For 13 years, the Alberta Government has relied on the Regional Aquatics Monitoring Program (RAMP) to assess the impact of the oilsands. From resource development to environment, RAMP plays a significant role in developing provincial policy. 2004 RAMP Peer Review: “Reviewers reported serious problems related to scientific leadership and a
Continue readingAuthor: Avnish
Straight Outta Edmonton: Overhauling RAMP
For 13 years, the Alberta Government has relied on the Regional Aquatics Monitoring Program (RAMP) to assess the impact of the oilsands. From resource development to environment, RAMP plays a significant role in developing provincial policy. 2004 RAMP Peer Review: “Reviewers reported serious problems related to scientific leadership and a
Continue readingStraight Outta Edmonton: Overhauling RAMP
For 13 years, the Alberta Government has relied on the Regional Aquatics Monitoring Program (RAMP) to assess the impact of the oilsands. From resource development to environment, RAMP plays a significant role in developing provincial policy.
- “Reviewers reported serious problems related to scientific leadership and a lack of integration and consistency across components with respect to approach, design, implementation, and analysis.”
- “lack of details of methods, failure to describe rationales for program changes, examples of inappropriate statistical analysis, and unsupported conclusions.”
- “No ability within RAMP to assess oil sands development impacts on the Athabasca River in an integrated way.”
- “The reviewers believe the existing program does not successfully address the three key questions posed in (the review goal) section: the present program is not sufficient to detect changes if they occur; the present program cannot sufficiently identify potential sources resulting in the change(s) if changes are detected; and not all of the appropriate questions are being asked by the RAMP program and appropriate criteria being monitored to answer those questions.”
Although many have questioned RAMP’s scientific validity, generally along the same lines as the program’s two external peer reviews linked above, the Alberta Government did not act on these criticisms until two academic studies published by Dr. Erin Kelly and Dr. David Schindler. The studies, published in 2009 and 2010, documented high levels of oilsands industrial pollutants, including PACs (carcinogens) and heavy metals, being discharged into the Athabasca River Basin.
The studies contradicted RAMP, which claimed industrial pollutants were negligible and environmental toxins were naturally occurring, and as a result, federal and provincial panels were struck to investigate the contradictions. The federal panel examined the scientific validity of RAMP and reported in late December that the criticisms leveled against it were accurate — the program was utterly incompetent and was unable to adequately assess the environmental impact of the oilsands.
Before the provincial panel reported its results (scheduled for release February), Alberta Environment Minister Rob Renner announced that RAMP would be overhauled to ensure that the province would have a competent, science based oilsands environmental monitoring program. However, the oversight committee charged with creating the new program came under attack, as critics slammed the appointment of more industry representatives than scientists, the lack of aboriginal inclusion, and the selection of Hal Kvisle as co-chair (many question Kvisle’s lack of scientific credentials, ‘unique’ environmental conservation perspective, and support of lax regulatory standards for industry).
Although it’s too early to speculate whether the Alberta Government is sincere in its commitment to create a competent oilsands monitoring program, history and the province’s initial steps indicate that it will have to do more than just promise an overhaul, but actually demonstrate it — externally.
More on RAMP:
- Understanding RAMP and Its Implications
- RAMP: Alberta’s Environmental Monitoring Failure
- Search the label RAMP
Straight Outta Edmonton: Deliberation on Campus Sustainability (DoCS)
Want to join student leaders from across the campus in an innovative project that will help create sustainability policy at the University of Alberta?
If so, you are invited to contribute to sustainability planning at the University of Alberta. Deliberation on Campus Sustainability (DoCS) is a project that brings together University of Alberta students, regardless of background and experience, to participate in discussions that will help inform sustainability policy on campus and inspire community engagement across all campuses. All you have to do is show up and share your views.
Attend Phase 1 of deliberations on one of the following sessions:
- Monday January 24th: 11:00 am- 2:30pm Lister Hall, Wild Rose Room
- Tuesday January 25th: 2:30pm-6:00pm Lister Hall, Wild Rose Room
- Wednesday January 26: 5:00-8:30pm Lister Hall, Wild Rose Room
Please email Lisa Dockman (lisa.dockman@ualberta.ca) which session you would like to attend.
No matter how knowledgeable or experienced you are in campus sustainability, your opinion is vital to this process and your involvement is important service for the University community. Please join us for a hearty meal and a meaningful conversation about what key issues exist on campus.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is DoCS?
DoCS is a collaborative project that is working to integrate students, staff and faculty into the University’s sustainability strategy in the most democratic way possible. DoCS is a process that involves a series of conversations or dialogues, made up of a diverse group of the campus community, focused on how we can create and contribute to a more sustainable campus. Emerging from a desire to see positive progression towards environmental, social and economic responsibility, our team is determined to design and implement a process where a series of dialogues affects change and is experienced by the participants as meaningful.
