Take Notice that Suncor Energy Inc. (Suncor) has made applications to the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) and Alberta Environment (AENV) for approval to construct, operate, and reclaim an oil sands surface mine (North Steepbank Mine Extension) and bitumen upgrading facilities (Voyageur Upgrader) adjacent to its existing development in the Fort McMurray area.

The proposed North Steepbank Mine Extension would produce approximately 180,000 barrels per day of bitumen (28,610 cubic metres per day) and would be located north of the Steepbank River in Township 92, Range 9, West of the 4th Meridian and would encroach on the southern portion of Township 93, Range 9, West of the 4th Meridian. Construction of the proposed North Steepbank Mine Extension project is expected to begin in 2006 and would also include:

• construction of the mine access, a Steepbank River crossing structure, earth structures and infrastructure.

The proposed Voyageur Upgrader would add approximately 190,000 barrels per day of upgrading capacity (30,200 cubic metres per day), increasing Suncor's capacity to a range of 500,000 to 550,000 barrels per day of synthetic crude product (79,490 to 87,440 cubic metres per day) by 2012. The proposed upgrading facility would be located in Townships 91 and 92, Range 10, West of the 4th Meridian. Construction of the proposed Voyageur Upgrader project is expected to begin in 2006 and would also include:

• construction of a hot bitumen pipeline and interconnecting pipelines to Suncor's Firebag Project,

• interconnecting pipelines to Suncor's Base Plant and Enbridge Athabasca Terminal and

• coke disposal facilities, sulphur storage facilities and associated support infrastructure.

In support of the proposal, Suncor has prepared and submitted the following:

• Application No. 1391211 to the EUB pursuant to Sections 10 and 13 of the Oil Sands Conservation Act to construct, operate and reclaim an oil sands mine.

• Application No. 35-00000094 to AENV under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) for construction, operation and reclamation of the North Steepbank Mine Extension Project.

• Application (File No. 00199406) to AENV under the Water Act for water diversion in the course of mine development, operation and reclamation and for the collection, impoundment and diversion of surface and groundwater, and watercourse crossings during the construction, operation and reclamation phases of the North Steepbank Mine Extension.

• Application No. 1391212 to the EUB pursuant to Sections 11 and 13 of the Oil Sands Conservation Act to construct, operate and reclaim a bitumen upgrading facility.

• Application No. 45-00000094 to AENV under EPEA for construction, operation and reclamation of the Voyageur Upgrader.

• Application (File No. 00199406) to AENV under the Water Act for water diversion in the course of the Voyageur Upgrader development, operation and reclamation and for the collection, impoundment and diversion of surface and groundwater during the construction, operation and reclamation phases of the Voyageur Upgrader.

The two applications share a common Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report which Suncor has prepared and submitted to the Director, Environmental Assessment, Northern Region. The EIA report forms part of the applications to the EUB.

To obtain additional information or a copy of the applications and the EIA report, free of charge, contact:

Suncor Energy Inc.
Oil Sands
P.O. Box 4001
Fort McMurray, Alberta T9H 3E3
Attention: Catherine Anderson
Telephone: (780) 743-6992
Fax: (780) 790-7287
Email: voyageurproject@suncor.com

For information regarding EUB procedures contact:

Fort McMurray Office
Brad Bricker
Telephone: (780) 743-7487
Fax: (780) 743-7141
Email: brad.bricker@gov.ab.ca

Copies of the applications and the EIA report are available for viewing at the following locations:

Alberta Energy and Utilities Board
Fort McMurray Office
2nd Floor, Provincial Building
9915 Franklin Avenue
Fort McMurray, Alberta T9H 2K4

Alberta Energy and Utilities Board
Information Services, Calgary Office
Main Floor, 640 5th Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta, T2P 3G4
Telephone (403) 297-8190

To File a Statement of Concern

Under Section 73 of EPEA and Section 109 of the Water Act, any person who is directly affected by the EPEA Applications or the Water Act Application may submit a written statement of concern. Statements of concern under EPEA and Water Act must be submitted by June 30, 2005. Failure to file a statement of concern may affect the right to file a Notice of Appeal with the Environmental Appeal Board. Please quote Application No. 35-00000094 or No. 45-00000094 (EPEA), or File No. 00199406 (Water Act) when submitting a statement of concern. If no statements of concern are received, the EPEA and Water Act Applications may be approved without further notice. Please submit your statement to:

Director, Northern Region
Alberta Environment
Regulatory Approvals Centre
Main Floor, Oxbridge Place
9820 106th Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2J6
Telephone: (780) 427-6311
Fax: (780) 422-0154

Note that any statements filed regarding these applications are public records, which are accessible by the public.

This notice of Application is being distributed to advise interested persons that the applications are available and the EUB and other government Departments are now undertaking review of the application.

ALBERTA ENERGY AND UTILITIES BOARD

Douglas A. Larder, General Counsel