Environment

Connacher's Approach

In 1987, the Brundtland Report defined sustainability as: "Meeting the needs of the present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs."

Sustainability is an economic, social and ecological concept and it affects every level of organization, from local neighbourhood to the entire globe. At Connacher, we do not take this responsibility lightly.

Land

Keeping a Minimal Footprint

Connacher's steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) production operations allow it to access large subsurface bitumen deposits from only a few strategically placed well pads. Due in large part to the use of state-of-the-art directional drilling and bitumen recovery processes,the natural landscape directly above a bitumen deposit requires little-to-no permanent disturbance in order to extract the resource. Those land areas that are disturbed are done so while adhering to the philosophy of minimal disturbance and timely reclamation. Connacher's facilities are compact in size and efficient in design, thereby minimizing the amount of land disturbance necessary to accommodate them.

Water

Using and Reusing Water Responsibly

In accordance with applicable regulations,Connacher is required to recycle at least 90% of the water used for its bitumen extraction process, with the balance being comprised of make-up water.Connacher's in-situ production process uses non-potable make-up water, which is derived from a deep, subsurface aquifer and is unsuitable for drinking or irrigation.

Connacher's production process draws no water from any rivers, lakes, or streams,nor is any used water ever discharged into these types of water bodies.

Air

Emissions Reduction Through Technology

Air emissions are a reality of bitumen production, as they are with most other viable forms of energy generation. The resource industry has a role to play by embracing new technologies and implementing best-practices that hold promise in achieving meaningful reductions in emissions. Connacher too has a role to play. Through its 13.1 megawatt natural gas-powered co-generation facility, the installation of highly-efficient electric submersible pumps, and its solvent coinjection process, Connacher continues to press forward with initiatives that result in a more efficient bitumen extraction process. The more efficient the process becomes, the less energy is required in order to extract the bitumen – and that results in lower emissions.

Wildlife

Supporting and Monitoring Wildlife

Connacher believes that the development of bitumen resources should not occur at the expense of the wildlife populations that inhabit its operating area. Connacher continues to rely on its Wildlife Monitoring Program as a critical means by which to assess wildlife population, movement, activity and condition within its project area. Through the use of tools such as motion-activated wildlife cameras, winter track surveys, wildlife sighting cards and vehicular traffic monitors, a constant stream of valuable data is collected from within Connacher’s project area. The data undergoes a comprehensive evaluation by professional wildlife biologists and is then correlated to Connacher’s production and exploration activities within the project area in order to better understand wildlife responses to them. Key findings are then used to influence future operating and development strategies.