some of their lands through development.
6.4.3.4 Bulk Fuel
One meeting participant commented that “…the oil companies make millions from these big operations, yet our fuel is too expensive.” Another participant stated that “…they buy the fuel from Suncor for next to nothing and then turn around and charge us $140 or $150 a barrel. I need to buy five or six barrels over winter; there goes my pension cheque. I have no spending money.” Participants expressed concern that because there is currently no competition for the bulk fuel industry in Fort Chipewyan, bulk fuel prices are too high.
Many participants at the meetings suggested that Imperial Oil consider building a bulk fuel terminal in Fort Chipewyan. They expressed their belief that this will help lower the price of heating fuel.
July 2005 Page 6-39 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
6.4.3.5 Facilities Questions were asked about whether specific types of facilities would be installed as part of the Kearl project. Concerns were expressed over:
• a refinery
• use of underground steam operations and tailings areas that would affect underground streams
6.4.3.6 Cumulative Effects A participant asked what would happen in “…the long range…” once the Kearl project was being constructed and other projects started to move into the area. He observed that although developers assess cumulative effects relative to their own project area, no one is assessing cumulative effects in the region as a whole. He stated that companies should work cooperatively to define an overall regional land use and development plan, so local inhabitants and land users can understand what will happen to the land on a larger scale. Participants asked that all proposed and existing developments be superimposed on a single map. They said that the Elders need large-scale maps to visualize the effects of development. Another participant suggested that before a development occurs, visual representations should be made to reflect the pre-development, current state and post-closure views of the proposed development area. Consideration of this suggestion was emphasized as being a large part of whether or not Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation would approve a project.
6.4.3.7 Reclamation Participants are concerned that “…things…” (the land and water) should be put back “…the way they were before…” once the Kearl project has been completed. One Elder’s comments about reclamation emphasized a holistic view of the landscape: They’re [Imperial Oil] going to plant trees and everything else the same. Sure, the trees are easy to plant. Anyone can plant trees anywhere. What about all the herbs that they destroy on the muskeg and all over the place that us Indians, we use those herbs for medicines. If they destroy all those things, how are they going to plant those herbs? They don’t know what’s underground, under the muskeg. They’ll never plant those herbs again in this world. No way. He observed that “…you don’t know the herbs you destroy…” noting that the relationships in an ecosystem are complex and interrelated. He explained, through his observations, that even the smallest part of an ecosystem will be affected by development and that it is impossible to restore the context of the landscape once it has been disturbed.
Page 6-40 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.4: Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
An Elder indicated that reclamation must be done on the basis of “…reclaim as you go.” Another participant suggested that Elders have wisdom that would help guide more appropriate reclamation practices.
6.4.4 LANDSCAPE LEVEL EFFECTS
6.4.4.1 Landscape Integrity and the Spirit of the Land
The inter-relationships of people, animals and the environment is an important issue to participants. They expressed the belief that the environment cannot be looked at in separate pieces, but is best understood from a holistic viewpoint. When one part of the environment is affected, many other parts of the ecosystem are affected as well.
Participants noted that there is a spiritual essence to the land that is an integral part of the environment. One participant stated that “…when you dig a big hole [e.g., a mine pit], the spirit of the land is gone.” This was interpreted to mean that once the fabric of the environment has been altered, it can never be fully replaced.
6.4.5 ECOSYSTEM HEALTH
6.4.5.2 Water Resources
A number of participants emphasized that water quality and quantity is one of the most important concerns to people of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. They emphasized that water is “…life itself…” and that the effect of development on the water affects everything else in the natural chain of life. In the words of one participant:
…If it wasn’t for water, there wouldn’t be anything. No air. No trees. Nothing. Oxygen comes from water. Land, all the food for the plants, that’s water…and for us, it’s the same thing. What grows from water, we live on. Ninety percent of our bodies are water. Water is the main thing. You can’t fool around with water.
Participants’ comments about concerns with water issues included:
• “…how can you maintain the integrity of the river [Muskeg River] whey you take away the tributaries?”
• “…if Imperial Oil drains the creeks, where will all the water go and how will it affect the land?”
• “…water is pretty important to us animals”
• “…water is important to the people.”
• “…if there is no water, what will they [the beavers] live on?”
July 2005 Page 6-41 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
Also expressed were concerns:
• that the water levels in the Athabasca delta are lower now, of which the Bennett Dam on the Peace River was identified as the cause of some of these lower water levels
• about the downstream effects on water and the cumulative effects from drawdown
• that if problems occur at the mine at Kearl Lake, the problems will have implications for people downriver
• that although drinking water could be taken from anywhere in the past, people cannot now drink the water from anywhere on the land
• that although muskeg is considered to be the best filter for water, the removal of muskeg will impede that process
• that protection of water resources does not involve short-term mitigation measures, but must incorporate measures that will be undertaken in the future to ensure that water resources remain useable
One Elder emphasized that use of the water affects resources protected under Treaty Rights. Therefore, the degradation of water resources, and the resources that depend on water, interferes with Treaty Rights.
Participants had specific concerns about project effects on the water quality and quantity of Kearl Lake and the Muskeg River, both of which are important traditional resource use areas. A participant was concerned that he had heard that Kearl Lake was going to be used as a tailings area for the Kearl project. Another participant was concerned that disrupting tributaries will cause water levels in the Muskeg River to decrease. He predicted that if this continues, the Muskeg River will very soon be dry.
6.4.5.3 Air Quality
6.4.5.3.1 Pollution
Participants made a number of comments about their concerns with the effect of development on air quality and, by extension, their concerns about the added effects of the Kearl project. They have observed degraded air quality since the development of oil sands began and are concerned because the quality of the air is important for water, wildlife, berry patches and human health.
Page 6-42 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.4: Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
Comments about air quality included:
• “…when the wind is from the south, we can smell the oil and the sulphur. You can see the colour on the snow and the haze in the sky.”
• “…on south winds, you can always smell oil from the big plants”
6.4.5.3.2 Air Quality Monitoring
The issue of air monitoring was discussed. A participant raised the concern that the cumulative effect of all the developments on the quality of the air must be determined.
Participants expressed concern about the methods of air monitoring for the Kearl project. One participant asked “…How good is your air monitoring? How high do your towers measure the air? If it’s only low and close to the ground, it’s no good. The towers need to measure air very high where it moves north.”
Participants indicated that government emissions standards are not acceptable to Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. Just because a development falls within accepted government emission levels, it does not necessarily fall within levels Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation considers acceptable.
6.4.5.3.3 Air Quality Effect on Human Health
Participants showed great concern over the effect of air quality on human health. They expressed the concern that the cancers occurring among the people of Fort Chipewyan are linked to air pollution. One Elder stated the belief that this effect might not be just from the oil sands, but could be the accumulated effect of all the different types of development in the region.
The participants stressed that “…we don’t know…” what is affecting the health of the community, and that not knowing creates “…a huge demand…” for finding out the root causes of the ill health experienced by the community. Participants said that the community of Fort Chipewyan would like industry support for further study of the effects of air quality on human health.
6.4.5.4 Pollution Effects on Wildlife
Participants see a link between oil sands development and environmental degradation, specifically relating to wildlife. Comments made by Elders about the way the land has changed since the advent of oil sands development included the following:
• “…there used to be lots more wildlife; now not much anymore” • “…the game (ducks, geese) tastes different now; now tastes muddy”
July 2005 Page 6-43 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
6.4.5.4.1 Pollution Effects on Presence and Abundance of Wildlife
According to one participant there was “…lots of game… a long time ago.” Other participants said that “… there used to be lots more wildlife; now not much anymore.”
Participants said that both beaver and muskrat were trapped at Kearl Lake. Participants expressed concern that the muskrat trapping business is gone: “…now there are no muskrats anymore.” They linked this to lower water levels in the Athabasca delta.
Caribou are no longer in the area. One participant remembered the presence of barrenland caribou in the 1940s and now they are not even found along Lake Athabasca. In earlier days, the barrenland caribou would come as far south as Kearl Lake to feed in the boreal forest because of the snow cover farther north. It was noted that all muskeg areas had a lot of feed, and that “…everything grows off trees.”
Elders have observed fish death in lakes, including Lake Athabasca, and expressed that this is because of water pollution.
Elders noted that although fish might have been in Kearl Lake at one time, there are now no more fish in the lake. No reason was given for this decline.
Participants were asked whether fish were ever taken from Kearl Lake or the Muskeg River. One of the Elders noted that his family never fished in the area.
6.4.5.4.1 Pollution Effects on the Taste and Quality of Wild Game
Some participants noted that “…the game [ducks, geese] tastes different now; now tastes muddy.” They expressed concern that this was a result of pollution caused by oil sands developments.
During the field visit, when asked if the taste of wild meat had changed, participants indicated that the meat is still good, except for bears with territories around industrial areas. It was said that these bears are not good to eat because they survive on garbage.
6.4.6 HUMAN HEALTH AND COMMUNITY WELL-BEING
6.4.6.1 Employment
A participant expressed concern over the high unemployment rates in the community and related it to the number of youth who are in jail. He worried that many developers are discussing bringing foreign labourers into the oil sands region to work on many of the projects. This will mean fewer jobs for local communities.
Page 6-44 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.4: Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
Many participants were concerned about the effects of the Kearl project on employment for community youth. The following comments reflect these concerns:
• “Will the Kearl project provide jobs for Fort Chipewyan people, and how will the young people get the education and training they need to work? Our young people are told they need Grade 12 to work for big companies like Esso [Imperial Oil], but there are lots of people who don’t have Grade 12 working for contractors who do work for the big companies. This is not fair.”
• “How can our young people have a chance for jobs on big projects when all the construction is union?”
• “We had people come at the start of the Trout Lake [uranium] project and then come back years later to tell us they shut it down. They only hired two people from Fort Chip during the entire project.”
Participants suggested that Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and the developers need to find ways to provide training, skills and meaningful employment for members of the community. Some Elders expressed that they would like to see on-the-job training provided to help their young people learn skills and trades.
Participants suggested that developers provide educational incentives, in the form of scholarships and greater involvement in school programs. Involvement in school programs could include presentations, mentoring programs and school visits.
One participant suggested that companies such as Imperial Oil needed to have a presence at places like Keyano College, to encourage students to pursue careers related to the oil sands development projects. He indicated that Imperial Oil should help to provide scholarships to students at Keyano College to encourage them to stay in school.
6.4.6.2 Human Health
A participant noted that the doctors in the community of Fort Chipewyan are alarmed that people in the community “…are dying from the world’s rarest cancers.” He indicated that these are cancers, such as cancer of the bile duct, which are estrogen induced.
The participant noted that this effect might not be just from the oil sands, but could be the accumulated effect of many different types of development activities in the area. The participant stressed “…we don’t know…” what is affecting the health of the community, and that not knowing creates “…a huge demand…”for finding out the root causes for the ill health experienced by the community.
July 2005 Page 6-45 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
6.4.6.3 Noise and Dust Near Cabins
One participant indicated that noise and dust are a problem at some of the cabins because of Canterra Road. As Canterra Road occupies the highest ground in the area, and as it shares this area with numerous old cabins, disturbance at these cabin locations is high. Noise from the large trucks that travel up and down the road is frequent, as is the dust that follows in their wake and drifts to the cabins.
6.4.6.4 Youth Participation in Environmental Assessment
Participants expressed the concern that the young people in the community are not staying in school and that there are many youth in jail. This precludes their ability to participate in the environmental evaluation process.
A participant asked how the youth of the community can be involved in understanding development and the impact assessment process. He asked that Imperial Oil participate and support the involvement of youth in the process, but did not have a suggestion as to the particular mechanism for doing this.
Some participants were concerned that the youth of the community should be involved in the development review process. They noted that things occurring now affect the future of the youth, and they should be included in information gathering and project review. One Elder suggested that young people should be brought to the gatherings, meetings and field trips when future developments are being discussed.
6.4.6.5 Loss of Traditional Survival Skills
Elders are worried that the young people of the community do not understand the old ways of survival, lack the knowledge to survive in the bush and do not know how to hunt and skin animals or cook meat.
6.4.6.6 Cultural Identity
Some participants explained that in the “…old days…” there never used to be separate bands of people. They emphasized that the groups recognized by the government (Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Fort McKay First Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation, Fort McMurray First Nation and Métis) are artificial divisions.
Participants explained that many of the Aboriginal people in the area are related and the different band divisions recognized by the government today represents the fact that specific families were living in specific areas during the time treaties were signed.
For instance, participants noted that many Chipewyan families are currently incorporated in Mikisew Cree First Nation. This is because these Chipewyan families were living in the Wood Buffalo National Park area at the time of treaty.
Page 6-46 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.4: Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
As these Chipewyan families did not want to move away from this area, they chose instead to sign treaty with the Mikisew Cree, so they could remain in the area of the park.
In other cases, participants indicated that they had mixed heritage, with one Cree parent and one Chipewyan parent. Because of this, they learned to speak both Cree and Chipewyan in their homes, while they learned English and French in the mission schools. From this, participants wanted to emphasize that no matter what the government chooses to call them, they all consider themselves to be related to one another.
6.4.7 TRADITIONAL LAND USE LOCATIONS
During the ground-based field trip to the LSA, five areas of interest were visited:
• the south end of Kearl Lake, about 2 km (kilometres) south of the PDA • the northwest end of Kearl Lake • a cabin near Wapasu Creek • a cabin and camping location near the Muskeg River • a camping area that never had a cabin completed at it, on the Muskeg River
Four of these areas lie in the LSA. These locations were visited to identify traditional land use sites that will be directly affected by the Kearl project. The area south of Kearl Lake, outside the LSA, was visited to view the extensive wetland and associated wildlife, as well as areas adjacent to important moose- rutting habitat.
During the field visit, participants were asked whether there were any special places in the project area that needed to be protected. One participant responded “…all of it.” When the group acknowledged that not everything in the area would be saved because of the scale of the development, no participants suggested that there were specific locations of extraordinary significance, e.g., grave sites or spiritual sites, in the LSA. There are, however, four traditional land use and resource-gathering areas identified by participants in, or near, the LSA:
• a jackpine ridge on which Canterra Road is situated • Kearl Lake • Kearl Lake wetlands • Muskeg River
In addition, the two cabin sites associated with active traplines were also identified as being important aspects of the traditional context of the LSA.
July 2005 Page 6-47 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
6.4.7.1 Canterra Road Jackpine Ridge
Participants said berries are plentiful on the jackpine ridge that runs northeast– southwest through the southwestern side of the leases. Currently, this ridge supports a length of Canterra Road.
Berries are picked along the ridge from near the western side of Kearl Lake, extending to the Muskeg River. Blueberries on this ridge are considered particularly good. One participant stated that within two to three years after a forest fire, blueberries are at their best. Participants said that cranberries are also picked in the areas adjacent to the ridge.
A participant noted that if you step off the jackpine ridge by “…even as little as a mile…” you would find yourself “…bogged down in muskeg.” The wet environment, however, was noted as being an important ecosystem for moose.
6.4.7.2 Kearl Lake
An Elder reported a tent camp at the south end of Kearl Lake that was used as part of the traditional seasonal cycle. As this site lies outside the Kearl project lease, no specific recommendations were made with regard to the tent camp.
An Elder remembered a main trail that ran from the north end of Kearl Lake to the Firebag River. Branches to other areas, such as Hay Lake, extended from Kearl Lake and the Firebag River. Participants did not identify the exact location of the trail and did not express specific management or mitigation recommendations.
Settlement and use of Kearl Lake was part of the seasonal cycle of use for the Aboriginal people who used the area. The area around Kearl Lake is currently used for hunting and gathering. Participants said that resources collected from the areas around Kearl Lake include moose and berries. Both the muskeg environment, which provides habitat for moose, and the dry sandy ridges, on which blueberries grow, are important resource use areas.
6.4.7.3 Kearl Lake Wetlands
The wetlands associated with Kearl Lake are considered important moose-rutting habitat. A participant stated that the moose from the surrounding hills come to the area to rut. Because moose are in prime condition (with up to two inches of fat) just before the rut, the wetlands near Kearl Lake are an important place to hunt moose. Participants said there are numerous stories about hunters taking six or seven moose at a time (one winter’s supply) in the areas around Kearl Lake.
Page 6-48 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.4: Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
6.4.7.4 Muskeg River
The area around the Muskeg River is part of the seasonal hunting and gathering area. Participants did not express any specific management or mitigation recommendations.
6.4.7.5 Cabin Sites
Participants identified two cabins during the field visit:
• one cabin north of the Canterra Road, on Wapasu Creek that belongs to a member of Fort McKay First Nation
• one unfinished cabin on the west side of the Muskeg River, adjacent to a campsite held by a member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, located north of a distinctive bend in the river
The first cabin is just outside the west boundary of the LSA, and will avoid impact from the Kearl project. The second cabin is in the PDA and will be affected by the project.
A third campsite, south of the site on the Muskeg River, was also visited. This location, however, was the site of a cabin that had only been partially built before it was destroyed by forest fire in 2002. No attempt to rebuild the cabin was undertaken, although the area is still used for access to the river.
Participants noted that “…anywhere there’s a cabin, there’s a reason.” One participant explained that wherever a cabin is set up, “…you have to have something to feed you.” He said that cabins are established in areas where ready sources of food are available. Cabin sites, therefore, are situated in areas important for traditional land use and resource procurement.
Field visit participants did not express specific mitigation or management recommendations with regard to the cabin sites, although it was generally acknowledged that the locations should be preserved.
6.4.7.6 Future Field Visits
Both the Council of Elders and Imperial Oil agreed that the meetings to date have been a good start to the consultation process, but acknowledged that more work is required.
One Elder observed that a “…room is the wrong place to tell information….” He indicated that Elders who have been on the land need to see some of the areas being discussed, to make good decisions.
July 2005 Page 6-49 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
To this end, the Council requested a general Council of Elders tour of the development area. The purpose of this tour would be to introduce and familiarize Council members with the project and the project area.
A participant indicated that although a ground tour was good, the area that is going to be affected cannot be properly assessed without a helicopter tour of the region. He observed that only a limited amount of the Kearl project lease area can be examined from the ground.
Participants recommended that the general ground tour should include a helicopter overflight. The overflight should include an Imperial Oil representative who could explain location of the facilities associated with the project.
6.4.8 CONSULTATION SUMMARY AND RESPONSE
For the issues expressed by Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, and Imperial Oil’s responses, see Table 6-2.
Page 6-50 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.4: Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
Table 6-2: Summary of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Concerns and Imperial Oil Responses
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Request/ Topic Concern Description Recommendation Imperial Oil Response Development Consultation Consultation timing: • Request that developers • Imperial Oil started the consultation process almost two years issues work cooperatively to before filing. • meetings for the Kearl project schedule consultation and were not initiated early enough • Imperial Oil views the consultation process as an ongoing one. in the project planning process review requests to avoid timing conflicts This process will continue throughout the regulatory application process and beyond. • Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation is overloaded with • Request that consultation and meeting process is not conflicting developer requests rushed but allows adequate for consultation. time for consideration, feedback and follow-up about each issue of concern. Information provision: • Request that information • Imperial Oil will work with Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation IRC required to prepare for to schedule meetings avoiding conflicts and provide meeting • project information is not meeting be provided a material in advance. provided early enough in advance of meetings minimum of one month before meeting date. • developers share information infrequently and in a piecemeal • Request that more detailed development schedules be approach provided earlier in the process. Communication of EIA results: • Request that other • Imperial Oil will work with IRC staff to test various communication communication methods be methods including technical bulletins prepared in lay-person • scientific and technical studies are difficult to understand identified for providing format. information. Imperial recognizes that the best communication methods are the • results of scientific studies are • not communicated in culturally • Recommend use of oral oral presentations to smaller groups in an informal setting. communication, e.g., follow- appropriate ways up meetings to explain • Imperial Oil is flexible and will work toward finding the best results of scientific studies to approach. community members.
July 2005 Page 6-51 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
Table 6-2: Summary of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Concerns and Imperial Oil Responses (cont’d)
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Request/ Topic Concern Description Recommendation Imperial Oil Response Development Consultation Use of traditional wisdom: • Recommend that studies • Imperial Oil has attempted to incorporate all traditional ecological issues (cont’d) (cont’d) incorporate traditional knowledge in the EIA process. Much information was learned from • some scientific studies are wisdom at the planning the Elders during meetings held to date. This dialogue will inaccurate because researchers do not have practical knowledge stage of the project. continue. of the land • Recommend that Elders be • Imperial Oil welcomes Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation input involved in designing project into the reclamation process. Specific input will be solicited as footprint, conducting detailed reclamation plans are developed. scientific studies and reclamation planning. • Imperial Oil will also be reviewing this list of concerns and Imperial's responses with ACFN for additional comments and to ensure concerns have been accurately represented. Relationship between developers • Request that Athabasca • Imperial Oil is committed to the consultation process throughout all and community: Chipewyan First Nation be phases of the project, from initial meetings before the application involved in all aspects of is filed, throughout the application and review process, during • developers do not maintain presence in community after Kearl project planning and construction and throughout operations. development. project approvals are granted • proper consultation protocol • Request for firm, honest answers to Athabasca involves building long-term, Chipewyan First Nation honest relationships questions. • Recommend open, honest communication.
Page 6-52 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.4: Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
Table 6-2: Summary of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Concerns and Imperial Oil Responses (cont’d)
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Request/ Topic Concern Description Recommendation Imperial Oil Response Development Consultation Agreements: • Request that all promises • Imperial Oil will engage Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation issues (cont’d) • in the past, handshake and agreements between in developing capacity-building initiatives specific to the (cont’d) agreements with developers Imperial Oil and Kearl project that include education, training and were not honoured by Athabasca Chipewyan employment. First Nation be developers • Imperial Oil agrees that any agreement will be in writing. formalized in writing. • developers make many • Imperial Oil intends to remain active in the community • Recommend that promises before receiving throughout the life of the project. project approval, but do not Imperial Oil remain active honour those promises after in the community after the EUB grants approval government approval has been granted for the • time lag between project Kearl project. approval and project initiation results in the • Request that benefits community not receiving the from the Kearl project benefits accruing from accrue to the community compensatory agreements before development of until many years after the Kearl project is agreements are negotiated initiated. Government presence in • Request that industry • Imperial Oil would welcome regulatory agency personnel consultation: help Athabasca participating in the consultation meetings with Elders. • Elders are concerned that Chipewyan First Nation the Alberta government is bring government avoiding its duty to consult representatives into the meaningfully with Aboriginal consultation process. people in the EIA process
July 2005 Page 6-53 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
Table 6-2: Summary of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Concerns and Imperial Oil Responses (cont’d)
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Request/ Topic Concern Description Recommendation Imperial Oil Response Development Land access Fragmentation of Access: • Request that an access • Imperial Oil will provide compensation to registered trapline issues management • development access management plan be operators for related impacts (including removal of trapper (cont’d) truncates existing trails to developed to help cabins if these are in an area to be mined). Athabasca Chipewyan traplines and traditional use • Imperial Oil recognizes that a regional land access First Nation retain access areas management plan will require the cooperative efforts of oil to areas that have not yet sands operators, regulatory agencies, and Aboriginal Disrespect of land: been developed. groups. Imperial Oil supports the concept and is willing to • development access allows • Request that as participate in the multistakeholder process. Imperial Oil will land use by non-Aboriginal compensation for loss of work with Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation to ensure hunters and others who do Treaty Rights to use the they can have access to areas not affected by the active not respect the land Kearl project area, mining area. • non-Aboriginal workers Imperial Oil lend support using trappers’ cabins and to Athabasca Chipewyan secluded locations near First Nation Richardson Kearl Lake to drink and Backcountry party, leaving garbage and management plan. creating disturbances
Compensation Trapper’s compensation: • Request that Imperial Oil • Imperial Oil will work with Athabasca Chipewyan • no appropriate approach to work with Athabasca First Nation to ensure an appropriate trapper compensation compensate Chipewyan First Nation mechanism is used. Athabasca Chipewyan to compensate trappers First Nation trappers through a method similar to that used by Fort McKay First Nation Bulk fuel Cost of bulk fuel in • Request that Imperial Oil • Imperial Oil no longer owns and operates bulk fuel Fort Chipewyan: provide a bulk fuel terminals as in the past. Bulk plants are now operated as • cost of bulk fuel in terminal in agencies, where the agent owns and operates the facility, Fort Chipewyan is Fort Chipewyan to tankage and delivery trucks. The fuel is then purchased prohibitively expensive provide competition that from Imperial Oil and marketed under the Esso brand. It is would lower rates. unlikely that the community of Fort Chipewyan could support two bulk agencies. However, if a member of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation wants to pursue this, Imperial Oil is willing to discuss further.
Page 6-54 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.4: Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
Table 6-2: Summary of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Concerns and Imperial Oil Responses (cont’d)
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Request/ Topic Concern Description Recommendation Imperial Oil Response Development Facilities • Concern about whether a • No specific request or • The project does not include an upgrader and current plans issues refinery would be recommendation are to ship the bitumen product via pipeline to Imperial Oil– (cont’d) constructed at the project identified. ExxonMobil refineries in Canada and the United States for site. refining. Imperial Oil personnel advised Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Council of Elders of such on April • Use of underground steam 26, 2005. operations and tailings ponds would affect • The Kearl project is an open-pit mining operation that will subsurface water resources. not use underground steam operations. Cumulative • Although each developer • Requested that • Imperial Oil’s EIA assesses the cumulative impacts effects assesses cumulative effects companies work together associated with all existing and planned operations relative to their own project, to indicate overall plans including the Kearl project. no one is considering effects for the region, so local • Imperial Oil has advised the Athabasca Chipewyan of development in a larger inhabitants and land First Nation Council of Elders that it is working with other cumulative area. users can understand developers in the Muskeg River watershed to share what will happen to the development plans, especially reclamation and closure land on a larger scale. plans. These plans must fit together so topography, stream • Requested that a map be flows and reclamation activities are seamless at lease created that boundaries. superimposes proposed • Imperial Oil will work with other companies to develop an and existing integrated map showing all the developments, and closure developments on a and reclamation plans for the entire region. single map. Reclamation • Things should be put back • Recommend that • Imperial Oil appreciates Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation they way they were. developers follow the concerns about reclamation procedures and length of time principle of “reclaim as required before reclamation can begin. Imperial Oil has • Integrity of the landscape, you go.” advised Elders that it is impossible to reclaim the i.e. its spiritual essence, landscape back to the way it was. However, Imperial Oil cannot be restored. • Recommend will reclaim the landscape as soon as possible, consulting participation of Elders to with Aboriginal groups as to the types of trees and plants to assist in developing more be replanted so that the land can be restored to permit appropriate reclamation traditional land use. practices. • Ongoing consultation with Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Elders will help preserve traditional ecological knowledge and help with reclamation planning.
July 2005 Page 6-55 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
Table 6-2: Summary of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Concerns and Imperial Oil Responses (cont’d)
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Request/ Topic Concern Description Recommendation Imperial Oil Response Ecosystem Water Water quality: • Protection of water • Imperial Oil understands Athabasca Chipewyan health resources • maintaining water quality resource must include First Nation concerns about water use and water quality and water resources is one measures to ensure that issues. water remains useable of the most important issues • To limit impact on the Athabasca River during periods of for future generations. for Athabasca Chipewyan low flow, Imperial Oil is designing the tailings storage areas First Nation to contain 30 days of water storage. In addition, an area to • degradation of water the northeast of the tailings area has been identified as a resources through potential area for additional water storage in the event that development conflicts with the water withdrawal restrictions are placed on the Athabasca Chipewyan Athabasca River (requiring storage longer than 30 days). First Nation treaty rights to • To limit water quality effects in adjacent waterbodies use the water (Kearl Lake, Muskeg River and three small tributaries of • effects on major the Firebag River) the mine design includes a water waterbodies from draining management plan to collect, recycle and treat all waters creeks and tributaries that might have come into contact with the oil sands mining and ore processes. Water flows and quality will be • water requirements for monitored at key locations to ensure water quality and wildlife and possible effects flows meet required standards in receiving streams. of the Kearl project on aquatic mammals, e.g., • A groundwater seepage and control management system beaver will also be installed around the tailings storage area. • Cumulative downstream effects of the Kearl project
Page 6-56 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.4: Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
Table 6-2: Summary of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Concerns and Imperial Oil Responses (cont’d)
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Request/ Topic Concern Description Recommendation Imperial Oil Response Ecosystem Water Disruption of Kearl Lake and • No specific request or • Kearl Lake will be preserved and will not be used as a health resources the Muskeg River: recommendation tailings area. Mine limits will be set back appropriate (cont’d) (cont’d) • potential use of Kearl Lake identified. distances. An extension on the northeast part of Kearl Lake as a tailings storage area is proposed as an offset for some of the upper tributaries of the Muskeg River that would be removed by the mine • disruption of tributaries will activities. Also, this area of the lake would be deepened so decrease water levels in the that fish could overwinter in the lake, thus increasing Muskeg River, eventually overall fish habitat in the lake. causing the river to dry up • All upper tributaries of the Muskeg River in the southern half of Lease 87 that are removed during mining will be diverted through temporary or permanent diversion channels in order to minimize the effects on flow and water quality in the main stem of the Muskeg River. Permanent water-diversion systems will be designed to replicate natural drainage patterns and sustain aquatic sustainability. Air quality Pollution: • Would like to see • Imperial Oil recognizes that its proposed project will add • effects of continued consideration of emissions to the regional airshed. The cumulative effect of development on air quality in cumulative effects of all the Kearl project along with all other proposed the oil sands region developments on air developments is described in the EIA. Since there will be quality. no upgrader on site, air emissions will be limited to mine • degraded air quality, e.g., vehicle emissions, vapours from the tailings pond and smell of sulphur and oil, combustion emissions from the extraction process. haze in the sky, from oil sands development • Imperial Oil plans a number of measures to reduce emissions emissions including: • low NOx emission technology • mine fleet vehicles that meet regulatory guidelines • tankage vapour recovery units • tailings solvent recovery • no continuous flaring • These initiatives will meet government regulations and guidelines, help reduce energy consumption and reduce odours.
July 2005 Page 6-57 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
Table 6-2: Summary of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Concerns and Imperial Oil Responses (cont’d)
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Request/ Topic Concern Description Recommendation Imperial Oil Response Ecosystem Air quality Human and animal health: • Would like industry • Imperial Oil participates in the Wood Buffalo Environment health (cont’d) • effect of air quality on support for further study Association, and as such, participates in all regional (cont’d) human and animal health in of the effects of air air-monitoring activities. the region, and its quality on human health. contribution to degradation of the environment and its resources • cancers occurring among the people of Fort Chipewyan are believed by Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation to be related to air pollution as the result of cumulative effects of development in the oil sands region. Air quality monitoring: • Would like developers to • Imperial Oil will have a number of air monitoring initiatives • air quality monitoring be aware that accepted at the Kearl site: government limits for methods • continuous emission monitoring on the cogeneration emissions might not be facilities acceptable for Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. • flare-stack monitoring • Suggested that air • leak-detection programs for minimizing VOC emissions monitoring be conducted • Imperial Oil is a participant in the Wood Buffalo up high instead of close Environmental Association and supports all the various to the ground. types of air monitoring for the region. This includes • Would like developers to continuous monitoring of the air quality in the strive for limits below Fort Chipewyan community. accepted government • These initiatives will meet government regulations and tolerances. guidelines, help reduce energy consumption, reduce odours and reduce costs.
Page 6-58 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.4: Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
Table 6-2: Summary of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Concerns and Imperial Oil Responses (cont’d)
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Request/ Topic Concern Description Recommendation Imperial Oil Response Community Employment • Effects of the Kearl project • Request on-the-job • Ongoing consultation about educational and training needs health and and training on employment for youth of training be provided for and opportunities is important for Athabasca Chipewyan well-being their community. Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation youth to get prepared for potential job First Nation youth to opportunities • Developers are discussing learn skills and trades. bringing foreign workers into • Imperial Oil will engage with Athabasca Chipewyan the oil sands region when • Suggest that Athabasca First Nation to develop capacity-building initiatives specific there is already a very high Chipewyan First Nation to the Kearl project that include education, training and unemployment rate among and developers find ways employment. Aboriginal youth. to provide training, skills • Imperial Oil has already initiated discussions with and meaningful Keyano College to describe future work force needs and to employment for establish a good working relationship with the members of the Fort Chipewyan campus. community. • Ongoing consultation with the Athabasca Chipewyan • Suggest that developers First Nation business community will advise of business have a presence at opportunities. places like Keyano College, to encourage students to pursue careers related to development projects in the oil sands region. Youth • Youth of the community are • Request participation of • Imperial Oil would welcome participation of participation in not involved in Imperial Oil in supporting Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation youth in the EIA review environmental understanding project involvement of youth in process. Because of the technical complexity, Imperial Oil assessment development and the EIA the EIA process. would suggest that participation be limited to senior high process. school students and be stewarded by the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation IRC.
