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Vol. 1, Section 6: Public Consultation
6.1 Consultation Program and Objectives
This section presents the background and objectives for the public consultation program that took place during 2005, 2006 and 2007 as part of the development of the EIS for the Project.
Seeking public and stakeholder input remains a core principle of EnCana's management approach and is a requisite component of CEAA environmental assessment process and the EUBs process under Guide 056. Therefore beginning in October 2005, as part of the regulatory process for the current application for the Project and in accordance with its management practices, EnCana initiated a public consultation program. The purpose of the public consultation program was to ensure that stakeholders, including members of the interested public, received up-to-date information on the Project from EnCana. In addition, the consultations were designed to offer the public an opportunity to respond to the Project and provide input into Project planning, including preparation of the EIS.
The public consultation program also sought to update information on stakeholder groups relevant to the Project and identify any changes in stakeholders' activities or areas of interest (commercial, ecological, administrative, or regulatory) as part of ongoing communications regarding project implementation. In this regard, the consultation program was also intended to advise stakeholders of future opportunities to engage in the regulatory process and form the basis for ongoing communication and consultation during the application review, post application follow-up process, and ultimately, Project construction, operations, decommissioning and reclamation phases.
EnCana will continue to provide information about the Project to interested stakeholders and to solicit input to avoid or minimize potential adverse effects and enhance positive effects of the Project.
CEAA Project Documents
On October 31, 2005, Department of National Defence announced that it would conduct an environmental assessment commencing on October 26, 2005 of the Project: EnCana Shallow Gas Infill Development Project in the Suffield national Wildlife Area (the Project) also referred to by CEA Registry Reference Number 05-05-15620.
The CEAA Environmental Assessment Registry Document List for the Project (as of May21, 2007) is contained in Appendix J. The Study Team has reviewed and considered all of the documents (as of May21, 2007) contained in the CEA Registry Project File as part of the public consultation program.
Consultation Activities
The consultation program for the preparation of the EIS was largely done between February and September 2006, although ongoing activities took place from October 2005 to spring 2007. The program was directed at a set of stakeholders known to EnCana Suffield Sub-Business Unit and Medicine Hat Business Unit through previous consultations. These stakeholders included members of the public in several communities close to the NWA. During the consultations, several new or emerging organizations that had not been previously consulted were identified and engaged through this process. The communications and consultation process involved various forms of interaction including electronic communication, phone contact, face-to-face meetings with individuals and small groups, group presentations, discussions, field trip to the NWA, as well as public open houses held at the City of Medicine Hat and CFB Suffield. The consultation program involved activities undertaken by EnCana staff and its consultants (the Study Team).
The objectives of the Project EIS public consultation program are summarized below:
- satisfy the needs and requirements of the EIS and joint panel review;
- establish a consultation process based on integrity, mutual respect and trust;
- provide the general public and interested stakeholders with relevant and up-to-date information on the Project explaining EnCana's plans for this Project and activities under this EIS;
- provide reasonable opportunities for the public stakeholders to express their views, needs, interests, issues and priority concerns on the Project;
- provide early and adequate notice of these opportunities for involvement and input;
- actively engage the general public and interested stakeholders in an open dialogue, shared learning and honest consultation process to seek their input and feedback on the Project;
- document EnCana follow-up responses to stakeholder comments, questions and requests for information;
- seek advice from the scientific community to enhance environmental management;
- carefully consider stakeholder input and feedback in support of improved Project planning and decision making; and
- contribute to communications around EnCana activities and to the development of mutually constructive relationships with all EnCana stakeholders.
The following outcomes are desired from the consultation process:
- a shared understanding of the Project purpose among interested public stakeholders and EnCana;
- documentation of EnCana responses to the public stakeholders;
- identification of how concerns of stakeholders that are likely to be affected by the Project have been identified and addressed; and
- establishment of an adaptive management and continuous improvement plan based on consultation results;
Stakeholder Groups:
EnCana identified the following stakeholder groups for the Project.
