Oilsands giant Suncor says reopening the debate about developing a wetland for which it had already received approvals would be tantamount to falling into the trap of environmental activists and hurt Alberta’s energy development.
In April, the Alberta Energy Regulator, a Crown corporation with a mandate to manage energy development in the province, decided to review the approvals it had granted last fall to Suncor to operate part of Lake McClelland.
This vast wetland, located about 90 kilometers north of Fort McMurray, has even been the subject of discussions to be classified as a protected area.
The regulator has flip-flopped on permits following the filing this spring of studies by environmental groups that argued Suncor’s plans would damage the wetland and release thousands of tonnes of carbon.
However, in documents filed Thursday, Suncor said continuing the analyzes would give these groups a way to challenge decisions already made, adding unnecessary process and delaying project development.
“Accommodating the groups’ request would support their strategy, which appears to be to undermine Alberta’s regulatory system and set a confusing precedent by which plaintiffs could use review powers (of the Energy Regulator of the Alberta) to intentionally boycott its processes,” Suncor pleaded.
The company argued that it would also allow groups to intervene in the process when they would otherwise not be allowed to do so.
Suncor maintains that its plans, which include building a wall up to 70 meters deep between the harvested and unharvested portions of the wetland, are environmentally responsible and in the public interest.
The company also proposes to install a complex set of wells and pumps to control and monitor water levels and chemicals.
Groups opposing the project, including the Alberta Wilderness Association, say Suncor’s strategy is untested and remains risky.
The McClelland Lake complex comprises 60 square kilometers in two large peat-producing wetlands comprising long chains of trees and shrubs separated by narrow pools.
Twenty rare or endangered plant species and communities live there. More than 200 species of migratory birds, including endangered whooping cranes, use it as a stopover.
First Nations have used it for centuries, which is why the Alberta Wilderness Association calls for its full protection.
Originally, logging was prohibited in this area. However, this ban was lifted in 2002 when an oil sands lease was signed by True North Energy.
The wetland covers about one billion barrels of bitumen.
