Oil Sands Question and Response (OSQAR) Blog

New task force addresses transparency

When a pipeline incident happens, people want answers. The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association has formed an executive task force to support public information disclosure when a pipeline incident occurs. The task force, a collaboration between various pipeline operators, is developing a common approach to emergency response management. The approach aims to help boost public confidence that emergencies are being handled effectively.

Reclamation project is fen-tastic

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Fens are an important part of many ecosystems, especially in the boreal region where they are the most common type of wetland. More commonly known as muskeg or peat land, fens are a type of wetland where the decaying vegetation accumulates as peat. Before it was developed, half of the land in the Wood Buffalo area was fen wetland.

One amazing discovery

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In 2011, Suncor came across something a little less expected at its oil sands mining operations – a dinosaur! Thanks to the sharp eye of one of our employees, Suncor made history with this amazing find. Watch as Discovery’s Daily Planet explores what it took to extract the dinosaur fossil from Suncor’s Millennium Mine and what this rare find unveils about Alberta’s pre-historic times.

 

 

Canada’s energy debate: another rational voice

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Two of Canada’s greatest attributes these days are perhaps its economy and natural environment.  

Echohaven: Not your typical suburban neighbourhood

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New neighbourhoods are a key feature of fast-growing communities, but not all areas are created the same. Echohaven is a new sustainable development in Calgary where homes are built with a focus on environmental preservation and energy efficiency. Here ponds, creeks and forests replace large sectioned-off backyards and gas lines are replaced with solar panels.

COSIA performance update: pace of environmental performance accelerating

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At this time of year, people around the world take in various interpretations of the past year. From fireside chats with American presidents to the Queen’s Christmas broadcasts to the Commonwealth, from Time Magazine’s Top 10 lists to The Onion’s absurd year-end review, these annual traditions prompt us to stop and consider the year that was.

Oil sands companies: Top 5 myths debunked

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Bitumen isn’t the only thing which oil sands developers produce these days. Oil sands companies also seem to generate strong emotions in Canada’s polarized energy discussion.

Seeing green not orange

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This time of year, it’s not surprising that ghosts and jack-o’-lanterns are top of mind. But while Halloween has us seeing all hues of orange, it’s important to take a step back and see how we can make the festivities a little greener. GreenHome provides some great ideas on how to celebrate this year’s Halloween in an environmentally friendly way.

What to do when everyone is the problem

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Modern societies concerned about protecting their surroundings have embraced the “polluter pays” model.

Environmental groups, Aboriginal Peoples: what’s the connection?

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A defining feature of Canada’s spirited energy debate is environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs) working closely with various interests to help amplify their perspectives.