Alberta Environment - Getting Involved: Initiatives

This section highlights current, future and past public and stakeholder involvement initiatives either being led by, or with significant involvement of, Alberta Environment. These initiatives include those Alberta Environment is involved in under the Sustainable Resource and Environmental Management (SREM) framework.

If you are interested in activities under the Environmental Assessment Process, visit http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/protenf/assessment/whatsnew.html or to view documentation for Approvals, Licences, Registrations and Permits issued under the Water Act and Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, visit http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/water/approvalviewer.html.

We recognize the benefits of involving the public and stakeholders and understand that the more informed they are, the better we will all be able to cooperatively and effectively manage the environment.

Central Alberta Initiatives
*Battle River Basin Water Management Plan* This planning exercise, currently nearing completion, is seeking to set allocation limits and Water Conservation Objectives for the watershed. Central to the planning process has been consideration of both environmental protection and socio-economic concerns. Public consultation to date has been targeted through a multi-stakeholder and multi-government recommendations group. Public updates in the form of newsletters and a website have occurred throughout the process. A full ranging public consultation program is anticipated once a draft plan is completed. Contact: Doug.Yeremy@gov.ab.ca Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing, consultation on draft plan to be announced. Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable Link: http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/water/regions/battle/ind ex.html Link: http://www.battleriverwatershed.ca/
*Battle River Watershed Alliance* The Battle River Watershed Alliance is an inclusive, collaborative and consensus-based community partnership that is working to guide, support and deliver actions to sustain or improve the health of the Battle River watershed. The Battle River Watershed Alliance seeks to achieve this through knowledgeable community participation and an adaptive approach. Contact: Greg.Nelson@gov.ab.ca Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable Link: http://www.battleriverwatershed.ca/
*Buffalo Lake Management Team* Buffalo Lake Management Team was formed in 1991 during construction of the Buffalo Lake – Parlby Creek Water Management project. The Team, appointed by the Environment Minister, consisted of local volunteers and a number of government representatives to ensure the project addressed local water management concerns effectively. The Team’s first task was to monitor environmental mitigation projects to ensure they were effectively carried out. Since the time of their appointment, the Team has continued to meet to discuss and resolve, when possible, ongoing management issues. The Team also provides the Minister with advice on water management matters that are beyond the scope of the Team but have an impact on local water issues. One major concern for the Team has been the ongoing and increasing project power costs. The Team has investigated a number of options to address this concern and determined wind generation may provide a solution for ongoing project sustainability. Recently, the Team has worked with department staff and Alberta Innovation and Science to initiate a wind generation feasibility study. The one-year study period began in October 2006 and will record wind data from three sites in the area of the Buffalo Lake pumphouse on the Red Deer River. On completion of the study, the Team will compile the data and determine if a wind generation facility is practical for the local area. Contact: info@BLMT.ca Contact: Doug.Neis@gov.ab.ca Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing Link: http://www.blmt.ca/
*Calumet Synergy Group* The Calumet Synergy Group, formed in 2004, is made up of local landowners, industry, various levels of government and regulatory agencies. The Greater Calumet area extends east from Highway 815 to Highway 21 and north from Highway 12 to Highway 611 (east of Ponoka). The group addresses key issues related to increased energy development in the area. Meetings are the first Thursday of each month and topics include water well protection, coal bed methane development, individual company development plans and concerns associated with oil and gas activity. The group also covers issues such as water use and other agricultural activities affecting area residents and the environment. The group has recently released a Best Management Practices Handbook. This handbook will continuously be added to, updated and improved as knowledge is gained. Consensus based decision-making is used with input from all stakeholders. The group hopes to track how the use of Best Management Practices can ensure sound environmental management and development.The group also provides educational sessions and hosts information sessions. All participants are welcome whether they live within the Calumet area or not. Regular meetings: 1st Thursday of each month, Calumet Hall Contact: lwalton@xplornet.com Contact: Kenneth.Dahl@gov.ab.ca Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing Link: http://www.synergyalberta.ca/groups/calumet.html
*North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance* The North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance is a non-profit society whose purpose is to protect and improve water quality and ecosystem functioning in the North Saskatchewan Watershed within Alberta. The North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance is also recognized as a Watershed Planning and Advisory Council under the Water For Life Strategy and is currently developing an Integrated Watershed Management Plan. The goal of the Integrated Watershed Management Plan is to provide a framework to protect, maintain and restore a healthy, natural watershed system where economic and social needs will be in balance with the ecological needs of the watershed. The plan will be prepared in consultation with North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance members and stakeholders and will ensure that stakeholders are provided the opportunity to form and participate in the planning process through Regional Advisory Committees, multi-stakeholder groups that will provide advice and direction to the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance in the preparation and implementation of the Integrated Watershed Management Plan. Currently the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance is seeking applicants to participate in the Regional Advisory Committees. Contact: Andrew.Schoepf@gov.ab.ca Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable Link: http://www.nswa.ab.ca/
*Parkland Airshed Management Zone* This multi-stakeholder, non-profit society was established in 1997 to identify air quality concerns within the zone and implement management strategies to address those concerns. By following the Clean Air Strategic Alliance model of consensus decision-making, the Parkland Airshed Management Zone provides a forum for concerned stakeholders to meet, discuss and resolve their concerns in a productive and collaborative manner. Contact: Greg.Nelson@gov.ab.ca Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable Link: http://www.pamz.org/
*Red Deer River Watershed Alliance* The Red Deer River Watershed Alliance is an inclusive, collaborative partnership that promotes a healthy watershed to ensure a legacy of ecological integrity and economic sustainability. An alliance of interested stakeholders working together is seen as an effective way to promote the long-term health of the Red Deer River watershed. Contact: Greg.Nelson@gov.ab.ca Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable Link: http://www.rdrwa.ca/
*Vermilion River Water Management Operations Advisory Committee* The Vermilion River Water Management Operations Advisory Committee was appointed by Alberta Environment in 2001 to address local water management issues in the Vermilion River. The river has a number of water management structures owned by Alberta Environment (Morecambe Structure, Vermilion Dam, Watt Lake and Bens Lake outlet weirs) that provide some control of flow in the river between Vegreville and the town of Vermilion. After minor flooding in 1997, local stakeholders met and recommended to the Minister that a local advisory group be formed to review ongoing operations and maintenance of the projects and to provide advice on the future management issues. The committee was formed with representation of all local rural authorities, NGOs and government departments. The committee has approved a water management operations plan for the structures and is currently actively participating with other stakeholder groups pursuing watershed planning and management initiatives. Other local groups include the North East Alberta Water Management Coalition, the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance and the Vermilion River Watershed Initiative. Contact: Al.Corbett@gov.ab.ca Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable Link: http://www.vroac.ca/
*Wabamun Watershed Management Council* The Wabamun Watershed Management Council (formerly Lake Wabamun Citizens’ Panel) was first proposed by Dr. David Schindler in his report titled “Lake Wabamun: A Review of Scientific Studies and Environmental Impacts,” as a forum for communication among stakeholders in the community and to provide guidance in the protection of the lake’s aquatic health. After extensive public consultation for this initiative, the first meeting of the group occurred on October 11, 2006. The Council has been meeting on the second Wednesday of each month. Contact: Glenn.Gustafson@gov.ab.ca Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable Link: http://www.wwmc.ca
*West Central Airshed Society* The West Central Airshed Society is a non-profit society led by a Board of Directors with representatives from agriculture, electrical utilities, gas transmission, oil and gas producers, forestry, municipal and provincial governments and environmental non-government organizations. The aim of the regional airshed management is to monitor air quality and seek remedies for air quality problems within a region. Contact: Rick.Phaneuf@gov.ab.ca Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable Link: http://www.wcas.ca/home/home.php

