SECTION 5.0 ABORIGINAL CONSULTATION AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT TABLE OF CONTENTS 5.0 ABORIGINAL CONSULTATION AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT...

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1 SECTION 5.0 ABORIGINAL CONSULTATION AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 5.0 ABORIGINAL CONSULTATION AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT Introduction Consultation Policy and Guiding Principles Consultation Plan Development Community Traditional Land Use Studies Consultation Process Objectives Tracking Activities Open Houses and Elders Meetings Cumulative Constraints Mapping Communication Tools Advertising and Promotion Ongoing Communication Key Findings Employment, Career and Business Opportunities Culture and Traditional Resource Use Community Development and Regional Infrastructure Environment Industry Notifications LIST OF TABLES Table 5.4-1: Contact Summary Table 5.4-2: Summary of Devon Responses Table 5.6-1: P&NG Leaseholders Table 5.6-2: Oil Sands Leaseholders Table of Contents Page i

2 5.0 ABORIGINAL CONSULTATION AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT 5.1 Introduction Devon is committed to continuous, open and transparent dialogue with communities, residents and other stakeholders for the (the Project). Project consultation will continue through the application and approvals process and provide the foundation for effective community relations over the 25 to 30-year Project life. Devon s operations and community investment activities will be conducted with local communities in a manner that is socially, environmentally and economically sustainable. A successful consultation and engagement program will ensure that the positive relationships that Devon has established are maintained and enhanced. The objectives of Devon s Aboriginal Consultation and Public Engagement Program are consistent with Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) guidelines, the Alberta First Nations Consultation Guidelines on Land Management and Resource Development and industry consultation best practices, which include: developing and maintaining long-term relationships with key stakeholders; enhancing public understanding and knowledge of the Project; identifying and understanding the perspectives and concerns of various stakeholders and communities of interest; addressing stakeholder interests related to the Project; establishing processes to allow stakeholders to realize opportunities from economic and employment opportunities; welcoming and supporting input from interested individuals or groups; and using contributions from the public to assist in decision-making related to Project planning, design and operations. A Public Consultation and Community Relations Program for Devon s steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) exploration and development activities was formally initiated in fall 2002 with the release of Devon s public disclosure document for Jackfish 1. Consistent with the commitment to establish long-term stakeholder relationships, Devon has been continuously and consistently working and communicating with interested stakeholders, including supporting and collaborating with local communities on a range of employment, education and other sustainable development initiatives since the program s initiation. Devon understands that each community may have unique and evolving processes for community engagement. Devon s engagement processes are continually adapted and tailored to meet community requirements, thereby ensuring Devon is respectful of each communities culture and sensitivities. Page 5-1

3 The Project was formally introduced to the public with the December 2011 publication of the Pike 1 Project - Project Summary Document (Project Summary Document) (Volume 1, Attachment B). The public consultation program for the Project complements and builds on community relations activities and communications protocols established by Devon for the Jackfish projects. Project public consultation activities to date include: using information gathered through the consultation programs for the Devon Jackfish projects to develop a list of groups and individuals within the region anticipated to have an interest in the Project; making contact with identified stakeholders to confirm interest, identify key individuals and community representatives and to seek out and define preferred communication mechanisms or courses of action; establishing or enhancing forums such as telephone communication, , one-on-one and group meetings, open houses and workshops to share information with stakeholders and to obtain input on issues, positions or proposals; and disseminating information and updates through communication mechanisms including the Project Summary Document, newsletters, advertisements, poster boards, invitations, a Project section on Devon s corporate website, a thermal projects information line and a dedicated address (see Volume 1, Attachment B for consultation materials) Consultation Policy and Guiding Principles Devon s policy is to seek out and address the input of stakeholders who are interested in and potentially affected by the planning, construction and operation of a proposed project. Devon recognizes the unique cultures and perspectives of Aboriginal peoples in the region and as a result the company has developed principles and policies regarding Aboriginal relations to ensure these values are recognized and respected in Devon s business practices. Devon believes that incorporating stakeholder input in a transparent and respectful manner improves the quality of business decisions regarding economic development, integration with affected communities and environmental management of the Project. The consultation process for the Project is based on the following principles: adhere to Devon s Aboriginal Relations Policy (Volume 1, Attachment B); work with identified stakeholders in a manner deemed most effective by the stakeholder; ensure individuals and stakeholder groups are treated fairly, equitably and consistently; facilitate ongoing dialogue and data collection involving the public; provide information and opportunities to participate in a timely and community-sensitive manner throughout the consultation process; inform stakeholders of the results and recommendations resulting from their input; and ensure that relationships with stakeholders are established in such a way that they can continue through the life cycle of the Project. Page 5-2

4 5.2 Consultation Plan Development The Sustainable Resource Environmental Management (SREM) Aboriginal Affairs Branch is a shared services operation that provides Aboriginal policy advice and strategic and operational Aboriginal engagement and consultation services to the three SREM ministries: Energy, Environment, and Sustainable Resource Development. Devon s SREM consultation advisor for the Lower Athabasca Region has built an approved Project Consultation Plan to ensure that First Nations treaty rights and traditional uses and Métis concerns are meaningfully considered during Project planning. Devon maintains a consultation log with supporting documentation, which forms the basis of bimonthly reports sent to the Sustainable Aboriginal Affairs Branch and to each First Nations community according to the approved Project consultation plan. In addition to the SREM approved Project consultation plan, Devon developed a corporate consultation and communication plan to guide consultation activities. The plan promotes consistent communication and consultation activities with interested and potentially affected stakeholders. The consultation team initially identified local and regional groups that expressed interest in the Jackfish 3 project. Additional interested communities were identified once consultation activities were initiated for the Project. Devon will continue to work with groups as they are identified. The stakeholders currently identified as interested in the Project are: Alberta Aboriginal groups: Beaver Lake Cree Nation (BLCN); Chipewyan Prairie Dené First Nation (CPDFN); Chard Métis Local #214 (dissolved); Cold Lake First Nation (CLFN); Hamlet of Conklin and Conklin Métis Local #193 via the Conklin Resource Development Advisory Committee (CRDAC); Hamlet of Janvier (Chard); Heart Lake First Nation (HLFN); Métis Local #1935; Métis Nation of Alberta Zone 1; Owl River Métis Local #1949; Saddle Lake Cree Nation (SLCN); Whitefish (Goodfish) Lake First Nation (WLFN); and Willow Lake Métis Local #780. Saskatchewan Aboriginal groups: Michel Village; Buffalo River Dené Nation; and Clearwater Clear Lake Métis. municipal governments: Lac La Biche County; and Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB). Page 5-3

5 provincial government and regulatory agencies: Alberta Sustainable Resource Development; Alberta Energy; Alberta Environment and Water (AEW); and Alberta Oil Sands Secretariat. federal government and regulatory agencies: Department of Fisheries & Oceans; Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency; Transport Canada; Natural Resources Canada; and Environment Canada. various local area resource owners and users; registered trap area holders; and educational institutions: Portage College; Keyano College; and Northland School District. Several forums for reviewing project information and gathering feedback from stakeholders have been established. The process of sharing information and gathering feedback has been ongoing for Devon s oil sands projects in the Conklin area since 2002; however, formal discussions for the Project began in January A series of informal and formal meetings were held with specific stakeholder group representatives and individual citizens, notably those located in proximity to the Project environmental impact assessment (EIA) terrestrial local study area. Individual meetings, community meetings, open houses and workshops continued during the preparation of the EIA. Consultations with, and commitments to provide information to, interested parties are ongoing. 5.3 Community Traditional Land Use Studies In the early planning for the Project, Devon committed to better understanding the traditional land use (TLU) and traditional environmental knowledge (TEK) concerns of local communities, and also to plan the Project in a manner that would minimize potential impacts to TLU/TEK resources. To address this commitment, Devon identified communities for involvement in the TLU/TEK studies. The following seven First Nations communities and one Métis community were contacted in January 2011 and subsequently expressed a desire to be involved in Project TLU/TEK studies: BLCN; HLFN; Fort McMurray #468 First Nation (FMFN); Page 5-4

