Integrated Resource Management System

Transcription

1 Integrated Resource Management System AAFMP RFP Exam Study Session September 24, 2016 Shereen Trenchard, RPF Planning Branch, Alberta Environment and Parks 1

2 Session Objectives Provide an overview and understanding of the following: 1. Integrated Resource Management System 2. Alberta Land Stewardship Act 3. Land-use Framework 4. Regional Plans 5. Environmental Management Frameworks 2

3 1. Integrated Resource Management System 2. Alberta Land Stewardship Act 3. Land-use Framework 4. Regional Plans 5. Environmental Management Frameworks 3

4 Integrated Resource Management System The means by which Alberta will achieve responsible resource stewardship & triple bottom line: social, economic & environment values Broadly defined, incorporating the management, conservation and wise use of all resources Founded upon principles of cumulative effects management IRMS is not a new approach to natural resource management in Alberta; rather it s an evolution of ideas that the government and stakeholders have been advancing for decades. What is new is how we work together to achieve responsible resource stewardship. based on a triple bottom line of setting and achieving Social, Environmental and Economic outcomes The IRMS includes all resources : energy, minerals, forestry, agriculture, land, air, water and biodiversity. IRMS is founded on the principles of cumulative effects management: It is a knowledge based system to inform behaviours and make decisions Outcomes driven; uses that knowledge to set outcomes Future focused allowing us to appreciate short term actions on long term objectives It has comprehensive, place based policy assurance and implementation program: Flexible as outcomes are to meet the unique needs and circumstances of the place. System requires a high degree of inclusiveness and collaboration in both setting and achieving outcomes. Adaptive and continuous improvement: our intent is to be deliberate at innovating our way forward and to be responsive to changing conditions. We are pursuing IRMS for 4 reasons As economic and population growth is expected to continue in this province, we can no longer afford to manage development in incremental fashion or project by project We need to manage the cumulative effects of this development and growth on the environment. We can no longer afford any fragmented and duplication of efforts. There is a heightened need for integration and resource optimization. The Government needs to be responsive to growing expectations of public and stakeholders 4

5 Integrated Resource Management System Government of Alberta IRMS involves numerous players: The Government has undergone in recent years a deliberate reorganization to better deliver the IRMS including the establishment of new agencies such as AB Environmental Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Agency or the AB Energy Regulator. At the core and leading the system is the the Government of Alberta including various Ministries such as ARD, MA, the old department of ESRD is now split into two departments Agriculture & Forestry and Environment & Parks The IRMS includes clear roles and responsibilities for each player. Alberta Energy, Environment & Parks and Agriculture & Forestry are to set clear outcomes and policy direction that address cumulative impacts e.g., Regional Plans and environmental management frameworks Most importantly is the involvement of all Albertans stakeholders, partners and the public *The success of this entire system will be measured by how well environmental, economic, and social outcomes are balanced for the province into the future. 5

6 Integrated Resource Management System Must Know: Means by which Alberta will achieve responsible resource stewardship based on a triple bottom line of economic, social and environmental outcomes through cooperation among government departments, external groups and the public. All resources inclusive: energy, minerals, forestry, agriculture, land, air, water and biodiversity. 6

7 1. Integrated Resource Management System 2. Alberta Land Stewardship Act 3. Land-use Framework 4. Regional Plans 5. Environmental Management Frameworks 7

8 Alberta Land Stewardship Act The legal basis for land-use planning in Alberta - established in October, 2009 with the proclamation of the Alberta Land Stewardship Act (ALSA). This legislation is intended to plan for the future needs of Albertans and manage growth, while respecting existing property rights. The Government of Alberta amended ALSA in May, 2011 to clarify the original intent of the legislation including a clear statement that government must respect the property and other rights of individuals. 8

9 Alberta Land Stewardship Act Provides direction and leadership in identifying the objectives of the province, including economic, environmental and social objectives; Provides a means to plan for the future, recognizing needs of current and future Albertans; Provides for coordination of decision-making concerning land, biodiversity, human settlement, natural resources and the environment; Creates legislation and policy that enable sustainable development by responding to cumulative effects. 9

10 Alberta Land Stewardship Act Must Know: Alberta Land Stewardship Act is the guiding direction for land-use in the province and enables the Regional Plans. Timber dispositions need to align with ALSA regional plans. Section 17(4) of Alberta Land Stewardship Act: If there is a conflict or inconsistency between this Act and any other enactment, this Act prevails. Section 45.1(1) of the Forests Act: In the event of a conflict between either a timber disposition or a timber quota and the provisions of any applicable ALSA regional plan, the ALSA regional plan prevails to the extent necessary to resolve the conflict. 10