July 2005 Page 6-59 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
Table 6-2: Summary of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Concerns and Imperial Oil Responses (cont’d)
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Request/ Topic Concern Description Recommendation Imperial Oil Response Traditional Field visit • Although one field trip • Request a site tour • Imperial Oil welcomes the opportunity to provide Land Use involved participants with involving the Council of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation members with site locations detailed knowledge of the Elders. tours. area, concern was • Request a helicopter • Imperial Oil will work with the IRC to organize appropriate expressed that a more overflight of entire dates and times. general tour involving the Kearl project Council of Elders be development area be arranged so that Council included as part of site members could become tour. familiar with the Kearl project and the • Request that a development area. representative of Imperial Oil be present during the overflight to explain facility location, answer questions and respond to concerns. ♦
Page 6-60 July 2005 VOLUME 9
SECTION 6: Traditional Land Use Subsection 6.5: Mikisew Cree First Nation
Mikisew Cree First Nation
6.5.1 INTRODUCTION
6.5.1.1 Community
Mikisew Cree First Nation is composed of 2359 registered members (INAC 2004), who live primarily in Fort McMurray and Fort Chipewyan. Mikisew Cree First Nation has 5111 ha of reserve lands contained in nine reserves:
• Old Fort 217 • Dog Head 218 • Allison Bay 219 • Devil’s Gate 220 • Sandy Point 221 • Peace Point 222 • Collin Lake 223 • Cornwall Lake 224 • Charles Lake 225
6.5.1.2 Aboriginal Perspective
This section summarizes Mikisew Cree First Nation traditional land use issues and concerns in the oil sands region and the LSA, as expressed by participants from Mikisew Cree First Nation.
6.5.2 CONSULTATION
Consultation with Mikisew Cree First Nation involved:
• two initial meetings with Mikisew Cree First Nation IRC representatives in Fort McMurray • a meet and greet session in Fort Chipewyan • an Elders’ meeting in Fort Chipewyan • two traditional land use workshops in Fort McMurray
6.5.2.1 Initial Meetings
On November 9, 2004 and March 17, 2005, meetings were held between representatives of Mikisew Cree First Nation IRC and Imperial Oil’s traditional land use consultant.
July 2005 Page 6-61 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
The goals of these meetings were to:
• determine likely concerns that would need to be explored relative to the Kearl project • discuss the format that further consultation should take
From these meetings, a general outline of the nature of further consultation was developed.
6.5.2.2 Fort Chipewyan Meet and Greet Session
A meet and greet session was arranged on December 14, 2004 in Fort Chipewyan. Participants included Imperial Oil representatives and 53 community Elders, as well as representatives from Mikisew Cree First Nation IRC. Cree-language interpreters facilitated communication between Imperial Oil representatives and Mikisew Cree First Nation Elders.
The purpose of the session was to discuss issues related to the Kearl project in an informal setting. This provided the opportunity for:
• Imperial Oil representatives to introduce themselves, their company and the Kearl project to Mikisew Cree First Nation members living in Fort Chipewyan
• Mikisew Cree First Nation members to express their concerns about the Kearl project and how they believe it will affect their relationship to the land
Methods used to communicate information about Imperial Oil and the Kearl project included:
• a brief presentation
• circulation of the Kearl project description document
• a question-and-answer session during which the project team provided further information, answered questions and discussed concerns
In the afternoon, breakout sessions were held with smaller groups of Elders. IRC and Imperial Oil facilitators encouraged Elders to express concerns and observations about the effects of industrial development on the land, air, water and traditional lifestyles in the oil sands region. At the request of Mikisew Cree First Nation IRC, detailed notes from these sessions were recorded and provided to the IRC.
Following the meet and greet session, Imperial Oil representatives attended the Elders’ Christmas party. This allowed further discussion of the issues previously raised.
Page 6-62 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.5: Mikisew Cree First Nation
6.5.2.3 Fort Chipewyan Elders’ Meeting
An Elders’ meeting took place in Fort Chipewyan on April 6, 2005. Participants in this meeting included 42 Elders, as well as representatives of Mikisew Cree First Nation IRC and Imperial Oil.
Imperial Oil representatives were requested to provide the following information to Elders:
• an update about Kearl project progress
• the process for additional consultation about project effects on traditional issues
This was accomplished through:
• short presentations, facilitated with the aid of a Cree interpreter, by an Imperial Oil representative and Imperial Oil’s traditional land use consultant to describe ongoing work for the project EIA application
• distribution of additional copies of the Kearl project description document and hand-outs detailing the traditional issues consultation process
• a question-and-answer session following the presentations to discuss general concerns of the Elders
In the afternoon, breakout sessions were held to allow detailed discussion of concerns about the Kearl project. The breakout sessions involved smaller groups of six to 10 Elders and facilitators from the Mikisew Cree First Nation IRC and Imperial Oil. Detailed notes recorded during these meetings were compiled by Mikisew Cree First Nation IRC and were shared with Imperial Oil.
6.5.2.4 Fort McMurray Traditional Land Use Workshops
Two traditional land use workshops were held in Fort McMurray over the weekends of April 16 to 17, 2005 and April 23 to 24, 2005. The workshops were arranged to discuss developments in the area of Kearl Lake that are of concern to Mikisew Cree First Nation.
The April 16 to 17 workshop focused on the discussion of issues specific to the Kearl project. The April 23 to 24 workshop was reserved to discuss issues related to other developments in the area, although some of the information shared was also found to pertain to the Kearl project.
July 2005 Page 6-63 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
The purpose of the workshops in Fort McMurray was to gather two types of information from Elders and “middle-aged” members of the community with an interest in the Kearl Lake area:
• traditional land use information, both general to Mikisew Cree First Nation territories and specific to the Kearl Lake region
• traditional issues information, related to the anticipated effects of the Kearl project on the traditional practices of Mikisew Cree First Nation past and present land users
Mikisew Cree First Nation workshop organizers invited 45 community members to participate. These people were considered to have the most experience in the Kearl Lake area. Of these, nine Mikisew Cree First Nation members participated in the April 16 to 17 workshop, while five members participated in the April 23 to 24 workshop.
During the workshops, Imperial Oil’s traditional land use consultant and Mikisew Cree First Nation participants discussed the anticipated effects of the Kearl project on local land use and traditional practices. Discussions occurred in an informal conversational setting, involving one or more participants and Imperial Oil’s traditional issues consultant. Discussions sometimes included representatives of the IRC present at the workshop. Imperial Oil’s traditional land use consultant recorded comments and issues raised, for inclusion in this EIA.
At the same time as discussions with Imperial Oil’s traditional land use consultant, Mikisew Cree First Nation conducted confidential interviews about specific land use locations in the areas around Kearl Lake. As the interviews included confidential traditional land use information about areas outside the Kearl project, Imperial Oil’s traditional land use consultant was not invited to attend the interviews. Mikisew Cree First Nation did, however, provide Imperial Oil with a summary, in written and mapped form, of the information applicable to the Kearl project to.
6.5.3 DEVELOPMENT ISSUES
6.5.3.1 Consultation Process
Early in the consultation process, one community member observed that “…communication is the key…” to reduce frustration and misunderstanding between Mikisew Cree First Nation and Imperial Oil.
Page 6-64 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.5: Mikisew Cree First Nation
6.5.3.1.1 Timing and Information Provision Several participants made comments and observations about concerns with the format of consultation meetings:
• consultation with Mikisew Cree First Nation should have occurred earlier in the EIA process
• the rushed timeline for meeting preparation and workshops is perceived as pushing consultation to the end of the EIA process
• industry rushes meeting schedules so community members do not have a chance to prepare adequately before meetings
• it is difficult for community members to understand the scientific data that is “thrown at them” during meetings with industry
• because so much information is presented, local community members never have enough time to “take it all in” during meetings with developers
• community members are uncomfortable about commenting on information without having a chance to reflect on it One participant noted that it is difficult for local community members to understand technical scientific information presented in EIA studies. She said this technical information is not being communicated effectively to the local communities. Another participant suggested that if the communities had enough money, they could make better use of outside consultants to help them understand the studies.
6.5.3.1.2 Communication Method An Elder observed that health studies and meetings scare people in the community because they do not use a more appropriate “quiet approach.” He also indicated that community gossip about issues is not good for the community. Another participant suggested that the environmental effects of a development should be communicated by people from the local communities who have witnessed and experienced those effects. She observed that you need “…Aboriginal people talking to Aboriginal people” to ensure that the communication process is culturally appropriate and to improve understanding of the issues. One participant was suspicious about the communication process because she felt that “…a lot of things are never talked about.” She expressed her belief that many things go on with regard to pollution and development deals and that the general public is often not made aware of these issues As a result, developers could not be trusted to provide the truth.
July 2005 Page 6-65 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
Another participant stated, “…meetings are not worth anything; nothing ever changes.” He was frustrated because he felt that although there is a lot of discussion about project effects on traditional lands, there is no evidence that the Elders’ words are being taken into account. Instead, Elders see additional development disruption on the land, and continued environmental degradation.
6.5.3.1.3 Inclusion of Youth in EIA Consultation
Some Elders indicated that it would be worthwhile to include youth and middle-aged people in the meetings about development in the region. They noted that most of the Elders would not live long enough to deal with the long-term consequences of development. The youth of the community are the ones that will have to cope with the results of the projects being initiated today. A number of Elders suggested that younger community members should participate in understanding the nature of these development projects before they start.
6.5.3.2 Land Access
One participant expressed the opinion that Mikisew Cree First Nation would want to keep road access to the development area after operations are completed.
6.5.3.3 Cumulative Effects
One participant observed that developers do EIA studies in a “piecemeal” fashion. She expressed concern that although consideration of cumulative effects is meant to be part of the EIA process, the focus of each developer on their own projects is too narrow.
Another participant suggested that a real cumulative effects study needs to be done for the entire oil sands region by an independent body with no ties to industry. She pointed out that a body like the Cumulative Effects Management Association (CEMA) should be the independent body that should do the regional cumulative effects assessment. It was noted that CEMA studies, however, are constrained by the amount of money available in any given year.
6.5.3.4 Reclamation
Reclamation of the landscape after completion of development was another topic of concern to the participants. Many of these issues involved concerns about the environment that would be left behind for the “…younger generation.” Elders noted:
• “…we need to speak up now for the sake of our grandchildren.” • “We need to stand up now for the kids and the future.”
Page 6-66 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.5: Mikisew Cree First Nation
Comments by Mikisew Cree First Nation participants about reclamation included:
• “Once the oil companies are done taking the oil, the land is not left the way it was; big holes, open pits, trees gone. It will be a long time before anything grows. We need to speak up now for the sake of our grandchildren.
• “…it [development in the oil sands] is not going to stop.”
• “…they [the developers] should leave it [the environment] the way it was…” because “…never make it [the environment] the way it was.”
• “…the land cannot be reclaimed to its original condition.”
• “...things take a long time to grow.”
• “When the big projects are finished, they need to put the land back to what it was before. Fix it right. Plant the right kind of trees on the land, not just any kind of trees. You should use the knowledge of people who have lived here their whole life.” One Elder indicated that he would like to see Mikisew Cree First Nation involved in reclamation and closure planning. Another participant supported this comment because he is worried about the slow growth of trees on reclaimed sites. He would like to see Aboriginal people consulted about the type of trees that should be planted. He observed that people in the area need jackpine and spruce for lumber. Related to this issue, one participant expressed the desire to see increased involvement of Mikisew Cree First Nation in monitoring activities during and after development.
6.5.3.5 Compensation At the Elders’ meeting, an Elder suggested revenue sharing as a solution to the issue of compensation for development of traditional territories. He said that a percentage of the oil sands development profits should be allocated to the Aboriginal communities, as compensation for developers’ use of the land. One participant observed that when one country uses the resources of another country, they have to pay compensation. She asked why the developers don’t pay to use the resources of the land in the traditional territories of the Aboriginal people. Another participant stated that the air, land and water are all ailing, and noted that no amount of effort will result in “…putting the land back the way it was.” He further observed that although financial compensation helps, “…it doesn’t replace the water and the land.” As a result, he emphasized that developers should find alternatives beyond financial compensation for dealing with project effects on the traditional lands and lives of the Aboriginal people.
July 2005 Page 6-67 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
6.5.4 LANDSCAPE LEVEL EFFECTS
6.5.4.6 Alteration of the Environment
Participants expressed many concerns about environmental changes and degradation noted by the community. They said that too many events with unfortunate consequences have been occurring in the area, e.g., increased cancer rates, water pollution and decreased animal abundance.
A participant asked “…what’s happening here?” She stated that the Aboriginal community “…needs answers before any other companies should be allowed to start developing.”
Another participant emphasized that developers should work hard to design footprints that limit impact zones in the landscape.
6.5.5 ECOSYSTEM HEALTH
6.5.5.1 Water Resources
6.5.5.1.1 Water Quality
Participants indicated that they now fear that the water resources in the region are polluted. Many expressed concern that the “…water is polluted.” One participant asked “…when is enough enough? The water system is polluted.” Participants stated numerous times that they boil their water, use filters, buy bottled water and take bottled water on trips into the bush.
Comments about concerns with the water included the following observations:
• there is a decrease in fish in lakes and rivers
• an oily film is seen on the surface of the Athabasca River
• Fort McMurray water, upstream of the oil sands development, tastes better than the water downstream
• brown scum is noticed in kettles today, though this never used to be the case
• ice on Lake Athabasca, formerly a source of drinking water, is no longer clear
• “...[water in] inland lakes is worse than river water today.”
• “…before the oil companies came, we didn’t need a water treatment plant. Now even with the treatment plant, the water tastes bad. The chlorine might affect peoples’ health.”
Page 6-68 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.5: Mikisew Cree First Nation
• “…if you trace the Athabasca River to the Columbia Ice Fields, towns along the river dump into the river, and the river water is not good to drink.”
• “…something has changed; the ice on the lake is less solid. It used to be blue; there is colour in the water now. It’s not good anymore.”
• “…the water seems to be polluted since 1965.” This Elder noted that “…all our lives, we used to be able to drink water from the lake [Lake Athabasca] and no one got sick. Now, if people drink the water they get sick.”
6.5.5.1.2 Water Quantity Water quantity is an issue of concern for Mikisew Cree First Nation because, as one participant put it, “…everything in this country depends on water. There used to be much more water.” Many Elders observed that water levels are down in lakes, rivers and streams in the region. Comments and observations by Mikisew Cree First Nation participants about concerns with diminishing water resources include:
• “…[there is] not enough water for trapping [muskrat]; nobody can trap [muskrat] now.”
• “…more water…” is needed “…for everything, trees, wildlife.”
• “…B.C.’s Bennett Dam has affected water levels.”
• water levels in the Athabasca River are decreasing) and the water currently tastes bad
• changes in water quality and quantity in Lake Athabasca have been observed by participants since oil sands development began Many Mikisew Cree First Nation Elders expressed concern about Imperial Oil’s proposed withdrawal of 600 million barrels of water per year. One Elder indicated that he was concerned about water withdrawals during low winter flows. One participant suggested that the “…ideal situation would be a waterless [mining] process.” Questions asked by Mikisew Cree First Nation participants about the use of water in the Kearl project included:
• “How will the Columbia Ice Fields affect long-term water quality?
• “What is the difference in the water from here [the oil sands region and Lake Athabasca area] and Fort McMurray?”
• “Is water storage the correct answer?”
July 2005 Page 6-69 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
A few Elders noted that “…the land is dying.” One Elder stated that the environment is changing, the river routes are altered and there are no birds. He attributed this to the changes in the water “…because water affects the land, the land is dying because there is no water.”
6.5.5.1.3 Use of Appropriate Measures
An Elder expressed concern about the use of “…appropriate measures…” for scientific evaluation of project effects on water resources. As an example, the Elder discussed the use of winter- versus spring-spawning fish species as key indicator resources in the EIA.
He cited a specific example, from an EIA he had read, where spring-spawning fish were used by fisheries biologists to evaluate project effects on fish in the Athabasca River. The Elder, based on his personal knowledge, noted that winter-spawning fish would be the more appropriate indicator because winter-spawning habitat is more susceptible to damage by fluctuating water levels. If the development results in reduced flow during the winter, there is a greater chance for the stream to freeze to the bottom, leading to increased potential for damage to winter spawning grounds. If fish eggs are laid in the winter-spawning habitat, they could be destroyed if the stream freezes to the bottom. This would result in reduced populations of winter-spawning species (ling cod and whitefish).
The Elder noted that if only spring-spawning species were studied to understand the effects of water reduction, scientists could conclude there would be no project effects on fish.
6.5.5.2 Air Quality
Participants commented about changes they have observed in the air quality of the region. One participant noted that “…in south winds, you can smell the big plants. It smells like oil.” Another said that “…you can see the smoke sometimes; pure black.”
The participant who noted that the smoke is pure black also said that “…sometimes you see colour [the black colour] on the snow.”
Another participant has noticed this black residue on all surfaces inside houses and offices. She considers the black residue tangible evidence of degrading air quality.
Page 6-70 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.5: Mikisew Cree First Nation
6.5.5.3 Pollution
There was a general feeling among participants that the land is being altered and it can never be reclaimed back to the “…way it was.” Participants made consistent reference to the fact that “…things have changed…” since the advent of development in the oil sands region.
6.5.5.3.1 General Observations
Observations made by participants about pollution in the oil sands region included:
• “There is pollution everywhere.”
• “It never used to be like this.”
• “Nobody can say there is nothing wrong.”
• “Changes to the environment today are too fast; long ago they were slower.”
• “Many rapid changes since oil sands plants built.”
• “I lived here from when I was born until 1979. Then we moved away for 20 years. When we came back, the water and everything was different.”
One Elder stated that in the 1950s, “…the area [of the oil sands development] was all very clean.” Many Elders noted that since the 1950s, or over the last 40 to 50 years, the fish, water, wildlife and people have become sick.
From the perspective of participants, the following observations provide evidence of environmental degradation:
• changes in the taste and quality of fish, waterfowl and game • decline in the abundance and presence of animals and birds • changes in water quality and quantity • human sickness
One participant indicated that “…years ago, everything was good; now everything is ruined from both ways.” He explained that the “both ways” are the Bennett Dam on the Peace River and oil sands development to the south. He expressed concern that the traditional lands of Mikisew Cree First Nation that have been left untouched thus far are pinched between two major development areas, leaving very little for the survival of the local Aboriginal people.
July 2005 Page 6-71 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
6.5.5.3.2 Pollution Effects on Wildlife Presence and Abundance
Participants discussed changes in the abundance and presence of wildlife species as an indicator of pollution effects. They observed:
• “…the animals are gone...”
• “…there used to be lots more wildlife. Now not much anymore.”
• “…there are no birds… no more small songbirds...”
• “…snow geese don’t seem to land in the fall. The last time they were seen is fall [of] 1970.”
• “…rabbit cycles seem to have changed...”
• “…ptarmigan cycles seem to have changed...”
A participant linked a perceived change in muskrat populations to the water levels of the Athabasca River delta. He said that there is “…no more good trapping. No muskrats anymore because the delta [Athabasca River] has dried up.”
6.5.5.3.3 Pollution Effects on the Taste and Quality of Wild Meat
Participants commented that the taste of waterfowl has changed: “…the game [ducks and geese] taste different now. Tastes muddy.” Because of the difference in taste, participants commented “…ducks can’t be eaten.” The taste of moose meat has also changed. According to participants “…moose meat tastes bad.”
Another Mikisew Cree First Nation participant commented on muskrat meat saying that it “…is a different colour; darker, no fat.” Because of the change in muskrat meat taste and quality, participants said they “…would not eat…” muskrat anymore.
Participants commented that the taste and quality of fish flesh has changed. Comments included:
• “…the fish taste oily” • “…the fish don’t taste good anymore; taste like mud and slimy” • “…fish are watery” • “…fish are soft and taste different” • “…fish can’t be eaten” • “I’m afraid to eat the fish from the lake. Only inland fish still good.”
Page 6-72 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.5: Mikisew Cree First Nation
6.5.5.3.4 Pollution Effects on Vegetation
Mikisew Cree First Nation participants commented on changes in vegetation growth and presence as an example of environmental degradation. Generally, participants noted “…the plants are gone.” Trees were noted to be “…stunted…” and “…not growing as fast as before.”
Changes in berry abundance were linked to oil sands development. Specifically, a participant said that there are “…no more berries today. Since the big [development] plants came, no more berries.” Another participant noted, “…not so many berries today; the smoke and smell from the plants hurts the trees.”
6.5.5.3.5 Pollution Effects on Climate Change
Many participants agreed when one indicated that “…the climate has changed. It is getting warmer.” Some felt that this may be related to greater pollution in the atmosphere.
6.5.6 HUMAN HEALTH AND COMMUNITY WELL-BEING
6.5.6.1 Human Health
6.5.6.1.1 Sickness and Lifespan
Mikisew Cree First Nation participants noted that “…everyone is getting sick” and that Elders are not living as long as they used to. The perceived changes in human health were mentioned during the discussion about environmental degradation.
Another Elder said that in the 1950s, “…the area [of oil sands development] was all very clean….” As an example of how the environment is getting increasingly unhealthy, the Elder expressed concern that many Mikisew Cree First Nation Elders have died over the last year. He said that in the past, Elders lived past 90 years old, and were able to survive on “bush food.” Now, many Elders in the community are dying before 70 years of age.
A participant stated “…we’ve lost four Elders in the last two months. People are dying younger today.” This comment was made in the context of discussion about Lake Athabasca water quality.
July 2005 Page 6-73 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
6.5.6.1.2 Water Quality and Human Health
The possible effects of water pollution on human health are affecting how people use drinking water. One Elder noted “…I boil all my drinking water today; boil it for 10 minutes, not just one minute like they recommend.”
The water from the water treatment plant is perceived to be unhealthy as well. One Elder said “…even with the treatment plant, the water tastes bad. The chlorine might affect peoples’ health.”
6.5.6.2 Cultural Continuity
6.5.6.2.1 Transmission of Traditional Knowledge
Elders expressed concern that it is getting harder to pass knowledge of traditional lifestyles to the community’s youth. They made the following comments relative to this issue:
• “Today, young kids are not so much interested in learning our ways. They’re not interested in learning trapping, living in the bush.”
• “The schooling for the kids today is better. That’s good for their future, but now they don’t care about our ways.”
• “Money is so much more important today. We never used to worry about money; we didn’t need it. We could do everything ourselves – food, shelter. Kids were happier back then. Now money is all that’s important. We have so much more money today, but it’s not a better life.”
• “There are drugs today, even in Fort Chip – as young as 12-year-old kids.”
6.5.6.2.2 Land for Future Generations
Concerns about future generations were raised: “What about future generations? There won’t be oil forever.” One of the biggest concerns related to the issue of ensuring that the land could be reclaimed for the use and enjoyment of future generations.
6.5.7 TRADITIONAL LAND USE LOCATIONS
Based on mapped information provided by the Mikisew Cree First Nation IRC traditional land use coordinator, two areas in and just outside the LSA have been used for resource harvesting and procurement activities:
• the jackpine ridge in the western half of the project area, on which Canterra Road is situated
• the Muskeg River and its tributaries
Page 6-74 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.5: Mikisew Cree First Nation
Both plant and animal resources are harvested in these locations, including:
• berries (blueberries, raspberries and cranberries)
• medicinal plants (rat root, fungus and Labrador tea)
• timber (jackpine, spruce, birch, willow, poplar and tamarack), bark and spruce gum
• wildlife (moose, rabbits, ducks and grouse)
Mikisew Cree First Nation participants did not provide specific management or mitigation recommendations for the resource-harvesting and procurement areas.
6.5.8 CONSULTATION AND RESPONSE SUMMARY
For the issues expressed by Mikisew Cree First Nation, and Imperial Oil’s responses, see Table 6-3.
July 2005 Page 6-75 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
Table 6-3: Summary of Mikisew Cree First Nation Concerns and Imperial Oil Responses
Mikisew Cree First Nation Topic Concern Description Request/Recommendation Imperial Oil Response Development Consultation Timing and information provision: • Recommend consultation be • Imperial Oil started the public consultation process issue process • consultation should occur earlier in the initiated earlier in EIA process. almost two years before filing the application. Imperial Oil views the consultation process as an ongoing one. EIA process • Recommend more time to prepare This process will continue throughout the regulatory • rushed timeline for meeting preparation for meetings with necessary application process and beyond. information provided well in and open houses does not permit Elders advance. Imperial Oil is working with Mikisew Cree First Nation enough time to formulate effective • feedback IRC director to develop better ways to communicate • Recommend more effective and and consult with community members. culturally appropriate • communities do not have adequate resources to enable them to work toward communication of EIA study • Initial meetings included a presentation format results. followed by breakout sessions where Elders could full understanding of scientific assemble in smaller groups and feel more comfortable EIA studies • Recommend that communication to discuss issues and concerns. These sessions have Communication method: about environmental effects of a been very successful for documenting concerns. development be made by other • very little action results from discussions people who have witnessed and • Imperial Oil has also agreed with the IRC director to and meetings experienced those effects. develop a communication bulletin that will be used to formally document Mikisew Cree First Nation issues • developers cannot be trusted • Recommend that Aboriginal people and Imperial Oil's responses. This bulletin will try to Inclusion of youth in EIA process: communicate with Aboriginal explain technical issues with illustrations and communities to facilitate nontechnical language. • youth and middle-aged people should be understanding and discussion. included in the meetings, as they will • The bulletins would be forwarded to Mikisew Cree have to live with the consequences of the First Nation members before meetings so that decisions adequate review time is available. Land Access • Access to the project areas during and • Request that road access to the • Imperial Oil recognizes that a regional land access after development. development area is maintained management plan will require the cooperative efforts after operations are completed. of oil sands operators, regulatory agencies and all three First Nations. Imperial Oil supports the concept and is willing to participate in the multistakeholder process. • Imperial Oil will work with Mikisew Cree First Nation to ensure they can have access to areas not affected by the active mining area and ultimately, to the reclaimed landscape.
Page 6-76 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.5: Mikisew Cree First Nation
Table 6-3: Summary of Mikisew Cree First Nation Concerns and Imperial Oil Responses (cont’d)
Mikisew Cree First Nation Topic Concern Description Request/Recommendation Imperial Oil Response Development Cumulative effects • Cumulative effects considerations in • Request that a cumulative • Imperial Oil’s EIA assess the cumulative impacts issue (cont’d) project-specific EIAs are too narrow effects assessment be done for associated will all existing and planned projects because they are done in a the entire oil sands region. including the Kearl project. piecemeal fashion for specific developments. • Recommend that this cumulative • Imperial Oil agrees that developers typically present effects assessment be done by their projects in a “piecemeal” fashion, and that it is • To truly understand cumulative an independent body with no ties difficult to see how the pieces fit together as a function effects, a large-scale study of effects to industry. of time and geographic space. in the entire area should be done by an impartial body. • For this reason, Imperial Oil is working with other developers in the Muskeg River area to develop an integrated approach to reclamation and closure drainage plans. Maps are being developed to show the mine developments over time and the progressive reclamation plans, including pit lakes and drainage systems. Imperial Oil has included some of these reclamation and closure maps in the EIA application document. • Although the current EIA assessment includes cumulative effects of proposed developments, it is the role of the regulatory agencies to review these EIAs and determine acceptable levels of overall impacts. Reclamation • Concern that the land be reclaimed • Recommend use of traditional • Imperial Oil appreciates Mikisew Cree First Nation back to its original state. knowledge in reclamation concerns about reclamation procedures and length of planning. time required before reclamation can begin. Imperial • The land will not be able to provide Oil has advised Elders that it is impossible to reclaim traditional land use opportunities for • Request Mikisew Cree the landscape back to the way it was. However, future generations. First Nation involvement in Imperial Oil will reclaim the landscape as soon as reclamation and closure possible, consulting with First Nations as to the types planning. of trees and plants to be replanted so that land can be restored to permit traditional land use. • Request that Imperial Oil consult with Mikisew Cree First Nation • Ongoing consultation with Mikisew Cree First Nation regarding types of trees that Elders will help preserve traditional ecological should be planted during knowledge and help with reclamation planning. reclamation.
July 2005 Page 6-77 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
Table 6-3: Summary of Mikisew Cree First Nation Concerns and Imperial Oil Responses (cont’d)
Mikisew Cree First Nation Topic Concern Description Request/Recommendation Imperial Oil Response Development Development • Participation of Mikisew Cree • Request Mikisew Cree • Imperial Oil is an active participant in CEMA, issue (cont’) monitoring First Nation representatives in First Nation involvement in RAMP and Wood Buffalo Environment environmental monitoring of monitoring activities during Association, and as such, participates in all projects in the oil sands region. and after development. regional environmental monitoring activities. Landscape-Level Alteration of the • Development in the oil sands • Request answers from • Imperial Oil recognizes that any new effects environment region is contributing to greater developers as to why effects development will affect traditional use areas. pollution in the region. are occurring, before any Imperial Oil respects the importance of traditional more development in the lands for First Nations and as such is working • Pollution results in human and region. with all three IRCs to: animal health problems, degradation of the environment • consult with community members and Elders and its resources, reduced • continue ongoing dialogue with the abundance of animals and community about traditional land use issues plants in the region, and quality of use of those animals and • incorporate traditional ecological knowledge plants in traditional pursuits. in the EIA • Imperial Oil will continue to respond to questions and concerns that evolve from ongoing consultation with Mikisew Cree First Nation.
Page 6-78 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.5: Mikisew Cree First Nation
Table 6-3: Summary of Mikisew Cree First Nation Concerns and Imperial Oil Responses (cont’d)
Mikisew Cree First Nation Topic Concern Description Request/Recommendation Imperial Oil Response Ecosystem Water resources Water pollution: • No specific request or • Imperial Oil understands Mikisew Cree health • development in the oil sands recommendation identified. First Nation concerns about water use and region is contributing to water quality issues. degradation of the water • To limit impact on the Athabasca River during resources both through water periods of low flow, Imperial Oil is designing the reduction and pollution tailings area to contain 30 days of water • problems with water contribute to storage. In addition, an area to the northeast of increases in human and animal the tailings area has been identified as a health problems, degradation of potential area for additional water storage in the the environment and its event that the water withdrawal restrictions are resources placed on the Athabasca River (requiring storage longer than 30 days). • To limit water quality issues in adjacent waterbodies (Kearl Lake, Muskeg River and Firebag River) the mine design includes a water management plan to collect, recycle and treat all waters that might have come in contact with oil sands mining and extraction processes. • A groundwater seepage and control management system will also be installed at the tailings area. Water flows and quality will be monitored at key locations to ensure water quality and flows meet required standards in receiving streams. Use of appropriate measures to • Recommend that scientists • Imperial Oil has integrated site-specific and evaluate project effects: work with traditional land regional traditional ecological knowledge in • without intimate knowledge of users to determine most each scientific discipline wherever possible. For traditional users of the land, appropriate key indicators to example, traditional ecological knowledge about scientists could select evaluate potential project fish, wildlife movements, birds and plants has environmental indicators that do effects on environmental been reported in each EIA discipline and used not appropriately measure resources. as a key indicator or question to be assessed in proposed project effects the EIA. Imperial Oil will continue to work with Mikisew Cree First Nation Elders and the IRC to ensure their concerns and questions are answered.
July 2005 Page 6-79 VOLUME 9
Section 6: Traditional Land Use
Table 6-3: Summary of Mikisew Cree First Nation Concerns and Imperial Oil Responses (cont’d)
Mikisew Cree First Nation Topic Concern Description Request/Recommendation Imperial Oil Response Ecosystem Air • Development in the oil sands • No specific request or • Imperial Oil recognizes that its proposed project health region is contributing to greater recommendation identified. will add emissions to the regional airshed. The (cont’d) air pollution that results in human cumulative effect of the Kearl project along with and animal health problems, and all other proposed developments is described in degradation of the environment the EIA. Since there will be no upgrader on site, and its resources. air emissions will be limited to mine vehicle emissions, vapours from the tailings area and combustion emissions from the extraction process. • Imperial Oil plans a number of measures to reduce emissions, including: • low NOx emission technology • mine fleet vehicles to meet regulatory guidelines • tankage vapour recovery units • tailings solvent recovery • no continuous flaring • These initiatives will meet government regulations and guidelines, help reduce energy consumption and reduce odours. • Imperial Oil is a participant in the Wood Buffalo Environment Association, and as such, participates in all regional air monitoring activities.
Page 6-80 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Subsection 6.5: Mikisew Cree First Nation
Table 6-3: Summary of Mikisew Cree First Nation Concerns and Imperial Oil Responses (cont’d)
Mikisew Cree First Nation Topic Concern Description Request/Recommendation Imperial Oil Response Community Transmission of • Youth of the community are not • No specific request or • Imperial Oil recognizes that the youth of the health and traditional interested in learning about recommendation identified. community are not always interested in learning well-being knowledge traditional ways. about traditional ways. Imperial Oil has also heard from the Elders that they would like to see • Social ills, e.g., drugs, that developers provide opportunities for youth to become manifest as the result of remain in school so they can eventually qualify more money in the community. for the jobs that come with the projects. Appropriate training and skills development will enable the youth to obtain professional jobs, not just manual-labour jobs. • Imperial Oil will engage Mikisew Cree First Nation in developing capacity-building initiatives specific to the Kearl project that include education, training and employment. ♦
July 2005 Page 6-81 VOLUME 9
SECTION 6: Traditional Land Use Subsection 6.6: Bibliography
Bibliography
6.6.1 LITERATURE CITED
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. 2003. Footprints on the Land: Tracing the Path of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. Fort Chipewyan, Alberta.