6 SLCN; WFLFN; CLFN; CPDFN; and Métis Nation of Alberta-Conklin Local #193 (Conklin). The process of developing and executing the TLU/TEK studies involved a consultant contacting the communities on Devon s behalf to obtain community support and to determine each community s study approach preferences. Each community selected the method for its study, either independently, in full collaboration with study facilitators or a combination of independent study and facilitated study. Devon s Aboriginal affairs advisors negotiated traditional knowledge information sharing agreements with each community participating in the TLU/TEK studies. The purpose of the agreements was to formalize a framework for sharing the information and the role the information could play to support the Project regulatory application and for use in planning Project operations. Data collection for each study involved field visits and flyovers of the Pike lands, community member interviews and mapping sessions. Information was drafted into a report and map for review and edited by the participants. A final TLU/TEK report and map was provided for use in Project planning where agreed to by the community. To date some of the TLU/TEK studies are still ongoing or pending within the communities. The level of completeness for each community study is summarized as follows: BLCN negotiated a traditional knowledge information sharing agreement with Devon in October The community will be conducting an independent study and is currently moving forward with a map review and flyover of the Pike lands scheduled for late May 2012; HLFN completed an independent study and report. The release of the report is pending approval from their chief and council; FMFN completed a collaborative study with study facilitators. The draft report is ready for review by the community and meetings for this review are in the process of being scheduled; SLCN completed a collaborative study with study facilitators. A summary of the community report has been released to Devon; WFLFN completed an independent study and report. The report has been released to Devon and study facilitators; CLFN has been sent drafts of relationship and traditional knowledge information sharing agreements on several occasions. An agreement has not been reached. Devon is in the process of scheduling a meeting with the chief and council to discuss an agreement. A study will begin once an agreement has been reached; Page 5-5

7 CPDFN and Devon are currently in discussions on a traditional knowledge information sharing agreement and a workplan for a TLU/TEK study; and Conklin and Devon are currently in discussions on a traditional knowledge information sharing agreement and a workplan for a TLU/TEK study. It is expected all communities identified for TLU/TEK studies will have completed their work and travels in the study area before the end of summer Consultation Process Objectives In December 2011, formal communication was initiated to: introduce the Project team to the community; introduce the Project, present the scope of the EIA and demonstrate visually how the Project has been developed using cumulative environmental constraints mapping (Volume 2, Section 3.4); seek input into the proposed Terms of Reference (TOR); and identify or confirm individuals and groups that would be affected by the Project through geographical proximity, or that could potentially have an interest in the Project. Ongoing consultation and community relations objectives include: providing updates, including presenting EIA results; identifying stakeholder concerns and opinions regarding environment, society and economics; and responding to requests for information about the Project. The overall goal of the consultation process is to define key matters to be addressed by Devon and establish sustainable relationships and communication mechanisms for the Project Tracking Devon maintains a Record of Contact database for the Project to ensure ongoing identification of individuals or groups with interest in the Project. This database assists Devon to ensure effective and consistent tracking and management of stakeholder questions, feedback, concerns and resolutions. The dates, places, individuals and organizations contacted are on file in the Record of Contact database. Page 5-6

8 5.4.3 Activities The formal consultation plan was modified and implemented based on community-driven, preferred methods of consultation. The intent of the plan is to provide stakeholders with defined opportunities to learn about the Project, ask questions, provide feedback and have concerns addressed. A summary of contacts is provided in Table In addition to the formal public consultation program, Devon s Aboriginal relations team meets with local community members and travels in the study area to discuss Devon s projects in the region. These less formal interactions are in addition to formal consultation activities and TLU/TEK study work. These efforts provide essential insight into residents perspectives on the area, specifically related to traditional use. Elders tours and workshops are held with community members who were identified by the Industry Relations Corporations (IRC) or chief, or who came forward as interested individuals. When additional information is requested by a community or individual that cannot be immediately provided by Devon s technical representatives, followup meetings or discussions are arranged to ensure stakeholders received the information that is requested. Formal meetings provide a forum to present and discuss consolidated issues identified through discussions and informal contact with various groups. Page 5-7

9 Table 5.4-1: Contact Summary Contact Activities Beaver Lake Cree Nation (BLCN) Met with Beaver Lake Cree Nation to discuss the Project in November Mailed a letter and copy of the Project Summary Document to introduce the Project in January ed the proposed TOR in February Mailed the proposed TOR again in March Mailed, ed and hand delivered the final TOR 30 May Open House 24 April Discussion pertaining to contracting and employment opportunities is ongoing. Chard Métis Local #214 Mailed and hand delivered letter and copy of the Project Summary Document to introduce the Project in January Mailed, ed and hand delivered proposed TOR in February February from Elder advisor that the committee has passed that the Local Metis # 214 Chard AB is formally dissolving the local as it is not recognized by the community and has no elected leader, no board of directors and will no longer be holding any meetings. 15 March 2012 letter received from legal firm requesting a cooperation and benefits agreement with the Chard Metis local #214 (dissolved). Devon working with community to understand the validity of, and the community s involvement with, this request. Page 5-8

10 Contact Activities Chipewyan Prairie Dené First Nation (CPDFN) Met with IRC February 2011, May 2011 and 7 December 2011 to review the Project, review agreements, define consultation plan, review the Pike land map and discuss Traditional and Historical Knowledge Agreement so TEK and TLU work could begin for the Pike lands. Agreement has not been finalized. Mailed a letter and copy of the Project Summary Document to introduce the Project in January ed the proposed TOR in February Mailed the proposed TOR in March Mailed, ed and hand delivered the final TOR 30 May Devon is currently funding the CPDFN Industrial Relations Corporation in good faith because no current agreement is in place for the funding of capacity as previously set up through the ATC/APCA. Currently, the funding provided is in conjunction with funding provided by several other SAGD producers in the region. Devon currently has a CPDFN/Devon social priorities agreement, the details of which are confidential in nature; however, the agreement does provide capacity for youth, elder and infrastructure support for the CPDFN community. The scope of discussions with IRC includes formalized discussions regarding socio-economic issues (employment opportunities, business development, education, contracting and policing). CPDFN conducts the Chipewyan Prairie Traditional Food Study, for which Devon is providing financial support. Ongoing formal and informal consultation is occurring with CPDFN leadership, IRC staff and individual community members. Discussion pertaining to contracting and employment opportunities is ongoing. Cold Lake First Nation (CLFN) Mailed a letter and copy of the Project Summary Document to introduce the Project in January 2012 to the band office and legal counsel. ed the proposed TOR in February Mailed the proposed TOR in March 2012 to the band office and legal counsel. Mailed, ed and hand delivered the final TOR 30 May CLFN has been sent drafts of relationship and traditional knowledge information sharing agreements on several occasions; Devon and CLFN have not reached agreements yet. Devon is in the process of scheduling a meeting with CLFN chief and council to discuss agreements. A TLU/TEK will begin once an agreement has been reached. Discussion pertaining to contracting and employment opportunities is ongoing. Page 5-9