11 1. Integrated Resource Management System 2. Alberta Land Stewardship Act 3. Land-use Framework 4. Regional Plans 5. Environmental Management Frameworks 11

12 Land-use Framework The purpose of the Land-use Framework is to manage growth, not stop it, and to sustain our growing economy, but balance this with Albertans social and environmental goals. This is what the Land-use Framework is about smart growth. What worked for us when our population was only one or two million will not get the job done with four, and soon five million. We have reached a tipping point, where sticking with the old rules will not produce the quality of life we have come to expect, nor will the environment and resources support these activities. As such the Land-use Framework strives to balance the social, economic and environmental goals for Alberta s future. 12

13 Land-use Framework Blueprint for land-use, natural resource management, and decision-making to manage growth Sustains growing economy while balancing social and environmental goals Three core outcomes: Healthy economy Healthy ecosystems and environment People-friendly communities Cumulative effects management will be used at the regional level to manage the impacts of development on air, land, water and biodiversity. Land use Frameworks sets out to manage growth in a sustainable manner. Our watersheds, airsheds and landscapes each have a finite carrying capacity. Alberta s system for assessing the environmental impacts of new developments has typically been done on a project by project basis. This approach worked at lower levels of development activity. However, it did not always address the combined or cumulative effects of multiple developments taking place over time. Key strategy in the Land Use Framework is that planning will adopt a cumulative effects approach that includes evaluating the impacts of existing and new activities. It will reflect our understanding of environmental risks and socio economic values in setting environmental objectives and managing within those objectives. 13

14 Achieving Smart Growth Developing and implementing a land-use system that will effectively balance competing economic, environmental and social demands Manage public and private lands and natural resources to achieve Alberta s economic, environmental and social goals Growth trend in economic activity and population in Alberta Global demand for our resources will continue to grow Increasing and competing demand for use of land Current land management system risks being overwhelmed by scope and pace of activity 14 14

15 Land-use Framework Strategies Must Know: Seven strategies identified to improve land-use management and decision-making: 1. Develop seven regional land-use plans 2. Create a Land-use Secretariat and Regional Advisory Council for each region 3. Cumulative effects management to manage impact of development on air, land, water & biodiversity 4. Develop a strategy for conservation and stewardship on private and public lands 5. Promote efficient use of land 6. Establish an information, monitoring and knowledge system 7. Inclusion of aboriginal peoples in land-use planning 15

16 1. Integrated Resource Management System 2. Alberta Land Stewardship Act 3. Land-use Framework 4. Regional Plans 5. Environmental Management Frameworks 16

17 Regional Plans Seven planning regions Based on major watersheds Aligned with municipal and jurisdictional boundaries LARP approved 2012, 5yr review 2017 SSRP approved 2014 NSRP under development LPRP, UPRP, UARP, RDRP in queue 17 The Government of Alberta (GoA) will create seven land use regions and will develop landuse plans for each of these regions. The regional plans will integrate provincial policies at the regional level, set out regional land use objectives and provide the context for land use decision making within the region The province is divided into seven regions roughly based on major watersheds. There is a perception that these regional boundaries may pose a challenge for forestry as they are not concurrent with forest tenure boundaries such as FMAs but in reality the entire province is guided by the same pieces of legislation for both regional planning and for forest management planning all forested crown land is still within the same provincial jurisdiction. 17

18 Regional Plans Strategic Intent 18

19 Regional Plans 19 Regional plans set the economic, environmental and social outcomes Albertans desire for the region. These outcomes are interdependent and putting forth a plan to achieve them necessarily involves looking at the interdependencies of each outcome in terms of the complementary and conflicting interests. This integrated perspective is critical to establishing the appropriate types and level of trade offs that align with what Albertan s want for the region. The Government of Alberta has numerous policies and strategies to guide natural resource development, support economic growth, guide development of municipalities, and protect the natural environment. Regional plans will integrate these policies and strategies at the regional level and provide the policy direction and clarity needed to help decision makers at the federal, provincial, and local level make decisions that collectively reflect and support the regional needs and values of Albertans A central component of IRMS and managing for cumulative effects is the development and implementation of regional plans Plans provide the opportunity and formalized process to: Engage all affected parties in an area about values within that area, foster debate to make trade offs among competing values, carry the legislative power to ensure they are adhered to, Create limits and triggers that are binding, Ensure provincial policy and legislation is translated to operational decisions. 19

20 Components of a Regional Plan Implementation Plan Strategic Plan regional vision, outcomes and strategic direction Strategic Plan Implementation Plan establishes strategies to support achievement of outcomes and vision Regulatory Details Regulatory Details Plan regulations that land users and decisionmakers must comply with 20

