Alberta Energy and Utilities Board application no 970588 : Shell Canada Limited, Muskeg River Oil Sands Mine Project

Environment Canada has reviewed a proposal by Shell Canada to develop, construct and operate the Muskeg River Oil Sands Mine Project. This report presents Environment Canada's major concerns based on a review of the information provided by Shell within its application to the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (AEUB) and the additional information provided in response to Environment Canada's earlier review comments and Alberta Environmental Protection's and the AEUB's deficiency statements. Environment Canada's submission focuses on concerns regarding the cumulative environmental effects of the proposed project in combination with existing, approved and planned developments by municipalities, pulp mills, forestry operations, linear facilities such as pipelines and the associated infrastructure. The assessment of cumulative effects considers air quality issues (smog, air toxics, acid rain and particulate matter), water quality, and wildlife and habitat in the oil sands region. Details on the the climate change issue and greenhouse gas emissions are also provided. Although Shell has taken measures to improve operational efficiency and to minimize greenhouse gas emissions from its operations, the cumulative emissions of greenhouse gases from all developments in the oil sands region will nevertheless affect Canada's emissions profile and its ability to meet the Kyoto target. Environment Canada recommends that all stakeholders in the Oil Sands Region collectively identify suitable performance indicators and feedback mechanisms which will monitor progress on emission reductions and identify changes in the ecosystem. refs