What else is the ERCB doing with regulation of the oil sands?
The ERCB has changed the structure of its organization to deal with the oil sands, and over the last three years it has embarked on an evolution of its regulations pertaining to the oil sands. In December 2007, the ERCB signed a memorandum of understanding with Alberta Environment to coordinate groundwater protection efforts in a number of areas, such as oil sands thermal and mining operations. Early in 2008, the ERCB began a major update of its oil sands inspection process for mining and processing plant operations. A new ERCB inspection directive sets out a more proactive approach with clearer expectations for industry and the public. The ERCB plans on doubling the number of inspections in the area’s oil sands mine sites in the coming year. Inspectors from the ERCB’s Fort McMurray Regional Office will conduct these updated surveillance activities. The ERCB is also working under and enforcing Directive 042: Measurement, Accounting, and Reporting Plan (MARP) Requirement for Thermal Bit