How will my input be used?
All contributions to the DoCS process will inform the end products which include a Campus Sustainability Plan and a toolkit to encourage the use of deliberative decision making processes on campus. All participants will have the opportunity to witness the outcomes and products of their effort.
What is the time commitment DoCS requires?
By signing up today you are committing to attend one 3.5 hour deliberation, and in March you will be invited to attend a similar follow up conversation.
If I am unable to attend this session, how can I learn more?
Please attend our DoCS session during International Week, it will be on Monday January 31st at 4pm in Education South 129.
Straight Outta Edmonton: Deliberation on Campus Sustainability (DoCS)
Want to join student leaders from across the campus in an innovative project that will help create sustainability policy at the University of Alberta? If so, you are invited to contribute to sustainability planning at the University of Alberta. Deliberation on Campus Sustainability (DoCS) is a project that brings together
Continue readingStraight Outta Edmonton: Deliberation on Campus Sustainability (DoCS)
Want to join student leaders from across the campus in an innovative project that will help create sustainability policy at the University of Alberta? If so, you are invited to contribute to sustainability planning at the University of Alberta. Deliberation on Campus Sustainability (DoCS) is a project that brings together
Continue readingStraight Outta Edmonton: Premier Stelmach Places Conditions on Fort Chip Visit
Premier Ed Stelmach has delayed his visit to Fort Chipewyan. Before traveling to the hamlet and listening to the health concerns of residents, the Premier is now requiring the community’s leadership to sign on to the parameters of a baseline health study. However, the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation — the
Continue readingStraight Outta Edmonton: Premier Stelmach Places Conditions on Fort Chip Visit
Premier Ed Stelmach has delayed his visit to Fort Chipewyan. Before traveling to the hamlet and listening to the health concerns of residents, the Premier is now requiring the community’s leadership to sign on to the parameters of a baseline health study. However, the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation — the
Continue readingStraight Outta Edmonton: Premier Stelmach Places Conditions on Fort Chip Visit
Premier Ed Stelmach has delayed his visit to Fort Chipewyan.
Before traveling to the hamlet and listening to the health concerns of residents, the Premier is now requiring the community’s leadership to sign on to the parameters of a baseline health study. However, the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation — the second largest First Nations’ community in Fort Chipewyan — has refused to sign on, arguing that what the province has proposed is inadequate and does not address the concerns of residents.
For years, Premier Stelmach refused to acknowledge Fort Chipewyan’s health concerns or travel to the community. Initially, the Premier claimed health concerns were entirely unfounded, concocted by ‘silk-suited’ environmentalists and the media. However, after health and pollution studies seemed to confirm the concerns of residents — as well as a visit by Hollywood film director James Cameron — the Premier backtracked from his initial position.
Instead, the Premier claimed that he took the community’s concerns seriously and had in fact actually visited Fort Chipewyan. When these claims were scrutinized, Stelmach once again backtracked stating that he had never actually been to Fort Chipewyan, but had traveled to Northern Alberta. After questions began to emerge over the Premier’s priorities, Stelmach vowed to travel to Fort Chipewyan, meet with residents directly, and demonstrate his commitment towards addressing the community’s concerns.
Now, that commitment is once again being questioned as the Premier has placed conditions on his visit, requiring Fort Chipewyan’s leadership to endorse a study many find inadequate. Whether this is an attempt to prevent what will surely be a high profile event or a public relations management strategy, Premier Stelmach’s decision to delay his visit does not demonstrate a genuine commitment to address the community’s concerns.
At this point, there’s likely little that will.
Straight Outta Edmonton: Comparing Responses to the MacLean’s ‘Too Asian’ Article: UVic and UBC
Naturally, MacLean’s ‘Too Asian’ article caused a stir across Canadian campuses (in response, MacLean’s has changed the name of the article and qualified some of its points). However, it’s interesting to examine the different reactions. For example, while the University of Victoria Students’ Society banned MacLean’s from its stores (only
Continue readingStraight Outta Edmonton: Comparing Responses to the MacLean’s ‘Too Asian’ Article: UVic and UBC
Naturally, MacLean’s ‘Too Asian’ article caused a stir across Canadian campuses (in response, MacLean’s has changed the name of the article and qualified some of its points). However, it’s interesting to examine the different reactions. For example, wh…
Continue readingStraight Outta Edmonton: Comparing Responses to the MacLean’s ‘Too Asian’ Article: UVic and UBC
Naturally, MacLean’s ‘Too Asian’ article caused a stir across Canadian campuses (in response, MacLean’s has changed the name of the article and qualified some of its points). However, it’s interesting to examine the different reactions. For example, while the University of Victoria Students’ Society banned MacLean’s from its stores (only
Continue readingStraight Outta Edmonton: WOA Profile: Lorraine Hoffman — Where Industry Meets Ancestry
“We’re all capitalists here. We’re not anti-industry, but we do strive to find a balance. We need to find sustainable ways of doing things.”