11 Contact Activities Fort McMurray #468 First Nation (FMFN) Met with IRC to review project, future agreements and consultation plan in February and March Completed TLU/TEK work related to the Pike lands in late Mailed, ed and hand delivered letter and copy of Project Summary Document to introduce the Project in December Mailed, ed and hand delivered proposed TOR in February Mailed, ed and hand delivered the final TOR 30 May Devon currently provides funding capacity to the FMFN IRC. Ongoing formal and informal dialog with IRC staff and individual community members is occurring. Discussion pertaining to contracting and employment opportunities is ongoing. Hamlet of Conklin: Conklin Community Association Conklin Métis Local #193 Conklin Resource Development Advisory Committee (CRDAC) Mailed a letter and copy of the Project Summary Document to introduce the Project in January 2012 to the Métis local box office and CRDAC. Mailed the proposed TOR in March 2012 to CRDAC and legal counsel. Mailed, ed and hand delivered the final TOR 30 May Open house participation as part of CRDAC Trade Show, 12 May Discussion of workplan and funding for the consultation process has been completed, and the community is expecting to complete a TLU/TEK project for the Project soon. Discussion pertaining to contracting and employment opportunities is ongoing. Hamlet of Janvier (Chard) Mailed and hand delivered letter and copy of the Project Summary Document to introduce the Project in January Mailed, ed and hand delivered proposed TOR in February Mailed and hand delivered copies of the proposed TOR in March Mailed the final TOR 30 May Discussion pertaining to contracting and employment opportunities is ongoing. Page 5-10

12 Contact Activities Heart Lake First Nation (HLFN) ed the proposed TOR in February Mailed the proposed TOR in March Open House held 18 April Community members attended a luncheon, were provided with an opportunity to review EIA and Project related poster boards, and participated in discussions with Project representatives. In addition, Devon representatives were given a tour of the local school and introduced the Project to some of the students. Devon currently provides funding capacity to the HLFN consultation office. Ongoing consultation regarding economic opportunities is occurring to ensure socio-economic opportunities are realized by HLFN as a result of Devon's project in the region. Discussion pertaining to contracting and employment opportunities is ongoing. Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) Mailed a letter and copy of the Project Summary Document to introduce the Project in January Mailed, ed and hand delivered proposed TOR in February Mailed, ed and hand delivered the final TOR 30 May Discussion pertaining to contracting and employment opportunities is ongoing. Métis Local #1935 Mailed, ed letter and copy of Project Summary Document to introduce the Project in December Mailed, ed and hand delivered proposed TOR in February Mailed, ed and hand delivered the final TOR 30 May Devon will continue formal and informal dialogue with 1935 staff and individual community members. Discussion pertaining to contracting and employment opportunities is ongoing. Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) Zone 1 Mailed a letter and copy of the Project Summary Document to introduce the Project in January Mailed, ed and hand delivered proposed TOR in February Mailed the proposed TOR in March Mailed the final TOR 30 May Ongoing consultation and communication on employment opportunities is occurring. Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) Zone 2 ed a letter and copy of the Project Summary Document to introduce the Project in January Mailed, ed and hand delivered proposed TOR in February Mailed, ed and hand delivered the final TOR 30 May Page 5-11

13 Contact Activities Owl River Métis Local #1949 Mailed a letter and copy of the Project Summary Document to introduce the Project in January Mailed, ed and hand delivered proposed TOR in February Mailed, ed and hand delivered the final TOR 30 May Discussion pertaining to contracting and employment opportunities is ongoing. Saddle Lake Cree Nation (SLCN) Met with Leadership and consultation staff to review project, future agreements and consultation plan May Completed TLU/TEK work related to the Pike lands in late September Mailed, ed and hand delivered letter and copy of Project Summary Document to introduce the Project in December Mailed, ed and hand delivered proposed TOR in February Mailed, ed and hand delivered the final TOR 30 May Open house held April Devon currently provides funding capacity to the Nation for consultation and continues formal and informal dialog with consultation leadership, staff and individual community members. Discussion pertaining to contracting and employment opportunities is ongoing. Whitefish Lake First Nation (WLFN) Met with Leadership and consultation staff to review project, future agreements and consultation plan April Completed TLU/TEK work related to the Pike lands in late September Mailed, ed and hand delivered letter and copy of the Project Summary Document to introduce the Project in December Mailed, ed and hand delivered proposed TOR in February Mailed, ed and hand delivered the final TOR 30 May Open house held April Devon currently provides funding capacity to the Nation for consultation and continues formal and informal dialog with consultation leadership, staff and individual community members. Discussion pertaining to contracting and employment opportunities is ongoing. Willow Lake Métis (Anzac) Mailed and hand delivered letter and copy of the Project Summary Document to introduce the Project in January Mailed and hand delivered copies of the proposed TOR in March Mailed the final TOR 30 May Discussion pertaining to contracting and employment opportunities is ongoing. Page 5-12

14 Contact Activities Buffalo River Dené Nation Saskatchewan Relationship limited to notification and opportunities for employment. Clearwater Clear Lake Métis Saskatchewan Relationship limited to notification and opportunities for employment. Michel Village Saskatchewan Relationship limited to notification and opportunities for employment. Trappers Mailed and hand delivered letter and copy of the Project Summary Document to introduce the Project in January Mailed, ed and hand delivered proposed TOR in February Meetings held to review the map, and proposed TOR and future activities with trappers May Mailed the final TOR 30 May Lac La Biche County Mailed and hand delivered letter and copy of the Project Summary Document to introduce the Project in January Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) Mailed and hand delivered copies of the proposed TOR in February Mailed the final TOR 30 May Discussion pertaining to contracting and employment opportunities is ongoing. Mailed and hand delivered letter and copy of the Project Summary Document to introduce the Project in January Mailed and hand delivered copies of the proposed TOR in March Discussion pertaining to contracting and employment opportunities is ongoing. Alberta Provincial Government Meetings held with the following Government of Alberta ministries and agencies in 2011 to introduce the Project and provide updates: Alberta Sustainable Resource Development; Alberta Energy; and Alberta Environment and Water. ERCB Initial meeting in 2011 to introduce the Project. Subsequent discussions have been held to provide Project updates and to obtain direction on Devon s approach to various elements of the Project design. Federal Government Meetings held with the following Government of Canada departments in 2011 to introduce the Project: Environment Canada; Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada; and Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency. Page 5-13

15 5.4.4 Open Houses and Elders Meetings Open houses or meetings are planned for, or have been held with, representatives from a number of stakeholder communities. open houses or community meetings held to date include: Hamlet of Conklin and Métis Local #193 via CRDAC; Lac La Biche; FMFN; HLFN; SLCN; WFLFN; open houses planned for the Project include: CPDFN; BLCN; Owl River Métis; and Métis #1935. Promotion for these open houses has included posters placed throughout the communities, advertisements in community newsletters and local newspapers and telephone calls to community leaders and members to invite them to the events. In addition, events were promoted through First Nations consultation offices where appropriate. Some engagement mechanisms were defined by the IRCs and were targeted to specific family groups based on these family groups historic involvement or engagement. Finally, meetings were held with community consultants as directed Cumulative Constraints Mapping Devon successfully developed and integrated environmental constraints planning into the Project. The intention of constraints planning is to minimize the potential for environmental impacts by identifying areas of greater environmental sensitivity so project disturbances can be planned to avoid identified areas to the extent possible. The cumulative constraints planning process developed and applied to the Project footprint is discussed in Volume 2, Section 3.4. Constraints mapping used by Devon for previous projects has proven to be an effective tool during consultation and has been used to demonstrate how the Project footprint is planned. The map provides a foundation for presenting the Project and generating discussion during the consultation process. The cumulative constraints mapping process applied for the Project has been favourably viewed by stakeholders as a positive shift in footprint planning. Page 5-14

