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.

Provincewide Initiatives
*Alberta Water Council* The Alberta Water Council is a consensus-based, multi-stakeholder partnership with 25 members from governments, industry and non-government organizations, all with a vested interest in water issues. The Council’s primary role is to monitor and steward implementation of Water for Life: Alberta’s Strategy for Sustainability, and to champion achievement of the strategy’s three outcomes: safe, secure drinking water supply; healthy aquatic ecosystems; and reliable, quality water supplies for a sustainable economy. Membership consists of representatives of four broad categories including: industry; non-government organizations; provincial ministries and agencies; and other governments. Contact: Kelly.Ness@gov.ab.ca Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Council was formed in May 2004 Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable Link: http://www.albertawatercouncil.ca/
*Alberta Water Council – Policy Issues and Gaps Project Team* This strategy will evaluate issues and gaps in water policy management to support the implementation of Water for Life. A multi-stakeholder committee is being assembled to evaluate current water related policies. The committee will prepare a report outlining priorities, recommendations and a plan to address priority issues. This report will be available in Spring 2007. Contact: Andy.Ridge@gov.ab.ca Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: July 2006 Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Spring 2007 Link: http://www.waterforlife.gov.ab.ca/awc/index.html
*Alberta Water Quality Awareness Day* Each June, hundreds of Albertans participate in Alberta Water Quality Awareness Day; exploring the health of their local waterways as part of this province-wide community water monitoring event. Working together, Albertans from across the province: Get outside and have fun exploring their watersheds Test the water quality of various surface water bodies with their Alberta Water Quality Awareness Day test kit Increase their understanding and awareness of our water resources Create a province-wide snapshot of basic water quality during the month of June Illustrate a common interest in the health of our waterways Contact: env.education@gov.ab.ca Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Annually in June Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable Link: http://www.awqa.ca
*Clean Air Strategic Alliance* The Clean Air Strategic Alliance is a non-profit association composed of diverse stakeholders from three sectors – government, industry and non-government organizations such as health and environmental groups. All Clean Air Strategic Alliance groups and teams, including the board of directors, make decisions and recommendations by consensus. It is a stakeholder partnership that has been given shared responsibility by its members, including the government of Alberta, for strategic planning, organizing and coordinating, and evaluation of air quality in Alberta. The key projects currently on-going at the Clean Air Strategic Alliance are: Human and Animal Health Confined Feeding Operation Vehicle Emissions Flaring and Venting Electricity Efficiency and Conservation Renewable and Alternative Energy Indoor Air Quality Particulate Matter and Ozone Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Science Symposium on Nitrogen Oxides Contact: Raymond.Wong@gov.ab.ca Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing Link: http://www.casahome.org
*Climate Change Legislation-Specified Gas Emitters Regulation* The Alberta government, in consultation with stakeholders has developed the Climate Change and Emissions Management Act to manage greenhouse gas emissions in Alberta. The Act was passed in 2003. The Specified Gas Emitters Regulations supports action on climate change and builds on the Specified Gas Emitters Regulation passed in 2004. Currently, the Specified Gas Emitters Regulation is being developed, which will set emissions intensity limits for large industrial emitters in Alberta. Contact: Robert.Savage@gov.ab.ca Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: 2005 Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing Link: http://www.qp.gov.ab.ca/documents/Acts/C16P7.cfm?f rm_isbn=077974697X
*Construction, Renovation and Demolition Materials: Opportunities for Waste Reduction and Diversion* An advisory committee on reducing construction and demolition waste developed a background report and proposal of key elements for an Alberta-made solution for diverting construction and demolition material from landfill. Next steps will be to release the report, and contact a broader range of stakeholders and the general public to request their input on the proposal. Contact: Judy.Morris@gov.ab.ca Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: To be announced Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable
