Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of March 1)

By The A-Team | Feb 28, 2019 | Fort McMurray - Community Events

In this week’s round up of local and national news, the Canadian energy sector is showing promise but the industry’s unpredictability is something that could never be ignored. We give you the facts and trends that could have a huge impact on your future decisions.

First, updates on the tailings pond 8B of Suncor, particularly their oilsands mining operation is something worth noting:

Energy Regulator in Alberta Confirms Approval of Tailings Plan in Fort Hills

The Alberta Energy Regulator has conditionally approved a tailings management plan for the Fort Hills oilsands mine despite its failure to meet milestones and reliance on an unproven reclamation method. Tailings ponds store water used in the oilsands mining process that is notoriously difficult to reclaim because it has been contaminated with fine clay particles, oil and other chemicals. The regulator in its decision says it will require the Fort Hills mine to submit by Sept. 30, 2021, a plan for a project to demonstrate how its passive aquatic storage system will work. – Via fortmcmurraytoday.com
The proposal of the mine owner, Suncor Energy Inc. is to treat the tailings chemically and use water in order to cover the residue. Industry watchers see this move as something viable to the environment.

In other news, Fort McMurray is dealing with one of the biggest pipeline rallies in Canada and the plan is ongoing:

Fort McMurray Faces Multicultural Pipeline Rally

Oilsands Strong, with support from Mayor Don Scott, is putting on the event in March to show support for the energy sector and projects such as the Trans Mountain pipeline.

The rally will also highlight the multicultural aspects of Fort McMurray, celebrating the groups and organizations that rely on the oil sector.

The rally will also include the ‘walk of the nations’ where each culture, group, and more will carry their flag before getting a chance to speak in front of the crowd.

The rally is a manifestation that the residents of Fort McMurray are finally doing something to defend themselves and stand up for what they believe is helpful to the energy sector.

Lastly, in the national news, the legislative department is also advocating for the energy niche and its pending projects:

Alberta Premier to Address Senate Committee Regarding Energy Projects

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley is to make her case in person to a Senate committee studying proposed legislation that would change how major energy projects are approved.

She and her government have already spoken out against Bill C-69, which has passed in the House of Commons and is now before the Senate.

The bill proposes a new way of handling environmental assessments on large natural resource projects, including oil pipelines and mining operations. – Via mymcmurray.com

Notley will highlight her concerns regarding the challenge of resource management and how the proposed rules and timelines could impede the mega projects of huge companies.

Check out more local and national news on the Canadian energy sector and other important industries in the country today.

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