Download Sustainable Development Is

Energy, Environmental Impacts,
and Sustainable Development
Presented by
Cat Shrier, Ph.D., P.G.
Water Resources Planner
(403) 532-5797
[email protected]
Key Components of an EIA
PROPONENT
STAKEHOLDERS
TECHNICAL
REGULATORS
NEPA Process
 A process not a permit or approval
 Projects with a federal nexus
 States and localities have own EIA processes
 Lead agency is responsible for NEPA
 Cooperating Agencies
 Proponent Pays
 Third Party Consultant (works for agency)
The Public Plays a Critical Role
 The Scoping
Process
 Draft EIS
 Final EIS
 Record of Decision
(ROD)
Comparative Study for NRCan
 Process clarity and predictability are key
 Scoping
 Roles and responsibilities
 Timelines
 Time to complete EIA impacted by:
 Size, complexity, sensitivity of the environment
 Community and cultural issues
 Requirements and inter-jurisdictional process
 Delays due to regulatory capacity issues /
completeness of submittals
EIA Process Adds Value
 Enables regulatory / funding approval
 Positive community relationships
 Optimized project design
 Reduced environmental liabilities
 More predictable schedule / framework
 Consistent with corporate environmental policies
 Supports development and implementation of
strategies for SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
… WHAT???
Sustainable Development Is …
NOT just a buzzword
NOT just an academic concept
NOT just a vision statement
An integral part of how companies
approach projects
Based on sound and established
practices
Sustainable Development is …
Continually finding ways to …
… Environmental Impacts
Sustainable Development is …
Partnerships with local communities …
… not just permit negotiations
Sustainable Development is …
Life cycle value
assessment
(LCVA)
… Considering all stages of a project
Sustainable Development is …
… Improving technology and understanding
… for increased efficiency and
environmental benefits
Sustainable Development is …
… Reclamation through Post-Closure
When Developing Energy Resources …
 … it is critical to understand
Chris Schenk  The resources being developed
Paul
Vonguerard
 The environment and potential
impacts to that environment
 The communities and stakeholders
and potential impacts to them
Russ George
(negative and positive)
 The regulatory process
Sue Lowell
 Strategy for a sustainable approach