21 Regional Plan Development Slide Notes: Regional plans are built through a collaborative process that requires contribution and input from the Government and all Albertans, including aboriginal peoples, land owners and users, and decision makers. Cabinet Cabinet provides overall direction to regional plan development, considering input received from Albertans, and approves the draft and final regional plans. LUS Formally established in 2009, the Land Use Secretariat is an arms length body that is part of the public service of Alberta, but is not a part of a government department. Headed by the Stewardship Commissioner, under the guidance and executive sponsorship of the Stewardship Minister, the Secretariat leads and works with a cross ministry team and is responsible for the implementation of the Land use Framework. Government Ministries A cross ministry team (known as the LUF Integration Team (LIT)) works with LUS to develop regional plans by providing policy analysis and research. This team is integral to the development process and provides advice and input to ensure an integrated perspective. RACs RACs provide regional knowledge and expertise to the GoA on how to address specific issues and challenges for each region. Each RAC provides their recommendations to government through a recommendations report, on which the GoA will seek feedback from Albertans. RAC s recommendations and feedback from Albertans will be considered when drafting the regional plan. Feedback & Input Key stakeholders and partners representing various interests in each region, aboriginal peoples and all Albertans are engaged throughout the regional plan development process. Creating and maintaining strong partnerships and obtaining feedback and input is the foundation to supporting and encouraging the principle of shared stewardship of our lands and natural resources 21

22 Regional Plan Development Land-use Secretariat coordinates development of regional plans Stage 1: Pre-Planning Stage 2: Regional Advisory Council Stage 3: Completing the Plan & Environmental Management Frameworks Stage 4: Implementation of Regional Plan & Environmental Management Frameworks, Review Feedback Loop Slide Notes: The process for developing a regional plan is multi faceted, involving the coordination of effort and inputs from multiple parties within the GoA and external to government. It takes approximately three years to develop a regional plan from the initial gathering of data and information for analysis, to Cabinet s approval of the plan. Regional plans are developed through consultation with Albertans people living, working and/or having an interest in the region. A RAC consisting of members representing a range of perspectives and experience in the region will be established to provide recommendations for consideration in the development of the plan. LUS oversees the development of all the regional plans and leads the consultation processes. The cross ministry team works with the Secretariat to provide policy analysis, research and support to the development of the regional plan. This collaborative cross ministry and consultative approach with Albertans will ensure that the final regional plan reflects the broad interests of Albertans. How do forestry and Regional Planning Integrate? Forestry in the broadest sense of the term meaning everything that AgfFor department has forestry related mandate over: Forest Management, operations, silviculture, wildfire, policy, health, economics, tenure all of it. Key points in the LUF Regional Plan Development timeline where coordination with forestry is imperative however working toward developing ongoing communication and more collaborative work. Embedded within each of these stages is also public and stakeholder engagement which includes targeting the forest industry as stakeholders. Each of these stages in plan development have some extensive processes associated with them one of the most notable is during the development of Regional Advisory Council materials is when we start the Conservation Area Planning. There is work with both regional and headquarters staff to provide input into candidate conservation areas including conducting economic and data analysis on the areas put forward for consideration. Other processes where there is heavy involvement from departmental forestry staff is the gathering of regional information during pre planning, development of information for RAC s consideration, the Implementation plans and the Biodiversity Management Frameworks. 22

23 LUF Regional Plans Must Know: Forest activities support economic outcomes of regional plans Forest activities supports the social outcomes of regional plans Forest activities support the environmental outcomes of regional plans Regional plans will integrate provincial policies at the regional level and provide a clear context for land use decision-making by municipalities, provincial departments, boards, and agencies. In some cases, detailed planning may be necessary within a region to address subregional concerns or specific issues. These plans go into more depth than a regional plan can, and focus on the specifics of the situation. 23

24 1. Integrated Resource Management System 2. Alberta Land Stewardship Act 3. Land-use Framework 4. Regional Plans 5. Environmental Management Frameworks 24

25 Environmental Management Frameworks Must Know: Key approach to manage the long term cumulative effects of human development on the environment at a regional level Cumulative Effects Management Indicators are chosen to help us determine if we are meeting our objectives Indicator threshold values triggers and limits with progressive action based on conditions found in the environment Enhancement to current system of air, water and biodiversity management Stakeholders involved in development, and implementation CEM Cumulative Effects Management