Coutu, P. and L. Hoffman-Mercredi. 2002. Inkonze: The Stones of Traditional Knowledge: A History of Northeastern Alberta. Thunderwoman Ethnographics. Edmonton, Alberta.
Fort McKay Tribal Administration. 1982. From Where We Stand. Fort McKay First Nation. Fort McKay, Alberta.
Fort McKay Environmental Services and AGRA Environmental. 1998. Traditional Land Use Study for the Mobil Oil Kearl Lake Project. Unpublished manuscript on file, Fort McKay First Nation. Fort McKay, Alberta.
Momaday, N.S. 1976. A first American views his land. National Geographic 150.1: 13–18.
NRBS (Northern River Basins Study) Board (Canada). 1996a. Traditional knowledge (Section 3.4). Northern River Basins Study: Report to the Ministers. June 1996. Edmonton, Alberta.
NRBS Board. 1996b. First Nations/Métis issues recommendations to the Northern River Basins Study Board (Section 5.2). Northern River Basins Study: Report to the Ministers. Presented by the First Nations Committee. June 1996. Edmonton, Alberta.
Oakes, J., R. Riewe and K. Kinew. 1998. Sacred Lands: Aboriginal World Views, Claims and Conflicts. Canadian Circumpolar Institute. Edmonton, Alberta.
6.6.2 INTERNET SITES
INAC (Indian and Northern Affairs Canada). 2004. First Nations Profiles. Available at: http://pse2-esd2.ainc-inac.gc.ca/FNProfiles/FNProfiles_home.htm. Accessed: June 3, 2004. ♦
July 2005 Page 6-83 VOLUME 9
EIA Glossary
% The symbol for percent. > The symbol for greater than. < The symbol for less than. a annum Aboriginal A person who has full, partial or mixed indigenous native heritage. This can include people considered to be full status First Nations individuals, as well as those of mixed indigenous heritage or Métis. A horizon A mineral soil layer formed at or near the soil surface. This horizon forms in the zone of leaching or eluviation of materials in solution or suspension, or of maximum in-situ accumulation of organic matter or both. abiotic A modifier for nonliving elements, such as climate, geology and soil, that influence an ecosystem. access corridor A linear area containing roads, power lines, buried pipelines and communication cables to connect a project’s development to existing operations. access road A temporary or permanent route providing access to a pipeline right- of-way or to a facility that’s not open to the general public. accident See incident. accidental (vagrant) Any species occurring infrequently and unpredictably in Alberta, i.e., outside its usual range. These species might be in Alberta because of unusual weather occurrences, an accident during migration or unusual breeding behaviour by a small number of individuals. If a species appears in Alberta with increasing predictability and more frequently, it might eventually be given a different rank. Changes in Accidental/Vagrant species can be a good indicator of general ecosystem or climatic changes. ACFN Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. acid anion Negatively charged ion that does not react with hydrogen ion in the pH range of most natural waters. acid cation Hydrogen ion or metal ion that can hydrolyze water to produce hydrogen ions, e.g., ionic forms of aluminum, manganese and iron. acid deposition The process whereby acids are deposited by: wet deposition. Acids are transferred from the atmosphere by precipitation (rain, fog or snow). dry deposition. Acids are transferred directly to the earth’s surface by the flow of acid-containing air masses.
July 2005 Page 1
EIA Glossary acid neutralizing The equivalent capacity of a solution to neutralize strong acids. Acid capacity (ANC) Neutralizing Capacity can be calculated as the difference between non-marine base cations and strong anions. This is the principal variable used to quantify the acid-base status of surface waters. Acidification is often quantified by decreases in ANC, and susceptibility of surface waters to acidic deposition impacts is often evaluated on the basis of ANC. acid pulse Acid pulse (or episodic acidification) refers to a rapid drop in pH in surface waters over a short period. It typically occurs in the spring, and can result from: (1) dilution of base cations in surface waters by large volumes of runoff from snowmelt; or (2) release of acids stored in the snowpack that originated from industrial emissions. acidic A solution that has an excess of hydrogen ions (H+), i.e., a pH of less than 7. acidification A natural or anthropogenic process that decreases the acid- neutralizing capacity in water or base saturation in soil. Acidification is indicated by the lowering of pH, which can adversely affect aquatic life. activity area An area in which a specialized cultural function was done, such as hide scraping, tool manufacture, food preparation and other activities. acute A modifier for a stimulus that has a sudden onset and lasts a short (in ecology) time. It can be used to define either the exposure or the response to an exposure (effect). Acute exposure typically induces a rapid and short- lived biological response. acute exposure limit A limit used to estimate the likelihood of potential health effects as a result of short-term exposures to relatively high doses of chemical emissions. acute threshold The concentrations of a chemical or chemical group that people can be exposed to for one-hour or 24-hours without risk of adverse effects to health. additivity Each substance contributes to the same toxic effect in the same organ by the same mechanism, with the observed toxicity equal to that expected by adding the toxicities of the individual agents. admixing The dilution of topsoil with subsoil, spoil or waste material, with the result that topsoil quality is reduced. Admixing can result in adverse changes in topsoil texture, poor soil aggregation and structure, loss of organic matter and decrease in friability. adsorption The surface retention of solid, liquid or gas particles by a solid or a liquid. advection The process whereby a solute is transported by flowing groundwater. adverse effect An effect whereby there is an impairment of or damage to the environment, human health or safety, or property.
Page 2 July 2005
EIA Glossary
Ae horizon A mineral soil layer formed at or near the surface characterized by the eluviation of clay, iron, aluminum or organic matter. AENV Alberta Environment AEP See AENV. aeolian Sedimentary deposits arranged by wind, such as sand and other loose substrates in dunes. aesthetic (in water A modifier for aspects of water that are detected by the senses quality) (primarily sight and smell). aesthetic objective A Canadian guideline for the taste and smell qualities of drinking water. age-to-maturity A term that refers to the age when more than 50 percent of the individuals of a particular sex within a population reach sexual maturity. Age-to-maturity of individuals within the same population can vary considerably from the population median value. In fish species, males often reach sexual maturity at a younger age than females. agglomeration A technique that combines small particles to form larger particles. agitation tank A vessel in which slurry material is maintained in suspension by using an impeller or by recirculating the material with pumps. Ah horizon An organic soil layer containing less than 17 percent organic carbon. This horizon is usually expressed morphologically by a darkening of the surface soil. air cooler A device that lowers temperature using atmospheric air as the coolant. air quality A description of the type and amount of trace constituents in ambient air that can be described as contaminants. A contaminant (or pollutant) has the connotation of being derived from human activities. air quality risk A risk assessment that evaluates potential long-term effects on human assessment health caused by chemicals or chemical groups in air (includes gaseous compounds, metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs]). airshed A geographical area that shares one or more of the following: similar terrain, similar meteorology, similar sources or similar receptors. Alberta Ambient Air Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objective levels are established for Quality Objectives several air compounds under Section 14 of the Environmental (AAAQO) Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA). The AAAQOs form an integral part of the management of air quality in the province, and are used for reporting the state of the environment, establishing approval conditions, evaluating proposed facilities with air emissions, assessing compliance near major air emission sources and guiding monitoring programs.
July 2005 Page 3
EIA Glossary
Alberta Energy and The agency (formerly the ERCB) in Alberta that regulates most Utilities Board (EUB) energy projects in Alberta. Equivalents in other provinces or territories are: • Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources (MEMPR) [British Columbia] • National Energy Board (Northern Territories) • New Brunswick Government Department of Natural Resources and Energy (New Brunswick) • Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board (Newfoundland) • Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (Nova Scotia) • Ontario Government Ministry of Natural Resources (Ontario) • Saskatchewan Industry and Resources (SIR) [Saskatchewan] Alberta Environment Provincial ministry that looks after the following: establishes policies, (AENV) legislation, plans, guidelines and standards for environmental management and protection; allocates resources through approvals, dispositions and licenses, and enforces those decisions; ensure water infrastructure and equipment are maintained and operated effectively; and prevents, reduces and mitigates floods, droughts, emergency spills and other pollution-related incidents. Alberta Surface Water Numerical concentrations or narrative statements established to Quality Guidelines support and protect the designated uses of water. These are minimum (ASWQG) levels of quality, developed for Alberta watersheds, below which no waterbody is permitted to deteriorate. These guidelines were established as minimum levels that would allow for the most sensitive use. These concentrations represent a goal to be achieved or surpassed. Alberta Sustainable Provincial ministry that looks after the following: forest protection; Resource Development forest land and resource development; fish and wildlife management; (ASRD) range land management and land use disposition management. Alberta Vegetation A GIS mapping system and digital forest inventory that’s similar to Inventory (AVI) Phase 3 mapping at Cold Lake. It includes tree species, height, canopy closure, stand age, site conditions, and noncommercial vegetated and nonvegetated cover types. NOTE: Phase 3 mapping is a forest inventory system showing tree species, height, canopy closure, age and site rating. Alberta Wetland A GIS mapping system and digital wetland inventory that’s similar to Inventory (AWI) AVI. It is independent and includes: • wetland class • amount of vegetation cover • presence or absence of permafrost • presence or absence of internal lawns • internal lawn and vegetation cover type
Page 4 July 2005
EIA Glossary aldehyde Hydrocarbon chain compound associated with a –C-H=O single carbon bond to other chain-like hydrocarbons, e.g., aldehyde H-CHO. alkalinity A measure of water’s capacity to neutralize an acid. It indicates the presence of carbonates, bicarbonates and hydroxides and, less significantly, borates, silicates, phosphates and organic substances. It is expressed as an equivalent of calcium carbonate. The composition of alkalinity is affected by pH, mineral composition, temperature and ionic strength. However, alkalinity is normally interpreted as a function of carbonates, bicarbonates and hydroxides. The sum of these three components is called total alkalinity. alkane Hydrocarbon chain compound with fully saturated carbon-to-carbon bonds, e.g., methane, ethane. alkene Hydrocarbon chain compound with unsaturated (double) carbon-to- carbon bonds, e.g., ethylene. all-terrain vehicle Motorized equipment meant for off-road work. All-terrain vehicles (ATV) include, snowmobiles and four-wheeled ATVs, e.g., quads and Argos. alluvial Soil or earth material that has been deposited by running water, as in a riverbed, floodplain or delta. alluvial deposit Eroded soil deposited by flowing water. alluvial fan A fan-shaped deposit formed by a stream. alluvium Sediment deposited in land environments by streams. alpha diversity The diversity in a particular area or ecosystem expressed as the number of species in that system. ambient The conditions surrounding an organism or area. ambient air The part of the atmosphere that is the breathing zone for the earth’s inhabitants. Contaminants in ambient air are of concern because of their potential effects on human health, vegetation and materials. Ambient air does not usually include air quality in the workplace or in residences. ambient conditions The conditions, e.g., pressure, temperature and humidity, of the (in fluid measurement) medium surrounding the case of a meter, instrument and transducer. ambient noise A type of noise existing in an area that is not related to a facility covered by ID 99-8. Ambient noise includes sound from other industrial noise not subject to ID 99-8, transportation sources, animals and nature.
July 2005 Page 5
EIA Glossary ambient sound level The sound level that is a composite of different airborne sounds from (ASL) many sources far away from and near the point of measurement. The ASL does not include any energy-related industrial component and must be measured without it. The ASL can be measured when the sound level in an area is not felt to be represented by the basic sound levels presented in Table 2 of Guide 38. The ASL must be measured under representative conditions. As with comprehensive sound levels, representative conditions do not constitute absolute worst-case conditions, i.e., the most quiet day in this case, but conditions that portray typical conditions for the area. amine One of a class of organic compounds that can be derived from ammonia by replacing one or more hydrogens with organic radicals. amine regeneration Equipment that removes absorbed acid gases from amine to reusable unit condition for acid gas absorption. ammonia A pungent, colourless, gaseous, alkaline compound of nitrogen and hydrogen that is soluble in water, lighter than air, and can easily be condensed to a liquid by cold and pressure. amphibian Any of the class of cold-blooded vertebrates such as frogs, toads, and salamanders intermediate between fishes and reptiles; they have gilled aquatic larva and air-breathing adults. anion A negatively charged ion. annulus The space around a pipe in a wellbore, the outer wall of which might be the wall of either the wellbore or the casing. anoxia Little to no dissolved oxygen in the water sample. Waters with <2 mg/L of dissolved oxygen experience anoxia. antagonism Two substances interact such that the effect of one substance is counteracted by the other. For example, antidotes are antagonistic to the poisons they are used to treat. anthropogenic The modifier for environmental alterations resulting from human presence or activities. antiscalant An additive used in water treatment that prevents the buildup of scale, such as from calcium or iron. AOSERP Athabasca Oil Sands Environmental Research aquatic study area Defines the spatial extent directly or indirectly affected by the project. (ASA) aquiclude An impermeable stratum or material that acts as a barrier to the flow of groundwater. aquifer A water-saturated geologic unit that is capable of transmitting significant or usable quantities of groundwater under ordinary hydraulic gradients.
Page 6 July 2005
EIA Glossary aquifer The process of reducing the natural hydrostatic pressure in an aquifer. depressurization aquifer test A method of obtaining quantitative information on the hydraulic characteristics of an aquifer by removing water from the aquifer in a controlled manner and measuring the groundwater surface or piezometric response. Often referred to as a “pumping test” or “drawdown test”. aquitard A porous formation that absorbs water slowly but will not transmit it fast enough to furnish an appreciable supply for a well or a spring. arboreal Living on trees, as in arboreal lichens such as old man’s beard. ARC Alberta Research Council archaeological site A type of historical resource site that represents the evidence of past human cultures or societies. archaeology The discipline that inspects past human cultures by recovering, analyzing, describing and interpreting their remains. Argos Amphibious all-terrain vehicles, typically capable of moving across dry land, wetlands and water. armoured habitat Cobble and boulder habitat. armouring Protecting a channel from erosion by covering with protective material. aromatic Organic compounds containing a ring structure composed of six carbon atoms. Benzene is the simplest of these molecules, which are composed of a single ring with no branch chains. artesian well A well in which the water can rise to the surface by internal hydrostatic pressure. artifact Any portable object made, modified or used by humans, including tools, weapons, ceremonial items, art objects and industrial materials, and floral and faunal materials. artifact find A type of archaeological site with five or fewer artifacts. artifact scatter Any location that contains a collection of artifacts. Such a site can be identified in a surface or buried context. aspect Compass orientation of a slope as an inclined element of the ground surface. ASRD Alberta Sutainable Resource Development assay A qualitative or quantitative determination of the components of a material such as ore. assemblage A grouping of cultural materials and residues from a sampling area or unit, such as a site, pit or level. association Archaeological materials are said to be associated when they are found in close proximity in an undisturbed context.
July 2005 Page 7
EIA Glossary
At Risk Any species known to be “At Risk” after formal detailed status assessment and designation as “Endangered” or “Threatened” in Alberta. atlatl A hand-held wooden implement in which a spear shaft is placed. The resultant extension of the arm increases the velocity and accuracy of the spear itself. atmospheric boundary The layer closest to the earth’s surface, where pollutants are released layer and dispersed. This is also where the cycles of daytime heating and nighttime cooling influence atmospheric behaviour. atmospheric The process whereby gases and small particles released into the dispersion atmosphere become dispersed or separated by random eddy motions or turbulence. Turbulence results in diluting a plume as it’s mixed with the ambient air and carried downwind from the release point. atmospheric Distillation conducted at atmospheric pressure. Distillation is the distillation process of producing a gas or vapour from a liquid by heating the liquid in a vessel and collecting and condensing the vapours into liquids. atmospheric pressure The pressure caused by weight of the atmosphere on the earth’s (Patm) surface. Atmospheric pressure is usually defined in a processing agreement that covers activities at a specified location. The atmospheric pressure at sea level is defined as 101.325 kPaa. attenuation The process of reducing concentration over time through degradation, dilution or sorption. attenuation A reduction in sound level that occurs with sound propagation over (noise) distance by means of physical dissipation or absorption mechanisms, or a reduction in sound level that occurs by means of noise control measures applied to a sound source. Atterberg Limits A geometric and decimal grade scale for classifying particles in sediments based on the unit value of 2 mm and involving a fixed ration of 10 for each successive grade. Subdivisions are geometric means of the limits of each grade. auxiliary utilities Supplementary utilities, such as diesel fuel, nitrogen, plant air and steam. available drawdown The vertical distance that the equipotential surface of an aquifer can be lowered; in confined aquifers, this is to the top of the aquifer; in unconfined aquifers, this is to the bottom of the aquifer. average depth Average depth of pools, riffles and runs, based on measurements taken across one to three transects within the surveyed stream section. average linear The measure of the rate of groundwater movement through porous groundwater velocity media from one point to another. average wetted wet Average width of the water surface based on measurements taken width across three to six transects.
Page 8 July 2005
EIA Glossary
AVI Alberta Vegetation Inventory awl A pointed tool for making holes as in wood or leather. A-weighted sound The sound level as measured on a sound-level meter using a setting level that emphasizes the middle frequency components similar to the frequency response of the human ear. AXYS AXYS Environmental Consulting Ltd. B horizon A mineral soil layer characterized by enrichment in organic matter, sesquioxides or clay; or by the development of soil structure; or by a change of colour denoting hydrolysis, reduction of or oxidation. background An area not influenced by chemicals released from the site under evaluation. background The concentration of a chemical in a defined control area during a concentration fixed period before, during or after data gathering. (environmental) backwater Discrete, localized area exhibiting reverse flow direction and, generally lower stream velocity than main current. Substrate similar to adjacent channel with more fines. bankfull depth The maximum depth of a channel within a rifle segment when flowing at a bank-full discharge. Bankfull Discharge The discharge which is dominant in the channel-forming processes including erosion and deposition and creation of pools, riffles, and meanders. The discharge has a return period or recurrence interval of 1.5 to 2 years in natural channels. Typically, the bankfull discharge completely fills the stream channel up to the top of the bank before overflowing onto the floodplain. barb (tang) A sharp projection on the lateral margins of an artifact, near the base. Commonly used in describing the shoulder of a projectile point. barrels of oil Gas and natural gas liquids converted to their equivalent oil quantity, equivalent (BOE) usually based on relative energy or heat content. NOTE: Conversion factors might look like this: 10,000 cubic feet of gas = 1 BOE 1.25 bbl of natural gas = 1 BOE 1 bbl of oil = 1 BOE basal aquifer A water-bearing strata located at the lowest portion of a stratigraphical unit. basal thinning The intentional removal of small longitudinal flakes from the base of a chipped stone projectile point or knife to facilitate hafting (fitting to a shaft or handle). basalt A dark igneous rock with variable textures.
July 2005 Page 9
EIA Glossary base cation The most prevalent, exchangeable and weak acid cations in the soil including such ions as calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), potassium (K+) and sodium (Na+). baseline A surveyed condition that serves as a reference point to which later surveys are coordinated or correlated. baseline conditions Data representing existing environmental, social and economic conditions at and surrounding a project. baseline data A quantitative level or value from which other data and observations of a comparable nature are referenced. Information accumulated concerning the state of a system, process or activity before the initiation of actions that might result in changes. basic sound level The A-weighted Leq sound level commonly observed to occur in the (BSL) designated land-use categories with industrial presence. The BSL is assumed to be 5 dBA above the ambient sound level (ASL) and is set out in Table 2 of Guide 38. basin A low-lying area, wholly or largely surrounded by higher land, that (in geology) varies from a small nearly enclosed valley to an extensive, mountain- rimmed depression. bathymetry The measure of water depth at various places in a body of water. Beaver River A distinctive raw material used for many artifacts in the oil sands area Sandstone of northeastern Alberta. Likely derived from the McMurray Formation, it is named for the Beaver River Quarry site (HgOv 29), initially identified as a primary source for the material. Variation in Beaver River Sandstone suggests that numerous quarry sources exist. Because of this variation, a number of names have been applied to the material, including Beaver River Quartzite, Beaver River Sandstone, Beaver River Silicified Sandstone and, most recently, Muskeg River Silicified Limestone. bed slope The inclination of the river channel bottom. bedrock The body of rock that underlies gravel, soil or other loose superficial material. before present (BP) 1000 BP = 1000 years before 2000 AD, or about 1000 AD. benthic invertebrate Invertebrate organisms living at, in or in association with the bottom (benthic) substrate of lakes, ponds and streams. Examples of benthic invertebrates include some aquatic insect species (such as caddisfly larvae) that spend at least part of their lifestages dwelling on bottom sediments in the waterbody. These organisms play several important roles in the aquatic community. They are involved in the mineralization and recycling of organic matter produced in the water above, or brought in from external sources, and they are important second and third links in the trophic sequence of aquatic communities. Many benthic invertebrates are major food sources for fish.
Page 10 July 2005
EIA Glossary benzene (C6) An aromatic ring-type hydrocarbon or cyclic compound (C6H6) where each carbon in the ring only leaves one free bond for hydrogen. It’s used to manufacture styrene and phenol. berm A mound or wall of earth. bias A systematic error that contributes to the difference between a (in measurements) population mean of measurements or test results and an accepted reference value. biface A stone artifact flaked on both surfaces. bile An alkaline secretion of the vertebrate liver. Bile, which is temporarily stored in the gall bladder, is composed of organic salts, excretion products and bile pigments. It primarily functions to emulsify fats in the small intestine. bioaccumulation When an organism stores within its body a higher concentration of a substance than is found in the environment. This is not necessarily harmful. For example, freshwater fish must bioaccumulate salt to survive in intertidal waters. Many toxicants, such as arsenic, are not included among the dangerous bioaccumulative substances because they can be handled and excreted by aquatic organisms. bioavailability / The amount of chemical that enters the general circulation of the body bioavailable following administration or exposure. biochemical oxygen An empirical test in which standardized laboratory procedures are demand (BOD) used to determine the relative oxygen requirements of wastewaters, effluents and polluted waters. bioconcentration A process where there is a net accumulation of a chemical directly from an exposure medium into an organism. biodegrade Capable of being decomposed by biological agents. biodiversity The variety of organisms and ecosystems that comprise both the communities of organisms within particular habitats and the physical conditions under which they live. biodiversity ranking The relative contribution of an ecosite phase/wetlands type to the overall biological diversity of an area. Biodiversity Species A repository of known location information on wildlife species at risk Observation Database in Alberta, maintained by Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. (BSOD) biogenic Essential to the maintenance of life. biogenic emission A type of emission resulting from biological activity. biological indicators Any biological parameter used to indicate the response of individuals, populations or ecosystems to environmental stress. For example, growth is a biological indicator.
July 2005 Page 11
EIA Glossary biomarker A chemical, physiological or pathological measurement of exposure or effect in an individual organism from the laboratory or the field. Examples include contaminants in liver enzymes, bile and sex steroids. biome A major community of plants and animals such as the boreal forest or tundra biome. biophysical An environment that includes air, noise, aquatics (hydrogeology, environment hydrology, water quality and fisheries) and terrestrial (geology, permafrost, soils, vegetation and wildlife) conditions. biophysical unit A land unit with common vegetation communities and landforms. bioremediation The treatment of contaminants or waste (e.g., an oil spill) using microorganisms (e.g., bacteria) that break down the undesirable substances. biotic The modifier for living organisms in an ecosystem. biotic gradient The scale or continuum moving from having little living material to a very productive site. bipolar The technique of resting a core, or lithic implement on an anvil and striking the core with a percussor. Contrary to popular belief, bulbs of force are not present on both ends of bi-polar flakes or blades. This technique causes the cone of force to be shattered or severed. bitumen A highly viscous, tarry, black hydrocarbon material having an API gravity of about 8. It is a complex mixture of organic compounds. bitumen bottoms The part of bitumen having a boiling point higher than 525°C. bitumen froth Air-entrained bitumen with a froth-like appearance that is the product of the primary extraction step in the extraction process. bitumen grade The amount of bitumen in oil sands usually expressed as a percentage. blade (lamellar flake) A flake with parallel edges and a length that is equal to or twice the width. The blade classification includes prismatic blades, microblades and ridge flakes. blank (in fluid A type of barrier in a pipe or flow channel that prevents fluid from measurement) flowing within. blow down The act of emptying or depressurizing material in a vessel. BMA Bear Management Area bog A type of peatland that receives its surface moisture only from precipitation. Bogs are generally acidic and relatively low-nutrient wetlands that support a ground cover of Sphagnum mosses and lichens. boiler feed water Water that meets required quality specifications and is used in a heat- (BFW) recovery steam generator to produce steam.
Page 12 July 2005
EIA Glossary
Bonferroni confidence A simple statistical method that adjusts for multiple comparisons intervals while assuring that an overall confidence coefficient is maintained. Borden Blocks A system of organization derived by Borden (1954) that uses units (Borden System) based on subdivisions of longitude and latitude to identify archaeological site locations in Canada. Sites are referred to by a Borden number, which consists of four letters accompanied by a number, e.g., FaPq 11. The uppercase letters represent major blocks 2° by 4° in size, e.g., F = 52° to 54° latitude, P = 112° to 116° longitude. Lowercase letters denote 10° units within the major blocks, e.g., a = 0° to 10° latitude; q = 40° to 50° longitude. The numbers refer to specific site locations within the units, and are assigned sequentially to all sites identified within the 10° by 10° unit. In Alberta, Borden numbers are assigned by the Heritage Resource Management Branch of Alberta Community Development. borehole A hole drilled into the ground using a drilling rig, with the hole to be used to determine the surficial geological stratigraphy. bottom sediments Substrates that lie at the bottom of a body of water. For example, the soft mud, silt, sand, gravel, rock and organic litter that make up a river bottom. bottom-feeding fish Fish that feed on the substrates and/or organisms associated with the river bottom. boundary condition A specified value of hydraulic head (specified head cell), specified groundwater inflow or outflow (zero hydraulic gradient, groundwater recharge or well), or a specified relationship between hydraulic head and groundwater flow (general head boundary, recharge-seepage face or river). Boundary conditions are required at the boundaries of the model domain. brackish water Water with total dissolved solids between 1000 and 10,000 mg/L. braided A term for an active channel zone with diverging and converging channels separated by unvegetated sand or gravel bars. Many channels are dry at moderate and low flows, but fill with water during floods. brine Water that contains high concentrations of soluble salts with a mineralization greater than 100,000 mg/L total dissolved solids. broadcast seeding A method of sowing seed using a machine with a rotating fan-like distributor. brown water Freshwaters containing elevated amounts of humic materials, which impart a yellow-brown colour to the water. Dissolved organic carbon concentrations in brown water lakes and streams usually range from 10 to 40 mg/L.
July 2005 Page 13
EIA Glossary
Brunisol A modifier for soils in which the horizons are developed sufficiently to exclude the soils from the Regosolic order, but lack the degrees or kinds of horizon development specified for soils of the other orders. These soils, which occur under a wide variety of climatic and vegetative conditions, all have Bm or Btj horizons. bryophyte Plants, including mosses, liverworts and hornworts, which are characterized by their lack of vascular tissues and some other terrestrial adaptations of vascular plants. BSOD Biodiversity Species Observation Database Bt horizon A mineral soil layer characterized by clay accumulation. Btj horizon A mineral soil layer enriched with silicate clay. Buffer Zones A transition zone between areas managed for different objectives. buffering capacity The ability of a buffer solution to absorb protons or hydroxide ions without a significant change in pH. buried channel A type of old channel concealed by surficial deposits. buried valley A type of bedrock depression covered by younger deposits. bush economy Representing some of the value of a traditional life, considering hunting, trapping, berry collection and other activities. butane (C4) A hydrocarbon that occurs in natural gas and is produced by cracking petroleum. It’s sometimes added to propane and sold as bottled gas but is mostly used to make synthetic rubber and latex paints. °C degrees Celsius C horizon A mineral soil layer comparatively unaffected by the soil-forming processes operating in the A and B horizons. C14 age dating A method of dating items containing natural carbonaceous materials based on the known half-life of the Carbon 14 isotope. cairn A type of monument or landmark, represented by a mound of stones. calcareous A science and technology term used to describe geological materials that have a significant component of calcium carbonate, e.g., limestone. calcium (Ca) A soft greyish-white metallic element of the alkaline-earth group occurring naturally in limestone and chalk. Its ions and salts are essential to life. calcium carbonate A white insoluble solid compound occurring naturally as chalk, (CaCO3) limestone, marble and calcite and used in manufacturing lime and cement. calendar day A measure of time consisting of 24 hours from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Page 14 July 2005
EIA Glossary
CALGRID An Eulerian photochemical transport and dispersion model that includes modules for horizontal and vertical advection/diffusion, dry deposition and a detailed photochemical mechanism. CALMET A meteorological model that includes a diagnostic wind field generator containing objective analysis and parameterized treatments of slope flow, kinematic terrain effects, terrain blocking effects with a divergence minimization procedure, and a micrometeorological model for overland and overwater boundary layers. CALPUFF A non-steady Lagrangian Gaussian Puff Model containing modules for complex terrain effects, overwater transport interaction effects, building downwash, wet and dry removal, and simple chemical transformation. calibration The process of adjusting an instrument to conform with a certified reference calibration standard, thus providing accurate values over the instrument’s prescribed operating range. calibration tank See calibrating tank. Cambrian Formation The system of strata deposited during the oldest period of the Paleozoic Era. campsite A location containing artifacts that are more patterned in their (in archaeology) distribution, including evidence of a fireplace or hearth and other culturally modified materials such as lithics, faunal remains, ceramics and structural remains. Such a site can be identified in a surface or buried context. Canadian Water Numerical concentrations or narrative statements recommended to Quality Guidelines support and maintain a designated water use in Canada. The (CWQG) guidelines contain recommendations for chemical, physical, radiological and biological parameters necessary to protect and enhance designated uses of water. cancer A disease characterized by the rapid and uncontrolled growth of aberrant cells into malignant tumours. canopy An overhanging cover, shelter or shade. The tallest layer of vegetation in an area. carbon An element that is the foundation of all life. All organic substances, by definition, contain carbon. The compounds that comprise living tissues are made of carbon atoms arranged in chains or rings and associated with many other elements. (See organic carbon.) carbonate The CO3-2 ion in the carbonate buffer system. The carbonate ion (in chemistry) forms a solid precipitant when combined with dissolved ions of calcium of magnesium. carbonate rock A rock, such as limestone, composed of at least 50 percent carbonates. carbon dioxide (CO2) A colourless, odourless, tasteless gas about 1.5 times as dense as air.
July 2005 Page 15
EIA Glossary carbon dioxide A measure that allows the global warming potential of various equivalent (CO2E) greenhouse gases to be represented by a corresponding amount of carbon dioxide. Gas emissions, e.g., methane emissions, are converted to the amount of carbon dioxide that would result in the equivalent global warming potential. carbonate The CO3 –2 ion in the carbonate buffer system. The carbonate ion forms a solid precipitant when combined with dissolved ions of calcium or magnesium. carbonyl sulphide A chemical compound of the aldehyde group containing a carbonyl (COS) group and sulphur. It is sometimes a contaminant in natural gas and NGL and might need to be removed to ensure the product meets sulphur specifications. carcinogen An agent that is reactive or toxic enough to act directly to cause cancer. cardinal directions North, south, east and west. carpet An area of loosely consolidated peat, extending only slightly above (vegetation) the water surface. carrying capacity The maximum population size that can be supported by the available resources. CASA Clean Air Strategic Alliance catalyst A substance that reduces the peak activation energy required for a chemical reaction, such as by allowing the reaction to occur at a lower temperature. catchment area An area in which surface runoff collects and from which it is carried by a drainage system, such as a river or its tributaries. catch-per-unit effort A measure of the effort (over time or distance) expended to capture fish. This permits quantification (number of fish per hour or per unit distance) of abundance. cation The chemical term for a positively charged atom or group of atoms, or a radical that moves to the negative pole (cathode) during electrolysis. cation exchange The interaction between a cation in solution and another on the surface of any surface-active material in the soil, such as clay colloids or organic matter. cation exchange The total amount of exchangeable cations that a soil can adsorb at a capacity given pH, expressed in centimols of positive charge per kilogram of soil (cmol(+) /kg). CEMA Cumulative Environmental Management Association centre reject A non-bituminous baring material found within a central zone of the oil sands ore body. ceramics Clay artifacts, such as vessels, that have been intentionally fired.