*Contaminated Sites Management Systems Project* This project includes the petroleum storage tank program described below, remediation certificates, and development of new guidance documents. Early in 2009, Alberta Environment will introduce remediation certificates for petroleum storage tank sites, which will be issued for specific areas, depths and substances. The remediation certificate is intended to provide an incentive to remediate contaminated petroleum storage tank sites by providing regulatory closure of liability after ten years. Later in 2009, remediation certificates will be issued for upstream oil and gas sites. The Contaminated Sites Stakeholder Advisory Committee was consulted on the remediation certificate framework. Alberta Environment is developing two new guidance documents for assessing sites for contamination. The Alberta Environmental Site Assessment Guidelines (2008 draft) and Soil Monitoring Directive (2008 draft) were posted for public consultation in mid-2008. Each document provides information on assessing sites for soil and groundwater contamination, and the Soil Monitoring Directive was developed for facilities with an operating approval from Alberta Environment. Alberta Environment appreciates all the feedback and is now reviewing the comments received. Contact: Darlene.Howat@gov.ab.ca Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing Link: http://environment.alberta.ca/777.html
*Drainage Council* The Drainage Council is an administrative body formed to provide advice and support to the nine Alberta drainage districts formed under the Drainage Districts Act. Drainage districts are farmer-led cooperative groups that work to improve agricultural water management within a specific area of the province. Districts are formed by Order-in-Council or Ministerial Order at the request of local landowners. Once formed, the district has the power to set and collect taxes, to construct water management works and to enact bylaws. The first drainage district was formed in 1919 in the Holden area and the most recent in 1954 near New Sarepta (Big Hay Lake DD). Drainage Council has completed a review of Drainage District policy and legislation to ensure consistency of policy throughout provincial departments. The review provided an opportunity for stakeholders, local authorities and government departments to comment on the current legislation and recommend ways to update policy to meet the Water for Life strategy. Alberta Environment is now considering the information in the review report and discussing it with Drainage Council. Drainage Council consists of three Councillors and one provincial representative appointed by the Minister of Environment. The three Councillors serve for a three years period and Council may hear ratepayer appeals, direct drainage district boards of trustees in certain administrative actions and can make recommendations to the Minister. Contact: Al.Corbett@gov.ab.ca Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing
*Environment Week* Environment Week has been celebrating Alberta's environment since 1989. It is a great time to learn what Albertans can do to help preserve and protect our environment. Participating in local events is a great way to enjoy the province's natural history and learn new things that we can all do for the environment. Alberta Environment undertakes a variety of education and outreach activities to promote the environment. The interests of local communities, the annual theme for Environment Week and the interests of partners drive activities, which include community events such as fairs and tours, contests, promotions on radio, newspaper, television and websites and the Environment Week poster. Alberta Environment is available to provide advice to community groups and municipalities interested in developing their own Environment Week programs. Contact: env.education@gov.ab.ca Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Annually, Environment Week is the first full week of June. Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable Link: http://environment.gov.ab.ca/edu/eweek/
*EnviroVista Program* The EnviroVista Program recognizes and encourages corporate efforts to voluntarily exceed regulatory environmental requirements under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and the Water Act. The program is facility-based and provides recognition to environmental leaders from Alberta facilities that meet restrictive participation criteria. Facilities operating at the EnviroVista ‘Leader’ level require a five-year history of sound compliance, sound emissions performance and a comprehensive environmental management system. The EnviroVista ‘Champion’ level provides the same recognition as the ‘Leader’ level and in addition it provides access to a broader suite of benefits and incentives, including a streamlined Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act approval. Champion facilities will commit to enhanced performance through a Stewardship Agreement. The EnviroVista Program is open to new applicants throughout the year with special recognition during Environment Week (June) and Waste reduction Week (October). Contact: EnviroVista@gov.ab.ca Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: May 10, 2005 Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing Link: http://environment.alberta.ca/867.html
*LakeWatch Program* The LakeWatch Program is a partnership among the Alberta Lake Management Society, Alberta Environment, and stewardship groups to engage Albertans in water-quality monitoring and education. The LakeWatch program allows volunteers and trained sampling staff to work together at sampling lakes in Alberta. The information gathered has been instrumental in supporting watershed groups in “State of the Watershed” reporting and watershed management planning. Contact: Theo.Charette@gov.ab.ca Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable Link: http://www.alms.ca