26 Environmental Management Frameworks Key Principles Regional perspective Builds on existing legislation, regulations and policies Flexibility and adaptability Clear communication Collaboration; involves partnerships Maintains and Improves Environmental Value whether air quality or biodiversity Applies a Regional Perspective The framework contributes to management of local air quality in the region by considering that the ambient air concentrations of substances are influenced by the location, density and nature of developments in the area. The framework contributes to proactively managing air quality within the region with consideration of human population and ecosystem health. The framework consistently assigns and applies ambient air quality triggers to NO 2, O 3 and PM 2.5 across the region. As development proceeds and emissions grow over time, the use of ambient air quality triggers and limits will ensure that emissions from various sources and at various scales are managed so they do not, collectively, result in unacceptable air quality. Builds on Existing Legislation, Regulations and Policies The framework is intended to complement, not replace, existing management frameworks, policies, legislation and regulations. This includes requirements related to pollution prevention and incorporation of the Best Available Technology Economically Achievable (BATEA). The framework is consistent with national and provincial policies, strategies and frameworks, and with the stated desired outcomes for the region. Incorporates Flexibility and Adaptability Flexibility and adaptability result when place based management actions are tailored to address specific issues associated with local emissions. A range of actions and potential tools are used, as required, to manage ambient air quality with respect to the action triggers for NO 2, O 3 and PM 2.5. The framework recognizes that development plans, emission control technology and scientific understanding may change over time, and flexibility is needed to ensure that the desired environmental outcomes continue to be achieved. Environment and Sustainable Resource Development will review and update the framework to ensure alignment with other policies that are developed or revised at a regional, provincial or national level, or at a minimum 10 year interval to align with regional planning. Clearly Communicates The framework supports long term certainty in Alberta s policy and regulatory process and non regulatory programs. The system described in this framework and the expectations for emissions management are clearly defined and transparent. Public access to ambient air quality monitoring data from continuous air monitoring stations is available through the CASA Data Warehouse ( This data is used to evaluate air quality within the South Saskatchewan Region. Involves Partnerships Ambient air monitoring and data collection is conducted by local airshed groups who gather data at existing continuous air monitoring stations and store it on the CASA Data Warehouse. As the framework is implemented, Environment and Sustainable Resource Development involves local airshed groups, industry, aboriginal people, municipalities, and other stakeholders who live and work in the area. 26

27 Environmental Management Frameworks EMFs to be developed for all regions as required: Air Quality Management Framework Surface Water Quality Management Framework Biodiversity Management Framework Groundwater Management Framework Surface Water Quantity Management Framework Tailings Management Framework Blue color denotes EMFs currently released for LARP only; other EMFs for LARP and other regions are currently in draft or not yet developed 27

28 Management Framework Development EMF Development GoA Ministries and Agencies Environment and Parks Public First Nation and Metis Policy & Planning Region Operations Other SMEs Other stakeholders WPACs Local Airshed Groups IH/CR air and water advisory committees Environmental Management Frameworks are built through a collaborative process that requires contribution and input from the Government and all Albertans, including aboriginal peoples, land owners and users, and decision makers. 28

29 Management Framework Approach Regional Outcomes and Objectives Indicators, Triggers and Limits Indicators are chosen Thresholds (triggers/limits/targets) are set Monitoring and Modeling Monitor and assess ambient conditions relative to thresholds Management Response and Reporting Crossing thresholds requires a response based on level and risk Results reported This is the cumulative effects management approach at a regional scale. Indicators are selected based on regional issues and pressures. Triggers are set in advance of limits as an early warning that signal change and support proactive management. Targets represent a condition that management aims to achieve or do better than. Limits represent levels at which the risk of adverse effects on environmental quality is becoming unacceptable; these are often based on provincially or federally established guidelines. Frameworks designed to avoid exceeding limits: Conservative threshold levels allow time for pro-active response Continuous monitoring and communication Continuous engagement of stakeholders and partners to develop innovative tools and strategies for reducing effects.

30 EMF Management Response What does the data/science say? What does it mean? What are we going to do about it? Were we successful? Government of Alberta Initiate management response when required based on the assessment data and other approaches Identify the role of stakeholders and aboriginal people for management planning and actions Assess management actions implemented through other frameworks or initiatives Define timelines and select or recommend management approaches and tools Ensure management approaches are implemented Communicate to stakeholders and aboriginal people the implementation status Maintain and support collaboration including partnerships AEMERA Monitor ambient environmental conditions as directed in the management frameworks Annual review and assessment of ambient data to determine levels Develop annual reports on environmental conditions (air, water, biodiversity) in relation to thresholds established in environmental frameworks Stakeholders and Partners Work collaboratively with Government of Alberta to support management framework implementation including responses and actions Continue to support environmental management through shared stewardship 30

31 Session Objectives 1. Integrated Resource Management System 2. Alberta Land Stewardship Act 3. Land-use Framework 4. Regional Plans 5. Environmental Management Frameworks A goal without a plan is just a wish - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry 31

32 Thank you!