Central Alberta Initiatives

Battle River Basin Water Management Plan

This planning exercise, currently nearing completion, is seeking to set allocation limits and Water Conservation Objectives for the watershed. Central to the planning process has been consideration of both environmental protection and socio-economic concerns. Public consultation to date has been targeted through a multi-stakeholder and multi-government recommendations group. Public updates in the form of newsletters and a website have occurred throughout the process. A full ranging public consultation program is anticipated once a draft plan is completed.

Contact: Doug.Yeremy@gov.ab.ca

Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing, consultation on draft plan to be announced.
Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable

Link: http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/water/regions/battle/ind
ex.html

Link: http://www.battleriverwatershed.ca/

Battle River Watershed Alliance

The Battle River Watershed Alliance is an inclusive, collaborative and consensus-based community partnership that is working to guide, support and deliver actions to sustain or improve the health of the Battle River watershed. The Battle River Watershed Alliance seeks to achieve this through knowledgeable community participation and an adaptive approach.

Contact: Greg.Nelson@gov.ab.ca

Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing
Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable

Link: http://www.battleriverwatershed.ca/

Buffalo Lake Management Team

Buffalo Lake Management Team was formed in 1991 during construction of the Buffalo Lake – Parlby Creek Water Management project. The Team, appointed by the Environment Minister, consisted of local volunteers and a number of government representatives to ensure the project addressed local water management concerns effectively. The Team’s first task was to monitor environmental mitigation projects to ensure they were effectively carried out. Since the time of their appointment, the Team has continued to meet to discuss and resolve, when possible, ongoing management issues. The Team also provides the Minister with advice on water management matters that are beyond the scope of the Team but have an impact on local water issues.

One major concern for the Team has been the ongoing and increasing project power costs. The Team has investigated a number of options to address this concern and determined wind generation may provide a solution for ongoing project sustainability.

Recently, the Team has worked with department staff and Alberta Innovation and Science to initiate a wind generation feasibility study. The one-year study period began in October 2006 and will record wind data from three sites in the area of the Buffalo Lake pumphouse on the Red Deer River. On completion of the study, the Team will compile the data and determine if a wind generation facility is practical for the local area.