- federal government;
- provincial government;
- regional and local government;
- elected representatives;
- First Nations;
- local, and provincial environmental groups;
- local residents;
- regional business and industry associations;
- landowners;
- contractor;
- employees; and
- shareholders.
6.1.1 Public Consultation Stages
In accordance with timelines of the Project development, environmental assessment, and regulatory processes, the public consultation program for the EIS took place from October 2005 to Spring 2007 and consisted of the following three phases:
| i) |
Phases I (October to December 2005) |
| ii) | Phases II (January to September 2006) Consultation on the Project Description, Guidelines, Identifying and Scoping Issues. |
| iii) | Phases III (October 2006 to spring 2007 and ongoing) Follow-up and Ongoing Communications. |
6.1.2 Phase I - Stakeholder Identification and Preliminary Communications
In Phase I, done between October and December 2005, the Study Team identified a list of stakeholder groups and organizations based on information gained during previous EnCana consultations with relevant government agencies, industry, community and environmental nongovernmental organizations (ENGOs). This stage included discussions with the Alberta Wilderness Association (www.AlbertaWilderness.ca) to update identification and invitation of ENGOs to the consultation process. Similarly, communications with the City of Medicine Hat and the Municipality of Cypress County served to update information on local community and business stakeholders.
- identify the stakeholder groups and organizations;
- establish initial contact with stakeholders;
- confirm stakeholder contact information and consultation interest;
- share information about the Project elements;
- develop consultation tools (i.e., database; open house feedback survey questionnaires to provide consistent means of obtaining stakeholder information, issues identification and communication of interests, needs, information requests, priority concerns, questions and opinions;
- determine preferred methods of consultation and schedule appropriate activities (i.e., email, local newspapers, open houses, one-on-one discussions, meetings with groups of stakeholders, field trip, website); and
- provide early notice of upcoming opportunities for consultation on the Project.
Table 6-1 contains the list of stakeholder groups and organizations to be consulted for the Project.
| Table 6-1 Project Stakeholder List | |
| Stakeholder Groups |
Stakeholder Organizations |
| Federal Government | Canadian Wildlife Service
|
| Provincial Government |
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development |
| Regional Government, Local Community and Area Representatives |
City of Medicine Hat |
| Provincial and Federal Government Elected Representatives |
Members of Alberta Legislative Assembly |
| Local and Provincial Environmental Groups |
Alberta Wilderness Association |
| Regional Business and Industry Associations |
Medicine Hat Chamber of Commerce |
| Local Recreational Groups |
Medicine Hat Paddling Club |
| Local Academic Institutions |
Medicine Hat College |
| Local Landowners |
Individual Landowners |
| EnCana Business Relationships | Shareholders Board of Directors Management Committees Business Units Employees Contractors Suppliers Customers |
| First Nations | Blood Nation Piikani (Peigan) Nation Siksika Nation |
| Media | Local Media |
Contact was initiated with stakeholders through email, telephone conversations and regular mail. A consultation record was developed to keep track of all contact with stakeholders and topics raised in consultation to ensure that this input was communicated to members of the Study Team.
In general, there was a high degree of success in contacting, communicating with, and scheduling subsequent consultation sessions. Most groups were interested and able to participate during the EIS consultation process. In some cases, meetings were held with groups of interested organizations.
6.1.3 Phase II - Consultation on the Project Description, Guidelines, Identifying Issues and ScopingThis phase of consultations with stakeholders took place between January and September 2006. To the degree feasible, consultation sessions were customized to the needs, interests and preferences of the stakeholders, both in terms of format and content. The main content of the consultation sessions consisted of the following:
- explaining the scope of the Project;
- discussing the environmental and socio-economic assessment (SEA), and regulatory processes with most attention to issues identification and scoping;
- identifying the relationship between Project and associated prospective changes to environmental or socio-economic effects and mitigation measures;
- gathering information about any needs, interests and priority concerns stakeholders might have regarding the Project;
- documenting and communicating the needs, issues, interests and priority concerns identified by stakeholders to the appropriate members of the Study Team for consideration, response, clarification or action;
- outlining the future regulatory process and schedule, including informing stakeholders as to future opportunities to offer input into this process; and
- clarifying expectations regarding future and ongoing communications.