— Lorraine Hoffman, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Councillor
Work of Arts, the University of Alberta Faculty of Arts Alumni Magazine, has a great profile on Lorraine Hoffman, an alumni who is currently a councilor for the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN).
The piece highlights the complex relationship First Nation communities have with the oilsands. As Hoffman outlines, communities like Fort Chipewyan have benefited tremendously from partnering with industry. Yet, development has also led to the emergence of significant social issues, which have forced many to speak out.
Hoffman dismisses the notion that such criticisms indicate an anti-development bias from First Nation communities. In reality, these communities see development as a positive force, providing jobs and boosting local economies. However, there is a feeling that the current development approach is tilted towards industry at the expense of the environment and other local concerns.
What Hoffman calls for is a balance between development and these associated environmental, public health, and social concerns — similar to the language industry and the province uses to defend the current development policy that communities like Fort Chipewyan oppose.
Read the entire article: “Where Industry Meets Ancestry” by Benjamin Freeland.
Straight Outta Edmonton: WOA Profile: Lorraine Hoffman — Where Industry Meets Ancestry
“We’re all capitalists here. We’re not anti-industry, but we do strive to find a balance. We need to find sustainable ways of doing things.” — Lorraine Hoffman, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Councillor Work of Arts, the University of Alberta Faculty of Arts Alumni Magazine, has a great profile on Lorraine
Continue readingStraight Outta Edmonton: WOA Profile: Lorraine Hoffman — Where Industry Meets Ancestry
“We’re all capitalists here. We’re not anti-industry, but we do strive to find a balance. We need to find sustainable ways of doing things.” — Lorraine Hoffman, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Councillor Work of Arts, the University of Alberta Faculty of Arts Alumni Magazine, has a great profile on Lorraine
Continue readingStraight Outta Edmonton: The Case for Science in Developing the Oilsands
“The debate about oil-sands extraction has become polarized, with players cast as either totally against, or for developing the sands rapidly without regard for environmental consequences. Both positions are based on very little evidence. A more moderate approach, with the pace of development based on solid environmental science, would be better in the long run.”
— Dr. David Schindler, “Tar Sands Need Solid Science,” Nature, November 25, 2010.
I support the Alberta Oilsands. I believe they are fundamental to the future prosperity of this province and Canada as a whole.
However, I don’t agree with how they are being developed. Our current development strategy fails to fully appreciate the tremendous value and responsibility that comes with the oilsands, in terms of the economy, environment, and legacy for future generations. From royalty rates to environmental monitoring, there are serious issues with the efficacy and consequences of current regimes.
A major issue is the lack of credible, scientific, peer-reviewed oilsands data to inform the public and policy makers on how to exactly develop the resource. How are Albertans expected to effectively participate in policy discussions concerning development when accurate information and studies are hidden from them? How are politicians able to develop an adequate long-term vision of the resource when they rely on pseudoscience?
Without accurate, scientific data, decisions are left to be made by individuals influenced by propaganda or innuendo. As citizens, we cannot allow the province to continue governing like this, particularly with projected development expected to expand significantly within the next decade. As Dr. David Schindler outlines in the above mentioned article, the stakes are too high.
Straight Outta Edmonton: The Case for Science in Developing the Oilsands
“The debate about oil-sands extraction has become polarized, with players cast as either totally against, or for developing the sands rapidly without regard for environmental consequences. Both positions are based on very little evidence. A more moderate approach, with the pace of development based on solid environmental science, would be
Continue readingStraight Outta Edmonton: The Case for Science in Developing the Oilsands
“The debate about oil-sands extraction has become polarized, with players cast as either totally against, or for developing the sands rapidly without regard for environmental consequences. Both positions are based on very little evidence. A more moderate approach, with the pace of development based on solid environmental science, would be
Continue readingStraight Outta Edmonton: Levant on Fort Chip Health Concerns
Last night, Ezra Levant and Ben West of the Wilderness Committee debated the ethics of the Alberta Oilsands in front of a packed house in Vancouver. During the debate, as he also does in his book Ethical Oil, Levant dismissed the health concerns of Fort Chipewyan residents by calling Dr.
Continue readingStraight Outta Edmonton: Levant on Fort Chip Health Concerns
Last night, Ezra Levant and Ben West of the Wilderness Committee debated the ethics of the Alberta Oilsands in front of a packed house in Vancouver. During the debate, as he also does in his book Ethical Oil, Levant dismissed the health concerns of Fort Chipewyan residents by calling Dr.
Continue reading