*Land Trust Leadership* The Land Trust Leadership Project sought to develop or improve province wide tools to encourage the use of conservation easements as part of the voluntary conservation of private lands. Targeted stakeholder conversations with land trust organizations and others with expertise using easements took place over the summer of 2006. A recommendations report was completed in August 2006. Acting on several of the recommendations, on November 22, 2006, Alberta Environment announced their support for the Alberta Land Trust Alliance, including $300,000 to get the organization up-and-running. Contact: Avelyn.Nicol@gov.ab.ca Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: June 2006 Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: August 2006
*Upstream Oil & Gas Policy Integration Initiative* The Upstream Oil and Gas Policy Integration project is a joint initiative by Alberta Environment, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Alberta Energy and the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board to develop recommendations for an integrated policy framework and an integrated delivery approach for the upstream oil and gas industry sector. This will lead to a consistent approach to managing upstream oil and gas development activities, with clear and consistent information and expectations for government, industry and the public. Contact: Stephen.Maunder@gov.ab.ca Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: To be announced Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable Link: http://www.srem.gov.ab.ca/oil_and_gas.html
*Waste Reduction Week* Canadians celebrate Waste Reduction Week during the third week of October each year. Municipalities, schools and businesses are invited to spread waste reduction messages and engage citizens in activities that help reduce waste and divert it from landfills. Participate in local Waste Reduction Week events to discover the many ways you can reduce waste at home, at your workplace and in your community. The choices you make - big and small - really do make a difference. It's Too Good to Waste! Alberta Environment undertakes a variety of education and outreach activities to promote the environment. The interests of local communities, the theme of the special week and the interests of partners largely drive activities. Activities include: community events (e.g., tours, fairs), contests, promotions on radio, newspaper, television and websites and a promotional poster. Alberta Environment is available to provide advice to community groups and municipalities interested in developing their own Waste Reduction Week programs. Contact: env.education@gov.ab.ca Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Annually, third week of October Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable Link: http://www.recycle.ab.ca
*Waste Strategy* The Waste Management Stakeholder Group was formed in late 2003 to improve waste management in Alberta, integrating discussions across sectors: municipal, hazardous waste, oilfield, agriculture, and forestry. A strategy document entitled “Too Good to Waste” has been drafted and reviewed by the Waste Management Stakeholder Group. Work is being undertaken by Alberta Environment to support and enable action commitments prior to release. Summer/Fall 2006 Consultation through the Waste Management Stakeholder Group regarding management of contaminated soil and the land application or organics (complementing work on contaminated site remediation) Fall/Winter 2006/2007 Waste harmonization discussions with the Energy Utility Board and interested stakeholders within the Waste Management Stakeholder Group. Waste harmonization discussions with British Columbia and interested stakeholders within the Waste Management Stakeholder Group. Spring 2007 Initiate revisions to the Waste Control Regulation and the Alberta User Guide for Waste Managers in accordance with Too Good to Waste and in consultation with the Waste Management Stakeholder Group. Develop and implement a broader stakeholder consultation plan on the regulation and guide based on discussions with the Waste Management Stakeholder Group. Contact: Janet.McLean@gov.ab.ca Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: November 2003 Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: December 2007
*Water Management Operations – Partnering in Emergency Preparedness* Under the Water Act and Dam Safety Regulations, dam owners in Alberta are required plan for emergencies. The Dam Safety section of Alberta Environment’s Water Management Operations Division administers the Dam Safety Regulations and has produced guidelines for Emergency Preparedness and Response Planning. Water Management Operations, as owner and operator of major dams in Alberta, has actively engaged in on-going stakeholder dialogue focusing on Flood Emergency Preparedness and Response. The intent is to raise awareness of key stakeholder groups located downstream of infrastructure and to foster vital partnerships that are needed to effectively respond to flood emergencies. These annual orientation sessions take the form of presentations and open discussion on best practices and implementing lessons learned for the benefit of all Albertans at risk caused by flooding. Other government agencies that participate in this initiative include Alberta’s River Forecasting Centre and Emergency Management Alberta. Future participants will include Alberta Environment’s Emergency Response Team. The sessions also provide an excellent opportunity for Water Management Operations staff to explain a variety of other water management initiatives within the province and how provincially owned infrastructure is a key element in Alberta’s Water for Life strategy. Contact: Rick.Friedl@gov.ab.ca Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing (annual) Link: http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/water/wmo/index.html