16 5.4.6 Communication Tools The types of communication tools that have been used to provide information and receive feedback for the Project include the following: Phone Number a toll-free thermal projects information line ( ) was promoted for stakeholders to communicate Project inquiries. The line provides interested parties with a single point of contact to access documents or to obtain additional information regarding the Project, identify matters of concern, or generally provide follow-up from informal and formal meetings. The number is assigned to Devon s thermal heavy oil projects team and inquiries are either addressed directly, or forwarded to the appropriate team member for response. The volume of calls has been relatively low, with the majority of the requests related to contracting and employment opportunities for the existing Jackfish projects; Account an account was established for all Devon thermal heavy oil projects, including the Project. The account accommodates general and specific project inquiries by providing interested parties with a single point of contact to access documents or obtain other information regarding the Project, identify matters of concern, or generally provide followup from informal and formal meetings. The account is monitored by Devon s thermal heavy oil projects team and s and inquiries are either responded to directly, or forwarded to the appropriate team member for response. There have been about 20 s sent to the Project since the release of the Project Summary Document in December The majority of the correspondence received through this method is related to business and contracting; Devon Newsletters Devon distributes thermal project update newsletters to stakeholders. Typical information found in the newsletters includes updates on the Devon projects, as well as information on environmental, community investment and community relations programs. The most recent Project update newsletter was distributed at the April open houses; and Devon Energy Website ( on its corporate website, Devon has posted information related to the Project including the Project Summary Document, the proposed TOR and contact information for the Project. Devon has established long-term relationships in the communities and has had a consistent group of representatives and residents contact Devon representatives directly to discuss issues or concerns as they arise. Communities understand that Devon has an open-door policy, and the opportunity for personal communication is welcomed and encouraged. Devon personnel are frequent visitors to the local communities and have developed stable and mutually respectful working relationships. Page 5-15

17 5.4.7 Advertising and Promotion The Project Summary Document was released in December Immediately following its release, it was ed, mailed or hand delivered to stakeholders. The Project proposed TOR was released in February Copies were delivered to interested parties and notice of the proposed TOR was advertised in several newspapers in northern, central and southern Alberta as follows: daily newspapers: Calgary Herald, Friday, 24 February 2012; Calgary Sun, Friday, 24 February 2012; Edmonton Journal, Friday, 24 February 2012; Edmonton Sun, Friday, 24 February 2012; and Fort McMurray Today, Friday, 24 February weekly newspapers: Lac La Biche Post, Tuesday, 28 February monthly publications: Alberta Native News, Thursday, 15 March 2012; Conklin Nakewin News, Thursday, 01 March 2012; Alberta Sweetgrass, Monday, 19 March 2012; and Windspeaker, Monday, 05 March Copies of the proposed TOR and Project Summary Document were provided to the following offices for review and comment: RMWB Conklin Municipal Office via the CRDAC; Métis Local #193 via the CRDAC; CPDFN IRC Office; FMFN IRC Office; Janvier (Chard), RMWB Contact Office; Métis Nation of Alberta Zone 1 and 2 Offices; HLFN Band Office; Chard Métis #214 Office; BLCN Consultation Office; Métis #1935 Consultation Office; CLFN; SLCN; WFLFN; and Owl River Métis. Page 5-16

18 In addition, Devon s public consultation team prepared packages of the proposed TOR and the Project Summary Document for direct delivery to identified residents in various the communities and made copies available for viewing at the Lac La Biche Town Office. Information about the Project, including copies of the Project Summary Document and proposed TOR, are also posted on the Devon Energy Corporation website ( Ongoing Communication Devon will continue communication and consultation with stakeholders as the Project proceeds through application, approval, construction, operation, decommissioning and reclamation. Copies of this application will be placed with agencies, organizations and information depositories in Alberta and notice will be placed to advise the public of the application as required by AEW and the ERCB. Communication will be ongoing with all interested parties. A substantial level of consultation will continue with stakeholders potentially directly affected by the Project. Devon will present the information contained in the application to local communities through a process agreed to by each community, to reflect existing arrangements for consultation and communication. Activities will include: additional open houses, information sessions and meetings in the local and regional communities where these forums already have proved to be helpful to those concerned; presentations to municipal organizations and regional committees that are concerned with infrastructure, economic development, environmental management, education, training and employment; meetings and discussions with stakeholder representatives to maintain a close working relationship, including opportunities to modify, expand or redirect these associations; continued participation in regional working groups that have evolved to address regional resource development and its relationship to environment, economy and society in northern Alberta; promoting awareness of the Project in a timely manner through advertising; and visits to consult with family groups, trappers, businesses, contractors, school groups and other parties that may be identified. Devon s ongoing consultations also include memberships or associations with a number of standing organizations such as the Oil Sands Developers Group (OSDG) and the Cumulative Environmental Management Association (CEMA). Devon continues to evaluate opportunities to strengthen relationships and develop opportunities related to the area inclusive of the southern SAGD producers, while also contributing to the Athabasca oil sands region. Page 5-17

19 5.5 Key Findings Devon received a wide range of comments, including inquiries about the potential for economic benefits accruing to communities in the vicinity of the Project, the relationship between Project construction and operation and potential changes to the quality of the environment as a result of the Project. There is also interest in broader matters associated with resource development throughout Lac La Biche County and the RMWB. The Project is one of a number of industrial initiatives in place or proposed in the southern part of the Athabasca oil sands. The ongoing development of oil sands activity has encouraged stakeholders to address the Project independently and as part of the larger picture of regional resource development. Stakeholders stated that the Project EIA should focus not only on issues of importance to the local community, but also on cumulative effects to be experienced in the region. Stakeholders expressed interest in understanding the environmental effects and associated mitigation and monitoring activities that Devon has experienced during the construction and operation of the Jackfish projects. Four broad theme areas emerged during the formal consultation program contributing to preparation of the EIA. The themes have been defined and presented in alignment with the effects identified in Volume 2, Section 17.0, including: employment, career and business opportunities; culture and traditional resource use; community development and regional infrastructure; and environment. An overview of stakeholder interest in these themes, as well as Devon s actions in response to inquiries related to the themes, are presented in the following section. Table provides detail related to Devon s mitigation strategies, actions and commitments to address each theme. Page 5-18

20 Table 5.4-2: Summary of Devon Responses Themes and Questions Summary of Actions Taken and Future Commitments Employment, Career and Business Opportunities What are Devon s criteria for awarding business contracts? What opportunities will the Project provide for existing or potential businesses, including contracts, during construction and operation? What will Devon do to help local communities to prepare for business opportunities? Devon supports and gives preference to local businesses that are committed to the safety of people and the environment, have the appropriate capacity and competitive pricing and are reliable with respect to the quality and timeliness of their services and products. Certain aspects of the Project will require specialized services and products, which will need to be sourced from outside of the community. Business development has provided services for Devon while creating opportunities for those interested in being a local service provider. Some examples of this effort include developing a transportation service, a hot-shot service, janitorial services and drilling services companies. Devon will continue to involve local businesses in the development of the Project. There are about separate contracting opportunities associated with the construction of the Project and associated infrastructure. Devon will regularly provide information to local businesses and individual entrepreneurs so they can understand Devon s bidding and contracting requirements. In addition, Devon will provide an overview of external resources that can be accessed to establish or strengthen business management capabilities. During the operation of the facility, Devon is committed to seeking services locally to increase local involvement and gain the opportunity for potential reductions in costs. Through Devon s presence in the region over the past 30 years, Devon has dedicated district staff members to award contracts to local businesses that meet Devon s criteria. These local businesses can be quickly identified and contacted for bids or sole-sourcing. Devon has dedicated district employees whose role is to seek out opportunities for local contractors. Devon has dedicated district employees whose role is to support local individuals, contractors and businesses to prepare for success related to competitive bid development and business fundamentals. This role includes ensuring local contractors are prequalified for identified opportunities. Devon will work with local entrepreneurs and established businesses by implementing a bidding and contracting process tailored to support local sourcing and ensure competitive bids. Elements of the process will include consideration of prequalifying bidders and inviting competitive, negotiated or solesourced bids. Devon is ensuring local businesses are prequalified through ISNetworld. For those companies that are having difficulty prequalifying through this contractor database, Devon support staff will work with the contractor to ensure barriers are eliminated. This includes providing access to external resources to establish and operate a success business (e.g., management and accounting guidelines, funding sources, cost structure, competitiveness and coaching on preparation and management of contracts). Devon is committed to enhancing effective communication and interpersonal skills required for obtaining sustainable employment, (e.g., establishing a mentoring initiative for training to overcome barriers to employment). Page 5-19