Page 16 July 2005
EIA Glossary cervid Of the family Cervidae, which includes elk, deer, moose and caribou. Cg horizon A mineral soil layer with C horizon characteristics and grey colours or prominent mottling or both. chalcedony A cryptocrystalline variety of quartz composed predominantly of silica and having the near luster of paraffin wax. Can be transparent or translucent and various tints. channel The bed of a stream or river. channel cover The vegetation that projects over the channel width of a stream and material that is in the stream. It is recorded as the percent of the channel width covered within a 50 m section of the stream at each site. Channel cover is arbitrarily divided into three levels: • Crown: vegetation >1 m above the water surface • Overhanging: vegetation <1 m above the water surface • Instream: material (debris, stumps, fallen trees) in the stream that can provide cover for fish channel unit Distinct channel sections with specific characteristics of water depth, velocity and cover for fish. chemicals of potential Chemicals or chemical groups emitted from the Project that are fully concern (COPCs) evaluated in the risk assessment. These chemicals are selected through a comprehensive chemical screening process in which Project Case chemical concentrations are compared to Existing and Approved Case concentrations, regulatory guidelines and risk-based concentrations for the protection of human health. chert A hard, sedimentary rock, consisting mainly of interlocking quartz crystals. Chironomids A taxonomic family of invertebrates consisting of flies referred to as non-biting midges. The larval stage is aquatic and is included in the benthic invertebrate community. chi-square analysis A statistical test to determine if the patterns exhibited by data could have been produced by chance. chlorisis Loss or reduction of green plant pigment (generally yellowing) or chlorophyll. chlorophyll a One of the green pigments in plants. It is a photo-sensitive pigment that is essential for the conversion of inorganic carbon, e.g., carbon dioxide, and water into organic carbon, e.g., sugar. The concentration of chlorophyll a in water is an indicator of algal concentration. chopper A natural pebble or cobble with a crude, steep cutting edge formed by unifacial percussion flaking.
July 2005 Page 17
EIA Glossary chronic (in ecology) A modifier for a stimulus that’s lingering or continues for a long time; often signifies periods from several weeks to years, depending on the reproductive life cycle of an aquatic species. It can be used to define either the exposure or the response to an exposure (effect). Chronic exposure typically induces a biological response of relatively slow progress and long continuance. chronic toxicity The development of adverse effects after an extended exposure to relatively small quantities of a chemical. chronic toxicity unit Measurement of long-duration toxicity that produces an adverse effect (TUc) on organisms. Ck horizon A mineral soil layer with C horizon characteristics, as well as the presence of carbonate. cladoceran A zoology term used to describe minute, chiefly freshwater branchiopod crustaceans (water fleas), of Cladocera order. class area (ca) The total area of each patch type, or of the total undisturbed landscape area (in hectares). This provides a direct summary of area for comparison of losses due to disturbances, that either decreases the total amount of undisturbed land, or which changes patch types from one type to another. classification (soil) The systematic arrangement of soils into categories and classes on the basis of their characteristics. Broad groupings are based on general characteristics, and subdivisions are based on detailed differences in specific properties. clearcut modifier An AVI stand condition modifier presents additional information about the condition of the stand. A clearcut modifier (CC) indicates a result from timber harvesting, either clear or selective harvesting, depending on extent (AEP 1991). Clearwater Formation The location within the Mannville Group containing the largest bitumen resource on Imperial Oil leases. climax The culminating stage in plant succession for a given site where the vegetation has reached a stable condition. climax community The culminating stage in plant succession for a given site where the vegetation has reached a stable condition. climax forest A community of plants that will eventually grow and remain dominant in an area. cline A gradual change in a feature across the distributional range of a species or population. closed-circuit A process in which potentially contaminated water is not discharged operation into a receiving stream but is reused. Any water lost during the process through evaporation or binding with some material is replaced by make-up water.
Page 18 July 2005
EIA Glossary closed-loop recycling Recycling or reusing wastewater for non-potable purposes in an enclosed process. closure The point after shutdown of operations when regulatory certification is received and the area is returned to the Crown. cm centimetre
CO2 carbon dioxide coarse The modifier for the texture exhibited by sands, loamy sands and (in soils) sandy loams, except very fine sandy loam. coefficient of variation Standardized index of the variability of a value relative to the mean value. cofferdam A temporary dam-like structure constructed around an excavation to exclude water. cogeneration The process of simultaneous on-site generation of electrical power and process steam or heat from the same plant. colluvium Any loose, heterogeneous and incoherent material deposited at the base of slopes by rain or creep. community A term that pertains to plant or animal species living in close (in ecology) association or interacting as a unit. compaction The process of pore space reduction in soil or sediments from heavier overlying material weighing the soil down. compensation The replacement of natural habitat, increase in the productivity of (fisheries) existing habitat or maintenance of fish production by artificial means in circumstances dictated by social and economic conditions, where mitigation techniques and other measures are not adequate to maintain habitat for Canada’s fisheries resources. complex A consistently recurring assemblage of artifacts or traits that might be indicative of a specific set of activities, or a common cultural tradition. complex stand A stand (group of trees) composed of stems with a high variation in height. The canopy does not exhibit distinct layers. concentration A quantifiable amount, as mass or volume, of a chemical in environmental media such as air, water, soils, organisms or tissues (e.g., mg/L, mg/kg, mg/m3, ppm). conceptual model A model developed at an early stage of the risk assessment process that describes a series of working hypotheses of how the chemicals of concern can affect potentially exposed populations. The model identifies the populations potentially at risk along with the relevant exposure pathways and scenarios.
July 2005 Page 19
EIA Glossary condition factor A measure of the relative “fitness” of an individual or population of fishes by examining the mathematical relationship between growth in length relative to growth in weight. In populations where increases in length are matched by increases in weight, the growth is said to be isometric. Allometric growth, the most common situation in wild populations, occurs when increases in either length or weight are disproportionate. conditioning drums Large, inclined cylindrical tumblers that rotate slowly, used for preparing (conditioning) oil sands for primary extraction by mixing it with hot water and steam. conductivity The measure of a waterbody’s capacity to conduct an electrical current. It is the reciprocal of resistance. This measurement provides the limnologist with an estimate of the total concentration of dissolved ionic matter in the water. Measurement of conductivity provides a quick check of the alteration of total water quality due to adding pollutants to the water. cone of depression A term used to describe the depression of the water table or potentiometric surface. It defines a well’s area of influence as groundwater is pumped. configuration The location and arrangement of landscape elements. confined aquifer A saturated geologic unit that is constrained from above and below by deposits of significantly lower permeability, i.e., several orders of magnitude. This results in a groundwater level (hydraulic head) usually exceeding atmospheric pressure and above the top of the aquifer. conifers White spruce, black spruce, balsam fir, jack pine and tamarack. connate water Water entrapped in the opening or space of a sedimentary rock at the time of its deposition. connectivity A measure of how connected or spatially continuous a corridor or matrix is. CONRAD Canadian Oil Sands Network for Research and Development. conservative approach A process whereby protective assumptions are incorporated to ensure that risk will not be underestimated. conservative Assumptions or values that are selected to represent the worst assumptions possible case. These assumptions are used when information is uncertain or when there are a range of possible values that can be used. consolidation The gradual reduction in volume of a soil or semi-solid mass. context A type of spatial, temporal and cultural relationship between (in archaeology) archaeological items and samples within a site and the environment in which they are found. The context of cultural samples is the basis for interpreting cultural activities and significance.
Page 20 July 2005
EIA Glossary contour A line that connects points of equal values, e.g., elevation, with (in mapping) reference to a datum. control The treatment in an experiment with the absence of the variable under (in an experiment) study. A control provides a standard for comparison to determine the effect of the variable. convective A condition where turbulence is enhanced due to intense solar meteorological heating, e.g., during a hot summer afternoon. condition convergence tolerance The permissible difference between computed hydraulic heads for successive computer calculations when calculating the hydraulic heads using a numerical groundwater flow model. The convergence tolerance is set to a small value to give an acceptable mass balance error. core A blocky nucleus of stone from which flakes or blades have been removed. core Intentional flake wastage in the process of further flake removal. reduction/rejuvenation Flakes exhibit the remnants of past platforms and are removed by (trimming flakes) percussion or pressure techniques. They can be further separated into transverse or lateral trimming flakes depending on their point of impact. corridor A travel route allowing animals to migrate from one faunal region to another. corrosion The effect of metals deteriorating due to galvanic or chemical action. corrosion scale Substances that prevent the buildup of metal oxides produced by inhibitors corrosion. cortex Fresh surface of a nodule that has been altered by weathering. COSEWIC Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada cratering The act of creating depressions, or craters in the snow when foraging for food. Usually done by elk or other ungulates. craton A portion of a continent that has not been subjected to major deformation for a prolonged time, typically since Precambrian or early Paleozic time. creek A branch or small tributary of a river. Cretaceous The modifier for a geologic time that is the youngest period of the Mesozoic Era.
July 2005 Page 21
EIA Glossary critical load A quantitative estimate of an exposure to one or more pollutants below which significant harmful effects on specified sensitive elements of the environment do not occur according to present knowledge. For waterbody acidification, the critical load represents an estimate of the amount of acidic deposition below which significant adverse changes are not expected to occur in a lake’s ecosystem. crop tree regeneration The renewal of a forest or stand of trees by natural or artificial means, usually white spruce, jack pine or aspen. Crown land An area where mineral rights are owned by the federal or provincial governments in Canada. crude oil Unrefined liquid hydrocarbon. CT consolidated tailings cubic decametres A metric measure of volume equal to 1000 m3 of liquid, usually (dam3) water. cubic metre A metric unit for reporting volume, expressed as m3 at 15°C and 101.325 kPaa. cubic metres per day A measure of oil production or processing rate. (m3/d) cubic metres per The standard measure of water flow in rivers (i.e., the volume of second (m3/s) water in cubic metres that passes a given point in one second). culture The sum of man’s non-biological behavioural traits: learned, patterned and adaptive. cumulative effects The assessment of the effects of one project with consideration of assessment (CEA) current conditions, other existing projects, other approved projects and typically, other planned projects. Cumulative An association of oil sands industry, other industry, regional Environmental community representatives, regulatory agencies and other Management stakeholders designed to develop systems to manage cumulative Association (CEMA) effects associated with developments in the Oil Sands Region. cyclo- A prefix modifier describing a hydrocarbon ring or cyclic compound of saturated or unsaturated carbon to carbon bonds, e.g., cyclohexane (C6H12). cyclofeeder A vertical, open-topped cylindrical vessel with a conical bottom. Cyclofeeders are used to mix oil sands with warm water, forming a slurry that can be pumped via a pipeline to Extraction. Warm water is introduced through horizontal ports at the bottom of the vessel’s vertical portion to produce a vortex inside the vessel, into which incoming oil sands falls. The energy imparted to the oil sands forms a slurry that is withdrawn at the bottom of the cone.
Page 22 July 2005
EIA Glossary
Darcy’s Law A law describing the rate of flow of water through porous media. (Named for Henry Darcy of Paris who formulated it in 1856 from extensive work on the flow of water through sand filter beds). deaerator A device in which oxygen, carbon dioxide and other non-condensable gases are removed from boiler feed water, steam condensate or a process stream. debitage Waste by-products from tool manufacture. decibel (dB) A unit of measure for sound pressure that compresses a large range of numbers into a more meaningful scale. Hearing tests indicate that the lowest audible pressure is approximately 2 x 10-5 Pa (0 dB), while the sensation of pain is approximately 2 x 102 Pa (140 dB). Generally, an increase of 10 dB is perceived as twice as loud. decibel adjusted (dBA) The decibel (dB) sound-pressure level filtered to approximate human hearing response. decommissioning The act of taking a processing plant or facility out of service and isolating equipment to prepare for routine maintenance work, suspending or abandoning. demineralizer Equipment in which mineral constituents are removed from water. dendritic drainage A stream system that branches irregularly in all directions with the pattern tributaries joining with the main stream at all angles. density The ratio of an object’s mass to its volume. Density varies as temperature changes and is therefore generally expressed as the mass per unit volume at a specified temperature. Department of Responsible for policies and programs in support of Canada's Fisheries and Oceans economic, ecological and scientific interests in oceans and inland (DFO) waters; for the conservation and sustainable utilization of Canada's (now Fisheries and fisheries resources in marine and inland waters; for leading and Oceans Canada) facilitating federal policies and program on oceans; and for safe effective and environmentally sound marine services responsive to the needs of Canadians in a global economy. deposit Material left in a new position by a natural transporting agent such as water, wind, ice or gravity, or by the activity of man. deposition The process whereby dispersed particles land on soil and plants, hosts (in air quality) and nonhosts. deposition The product of the layering or accumulation of any material. (in geology) depositional Gentle slope with fines. depressurization The process of reducing the pressure in an aquifer, by withdrawing water from it. depuration Loss of accumulated chemical residues from an organism placed in clean water or clean solution.
July 2005 Page 23
EIA Glossary desulphurization A process in which sulphur compounds are removed from a gas or liquid hydrocarbon stream. See also “Flue Gas Desulphurization”. detection limit (dl) The lowest concentration at which individual measurement results for a specific analyte are statistically different from a blank (that might be zero) with a specified confidence level for a given method and representative matrix. detoxification To decrease the toxicity of a compound. Bacteria decrease the toxicity of resin and fatty acids in mill effluent by metabolizing or breaking down these compounds; enzymes like the EROD or P4501A proteins begin the process of breaking down and metabolizing many “oily” compounds by adding an oxygen atom. detrended An ordination technique used to visually determine species and site correspondence relationships. analysis (dca) development area Any area altered to an unnatural state. This represents all land and water areas included within activities associated with the development of oil sands leases. Devonian A period of the Paleozoic era thought to have covered the span of time between 400 and 345 million years ago; also, the corresponding system of rocks. dew point The temperature and pressure at which a liquid, e.g., water vapour, begins to condense out of a gas. dewatering Removal of groundwater from a geological formation using wells or drainage ditch systems. diagenesis Process involving physical and chemical changes in groundwater, e.g., includes solution of soluble minerals, cation exchange between groundwater and rock, ions diffusion. diagnostic artifact A type of artifact that can be related to a specific period or cultural complex, identified by its form, style or material type. The diagnostic artifact is the basis for interpreting the relative cultural or temporal association of a cultural assemblage. diameter at breast The diameter of a tree 1.5 m above the ground on the uphill side of height (DBH) the tree. diatom The common name for algae composing the class Bacillariophyceae. It is noted for the symmetry and sculpturing of the siliceous cell walls. diatomaceous earth A yellow, white or light grey, siliceous, porous deposit made of the opaline shells of diatoms. It is used as a filter aid, paint filler, adsorbent, abrasive and thermal insulator.
Page 24 July 2005
EIA Glossary diesel PM A complex mixture of airborne particles and gases released from diesel combustion. Individual particles are composed of elemental carbon with organic compounds, e.g., VOCs and PAHs, and small amounts of sulfate, nitrate, metals and other trace elements adsorbed to the surface. digital elevation model A type of model whereby a three-dimensional grid represents the (DEM) height of a landscape above a given datum. diluent The diluting agent such as a light liquid hydrocarbon added to bitumen to lower viscosity and density. direct economic The financial effect of a project that results in such things as hiring impact staff and paying wages, generating business income and making payments to government, e.g., taxes and royalties. direct employment A term describing employment created by a project. direct income A term describing business and personal income generated by a project’s construction and operation. discharge In a stream or river, the volume of water that flows past a given point in a unit of time, e.g., cubic meters per second. discharge zone An area in which subsurface water is discharged to the land surface, a water body or the atmosphere. disclimax A type of climax community that is maintained by either continuous or intermittent disturbance to a severity that the natural climax vegetation is altered. dispersal routes The travel route of an animal from its birth site or breeding site. dispersion The process whereby solute spreads with the surrounding groundwater along and perpendicular to a flow path due to diffusion and physical mixing. dispersion model A set of mathematical relationships used to describe the rise and subsequent dispersion of a plume as it’s transported by the wind. These relationships are given coded names, e.g., SCREEN3 and CALPUFF and used by a computer model. disposition A term to describe rights granted by the government to an individual, company or organization to undertake an activity on a particular tract of land. dissolved organic The dissolved portion of organic carbon water; made up of humic carbon (DOC) substances and partly degraded plant and animal materials. dissolved oxygen Measurement of the concentration of dissolved (gaseous) oxygen in (DO) the water, usually expressed in milligrams per litre (mg/L). distillation The process of producing a gas or vapour from a liquid by heating the liquid in a vessel and collecting and condensing the vapours into liquids.
July 2005 Page 25
EIA Glossary disturbance A cultural deposit is said to be disturbed when the original sequence (in archaeology) of deposition has been altered. Examples of agents of disturbance include erosion, plant or animal activity, cultivation and excavation. disturbance A force that causes significant change in structure and/or composition (terrestrial) of a habitat. disturbance area (DA) The area of disturbance (hectares) in a fragmentation and heterogeneity analysis. disturbance coefficient The effectiveness of the habitat within the disturbance zone of influence in fulfilling the requirements of a species. disturbance zone of The maximum distance to which a disturbance, e.g., traffic noise, is influence felt by a species. disturbed land A modifier for land on which excavation has occurred or on which overburden has been deposited, or both. diversity (in ecology) The variety, distribution and abundance of different plant and animal communities and species within an area. dose The amount of a substance that is ingested, inhaled, or applied to the skin (expressed in units of mg per kg body weight per day). dose response The quantitative relationship between exposure of an organism to a chemical and the extent of the adverse effect resulting from that exposure. dose response The fundamental principle in toxicology, based on the assumption principle that the response of a specific organism to a chemical is directly related to the amount of chemical that is received by the organism. drainage Water in a given surface area that flows off by stream or subsurface (in geology) conduits. drainage A term that refers to the frequency and duration of periods when the (in soils) soil is not saturated. Terms used are: • rapidly drained • well drained • moderately drained • imperfectly drained • poorly drained very poorly drained drainage basin The total area that contributes water to a stream. drake A male duck. drawdown Lowering of water level caused by pumping. It is measured for a given quantity of water pumped during a specified period, or after the pumping level has become constant.
Page 26 July 2005
EIA Glossary drawdown cone A conical groundwater surface created in an unconfined aquifer due to pumping, or an imaginary conical surface indicating pressure relief in a confined aquifer due to pumping. drift density The number of organisms per m3 of stream water. drift deposits Any sediment laid down by, or in association with, the activity of glaciers and ice sheets. drill / perforator A pointed, edge-retouched tool that is rotated on the long axis for the purpose of drilling usually into wood or bone. drill stem tester (DST) A device used in a borehole to measure hydraulic properties of a tested interval and/or to collect fluid samples. dry deposition The process whereby contaminants are removed from the atmosphere by direct contact with surface features such as vegetation. This process is sometimes expressed as a flux in units of kg/ha/a (kilograms of contaminant per hectare of land-surface area per year). dry landscape A reclamation approach that involves dewatering or incorporation of reclamation fine tailings into a solid deposit capable of being reclaimed as a land surface or a wetlands. dyke An embankment built to hold semi-solids or fluids. echolocation High frequency sounds (25 to 120 kHz) produced by bats that are beyond the range of human hearing (20 Hz to 25 kHz). These sounds are produced with great intensity. Echoes resulting from sound returning from objects in the bat’s environment provide information to the bat. ecodistricts Landscape units that represent similar geology, landform and vegetation characteristics that best reflect overall patterns of landscape features. ecofact Nonartifactual evidence from the past that has cultural relevance; e.g., pollen. ecological land A hierarchical classification system that classifies land units based on classification (ELC) an analysis of the vegetation, soils, site conditions and site productivity. The three levels of classification are: ecosite ecosite phase plant community ecology A branch of science concerned with the inter-relationship of organisms and their environments. ecoregion An ecological area that has broad similarities in soil, relief and dominant vegetation. ecosection Clearly recognizable landforms such as river valleys and wetlands at a broad level of generalization.
July 2005 Page 27
EIA Glossary ecosites Ecological units that develop under similar environmental influences (climate, moisture and nutrient regime). Ecosites are groups of one or more ecosite phases that occur within the same portion of the moisture/nutrient grid. Ecosite is a functional unit defined by the moisture and nutrient regime. It is not tied to specific landforms or plant communities, but is based on the combined interaction of biophysical factors that together dictate the availability of moisture and nutrients for plant growth. ecosite phase A subdivision of the ecosite based on the dominant tree species in the canopy. Where there is no tree canopy, i.e., in shrubby and graminoid phases, the tallest structural vegetation layer determines the ecosite phase. ecosystem A single functional system that includes all living organisms and nonliving factors such as sunlight, temperature, moisture, soil, mineral elements, topography and all their interactions. ecotone The transition of physical and biological characteristics, from one community to the next. edaphic A modifier in ecology that pertains to soil, particularly with respect to its influence on plant growth and other organisms together with climate. edaphic community A plant group that results from or is influenced by soil factors such as salinity and drainage. edge Where different plant communities meet in space on a landscape, and where plant communities meet a disturbance. An outer band of a patch that usually has an environment significantly different from the interior of the patch. edge effect An ecological effect associated with patch edges. An outer band of a plant community that usually has an environment significantly different from the interior of the plant community. edge species A species found only or primarily near the perimeter of a patch. effective drainage area The part of a watershed area that contributes to surface runoff. effective porosity The ratio of the volume of void space through which water can travel to the total volume. effluent Stream of water (often treated wastewater) discharging from a source. e.g. exempli gratia EIA environmental impact assessment Ekman dredge A grabbing device for collecting benthic invertebrates and vegetation samples from the bottom substrates of lakes, ponds and streams.
Page 28 July 2005
EIA Glossary
Elder A person in an Aboriginal community who is considered to have reached a sufficient level of experience to act as an advisor to the Aboriginal band or community. Elders are generally people older than the age of 50 or 60, depending on the specific definition of the Aboriginal group concerned. electrical conductivity A measure of how well a material accommodates the transport of electrical charge. In the case of soluble ions, electrical conductivity is measured in milliSiemens per centimeter (mS/cm). electrofishing A live-fish capture technique in which negative (anode) and positive (cathode) electrodes are placed in the water and an electrical current is passed between the electrodes. Fish are attracted (galvano-taxis) to the anode and become stunned (galvano-narcosis) by the current, allowing fish to be collected, measured and released. elevation Measurement of the height of the land above sea level. eluvial horizon A soil layer formed by transporting soil material in suspension or in solution within the soil by the downward or lateral movement of water. eluviation The process of transporting soil material in suspension or in solution within the soil by the downward or lateral movement of water. end pit lake A man-made lake, used to fill a mine pit area into which the remaining fine tailings at the end of mine might be discharged and stored under a water cap. See Pit Lake. endangered A species facing immediate extinction or extirpation. endemic species The term for a species restricted to a certain country or area. endogamy Marriage within one’s own tribe or similar unit. energy equivalent The average A-weighted sound level over a specified period of time. sound level (Leq) It is a single-number representation of the cumulative acoustical energy measured over a time interval. The time interval used should be specified in parentheses following the Leq; e.g., Leq (9) is a 9-hour Leq. If a sound level is constant over the measurement period, the Leq will equal the constant sound level where f is the fraction of time the constant level L is present. entrenchment ratio The ratio of the width of the flood-prone area to the surface width of the bankfull channel that is used to describe the degree of vertical containment of a river channel. environment The complex of physical, chemical and biotic factors, such as climate, (biophysical) soil and living things, that act on an organism or an ecological community and ultimately determine its form and survival. environment (human) The aggregate of social and cultural conditions that influence the life of an individual or community.
July 2005 Page 29
EIA Glossary environmental impact A review of the effects that a proposed development will have on the assessment (EIA) local and regional environment. environmental A plan developed by a decision-unit manager or designate that’s management plan aligned with the company-wide environmental business plan to address: environmental aspects environmental goals, performance indicators and targets environmental projects and programs to achieve regulatory compliance and continuous improvement roles and responsibilities timeframes to achieve environmental goals and targets environmental media One of the major categories of material found in the physical environment that surrounds or contacts organisms, e.g., surface water, groundwater, soil, food or air, and through which chemicals can move and reach the organism. Environmental The purpose of the act is to support and promote the protection, Protection and enhancement and wise use of the environment. Enhancement Act (EPEA) (Alberta) environmental setting A quantitative level or value from which other data and observations of a comparable nature are referenced. Information accumulated concerning the state of a system, process or activity before the initiation of actions that can result in changes. eolian A designation of rocks and soils whose constituents have been carried and laid down by atmospheric currents. ephemeral A phenomenon or feature that lasts only a short time (e.g., an ephemeral stream is only present for short periods during the year). epilimnion A freshwater zone of relatively warm water in which mixing occurs as a result of wind action and convection currents. epilyxic A plant that typically grows on decaying wood. epiphyseal plate The area where the metacarpal and phalange meet in an animal’s foot. epiphyte A plant, such as lichens or orchids, that grows on another plant but depends on it only for physical support, not for nutrients. episodic acidification Also referred to as a spring acid pulse, this natural phenomena occurs commonly in surface waters and is usually a response to snowmelt or rainfall. Industrial sources can contribute to this depression of pH and increase the recovery period. equilibrium vapour The pressure at which a liquid and its vapour are in equilibrium at a pressure given temperature. era A division of geologic time, comprising one or more periods, e.g., (in geology) Mesozoic Era.
Page 30 July 2005
EIA Glossary
EROD Used to measure fish exposure to chemicals, particularly polycyclic (7-ethoxyresorufin aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). It is a biomarker that measures the 0-de ethylase) activity of an enzyme that metabolizes PAHs. erosion The process by which material, such as rock or soil, is worn away or removed by wind or water. escarpment A cliff or steep slope at the edge of an upland area. The steep face of a river valley. eskers Long, narrow bodies of sand and gravel deposited by a subglacial stream running between ice walls or in an ice tunnel, left behind after melting of the ice of a retreating glacier. ethane (C2) A hydrocarbon gas that’s used as a fuel and refrigerant. eutrophic A modifier for a lake with high primary productivity based on measures of nutrients, chlorophyll a and fauna. evaporation The process by which water is changed from a liquid to a vapour. evaporation (lake) Evaporation that occurs from a lake surface. evapotranspiration A measure of the ability of the atmosphere to remove water from a location through the processes of evaporation and water loss from plants (transpiration). evapotranspiration, Evapotranspiration that occurs over a given area. areal evapotranspiration, The maximum quantity of water capable of being evaporated from the potential soil and transpired from the vegetation of a specified region in a given time interval under existing climatic conditions. evenness The relative abundance of species; measured using the Shannon Weiner Index. exotic/alien Any species that has been introduced as a result of human activities. exposure The contact reaction between a chemical and a biological system, or organism. Estimated dose of chemical that is received by a particular receptor via a specific exposure pathway, e.g., ingestion, inhalation, expressed as the amount of chemical received, per body weight, per unit time,i.e., mg/kg/day. exposure assessment The second step in the risk assessment process. It estimates the amount of a chemical a person can take into his or her body (referred to as a dose) through all applicable exposure pathways. The dose of a chemical depends on the concentrations in air, water, soil, fish, plants and animals; the amount of time a person is in contact with these media, and the biological characteristics of the person, e.g., ingestion rate, body weight, food preferences. exposure pathway or The route by which a receptor comes into contact with a chemical or route physical agent. Examples of exposure pathways include: ingestion of water, food and soil, inhalation of air and dust, and dermal absorption.
July 2005 Page 31
EIA Glossary exposure ratio (ER) The ratio between the amount of a chemical or chemical group that is taken into the body (the exposure) and the amount of a chemical that can be taken in without it adversely affecting health (the toxicity reference value). No risk is predicted if the exposure ratio is less than or equal to one. exposure limit A prescribed time where the dose of a chemical is expected to be without effect in sensitive receptors following exposure. exposure pathway The route by which the chemicals of potential concern can reach receptors. extinct A species that no longer exists. extirpated A species no longer existing in the wild in Canada, but exists elsewhere in the world. fate In the context of the study of contaminants, fate refers to the chemical form of a contaminant when it enters the environment and the compartment of the ecosystem in which that chemical is primarily concentrated, e.g., water or sediments. Fate also includes transport of the chemical within the ecosystem (via water, air or mobile biota) and the potential for food chain accumulation. fauna An association of animals living in a particular place or at a particular time. faunal remains Bones and other animal parts found in archaeological sites. feature A nonportable product of human workmanship, including structural (in archaeology) remains, hearths, stone alignments or other associated objects. fecundity The most common measure of reproductive potential in fishes determined by the number of eggs in the ovary of a female fish. It is most commonly measured in gravid fish. Fecundity increases with the size of the female. fen A minerotropic peat-forming wetlands type that receives surface moisture from precipitation and groundwater. Fens are less acidic than bogs, deriving most of their water from groundwater rich in calcium and magnesium. Fibric Terric Mesisol A soil with the general properties of the Organic order and Mesisol great group, with a terric layer (an unconsolidated mineral layer at least 30 cm thick) beneath the surface layer, as well as a fibric layer. Fibrisol A great group of soils in the Organic order (according to the Canadian system of soil classification) that are saturated for most of the year. The soils have a dominantly fibric middle tier, or (if a terric, lithic, hydric or cryic contact occurs in the middle tier) middle and surface tiers.
Page 32 July 2005
EIA Glossary filterable residue Materials in water that pass through a standard-size filter (often 0.45 µm). This is a measure of the “total dissolved solids” (TDS), i.e., chemicals that are dissolved in the water or that are in a particulate form smaller than the filter size. These chemicals are usually salts, such as sodium ions and potassium ions. filter-feeders Organisms that feed by straining small organisms or organic particles from the water column. fine The texture modifier for materials consisting of, or containing, large (in soils) quantities of the fine fractions, particularly silt and clay. fines A term for silt and clay particles. fine tailings A suspension of fine silts, clays, residual bitumen and water that forms in the course of bitumen extraction from oil sands using water extraction process. fish health parameters Parameters used to indicate the health of an individual fish. Parameters can include, for example, short-term response indicators such as changes in liver mixed function oxidase activity and the levels of plasma glucose, protein and lactic acid. Longer-term indicators include internal and external examination of exposed fish, changes in organ characteristics, hematocrit and hemoglobin levels. Parameters can also include challenge tests such as disease resistance and swimming stamina. fish tainting Abnormal odour and/or flavour detected in the edible fish tissue. Fisheries Act Federal legislation that protects fish habitat from being altered, disrupted or destroyed by chemical, physical or biological means. R.S., 1985, c. F - 14. flake A type of chip or spall removed from a piece of material by pressure or percussion. Flakes are removed to deliberately shape an object. flarks Wet, elongate, depressions in patterned peatlands that develop perpendicular to the direction of dominant water flow. flint A microcrystalline silicate rock similar to chert. flocculant A chemical that enhances solids removal rate by increasing the particle size; used to aid in the settling of suspended material and the clarification of water or wastewater. flocs Small masses formed in a fluid through coagulation, agglomeration or biochemical reaction of fine suspended particles. floodplain An area of land near rivers or lakes that may be inundated during seasonally high water levels (i.e., floods). floodplain fringe The portion of the floodplain outside the floodway that is covered by floodwaters during the 100-year recurrence interval flood. It is generally associated with shallow, standing or slowly moving water rather than deep, rapidly flowing water.
July 2005 Page 33
EIA Glossary flue gas The gaseous combustion product from a furnace. fluid catalytic cracking An oil refining process in which the gas-oil is cracked by a catalyst bed fluidized by steam and the oil vapours produced by cracking. fluvial deposits All material, past and present, deposited by flowing water. fluvial processes Natural processes involving the formation and evolution of stream and river channels and their floodplains. FMFN Fort McKay First Nation food chain transfer A process by which materials accumulate in the tissues of lower trophic level organisms and are passed on to higher trophic level organisms by dietary uptake. footprint The area occupied by surface facilities, resulting in surface (in mining projects) disturbance. This term can apply to a central plant, mine areas, associated tailings and water-management areas, and reclamation materials and overburden storage areas. forage area The area used by animals for hunting or gathering food. forage fish A type of small fish, e.g., brook stickleback or fathead minnow, that provide food for larger fish. forb Any herbaceous plant, other than a grass, i.e., a weed or a broadleafed, nonwoody plant. forest A collection of tree stands that occupy a similar space. forest cover type Primary stand groupings based on the percent composition of coniferous or deciduous species. Forest cover type can be deciduous, coniferous or mixedwood. Also, regenerating stands are included as a forest cover type. forest fragmentation The process of decreasing the patch size and degree of connectivity of forest stands that make up the forest, thereby increasing the degree of isolation of remaining patches. forest landscape Forested or formerly forested land not currently developed for non- forest use. forest management An agreement with the province that grants a company the rights to agreement manage, grow and harvest timber on a sustained-yield basis. forest management A defined land area to which a forest management agreement applies. unit forest succession The orderly process of change in a forest as one plant community or stand condition is replaced by another, evolving toward the climax type of vegetation. forested A stand of trees with more than 70 percent canopy cover. fork length The length of a fish measured from the fork of its tail to its snout. formation A geologic unit of distinct rock types that is large enough in scale to be mappable over a region.
