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You may have noticed recently some ads in the paper about next week’s symposium on Oil and Gas Best Management Practices. You may have asked yourself what it was about, what are best management practices, and how does Bob McDonald from Quirks and Quarks fit into this picture?
To answer these questions I went to conference organizer Kirstie Simpson, Sustainable Development Coordinator for Yukon Oil and Gas and Mineral Resources.
“The Symposium is bringing together representatives from the oil and gas industry, First Nations, government and non-government organisations to share information on new, existing and innovative practices that reduce the footprint of development on northern landscapes,” said Simpson.
The oil and gas industry has pioneered development of Best Management Practices that reduce the generation of waste, improve the economics of exploration and production operations, and lead to safer operations. These practices limit the total amount of surface disturbance, reduce the visual appearance of the development, employ improved reclamation techniques, and restore the landform.
Simpson says that while the Yukon government continues to promote oil and gas development in the Yukon, they are also working to develop a Best Management Practices model that will minimize impacts through the consideration of traditional, ecological and cultural values, and protection of wildlife.
“We’re trying to balance economic benefits for Yukoners with safeguarding the environment, and we’re reliant on good science to help us achieve this balance. Good science can only be made better by sharing results, opinions and conclusions.”
The symposium will provide an opportunity to share new best practices as well as knowledge about operating in Yukon conditions. It also provides key industry players an opportunity to report on key elements of their stewardship initiatives. Presenters include Environment Canada, the Canadian Wildlife Service, the Yukon Geological Survey, Enbridge, Devon Canada, the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, and ConocoPhillips.
One of the presentations from ConocoPhillips will talk about the use of traditional and local knowledge in developing a project. Mark Major is the Chief Environmental Coordinator for ConocoPhillips Alaska. “There’s a lot of knowledge out there that makes our job easier. People haven’t lived here for centuries and even thousands of years without having some pretty acute insights to share.”
Devon Canada will provide information on some of the Best Management Practices they used during their recent drilling activity in Eagle Plain and Kotaneelee.
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The Symposium will cover a wide range of topics: Effects of Snowmobile Traffic on Woodland Caribou; Helicopters in Mountain Sheep Country; and Methods for revegetating seismic lines, underground pipeline routes and drill sites.
 Simpson expects to learn new information and best practices that will be able to be integrated into the Yukon’s Best Management Practices model. She is currently working on compiling research data from a number of sources into an online database. The database will initially provide access to knowledge and experience on the best ways for oil and gas companies to operate in north Yukon. Eventually it will be expanded to other regions and other industries.
Designed to provide industry with upfront assistance or “guidance” in planning their project, the database will provide information on the reduction of impact and risk based on unique sensitivities in an area such as species, habitat, terrain, and cultural and traditional use.
“It will give companies an opportunity to provide a solid proposal, and best of all, the science and experience to develop a plan that minimizes impacts from the very start,” said Simpson. “The database will constantly be evolving. As government learns new information guidelines and best practices can be updated.”
And what does Bob McDonald from CBC’s Quirks and Quarks have to do with Best Management Practices?
Simpson says it is all about balance, which is what industry and government are trying to achieve by using Best Management Practices. “We are very inefficient with energy in Canada, we are due for an evolution.” says Bob McDonald. “It’s also in industry’s best interest to pursue more efficient use of energy– to ensure their longevity.” Perhaps Best Management Practices can help to make this happen.
Bob McDonald is the host of CBC Radio's Quirks and Quarks. He will open the conference April 25 at 7:00 p.m. at the Yukon Arts Centre with a free public presentation, “State of Mind, State of Planet.”
The two-day symposium begins with a poster session and reception at 6:00 p.m. on April 25. For more information, or to register visit www.yukonoilandgas.com or contact Leaf Solutions at (867) 633-5269.
“First in a series of articles on the Yukon Oil and Gas Industry. The article was submitted by the Yukon Department of Energy, Mines and Resources”
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Last Updated 16-09-2005