21 Themes and Questions What will Devon do to help local communities to prepare for business opportunities? (continued) Will Devon hire locally for permanent positions? Training for jobs is not addressing the social challenges faced by individual students. What is Devon doing to prepare the youth for the changes and opportunities taking place in the region? Summary of Actions Taken and Future Commitments To further business and economic development opportunities, Devon will continue to support and develop community endeavours such as: working with community-based leadership to ensure a clear understanding of opportunities coming forward and working with community-based businesses; working with joint-venture partners to ensure they receive bidding opportunities as they become identified; providing information and Project updates to local employment offices to promote awareness of contract and employment opportunities as they arise. This has been enhanced by involving a local community liaison to assist in contacting identified local service providers; and establishing a contractor engagement and issue resolution process, endorsed by the Devon executive team, that ensures clear protocols are followed to allow the management of expectations related to service delivery. Devon will continue to employ district liaisons and coordinators whose responsibilities are to: address issues of a cultural nature as they arise; seek opportunities for local involvement as they are identified; and participate in tours and assist Devon in liaising with the community. Devon has established a thermal projects information line to address employment inquiries. Devon s policy will be to give the first opportunity to hiring qualified local residents. Both the community and Devon will benefit by continuing to build on the experience and relationships established through the Jackfish projects. Devon has been successful in hiring local candidates for permanent positions. Devon will work with regional educational organizations and local groups to provide appropriate training programs in recognition that residents may require and have requested further education and training to meet job qualifications. Devon recently supported efforts to have local interested individuals get the required safety training in advance of the winter program. Devon will endeavour to identify persons in the community interested in working for the Project and establish trainee positions to ensure local people are provided an opportunity for full-time, sustainable employment. Devon will provide assistance in training and support for barriers faced by these candidates. Devon is currently developing a formalized training program for all operators and potential employees identified as local residents. This program is being developed in response to past experience and to improve upon adhoc training programs undertaken for previous projects. This formalized program will include mentoring and onsite skills development. Devon, by working closely with the community, will help the community to identify concerns and work with local institutions. For instance, Devon is working in partnership with Northland School Division and the Conklin local school board to provide funding for capacity and infrastructure to allow students to complete Grades 9 through 12 while living at home instead of moving to Fort McMurray. Devon recognizes that the challenges faced by its prospective employees may extend beyond the workplace. Long-term, sustainable solutions will require the active participation of Devon employees and the company is committed to working with the community to create opportunities to achieve these solutions. For instance, Devon is currently in the process of developing a formalized training program for all operators and potential employees identified as local residents. This program is being developed in response to past experience and to improve upon adhoc training programs undertaken for previous projects. Devon will continue to explore means to ensure the youth obtain the education required to help them make appropriate decisions about their futures. Devon has been recognized in the past for contributions to local schools. Devon continues to work with local schools to find ways to prepare the youth for future opportunities available in the region. Devon has provided funding for programs that assist members of the community (e.g., students) in addressing social challenges and barriers to success. Page 5-20

22 Themes and Questions Keeping children interested in school and obtaining a Grade 12 education has proven to be a challenge. What opportunities exist to engage the local youth and convince them of the importance of education? How does Devon help the province and local municipalities plan to address future workforce and employment opportunities? Does Devon have plans for education and training programs, mentoring arrangements, or other opportunities to provide meaningful skills for employment and selfadvancement? Summary of Actions Taken and Future Commitments Support of youth and local schools is a priority. Devon will fund and help to develop programs targeted at encouraging students to stay in school, raising awareness on the effects of drugs and bullying, safety awareness and cultural awareness. Devon built and helps to maintain a high school in the Hamlet of Conklin to allow students the opportunity to obtain their Grade 12 diploma while living at home. Previously, students had to move away from home to complete their diploma. Devon is working with local schools and other educational outreach facilities to support meaningful educational and training programs for future employment in the oil and gas industry. Examples of initiatives include: ensuring contractors employed onsite provide employment opportunities to individuals that have the appropriate training, but need an opportunity to use their education in their trade and enter the workforce; implementing a bursary program for steam engineering through Portage College and Keyano College; donating computers to Father Perin School and Conklin Community School; supporting Youth Summer Employment Programs in Janvier and Conklin; and providing a number of local schools with energy literacy programming delivered by organizations such as Inside Education, GreenLearning and Ducks Unlimited. Devon contributes to regional employment and workforce planning surveys, including the contractors Aboriginal workforce survey, Aboriginal employment survey, value of contracts with Aboriginal companies survey, industry contributions to Aboriginal peoples survey, OSDG camp survey and the annual OSDG workforce survey. Devon meets regularly with local municipalities to inform them of upcoming development plans and potential opportunities. Devon s senior Aboriginal advisor, a member of the Cree Nation, volunteered to support cultural awareness sessions in the schools following discussions with local school principals. Devon sponsors the NAIT Trades in Motion (TIM) program, which includes academic upgrading and hands-on training in electrical, pipefitting, millwright and welding trades. Devon will seek to bring this program back to Conklin in the future. Devon built and helps to maintain a high school in the Hamlet of Conklin to allow students to obtain their Grade 12 diploma while living at home. Previously, students had to move away from home to complete their diploma. Devon, in partnership with other industry partners in the area, has provided funding via the Conklin Community Enhancement Society to support the retention of teachers in the community of Conklin. Devon did so upon being advised that the number of teachers for the school was being reduced. Other education-related initiatives Devon will undertake specific to the Project include: working with institutions and community members to define training requirements and increase the number of local residents employed with the Project; working with educational institutions and Alberta Human Resources and Employment in developing and supporting strategies to increase the participation of underemployed people in the area, including Aboriginal peoples, youth and women; revisiting alternative learning options, such as Sunchild E-learning; and having four full-time training positions for operations. Devon participates in the Conklin Education Advisory Committee to assist with identifying educational programs and service needs to bridge the gap identified by committee members. Page 5-21