Page 34 July 2005
EIA Glossary fragmentation The process of breaking into pieces or sections. For example, dividing contiguous tracts of land into smaller and less connected sections through site clearing, e.g., for roads. FRAGSTATS A spatial pattern analysis software program used to quantify the areal extent and spatial configuration of patches within a landscape. The analysis is done using categorical spatial data, e.g., plant communities. frazil ice Small, needle-like or thin, flat ice crystals suspended in water and formed when sub-freezing air cools the surface of the water to below the freezing point (supercooling). In rivers with turbulent flow, the supercooled water mixes into a thicker layer and frazil ice forms, suspended in the supercooled layer. freeze-out An increase in the concentrations of dissolved substances in surface waters during ice formation in the winter. frequency analysis A statistical procedure involved in interpreting the past record of a hydrological event to occurrences of that event in the future. fresh water Water with total dissolved solids concentration below 1,000 mg/L. froth A type of air-entrained bitumen with a froth-like appearance that is the product of the primary extraction step in water extraction processes. fugitive emission A contaminant substance emitted from any source except those from stacks. Typical sources include gaseous leaks from valves, flanges, drains, volatilization from ponds and lagoons, and open doors and windows. Typical particulate sources include bulk storage areas, open conveyers, construction areas or plant roads. fur management area Geographic area to which a licence to trap animals applies. furbearer Mammals that have traditionally been trapped or hunted for their fur. game fish A type of large fish, e.g., northern pike or walleye, caught for sport. Also called sport fish. general head A boundary condition used to define a relationship between boundary groundwater flow into/out of the model domain and the hydraulic head in a grid cell. generalist A type of organism that can survive under a wide variety of conditions, and does not specialize to live under any particular set of circumstances. genetic diversity The range of possible genetic characteristics found within a species and among different species, e.g., variations in hair colour, eye colour and height in humans. genotoxic Adverse effects that occur at the molecular level, when a chemical interacts directly with genetic material such as DNA.
July 2005 Page 35
EIA Glossary geographic An information system that uses an integrated network of computers information system to manage data and information concerning geographical locations, (GIS) plant assets, engineering, maintenance and operational performance. geomorphic The natural evolution of surface soils and landscape over long periods. geomorphical The origin and distribution of landforms, with the emphasis on the processes nature of erosional processes. geomorphology The science of surface landforms and their interpretation on the basis of geology and climate. That branch of science that deals with the form of the earth, the general configurations of its surface and the changes that take place in the evolution of landforms. The term usually applies to the origins and dynamic morphology (changing structure and form) of the earth’s land surfaces, but it can also include the morphology of the sea floor and the analysis of extraterrestrial terrains. Sometimes included in the field of physical geography, geomorphology is really the geological aspect of the visible landscape. geotextile A woven or nonwoven material manufactured from synthetic fibres or yarns that’s designed to serve as a continuous membrane between soil and aggregate in a variety of earth structures. GIS geographic information system glacial outwash Sand and gravel material transported away from a glacier by streams of meltwater and deposited along a pre-existing valley or plain in a form similar to an alluvial fan. glacial lake A type of lake formed by ponded glacial meltwater or by damming of a drainage system by glacial activity. glacial scour The product of erosion by a glacier. glacial till Unsorted and unstratified glacial drift (generally unconsolidated) deposited directly by a glacier without subsequent reworking by water from the glacier, consisting of a heterogeneous mixture of clay, silt, sand, gravel and boulders (i.e., drift) varying widely in size and shape. glaciofluvial deposits Material moved by glaciers and subsequently sorted and deposited by streams flowing from the melting ice. glaciolacustrine The modifier for either lakes fed by melting glaciers or the deposits forming in the lakes. glaciolacustrine Material deposited in lake water and later exposed either by lowering deposits the water level or by uplift of the land. These deposits range in texture from sands to clays. glauconitic Containing glauconite, a blue-green or yellow-green mineral, typically found in shallow marine sedimentary rocks.
Page 36 July 2005
EIA Glossary gleyed horizon A soil layer formed under poor drainage conditions that results in reducing iron and other elements and in grey colours and mottles. Gleysol A great group of soils in the Gleysolic order. A Gleysol has a thin (less than eight centimetres) Ah horizon underlain by mottled grey or brownish grey material, or it has no Ah horizon. Gleysolic The order for soils developed under wet conditions and in a permanent or periodic low-oxygen environment. These soils have low chromas or prominent mottling or both in some horizons. The great group Gleysol, Humic Gleysol and Luvic Gleysol are included in the order. global positioning A system of satellites, computers and receivers that is able to system (GPS) determine the latitude and longitude of a receiver on Earth by calculating the time difference for signals from different satellites to reach the receiver. glycol A group of compounds, such as ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol, used to dehydrate gaseous or liquid hydrocarbons; to inhibit the formation of hydrates; or to cool fluids (liquid or gas), by acting as a heat-transfer medium. gonads Organs responsible for producing haploid reproductive cells in multi- cellular cells in multi-cellular animals. In the male, these are the testes and in the female, the ovaries. gonad-somatic index The proportion of reproductive tissue in the body of a fish. It is (GSI) calculated by dividing the total gonad weight by the total body weight and multiplying the result by 100. It is used as an index of the proportion of growth allocated to reproductive tissues in relation to somatic growth. graminoid A modifier for grasses or grass-like plants. gran alkalinity Alkalinity in a water sample measured by the gran method, which does not rely on the presence of inflection points in the titration curve; therefore, it is particularly useful for waters with low alkalinity. granivore/granivorous Animals that feed on seeds or grains. granular resources Material deposits that have a granulated surface or structure, e.g., gravel. graver A small pointed or chisel-like stone tool used for incising or engraving. Generally made by pressure flaking. grid cell (cell) A small, regular-shaped subregion of a numerical groundwater flow model domain within which groundwater flow and hydraulic head are represented by simple mathematical equations. The mathematical equations for all grid cells in a model domain are solved at once using a computer to calculate the hydraulic heads and groundwater flows for the entire model domain.
July 2005 Page 37
EIA Glossary ground-level The ambient concentration (mass per unit volume of air) of a concentration (GLC) substance predicted to occur at the ground surface. These concentrations are predicted using dispersion models, and are typically reported in micrograms per cubic metre [µg/m³]. ground truth Measures of various properties, such as temperature and land use, that are done on the ground to calibrate observations made from satellites or aircraft. groundwater That part of the subsurface water that occurs beneath the water table, in soils and geologic formations that are fully saturated. groundwater divide The term used for a groundwater ridge from which water moves away in both directions. groundwater flow A simplified representation of one or more groundwater flow systems. model Numerical groundwater flow models are used to represent the groundwater flow systems in the Regional Study Area. groundwater level The level below which the rock and subsoil, to unknown depths, are saturated. groundwater The process of monitoring subsurface water quality, water level or monitoring both, through a well. groundwater regime Water below the land surface in a zone of saturation. groundwater velocity The speed at which groundwater advances through the ground; the average linear velocity of the groundwater. guild A set of co-existing species that share a common resource. H+ hydrogen ion ha hectare habitat The area where an animal or plant naturally or normally lives and grows, e.g., stream habitat or forest habitat. habitat alienation The loss of habitat effectiveness as a result of sensory disturbances from human activities at disturbed sites. habitat effectiveness The physical characteristics associated with the suitability of a habitat and, the ability of a habitat to be used by wildlife. The effectiveness of a habitat can be decreased through visual, auditory, or olfactory disturbance even though the physical characteristics of the habitat remain unchanged. habitat fragmentation Occurs when extensive, continuous tracts of habitat are reduced by habitat loss to dispersed and usually smaller patches of habitat. Generally reduces the total amount of available habitat and reduces remaining habitat into smaller, more isolated patches. habitat generalist Wildlife species that can survive and reproduce in a variety of habitat types, e.g., red-backed vole. habitat patches Isolated patches of habitat.
Page 38 July 2005
EIA Glossary habitat specialist Wildlife species that is dependent on a few habitat types for survival and reproduction, e.g., Cape May warbler. habitat suitability A method of evaluating habitat quality based on species-specific index (HSI) habitat parameters that describe food and cover characteristics. habitat unit (HU) Generally, used in Habitat Suitability Index models. A habitat is ranked in regards to its suitability for a particular wildlife species. This ranking is then multiplied by the area (ha) of the particular habitat type to give the number of habitat units (HU) available to the wildlife species in question. half life The time required for half of a given material to radioactively decay. hardness (for water) Calculated mainly from the calcium and magnesium concentrations in water; originally developed as a measure of the capacity of water to precipitate soap. The hardness of water is environmentally important since it is inversely related to the toxicity of some metals, e.g., copper, nickel, lead, cadmium, chromium, silver and zinc. hazard A condition that presents a source of danger or has the potential to create an unwanted and unintended effect on people’s safety or health, on property or the environment. head The energy, either kinetic or potential, possessed by each unit weight of a liquid; expressed as the vertical height through which a unit weight would have to fall to release the average energy possessed. It is used in various compound terms such as pressure head, velocity head and loss of head. headwater(s) The source and upper reaches of a stream; also the upper reaches of a reservoir. The water upstream from a structure or point on a stream. The small streams that come together to form a river. Also any and all parts of a river basin except the mainstrem river and main tributaries. health effect endpoint A measurable biological response that could compromise the health of a human receptor, which is used as a point of reference for assessing exposure to a particular chemical. hearth A fireplace. hepatotoxicity The quality or condition of being toxic or destructive to the liver. herb Tender plant, lacking woody stems, usually small or low; it can be annual or perennial, broadleaf (forb) or graminoid (grass). herbaceous A modifier for a nonwoody plant or herb. herbivory The state or condition of feeding on plants. heritage resources Any tangible or intangible product of human or natural history that might have scientific, educational, aesthetic, cultural, or social meaning or value for present or future generations.
July 2005 Page 39
EIA Glossary heterogeneity Consisting of parts that are unlike each other. For example, the variety and abundance of ecological units, e.g., ecosite phases and wetlands types, comprising a landscape mosiac. hexane A water-insoluble, toxic, flammable, colourless liquid with a faint aroma. Forms include n-hexane, a straight-chain compound used as a solvent, paint diluent, alcohol denaturant and polymerization-reaction medium; isohexane, a mixture of hexame isomers used as a solvent and freezing-point depressant; and neohexane. hibernacula A sheltered area in which hibernating animals spend the winter. It might be communal where several individuals of the same species share the site, e.g., Canadian toads, single where a lone individual uses the site, e.g., male bear, or family where a family unit shares the site, e.g., female bear with cubs. HIS Habitat Suitability Index histology/histological The microscopic study of tissues. historic The period after time of contact between indigenous people and (in archaeology) Europeans. historic resource A legal designation specified in the Historical Resources Act (Alberta Legislature 2000) that is any work of nature or man that is primarily of value for its paleontological, archaeological, prehistoric, historic, cultural, natural, scientific or aesthetic interest including, but not limited to, a paleontological, archaeological, prehistoric, historic or natural site, structure or object. Historical Resources A legal designation in the Province of Alberta for a type of Impact Assessment assessment intended to determine the impact potential of a (HRIA) development project on the historic resource sites in the development footprint. Historical Resources Impact Assessments might be done for archaeological or paleontological resources, or both. The HRIA recommends mitigation measures to reduce or avoid anticipated impacts, and are done under an archaeological investigation permit issued by Heritage Resource Management Branch of Alberta Community Development. historical/heritage Works of nature or of man, valued for their palaeontological, resources archaeological, prehistoric, historic, cultural, natural, scientific or aesthetic interest. home range The area within which an animal normally lives. horizon A soil layer that’s distinguishable from adjacent layers by either: (in soils) • characteristic physical properties, e.g., structure, colour or texture • chemical composition, including content of organic matter or degree of acidity or alkalinity Horizons are generally referred to by a capital letter, with or without a number, e.g., A horizon or A2 horizon.
Page 40 July 2005
EIA Glossary horizontal stand A stand with a structure that influences polygons by having two or more significant and observable strata, but one that is too small to stratify due to minimum polygon size restrictions. HUs habitat units human health risk The process of defining and quantifying risks and determining the assessment acceptability of those risks to human life. humic layer A layer of highly decomposed organic soil material containing little fibre. humification The process by which organic matter decomposes to form humus. In humus, the original structures or shapes can no longer be recognized. Humisol A great group of soils in the Organic order that are saturated for most of the year. The soils have a dominantly humic middle tier, or (if a terric, lithic, hydric or cryic contact occurs in the middle tier) middle and surface tiers. hummocky landscape A till deposit composed of knobs and depressions with high local relief. hydraulic The ability of a geological material to transmit groundwater flow. communication hydraulic conductance A measure of the ability of a geological material to convey water. hydraulic conductivity The ability of a geological material to transmit groundwater flow, usually expressed in units of metres per second (m/s). It is a function of the properties of the liquid transmitted, as well as the geological medium (in contrast to permeability, which is only a function of the geological material). hydraulic effect The effect produced by water or other liquid in motion. hydraulic gradient The change in hydraulic head or water level over a distance, usually expressed in metres. For example, a hydraulic gradient of 0.01 indicates a one-metre drop in water level over a distance of 100 m. The hydraulic gradient is the driving force that causes groundwater to flow. hydraulic head A measure of the elevation and water pressure at a specific location in a porous medium. Hydraulic head is expressed in units of metres and is determined by measuring the elevation of the water level in a well. hydraulic structure Any structure designed to handle water in any way. This includes retention, conveyance, control, regulation and dissipation of the energy of water. hydraulics The scientific, technological discipline concerned with the mechanics of fluids, especially liquids. hydric A modifier for soil conditions in which the water table is at or above the soil surface all year.
July 2005 Page 41
EIA Glossary hydric layer A layer of water in the control section of organic soils, extending from a depth of not less than 40 cm to more than 160 cm. hydrocarbon An organic compound of hydrogen and carbon where densities, boiling points and freezing points increase as molecular weights increase. Petroleum is a mixture of many different hydrocarbons. hydrochemical type A groundwater classification determined according to the relative proportions of major dissolved ions (Ca+2, Na+, K+, Mg+2, Cl-, SO4-2 and HCO3-) within a given sample. Used conceptually to describe the chemical evolution of groundwater from young groundwater low in dissolved solids to older groundwater heavily influenced by mineral dissolution. hydrogen sulphide A gaseous compound of sulphur and hydrogen commonly found in (H2S) petroleum that accounts for the foul smell of some petroleum fractions. Hydrogen sulphide in sufficient quantities is extremely poisonous and corrosive. See also sour gas. hydrocracking A catalytic, high-pressure petroleum refinery process that is flexible enough to produce either high-octane gasoline or aviation jet fuel. The two main reactions are adding hydrogen to petroleum-derived molecules too massive and complex for gasoline, and then cracking them to the required fuels. The catalyst is an acidic solid with a hydrogenating metallic component. hydrocyclone A device for separating out sand from extraction tailings slurry by imparting a rotating (cyclone) action to the slurry. Water, fine tailings and residual bitumen report to the overflow of the device. Sand flows out the bottom of the device in a dense slurry. hydrogen A colourless, odourless, tasteless gas, composed of diatomic molecules, used to manufacture ammonia and methanol, for hydrofining, for desulphurization of petroleum products and to reduce metallic oxide ores. hydrogeological The erosional, sedimentional or structural break in geological strata, window which allows hydraulic connection between different aquifers. hydrogeology The scientific discipline dealing with the occurrence of groundwater, its use and its functions. hydrograph A graphical representation of the stage, flow and characteristics of water with respect to time. hydrolic gradient The scale from very dry to very wet. Exists along a shoreline from water to upland.
Page 42 July 2005
EIA Glossary
Hydrologic Simulation A comprehensive, conceptual, continuous watershed simulation Program – Fortran model designed to simulate the water quantity and water quality (HSPF) processes that occur in a watershed. The model can reproduce spatial variability by dividing the basin in hydrologically homogeneous land segments and simulating runoff for each land segment independently, using segment-specific meteorologic input data and watershed parameters. hydrology The scientific discipline that deals with the occurrence, circulation, distribution and properties of the earth’s waters and their reaction with the environment. hydrometric station A station where measurement of hydrological parameters is performed. hydrophytic A term describing plant life that thrives in wet conditions. vegetation hydrostatic head The force (pressure) exerted by a body of fluid at rest. hydrostratigraphic A formation, part of a formation, or group of formations in which unit there are similar hydrologic characteristics allowing for grouping into aquifers or confining layers. hydrotransport The transport of granular materials, e.g., oil sands ore or extraction tailings, by means of a water-based slurry in a pipeline. hydrotreating A process in which a crude or synthetic oil or oil product is treated under pressure with the addition of hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to reduce the sulphur and nitrogen content of the oil and otherwise improve the quality of the oil. hygric A modifier for site condition or microenvironment where soil is wet and free water remains at or within 30 cm of the ground surface most of the year. hyper-eutrophic Trophic state classification for lakes characterized by high primary productivity and high nutrient inputs (particularly total phosphorus). Hyper-eutrophic lakes are characterized by abundant plant growth, algal blooms and oxygen depletion. hypolimnion The deep, cold layer of a lake lying below the metalimnion (thermocline) during the time a lake is normally stratified. hypsometer A device using trigonomic principles to measure height of trees or slope of land. Often called a clinometer or Suunto™. i.e. id est illuvial horizon A soil layer in which material carried from an overlying layer has been precipitated from solution or deposited from suspension as a layer of accumulation. Imperial Oil Imperial Oil Resources Ventures Limited
July 2005 Page 43
EIA Glossary incremental lifetime The increased risk from chemical exposure, above and beyond cancer risk (ILCR) background cancer risks caused by genetics, lifestyle and other non- chemical factors. Health Canada (2003a) consider cancer risks from chemical exposure to be essentially negligible if the ILCR is less than one in 100,000 (1 x 10-5), i.e., the risk of getting cancer is less than one chance in 100,000 chances. indeterminate A species for which there is sufficient scientific information to support states designation. indirect economic Indirect project expenditures, e.g., purchasing materials and services, impact that result in an increased demand for labour and materials. indirect employment A term describing employment created by suppliers to a project. indirect income A term describing business and personal income generated by suppliers to a project. induced economic The effect produced by spending labour income. impact induced employment A term describing employment created in the general economy driven by expenditures of people who are directly and indirectly employed by a project. induced income A term describing business and personal income generated in the general economy from personal expenditures. induction Response to a biologically active compound — involves new or increased gene expression resulting in enhanced synthesis of a protein. Such induction is commonly determined by measuring increases in protein levels and/or increases in the corresponding enzyme activity. For example, induction of EROD (7-ethoxyresorufin 0-de ethylase) would be determined by measuring increases in cytochrome P4501A protein levels and/or increases in EROD activity. inductively coupled This analytical method is an U.S. EPA designated method plasma (atomic (Method 6010). The method determines elements within samples of emission spectroscopy) groundwater, aqueous samples, leachates, industrial wastes, soils, (icp) (metals) sludges, sediments and other solid wastes. Samples require chemical digestion before analysis. Industry Relations An organization for several Aboriginal bands in northeastern Alberta Corporation (IRC) that is responsible for liaison with the various industries operating in the region. infiltration The movement of groundwater or hydrothermal water into rock or soil through joints and pores. Infiltration is the main factor in recharge of groundwater reserves. influent An inflow, especially a tributary.
Page 44 July 2005
EIA Glossary infrastructure Basic facilities, such as transportation, communications, power supplies and buildings, which enable an organization, project or community to function. inhibitor A chemical added to a corrosive environment in small amounts to reduce corrosion rate. The critical concentration of inhibitor must be met or exceeded for the inhibitor to be effective. inorganics Chemical compounds that do not contain carbon. in situ Also known as “in place”. Refers to methods of extracting deep deposits of oil sands without removing the groundcover. The in-situ technology in oil sands uses underground wells to recover the resources with less impact to the land, air and water than the traditional oil sands methods. in-situ recovery A bitumen-recovery method that uses underground extraction wells versus open-pit mines to reach oil-sands reserves. instream flow needs The riverine flows required for sustaining a desired level of protection of aquatic ecosystems. integrated light Summation of solar radiation since sunrise to the clock hour. intensity integrated resource A coordinated approach to land and resource management that management (IRM) encourages multiple-use practices. interim maximum Interim maximum acceptable concentration of contaminants for acceptable drinking water quality. concentration (IMAC) interior species A species located only or primarily away from the perimeter of a landscape element. internal lawn A type of vegetation pattern produced by thawing and collapsing of a small permafrost mound in a larger nonpermafrost peatland. interspersion The percentage of map units containing categories different from the map unit surrounding it. interspersion and A measure of the dispersion and interspersion of patches in the juxtaposition index landscape. It is a true landscape-level index that is computed based on (IJI) the probabilities of a patch belonging to a class and its neighbours belonging to another. interstitial A modifier for rock pores filled by minerals. intra-orebody aquifers Isolated water-saturated sand bodies, typically a few metres thick and up to a few tens of metres long, occurring within the oil sands. invasive species A term describing species that move into a habitat and reproduce so aggressively that indigenous species are displaced or existing community structures are changed.
July 2005 Page 45
EIA Glossary inversion An atmospheric condition where temperatures increase with height above the ground. During inversion conditions, the vertical mixing of emissions is restricted. invertebrate drift Collectively, stream invertebrates (almost wholly the aquatic larval stages of insects) that voluntarily or accidentally leave the substrate to move or float with the current, as well as terrestrial invertebrates that drop into the stream. Also, any detrital material transported in the water current. ion A chemical term for an isolated electron or positron or an atom or molecule that by loss or gain of one or more electrons has acquired a net electrical charge. ion exchange A chemical process in which mobile-hydrated ions of a solid are exchanged for ions of like charge in a solution. The ion-exchange process is used to soften or demineralize water or purify chemicals. ionic load The total mass of charged molecules (ions) dissolved in a volume of water. irritant chemical A type of chemical that causes irritation at the site of contact, e.g., skin, nasal. Such chemicals produce local adverse effects, and do not produce effects in areas away from the site of contact. Examples of irritant chemicals include carbon disulphide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and carbonyl sulphide. isolated (artifact) find A location that consists of one artifact only, either in a surface or buried context. isopach map A geological document of subsurface strata showing the various thicknesses of a given formation underlying an area. isopleth A line drawn on a map connecting points having the same numerical value of some variable. kame A low, long, steep-sided landform (mound) of glacial drift, commonly stratified sand and gravel, deposited as an alluvial fan or delta at the terminal margin of a melting glacier. karst topography The landscape layer that forms over limestone, dolomite or gypsum and is characterized by sinkholes, caves and underground drainage. karstification The formation of karst features by the solutional, and sometimes mechanical, action of water in a region of limestone, gypsum or other bedrock. keq kiloequivalent keq H+/ha/a kiloequivalent hydrogen ion per hectare per year kerogen Fossilized insoluble organic material found in sedimentary rocks, usually in shales; converted to petroleum products by distillation.
Page 46 July 2005
EIA Glossary ketone Hydrocarbon chain compound associated with the > C=O two single carbon bonds to other chain-like hydrocarbons, e.g., acetone, CH3- CO-CH3. kettle A small hollow or depression formed in glacial deposits when outwash was deposited around a residual block or ice that later melted. key indicator Environmental attributes or components identified as a result of a resources (KIRs) social scoping exercise as having legal, scientific, cultural, economic or aesthetic value. keystone species A species that is of particular importance to community integrity and function, without which significant changes to the community would occur. kick sampling Sampling of the streambed using a small mesh net with a long handle. The net is placed against the streambed and the substrate is disturbed (kicked) upstream of the net to dislodge fish eggs, which float down into the net. kilopascal (kPa) A metric measure that equals one thousand times (kilo) the force of one newton acting on the area of one square metre (6.89 kPa equals 1 pound per square inch). KIRs key indicator resources Kjeldahl method A quantitative analysis of organic compounds to determine nitrogen content by interaction with concentrated sulphuric acid. Ammonia is distilled from the NH4SO4 formed. km kilometre km2 square kilometre lacustrine Relating to a lake. lacustrine deposits Sedimentary material laid down in a lake environment. Land Status The Alberta government’s database of all surface and mineral Automated System dispositions on provincial Crown land. (LSAS) land capability The ability of land to support a given use, based on an evaluation of the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the land, including topography, drainage, hydrology, soils and vegetation. landform A physical, recognizable, naturally formed feature of land, having a characteristic shape and produced by natural causes. Landforms include major forms such as plains, mountains or plateaus, and minor forms such as hills, valleys or alluvial fans. Landsat A specific satellite or series of satellites used for earth resource remote sensing. Satellite data can be converted to visual images for resource analysis and planning. landscape A heterogeneous land area with interacting ecosysems.
July 2005 Page 47
EIA Glossary landscape composition All the types of stands or patches present across a given area of land. landscape connectivity A measure of the probability that individuals are capable of moving across a landscape and colonizing suitable habitat patches within their dispersal range. landscape diversity The size, shape and connectivity of different ecosystems across a large area. landscape ecology The study of the structure, function and change in a heterogeneous land area composed of interacting ecosystems. landscape structure The spatial relations among a landscape’s component parts including composition; the presence and amount of each patch type without being spatially explicit; and landscape configuration, the physical distribution or spatial character of patches within a landscape. LCU land capability unit leachate A product formed by leaching. leaching The process of dissolving out soluble constituents from rock by percolating water. leakage The flow of water from one hydrogeological unit to another. It can be natural or anthropogenic. leakance A property of a leaky layer. Expressed as ^K’ divided by b’, where K’ refers to the hydraulic conductivity of the leaky layer confirming an aquifer in units of length/time and b’ refers to the thickness of the leaky layer in units of length. lean oil sands Oil bearing sands that do not have a high enough saturation of oil to make extraction of them economically feasible. leave area An area of standing timber retained among areas of logging activity to satisfy management objectives, such as seed source, wildlife habitat or landscape management constraints. lens (in geology) A deposit, thick in the middle and thinning out toward the edges. lentic A modifier in ecology for still water, such as lakes, reservoirs, ponds and bogs. Lentic systems show pronounced vertical gradients in light, temperature and dissolved gases. lenticular A modifier for lense-shaped, and convex on both sides. (fen) Lesions Pathological change in a body tissue. lethal Causing death by direct action. LFH Litter, funic, humic LFH layer The leaf litter layer, consisting of litter, fumic, humic (forest-floor materials).
Page 48 July 2005
EIA Glossary
LFH horizon Three types — L, F and H — of organic soil layers developed from partially decomposed leaves, twigs and woody materials, with or without the minor component of mosses. linear corridor Roads, seismic lines, pipelines and electrical transmission lines, or other long, narrow disturbances. limnetic A modifier in ecology for the pelagic region (open part) of a body of fresh water. limnology A scientific discipline relating to the life and conditions for life in lakes, ponds and streams. linkage The term used for the relationship between a cause and effect in an (in impact impact model. Linkages are illustrated in pathway diagrams as arrows assessments) between boxes. lipid One of a large variety of organic fats or fat-like compounds, including waxes, steroids, phospholipids and carotenes. Refers to substances that can be extracted from living matter using hydrocarbon solvents. They serve several functions in the body, such as energy storage and transport, cell membrane structure and chemical messengers. lithic Of or pertaining to stone. lithic scatter A small concentration of lithic (stone) artifacts on the surface. This term is usually used when there is insufficient information present to identify the function of the site. lithology The discipline of studying the physical character (mineral structure and composition) of a rock. litter layer The uppermost, slightly decayed layer of organic matter on the forest floor. littoral The modifier for the part of a lake that is the maximum depth rooted aquatic plants can survive (typically 3 m in boreal lakes). littoral zone The area in a lake that is closest to the shore. It includes the part of the lake bottom, and its overlying water, between the highest water level and the depth where there is enough light (about one percent of the surface light) for rooted aquatic plants and algae to colonize the bottom sediments. liver somatic index Ratio of liver versus total body weight. Expressed as a percentage of (LSI) total body weight. loading rates The amount of deposition, determined by technical analysis, above which there is a specific deleterious ecological effect on a receptor. loam A mixture of sand, silt and clay. See soil texture. local study area (LSA) The project-specific study area used in the context of impacts within the development area. lognormal Of, relating to, or being a logarithmic function with a normal distribution.
July 2005 Page 49
EIA Glossary long range sustained The sum of Mean Annual Increments (MAI) for all forest cover types yield average in a study area. LRSYA is an estimate for the sustained yield or (LRSYA) expected annual growth of the coniferous and deciduous fibre in a study area. lotic An ecology modifier for flowing water, i.e., having a measurable current. lowest observed In toxicity testing, it is the lowest concentration at which adverse adverse effect level effects on the measurement end point are observed. (LOAEL) lowest observed effect The lowest concentration in a medium that causes an effect that is a concentration (LOEC) statistically significant difference in effect compared to controls. lowest observed effect In toxicity testing, it is the lowest concentration at which effects on level (LOEL) the measurement end point are observed. LSA local study area Luvisolic A geological modifier for soils that have eluvial (Ae) horizons and eluvial (Bt) horizons in which silicate clay is the main accumulation product. The soils developed under forest or forest-grassland transition in a moderate to cool climate. LZH linkage zone hazard m metre m3/s The standard measure of water flow in rivers, i.e., the volume of (in water water in cubic metres that passes a given point in one second. measurement) macrophytes Plants large enough to be seen by the unaided eye. Aquatic macrophytes are plants that live in or in close proximity to water. macroterrain A large area of the landscape. MAGIC Model of Acidification of Groundwater in Catchments mainstem The main portion of a watercourse extending continuously upstream from its mouth, but not including any tributary watercourses. major ions The classification of ions found in water that consist of Ca, Na, K, Mg, Cl, SO4, HCO3 and CO3. make-up water The water required to supplement recycled produced water for steam production. Mannville Group The location, about 400 m below the surface, of the Grand Rapids, Clearwater and McMurray formations containing the major reservoirs for both the Cold Lake and Athabasca oil sands deposits. marsh An open wetland area dominated by sedges and other monocots that has accumulated less than 40 cm of peat.
Page 50 July 2005
EIA Glossary mass balance error The difference between the groundwater flows into and out of a model domain. For a numerical groundwater flow model with a perfect solution, the mass balance error is zero (i.e., inflows equal outflows). In practice, small mass balance errors are acceptable. mass loading The rate of atmospheric deposition (including wet and dry deposition) of a compound over a given area for a set time. Typically expressed in units of kilograms per hectare per year (kg/ha/yr). matrix The most extensive and most connected landscape element type present, which plays the dominant role in landscape functioning. mature fine tailings Fine tailings that have dewatered to a level of about 30% solids over a (MFT) period of about three years after deposition. The rate of consolidation beyond this point is substantially reduced. Mature fine tailings behave like a viscous fluid. mature forest A forest greater than rotation age with moderate to high canopy closure; a multilayered, multispecies canopy dominated by large overstorey trees; some with broken tops and other decay; numerous large snags and accumulations of downed woody debris. mature stand A stand of trees for which the annual net rate of growth has peaked. maximum acceptable Maximum acceptable concentration of contaminants for drinking concentration (MAC) water quality. maximum depth The maximum depth of the surveyed section of the stream recorded for each pool, riffle and run. May Be At Risk Any species that “May Be At Risk” of extinction or extirpation and is therefore a candidate for detailed risk assessment. MCFN Mikisew Cree First Nation mean Centroid value of a data population when viewing its probability distribution function (or histogram) as a mass distribution. mean annual The measure of cubic metres of fibre that accumulates per year from increment (MAI) each hectare of forest. Calculated MAI for each stand is summed by forest cover type, and multiplied by its area to derive expected fibre accumulation for that forest cover type. mean nearest The mean of the shortest distance, in metres, between each patch and neighbour (MNN) each adjacent patch of the same type. mean patch fractal A measure of the complexity of a patch’s shape. It also determines the dimension (MPFD) amount of core area contained in the class. mean patch size (MPS) The area of an ecosystem type divided by the number of patches of that type. For total undisturbed areas, it is the mean size of the undisturbed patches. mean proximity index A measure of connectivity of patches within the landscape. The MPI (MPI) is determined by whether the patch has neighbours of the same type within a specified radius.
July 2005 Page 51
EIA Glossary media The physical form of the environmental sample under study, e.g., soil, water, air. median Fifty percent of the data population values are greater than, and 50 percent are less than, the median value. mercaptan A type of chemical added to natural gas to give it an odour. merchantable forest A forest area with potential to be harvested for production of lumber/timber or wood pulp. Forests with a timber productivity rating of moderate to good. merchantable timber The coniferous and deciduous products (trees) that can be sold when cut down. mesic The modifier for a site condition or microenvironment where soil contains excess water for only short periods. mesic layer A layer of organic material at a decomposition stage between fibric and humic layers. Mesisol A great group of soils in the Organic order (according to the Canadian System Of Soil Classification) that are saturated for most of the year. The soils have a dominantly mesic middle tier, or (if a terric, lithic, hydric or cryic contact occurs in the middle tier) middle and surface tiers. mesotrophic The modifier for lake productivity above oligotrophic (low) and below eutrophic (high), based on measures of nutrients, chlorophyll a and fauna. metabolism The total of all enzymatic reactions occurring in the cell; a highly coordinated activity of interrelated enzyme systems exchanging matter and energy between the cell and the environment. Metabolism involves both the synthesis and breakdown (catabolism) of individual compounds. metabolites Organisms alter or change compounds in various ways, such as removing parts of the original or parent compound, or in other cases adding new parts. Then, the parent compound has been metabolized and the newly converted compound is called a metabolite. metacarpal The digits in an animal’s foot consist of many bone segments The longest segment in a digit is the metacarpal. metastable A state of being in equilibrium (oscillating around a central position) but susceptible to being diverted to another equilibrium. metal oxides Compounds of oxygen and metals, such as zinc, that produce toxic vapours. metamorphic A geological modifier pertaining to the process of metamorphism or to its results. meteoric water Water derived from the earth’s atmosphere.
