Rings of Progress;Rings of Progress;25 Years of 25 Years of
Environmental Environmental ManagementManagement
College of Alberta Professional ForestersTim Taylor
Old Timer’s Cabin9430 - 99 Street N.W. (SconaRoad)Edmonton, Alberta T6E 3W4
Alberta is home to a vibrant Alberta is home to a vibrant energy industry – are we ready for energy industry – are we ready for the challenges?the challenges?
ChallengesChallenges
FireClimate changeMultiple land useConflicting land useReclamationWater consumptionRemediationAbandonmentWildlife concernsSpills
Seven RingsSeven Rings
PeopleAttitude
Science & technology Understanding
ResourcesRegulations
Public concern
PeoplePeople
Over 25 years, the environmental specialist has progressed
◦From “back room nuisance”
◦To “well, they are even in management now!”
PeoplePeople
25 years:
◦Learn by the seat of your pants
◦To a wide variety of academic programs trained in many environmental specialties
AttitudeAttitude
AttitudeAttitude
25 years has seen a huge change in attitude to environmental protection
◦From “Who cares?”
◦To “I Care!”
AttitudeAttitude
TechnologyTechnology
TechnologyTechnology
TechnologyTechnology
Flare stacks and liquid managementConservation of gasEnergy efficiencySecondary containmentEmissions controlledLIDAR / GPS / Landscape Design
UnderstandingUnderstanding
UnderstandingUnderstanding
UnderstandingUnderstanding
UnderstandingUnderstanding
ResourcesResources
RegulationsRegulations
Four letter words that have changed the landscape of regulation to one of collaboration, prevention and accountability
RegulationsRegulations
Pre 1983 – no soil salvage1983 – 1994 – soil salvage introduced1994 / 1995 – new reclamation criteria2007 Update – Forestry specific guidelines
If you were an expert in reclamation 5 years ago, and you didn’t keep up with regulations, you are no longer an expert
Foothills Research InstituteFoothills Research Institute
“Since 1992, the Foothills Research Institute (formerly the Foothills Model Forest) has been conducting applied research on the cultural, ecological, economic and social values of Alberta’s forested landscape. Over our history, we have also worked with our partners on initiatives that contribute to integrated resource management such as the Northeast Slopes Integrated Resource Management Plan (2000) and the existing Foothills Stream Crossing Program.”
2006 Model Forest Project to 2006 Model Forest Project to improve culvertingimprove culverting
CollaborationCollaboration
Foothills Stream Crossing was industry driven to improve crossings
Collaborative over government agencies, forestry and oil and gas
It is the future of environmental solutions
The future of ReclamationThe future of Reclamation
Conclusion - Seven RingsConclusion - Seven Rings
PeopleAttitude
Science & technology Understanding
ResourcesRegulations
Public concern
ConclusionConclusion
QuestionsQuestions
