How do companies apply for an oil sands project?
When a company is ready to proceed with an oil sands application, Alberta Environment requires that it draft a development proposal, known as a public disclosure document. The ERCB requires that the company consult stakeholders who could be directly and adversely affected by the proposed development earlyon to attempt to address any issues of concern. A public notice of the application is issued, giving stakeholders the opportunity to file objections to the ERCB or statements of concern to Alberta Environment. For major projects, the applicant must then draft an environmental impact assessment, which is a joint process that can involve several provincial and federal government departments and is coordinated by Alberta Environment. An ERCB hearing may be necessary if the application receives objections. For more information on the ERCB hearing process, see EnerFAQs 2: Having Your Say at an ERCB Hearing.
