ELC Submission regarding Nexen Inc. Water Act Notice of Application

The Environmental Law Centre has posted its statement of concern to Alberta Environment regarding the applications of Nexen under the Water Act to build a water pipeline to the Long Lake Project from the Clearwater River.  

The project proposed by Nexen at this time significantly differs from the original project. Accordingly, this is an important opportunity for the Minister to re-consider, using the powers under the Water Act whether the project is still in the public interest.  Moreover, this is an important opportunity for the Director to consider whether there is sufficient information on environmental effects, and whether the potential environmental impact merits rejection of the application in light of the difference between this proposal and the original application made to the ERCB.

Posted August 31, 2010 by AEN

The Water Log - August 26, 2010

Water Matters has posted the August 26, 2010 issue of The Water Log.

Contents

1. In Situ oil sands – get ready for massive water demands in northern and central Alberta
2. Working with local Communities — community engagement for watershed protection
3. Upper Bow Basin study points to need for serious land-use choices
4. Why municipal elections matter
5. “Remarkable Beyond Borders” conference will explore policies of place

Posted August 27, 2010 by AEN

National pollutant data finally released, sort of

Following the recent release of new mining pollution data — compelled by a lawsuit by MiningWatch Canada & Great Lakes United — the Environmental Law Centre's Laura Bowman posts on the "sorry state of access to pollution data in Canada":

The question remains, does anyone even know the environmental impact from spills and routine releases from industry and municipalities in Canada? Is it even possible for anyone to find out if there are reporting and access to information barriers?

Posted August 16, 2010 by AEN

Groups weigh in on Alberta's Oil Sands PR Campaign

As the Alberta government ramps up its oil sands public relations campaign, AEN member groups weigh in, and call on the government to focus on action rather than advertising. The Pembina Institute's Danielle Droitsch suggests that Alberta should pay heed to the mistakes made by BP and direct its energies towards aggressive action rather than public relations:

In the case of oil sands, public relations will go only so far to countering a growing image problem. It will likely take a dramatic gesture as suggested by the premier's council for the public in both Canada and the U.S. to take notice.

John Bennett, Executive Director of Sierra Club Canada, suggests that:

If the Alberta government really wants to change public perception it will take a lot more than an ad campaign and a website. Actions speak louder than words.

Posted August 5, 2010 by AEN