Provincewide Initiatives

Alberta Water Council

The Alberta Water Council is a consensus-based, multi-stakeholder partnership with 25 members from governments, industry and non-government organizations, all with a vested interest in water issues. The Council’s primary role is to monitor and steward implementation of Water for Life: Alberta’s Strategy for Sustainability, and to champion achievement of the strategy’s three outcomes: safe, secure drinking water supply; healthy aquatic ecosystems; and reliable, quality water supplies for a sustainable economy. Membership consists of representatives of four broad categories including: industry; non-government organizations; provincial ministries and agencies; and other governments.

Contact: Kelly.Ness@gov.ab.ca

Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Council was formed in May 2004
Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable

Link: http://www.albertawatercouncil.ca/

Alberta Water Council – Policy Issues and Gaps Project Team

This strategy will evaluate issues and gaps in water policy management to support the implementation of Water for Life. A multi-stakeholder committee is being assembled to evaluate current water related policies. The committee will prepare a report outlining priorities, recommendations and a plan to address priority issues. This report will be available in Spring 2007.

Contact: Andy.Ridge@gov.ab.ca

Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: July 2006
Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Spring 2007

Link: http://www.waterforlife.gov.ab.ca/awc/index.html

Alberta Water Quality Awareness Day

Each June, hundreds of Albertans participate in Alberta Water Quality Awareness Day; exploring the health of their local waterways as part of this province-wide community water monitoring event. Working together, Albertans from across the province:

Get outside and have fun exploring their watersheds
Test the water quality of various surface water bodies with their Alberta Water Quality Awareness Day test kit
Increase their understanding and awareness of our water resources
Create a province-wide snapshot of basic water quality during the month of June
Illustrate a common interest in the health of our waterways

Contact: env.education@gov.ab.ca

Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Annually in June
Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable

Link: http://www.awqa.ca

Clean Air Strategic Alliance

The Clean Air Strategic Alliance is a non-profit association composed of diverse stakeholders from three sectors – government, industry and non-government organizations such as health and environmental groups. All Clean Air Strategic Alliance groups and teams, including the board of directors, make decisions and recommendations by consensus. It is a stakeholder partnership that has been given shared responsibility by its members, including the government of Alberta, for strategic planning, organizing and coordinating, and evaluation of air quality in Alberta. The key projects currently on-going at the Clean Air Strategic Alliance are:

Human and Animal Health
Confined Feeding Operation
Vehicle Emissions
Flaring and Venting
Electricity Efficiency and Conservation
Renewable and Alternative Energy
Indoor Air Quality
Particulate Matter and Ozone
Ambient Air Quality Monitoring
Science Symposium on Nitrogen Oxides

Contact: Raymond.Wong@gov.ab.ca

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

Link: http://www.casahome.org

Climate Change Legislation-Specified Gas Emitters Regulation

The Alberta government, in consultation with stakeholders has developed the Climate Change and Emissions Management Act to manage greenhouse gas emissions in Alberta. The Act was passed in 2003. The Specified Gas Emitters Regulations supports action on climate change and builds on the Specified Gas Emitters Regulation passed in 2004.

Currently, the Specified Gas Emitters Regulation is being developed, which will set emissions intensity limits for large industrial emitters in Alberta.

Contact: Robert.Savage@gov.ab.ca

Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: 2005
Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing

Link: http://www.qp.gov.ab.ca/documents/Acts/C16P7.cfm?f
rm_isbn=077974697X

Construction, Renovation and Demolition Materials: Opportunities for Waste Reduction and Diversion

An advisory committee on reducing construction and demolition waste developed a background report and proposal of key elements for an Alberta-made solution for diverting construction and demolition material from landfill. Next steps will be to release the report, and contact a broader range of stakeholders and the general public to request their input on the proposal.

Contact: Judy.Morris@gov.ab.ca

Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: To be announced
Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable

Contaminated Sites Management Systems Project

This project includes the petroleum storage tank program described below, remediation certificates, and development of new guidance documents.

Early in 2009, Alberta Environment will introduce remediation certificates for petroleum storage tank sites, which will be issued for specific areas, depths and substances. The remediation certificate is intended to provide an incentive to remediate contaminated petroleum storage tank sites by providing regulatory closure of liability after ten years. Later in 2009, remediation certificates will be issued for upstream oil and gas sites.

