Land
At Encana, we recognize that virtually all aspects of our operations involve the use of surface land. Whether it’s private, Aboriginal or public land, we work with landowners and our neighbours to minimize surface disturbance through effective planning and responsible development. We understand the expectations placed on companies to demonstrate a high degree of environmental protection for the land on which they operate and we are continuously driven to implement better land use practices.
Encana recognized for well-pad reclamation
In 2010, the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission recognized us for our efforts in well-pad reclamation. We received an award for reducing the visual impacts of our well pads along western Colorado’s Interstate 70 corridor. We were also acknowledged for our proactive natural resource management program on well pads. Steps taken include re-vegetation that improves the topsoil and enhances stormwater management.
Our new techniques in reclamation are taking root outside the company too. The Colorado Bureau of Land Management has made our topsoil management program one of its national best management practices for oil and gas development and it has become a condition of approval, where practical, for drilling overseen by the bureau’s Colorado River Valley Field Office.
Mapping our Footprint
In July 2010, Encana’s Geographic Information Systems/Geomatics group completed an interactive mapping project, called iMaps, to reduce the physical footprint of new developments, minimize impacts on wildlife and habitat and enhance environmental planning and knowledge sharing.
Conforming with our new Environment, Health & Safety management system, called Ethos (see page 6), this constraints-mapping project supports every group in our Canadian Division, including field offices, by providing them with a new way to visualize environmental constraints from their desktops.
New interactive iMaps, based on geographic information system (GIS) software, were compiled for the entire Canadian Division, providing environmental planners with greater detail about the location of potential surface constraints in relation to the location of natural gas activity and infrastructure. Ultimately, this mapping system will guide us down the path to reduced impacts related to our operations.
Compiling reliable, up-to-date and detailed data on a visual map has enhanced pre-development planning efforts, increased communication and encouraged collaboration across all disciplines in the Canadian Division.
Abandonment and Reclamation
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total abandoned wells awaiting reclamation | 887 | 308 | 662 |
| Total abandoned wells, active reclamation complete, awaiting reclamation certificate | 658 | 165 | 172 |
| Well site reclamation certificates received | 66 | 42 | 84 |
| Total wells undergoing active reclamation | 620 | 516 | 621 |
| Total reclaimed land (acres) | 4013 | 138 | 298 |
“Efficiency and optimization are at the core of all we do at Encana. Everyone in the company is charged with finding ways to produce more natural gas with less effort, energy and investment, to reduce our impact on the environment and to continually innovate with every step we take in our processes.”