23 Themes and Questions In view of the number of projects planned for the region, what kind of impact will the Project have related to local residents (potential employees) and services? Summary of Actions Taken and Future Commitments The nature of the construction phase impacts will depend on the timing of other approved projects in the region. The Project will potentially use resources that become available as other projects are completed and may also compete with other projects for resources. Devon has established: apprenticeship and hiring programs; training programs leading to permanent full-time positions for local community members; and provision of first opportunities for employment and contracts to qualified local residents. Culture and Traditional Resource Use Traditional Lands Detailed information related to Historical Resources and TLU and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) can be found in Volume 2, Sections 13.0 and 14.0, respectively. How will Devon respect and protect Aboriginal peoples traditional way of life generally, and specifically with respect to berry patches and medicinal plants? Devon continually works with First Nation and Métis representatives to address Historical Resources, TLU and TEK. The communities share their knowledge through consultation meetings and by actively participating in field work. This process has continued for the Project with the early planning for TLU/TEK studies. Devon offers funding to various Aboriginal communities to engage in TLU/TEK studies in a manner determined by each community (Conklin, CPDFN, HLFN, SLCN, WFLFN, FMFN, CLFN, and BLCN). The method in which Devon is able to use this information in Project planning is determined by each individual community. The community will continue to be consulted for each successive stage of Project development. Community and Traditional Values How will Devon generally respect and protect Aboriginal peoples traditional lifestyle and culture? Devon developed and presented, in conjunction with the community, an Aboriginal Relations Policy and Community Orientation video. All employees and contractors working on the Project are required to view the video, which defines Devon s values, beliefs and expectations, provides an overview of the history of the region, introduces Devon's neighbours and defines community priorities and expectations. For the Project, in addition to the video, Devon will be conducting a half-day cultural Aboriginal awareness session to key members of Devon s onsite teams. This program will be ongoing, in keeping with Devon s Aboriginal Relations Policy. Devon will continue to work with resource management agencies, companies active in the area, and Aboriginal and resident communities to identify, understand and sustain community traditional resource use while accommodating industrial activity in the shared landscape. Devon has provided financial support to communities for cultural events to ensure capacity is maintained to preserve aspects of Aboriginal culture. Devon will continue to work with local communities to identify opportunities to share both scientific and traditional knowledge with youth and Elders. For example, CPDFN has established a consultation process that involves meeting regularly with designated youth and Elders to improve understanding of the Project and community concerns. They have also designated an Elder group with which Devon consults. Local field assistants have been hired to work with the environmental consultants collecting baseline environmental information for the Project (2010, 2011 and 2012), providing valuable insight and knowledge held by local Aboriginal community members. Devon will continue to hire local field assistants for ongoing environmental requirements during the construction and operations phases of the Project. Devon recognizes the importance of the cultural aspect of working in this area and will continue to request Elders involvement, participation and guidance in key milestone activities, such as ground blessing ceremonies, before initiating ground disturbance activities. Page 5-22

24 Themes and Questions Summary of Actions Taken and Future Commitments Community Development and Regional Infrastructure Traffic and Transportation What will Devon do to facilitate safe travel on Highway 881 between Lac La Biche, Conklin and Fort McMurray? What will Devon do to address safety concerns associated with volume and speed of traffic travelling through Conklin through the construction and operation of the Project? Devon works with Lac La Biche County and the RMWB through its participation in the OSDG transportation subcommittee to address traffic concerns. These groups have worked with the Department of Infrastructure and Transportation to address infrastructure constraints, including accelerating the timeline for construction of a ring road to the east of Lac La Biche and completing the paving of Highway 881. Outcomes of these initiatives include: reduced volume of industrial traffic in Lac La Biche due to use of the ring road; improved safety through the reduction of dust, mud and congestion; reduced traffic volumes on Highway 63; and night time hauls of oversized loads to ensure daytime traffic is not impeded. Devon is a sponsor of the safety movement Coalition for a Safer 881 and 63. To improve community safety, Devon constructed Sunday Creek Road in Sunday Creek Road allows vehicles to bypass the community of Conklin by providing direct access from Highway 881 to Devon s Jackfish projects and the Project, as well as the Cenovus Christina Lake Project. Devon provides instruction to all contractors and service providers to access the projects via Sunday Creek Road and to avoid travel through Conklin. Devon conducts information checkstops to remind drivers to use Sunday Creek Road and to enforce speed limits on all Devon roads, including the Kirby and Sunday Creek Roads. Devon s goal is to: reduce traffic volumes by maximizing the use of air transport of personnel to the Project via the Kirby Aerodrome; reduce traffic volumes by having contractors provide higher occupancy forms of transport for personnel, including chartered bus and car pooling; and plan for shift changes at the Project to be staggered (different days or alternate weeks) to the extent possible to reduce the magnitude of peak traffic periods. Devon partnered with Cenovus and Harvest in 2011 to complete a cumulative traffic study for the area. This study provides a basis for future projects to be planned to address the impacts from all area operators. Devon completed a traffic impact assessment for the Project, which was based on an update of the 2011 study, and will be implementing the recommendations of the traffic impact assessment, including an upgraded right-hand turn from Highway 881 onto Sunday Creek Road and illumination of the Highway 881 and Sunday Creek Road intersection. Upgrades to Kirby Road were initiated in 2011 and will continue in These upgrades include replacing one-lane bridges and upgrading the right-hand turn lane from Sunday Creek Road onto Kirby Road. Devon has RCMP, local sheriff and bylaw enforcement on all Devon-operated roads. Page 5-23

25 Themes and Questions What will Devon do to address safety concerns associated with volume and speed of traffic travelling through Conklin through the construction and operation of the Project? (continued) What measures are being taken to reduce area traffic, and manage the impact of traffic on roads in the Project Area? How is Devon managing oversized loads travelling from the intersection of Highway 63, going south down Highway 881? Residents and the RMWB would like to encourage and manage commercial growth on the Highway corridor. How will Devon contribute to regional planning? Summary of Actions Taken and Future Commitments Devon consults with the community on the best options for reducing potential traffic conflicts and promoting safe operations, and is addressing concerns through the following measures: Establish a central camp location to reduce community traffic associated with construction and operations. Schedule truck movements to occur outside peak periods of use. Install traffic signage at Highway 881 to the north and south of Conklin, directing traffic to use the Devon Sunday Creek Road south of Conklin to access the Project and link secondary Highway 881 with Kirby Road, which is the access for the Project. Educate employees and contractors to recognize and respect community safety concerns, and adhere to Devon s safe-driving standards. Implement a zero-tolerance policy for Project traffic through the Hamlet of Conklin. A water truck is used in collaboration with other companies in the area to manage dust. Devon works with community members who witness violations of safety protocols to help identify offenders by investigating local industry traffic/construction schedules and contractor activities. Ongoing, regular maintenance is done on the road from Conklin to the Project site. Devon has invited RCMP and provincial sheriffs to perform traffic enforcement, and employed a security company to manage, and ticket, drivers contravening the rules of Sunday Creek Road and Kirby Road (e.g., exceeding speed limits). Devon has assisted in developing a local bussing business to provide bus service. This service provider ensures that crews required to conduct activities at the Project are not all using personal vehicles, resulting in a significant reduction in traffic in the area. In November 2005, Devon joined the Willow Lake traffic working group, whose mandate includes collaboration among industry, Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation, and the RMWB to address emergency response planning and traffic issues through the communities of Anzac, Gregoire Lake and Fort McMurray First Nation. Measures Devon has implemented to manage traffic concerns in consultation with the working group include: providing data on oversized load traffic movement on Highway 881 to include in a weekly industry traffic report; funding burial of overhead lines on Highway 881 south of the Surmont Project to create a high-load corridor, facilitating the movement of oversized loads during the night and thereby reducing interference with local traffic; and committing to transporting oversized loads between 12 AM to 4 AM, to ensure daytime traffic is not impeded by moving of oversized loads. Devon, in collaboration with other operators in the area, has worked closely with the Government of Alberta to convert Highway 55 into a high-load corridor, thus diverting traffic from Highway 63. Permits to upgrade Highway 55 to a high-load corridor were issued in October and November of Construction was initiated afterwards and is anticipated to be completed by spring Devon is planning to use the intersecting Highways 55 and 881 as the high-load corridor for all of the Project s module moves. Devon will provide information related to its project development and long-term operation activities, and work through the Willow Lake traffic working group, as well as commit to working with Lakeland County and the RMWB and the local communities on a development plan for the corridor. Preliminary indications are that an ideal development plan would contain nodal development rather than linear, with development clustered near existing communities where appropriate. Devon continues to seek alternative routing opportunities to limit the impact of traffic on Highways 881 and 63. Devon is a sponsor of the safety movement Coalition for a Safer 881 and 63. Page 5-24

