The environmental aspects of the Project will be effectively managed through the environmental management framework, which includes corporate policies, supported by management systems, practices, and plans.
Plans have been or will be developed and regularly revised as required throughout the life of the Project, consistent with the principles of continuous improvement and adaptive management. Existing and proposed plans are outlined below. Proposed plans will be developed based on final Project design and in consultation with the applicable regulatory agencies.
Figure 4-1 Environmental Management Framework (PDF: 15k)
4.1 Corporate Responsibility Policy
EnCana's Corporate Responsibility Policy builds on the foundation of EnCana's Constitution, translating corporate principles and values into actionable commitments in eight key performance areas, including Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S). The Corporate Responsibility Policy commits every staff member to conducting EnCana business ethically, legally, and in a manner that is fiscally, environmentally, and socially responsible, and provides the overarching values and policy framework for EH&S performance.
4.3 Public Consultation
Background
Public Consultation is a primary component of building an effective Project specific environmental management program, it provides the background on resources and issues important to EnCana's stakeholders. The proactive identification of stakeholders, dissemination of information to stakeholders and other interested parties, as well as consultation with and input from these stakeholders, are key elements of the overall EIS process. EnCana's public consultation program is designed to ensure that all appropriate stakeholders, interested groups and individuals in the local communities have an opportunity to review and comment on the Project and EIS process, to offer feedback, ideas and information that could influence decisions and recommendations, and for EnCana to have an opportunity to respond to any concerns.
A diverse variety of individuals and groups participated in the consultation opportunities and events, including: residents, local municipalities and regional, provincial, federal government authorities, and businesses in the local area, academia, regulatory agencies, environmental nongovernmental organizations, and interested members of the public.
Corporate ResponsibilityEnCana's approach to building these relationships is one based on respect and timely communication about relevant and proposed developments. EnCana believes that community consultation is a collaborative process shared by the Company and our communities.
Each public consultation process is designed to encourage open and productive dialogue to support improved decision-making. EnCana's stakeholder and community consultation initiatives strive to balance the need for meaningful engagement and transparency with legal obligations relating to confidentiality and securities regulations.
4.4 Comprehensive Project Environmental Assessment
Volumes 2 to 6 contain environmental assessments on each of the valued ecological components. The findings of the environmental assessment have and will guide the requirements in the Environmental Protection Plan and practices in the NWA.
4.5 Environmental Protection Plan
EnCana has developed environmental protection measures, which are documented in the Draft Environmental Protection Plan (EPP), to mitigate potential environmental effects from its activities. The purpose of the EPP is to ensure the fulfillment of EnCana's environmental commitments and responsibilities. To this end, the EPP is consistent with the requirements of applicable regulations, standards, and guidelines, as well as with EnCana's own policy commitments and EH&S Best Practices Management System. The EPP will be revised if required to address Project-specific commitments and responsibilities identified through the environmental assessment and regulatory approvals process.
The EPP will be updated as required over the life of the Project. Both routine and abnormal conditions and emergencies that can reasonably be anticipated will be addressed. The EPP is designed to provide a suite of mitigation strategies to implement adaptive management as needed.
The EPP comprises a field-usable reference document providing clear and specific guidance to employees and contractors regarding procedures for protecting the environment and minimizing environmental effects when planning and/or conducting specific activities. The EPP addresses employee and contractor training, and will be an important tool in inspection and performance measurement throughout the life of the Project. Contractors are and will be required to comply with the EPP.
The EPP documents environmental concerns, applicable legislative requirements, and appropriate protection measures, and includes Environmental Compliance Monitoring (ECM) procedures. The EPP clearly defines ECM sampling processes, responsibilities, requirements for training, and reporting. The Draft EPP is contained in Appendix I.
4.5.1 Waste Management
For waste considerations not specifically covered in the EPP, EnCana has in place a general waste management plan to control the handling of all waste materials generated because of construction or facility operation. Since certain elements of the EnCana waste management plan are proprietary, the plan will be available for regulatory review upon request.
4.5.2 Conceptual Reclamation Plan
The Conceptual Reclamation Plan for the Project was prepared to provide information for the environmental impact assessment and for the planning process leading from the initial disturbance caused by infill drilling, to operational management, decommissioning and abandonment.
The Conceptual Reclamation Plan describes goals and objectives of the mitigation measures that are recommended for the Project. It reviews reclamation requirements in other jurisdictions as well as lessons learned from scientific and regulatory basis for the plan. Specific outcomes for each stage of the reclamation process are explained and methods that are scientifically rigorous and reproducible are proposed for measuring success at various milestones in the reclamation process. The details regarding the conceptual reclamation plan are presented in Appendix H
4.6 Incident Management System
EnCana has in place a computer and web based incident management system that controls the response to any emergency or accident and tracks the corrective actions. A summary of the system including an example of how the system functions will be provided upon request.
Spills are also reported, if required, to other regulators (e.g., Fisheries and Oceans Canada, in the event of a spill into a fish-bearing watercourse).
4.6.2 Fire Contingency and Suppression
Wildfires could result from military activities, lightning, oil and gas operations, vehicles, and accidents. In the unlikely event of a wildfire in the NWA, environmental damage would likely result from the ignition and burning of vegetation. Such damage, however, would only result over the footprint of the wildfire. Depending upon the timing of the fire, wildlife may be affected during the breeding and nesting season.
EnCana's ERP includes a plan for responding to wildfires that can occur in the summer and fall at CFB Suffield. Wildfires are rare in the NWA and emergency response in the NWA has been prioritized to limit the damage in the NWA from fires, regardless of their origin. When conditions require, extra care is taken to limit ignition sources at CFB Suffield including in the NWA
4.7 Environmental Effects Monitoring
4.7.1 Structure
The intent of the Project EEMP is to verify the predictions of the EIS and confirm (and adaptively manage) the success of mitigation.
This process and ongoing consultation will guide the final selection of the specific components.
Program Elements