August 1, 2011
The Strains of Development: The Athabasca and the Oil Sands
Wild Lands Advocate Article 19(4): August 2011 20110800_ar_wla_athabasca_river_oilsands_mdow.pdf
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AWA believes that energy exploration and development must be regulated in a manner that is consistent with the maintenance of wilderness values.
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AWA’s mandate throughout its four decades has been the protection of intact, representative ecosystems across Alberta. In areas where economic development is integrated within a working landscape, AWA supports robust management, regulation, and enforcement strategies.
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We believe in a fundamental need for wilderness that is free of industrial incursion; a network of legislated protected areas is currently the only framework under which this can be ensured. Outside of such areas, exploration and development must be conducted in an environmentally responsible manner. Full-field life-cycle planning must be required for all new developments including phase-out, remediation, and reclamation. Adequate reclamation liability must be assessed on a per-project basis that accounts for all remediation and reclamation costs, and does not leave Albertans vulnerable to major financial risks.
AWA believes Alberta’s wilderness and natural capital are non-renewable resources of immeasurable value, and must be considered as such and given priority in land-use planning. An overarching land-use plan is desperately needed in Alberta to set targets for all sectors, determine thresholds and establish priorities for land use throughout the province. Conservation areas must be designated with legal protection.
When considering land disturbance impacts, the cumulative footprint of all past, present and planned developments upon the landscape must be considered. Energy development does not take place in isolation: it occurs on a landscape also impacted by forestry, residential and recreational developments. The combined footprint of all of these activities must be considered in planning decisions.
Collectively, we know that the economic value of the ecosystem services performed by natural ecosystems for humankind far exceeds that of industrial development.
AWA has been involved with Shell Canada as they work to restore landscapes once active with drilling and extraction; Waterton 12 is one such site (shown above). (N. Douglas)
Seen in the photo are AWA and Shell Canada employees discussing the process and early results of reclamation efforts at this site that has reached its full life-cycle. (C. Olson)
August 1, 2011
ERCB OKs Another Sour Gas Well in the Castle… Sort of
Wild Lands Advocate update, August 2011, by Nigel Douglas 20110800_ar_cas_backus_well_ndouglas.pdf
July 29, 2011
Drilling Down: Groundwater Risks Imposed by In Situ Oil Sands Development
Recently, Alberta ENGO Water Matters released a report providing clear recommendations for improving groundwater management,…
July 20, 2011
AWA Opposes New Transmission Line in the Porcupine Hills
AWA has registered its official opposition to plans by Altalink to construct substations and transmission…
June 21, 2011
Anthropogenic and Fire Disturbances in Woodland Caribou Herd Ranges in the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan Area
Report by Global Forest Watch Canada 20110621_rp_gfw_larp_caribou_ranges.pdf
June 1, 2011
Kananaskis Country Receives Temporary Reprieve from Sour Gas Development
Wild Lands Advocate update, June 2011, by Nigel Douglas 20110600_ar_wla_update_kan_sullivan_ndouglas.pdf
May 25, 2011
Recommended Principles and Guidelines for Minimizing Disturbance of Native Prairie from Wind Energy Development
A series of recommendations produced by the Foothills Restoration Forum and Native Prairie Working Group….
May 25, 2011
Wind Energy Development in Alberta. Suggestions for Beneficial Management Practices
Input by participants in a process to recommend guidelines for minimizing disturbance of Native Prairie,…
April 21, 2011
Submission of Standing for Milner Power Plant Expansion
AWA is requesting standing for the Milner Power Plant Expansion Project in the Grande Cache…
April 1, 2011
Biodiversity Risks from Tar Sands Development
Wild Lands Advocate Article April 2011 20110400_wla_ar_biodiversity_risks_tar_sands_ccampbell.pdf
April 1, 2011
Castle Area Forest Land Use Zone: Linear Disturbances, Access Densities and Grizzly Bear Habitat Security Areas
Report by Global Forest Watch Canada, investigating linear disturbances in the Castle Area Forest Land…
March 23, 2011
Letter of Objection to Power Plant Expansion
AWA objects to the Milner Power Plant Expansion Project in the Grand Cache area. “AWA…
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