The Contaminated Sites Stakeholder Advisory Committee was consulted on the remediation certificate framework.

Alberta Environment is developing two new guidance documents for assessing sites for contamination. The Alberta Environmental Site Assessment Guidelines (2008 draft) and Soil Monitoring Directive (2008 draft) were posted for public consultation in mid-2008. Each document provides information on assessing sites for soil and groundwater contamination, and the Soil Monitoring Directive was developed for facilities with an operating approval from Alberta Environment. Alberta Environment appreciates all the feedback and is now reviewing the comments received.

Contact: Darlene.Howat@gov.ab.ca

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

Link: http://environment.alberta.ca/777.html

Drainage Council

The Drainage Council is an administrative body formed to provide advice and support to the nine Alberta drainage districts formed under the Drainage Districts Act. Drainage districts are farmer-led cooperative groups that work to improve agricultural water management within a specific area of the province. Districts are formed by Order-in-Council or Ministerial Order at the request of local landowners. Once formed, the district has the power to set and collect taxes, to construct water management works and to enact bylaws. The first drainage district was formed in 1919 in the Holden area and the most recent in 1954 near New Sarepta (Big Hay Lake DD).

Drainage Council has completed a review of Drainage District policy and legislation to ensure consistency of policy throughout provincial departments. The review provided an opportunity for stakeholders, local authorities and government departments to comment on the current legislation and recommend ways to update policy to meet the Water for Life strategy. Alberta Environment is now considering the information in the review report and discussing it with Drainage Council.

Drainage Council consists of three Councillors and one provincial representative appointed by the Minister of Environment. The three Councillors serve for a three years period and Council may hear ratepayer appeals, direct drainage district boards of trustees in certain administrative actions and can make recommendations to the Minister.

Contact: Al.Corbett@gov.ab.ca

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

Environment Week

Environment Week has been celebrating Alberta's environment since 1989. It is a great time to learn what Albertans can do to help preserve and protect our environment. Participating in local events is a great way to enjoy the province's natural history and learn new things that we can all do for the environment.

Alberta Environment undertakes a variety of education and outreach activities to promote the environment. The interests of local communities, the annual theme for Environment Week and the interests of partners drive activities, which include community events such as fairs and tours, contests, promotions on radio, newspaper, television and websites and the Environment Week poster.

Alberta Environment is available to provide advice to community groups and municipalities interested in developing their own Environment Week programs.

Contact: env.education@gov.ab.ca

Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Annually, Environment Week is the first full week of June.
Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable

Link: http://environment.gov.ab.ca/edu/eweek/

EnviroVista Program

The EnviroVista Program recognizes and encourages corporate efforts to voluntarily exceed regulatory environmental requirements under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and the Water Act. The program is facility-based and provides recognition to environmental leaders from Alberta facilities that meet restrictive participation criteria.

Facilities operating at the EnviroVista ‘Leader’ level require a five-year history of sound compliance, sound emissions performance and a comprehensive environmental management system.

The EnviroVista ‘Champion’ level provides the same recognition as the ‘Leader’ level and in addition it provides access to a broader suite of benefits and incentives, including a streamlined Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act approval. Champion facilities will commit to enhanced performance through a Stewardship Agreement.

The EnviroVista Program is open to new applicants throughout the year with special recognition during Environment Week (June) and Waste reduction Week (October).

Contact: EnviroVista@gov.ab.ca

Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: May 10, 2005
Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing

Link: http://environment.alberta.ca/867.html

LakeWatch Program

The LakeWatch Program is a partnership among the Alberta Lake Management Society, Alberta Environment, and stewardship groups to engage Albertans in water-quality monitoring and education. The LakeWatch program allows volunteers and trained sampling staff to work together at sampling lakes in Alberta. The information gathered has been instrumental in supporting watershed groups in “State of the Watershed” reporting and watershed management planning.

Contact: Theo.Charette@gov.ab.ca

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

Link: http://www.alms.ca

Land Trust Leadership

The Land Trust Leadership Project sought to develop or improve province wide tools to encourage the use of conservation easements as part of the voluntary conservation of private lands. Targeted stakeholder conversations with land trust organizations and others with expertise using easements took place over the summer of 2006. A recommendations report was completed in August 2006.

