ARC Energy AR.xp6March 24 4/2/01 4:44 PM Page 31
ENVIRONMENT
ARC conducts activities in accordance with company policies and environmental guidelines with the objective of protection of the environment. Some of the specific highlights during 2000 were:
Air ARC’s focus on air quality issues continued with registration with Canada’s Climate Change Voluntary Challenge and Registry (VCR) program in which detailed tracking and management of emissions reduction continues to be a priority. Some of the significant accomplishments in reduction of emissions were: ■
ARC installed four vapor recovery units at batteries in Drayton Valley and Sundre which further conserves natural gas at these facilities thereby reducing emissions and flaring.
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Flaring of newly drilled wells was minimized during 2000. Advance planning and installation of pipelines or compression also minimized flaring at Sundre, Caroline, Pembina and Ante Creek.
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ARC eliminated various single well batteries which allowed for additional gas conservation and reduced flaring.
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New compressors are being installed at Jenner to replace existing rental equipment. By optimizing efficiency, 1800 horsepower of compression will be removed which will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Land and Water ARC is pro-actively working to ensure protection of land and water. Policies and procedures were formalized in 2000 to continue its leadership in this area. As part of this process, ARC completed third party reviews of substantially all of its operated assets. In addition, ARC continues to participate in key local groups that provide expertise and training in risk management. Examples of accomplishments during 2000 included: ■
ARC adopted a pro-active approach to ensuring that land is protected. Key examples include upgrading water injection lines to corrosion resistant materials in Pembina and upgrading pipeline materials in Jenner and Sundre.
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ARC continues to complete well abandonments as necessary followed immediately with initiation of surface reclamation.
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Preventing contamination on new developments is a priority. For example, drilling programs have been completed with immediate land farming or removal of sumps. Drilling sumps from previous operators have been remediated in the Jenner area.
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Sensitivity to wildlife habitat is an important consideration. At Ante Creek and Lindale, ARC utilized directional wells to ensure wildlife corridors were not disturbed by roads or drilling leases.
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Risk management efforts continue with participation in oil spill co-operatives and detailed emergency response planning.
C O M M U N I T Y I N V O LV E M E N T
ARC values community participation and encourages employees to volunteer. As evidence of this participation, ARC recently received two awards for its support of the United Way – a platinum award for employee participation and a “Spirit of Gold” award, which recognizes leadership, commitment and exceptional contributions to the annual campaign. As ARC expands its presence in western Canada, ARC continues to provide meaningful employment in local communities. With the opening of two new field offices in 2000 in Medicine Hat and Estevan, ARC now has five field offices in addition to the Calgary head office. ARC supports all of these communities through financial commitments, active volunteer involvement and participation in local initiatives.
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