Teck Resources Limited is one step closer to knowing whether a proposed project, north of Fort McMurray, will move forward.
A Joint Review Panel has sent their report for the Frontier Oilsands Mine Project to the Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna stating the project is in the public’s interest and should be approved.
The project would be 110 km north of Fort McMurray – near the Wood Buffalo National Park. It’s anticipated the oilsands would add around 7,000 jobs through construction and another 2,500 in their operations which is expected to see 260,000 barrels of bitumen produced per day.
The panel had held multiple engagement sessions in different cities, including Fort McMurray, aiming to get public feedback about the project.
“The panel has determined that for a number of environmental and socioeconomic factors, the project is likely to result in adverse effects which range from low to high in magnitude,” read their report. “Some of these effects are considered to be significant. The panel has also determined that the project is likely to result in significant positive economic effects for Alberta and Canada.”
In their report, they have made a list of regulations for the Teck to follow if approved.
They include updating the Alberta Energy Regulator on their drilling plans, an annual report of noise monitoring, having specific locations for tailings ponds, and more.
Multiple Indigenous groups such as the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and Mikisew Cree First Nation have signed agreements with the oil company.
Minister McKenna will decide whether the project should move forward or should be referred to cabinet for further debate. Before a decision is made, the federal government plans to consult with Indigenous groups.