Acting on several of the recommendations, on November 22, 2006, Alberta Environment announced their support for the Alberta Land Trust Alliance, including $300,000 to get the organization up-and-running.

Contact: Avelyn.Nicol@gov.ab.ca

Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: June 2006
Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: August 2006

Upstream Oil & Gas Policy Integration Initiative

The Upstream Oil and Gas Policy Integration project is a joint initiative by Alberta Environment, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Alberta Energy and the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board to develop recommendations for an integrated policy framework and an integrated delivery approach for the upstream oil and gas industry sector. This will lead to a consistent approach to managing upstream oil and gas development activities, with clear and consistent information and expectations for government, industry and the public.

Contact: Stephen.Maunder@gov.ab.ca

Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: To be announced
Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable

Link: http://www.srem.gov.ab.ca/oil_and_gas.html

Waste Reduction Week

Canadians celebrate Waste Reduction Week during the third week of October each year. Municipalities, schools and businesses are invited to spread waste reduction messages and engage citizens in activities that help reduce waste and divert it from landfills. Participate in local Waste Reduction Week events to discover the many ways you can reduce waste at home, at your workplace and in your community. The choices you make - big and small - really do make a difference. It's Too Good to Waste!

Alberta Environment undertakes a variety of education and outreach activities to promote the environment. The interests of local communities, the theme of the special week and the interests of partners largely drive activities. Activities include: community events (e.g., tours, fairs), contests, promotions on radio, newspaper, television and websites and a promotional poster.

Alberta Environment is available to provide advice to community groups and municipalities interested in developing their own Waste Reduction Week programs.

Contact: env.education@gov.ab.ca

Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Annually, third week of October
Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Information unavailable

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

Waste Strategy

The Waste Management Stakeholder Group was formed in late 2003 to improve waste management in Alberta, integrating discussions across sectors: municipal, hazardous waste, oilfield, agriculture, and forestry. A strategy document entitled “Too Good to Waste” has been drafted and reviewed by the Waste Management Stakeholder Group. Work is being undertaken by Alberta Environment to support and enable action commitments prior to release.

Summer/Fall 2006

Consultation through the Waste Management Stakeholder Group regarding management of contaminated soil and the land application or organics (complementing work on contaminated site remediation)

Fall/Winter 2006/2007

Waste harmonization discussions with the Energy Utility Board and interested stakeholders within the Waste Management Stakeholder Group.
Waste harmonization discussions with British Columbia and interested stakeholders within the Waste Management Stakeholder Group.

Spring 2007

Initiate revisions to the Waste Control Regulation and the Alberta User Guide for Waste Managers in accordance with Too Good to Waste and in consultation with the Waste Management Stakeholder Group.
Develop and implement a broader stakeholder consultation plan on the regulation and guide based on discussions with the Waste Management Stakeholder Group.

Contact: Janet.McLean@gov.ab.ca

Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: November 2003
Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: December 2007

Water Management Operations – Partnering in Emergency Preparedness

Under the Water Act and Dam Safety Regulations, dam owners in Alberta are required plan for emergencies. The Dam Safety section of Alberta Environment’s Water Management Operations Division administers the Dam Safety Regulations and has produced guidelines for Emergency Preparedness and Response Planning.

Water Management Operations, as owner and operator of major dams in Alberta, has actively engaged in on-going stakeholder dialogue focusing on Flood Emergency Preparedness and Response. The intent is to raise awareness of key stakeholder groups located downstream of infrastructure and to foster vital partnerships that are needed to effectively respond to flood emergencies. These annual orientation sessions take the form of presentations and open discussion on best practices and implementing lessons learned for the benefit of all Albertans at risk caused by flooding. Other government agencies that participate in this initiative include Alberta’s River Forecasting Centre and Emergency Management Alberta. Future participants will include Alberta Environment’s Emergency Response Team. The sessions also provide an excellent opportunity for Water Management Operations staff to explain a variety of other water management initiatives within the province and how provincially owned infrastructure is a key element in Alberta’s Water for Life strategy.

Contact: Rick.Friedl@gov.ab.ca

Beginning Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing
Closing Public/Stakeholder Involvement Date: Ongoing (annual)

Link: http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/water/wmo/index.html