Alberta’s energy regulator has declined to impose an environmental impact assessment (EIA) on a carbon capture project proposed by Pathways Alliance. This decision follows concerns from environmental groups regarding potential risks, including leaks and groundwater contamination.
Background of the Pathways Alliance
The project involves a consortium of oilsands producers, including Canadian Natural Resources Ltd., Suncor Energy Inc., Cenovus Energy Inc., Imperial Oil Ltd., Meg Energy Corp., and ConocoPhillips Canada. The aim is to build a network for carbon capture in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Regulatory Context
Alberta’s Energy Regulator has not required an EIA on Pathways Alliance projects due to existing provincial regulatory requirements, which include substantial environmental oversight. However, this decision has raised concerns from Indigenous groups and environmental organizations.
Environmental Concerns and Recommendations
The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) and environmental group Ecojustice have expressed significant concerns about the potential risks of leaks and CO2 seepage into groundwater. They have also highlighted the economic viability and health risks associated with such projects, emphasizing that human rights and treaty agreements are at stake.
In response to these concerns, ACFN and other groups have called on the federal government to intervene in evaluating the project’s risks to Indigenous territories and communities.
Engagement and Consultation
Engagement with local communities, Indigenous groups, and landowners has been ongoing. A consultation process aligned with the Aboriginal Consultation Office’s requirements is being conducted, including field studies, traditional resource assessments, and heritage evaluations.
Implications for Carbon Capture Initiatives
The lack of an EIA raises questions about the robustness of environmental oversight in such projects. While the federal government has expressed support for carbon capture and storage (CCS), concerns about its potential impact on local communities and environments have been raised.
Call for Dialogue and Regulation
Given these complexities, it is crucial to ensure that all stakeholders are involved in decision-making processes. The absence of an EIA underscores the need for thorough environmental reviews to balance economic interests with ecological preservation.
This article highlights the challenges and considerations surrounding large-scale carbon capture projects, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between governments, industry, and Indigenous communities in addressing these issues.