-
(November to December, 2005) Public Input Review and Responses
Eleven emails and four letters were received from the public in response to the Project during November to December 2005. Study team members reviewed this input and provided responses, as appropriate. -
(February to May, 2006) Community Open House Information Sessions
EnCana hosted three Community Open House Meetings and information sessions that were advertised through the local community newspapers (40-Mile Country Commentator; and Medicine Hat News) and held for sharing details about the planned Project with stakeholders including the community-at-large and to receive their feedback and input about any concerns. In addition, local elected officials received invitations to attend the Community Open House Meetings. Table 6-2 lists the dates, locations and attendance at the three Open Houses:
| Table 6-2 Community Open House Meetings | ||
| Date (Time) |
Location (Venue - meal was provided) |
Number of Guests (excluding EnCana Staff and Study Team) |
| February 15, 2006 (4:00 – 8:00 PM) |
City of Medicine Hat (Medicine Hat Lodge) |
95 Guests |
| February 16, 2006 (4:00 – 8:00 PM) |
CFB Suffield (Suffield Community Hall) |
27 Guests |
| May 23, 2006 (4:00 – 8:00 PM) |
City of Medicine Hat (Medicine Hat Lodge) |
65 Guests |
In addition to the Open House stakeholder guests, there were approximately twenty EnCana Staff and Study Team members who were adjacent to a series of twelve 8 by 10 foot themed storyboards. Their role was to provide the guests with an opportunity to ask questions, engage in dialogue and provide their comments on the planned Project.
The storyboards provided current information on key facts, figures and operational processes, and the existing environment (K) related to the planned Project. The various themes of these storyboards are listed below:- Overview of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) - environmental assessment process.
- Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Methodology - describing the basic steps the Project Team will follow to complete the EIS and Cumulative Effects Assessment.
- Suffield Area Development - maps describing the drilling Project and aerial photographs of 8 and 16 wells per section.
- Suffield Area Drilling - photographs and descriptions of site construction and drilling.
- Suffield Area Geology - overview of the area geological formations and depositional environment.
- Suffield NWA History - explanation of the Suffield NWA and history of shared land use (conservation, military use, cattle grazing and shallow natural gas operations.
- Suffield Area Life Span of a Shallow Gas Well - description and timelines of the Project phases (preplanning; drilling, completions, tie-in; production; reclamation; and abandonment).
- Suffield NWA Environmental Setting - portrayal of the native prairie grassland ecology, plant community types, wildlife and wildlife habitat.
- Suffield Area Operations - representation of the infrastructure, gathering systems and operation
- Suffield Area Shallow Gas Pipeline Construction and Tie-in - minimal disturbance techniques.
- Suffield Area Well Completions - showing how completion operations are planned and executed to minimize disturbance to the environment.
- Who We Are - background information on EnCana oil and gas company contributions to the local economy, commitment to meaningful stakeholder dialogue, environmental safeguards, protection of health and safety, and collaborative community investment programs (youth and education, health and wellness, environment and community development).
An Open House Feedback Survey Forms and Summaries (see Appendix L) was used to document participant written comments, concerns, input, suggestions and questions for consideration and follow-up in Project planning, environmental and SEA through. To assist the Open House stakeholder guests, they were provided with a takeaway information package on the planned Project as well as contact information should they wish to provide additional input or have questions on the Project (see Table 6-3). The information package was also circulated as a newspaper insert in the Medicine Hat News to residents of the City of Medicine Hat and surrounding areas.
