OLDS, Alta. — Many confrontations with energy companies could be avoided if people were told in advance about work that is planned for a community.
“We want them to do more than leave a letter or a package on your doorstep,” said Tracey McCrimmon, executive director of the Sundre Petroleum Operators Group.
SPOG has been working with landowners, municipalities and 26 energy companies in west-central Alberta for 25 years to keep lines of communication open before conflicts turn ugly.
Past incidents have taught it that companies and individuals must talk.
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“We asked the companies to open up the lines of communication more and make sure all the neighbouring operators are aware of what they are doing,” she said.
“The one thing people call over an issue, whether it is traffic or water or water wells, if you peel back the layers, it is one common denominator only and that is consultation and communication,” she said.
“The issue could wear 100 different hats, but it always comes back to the communication.”
The organization is developing a best practices document that can help companies work with a community.
It outlines steps such as explaining what the project is, listening to the residents’ concerns, educating residents about the plans and collaborating with communities.
Energy companies are encouraged to use plain language so landowners know what they mean. They also need to provide contacts so residents can call with their concerns.
Residents should be told when a development will start, what will happen and when it will be completed. They also want to know how many companies may be working in their area.
“It is not just one-company operations. It could be 10 or 15 potential companies,” she said.
SPOG also facilitates between companies and the public and can often resolve differences early on.
As well, it can act as a go-between when an incident occurs by connecting the public with the proper authorities.