26 Themes and Questions Summary of Actions Taken and Future Commitments Housing Access to and availability of affordable housing in the Hamlet of Conklin is a growing concern as lot and house prices continue to escalate. What is Devon doing to help address this problem? Devon recognized local infrastructure constraints in the planning stages of the Project and this contributed to the design of a camp facility able to accommodate contractors and employees onsite for construction and operations. This camp is intended for use for all Pike activities, including exploration and development. Operations staff will be housed in the onsite camp. Employees will typically work a compressed work week, where they would work a cycle of 12-hour shifts for 4 to 7 days, followed by blocks of time off to balance the additional hours worked in a week. Under this arrangement, the expectation is that most employees will maintain permanent residences elsewhere in Alberta and live in the camp while on a workshift. Housing pressures will occur as contract services to support oil sands development become established in the community. The population will continue to grow as employment opportunities become available, which can ultimately be beneficial to the community. Devon Canada Corporation has been working with other developers and the community of Conklin through the CRDAC. Through the CRDAC leadership, Devon has been advised of the short-term and long-term goals, priorities and vision for the future for the Conklin community. The CRDAC leadership has advised Devon that: any future residential development be constructed a considerable distance from the current Conklin community; any future residential development be constructed well away from any part of Christina Lake; and future plans exclude the possibility of any development on Christina Lake. As a result of the above, Devon encouraged the Oil Sands Sustainable Development Secretariat through the Comprehensive Regional Infrastructure Strategic Plan to communicate closely with the community of Conklin, and take its community vision into consideration through the Comprehensive Regional Infrastructure Strategic Plan process. Devon will undertake the following actions to better understand and help address housing issues: monitor where employees and contractors choose to live for operations phases, and provide the information to interested municipalities and the development industry to provide an opportunity to forecast land development and housing demands within local communities; work with the community and RMWB Housing Corporation to increase the amount of land available for housing to reduce the effect of increased land values on local individuals seeking housing in the community; this will also address limited available housing opportunities; and ultimately, employment of local individuals will provide the monies needed for local people to purchase housing as this need increases. Devon has been advised by the CRDAC that no additional lands should become available in the community of Conklin to outsiders, and that the community should stay in its current form, and lands should be available at a low rate to those families that were in Conklin before the start of insitu oil recovery operations in the area. This, in conjunction with more housing land being available, should reduce the housing pressure in the community. Through Devon s camp arrangement and employment opportunities, it is believed the company is maximizing the benefit and reducing the impact. Water, Sewage and Waste Management How will Devon generally avoid putting a strain on other community infrastructure? The Pike district camp will be self-contained to ensure no additional demands will be placed on local water or sewage facilities. Water for human consumption will be obtained from designated wells and treated onsite. Domestic wastewater treatment and disposal systems will be engineered and constructed in accordance with provincial standards to allow onsite treatment and discharge. Waste resulting from industrial operations will be transported to approved treatment and disposal facilities. Page 5-25

27 Themes and Questions Summary of Actions Taken and Future Commitments Social Infrastructure What will Devon do to support local community infrastructure? Public recreation areas close to the community of Conklin are limited; many members of the community have accessed the Wassassi Day Use Park for a number of years, but feel they are being forced out as the site is growing in popularity and being used by oil sands construction works and contractors. What will Devon do to protect and respect the interests of the community? Devon has supported local infrastructure and development projects, including: funding the Heart Lake First Nation multiplex facility (a multipurpose community centre designed to enhance educational, cultural and recreational opportunities); and planning to assist with establishing an ice surface during the winter. Opportunities to capitalize on infrastructure that will be implemented for the Project will be examined, for example, a cell phone tower that will increase communication in the Project Area. Elders and Conklin community representatives are concerned and want Devon communicate to its employees that permanent residents have experienced a large number of changes and disruption as a result of regional development activities, and requested that employees and contractors refrain from using the ball diamond in Conklin and from fishing at the local lakes and rivers so it could be enjoyed by families and members of the local community. Devon regularly communicates these messages to employees and contractors. Devon will work with the CRDAC to determine if it is possible to find a balance between short-term residents and the interests of the community of Conklin. Health and Emergency Services How will the Project impact regional and local health and emergency services? Devon will work to limit the use of regional and local health and emergency services through reducing job-related injuries achieved by the following measures: train workers through a task competency process to ensure workers understand plant operations; use a proven process for managing work activities that includes safe work permits and hazard assessment; and ensure compliance with health and safety policies to minimize possible accidents when workers are travelling to or from the Project. Devon will support efforts to plan for effective emergency response should major incidents occur. Efforts will include: regularly communicating with protective and emergency service providers and fully complying with all applicable regulations; managing the camp and ensuring that the worksite is fully staffed with safety and security personnel; implementing health and safety standards, including traffic safety; and preparing an emergency response plan. A first-aid station and trained medical personnel will be in place during construction and operations to treat minor injuries. It is expected that there will be no increase in demand for health services within the community. The timing of construction and operations will be communicated to local municipality offices to assist with identifying and managing service needs, and input on Devon s plans will be sought where appropriate. Devon will continue to seek and establish cooperative agreements with other companies in the area regarding safety and security measures. Devon will continue to participate in emergency response initiatives derived from the Willow Lake traffic working group. Page 5-26

28 Themes and Questions Summary of Actions Taken and Future Commitments Policing Crime and vandalism are on the rise as regional industry activity increases. What can Devon do to help address these problems? How will Devon ensure information related to the Project is communicated, and concerns related to the Project are identified? In view of the impact and change that Devon and other oil sands developers bring to the region, how does Devon generally contribute to the well-being of local communities? Devon s manager of corporate security undertook the following actions to seek support for an enhanced police presence and crime prevention in local communities: met with the ADM Director of Law Enforcement; met with Alberta Solicitor General s office to discuss the formation of a community Crime Watch program reviewing and assessing Devon Energy s successful Conklin Community Watch program, a triparty partnership among the Solicitor General, Devon and the communities for potential implementation in Conklin; participates on private industry liaison committee of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police to represent the energy industry at the law enforcement table when issues of judicial reform and social reform for disadvantaged areas that require support are being discussed; and advocated for new police resources in the RMWB at meetings with commanding officers of the regions. Devon, in conjunction with other industry partners in the area, has extended the commitment to fund an enhanced RCMP policing position for Conklin and Janvier until the end of This police presence has reduced the level of criminal activities in both communities. Devon supports Conklin s crime prevention committee. Devon will continue to issue Project Update newsletters, work with leadership and hold community meetings to keep people informed as needed. Devon has dedicated staff to ensure issues are identified and addressed in a timely manner. Devon will continue to consult with and support community members on opportunities for business that will be either directly or indirectly related to the Project. Devon s actions to date include, but are not limited to: supporting engagement mechanisms such as the CRDAC and IRC processes, which comprise several SAGD producers in the region; supporting community agencies and programs such as Meals-on-Wheels for seniors; providing camp meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner to local residents working onsite to ensure a healthy local workforce; providing education and employment opportunities; supplying lunch soup and other essentials for several local funeral services and wakes; providing Christmas food hampers for the Elders; sponsoring the children s Christmas party, providing the community of Conklin with gifts and door prizes; providing the community with construction materials from the site for use in local construction projects; establishing an open-door policy, i.e., the community knows they are welcome to request assistance at all times; assisting Conklin in establishing a local skating rink and warm-up shack; working with CPDFN to deal with the community social priorities they have identified, and a formal agreement has been established to ensure these priorities are being supported by Devon; and seeking to provide support and capacity to address issues of concern as they are identified. Page 5-27