The following bullets highlight some selected public consultation activities conducted in the course of completing the Environmental Impact Statement. A more comprehensive list of the various public consultation activities (e.g. letters, meetings, field trips, email, etc.) can be found in Appendix M .-
(May 12, 2006) Meeting With Government Regulators
A meeting was held with CEAA representatives and other provincial and federal government agencies in Edmonton to introduce the Project, address any comments, and determine the best way to gather information required for the EIS, as well as how best to consult with other scientific and other stakeholders. EnCana and members of the Study Team delivered a presentation on the planned approach for the EIS and participated in a round table question and answer discussion about the process and associated timelines. -
(August 10, 2006) Stakeholder Discussion Group Meeting
A meeting was held in the City of Medicine Hat (Medicine Hat Lodge) with various stakeholder representatives to discuss EnCana's current best practices in the NWA, the Project planned activities with particular focus on potential interactions with or effects on valued ecological components (VECs). Representatives of three ENGOs (Alberta Wilderness Association, Grasslands Naturalists and Federation of Alberta Naturalists) and four EnCana contractor and suppliers (BJ Services, CalFrac Well Service, Flint Energy Services, and Weatherford Canada) participated at this meeting. -
(September 12, 2006) ENGO Field Trip of the Suffield NWA
A field trip of the Suffield NWA was held with members of the Alberta Wilderness Association, and Southern Alberta Environmental Group (SAEG) and EnCana Staff. Participants visited a number of sites in the NWA to see on-the-ground EnCana past operational practices, current minimal disturbance techniques and discuss plans for the Project over the course of the day-long field trip. -
(October 2005 to spring 2007) Stakeholder Meetings
EnCana Staff held various meetings with local, provincial and federal government representatives in City of Medicine Hat, Edmonton and Ottawa to discuss Project plans, and the social, economic and environmental aspects of the Project. In addition, various communications between EnCana and stakeholder interests occurred through letters, email, substantive telephone conversations and in-person meetings between October 2005 and spring 2007. Phone conversations and interviews were done with 15 government officials and landowners in the context of assessing the socio-economic effects of the Project. -
(February 5, 2007) Consultations with First Nations
EnCana Staff wrote letters to the elected Chiefs of the Blood Nation, Piikani (Peigan) Nation, and Siksika Nation advising them of EnCana's proposed further development of shallow gas wells at CFB Suffield. The correspondence also included an information package describing the shared land use arrangements at CFB Suffield, minimal disturbance practices, background on the NWA, regulations governing resource development at CFB Suffield, EnCana's plans for further development of shallow gas wells in the NWA and how to get more information on the Project and public input into the environmental assessment process. -
(April 13, 2007) Meeting With Government Regulators
A meeting was held with federal government agencies in Edmonton to discuss the Environmental Impact Study Team Approach for assessing the Project. EnCana representatives and members of the Study Team delivered a presentation on the approach for the EIS and participated in a round table question and answer discussion about the various assessment approaches utilized by discipline for assessing Project effects and reaching their respective conclusions.
The input and comments received through this consultation program were broad ranging and reflected a variety of perspectives about the value, need and scope of the shallow gas infill development Project planned for the Suffield NWA. This input was considered by the Study Team in preparing the EIS. Key issues and concerns identified through the consultation process are summarised in Section 6.2 Integration of Issues and Concerns into Project Planning.
6.1.4 Phase III - Follow-up and Ongoing Communications
Subsequent to the Phase II consultations, EnCana staff and the Study Team continued to follow-up with ongoing communication. Follow-up consisted primarily of responses to requests for information or concerns raised during the consultations. During the consultations, EnCana informed stakeholders as to the ways in which they can continue to give input into the Project during subsequent stages in the regulatory process (e.g., review of the CEAA process). EnCana will continue to proactively communicate about the Project with interested stakeholders and will provide supplementary information as part of this ongoing process. EnCana is continuing its consultations with the public and stakeholders.
- An open house is being planned for Medicine Hat in late June 2007 to discuss the preparation of the EIS, how it was completed and the conclusions. Key members of the EIS Study Team will be present to answer questions from members of the public and agencies in attendance.
