Cumulative effects assessment and EIA follow-up: a proposed community-based monitoring program in the Oil Sands Region, northeastern Alberta

Abstract

The Mikisew Cree First Nation (MCFN) intervened at the regulatory hearings for two recently proposed Oil Sands developments because of concerns relating to cumulative environmental effects to the water resource. A gap analysis conducted by IEG of current monitoring initiatives indicated that the MCFN requested more changes to monitoring processes (such as meaningful input, transparency, authenticity) than to monitoring initiatives (such as additional groundwater monitoring). A community-based monitoring program based on Environment Canada's nationally recognized Canadian Community Monitoring Network model was recommended. Ultimately the use of this approach to follow-up will begin to reflect the value base of all area residents, making the data more trusted in overall management decisions concerning cumulative effects. Judicial processes launched by First Nations against development corporations often involve cumulative effects management. A cumulative effects protocol is briefly outlined that seeks to remediate common concerns.