29 Themes and Questions Summary of Actions Taken and Future Commitments Environment Wildlife Detailed information related to Wildlife can be found in Volume 2, Section What will Devon do to reduce the Project s impact on wildlife? How will the Project affect wildlife with respect to local trapping? What will Devon do to manage access to the Project Area? Aquatic Resources and Water Management Will Devon use surface water for the Project construction or operations? The cumulative constraints planning process, including the use of constraints mapping, was used to identify and avoid, where possible, areas of important habitat in the siting of Project facilities. Facilities will be designed to reduce loss or alteration of habitat by minimizing the Project footprint to the extent possible, and progressive reclamation will be employed as the bitumen resource is developed. Clearing activities will be restricted from 01 May through 15 August annually to protect songbird habitat, unless authorized in writing by the inspector. Devon has been monitoring wildlife in the region since 2002 and will continue with this well established program for the Project. Devon s strategies to facilitate wildlife movement include: minimizing the linear extent of aboveground pipelines; designing the aboveground pipeline systems to facilitate under-pipe crossings by wildlife; and building pipe crossing structures for wildlife where monitoring indicates they would be most effective. Mitigation for water birds and process ponds includes minimizing the area of open-water process ponds and implementing deterrents to keep birds off the ponds. Speed limits will be established and enforced to reduce the potential for vehicle-wildlife collisions. Devon will continue to fund the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute. Devon will continue to participate in regional wildlife monitoring planning initiatives such as the Ecological Monitoring Committee for the Lower Athabasca. This is a joint government-industry working group planning a regional terrestrial monitoring program. Devon has been an Alberta caribou committee participant and will continue to work on the integration of industrial activity with the management and conservation of woodland caribou and their habitat. Devon will ensure local trapline permit holders will continue to have access to their traplines within the Project Area. Devon will engage with local trappers holding Registered Fur Management Areas to reach agreement on appropriate compensation and business arrangements to address the impact of the Project on trapping activities. An Access Management Plan for the RMWB was a recommendation of CEMA s Terrestrial Ecosystem Management Framework, which was fully supported by Devon. CEMA has initiated a project to identify a comprehensive approach for use in developing access management planning for the Lower Athabasca Region at the regional, subregional and operational scales. Once this work is complete, and government has implemented clear policy and outlined who will need to be consulted, Devon will initiate an access management planning process for the Project. Detailed information related to aquatic resources and water management can be found in Volume 2, Sections 6.0, 7.0 and Devon will use only saline water for steam generation processes. A water well will be drilled to provide the potable water supply for the central processing facility (CPF). Small volumes of surface water may be used for hydrostatic testing of pipelines, during winter to freeze-in access for construction activities and in the summer for dust suppression on roads. Page 5-28

30 Themes and Questions How will Devon manage groundwater use? How will the Project affect drainage patterns, and surface water levels in Christina Lake or local streams? How will industrial wastewater disposal be managed? Summary of Actions Taken and Future Commitments Underground aquifers will provide: nonpotable (saline) water for operations; and fresh (potable) water for operations personnel. Devon will optimize groundwater (nonpotable) use in operations through recycling of produced water, and will continue to investigate methods of reducing demand. Devon will continue to work with other area water users (community and industry) to address cumulative impacts, including defining whether additional studies and monitoring are required and options for managing water resources. Devon will design systems to protect aquatic habitat, and maintain surface water flows and quality through the following measures: minimizing changes in drainage patterns; avoiding surface water areas; limiting the number of watercourse crossings and using single span bridges where possible; controlling surface water discharge from developed surfaces (e.g., well pads, CPF); and implementing appropriate water management measures through construction and operations, such as culverts, ditches, runoff controls and silt fences. Devon will use source water from deep saline aquifers for production, thereby minimizing the effect on surface waters. Regulatory requirements mandate that water or fluids that cannot be recycled be contained in a disposal reservoir. Multiple impermeable shale layers between the disposal zone and potable groundwater ensure that there will be no communication between aquifers. Conservation and Reclamation Detailed information related to conservation and reclamation can be found in Volume 1, Section 6.0. What are Devon s plans for reclamation after the Project has been completed? Devon has developed a detailed Conservation and Reclamation Plan. According to the plan, progressive reclamation will occur as pads are depleted. Devon has committed to reclaiming disturbed lands once they are no longer used to support an operation (progressive reclamation). Devon is focused on improving construction techniques to facilitate its reclamation performance in the future. Two examples of these efforts are the lowimpact construction techniques Devon uses for underground pipelines that are standard practice and involvement in a joint industry wetland reclamation research program with other insitu oil sands producers. The Project will produce bitumen for about 25 to 30 years. When the plant is no longer required, the site will be reclaimed according to the Decommissioning and Final Land Reclamation Plan that Devon will be required to submit for approval to AEW. Equipment will be removed and the site will be recontoured and planted with native trees, plants and grasses. Devon will seek input of TEK during the design of the site specific reclamation plan (e.g., plant berries or other natural vegetation if feasible). Air Quality Detailed information related to air quality can be found in Volume 2, Section 4.0. What will Devon do to manage and report on emissions from the Project? The CPF will be designed and constructed to incorporate emissions management measures including: a sulphur removal unit to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions; a vapour recovery system to recover and reuse hydrocarbon vapours, which will improve energy efficiency and reduce odours; a fugitive emissions management program to reduce fugitive emissions; steam generators outfitted with low oxides of nitrogen burners designed to achieve emissions that meet or exceed CCME guidelines; and air emissions monitoring and reporting as required by regulatory requirements. Page 5-29

31 Themes and Questions Considerable air quality information is available for parts of Fort McMurray. What local air monitoring facilities exist, are they permanent, and are they adequate for managing the Project? How does the Project factor into cumulative environmental effects in the area and in the broader region? Will Devon monitor impacts related to the Project, and will there be opportunities for the community to be involved? Summary of Actions Taken and Future Commitments Air quality will be monitored as follows: active ambient monitoring stations will monitor for sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ), hydrogen sulphide (H 2 S), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), total hydrocarbons (THC), wind speed and direction; and passive monitoring stations will monitor total sulphation and H 2 S. Direct emissions measured at the CPF include NO x from one of the operating steam generators and SO 2 from the plant as a whole. These measurements are taken or calculated continuously and compared against the limits identified in the AEW Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act approval. Devon is currently a Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) member and member of the governance committee and will work towards developing a regional monitoring network through WBEA that is beneficial to both Devon and the local community. Devon s approach to managing cumulative effects is to first design projects that include mitigation measures that will reduce potential impacts to the environment. Secondly, once projects are operational, monitoring programs will be put in place to understand the changes that may be occurring within the Project Area. Thirdly, it is important to participate in the development and contribute data to regional management systems to understand how numerous projects may be cumulatively affecting a region. Devon is participating in the existing regional systems that address air quality (WBEA), aquatics (Regional Aquatics Monitoring Program), terrestrial (Ecological Monitoring Committee for the Lower Athabasca and the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute). Devon has had local community members participating in environmental data collection (vegetation, soils, wildlife, historical resources) for the Project since 2010, and will continue with this involvement during the construction and operation of the Project. Devon will investigate opportunities and assess interest in engaging schools in environmental monitoring as a learning opportunity. Devon will share the results of environmental monitoring programs at the request of the communities. Page 5-30