Alberta First Nations Raise Concerns Over Carbon Capture and Storage Plans: Seeking Transparency and Environmental Safety

Seven Alberta First Nations have voiced concerns over plans to inject and store greenhouse gases underneath or adjacent to their traditional lands. The Indigenous communities have come forward seeking answers and transparency from both the industry and government over the potential environmental and community impacts of a proposed carbon capture and storage project. At the heart of the matter is a project proposed by Pathways Alliance, aiming to capture carbon dioxide from oilsands facilities and store it underground. The first phase of the project has a budget of $16.5 billion. However, the First Nations have expressed worries due to the lack of reports and data assessing the potential risks associated with carbon storage near their reserve lands. They also question the regulatory process and the potential for leakage, emphasizing their concerns about the impact on their communities and the environment.

First Nations Seek Answers

The group, which includes Heart Lake First Nation, Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Whitefish Lake First Nation, Kehewin Cree Nation, Frog Lake First Nation, Cold Lake First Nations, and Onion Lake Cree Nation, has banded together to seek answers. Pathways Alliance, representing 95 per cent of Alberta’s oilsands production, is in the early stages of consultation with the communities. The proposed plan involves capturing carbon dioxide from oilsands facilities, piping it, and pumping it underground beneath a layer of solid rock salt. The proximity of injection wells to reserves, potential leakage, and the regulatory approval process have all been flagged as areas of concern.

Pore Space Ownership

Adding to the complexity of the issue is the question of pore space ownership, particularly in the context of carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects. The provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba have each taken different approaches to addressing pore space rights. There are clearer regulations in place in British Columbia and Alberta, but Manitoba's legislation regarding pore space ownership is fraught with uncertainty and lack of clarity. Some Indigenous communities argue that pore space rights were never surrendered to the Crown and continue to be the property of the First Nations.

Seismic Activity Concerns

Other concerns have been raised about the potential risks of seismic activity related to carbon capture and storage in Alberta. A Canadian First Nation has already urged Obsidian Energy to address these concerns, emphasizing the potential risks associated with such projects.

Balancing Innovation, Economic Incentives and Community Concerns

Canada's $12 billion carbon capture and storage (CCS) proposal by Pathways Alliance is not only facing challenges from First Nations communities, but also the need for economic incentives. The concern of the First Nations in Alberta revolves around seeking clarity and assurances about how the CCS projects will impact their traditional lands. The sustained availability of economic incentives is crucial for the success of large-scale CCS projects. Political risk and uncertainties also pose challenges for advancing CCS projects. As we navigate towards a sustainable future, it is vital to consider the human element in technological evolution.