Environmental Coalition Launches Suffield Video Days before Hearing

Southern Alberta Group for the EnvironmentFederation of Alberta NaturalistsAlberta Wilderness AssociationNature CanadaGrasslands NaturalistsNature Saskatchewan

Calgary (October 2, 2008) - The high-profile hearing for EnCana's application for a large shallow gas project in the Suffield National Wildlife Area (NWA) will begin in Calgary on Monday, October 6. Today the Suffield Coalition - seven conservation groups opposing the application - launched a three-minute videhighlighting EnCana's poor environmental record in the area and pointing tthe danger tSuffield's rare grassland ecosystem. The video, entitled "Suffield National Wildlife Area - Defending a Grassland Treasure," can be viewed on the Alberta Wilderness Association website (www.AlbertaWilderness.ca).

"Most Canadians will never see this unique landscape or the many species that depend on it. We hope these images will alert people across the country tthe risk of losing it," says Sandra Foss, past-president of the Federation of Alberta Naturalists.

At the hearing, the coalition will speak ta variety of concerns about this project. "Our submission covers a broad range of topics, from the absence of a management plan for Suffield, tthe economic risks, tthe significant environmental impacts of this proposal," says Cliff Wallis of Alberta Wilderness Association.

Anyone can attend the hearing and anyone can present tthe Joint Review Panel, time permitting. The details are as follows:

Calgary

Energy Resources Conservation Board
Govier Hall, 640 - 5th Avenue SW

Formal proceedings

  • October 6 t10, 2008 / 08:30
  • October 14, 2008 / 14:00
  • October 15 t17, 2008 / 08:30
  • October 22 t24, 2008 / 08:30

Informal proceedings

  • October 18, 2008 (Saturday) 09:00 t12:00 & 13:30 t16:30    

Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat Lodge Saamis D Room, 1051 Ross Glen Drive SE

Informal proceedings

  • October 20, 2008 (Monday) 13:00 to 17:00 and 19:00 to 22:00

For more information:

Cliff Wallis, Alberta Wilderness Association: 403-607-1970
Sandra Foss, Federation of Alberta Naturalists: 403-932-2947, [email protected]

The Suffield Coalition comprises seven groups: Alberta Wilderness Association, Federation of Alberta Naturalists, World Wildlife Fund Canada, Nature Saskatchewan, Southern Alberta Group for the Environment, Grasslands Naturalists, and Nature Canada.