- Technical sessions are being considered, depending on interest for summer 2007 with stakeholders and interested public members to discuss the process used by the EIS Study Team to select the VECs and the assessment of effects in the EIS.
6.2 Integration of Issues and Concerns into Project Planning
A variety of stakeholder input and comments were identified through the consultation program. The input and comments were broad ranging and reflected a variety of perspectives about the value, need and scope of the Project planned for the Suffield NWA. A summary of the key issues and concerns identified through the consultation process are summarized in Table 6-3 Issues Identified and Comments Raised.
- Protection of Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat;
- Species At Risk
- Native Prairie Ecosystem Protection;
- Grazing
- Scientific Research
- Environmental Protection;
- Climate Change;
- General Views of the EnCana Proposal;
- Air, Noise and Water;
- Visual Impact;
- Community Involvement;
- Feedback on Open House Sessions and Public Consultation Experience;
- Health and Safety;
- Operational Practices;
- Benefits and Opportunities;
- Questions
Table 6-3 Consultation Program Issues Identified and Comments Raised (PDF: 47k)
6.3 Public Consultation Influence on the ProjectConsiderable effort was made to record and respond to the issues, concerns and questions provided by stakeholders through the consultation process. Results of the meetings and discussions were tracked and forwarded to the appropriate EnCana personnel and consultants for consideration in Project planning and the environmental assessment. These inputs have been used to:
- identify the environmental and socio-economic issues of concern and to incorporate relevant issues into the assessment;
- improve Project planning and Project design; and
- supplement information and knowledge of the biophysical and socio-economic environment to enhance mitigation strategies.
EnCana has responded to the issues, opportunities, and concerns brought forward by the public and stakeholders in a variety of ways, including immediate response at Open Houses and meetings, follow-up communications, and within the EIS Report. Table 6-4 outlines the means by which issues, opportunities and concerns have been addressed in the EIS. As detailed planning proceeds, EnCana is committed to continuing discussions with regulatory agencies, stakeholders and the public.
| Table 6-4 Summary of Commitments to Stakeholders | |
|
Issue, Opportunity, and Concerns |
Link to EIS Volume |
|
Protection of Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat |
See Volume 3 – Biophysical Resources |
|
Species at Risk |
See Environmental Protection Plan |
|
Protection of Native Prairie Ecosystems |
See Volume 3 – Biophysical Resources |
|
Environmental Protection |
See Volume 1 – Project Description |
|
Climate Change |
See Volume 2 – Introduction to EIS |
|
General views of the EnCana Proposal |
See Volume 1 Project Description |
|
Environmental protection. Air, Noise, Water |
See Volume 4 – Aquatic Resources |
|
Visual Effects |
See Volume 5 – Human Environment Resources |
|
Ongoing community involvement and consultation with stakeholders and the general public |
See Volume 1 – Project Description |
|
Feedback on Open House Information Sessions and Public Consultation Experience |
See Volume 1 – Project Description |
|
Health and Safety |
See Volume 5 – Human Environment Resources |
|
Operational Practices |
See Volume 1 – Project Description |
|
Benefits of Project and Opportunities |
See All Volumes |
6.4 Public Consultation Summary Comments
A substantial effort was made throughout the public consultation process to identify and engage stakeholders and solicit their input with respect to any issues, comments and questions as well as possible opportunities with respect to active management or mitigation of issues.
It is understood that not all issues can be addressed by EnCana nor can they be addressed to the complete satisfaction of all interested parties. EnCana’s approach is to identify and address as many issues as possible that are within its corporate capacity and mandate.
EnCana works closely with local communities, government regulators and other stakeholders to provide them with current and relevant information on the issues and scope of EnCana’s development plans, thus enabling them to consider and incorporate these plans in their own context. EnCana will continue to work with stakeholders to resolve issues post-filing this application through ongoing consultations.