Page 52 July 2005
EIA Glossary meteorological The atmospheric conditions and weather of a region. conditions methane (C1) A chief part of natural gas that’s used as a source of methanol, acetylene and carbon monoxide. method detection limit The lowest concentration at which individual measurement results for (DL) a specific analyte are statistically different from a blank (that might be zero) with a specified confidence level for a given method and representative matrix. Métis The term for a person of mixed Aboriginal and European heritage who belongs to a group with identifiable customs and an identity distinct from their Aboriginal or European ancestors. microbiological The method of keeping microorganisms within acceptable limits, such control as by adding chlorine or other process chemicals to water to eliminate or control algae, fungi and bacteria. microclimate The environment comprising temperature, precipitation and wind velocity that exists in a restricted or localized area, site or habitat. microtine Small mammal species (voles) with the genus name Microtus. microtopographic The fine-scale topography of a site. Microtox™ A toxicity test that includes an assay of light production by a strain of luminescent bacteria (Photobacterium phosphoreum). mineral soil Soils containing low levels of organic matter. Soils that have evolved on fluvial, glaciofluvial, lacustrine and morainal parent material. mineralization of Synonym of total dissolved solid concentration. groundwater minerotrophic A modifier for the supply of water to vegetation derived from mineral soils or rocks via lakes or rivers as intermediates. It can be eutrophic, mesotrophic or oligotrophic. mitigation The elimination, reduction, or control of a project’s adverse environmental effects, including restitution for any damage to the environment caused by such effects through replacement, restoration, compensation or other means. mixed function oxidase A term for reactions catalyzed by the Cytochrome P450 family of (MFO) enzymes, occurring primarily in the liver. These reactions transform organic chemicals, often altering toxicity of the chemicals. mixedwood A stand containing both deciduous and coniferous trees. Defined in this report as stands where the primary species is deciduous and the secondary species totals ≥30% coniferous species, or vice-versa. Also, multistory stands of an “A” density with a deciduous primary overstorey species, and the dominant understorey species is coniferous, or vice-versa.
July 2005 Page 53
EIA Glossary mixing height The height from the ground to the base of an elevated temperature inversion. mobility The movement of dissolved compounds in groundwater. (in groundwater quality) model calibration The trial-and-error process of matching the hydraulic heads and groundwater flows in a numerical groundwater flow model with observed values. An acceptable model calibration depends on the intended use of the numerical model. model domain The region of interest for a numerical groundwater flow model. modelling A simplified representation of a relationship or system of relationships. Modelling involves calculation techniques used to make quantitative estimates of an output parameter based on its relationship to input parameters. moisture regime The available moisture supply for plant growth on a relative scale, assessed through an integration of species composition and soil, and site characteristics. mole A measure of mass numerically equal to the molecular weight of a substance. It’s often expressed in grams but might be in any mass unit. mole percent The amount, expressed as a percentage, of pure substance that contains the same number of elementary units as there are atoms of carbon in 12 grams of isotope carbon 12. monitoring Resolving specific outstanding environmental issues, observing the potential environmental effects of a project, assessing the effectiveness of mitigation measures undertaken, identifying unexpected environmental issues and determining the action required based on the result of these activities. morainal A modifier for material deposited by glacial ice. moraine A deposit of rocks and debris carried and dropped by a glacier. mottling The formation or presence of mottles in a soil. movement corridor Travel way used by wildlife for daily, seasonal, annual and/or dispersal movements from one area or habitat to another. multidirectional core A core bearing scars that show that flakes or blades were removed in more than two directions. multilayered Forest stands where two or three storeys exist and each storey is significant, clearly observable and evenly distributed. multilayered canopy Forest stands with two or more distinct tree layers in the canopy; also called multistoreyed stands.
Page 54 July 2005
EIA Glossary multimedia risk A risk assessment that evaluates potential long-term effects on human assessment health caused by chemicals or chemical groups in air or water that can also accumulate in soil, plants, animals or fish (includes metals and PAHs, since gaseous compounds would be unlikely to accumulate in media other than air). The combined exposure to chemicals in air, water, soil, plants, animals and fish is evaluated. multistorey A forest canopy with two or more distinct tree layers. muskeg A thick deposit of partially decayed vegetable matter of wet boreal regions. This is a North American term generally equivalent to the term peatland, though it can also refer to wooded swamps. Muskeg Valley A raw material used for many artifacts in the oil sands area of Silicified Limestone northeastern Alberta. Defined in 2004, it is a variant of the material identified as Beaver River Sandstone. See Beaver River Sandstone. mycorrhizal Fungi that form symbiotic relationships with plants, resulting in improved nutrient uptake by the plant. N/A not applicable naphthenic acids Generic name used for all the organic acids present in crude oils. native species Species that are known to be historically present in a given area. nearest neighbour A percentage measurement of the variability of mean nearest coefficient of variation neighbour (MNN) distance to the actual MNN distance. The number (NNCV) of patches and patch density are required to provide a complete understanding of NNCV. nearest neighbour A measurement of patch dispersion. A uniform or regular distribution standard deviation of vegetation units will have a low standard deviation. Clustered or (NNSD) dispersed patches will have a large standard deviation compared to the mean. nitrogen A colourless, odourless, unreactive gaseous element that forms four- fifths of the earth’s atmosphere and is an essential constituent of proteins, nucleic acids and other biological molecules. nitrogen oxides (NOX) Oxides of nitrogen comprised of nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). No Net Loss Plan A working principle that strives to balance unavoidable habitat losses with habitat replacement on a project by project basis so that reductions to fisheries resources due to habitat loss or damage can be prevented no observed adverse In toxicity testing, it is the highest concentration at which no adverse effect level (NOAEL) effects on the measurement end point are observed. no observed effect The highest concentration in a medium that does not cause a concentration (NOEC) statistically significant difference in effect as compared to controls. no observed effect In toxicity testing, it is the highest concentration at which no effects level (NOEL) on the measurement end point are observed.
July 2005 Page 55
EIA Glossary node Location along a river channel, lake inlet or lake outlet where flows, sediment yield and water quality have been quantified. noise receptor A dwelling unit that is exposed to noise emissions. nonbenzene aromatic Aromatic benzene ring type hydrocarbon other than benzene itself, e.g., toluene C6H5CH3. noncarcinogen A chemical that does not cause cancer and has a threshold concentration, below which adverse effects are unlikely. nonfilterable residue Material in a water sample that does not pass through a standard size filter (often 0.45 mm). This is considered to represent “total suspended solids” (TSS), i.e., particulate matter suspended in the water column. nonmethane A measure of the airborne hydrocarbons, less methane. hydrocarbons (NMHC) nonsoil The term for surficial materials that do not meet the definition of soil. It includes unconsolidated materials displaced by such processes as: • dumps of earth fill along a highway under construction • mineral or organic material thinner than 10 cm overlying bedrock • exposed bedrock • unconsolidated material covered by more than 60 cm of water all year • organic material thinner than 40 cm overlying water nonvascular plant Plants that do not possess conductive tissues, e.g., veins, for the transport of water and food. Not at Risk A species that has been evaluated and found to be not at risk.
NSMWG NOX–SO2 Management Working Group numerical A computer-based representation of one or more groundwater flow groundwater flow systems. The numerical model calculates the distribution of hydraulic model head and the resulting groundwater flow by subdividing a region of interest (the model domain) into many grid cells, defining the mathematical representations for each cell and solving the resulting set of equations with the computer using specialized techniques. Numerical groundwater flow models are typically used for groundwater flow systems with complex boundary conditions, geometry, or hydrostratigraphy. nutrients Environmental substances (elements or compounds) such as nitrogen or phosphorus, which are necessary for the growth and development of plants and animals. observation well A constructed controlled point of access to an aquifer that allows groundwater observations. Small-diameter observation wells are often called piezometers.
Page 56 July 2005
EIA Glossary
Obsidian Volcanic glass that is easily worked into tools and attains a very sharp edge. ochre Iron oxide or hematite. The colour is generally reddish-brown to yellow. Used as a natural pigment. odourant Material, usually a compound containing sulphur or mercaptan, that is added to odourless fuel gases to give them a distinctive odour for safety purposes. oil sands A sand deposit containing a heavy hydrocarbon (bitumen) in the intergranular pore space of sands and fine grained particles. Typical oil sands comprise approximately 11 wt% bitumen, 85% coarse sand (>44 µm) and a fines (<44 µm) fraction, consisting of silts and clays. old-growth forest An ecosystem distinguished by old trees and related structural attributes. Old growth encompasses the later stages of stand development that typically differ from earlier stages in a variety of characteristics, which can include tree size, accumulations of large dead woody material, number of canopy layers, species, composition and ecosystem function. Old-growth forests are those forested areas where the annual growth equals annual losses, or where the mean annual increment of timber volume equals zero. They can be defined as those stands that are self-regenerating, i.e., having a specific structure that is maintained. 0lfactory Relating to the sense of smell. oligotrophic A modifier for waters that are poor in dissolved nutrients, of low photosynthetic productivity and rich in dissolved oxygen at all depths. ombrogenous A modifier for an area that receives surface water solely from precipitation. open canopy Less than 6% tree cover. order (soil) A category in the Canadian System of Soil Classification. Soils in an order have one or more common characteristics. Organic The order for soils (according to the Canadian System of Soil Classification) that have developed chiefly from organic deposits. The majority of organic soils are saturated for most of the year, unless artificially drained. The great groups include Fibrisol, Mesisol, Humisol and Folisol. organic carbon (soil) The amount (percentage by weight) of carbon in organic form in soil materials, determined by the difference between total carbon (determined by dry combustion) and inorganic carbon (determined by acid dissolution). organic matter Decomposed residual plant material derived from: plant materials deposited on the soil’s surface roots that decay beneath the soil’s surface
July 2005 Page 57
EIA Glossary organic soil Soils containing high percentages of carbon-containing matter. organics Chemical compounds, naturally occurring or otherwise, which contain carbon, with the exception of carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbonates e.g., CaCO3. Orthic Gray Luvisol A soil with the general properties of the Luvisolic order and the Gray Luvisol great group that has well-developed Ae and Bt horizons and usually an organic surface horizon. OSERN Oil Sands Environmental Research Network outcrop An outcrop is a geologic unit that is exposed at the earth's surface. outlier A data point that falls outside of the statistical distribution defined by the mean and standard deviation. outwash A glaciofluvial sediment that is deposited by meltwater streams emanating from a glacier. overburden Loose or unconsolidated geologic material that lies over solid bedrock. In mining, this includes all material that has to be removed to expose the ore. overstorey The layer of foliage in a forest that forms the main canopy. overstripping The act of removing more top soil than necessary, e.g., clearing too big an area, thereby increasing the amount of ground disturbance. overwintering habitat The particular environment or place an organism or species uses during the winter for feeding and as a refuge. oxidants Chemical compounds that are capable of oxidizing other atmospheric compounds. PAI potential acid input PVA Population Viability Analysis paleontological site A type of historical resource site that represents the evidence of extinct and fossil plant and animal communities. paleosol A paleosol is a soil that was formed in the past. Paleosols are usually buried beneath a layer of sediments and are thus no longer being actively created by soil formation processes like organic decay. paleotopography Topography that existed during a previous period of the earth’s development. paleo-valleys A valley of the geologic past, frequently buried under younger sediments. Paleozoic An era of geologic time, from the end of the Precambrian to the beginning of the Mesozoic, or from about 570 to about 225 million years ago. Also, the rocks deposited during the Paleozoic. paludification The succession or conversion of upland or mineral wetland ecosystems to peatland through the accumulation of peat. palynology The study of living and fossil pollen grains and plant spores.
Page 58 July 2005
EIA Glossary paraconformity An uncertain or obscure unconformity in which no erosion surface is discernible or in which the contact is a simple bedding plane and in which the beds above and below the break are parallel. parasitism The relation between two different kinds of organisms in which one receives benefits from the other by causing damage to it (usually not fatal damage). parent material The unconsolidated and weathered mineral or organic material from which the upper horizons of a soil have developed. particulate Substances (dusts, fibres or mists) suspended in air that a person contaminants might inhale. particulates Fine solid materials that remain individually dispersed in gases and stack emissions. passerine Perching birds, mostly small and living near the ground with feet having four toes arranged to allow for gripping the perch; most are songbirds. patch An area that is different from the area around it, e.g., vegetation types and nonforested areas. This term is used to recognize that most ecosystems are not homogeneous, but rather exist as a group of patches or ecological islands that are recognizably different from the parts of the ecosystem that surround them but nevertheless interact with them. patch density (PD) The number of patches per 100 hectares divided by total landscape area. Patch density equals the number of patches of the corresponding patch types (NP) divided by total landscape area, multiplied by 10,000 and 100 (to convert to 100 hectares). patch richness (PR) A measure of the number of different patch types that occur within a study area or landscape unit within a study area. The patch types used here are vegetation units. patch size coefficient The patch size coefficient builds off the mean patch size (MPS) as the of variation (PSCV) variability of patch size relative to the mean. The PSCV is calculated as the standard deviation of patch size divided by the MPS and is thus a relative measure. pathology The science that deals with the cause and nature of disease or diseased tissues. patterned fen A type of fen that’s composed of alternating strings (narrow, low peat ridges) and flarks (alternating wet hollows or shallow pools). The strings are oriented perpendicular to the water movement. peat Unconsolidated soil that consists of undecomposed, or only slightly decomposed, material of which 85 percent or more is organic matter. peatland An organic wetland with accumulations of more than 40 cm of peat.
July 2005 Page 59
EIA Glossary pebble core So termed because of its size. These miniature objective pieces will display the full range of reduction processes such as bi-polar and multidirectional flake removal often associated with larger core artifacts. pelagic A modifier in geology for the deeper part of a lake (10 to 20 m or more), characterized by deposits of mud or ooze and by the absence of aquatic vegetation. Pelagial Zone Open water portion of a lake. performance Prediction of a reclaimed lease’s future performance, identifying assessment potential adverse effects with respect to geotechnical, geomorphic and ecosystem sustainability. permafrost Material that remains below 0°C for more than one year. permeability The ability of a porous medium to transmit a fluid. It is a measure of the relative ease of fluid flow under unequal pressure and is a function only of the medium. permissible sound The maximum sound level that a facility should not exceed at a point level (PSL) 15 m from the nearest or most impacted dwelling unit. The PSL is the sum of the BSL, daytime adjustment, Class A adjustment and Class B adjustment. permit holder The director of a Historical Resource Impact Assessment. Responsible for the satisfactory completion of all field and laboratory work and author of the technical report. petrified wood Agatized wood used for the manufacture of stone artifacts. petroleum Crude oil and its products. pH The negative logarithm of hydrogen ion concentration. The pH scale is generally presented from 1 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline). A difference of one pH unit represents a ten-fold change in hydrogen ion concentration. pH measurement The method of determining the hydrogen-ion concentration in an ionized solution by means of an indicator solution, such as phenolphthalein or a pH meter. pH (soil reaction) The term for the negative logarithm of the hydrogen-ion activity of a soil. The degree of acidity or alkalinity of a soil as determined by means of glass, quinhydrone or other suitable electrode or indicator at specified moisture content of soil-water ratio and expressed in terms of the pH scale. pH value The degree of acidity (or alkalinity) of soil or solution. The pH scale is generally presented from 1 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline). A difference of one pH unit represents a ten-fold change in hydrogen ion concentration.
Page 60 July 2005
EIA Glossary phenology The relationship between a periodic biological phenomenon, i.e., flowering, and climatic conditions. phosphorus The key nutrient influencing plant growth in lakes; total phosphorus includes the amount of phosphorus in solution (reactive) and in particulate form. phreatic surface Synonym of unconfined groundwater surface. The planar surface between the zone of saturation and the zone of aeration. Also known as the water table. physiographic The modifier used to describe or classify land areas, or natural processes, based on physiography (physical nature of features), as in physiographic region or province, or physiographic cycle. physiography A part of physical geography, namely the description and origin of landforms. physiological Related to function in cells, organs or entire organisms, in accordance with natural processes of life. phytoplankton A type of small, often microscopic algae that floats passively in the sea or other bodies of water. These organisms photosynthesize and compose the base of the aquatic food chain. pictograph Designs painted by Aboriginal peoples on natural rock surfaces. Red ochre is the most frequently used pigment. piezometer An instrument that can be used to measure fluid pressure in the subsurface. piezometric surface If water level elevations in wells completed in an aquifer are plotted on a map and contoured, the resulting surface described by the contours is known as a potentiometric or piezometric surface. piscivorous diet Feeding on fish. pit lake A man-made lake used to fill a mine pit area into which tailings can be discharged. Pit Lakes are typically filled with waters pumped from adjacent rivers. pixel The basic unit of digital image data. Shortened from “picture element”. The intensity of each pixel corresponds to the average “brightness” measured electronically by the sensor. plant community A distinct grouping of plant species often associated with a particular set of environment conditions, such as terrain, soil, permafrost and water. Also known as vegetation community. PM10 Airborne particulate matter with a mean diameter less than 10 µm (microns) in diameter. This represents the fraction of airborne particles that can be inhaled into the upper respiratory tract. PM2.5 Airborne particulate matter with a mean diameter less than 2.5 µm (microns) in diameter. This represents the fraction of airborne particles that can be inhaled deeply into the pulmonary tissue.
July 2005 Page 61
EIA Glossary pneumatic piezometer A device used to measure hydrostatic and/or pore pressure in a borehole or engineered structure. point source An emission source that’s a conventional stack, a flare stack or a process vent. Stacks and vents can range in height from a few metres to more than 100 m. polishing pond A water pond where final sedimentation takes place before discharge. polyacrylamide A white polyamide related to acrylic acid used in geleiectrophoresis. polycyclic aromatic A hydrocarbon considered to be a highly toxic component of hydrocarbon (PAH) petroleum products. A PAH is composed of at least two fused benzene rings, many of which are potential carcinogens. Toxicity increases along with molecular size and degree of alkylation of the aromatic nucleus. polygon The spatial area delineated on a map to define one feature unit, e.g., one type of ecosite phase. pool:run:riffle ratio The ratio of pool: run: riffle based on the percentage of each stream type in the surveyed section of the stream. These habitat types are described as: • pool: a deep area of low current velocity • run: a moderately deep area within the main current • riffle: a shallow area where the water surface is broken into waves by bed material poor fen A type of fen that supports a low number of indicator species. Poor fens have a low pH (4.5 to 5.5) and a ground cover dominated by peat mosses. population A collective word for individuals of the same species that potentially (in biology) interbreed. population viability A modelling process that uses estimates of landscape changes, analysis (PVA) demographic rates and environmental variation to calculate the probability of species extinction within a given period of time and space. pore The geology term for a small opening, passageway or void within the (in geology) subsurface material. porewater Water contained between grains within solid or rock. porosity The ratio of the volume of void space in a rock or sediment to the (in geology) total volume of the rock or sediment. Usually expressed as a decimal fraction or percent. postglacial deposits Organic material or sediments that have accumulated since the total disappearance of continental glaciers. potable water Water that is suitable for drinking.
Page 62 July 2005
EIA Glossary potential Any of several scalar variables, each involving energy as a function of (in hydrology and position or condition; of relevance here is the fluid potential of hydraulics) groundwater. A water quality issue or problem identified by a river potential authority as being a potential problem, or a problem without current (in water quality) supporting data. potential acid input A composite measure of acidification determined from the relative (PAI) quantities of deposition from background and industrial emissions of sulphur, nitrogen and base cations. potential evaporation The maximum amount of water that can be evaporated from a surface, e.g., ground, vegetation. potentiation An interaction that can be considered a special type of synergism. Potentiation occurs when a substance that is not toxic by itself increases the toxic potency of another substance. potentiometric surface The level to which water will rise in a well situated in a confined aquifer. Precambrian Shield Ancient (older than 600 million years) structural units of the earth’s crust that remain relatively unaffected by later mountain-building periods, e.g., the Canadian Shield. prehistoric The time of human occupation before contact with European populations. primary decortication First series of flakes removed from a nodule. The dorsal surface of flake such flakes are covered by cortex and lack any real arris or flake scars on the dorsal side. Removed by percussion or pressure technique. primary flakes The first series of flakes removed from a core or nucleus in the process of tool manufacture. probable effects level Concentration of a chemical in sediment above which adverse effects on an aquatic organism are likely. probable maximum The most severe flood that can be expected from a combination of the flood (PMF) most critical meteorological and hydrological conditions that is reasonably possible in the drainage basin. It is used in designing high- risk flood protection works and siting of structures and facilities that must be subject to almost no risk of flooding. The probable maximum flood is much larger than the 100-year flood. probable maximum The maximum amount of precipitation for a given period that can precipitation (PMP) reasonably be expected to occur in a specific drainage basin. problem formulation The initial step in a risk assessment that focuses the assessment on the chemicals, receptors and exposure pathways of greatest concern. productive forest Forests on lands with a capability rating of equal to or greater than three, and stocked with enough trees to meet the standards of a merchantable forest.
July 2005 Page 63
EIA Glossary productivity A term that expresses tree growth by site index, which is a (vegetation) measurement of tree growth expressed as height (m) at 50 years breast height. profile (soil) A vertical section of the soil through all horizons, extending into the parent material. projectile point An inclusive term for arrow, spear or dart points. Characterized by a symmetrical point, a relatively thin cross-section and some element to allow attachment to the projectile shaft. Flaked stone projectile points are usually classified by their outline form. propagules Root fragments, seeds and other plant materials that can develop into a plant under the right conditions. provenience The horizontal and/or vertical position of an artifact in relation to known coordinates. QA quality assurance QC quality control qualitative analysis Analysis that’s based on best professional judgment. quality A set of practices that ensure the quality of a product or a result. For assurance/quality example, “Good Laboratory Practice” is part of QA/QC in analytical control (QA/QC) laboratories and involves such things as proper instrument calibration, meticulous glassware cleaning and an accurate sample information system. quarry site A location where raw stone is removed for use in tool manufacture. Quaternary The most recent geological time, encompassing the last two million years. quartz crystal Pure silicate rock crystal. Usually perfectly clear. quartzite A granular metamorphic rock consisting essentially of quartz. radiocarbon dating A method of dating materials based on measurement of the radioactive decay of Carbon 14 in organic materials. Also known as radiometric dating. raptor A carnivorous (meat-eating) bird; includes eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. rare plants Rare plants have restricted spatial, ecological and temporal distributions in a variable, or diverse environment. raster A graphic structure where the data is divided into cells on a grid. An example would be a computer screen where an image is represented by horizontal lines of coloured pixels. Shapes are represented by cells of the same colour or content adjacent to each other.
Page 64 July 2005
EIA Glossary rating curve A curve showing the relation between the discharge of a guage, meter or other hydraulic structure or instrument and the pertinent hydraulic conditions affecting the discharge, such as pressure, hydrostatic head and velocity of approach. rearing habitat The particular environment or place used by young fish for feeding or (in aquatic resources) as a refuge from predators. receptor The person or organism that receives exposure to a chemical or chemical group. receptor locations The locations used for those disciplines where impacts must be assessed at a particular site, usually with reference to residences or recreation areas. recharge–discharge Areas that either contribute (recharge) or take away (discharge) area to/from the overall volume of groundwater in an aquifer. recharge–seepage face A boundary condition used to define a relationship between groundwater flow into or out of the model domain and the hydraulic head in a grid cell. It differs from the general head boundary in that the maximum groundwater inflow rate and the maximum hydraulic head are both specified for the recharge-seepage face boundary. reclamation The restoration of disturbed land to a state of useful capability. Reclamation is the initiation of the process that leads to a sustainable landscape (see definition), including the construction of stable landforms, drainage systems, wetlands, soil reconstruction, addition of nutrients and revegetation. This provides the basis for natural succession to mature ecosystems suitable for a variety of end uses. reclamation certificate Alberta Environment requires operators to conserve and reclaim specified land and to obtain a reclamation certificate once their site has been successfully reclaimed. reclamation unit A unique combination of reclamation conditions, namely surface shape, sub-base material, cover material and initial vegetation. reconstructed soil A soil profile formed by selected placement of suitable overburden materials on reshaped spoils. recovery test A method of obtaining quantitative information on the hydraulic characteristics of an aquifer, routinely used following a pump test. After pumping has been terminated, the water level will stop dropping and will begin to rise towards its original position. The rise of the water level can be measured as residual drawdowns (i.e., as the difference between the original water level before pumping and the actual water level measured at a given time after pumping is stopped). redd A hollow in sand or gravel on a riverbed, scooped out as a spawing place by salmon, trout or other fish. redox A chemistry term meaning a reversible chemical reaction; e.g., one reaction is oxidation and the reverse is reduction.
July 2005 Page 65
EIA Glossary reference An estimate of a continuous inhalation exposure (in units of µg concentration (RfC) per m3) to the human population (including sensitive subgroups) that is likely to be without an appreciable risk of adverse effects to human health during a lifetime. reference dose (RfD) An estimate of a daily oral exposure (in units of mg per kg of body weight per day) to the human population (including sensitive subgroups) that is likely to be without an appreciable risk of adverse effects to human health during a lifetime. refugia Areas of natural ecosystems within, or next to, a development area from which plants or animals might move back into the development area, or to which animals might move from the development area. regeneration The natural or artificial process of establishing young trees. Regional Aquatic RAMP was established to determine, evaluate and communicate the Monitoring Program state of the aquatic environment in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region. (RAMP) Regional Closure The integrated drainage system in the regionally reclaimed landscape. Drainage System Regional Issues A group that works to promote the responsible, sustainable Working Group development of resources within the Regional Municipality of Wood (RIWG) Buffalo. regional study area The cumulative-effects study area. Used in the context of impacts in (RSA) the larger region, including other projects that might contribute to cumulative effects. Regional Sustainable A regulatory framework for balancing development of Alberta’s oil Development Strategy sands resources with protection of the environment. (RSDS) Rego Gleysol A soil with the general properties of the Gleysolic order and the Gleysol great group that has a gleyed C horizon, with or without an organic surface horizon, and a thin Ah or B horizon. Regosol Any soil of the azonal order without definite genetic horizons and developing from or on deep, unconsolidated, soft mineral deposits such as sands, loess or glacial drift. Regosolic A classification in Canada for soils having no horizon development or insufficient development of the A and B horizons to meet the requirements of the other soil orders. rejects Hard clusters of clays or lean oil sands that do not pass sizing screens in the extraction process and are rejected. Rejects contain residual bitumen and account for a portion of extraction recovery loss. relative abundance The proportional representation of a species in a sample or a community.
Page 66 July 2005
EIA Glossary relative humidity The ratio of the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere to the amount necessary for saturation at the same temperature. Relative humidity is expressed in terms of percent and measures the percentage of saturation. remote sensing Measurement of some property of an object or surface by means other than direct contact; usually refers to the gathering of scientific information about the earth’s surface from great heights and over broad areas, using instruments mounted on aircraft or satellites. replicate Duplicate analyses of an individual sample. Replicate analyses are used for measuring precision in quality control. representative sample A small part of a total volume having its physical or chemical characteristics identical to the average characteristics of the total volume. reproductive success The accomplishment of producing healthy offspring that live to reproduce themselves. reservoir A subsurface, porous, permeable rock formation in which oil and gas is stored. residence time The average time for groundwater, or compounds contained in groundwater, to flow through or be contained within a given area or volume of porous media. residual impacts Effects that remain significant after efforts to reduce the impacts. retouch/resharpening Varying in size from large to microscopic, these flakes are driven off flakes the lateral edges of a flake by pressure to form a sharp edge (retouch) or to maintain the sharp edge of an existing tool (resharpening). revegetation The process of providing denuded land with a new cover of plants. reverse osmosis A technique used to remove dissolved solids from water, such as in desalination, wastewater treatment, or preparation of boiler feedwater. Pressure is applied to the surface of a saline or waste solution, forcing pure water to pass from the solution through a membrane (hollow fibres of cellulose acetate or nylon) that will not pass the ions of dissolved solids. rich fen A type of fen that supports a high number of indicator species. Rich fens have a high pH (greater than 5.5) and a ground cover dominated by brown mosses. Shagnum can be present. richness (of a habitat) A measure of the number of species in a biological community. riffle A reach of stream that is characterized by shallow, fast-moving water broken by the presence of rocks and boulders. riffle habitat An area of shallow rapids where the water flows swiftly over completely or partially submerged materials to produce surface agitation.
July 2005 Page 67
EIA Glossary riffle-run-pool A mixture of flows and depth and providing a variety of habitats. Pools are deep with slow water. Riffles are shallow with fast, turbulent water running over rocks. Runs are deep with fast water and little or no turbulence. riparian Refers to terrain, vegetation or simply a position next to or associated with a stream, flood plain, or standing waterbody. riparian habitat A vegetation area influenced by groundwater, subirrigation (areas where a high water table reaches or saturates the root zone) or surface water and that provides important habitat for fish and a majority of wildlife species. This vegetation is often a transition zone between aquatic and terrestrial habitat. riparian zones The terrain next to, or associated with a stream, floodplain or standing waterbody. riprap Large rocks used for erosion control. risk The possibility of injury, loss or environmental incident created by a hazard. The significance of the risk is determined by the probability of an unwanted incident and the severity of its consequences. risk analysis Quantification of predictions of magnitudes and probabilities of potential impacts on the health of people, wildlife and/or aquatic biota that might arise from exposure to risk as stated above in “risk”. risk assessment Process that evaluates the probability of adverse effects that might occur, or are occurring on target organism(s) as a result of exposure to one or more stressors. risk characterization The process of evaluating the potential risk to a receptor based on comparison of the estimated exposure to the toxicity reference value. risk management The managerial, decision-making and active hazard control process used to deal with those environmental agents for which risk evaluation has indicated the risk is too high. risk-based Chemical concentrations in air, soil, water or fish that are likely to be concentration (RBC) without an appreciable risk of adverse effects to human health during a lifetime. They are calculated from toxicity reference values and typical exposure rates for the various media, e.g., inhalation rates, ingestion rates, and they are compared to predicted concentrations in air, water, soil and/or fish in the chemical screening process of the risk assessment. The risk-based concentrations used in this assessment have been divided by 10 to increase the conservatism in the chemical screening process. rock alignment Any artificial arrangement of rocks or boulders into rows or other patterns. rough broken An area having steep slopes and many intermittent drainage channels, but usually covered with vegetation. RSA regional study area
Page 68 July 2005
EIA Glossary
RSDS Regional Sustainable Development Strategy run habitat The areas of swiftly flowing water, without surface waves, that approximate uniform flow and in which the slope of water surface is roughly parallel to the overall gradient of the stream reach. runoff The part of water from rain and snow that flows over land to streams, ponds or other surface water bodies and that does not infiltrate into the ground or evaporate. runoff coefficient The part of precipitation that’s measured as runoff in streams. safety (or uncertainty) One of several, generally 10-fold, default factors used by regulatory factors agencies to derive toxicity reference values from experimental toxicity data. The factors are intended to account for (1) variation in susceptibility among the members of the human population; (2) uncertainty in extrapolating animal data to humans (3) uncertainty in extrapolating from data obtained in a study with less-than-lifetime exposure; (4) uncertainty in extrapolating from a LOAEL rather than from a NOAEL; and (5) uncertainty associated with extrapolation when the toxicity information is incomplete. saline water Water that contains moderate to high concentrations of soluble salts, i.e., mineralization in the range of 10,000 to 100,000 mg/L total dissolved solids. sand A soil particle between 0.05 and 2 mm in diameter. SARA Species at Risk Act saturation percentage Percent water content where the soil is completely saturated with water. scale Level of spatial resolution. scouring The process of erosion by water, air or ice. scraper A tool presumably used in scraping, scouring or planing functions. Most frequently refers to flaked stone artifacts with one or more steep unifacially retouched edge(s). screening The process of filtering and removal of implausible or unlikely exposure pathways, chemicals or substances, or populations from the risk assessment process to focus the analysis on the chemicals, pathways and populations of greatest concern. secondary Second series of flakes removed from a nodule by percussion or decortication flake pressure techniques. Are partially covered by cortex and most commonly exhibit an arris. secondary extraction A stage in an extraction process to recover additional bitumen following a primary recovery step.
July 2005 Page 69
EIA Glossary secondary flake Lithic fragment intentionally removed from a core by percussion or pressure techniques. They vary in size and shape with core types and core preparation. All exhibit platforms and/or other definitive removal characteristics. secure A species that is not “At Risk,” “May Be At Risk” or “Sensitive.” Secure (species) A classification that indicates a species that is not classified as At Risk, May Be At Risk or Sensitive. Sensitive (species) A classification that indicates a species that is not at risk of extinction or extirpation but might require special attention or protection to prevent it from becoming at risk. sediment (1) Soil particles that have been transported from their natural location by wind or water action; particles of sand, soil and minerals that are washed from the land and settle on the bottoms of wetlands and other aquatic habitats. (2) The soil material, both mineral and organic, that is in suspension, is being transported, or has been moved from its site of origin by erosion (by air, water, gravity, or ice) and has come to rest on the earth’s surface. (3) Solid material that is transported by, suspended in, or deposited from water. It originates mostly from disintegrated rocks; it also includes chemical and biochemical precipitates and decomposed organic material, such as humus. The quantity, characteristics and cause of the occurrence of sediment in streams are influenced by environmental factors. Some major factors are degree of slope, length of slope, soil characteristics, land use, and quantity and intensity of precipitation. (4) In the singular, the word is usually applied to material in suspension in water or recently deposited from suspension. In the plural the word is applied to all kinds of deposits from the waters of streams, lakes or seas, and in a more general sense to deposits of wind and ice. Such deposits that have been consolidated are generally called sedimentary rocks. (5) Fragmental or clastic mineral particles derived from soil, alluvial and rock materials by processes of erosion, and transported by water, wind, ice and gravity. A special kind of sediment is generated by precipitation of solids from solution (i.e., calcium carbonate, iron oxides). Excluded from the definition are vegetation, wood, bacterial and algal slimes, extraneous light-weight artificially made substances such as trash, plastics, flue ash, dyes and semisolids. sediment load (1) The soil particles transported through a channel by stream flow. (2) The total sediment, including bedload plus suspended sediment load, is the sediment being moved by flowing water in a stream at a specified cross-section. sediment sampling A field procedure relating to a method for determining the configuration of sediments. sediment transport Transport rate of soil particles through a channel by stream flow.
