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Water Matters, Pembina and Ecojustice challenge Syncrude tailings plan approvals on basis ERCB not following Directive 074
PRESS RELEASECALGARY – The Energy Resources Conservation Board’s approval of Syncrude’s tailings management plan is unlawful and must be revoked immediately, Ecojustice said today. Ecojustice, acting on behalf of the Pembina Institute and Water Matters, has filed an application with the ERCB requesting approval be withdrawn until management plans are brought in line with ERCB’s tailings management directive. (Full text of the application available here.)
Pembina and Water Matters React: Noncompliance with tailings directive 074 a growing concern
PRESS RELEASECALGARY, ALBERTA — Simon Dyer, oil sands program director for the Pembina Institute, and Joe Obad, associate director of Water Matters, responded to today's announcement that the Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) has approved Imperial Oil’s Kearl oil sands tailings plan.
In Situ oil sands – get ready for massive water demands in northern and central Alberta
As in situ operations roll out over approximately 140,000 square kilometers that contain oil sands deposits in northern and central Alberta, water use will continue to increase dramatically — with little understanding of effects of oil sands development and upgrading on surface- and groundwaters.
Working with local Communities — community engagement for watershed protection
As part of its 10-year, $50-million commitment to watershed conservation and increased access to safe water, the RBC Foundation (Royal Bank of Canada) recently awarded Water Matters a 2010 RBC Blue Water Project Leadership Grant to support the work of grassroots watershed stewardship groups in Alberta.
Upper Bow Basin study points to need for serious land-use choices
The most populated watershed in southern Alberta is under pressure, and we need to make the right choices about handling land use in the Bow River Basin if we are to continue to enjoy the same quality of life.
“Remarkable Beyond Borders” conference will explore policies of place
EVENTFor two days in September, the 7-million-hectare Crown of the Continent — which includes the landscapes of southwestern Alberta, southeastern British Columbia and northern Montana — is the focus of a diverse gathering in Waterton Lakes National Park.
Why municipal elections matter
Municipal elections might be the last thing on your mind this October, but they are important because the right aldermen, councillors, and mayors will help ensure you have safe clean water. Across Alberta on October 18, 2010, prospective candidates will vie for your vote. You have the right to ask your candidates how they rank water as a priority, and what actions they will take if elected.
Oil sands application threatens Canadian Heritage River designation
PRESS RELEASEBait and switch application could mean 17,000 cubic meters per day from Alberta's Clearwater river not accounted for in original ERCB approval would be lost to SAGD and chemical processes.
Nexen's "bait and switch" means trouble for the Clearwater River
Oil sands project seeks to withdraw up to 17,000 cubic metres of freshwater from the Canadian Heritage Clearwater River each day for this project, rather than use underground saline water sources.
Where will the ERCB draw the line on tailings plans?
Energy Resources Conservation Board approves first tailings plans despite failure to comply with Directive 074 — the much hailed directive intended to curb the growing legacy of oil sands tailings lakes in Alberta.
What's in it for water? — The overlap between responsible water and grizzly bear management in Alberta
The book launch of The Grizzly Manifesto: In Defence of the Great Bear by author and conservationist Jeff Gailus has led to discussion throughout Alberta on the fate of grizzlies and indirectly prompted us to re-consider the overlap between grizzly bear habitat needs and the requirements for the responsible management of our watersheds.
Hydropower Legislation Inquiry: Will instream flow needs play a central role?
Alberta's Ministry of Energy did not mention instream flow needs in its March 26th announcement that the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) would hold an inquiry into laws concerning hydropower generation. But the scope of the inquiry is still being shaped, so there may still be opportunity to place instream flow protections up front where they belong.
Join Water Matters and Environment Minister Rob Renner on Thursday June 3rd!
EVENTPlease join the board and staff of Water Matters for our annual wine and hors d'oeuvres “Meet and Mingle.” Meet our our soon-to-be-announced new Executive Director, new Special Advisor on Water Policy, and special guest speaker, the Honourable Rob Renner, Minister of the Environment, who will discuss Alberta’s direction for watersheds, water allocation and the role of public participation.
Water Matters Announces New Executive Director and a Special Advisor on Water Policy
PRESS RELEASEThe Board of the Water Matters Society of Alberta is delighted to announce the appointment of Carole Stark as the new Executive Director and Dr. Bill Donahue as Special Advisor on Water Policy.
Interview with Danielle Droitsch
Danielle Droitsch Served as Executive Director of Water Matters from its formal inception in 2007 to the end of March 2010. We asked for her thoughts about her tenure as she reflects on her time in Alberta.
Weather talk makes you thirsty
According to measurements of flow in Alberta rivers, the last 10 years have been among the worst on record for long-term drought conditions. Following on the heels one of the warmest and driest winters on record, it is likely that this summer will be yet another dry one.
Water Matters releases a new resource for Albertans
This report from Water Matters illustrates how protecting Alberta's headwaters, forests, wetlands, riparian areas, and groundwater recharge zones can provide Albertans with ecosystem goods and services worth billions of dollars every year.
Provincial groundwater policy developments and initiatives: a sneak peek
"You need to understand it to manage it." This was a consistent theme of Below Your Watershed — Understanding the Groundwater Connection, a recent two-day conference held by the South East Alberta Watershed Alliance in Medicine Hat.
Oil sands regulator does not enforce toxic tailings rules
PRESS RELEASEOne day after Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach announced he would "force an end to tailings ponds," Alberta's oil sands regulator, the Alberta Energy and Resources Conservation Board (ERCB), has approved plans for Syncrude that do not comply with Alberta's Directive 074 and would delay implementation of liquid tailings clean up by the oil sands company.
Video — Share the Water: Alberta's Water Allocation Review
VIDEOThis Water Matters video presents Alberta's Water Allocation Review process and your role in it!
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