Notice of Application
OSCA Application 1956919
EPEA Application 025-00151469
WA Application 029-00151636
Fort Hills Energy Corporation
Fort Hills Oil Sands Project – Integrated 5-Year Plan Amendment
The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has received Oil Sands Conservation Act (OSCA) application 1956919, Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) application 024-00151469, and Water Act (WA) application 029-00151636 from Suncor Energy Operating Inc., on behalf of Fort Hills Energy Corporation (Fort Hills). The AER is reviewing these applications together.
This notice also sets out the deadline for filing a statement of concerns on each of the applications. See the section below on how to file a statement of concern for filing dates.
Description of the Applications
Fort Hills has applied under the OSCA, EPEA and WA to change the Fort Hills mine and tailings plans between 2025 and 2029. The changes include
- expansion of the South Dedicated Disposal Area to create above ground tailings storage containment;
- construction of new in-pit and ex-pit dumps and an extension to the east Out of Pit Tailings Area (OPTA East);
- relocation a process affected water pond;
- updates to mine pit crests and the integrated mine / tailings plan; and
- decommissioning of 3 outfall locations.
The project is located about 90 kilometres north of Fort McMurray, Alberta, in Townships 96, 97, and 98 ; Ranges 09, 10 and 11; West of the 4th Meridian.
For a copy of the applications, contact
Suncor Energy Operating Inc.
150- 6th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB T2P 3E3
Attention: Zulfiqar Ali, Specialist Fort Hills Regulatory Affairs Advisor
Telephone: 403-296-7505
E-mail: zali@suncor.com
To view the applications and supporting documents, use the Integrated Application Registry query tool and OneStop query tool available under Systems & Tools on the AER website. To receive a copy of the application and supporting documents, submit an information request, as outlined at www1.aer.ca/ProductCatalogue/ordering.html, to
AER Information Distribution Services
Suite 1000, 250 – 5 Street SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0R4
Telephone: 1-855-297-8311 (toll free; option 0)
Fax: 403-297-7040
Email: InformationRequest@aer.ca
Refer to this notice when requesting information for a faster response.
Requirement to File a Statement of Concern
If you have concerns with these applications, you must file a statement of concern as described below. If you do not file a statement of concern, the AER may approve the applications without further notification.
How to File a Statement of Concern
For your submission to be considered a valid statement of concern, it must be filed by 11:59 p.m. on March 11, 2025. Send one copy of your statement of concern to Suncor Energy Operating Inc. at the name and address above and one copy either online via the AER’s web-based form or by mail or email:
Mail or email:
Regulatory Applications
Alberta Energy Regulator
Suite 1000, 250 – 5 Street SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0R4
Fax: 403-297-7336
Email: SOC@aer.ca
Contents of a Statement of Concern
For your submission to be considered a valid statement of concern, it must include
a) why you believe that you may be directly and adversely affected by a decision of the AER on the applications;
b) the nature of your objection to the applications;
c) the outcome of the applications that you advocate;
d) the location of your land, residence, or activity in relation to the location of the energy resource activity that is the subject of the applications; and
e) your contact information, including your name, address in Alberta, telephone number, and email address or, if you do not have an email address, your fax number.
The AER also requests that you include the application number in your statement of concern.
Confidentiality
Section 49 of the Alberta Energy Regulator Rules of Practice (Rules of Practice) requires that all documents and information filed in a proceeding be placed on the public record. If you file a submission, you must not include any personal information that you do not want to appear on or are not authorized to put on the public record. Section 49(2) of the Rules of Practice states how to apply to the AER for an order to keep information confidential. The Rules of Practice is available on the AER website at www.aer.ca.
Jurisdiction
Submissions relating exclusively to compensation for land use are not dealt with by the AER and should be referred to the Land and Property Rights Tribunal (formerly the Surface Rights Board).
Under section 21 of the Responsible Energy Development Act, the AER does not have the jurisdiction to assess the adequacy of Crown consultation associated with the rights of aboriginal peoples as recognized and affirmed under the Constitution Act, 1982.
For information on AER procedures, contact the regulatory applications specialist, Rod Godwaldt, by phone at 403-355-5133 or by email to rod.godwaldt@aer.ca.
Issued at Calgary, Alberta, on February 11, 2025.
ALBERTA ENERGY REGULATOR