Page 70 July 2005
EIA Glossary sediment yield The amount of sediment transported by a stream system that might be measurable at a particular location. Usually expressed in volume or weight per unit of time. sedimentary rock A rock composed of materials that were transported to their present position by water or wind. sedimentation The process of deposition of suspended matter carried by water, waste water or other liquids and deposition by gravity. It’s usually accomplished by reducing the velocity of the liquid below the point at which it can transport the suspended material. sediments Solid fragments of inorganic or organic material that fall out of suspension in water, wastewater, or other liquid. seep An area, generally small, where water or another liquid, such as oil, (in geology) percolates slowly to the land surface. seepage Slow water movement in subsurface. Flow of water from man-made retaining structures. A spot or zone, where water oozes from the ground, often forming the source of a small spring. semi-quantitative The weight of evidence approach used in assessing risks to particulate assessment matter. It is only semi-quantitative because a numerical value cannot be calculated and used to calculate risk. sensitive Any species that is not at risk of extinction or extirpation but might require special attention or protection to prevent it from becoming at risk. sensory disturbance Visual, auditory, or olfactory stimulus that creates a negative response in wildlife species. separation cells Large, cylindrical open-top vessels that are used as the primary extraction device in water extraction process. Bitumen is recovered from the top of the vessel. Tailings are removed from the bottom. seral community One of a sequence of communities in the development stages towards a climax community. seral stage A stage of plant community development during ecological succession ranging from bare ground to a stable state. settlement area The main area where an Aboriginal group traditionally lived and pursued their livelihood. Rights and benefits defined by the final agreement, such as rights to hunt and fish, or economic benefits, such as consultation on exploration and development, that might extend to the whole settlement area. seven-day 10-year low The period of lowest average stream flow during a seven-day interval flow (7Q10) that is expected to occur once every 10 years. SEWG Sustainable Ecosystems Working Group shale A laminated rock with greater than 67 percent clay minerals.
July 2005 Page 71
EIA Glossary shallow open water A type of nonpeat-accumulating wetland characterized by aquatic processes confined to less than 2 m deep at midsummer. These wetlands have submergent to floating vegetation, and are transitional to truly aquatic ecosystems. Shannon’s Evenness Distribution of area among or within patch types in the landscape. Index (SHEI) Shannon-Wiener A diversity measure based on information theory, a measure of order Index (or disorder) within a particular system. The Shannon-Wiener index provides a measure of the degree of complexity in a system from low (0) to high (5). SHOVEL TEST A subsurface test approximately 40 to 50 cm on a side excavated by hand to determine the presence/absence of buried cultural materials. silt A type of rock fragment with a diameter between 0.002 and 0.06 mm. silviculture The science and practice of controlling the establishment, composition and growth of the vegetation in forest stands. It includes the control or production of stand structures such as snags and down logs, in addition to live vegetation. sinkhole A closed surface landform (depression) in regions of karst topography produced by the subsurface limestone geology or the collapse of cavern roofs. sinuosity The ratio of the thalweg length (i.e., the line connecting the deepest points along a stream) to valley length, for a specific reach of a river or stream system. This is, in essence, a ratio of the stream’s actual “running” length to its down-gradient length. site The location of archaeological or paleontological remains. (in archaeology)) slope factor (SF) An upper bound, approximating a 95% confidence limit, on the increased cancer risk from a lifetime exposure to a chemical. This estimate is usually expressed in units of proportion (of a population) affected per mg/kg/day. slump Small, shallow slope failure involving relocation of surficial soil on a slope without risk to the overall stability of the facility. slump area Slopes subject to regular mass-wasting events characterized by movement (slow or rapid) of a mass of soil and/or rock. SMART Simulation Model for Acidification’s Regional Trends
Page 72 July 2005
EIA Glossary snag A naturally occurring, standing dead or dying tree that plays an important role in providing habitat for a variety of forest-dwelling species. Wildlife use snags for cavity nesting, communal nursery sites, roosting, foraging, hunting or perching. Small-diameter snags are adequate for some species, while large-diameter snags are required by other species and endure longer. Providing snags in managed forests is a very important stand management practice for maintaining biodiversity. snag density The density level of snags (i.e., stems/ha) provides an index for biodiversity in a forested environment. snye A side channel of a river on non-flowing water connected to a flowing river channel only at its downstream end, generally formed in a side channel of a river or behind a peninsula (bar).
SO2 sulphur dioxide sodic A modifier for soils with high concentrations of exchangeable sodium. sodium adsorption Concentrations of sodium, calcium and magnesium ions in a solution. ratio (SAR) soil The unconsolidated material on the immediate surface of the earth that serves as a natural medium for the growth of land plants. soil amendment A change to soil properties by adding substances, such as lime, gypsum or sawdust, to make the soil more suitable for plant growth or any substance used for this purpose. Fertilizers constitute a special group of soil amendments. soil capability The nature and degree of limitations imposed by the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of a soil unit for forest productivity. soil map A map showing the distribution of soil types or other soil mapping units relative to the prominent physical and cultural features of the earth’s surface. soil moisture The amount of water contained in the soil. soil moisture regime A term describing the available moisture supply for plant growth on a relative scale. It is assessed by integrating species composition, and soil and site characteristics. Moisture regime ranges from very dry to wet. soil nutrient regime The amount of essential nutrients available for plant growth. Nutrient regime is determined by integrating several environmental and biotic parameters. Soil nutrient regime ranges from very poor to very rich. soil profile A vertical section of the soil through all its horizons and extending into the parent material.
July 2005 Page 73
EIA Glossary soil series A conceptual class that has defined limits of soil properties, including: • horizon depth and expression • colour • texture • structure • consistence • stoniness • salinity • pH • soil drainage A soil series is a specified soil subgroup on a particular parent material. In soil mapping, the names of the dominant soil series are often used to name the map units. soil structure The combination or arrangement of primary soil particles into secondary particles, units or peds. These secondary units can be, but usually are not, arranged in the profile in a distinctive and characteristic pattern. Secondary units are characterized and classified on the basis of size, shape and degree of distinctiveness into classes, types and grades. Common terms for structure are: single grain, amorphous, blocky, subangular blocky, granular, play, prismatic and columnar. soil survey The systematic examination, description, classification and mapping of soils in an area. Soil surveys are ranked according to the type and intensity of field examination. soil type A functional taxonomic unit used to stratify soils based on soil moisture regime, effective soil texture, organic matter, thickness and soil depth. In ecosite classification, soil type is more general than soil series. soil unit A defined and named repetitive grouping of soil bodies occurring together in an individual and natural characteristic pattern over the soil landscape. The attributes of a soil unit vary within more or less narrow limits that are determined by the intensity of the soil survey and its objectives, such as land use planning and management requirements. A soil unit is conceptual and comprises all map delineations with the same name. solar radiation The principal portion of the solar spectrum that spans from approximately 300 nanometres (nm) to 4,000 nm in the electromagnetic spectrum. It is measured in W/m2, which is radiation energy per second per unit area.
Page 74 July 2005
EIA Glossary
Solonetzic An order of soils developed mainly under grass or grass-forest vegetative cover in semiarid to subhumid climates. The soils have a stained brownish solonetzic B (Bnt or Bn) horizon and a saline C horizon. The surface can be one or more of Ap, Ah, or Ae horizons. solubility The degree to which a substance is soluble. songbird Perching birds, e.g., warblers, sparrows, swallows, chickadees, thrushes, kinglets. sorbent material A material that can provide a sorbent function, such as adsorption, absorption or desorption. sour water Water that has been in contact with oil in a processing operation. Sour water might contain traces of hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulphide, ammonia and other compounds. spatial Relates to definition and consideration of space in the EIA. The spatial boundaries define the area considered in the assessment. spawning habitat A particular type of area where a fish species chooses to reproduce. Preferred habitat (substrate, water flow, temperature) varies from species to species. Special Concern A species of special concern because of characteristics that make it (Vulnerable) particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events. species A group of organisms that actually or potentially interbreed and are reproductively isolated from all other such groups or a taxonomic grouping of genetically and morphologically similar individuals. Also the classification below genus. species abundance The number of individuals of a particular species within a biological community, e.g., habitat. species composition A term that refers to the species found in the sampling area. species distribution A location where the various species in an ecosystem are found at any given time. Species distribution varies with season. species diversity A description of a biological community that includes both the number of species and their relative abundance. Provides a measure of the variation in the number of species in a region, depending on the variety of habitats and resources within habitats, and in part, on the degree of specialization of species to particular habitats and resources. species evenness A measure of equitability calculated to incorporate the sum of the proportional contributions of an individual species to the total population of a community. species richness The number of different species occupying a given area. specified head cell A grid cell with a specified value of hydraulic head. sport/game fish Large fish caught for food or sport, e.g., northern pike, Arctic grayling.
July 2005 Page 75
EIA Glossary spring A place where water flows from rock or soil upon the land or into a body of surface water. spring breakup The time of year when the temperature rises sufficiently to thaw ice, causing it to break up in rivers and allowing them to become navigable. stability A measure of the atmosphere’s ability to disperse emissions. Stable (atmospheric) atmospheric conditions cause a poor dispersion of plumes, increasing emission concentrations. Unstable conditions promote plume dispersion, resulting in lower emission concentrations. stability class (in wind A method of classifying the level of turbulence in the atmosphere. measurement) Paquill-Gifford (PG) stability class ranges are: • unstable (Class A, B and C), which can occur during the daytime • neutral (Class D), which can occur day or night • stable (Class E and F), which can occur at night stack emissions Substances discharged into the atmosphere through a flare stack. staging birds/areas Refers to key locations, often wetlands, along their migratory routes where birds concentrate in huge numbers to replenish the body fat and energy reserves needed for their migration. stagnation air flow A meteorological condition characterized by low wind speeds that condition tend to be disorganized. stand A group of trees occupying a specific area and sufficiently uniform in composition, age, arrangement and condition so that it is distinguishable from trees in adjoining areas. stand age The number of years since a stand experienced a stand-replacing disturbance event, e.g., fire, logging. stand density The number and size of trees on a forest site. standard deviation A measure of the variability or spread of the measurements about the (Sd) mean. standpipe A device consisting of a perforated/slotted pipe, often used in the past to measure depth to groundwater surface at shallow depths. steam assisted gravity An in-situ oil sands recovery technique that involves the use of two drainage (SAGD) horizontal wells, one to inject steam and a second to produce the bitumen. stem The base of a particularly old style of projectile point. These spear points do not have notches but, instead, have a tongue-like base that fits into a hole or slot at the end of a spear shaft. The stem can be narrower than the blade of the projectile point.
Page 76 July 2005
EIA Glossary stochastic A risk assessment approach that is typically the second phase in the risk assessment process. Also referred to as a probabilistic approach, it involves assessing risk using probability distributions to describe exposure parameters. Thus, rather than using a single point estimate value for exposure parameters, a range of values is used. storage coefficient The storage coefficient and the specific yield are both defined as the volume of water released or stored per unit surface area of the aquifer per unit change in the component of head normal to that surface. Both are designated by the symbol S and are dimensionless. The storage coefficient refers only to the confined parts of an aquifer and depends on the elasticity of the aquifer material and the fluid. It typically has an order of magnitude of 10-4 to 10-6. The specific yield refers to the unconfined parts of an aquifer. In practice, it can be considered to equal the effective porosity or drainable pore space because in unconfined aquifers the effects of the elasticity of aquifer material and fluid are generally negligible. It should be kept in mind that small pores do not contribute to the effective pore space because in small pores the retention forces are greater than the weight of the water. For sands, the specific yield can be in the order of 0.1 to 0.2. In American Literature the terms storage coefficient and specific yield are often used synonymously. storativity The volume of water an aquifer releases from or takes into storage due to pressure change. strata A layer of sedimentary rock. (in geology) stratify Layering of lakes into two or more non-mixing layers; in summer, typically a layer of warmer, less dense water lies on a cooler, denser layer; in winter, typically a layer of very cold (<4°C), less dense water overlies warmer, denser water (approximately 4°C). stratigraphy The succession and age of strata of rock and unconsolidated material. Also concerns the form, distribution, lithologic composition, fossil content and other properties of the strata. stratosphere A layer in the atmosphere about 15 to 45 km above the earth. stream day A measure of time consisting of a 24-hour operating period of a flow- processing unit in an industrial setting. stream day and A measure typically used to distinguish between maximum calendar day rate sustainable daily rates (stream day) and average daily rates over a one-year period (calendar day). Forecasts are typically expressed in calendar day rates, while equipment and facilities are typically designed for stream day rates.
July 2005 Page 77
EIA Glossary stream day rate A measure of a facility’s capacity at the maximum throughput. The equipment and piping is sized to handle this throughput. stream diversion A change or alteration in the natural course of a watercourse or stream either by removal/redirection of the waterflow or physical alteration to the stream channel. strings Dry, elongated ridges in patterned peatlands that develop perpendicular to the direction of dominant water flow. strip mining Mining method in which overburden is first removed from a sedimentary ore such as oil sands, allowing ore to be removed. strong acids Acids with a high tendency to donate protons or to completely dissociate in natural waters, e.g., H2SO4, HNO3, HCl. structure (stand The various horizontal and vertical physical elements of the forest. structure) The physical appearance of canopy and subcanopy trees and snags, shrub and herbaceous layers and downed woody material. study area The geographic limits within which an impact to a valued social or ecosystem component is likely to be significant. subcrop A geologic unit that is exposed beneath an overlying geologic layer, usually at an unconformity. subhydric Water is removed slowly enough to keep the water table at or near the surface for most of the year; organic and gleyed mineral soils are present as well as permanent seepage less than 30 cm below the surface. subhygric Areas in which the soil is wet for a significant part of the growing season, i.e., a moderate supply of water with less water than hygric, more water than mesic. submesic Water is removed readily in relation to supply; water is available for moderately short periods following precipitation. subsidence The process of sinking or settling of the earth’s surface with very little horizontal motion. subsistence lifestyle The condition of producing a sufficient quantity of goods to sustain one’s own existence or to support one’s household without producing a sufficient surplus for trade. subsoil The layer of weathered material that underlies the surface soil.
Page 78 July 2005
EIA Glossary substrate Material in the stream bed. The assemblage of material sizes include: Organic/Silt: organic material and/or fine material <0.006 mm diameter • sand: material 0.06 m to 2.0 mm diameter • small gravel: material 2 to 8 mm diameter • large gravel: material 8 to 32 mm diameter • pebble: material 32 to 64 mm diameter • cobble: material 64 to 256 mm diameter • boulder: material >256 mm diameter. subxeric Water is removed rapidly in relation to supply; soil is moist for short periods following precipitation. succession A series of dynamic changes by which one group of organisms succeeds another through stages leading to a climax community. successional The change in community composition over time following a major disturbance. successional stage A stage or recognizable condition of a forest community that occurs during its development from bare ground to climax. sulphur dioxide (SO2) A poisonous and irritating gas that is a product of burning H2S. supervised The image analyst assigns the pixel categories by specifying the classification various land cover types present in a scene. surface collection An archaeological technique that results in the collection and (in archaeology) recording of artifacts from the surface of a site. surface water All water on the earth’s surface, including fresh and salt water. surficial aquifer A surficial (at or near the surface of the earth) deposit containing water considered an aquifer. surficial bed material The top 3 to 6 cm of the bed material that is sampled using US Series Bed-Material Samplers. surficial deposits Uncompacted deposits and soil lying on bedrock or occurring on or near the earth’s surface. surrogate Refers to the chemical selected to represent a group of related chemicals. survey A system of ground reconnaissance used to determine the (in archaeology) archaeological potential of an area and identify site locations. suspended sediments Particles of matter suspended in the water often originating from a stream or lake bed, that are free to move within the water column of a lake or stream. Measured as the oven dry weight of the solids, in mg/L, after filtration through a standard filter paper. sustainability The process of managing biological resources, e.g., timber or fish, to ensure replacement by regrowth or reproduction of the part harvested before another harvest occurs.
July 2005 Page 79
EIA Glossary sustainable Development that meets the needs of the present without development compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable A task group under the Cumulative Environmental Management Ecosystems Working Association (CEMA) that deals with most resource-related issues. Group (SEWG) sustainable landscape Ability of landscape (including landforms, drainage, waterbodies and vegetation) to survive extreme events and natural cycles of change, without causing accelerated erosion and environmental impacts much more severe than that of the natural environment. swamp A forested to shrubby wetland area that has accumulated less than 40 cm of peat. synergism Two or more toxic substances interact such that the toxicity of the mixture is greater than would be expected if the substances were acting additively or independently. For example, people who use both tobacco and alcohol have a much higher risk of some cancers than would be expected if these two products were acting additively. synthetic crude oil A mixture of hydrocarbons, similar to crude oil, derived from upgrading bitumen from oil sands. systemic Refers to the fact that chemicals need to be absorbed and transported to their site of action (i.e., target organ) to produce adverse effects. This is in contrast to locally acting chemicals that produce effects at the site of contact. tailings A stream resulting from the extraction of a bitumen from oil sands, comprised of water, sands and clays, with minor amounts of residual bitumen. tailings ponds Man-made impoundment structures required to contain tailings. Tailings ponds are enclosed dykes made with tailings and/or overburden materials to stringent geotechnical standards. tailings release water Water is expelled from consolidated tailings or non-segregated tails during the course of consolidation. The water is referred to as tailings release water. tailings sand A sand material that results from removing hydrocarbon from oil sands. tailings settling pond An artificial impoundment structure to contain tailings. Tailings settling ponds are enclosed by dykes made with tailings and overburden materials to stringent geotechnical standards. tainting potential Hypothetical parameter that is modelled by converting the tainting threshold release water concentrations from percent release water to tainting potential units (TPUs) using the formula, TPU = 100/TC, where TC equals the threshold concentration for tainting as a percentage diluted in river water.
Page 80 July 2005
EIA Glossary target organ The biological organ(s) most adversely affected by exposure to a chemical, physical, or biological agent. taxa A group of organisms of any taxonomic rank, e.g., family, genus, or species. TEEM Terrestrial Environmental Effects Monitoring Program temporal scale The response time of an exposed receptor or the travel time from the source to the receptor. Typical temporal scales are: • instantaneous (seconds to minutes) • hourly (short term) • daily (short term) • seasonally (growing season) • annually (chronic low-level exposures) • hourly, daily and annually from the basis of ambient air quality guidelines terminal moraine A sinuous ridge of unsorted glacial till deposited by a glacier at the line of its farthest advance. terraced A single step-like form or assemblages of step-like forms where each form consists of a scarp face and a horizontal or gently inclined surface above it. Terric Humic Mesisol A soil with the general properties of the Organic order and Mesisol great group that has a fibric upper layer with dominantly mesic middle layers and subdominant humic layers thicker than 25 cm. terric layer An unconsolidated mineral layer underlying organic soil material. terricolous Living in or on the ground. Tertiary The modifier for a geological time that is the oldest period (70 million to 2 million years ago) of the Cenozoic Era, extending from the end of the Cretaceous to the beginning of the Quaternary.
July 2005 Page 81
EIA Glossary texture (soil) • The relative proportions of sand, silt and clay (soil separates). Descriptive terms include: • sand (S) • loamy sand (LS) • sandy loam (SL) • silt (Si) • silty loam (SiL) • loam (L) • silty clay loam (SiCL) • clay loam (CL) • sandy clay loam (SCL) • silty clay (SiC) • clay (C) • sandy clay (SC) • heavy clay (HC) thalweg A line extending longitudinally along a watercourse following the deepest portion of the channel. thermograph A type of thermometer that produces a continuous record of fluctuating temperature. thermokarst Pock-marked topography in northern regions caused by the collapse of permafrost features. thinning flake Removed by pressure to rejuvenate the lateral edge of an existing flake. They are characteristically longer than they are wide with a pronounced inward curve to them. threatened species The term used to describe any indigenous classification (species) of fauna or flora likely to become endangered if the factors affecting its vulnerability aren’t reversed. threshold A concentration above which some effect (or response) will be concentration produced and below which it will not. till Geological material transported and deposited by ice movement (glaciers). Till is characterized as a massive unlayered (unstratified) material, that is unsorted by particle size. It might contain a mixture of clay particles to boulder-sized rock fragments. timber damage A timber-damage compensation program managed by Alberta assessment (TDA) Sustainable Resource Development. timber productivity A measure of the potential timber productivity of forest land and rating (TPR) nonforested vegetated land based on the height and age of the dominant species. TPR reflects factors affecting tree growth such as soil, topography, climate, elevation and moisture.
Page 82 July 2005
EIA Glossary topsoil The term for the organo-mineral surface A-horizon or organic surface O horizon. The dark-coloured surface soil materials, e.g., first lift, salvaged for reclamation. First lift materials are usually removed to the depth of the first easily identified colour change, or to a specified depth where colour change is poor, and that contains the soil Ah, Ap, O or Ahe horizon. Other horizons can be included in the first lift if specified. total alkalinity A measure of the ability of water to resist changes in pH caused by the addition of acids or bases and therefore, the main indicator of susceptibility to acid rain; in natural waters it is due primarily to the presence of bicarbonates, carbonates and to a much lesser extent occasionally borates, silicates and phosphates; it is expressed in units of milligrams per litre (mg/L) of CaCO3 (calcium carbonate). Alkalinity is determined from a discernable inflection point in the measured titration curve. total core area index A core area is an interior of a patch type that is within a given (TCAI) distance from the patch edge. This is the distance from a disturbance edge used to represent isolation from disturbance. It is used to represent the central portion of the natural area that is not part of the ecotone. total daily drift Represents the total number of drifting organisms during one day at a site in the entire stream. total dissolved solids The total concentration of all dissolved solids found in a water (TDS) sample. total edge (TE) A measure of the total length of all patch boundaries. Total edge differs from the total perimeter of a patch because each edge represents the boundary of two patches, whereas perimeter refers to only one patch. total hydrocarbon A measure of all airborne compounds containing only carbon and (THC) hydrogen. total metal The concentration of a metal in an unfiltered sample that is digested in strong nitric acid. total organic carbon A measure of both dissolved and particulate carbon. TOC is often (TOC) calculated as the difference between total carbon (TC) and total inorganic carbon (TIC). TOC has a direct relationship with both biochemical and chemical oxygen demands and varies with the composition of organic matter present in the water. Organic matter in soils, aquatic vegetation and aquatic organisms is the major source of organic carbon. total petroleum Groups of hydrocarbon chemicals derived from a petroleum source. hydrocarbons (TPH)
July 2005 Page 83
EIA Glossary total sediment load Also referred to as the total load, a term that refers to the total sediment (bed load plus suspended-sediment load) that is in transport. The term needs to be qualified, however, such as “annual suspended- sediment load” or “sand-size suspended-sediment load,” and so on. It is not synonymous with total sediment discharge. total suspended A measure of the total particulate matter suspended in the air. This particulate (TSP) represents all airborne particles with a mean diameter less than 30 µm (microns) in diameter. total suspended solids The amount of suspended substances in a water sample. Solids, found (TSS) in wastewater or in a stream, which can be removed by filtration. The origin of suspended matter can be artificial or anthropogenic wastes, or natural sources such as silt. toxic A substance, dose or concentration that is harmful to a living organism. toxic equivalency When assessing groups of chemicals, each chemical within the group factor (TEF) is assigned a numerical value, which indicates the toxic potency of that chemical, relative to the surrogate. The TEF is applied to chemical concentrations such that they are adjusted to represent surrogate-equivalent concentrations. toxicity The inherent potential or capacity of a material to cause adverse effects in a living organism. toxicity assessment The process of determining the amount (concentration or dose) of a chemical to which a receptor might be exposed without the development of adverse effects. toxicity reference For a non-carcinogenic chemical, the maximum acceptable dose (per value (TRV) unit body weight and unit of time) of a chemical that a specified receptor can be exposed to, without the development of adverse effects. For a carcinogenic chemical, the maximum acceptable dose of a chemical to which a receptor can be exposed that would result in an essentially negligible increased cancer risk. Toxicity reference values can include reference concentrations, reference doses, unit risks or slope factors. traditional Knowledge and understanding of traditional resource and land use, environmental (or harvesting and special places. ecological) knowledge (TEK) traditional harvest Activities involving the harvest of traditional resources, such as hunting and trapping, fishing, gathering medicinal plants and travelling to engage in these activities. traditional knowledge Cultural understanding that’s based on direct observation or information passed on orally from other community members, developed from centuries of experience of living off the land.
Page 84 July 2005
EIA Glossary traditional land use Activities involving the harvest of traditional resources such as (TLU) hunting and trapping, fishing, gathering medicinal plants and travelling to engage in these activities. Land use maps document locations where the activities occur or are occuring. traditional resources Plants, animals and mineral resources that are traditionally used by indigenous populations. traditional wisdom Information provided by Aboriginal Elders based on their experience. training areas A representative sample site of known cover type used to compile an interpretation key for image analysis. This can be groundtruthed field data. trapline The area within which a trapper is registered for the trapping of animals, to harvest furs for sale. trapper A person occupied in the trapping of furs for sale. transmissivity The ability of an aquifer to transmit groundwater flow. It is calculated (in hydrogeology) as the product of hydraulic conductivity and aquifer thickness and is usually expressed in units of square metres per second. transpiration Transpiration is the process by which water is transferred from soil and plant surfaces to the atmosphere. treaty rights The rights to a continued livelihood granted to an Aboriginal group in the Athabasca region through the signing of one of the adhesions to Treaty 8, initiated in 1899. Treaty rights might include hunting, fishing and harvesting rights, as well as land-use compensation rights and the establishment of reserve lands for each Aboriginal band. trophic Pertaining to part of a food chain, for example, the primary producers are a trophic level just as tertiary consumers are another trophic level. trophic state Eutrophication is the process by which lakes are enriched with nutrients, increasing the production of rooted aquatic plants and algae. The extent to which this process has occurred is reflected in a lake’s trophic classification or state: oligotrophic (nutrient poor), mesotrophic (moderately productive) and eutrophic (very productive and fertile). truck and shovel The process of using large trucks and shovels to obtain ore from the operation ground. turbidity A measure of water clarity that relates to the concentrations of suspended material including clay, sand, silt, fine organic and inorganic material and microorganisms. Turbidity limits light penetration and photosynthetic activity, thus reducing the amount of biological production. TWINSPAN Two-Way Indicator Species Analysis. A technique used to classify bird species and vegetation communities.
July 2005 Page 85
EIA Glossary
Typic Humic Mesisol A soil with the general properties of the Organic order and Mesisol great group that has less than 160 cm of moderately decomposed fen peat with humic layers. typology The classification of artifacts according to analytical criteria, to determine and define significant trends or variations in time and space. uncertainty Imperfect knowledge concerning the present or future state of the system under consideration; a component of risk resulting from imperfect knowledge of the degree of hazard or of its spatial and temporal distribution. unconfined aquifer A saturated geological unit that is not constrained from above and below. Unconfined aquifers occur at or near the ground surface. They are permeable intervals in which the water table forms the upper boundary. unconformity The geological term for a contact between geological units where a significant gap in the geological time scale exists. The presence of an unconformity indicates a significant period where no deposition occurred between the time of deposition of the geological units above and below the contact. Unconformities are often indicated by an irregular erosion surface formed by erosion. understorey A foliage layer occurring under and shaded by the main canopy of a forest. Undetermined Any species for which insufficient information, knowledge or data is (species) available to reliably evaluate its general status. undulating Gently sloping hill and hollow with multidirectional slopes. Local relief is generally greater than 1 m. ungulate Any hoofed, grazing mammal, which is usually also adapted for running. uniface A stone artifact flaked only on one surface. unit risk (UR) The upper-bound excess lifetime cancer risk estimated to result from continuous exposure to a chemical at a concentration of 1 µg/m3 in air. United States The U.S. EPA is responsible for implementing the federal laws Environmental designed to protect the environment. The U.S. EPA endeavors to Protection Agency accomplish its mission systematically by proper integration of a (U.S. EPA) variety of research, monitoring, standard-setting and enforcement activities. As a complement to its other activities, the U.S. EPA coordinates and supports research and anti-pollution activities of state and local governments, private and public groups, individuals and educational institutions. The U.S. EPA also monitors the operations of other federal agencies with respect to their impact on the environment.
Page 86 July 2005
EIA Glossary universal transverse A mapping method adopted by the U.S. National Imagery and mercator (UTM) Mapping Agency (NIMA) that comprises a special grid for military use throughout the world. In this grid, the world is divided into 60 north-south zones, each covering a strip six degrees wide in longitude. upland Terrain with sufficient topographical relief that the communities and processes of the site are not influenced by a surface or near surface water table, and in which riparian vegetation or aquatic processes do not persist. upgraded product Often referred to as synthetic oil, upgraded product is bitumen that (upgraded crude oil) has undergone alteration to improve its hydrogen-carbon balance to a lighter specific gravity product. Upgraded crude oil productsinclude: • Oil Sands A, a blend of low sulphur (hydrotreated) naphtha, kerosene and gas oil • Oil Sands Diesel, hydrotreated kerosene • Oil Sands E, a sour (higher sulpur) blend of coker distillate • Oil Sands Virgin, an uncracked vacuum tower product upgrader A facility for processing heavy oil or bitumen to light oil products. uplands Areas where the soil is not saturated for extended periods as indicated by vegetation and soils. uptake The process by which a chemical crosses an absorption barrier and is absorbed into the body. utilized flake A stone flake used for a tool without deliberate retouch, but exhibiting use-wear. vacuum tower A vessel used in the petroleum upgrading process that separates the light high-value petroleum products from the heavy lower-value products. In upgrading facilities such as oil sands, vacuum towers are often used in combination with coking and cracking units. valley slope An area of land that is lower than the land on either side of it. An elongated depression cut by stream erosion and associated water erosion on its sideslopes (stream valley). valued ecosystem Components of an ecosystem (either plant, animal or abiotic feature) component (VEC) considered valuable by various sectors of the public. variety An individual or group usually fertile within the species to which it belongs, but differing from the species type in some qualities capable of perpetuation. vascular plant A type of plant, such as grasses or trees, that has a vascular or conductive system. vector A graphic structure where the data is partitioned into polygons. Shapes are created by drawing a line around data of the same content.
July 2005 Page 87
EIA Glossary vegetation community A distinct grouping of plant species often associated with a particular set of environmental conditions such as terrain, soil, permafrost and water. Also known as plant community. viscosity The characteristic of a liquid that determines its resistance to flow. volatile organic A compound that includes aldehydes and all of the hydrocarbons compound (VOC) except for ethane and methane. VOCs represent the airborne organic compounds likely to undergo or have a role in the chemical transformation of pollutants in the atmosphere. Vulnerable A species of special concern because of characteristics that make it particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events. vulnerable species Any indigenous classification (species) of flora or fauna that is particularly at risk, e.g., because of low or declining numbers, occurrence at the fringe of its range or in restricted areas. Not a threatened species. waste area The area where overburden materials are placed that are surplus to the need of the mine. Also referred to as a “waste dump”. water balance A measure of water inflows and outflows from a specific location, e.g., aquifer or plant facility. waterbody A natural geographical landform containing water, e.g., a lake or stream. water equivalent As relating to snow; the depth of water that would result from melting. waterfowl staging area Water bodies used by waterfowl to gather, rest and feed before or during migration. watershed An area bounded peripherally by a divide, draining ultimately to a particular water course or water body. water table Surface area of groundwater, below which the soil is saturated with water. water yield Runoff, including groundwater outflow that appears in the stream, plus groundwater outflow that leaves the basin underground. Water yield is the precipitation minus the evapotranspiration. waterbearing Containing water within the void spaces. WBI Wildlife Biodiversity Index wet deposition The process whereby contaminants are removed from the atmosphere by precipitation. The precipitation chemistry is defined by the concentrations of various chemical species in the precipitation. These chemical species can result from naturally occurring particulate and gaseous compounds, as well as from pollutant emissions. Wet deposition is expressed in the same units as dry deposition.