Contact: info@BLMT.ca
Contact: Doug.Neis@gov.ab.ca

Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing
Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing

Link: http://www.blmt.ca/

Calumet Synergy Group

The Calumet Synergy Group, formed in 2004, is made up of local landowners, industry, various levels of government and regulatory agencies. The Greater Calumet area extends east from Highway 815 to Highway 21 and north from Highway 12 to Highway 611 (east of Ponoka).

The group addresses key issues related to increased energy development in the area. Meetings are the first Thursday of each month and topics include water well protection, coal bed methane development, individual company development plans and concerns associated with oil and gas activity. The group also covers issues such as water use and other agricultural activities affecting area residents and the environment.

The group has recently released a Best Management Practices Handbook. This handbook will continuously be added to, updated and improved as knowledge is gained. Consensus based decision-making is used with input from all stakeholders. The group hopes to track how the use of Best Management Practices can ensure sound environmental management and development.The group also provides educational sessions and hosts information sessions. All participants are welcome whether they live within the Calumet area or not.

Regular meetings: 1st Thursday of each month, Calumet Hall

Contact: lwalton@xplornet.com
Contact: Kenneth.Dahl@gov.ab.ca

Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing
Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing

Link: http://www.synergyalberta.ca/groups/calumet.html

North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance

The North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance is a non-profit society whose purpose is to protect and improve water quality and ecosystem functioning in the North Saskatchewan Watershed within Alberta. The North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance is also recognized as a Watershed Planning and Advisory Council under the Water For Life Strategy and is currently developing an Integrated Watershed Management Plan. The goal of the Integrated Watershed Management Plan is to provide a framework to protect, maintain and restore a healthy, natural watershed system where economic and social needs will be in balance with the ecological needs of the watershed. The plan will be prepared in consultation with North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance members and stakeholders and will ensure that stakeholders are provided the opportunity to form and participate in the planning process through Regional Advisory Committees, multi-stakeholder groups that will provide advice and direction to the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance in the preparation and implementation of the Integrated Watershed Management Plan. Currently the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance is seeking applicants to participate in the Regional Advisory Committees.

Contact: Andrew.Schoepf@gov.ab.ca

Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing
Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable

Link: http://www.nswa.ab.ca/

Parkland Airshed Management Zone

This multi-stakeholder, non-profit society was established in 1997 to identify air quality concerns within the zone and implement management strategies to address those concerns. By following the Clean Air Strategic Alliance model of consensus decision-making, the Parkland Airshed Management Zone provides a forum for concerned stakeholders to meet, discuss and resolve their concerns in a productive and collaborative manner.

Contact: Greg.Nelson@gov.ab.ca

Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing
Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable

Link: http://www.pamz.org/

Red Deer River Watershed Alliance

The Red Deer River Watershed Alliance is an inclusive, collaborative partnership that promotes a healthy watershed to ensure a legacy of ecological integrity and economic sustainability. An alliance of interested stakeholders working together is seen as an effective way to promote the long-term health of the Red Deer River watershed.

Contact: Greg.Nelson@gov.ab.ca

Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing
Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable

Link: http://www.rdrwa.ca/

Vermilion River Water Management Operations Advisory Committee

The Vermilion River Water Management Operations Advisory Committee was appointed by Alberta Environment in 2001 to address local water management issues in the Vermilion River. The river has a number of water management structures owned by Alberta Environment (Morecambe Structure, Vermilion Dam, Watt Lake and Bens Lake outlet weirs) that provide some control of flow in the river between Vegreville and the town of Vermilion. After minor flooding in 1997, local stakeholders met and recommended to the Minister that a local advisory group be formed to review ongoing operations and maintenance of the projects and to provide advice on the future management issues. The committee was formed with representation of all local rural authorities, NGOs and government departments.

The committee has approved a water management operations plan for the structures and is currently actively participating with other stakeholder groups pursuing watershed planning and management initiatives. Other local groups include the North East Alberta Water Management Coalition, the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance and the Vermilion River Watershed Initiative.

Contact: Al.Corbett@gov.ab.ca

Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable
Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable

Link: http://www.vroac.ca/

Wabamun Watershed Management Council

The Wabamun Watershed Management Council (formerly Lake Wabamun Citizens’ Panel) was first proposed by Dr. David Schindler in his report titled “Lake Wabamun: A Review of Scientific Studies and Environmental Impacts,” as a forum for communication among stakeholders in the community and to provide guidance in the protection of the lake’s aquatic health. After extensive public consultation for this initiative, the first meeting of the group occurred on October 11, 2006. The Council has been meeting on the second Wednesday of each month.

Contact: Glenn.Gustafson@gov.ab.ca

Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing
Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable

Link: http://www.wwmc.ca

West Central Airshed Society

The West Central Airshed Society is a non-profit society led by a Board of Directors with representatives from agriculture, electrical utilities, gas transmission, oil and gas producers, forestry, municipal and provincial governments and environmental non-government organizations. The aim of the regional airshed management is to monitor air quality and seek remedies for air quality problems within a region.

Contact: Rick.Phaneuf@gov.ab.ca

Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing
Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable

Link: http://www.wcas.ca/home/home.php