View PDF version

News Release      

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW ALBERTA ENVIRONMENT AND EUB AGREEMENT TO STRENGTHEN GROUNDWATER PROTECTION

Calgary, Alberta (December 20, 2007) The Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) and Alberta Environment (AENV) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to further coordinate efforts to protect groundwater resources in Alberta. Working more closely together at both policy and operational levels allows for better communication and information flow between agencies, fosters closer relationships among staff, and increases the opportunities for more effective and efficient processes to protect groundwater.

The new Memorandum of Understanding formalizes the coordination of groundwater protection efforts in a number of areas, such as oilsands thermal and mining operations, coalbed methane, regional cumulative effects management, water well complaint responses, and working with industry to find new technologies to improve water conservation and re-use.

Both agencies will also continue to support the ongoing work of the Alberta Geological Survey to map Alberta’s groundwater.

AENV and the EUB are also committed to provide accessible and timely public information on groundwater issues and to address public education needs about the impacts of groundwater arising from the oil and gas industry.

To ensure Albertans are kept informed about Alberta’s water resources as it relates to energy development, the AENV and EUB will produce a new annual report that will outline the highlights of progress made under the new Memorandum of Understanding between the two agencies.

Memorandum of Understanding can be found on the EUB website at www.eub.ca.

- 30 -

For more information, please contact:

Jim Law Directive, Communications Alberta Environment Cell: 780-719-4437

Darin Barter EUB Communications Tel: 403 297-4116 Cell: 403 681-0946