Page 88 July 2005
EIA Glossary wetlands Wetlands are land where the water table is at, near or above the surface or which is saturated for a long enough period to promote such features as wet-altered soils and water tolerant vegetation. Wetlands include organic wetlands or “peatlands,” and mineral wetlands or mineral soil areas that are influenced by excess water but produce little or no peat. wetted perimeter The part of the perimeter of a stream-channel cross-section that contacts water. wind direction The direction of the airflow over a given averaging period. The wind direction is expressed between 0 and 360° and gives the direction from which the wind is blowing. For example, 90°E means that the wind is blowing from east to west. wind speed The measure of airflow expressed in either kilometres per hour (km/h) or metres per second (m/s). NOTE: 1 m/s = 3.6 km/h. Wind speeds generally increase with increasing height above the ground because of reduced frictional effects between the air motion and the surface of the earth. windrose Graphic pie-type representation of frequencies of wind directions and speeds over a period of time, e.g., one year, for a meteorological station. WMU wildlife management unit Wood Buffalo The mission of the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association is to Environmental monitor and provide accurate, credible, transparent and Association (WBEA) understandable information on air quality and air related environmental impacts in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. wooded A stand of trees with a canopy cover between six percent and 70 percent. worst case A semi-quantitative term referring to the maximum possible exposure, dose or risk that can conceivably occur, whether or not this exposure, dose, or risk actually occurs or is observed in a specific population. It should refer to a hypothetical situation in which everything that can plausibly happen to maximize exposure, dose, or risk does happen. The worst case can occur in a given population, but since it is usually a very unlikely set of circumstances in most cases, a worst-case estimate will be somewhat higher than what occurs in a specific population. xeric The modifier for a site condition or microenvironment where soil is dry and precipitation is absorbed almost immediately. young of the year Fish at age 0, within the first year after hatching. (YOY) ZOI zone of influence
July 2005 Page 89
EIA Glossary zooplankton An ecology term for small, often microscopic animals that float passively in the sea or other bodies of water. This is a diverse group of organisms that includes three major subgroups: rotifers and two subclasses of crustacea — Cladocera and Copepoda.
Page 90 July 2005
Appendix 3: Resource Use Technical Appendix
Table of Contents
3.1 FISH TAINTING...... 3-1 3.1.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 3-1 3.1.2 METHODS ...... 3-3 3.1.3 EXISTING AND APPROVED CASE ...... 3-3 3.1.4 PROJECT CASE ...... 3-4 3.1.5 Linkage Analysis...... 3-4 3.1.6 Mitigation...... 3-4 3.1.7 Effects Analysis ...... 3-4 3.1.8 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CASE...... 3-5 3.1.9 Linkage Analysis...... 3-5 3.1.10 Effects Analysis ...... 3-5 3.1.11 PREDICTION CONFIDENCE ...... 3-5 3.1.12 MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING ...... 3-6 3.1.13 SUMMARY...... 3-6 3.2 VISUAL AESTHETICS...... 3-6 3.2.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 3-6 3.2.2 METHODS ...... 3-6 3.2.3 Plume Heights...... 3-6 3.2.4 Regional Haze ...... 3-7 3.3 BIBLIOGRAPHY...... 3-9 3.3.1 LITERATURE CITED ...... 3-9
List of Tables
Table 3-1: Threshold Dilutions of Process-Affected Water That Cause Tainting of Fish Flesh...... 3-2 Table 3-2: Fish-Tainting Compounds in Oil Sands Process-Affected Water...... 3-2 Table 3-3: Fish Tissue Tainting Potential for the Kearl Project ...... 3-5 Table 3-4: Predicted Steam Plume Occurrence and Heights...... 3-7 Table 3-5: Summary of Project Emissions in the Oil Sands Region ...... 3-8
July 2005 Page 3-i VOLUME 9
Appendix 3: Resource Use Technical Appendix
Resource Use Technical Appendix
3.1 FISH TAINTING
3.1.1 Introduction
Tainting in fish is defined as abnormal flavour, aroma or texture of edible fish tissue. It can occur as a result of:
• direct exposure to tainting compounds in water
• direct exposure to tainting substances in sediment
• indirect exposure to tainting compounds through dietary uptake of tainted organisms
Tainting is of concern for fish species that are consumed by people.
Previous studies have shown that direct exposure to process-affected water can lead to tainting in rainbow trout. In one study (HydroQual 1996), juvenile rainbow trout weighing between 200 to 300 g (grams) were exposed for 10 days to the following:
• 0.5 percent Tar Island Dyke water • 0.5 percent refinery effluent • Athabasca River water
Tissue from exposed fish was assessed using a double-triangle difference test. The assessment indicated that fish exposed to the Tar Island Dyke water and the refinery effluent water tasted different than fish exposed to the Athabasca River water. However, only samples from fish exposed to the refinery effluent water were rejected. The assessment determined that tainting was evident in the trout exposed to the refinery effluent but not in the trout exposed to Tar Island Dyke water.
In a second study (PEI 2000), juvenile rainbow trout weighing between 300 to 500 g were exposed to various dilutions of CT (consolidated tailings) water over 10 days. The CT water samples were supplied by Suncor Energy Inc. (Suncor), Syncrude Canada Ltd. (Syncrude) and Albian Sands Energy Inc. (Albian). Fish fillets were compared with control fillets for changes in both flavour and aroma. The lowest concentration found to cause changes in fish tissue quality, in terms of both aroma and flavour, was a 0.1 percent dilution of CT water, though higher tainting thresholds were observed (see Table 3-1).
July 2005 Page 3-1 VOLUME 9
Appendix 3
Table 3-1: Threshold Dilutions of Process-Affected Water That Cause Tainting of Fish Flesh
TCaroma(a) TCflavour(b) Effluent (%) (%) Tar Island dyke water - >0.5 Syncrude NST water 1 10 Suncor NST water 0.1 0.1 Albian NST water 1 0.1 NOTES: (a) TCaroma = Threshold concentration for aroma, i.e., the lowest effluent concentration that caused detectable change in odour. (b) TCflavour = Threshold concentration for flavour, i.e., the lowest effluent concentration that caused detectable change in flavour.
A number of specific compounds present in process-affected water have the potential to cause tainting in fish. Jardine and Hrudey (1988) determined taint-detection thresholds for a series of compounds found in oil sands extraction and upgrading operations. Their study involved a sensory evaluation after spiking walleye flesh with target compounds, including:
• alkylated benzenes • thiophenes • napthalenes • benzothiophenes • methylated and nonmethylated phenols
Detection thresholds of these compounds ranged from 0.11 mg/kg (milligrams per kilogram) for benzothiophene to 12.2 mg/kg for 2,6-dimethylnapthalene (see Table 3-2).
Table 3-2: Fish-Tainting Compounds in Oil Sands Process-Affected Water
Molecular Weight Vapour Pressure Detection Threshold Compound (mole) (torr) at 110°C (mg/kg) Benzothiophene 134.2 24.8 0.11 2,5-dimethylphenol 122.17 21.51 0.21 Napthalene 128.17 28.51 0.33 1-methylnaphthalene 142.2 11.12 1.38 Dibenzothiophene 184.26 0.59 4.67 2,3,5-trimethylnapthalene 170.25 4.68 6.4 P-xylene 106.17 333.16 9 2,6-dimethylnapthalene 156.23 5.05 12.2 SOURCE: Jardine and Hrudey (1988).
Page 3-2 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Resource Use Technical Appendix
Koning and Hrudey (1992) also exposed rainbow trout to four different tailing pond wastewaters for 24 hours. The fish were found to be tainted following exposure to each of the four wastewaters. Chemical analyses of the tainted fish flesh indicated that concentrations of alkylated benzenes and phenols were well above reported odour thresholds for these compounds. Cresols and organic sulphur compounds were also implicated as potential taint-causing compounds in the wastewaters.
3.1.2 Methods
The potential for fish tainting in receiving waters was assessed using a surrogate parameter called tainting potential units (TPU). TPUs were used because a number of individual parameters were identified as potential tainting compounds, but it could be their combined presence that results in fish tainting. The TPU levels in process-affected waters were defined as the ratio of 100 over the lowest observed-effect concentrations (LOECs) in laboratory tainting studies. The TPU levels in process-affected waters ranged from 100/10 to 100/0.1 percent, or 10 to 1000 TPUs. The method used to derive TPUs is equivalent to that used to evaluate whole effluent toxicity (AEP 1995).
Water-quality models (see Volume 6, Section 5) predicted TPU concentrations in watercourses potentially affected by the project, including:
• Kearl Lake • Wapasu Creek • Unnamed Creek • Firebag River • Muskeg River • Athabasca River
Aerobic and anaerobic degradation rates were applied to TPUs, as appropriate, to compare predicted TPU levels in receiving waters with the potential for fish tainting. The threshold for tainting expressed as TPU is 1, which is equivalent to 100 divided by an LOEC value of 100 percent. Therefore, a value of 1 TPU was used as the benchmark for determining potential effects on fish tissue quality.
3.1.3 Existing and Approved Case
Four existing or approved open-pit oil sands developments lay within the Muskeg River watershed in the aquatics local study area (LSA). The existing developments are:
• Syncrude Canada Ltd. – Syncrude Aurora North Mine • Albian Sands Energy Inc. – Albian Muskeg River Mine
July 2005 Page 3-3 VOLUME 9
Appendix 3
The approved developments are:
• Syncrude Canada Ltd. – Syndrude Aurora South Mine • Shell Canada Limited – Shell Jackpine Mine – Phase 1
3.1.4 Project Case
3.1.5 Linkage Analysis
Seepage and outflow from pit lakes associated with the project could cause fish tainting through direct exposure to tainting compounds in water. The project is predicted to result in negligible changes to sediment quality in the LSA (see Volume 8, Section 5). Therefore, the linkage between sediment and tainting is invalid.
Indirect exposure to tainting compounds through dietary uptake of tainted organisms could occur in the oil sands region. However, because there is quantitative data on the concentrations of tainting substances in fish food organisms, this potential effects pathway was not examined. If negligible changes are predicted for water and sediment quality, then negligible changes in the indirect exposure pathway would also be expected. However, this assumption might be invalid because of certain tainting compounds that could bioaccumulate. No bioaccumulation data for tainting compounds in aquatic food chains was found. As previously stated, negligible changes in sediment quality are predicted. Potential changes in water quality, resulting from tainting compounds, are evaluated in the following discussion.
3.1.6 Mitigation
Potential fish tissue tainting impacts from the Kearl project, and existing and approved developments, are directly related to changes in receiving water quality, which result primarily from the release of process-affected water. For a description of mitigation measures that will be used to limit potential effects of changes in water quality see Volume 6, Section 5.
3.1.7 Effects Analysis
Results of water quality modelling indicate that TPU concentrations in all the waterbodies in the three watersheds are expected to remain below the 1 TPU threshold for the life of the project and into the far-future (see Table 3-3). TPU levels in the Muskeg and Athabasca rivers are also expected to remain below the 1 TPU threshold for the life of the project and into the far-future. Therefore, negligible effects on fish tainting in the LSA are predicted to occur as a result of the project.
Page 3-4 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Resource Use Technical Appendix
Table 3-3: Fish Tissue Tainting Potential for the Kearl Project
Existing and Approved Case Project Case Chronic Median Peak Median Peak Location Threshold Concentration Concentration Concentration Concentration 2007– Far- 2007– Far- 2007– Far- 2007– Far- 2065 future 2065 future 2065 future 2065 future Muskeg River (M3) 1 021 0.017 0.12 0.2 0.076 0.018 0.31 0.13 Muskeg River (M1) 1 0–0 0 0–0 0 0.062 0.0021 0.37 0.01 Kearl Lake 1 029 0.0004 0.078 0.0026 0.018 0.015 0.022 0.018 Wapasu Creek 1 0–0 0 0–0 0 0.26 0.004 0.69 0.012 Unnamed creek 1 0–0 0 0–0 0 0.061 0.002 0.4 0.0089 Firebag River (F1) 1 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.003 N/A 0.190 Athabasca River 1 0.0013 0.0011 0.0458 0.0405 0.0014 0.0012 0.0566 0.0405 NOTES: N/A Not applicable. Median and peak concentrations are the highest median and the highest peak.
3.1.8 Potential Development Case
3.1.9 Linkage Analysis As explained in the Project Case, fish might only become exposed to tainting substances as a result of direct exposure to tainting substances in water.
3.1.10 Effects Analysis Results of the water-quality modelling for the Potential Development Case indicate that TPU concentrations in Kearl Lake, the Muskeg River and the Athabasca River are expected to remain below the 1 TPU threshold (see Volume 6, Section 5). Therefore, negligible effects on fish tainting are predicted for this case.
3.1.11 Prediction Confidence Confidence in the predictions for fish tainting resulting from the water to fish linkage is high, because conservative assumptions were used to predict potential TPU levels in the waterbodies in the LSA. Even using conservative assumptions, TPU concentrations are much lower than the 1 TPU threshold (see Table 3-3). Furthermore, the assumption of no degradation or attenuation of tainting compounds leads to a high likelihood that tainting potential was overestimated. Data is lacking for the food chain–fish linkage. Therefore, there is less confidence in the prediction that tainting via fish food will be negligible, because tainting caused by direct water uptake is negligible.
July 2005 Page 3-5 VOLUME 9
Appendix 3
3.1.12 Management and Monitoring
Imperial Oil is an active participant in ongoing work to address tainting potential under the auspices of the CONRAD Wetlands and Aquatics Working Group. Imperial Oil also participates in RAMP, CEMA, CONRAD and other regional initiatives devoted to ongoing research, development and aquatic monitoring in the oil sands region.
3.1.13 Summary
Tainting potential unit concentrations in all waterbodies are predicted to remain below the TPU threshold throughout the life of the project and into the far-future. No fish tainting is predicted to result from the project combined with other existing and approved and potential developments in the LSA.
3.2 VISUAL AESTHETICS
3.2.1 Introduction
The Kearl project will result in:
• land clearing • landform modifications • visible steam plumes
Each of these effects has the potential to affect regional aesthetics. Modelling was done to assess effects of the project on visual aesthetics in the RSA.
3.2.2 Methods
Visual aesthetics were analyzed using ArcGIS, Version 8.3 (ESRI 2003) and the extensions, Spatial Analyst and 3D Analyst. Potential visibility of the project was assessed considering:
• viewshed effects • effects on designated receptor sites • potential effects from production of steam plumes
3.2.3 Plume Heights
For the plume heights used in viewshed modelling, see Table 3-4.
viewshed modelling determined the potential for a viewer, located just above the top of the vegetation canopy, to see the top of the plume. The results (see Table 3-4) are a conservative estimate of visibility because viewers are generally located below the level of the vegetation canopy.
Page 3-6 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Resource Use Technical Appendix
Table 3-4: Predicted Steam Plume Occurrence and Heights
100th Percentile 95th Percentile 90th Percentile 50th Percentile Plume Plume Plume Plume Likelihood Height Likelihood Height Likelihood Height Likelihood Height (%) (m) (%) (m) (%) (m) (%) (m) Once 277 5 124 10 108 50 38 NOTES: (a) Plume heights include the cogenerator exhaust stack height of 30 m. (b) Only steam plumes that occur during daylight hours were considered to be visible. Plumes that occurred at night were assigned a visible height of 0 m.
3.2.4 Regional Haze
Haze is measured as an extinction coefficient. The extinction coefficient is an optical measure of the reduction in light resulting from the combination of compounds that take up water (hygroscopic) and those that cannot (nonhygroscopic). The formula can be written as follows:
b = b × f (RH ) + b ext S ,N dry Where, bS,N = the extinction coefficient for sulphates and nitrates at 0 percent relative humidity
f(RH) = the relative humidity adjustment factor
bdry = the extinction coefficient for nonhygroscopic compounds
The bdry term is a combination of light scattering caused by fine and coarse particulate matter, organic carbon, soil and Rayleigh scattering, and light absorption by elemental carbon. The extinction coefficient for each compound is computed as the product of its concentration in micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) and extinction efficiency in square metres per gram (m²/g).
The visible plumes assessed for the project were those that will be generated from large combustion sources, e.g., the cogeneration units. During the coldest months of the year, moisture in these plumes can condense and become visible. The dimension of these visible plumes will vary depending on the atmospheric conditions and the time of year.
Secondary aerosols considered included nitrates and sulphates, oxides of nitrogen, soot and airborne particles. These compounds could appear as either a light or dark haze, depending on the distance and relative position of the viewer to the project. The visible plumes from the project will not cause ground-level fog on local roadways. The cogenerators release plume at a rate of 18 m per second, causing the plumes to rise directly up from the stack. It would be several
July 2005 Page 3-7 VOLUME 9
Appendix 3
kilometres before the plumes reached the ground and at those distances, moisture in the plume would have dispersed and would no longer be visible.
The project is estimated to emit 0.67 t/cd (tonnes per calendar day) of SO2, 42.68 t/d (tonnes per day) of NOx and 1.97 t/d of PM2.5 (see Table 3-5). These emissions represent the following percentage of total regional emissions:
• SO2 – 0.3 percent • NOx – 10 percent • PM2.5 – 6.5 percent
Table 3-5: Summary of Project Emissions in the Oil Sands Region
Emission Rates
SO2 NOx PM2.5 Source (t/cd) (t/d) (t/d) Imperial Oil Kearl Project 0.67 42.68 1.97 Imperial Oil Cold Lake 18.56 12.80 1.56 Suncor 58.08 88.91 8.31 Syncrude 100.12 89.49 7.63 Albian Sands 0.20 22.62 1.37 Shell 0.33 23.43 1.04 Canadian Natural 21.66 62.35 3.34 Other industries(a) 44.12 75.67 4.58 Gas plants 2.18 17.58 0.26 Communities 0.25 5.26 0.11 Total(b) 246.16 440.79 30.18 NOTES: (a) Includes emissions from other oil sands developments and Northland Forest Products. (b) Because of rounding, totals do not equal the sum of individual values.
Because the emitted SO2 and NOx must interact with other airborne compounds (primarily ammonium) and produce secondary particulates, only a fraction of the SO2 and NOx emissions will affect regional visibility.
Page 3-8 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Resource Use Technical Appendix
3.3 BIBLIOGRAPHY
3.3.1 Literature Cited
AEP (Alberta Environmental Protection). 1995. Water Quality Based Effluent Limits Procedures Manual. Edmonton, Alberta.
HydroQual (HydroQual Laboratories Ltd.). 1996. Laboratory Studies on Trophic Level Effects and Fish Health Effects of Suncor Tar Island Dyke Wastewater. Report for Suncor Inc., Oil Sands Group. Calgary, Alberta. 50 p. + Tables + Figures + Appendices.
Jardine, C.G. and S.E. Hrudey. 1988. Threshold detection values of potential fish tainting substances from oil sands wastewaters. Water Science and Technology 20: 19–25.
Koning, C.W. and S.E. Hrudey. 1992. Sensory and chemical characterization of fish tainted by exposure to oil sands wastewaters. Wat. Sci. Tech. 25: 27–34.
PEI (PEI Food Technology Centre). 2000. Evaluation of the Potential for Oil Sands CT Water to Cause Taint in Laboratory-Exposed Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Using a Selected, Screened, Trained Sensory Evaluation Panel. Prepared for HydroQual Laboratories Ltd., Calgary, Alberta. 25 p. + Appendices. ♦
July 2005 Page 3-9 VOLUME 9
Appendix 5: Socio-Economic Technical Appendix
5 PROJECT CASE PREDICTIONS
Table of Contents
5.1.1 INTRODUCTION...... 5-1 5.1.1.1 DEFINITIONS ...... 5-1 5.1.1.2 URBAN POPULATION IMPACT MODEL...... 5-1 5.1.1.3 MODEL PERFORMANCE ...... 5-2 5.1.1.4 MODEL REVISION ...... 5-3 5.1.1.5 STRUCTURAL CHANGE ...... 5-3 5.1.1.6 CONSTRUCTION PERIOD...... 5-4 5.1.1.7 REVISED MODEL PERFORMANCE ...... 5-5 5.1.1.8 COMPARISON TO EARLIER FORECAST ...... 5-6 5.1.1.9 CORROBORATION...... 5-6 5.1.1.9.1 Historical Growth...... 5-6 5.1.1.10 SIMPLE EXTRAPOLATIONS ...... 5-8 5.1.2 BIBLIOGRAPHY...... 5-10 5.1.2.1 LITERATURE CITED...... 5-10
Figure List
Figure 5-1: Model Performance...... 5-2 Figure 5-2: Revised Model Performance...... 5-5 Figure 5-3: Urban Population Growth Rates ...... 5-7 Figure 5-4: Urban Population ...... 5-7 Figure 5-5: Population Forecast – Simple Extrapolation...... 5-8
Table List
Table 5-1: Labour Force Breakdown by Type...... 5-4 Table 5-2: Ratio of Direct to Indirect/Induced and Public Sector Jobs ...... 5-4 ♦
July 2005 Page 5-i VOLUME 9
Appendix 5: Socio-Economic Technical Appendix
5.1.1 INTRODUCTION
This appendix addresses:
• the Urban Population Impact Model developed by RIWG • the performance of this model in view of actual population estimates • revisions to the model in view of new information
5.1.1.1 Definitions
Population includes all people in the region, except people on short-term assignments and those living in camps.
Wood Buffalo region means the area within the borders of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) and includes the RMWB and the reserves within its borders.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is a municipality in northeastern Alberta. It was created in 1995 by amalgamating the City of Fort McMurray and Improvement District 18.
The Urban Service Area of the RMWB is a planning area, roughly coincident with Fort McMurray.
The urban population of the RMWB is the population of Fort McMurray and the nearby bedroom communities of Saprae Creek and Gregoire Lake Estates.
The Urban Population Impact Model is a demographic model of Fort McMurray and the nearby bedroom communities of Saprae Creek and Gregoire Lake Estates. It was developed in 1997 by Nichols Applied Management (Nichols) on behalf of the Regional Issues Working Group (RIWG) and the RMWB.
5.1.1.2 Urban Population Impact Model
In 1997, the RIWG recognized that the cumulative growth of the oil sands industry would have a significant impact on the urban population of Wood Buffalo region. RIWG commissioned the Urban Population Impact Model with a view to facilitate the planning of the RMWB, school boards, and other agencies. This model goes well beyond the simple extrapolation of historic growth trends in that it:
• is driven by the construction and especially the operations employment of individual oil sands developments
July 2005 Page 5-1 VOLUME 9
Appendix 5
• recognizes the spin-off jobs implied by oil sands industry expansion and the jobs created in the general economy by means of regional multipliers • incorporates demographic forces, such as the aging of the existing population • recognizes house and commercial building activity that supports the population expansion as an explicit impact on the population • models explicitly the net in-migration into the region
Because the Urban Population Impact Model is driven by individual oil sands developments, it allows for updated forecasts every time a new development enters the public discussion and the regulatory process.
5.1.1.3 Model Performance
For a depiction of the forecasted urban population of the region and the actual as measured by the municipal census, see Figure 5-1. It indicates that the model as configured in 1997 and updated periodically to reflect new developments forecasted very close to the observed urban population numbers as shown in the 1999, 2000, and 2002 municipal census. Indeed, for these years, the Urban Population Impact Model forecasts were, if anything, marginally high. The model forecast for 2004, however, was almost 8000 lower than the observed value, an underestimation of about 14 percent. As configured, the Urban Population Impact Model did not reflect the increase in the annual population growth rate seen in recent years.
60,000
55,000
50,000 n o i at 45,000 Popul 40,000
35,000
30,000 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Year
Model Forecast Urban Area Census Estimate
Figure 5-1: Model Performance
Page 5-2 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Socio-Economic Technical Appendix
The performance of the model was also tested against the number of school-aged children in the urban population. The model has consistently over-estimated the number of children relative to the actual school enrollments, suggesting that in- migrants are younger and have fewer children than assumed in the model.
5.1.1.4 Model Revision
In view of the underestimation of the model in 2004, RIWG commissioned Nichols, the original designer of the Urban Population Impact Model, to review the model’s assumptions and make adjustments where necessary and appropriate. In doing so, RIWG recognizes that the urban population is forecasted to reach numbers where the current urban services area of Fort McMurray will need to be expanded, requiring significant planning and infrastructure development. When this step change is likely to occur is an important driver for planning and government liaison activities by the industry, the RMWB, and other agencies in the region.
The revision of the Urban Population Impact Model incorporates a number of different considerations, discussed below.
5.1.1.5 Structural Change
As Fort McMurray grows, it attracts more diversified services. Examples abound in the general economy and include big box stores, more restaurants, and large grocery stores. The evidence is more mixed in the industrial sector, including:
• consistent issues from local area contractors in obtaining work on the large projects, especially those run by large multi-national contracting firms • an expansion of the municipal and environmental engineering sector
For the approximate breakdown between oil sands jobs, jobs in the general economy, and jobs in the public sector, including school boards and hospital, see Table 5-1. The information indicates that direct oil sands employment is relatively stable as a percentage of total jobs. However, the private sector that supports the oil sands (and other industry) and that makes up the general economy in the area is growing marginally at the expense of public sector jobs.
The implication for the Urban Population Impact Model is to increase the multipliers used to estimate total jobs, using direct oil sands jobs as an input. This input can be expressed as the average number of public and private sector job creation (excluding oil sands) for each direct oil sands industry job.
July 2005 Page 5-3 VOLUME 9
Appendix 5
Table 5-1: Labour Force Breakdown by Type
Census 1996 Census 2001 Census 2002 Direct Oil Sands Jobs 29.0% 28.4% 28.7% Other Private Sector Jobs 53.8% 56.6% 56.6% Public Sector 17.2% 15.0% 14.7% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% SOURCES: RMWB 2002; Statistics Canada 1996, 2001.
For the number of oil sands industry (direct) jobs, the private sector job creation excluding the oil sands industry (indirect and induced) jobs and the job creation in the public sector, see Table 5-2. The information from the 2001 and 2002 census has been adjusted for the fact that there will be some resource and service sector jobs in Fort McMurray in the absence of the oil sands industry.
Table 5-2: Ratio of Direct to Indirect/Induced and Public Sector Jobs
Census 2001 Revised Urban Census 1996 and Census 2002 Population Model Direct Oil Sands Jobs 1.00 1.00 1.00 Other Private Sector Jobs 1.40 1.64 1.64 Public Sector 0.42 0.39 0.40 Ratio Direct to Total Jobs 2.82 3.03 3.04 SOURCES: RMWB 2002; Statistics Canada 1996, 2001.
The model recognizes different impacts for different kinds of facilities. The information on the Urban Population Impact Model (see Table 5-2) is the average for the different types of operations, i.e. mines, upgraders, and in situ facilities, weighted by the total number of jobs in each category.
5.1.1.6 Construction Period
The oil sands industry has sustained a high level of investment since 1996. The level of investment has been much larger then anticipated. For example, work done by the National Oil Sands Task Force in 1995 was premised on $25 billion in investment over 25 years. In reality, the investment to date in new facilities has exceeded the $25 billion in nine years, most of it in the in Wood Buffalo region. An additional $55 billion in projects is in the planning stages in the 2005 to 2013 period.
The higher than expected level of investment has resulted in a high level of construction activity in the Wood Buffalo region that has been sustained over time and is expected to continue though 2012 and beyond. This, in turn, has increased the weight of the impact of construction on population relative to the assumptions made when the model was built.
Page 5-4 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Socio-Economic Technical Appendix
A survey conducted by Nichols on behalf of RIWG has shed additional information on the economic behaviour of camp dwellers. The survey found that camp dwellers, on average, spend $108 per week in Fort McMurray for goods and services, with the hospitality industry being the main beneficiary. The implication for the Urban Population Impact Model is twofold:
• more attention to the number of construction workers in the region • changes in the multiplier used to calculate induced jobs to account for the evidence from the camp survey
The impact of these changes is only felt during the construction period, which according to currently available information winds down by 2013. Recent experience suggest that in time additional developments will come forward and extend this construction period.
5.1.1.7 Revised Model Performance
For the forecasted urban population of the region and the actual as measured by the municipal census, see Figure 5-2. It indicates that the model as re-configured in 2005 forecasts very close to the observed urban population numbers as shown in the 1999 municipal census. It underestimated the 2000 results and overestimated the 2002 results. Importantly, the model revisions bring the model closer to the observed value of the 2004 urban population, as compared to the original version. It still underestimates the 2004 observed value by just under 6 percent.
60,000
55,000 on
i 50,000 t a l u p
o 45,000 n P ba
r 40,000 U
35,000
30,000 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Year
Model Forecast Urban Area Census Estimate
Figure 5-2: Revised Model Performance
July 2005 Page 5-5 VOLUME 9
Appendix 5
Inspection of the model results in relation to the observed values of the urban population indicates that the model results alternate a small under- and over- estimation of the observed value. This suggests that the model:
• forecasts the general trend in the population • does not fully reflect the short-term changes
As discussed below, year-to-year changes in the observed growth rate are indeed large, reflecting the very dynamic demographic situation in the Wood Buffalo region.
5.1.1.8 Comparison to Earlier Forecast
In May of 2004, RIWG issued a population forecast, based on the original specifications of the model. This forecast included a long-term stable urban population forecast of 76,000 and a peak forecast of 76,900 assuming the total development scenario and all operations workers residing in the urban area of Fort McMurray.
The Potential Development Case population forecast for the socio-economic impact assessment of the Kearl project indicates 97,500 people in 2013, assuming the industry standard approach to housing operations workers in Fort McMurray.
The differences between the May 2004 and early 2005 forecasts relate to a number of different variables, including:
• changes in the total construction capital forecast as projects, including Canadian Natural, completed more detailed cost estimates • changes in the model specifications
Of these, the changes in model specification are the most important underlying reason.
5.1.1.9 Corroboration
5.1.1.9.1 Historical Growth
As a result of the oil sands expansion, the population of the RMWB is growing rapidly after a decade of relative flat or even marginally declining population between 1985 and 1995. Most of this growth is taking place in Fort McMurray and its nearby bedroom communities of Saprae Creek and Gregoire Lake Estates. Together, these communities account for 56,940 or 94 percent of the estimated 60,340 population in the region.
Page 5-6 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Socio-Economic Technical Appendix
Based on the annual growth rates of the urban population (see Figure 5-3), the growth rate is generally accelerating over time. The estimated growth rate in recent years is estimated at 8.9 percent, above the 7-year average growth rate of 6.8 percent.
18% 16% 14% 12% 10% rcent e
P 8% 6% 4% 2% 0% 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Year
Estimated Growth Rate Average Growth Rate
NOTES: Growth rates for 1996 to 1999 are the average annual growth rate for 1996-1999/ Growth rates for 2000 and 2001 are the average annual growth rate for 2001-2002. Growth rates for 2002 and 2003 are the average annual growth rate for 2003-2004. SOURCES: RMWB 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004; Statistics Canada, 1996. Figure 5-3: Urban Population Growth Rates
For the urban population numbers for the 1996 to 2004 period, see Figure 5-4.
60,000
50,000 n
o 40,000 i at
opul 30,000 ban P r 20,000 U
10,000
- 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Year
SOURCES: RMWB 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004; Statistics Canada 1996. Figure 5-4: Urban Population
July 2005 Page 5-7 VOLUME 9
Appendix 5
5.1.1.10 Simple Extrapolations The historical evidence provides an indication of the population growth that may be expected over the next years, considering that:
• oil sands industry expansion is expected to continue into the second decade of this century • investment levels are expected to be at least as high, but likely higher than experienced since 1996 For the population levels of the urban area forecasted on the basis of historical growth rates, see Figure 5-5. The figure indicates:
• an urban population of 70,000 by early 2008, 80,000 by early 2010, and 90,000 by 2011, assuming the average growth rates experienced in the region in recent years • an urban population of 70,000 by 2007, 80,000 by 2008, and 90,000 by 2010, assuming the high growth rates experienced in the region in recent years Even if the growth rate moderates and the population grows by an average of 3,500 people per year – slightly below the average growth rate for the 2005 and declining after that – an urban population of 70,000 will be reached in 2008, 80,000 in 2011, and 90,000 in 2014.
130,000 120,000 110,000
n 100,000 o i t a
l 90,000 u p
o 80,000
n P 70,000 ba r
U 60,000 50,000 40,000 30,000
6 9 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 9 9 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 19 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 20 2 Year
Average Growth Rate Recent Growth Rate Moderate Growth Rate
Figure 5-5: Population Forecast – Simple Extrapolation
Page 5-8 July 2005 VOLUME 9
Socio-Economic Technical Appendix
The simple extrapolation model implies ongoing growth, which is unlikely in view of the historical evidence of no population growth in the 1985 to 1995 period, when oil sands industry investment was limited. It follows that the simple extrapolation model can act as a corroboration of the Urban Population Impact Model in the near-term when continued oil sands investment is highly likely, but not for the period beyond 2010, when the level of oil sands industry investment is subject to much uncertainty.
July 2005 Page 5-9 VOLUME 9
Appendix 5
5.1.2 BIBLIOGRAPHY
5.1.2.1 Literature Cited
RMWB (Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo). 1999. Municipal Census. Fort McMurray, AB.
RMWB. 2000. Municipal Census. Fort McMurray, AB.
RMWB. 2002. Municipal Census. Fort McMurray, AB.
RMWB. 2004. Municipal Census. Fort McMurray, AB.
Statistics Canada. 1996. Census 1996. Ottawa, Ont.
Statistics Canada. 2001. Census 2001. Ottawa, Ont. ♦
Page 5-10 July 2005 VOLUME 9