section g – public engagement · announce availability of the ptor and hold project open house in...

Section G – Public Engagement

Coalspur – Vista Project Section G – Public Engagement

April 2012 Page G-i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

G PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT .............................................................................................................. G1

G.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... G1 G.1.1 Purpose of this Report ........................................................................................................ G1

G.1.2 Public Engagement ............................................................................................................ G1

G.1.3 Decision Statement ............................................................................................................ G5

G.2 THE NEED FOR PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ............................................................................ G5 G.2.1 Public Engagement Objectives .......................................................................................... G5

G.2.2 Public Engagement Principles ........................................................................................... G6

G.2.3 Scope of Public Engagement ............................................................................................. G6

G.2.4 Use of Public Engagement Results .................................................................................... G7

G.3 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT METHODS .................................................................................... G7 G.3.1 Establishment of a Stakeholder Contact List ..................................................................... G7

G.3.2 Bi-monthly Reporting of Contacts, Commitments and Follow-up .................................... G8

G.3.3 Initial Contact and Orientation with Key Stakeholders ..................................................... G8

G.3.4 Access to Project Staff ....................................................................................................... G8

G.3.5 Newsletters ......................................................................................................................... G9

G.3.6 Open Houses .................................................................................................................... G10

G.4 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT RESULTS .................................................................................... G25 G.4.1 Mine Planning, Mine Access and Facility Location ........................................................ G26

G.4.2 Air Quality, Noise and Views from Hinton ..................................................................... G27

G.4.3 Wildlife and Fisheries ...................................................................................................... G27

G.4.4 Water Management and Effects on Water Quality and Quantity ..................................... G27

G.4.5 Employment and Contracting Opportunities ................................................................... G27

G.4.6 Social and Recreational Effects ....................................................................................... G27

G.4.7 Land Reclamation Plans ................................................................................................... G28

G.4.8 Historic Values and Resources ........................................................................................ G28

G.4.9 Public Engagement and Aboriginal Consultation ............................................................ G28

G.5 ONGOING PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ................................................................................... G28 G.5.1 Meetings with Interested People and Groups ................................................................... G28

G.5.2 Ongoing Discussion ......................................................................................................... G29


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List of Tables

Table G.1.2.1 Vista Coal Project – Components of Public Engagement Program ............................ G2 Table G.3.6.1 Support for 1st Open House – Resource People ........................................................ G14 Table G.3.6.2 Participant Learning at 1st Open House .................................................................... G15 Table G.3.6.3 Potential Areas of Concern at 1st Open House ......................................................... G15 Table G.3.6.4 Support for 2nd Open House – Resource People ....................................................... G18 Table G.3.6.5 Participant Learning at 2nd Open House ................................................................... G19 Table G.3.6.6 Potential Areas of Concern at 2nd Open House ......................................................... G20 Table G.3.6.7 Support for 3rd Open House – Resource People ....................................................... G23 Table G.3.6.8 Participant Learning at 3rd Open House .................................................................... G24 Table G.3.6.9 Potential Areas of Concern at 3rd Open House ......................................................... G25 Table G.4.0.1 Public Engagement Methods/Interests, Needs and Concerns Identified .................. G26


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G PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

G.1 INTRODUCTION

G.1.1 Purpose of this Report

The Final Terms of Reference Environmental Impact Assessment Report for Coalspur Mines Ltd. Proposed Vista Coal Mine Project (EIA ToR) identifies the following requirements that must be met in a public engagement program:

• Describe the concerns and issues expressed by the public and the actions taken to address those concerns and issues, including how public input was incorporated into the Project development, impact mitigation and monitoring.

• Describe plans to maintain the public engagement and Aboriginal consultation processes following completion of the EIA report to ensure that the public and Aboriginal peoples will have an appropriate forum for expressing their views on the ongoing development, operation and reclamation of the Project.

Consistent with the EIA ToR, this report addresses the Project in terms of:

• The need for public engagement,

• Public engagement methods,

• Public engagement results, and

• Ongoing public engagement.

G.1.2 Public Engagement

The public and stakeholder engagement program was guided by the Public Engagement Proposal For A Strategy, Plan and Program for the Project. This plan, strategy and program, endorsed in January 2011, guided the timing, activities and detailed planning throughout the Project application process. A copy is included as Appendix 5.1.

The components of the public engagement program for the Project are summarized in Table G.1.2.1 and include the schedule, purpose, objectives, and activities and products for each component.


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Table G.1.2.1 Vista Coal Project – Components of Public Engagement Program

Schedule and Purpose Objectives, Activities and Products

Component: Planning, design and program development

September/October 2010

Purpose: Establish the “game plan” for public engagement throughout the Project application process.

Objectives • Establish an acceptable, corporately endorsed approach to public

engagement. • Develop and implement an approach to notify key stakeholders of the

proposed Project application. Activities and Products • Confirm and discuss approach with Project leader and consulting team

project manager. • Prepare public engagement objectives, principles and scope. • Confirm the decision statement to guide the use of results. • Confirm company’s public engagement program commitments. • Develop/confirm a Project stakeholder list (ongoing). • Make initial contact with key stakeholders. • Discuss role of Project office staff in Hinton, Alberta. • Develop an online contact record for interests, needs and issues

identified during the public engagement program.

Component: Contact and begin arrangements for consultation and undertake field visits with First Nations and other Aboriginal communities

September 2010 and ongoing

Purpose: Ensure that traditional land use requirements are studied, accounted for and mitigated in Project planning and development.

Aboriginal consultation program results are reported separately from the public engagement program.

Based on discussions with Alberta Environment and Water, confirmation of Aboriginal communities anticipated to have interests in the Project proposal, contact was made with: • Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, • Mountain Cree Camp, members of Ermineskin First Nation, • Ermineskin First Nation, • Aseniwuche Winewak Nation, • Nakcowinewak Nation of Canada, • Foothills Ojibway Society, and • Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 4

Component: Notification, awareness, identification and confirmation of issues

October/November/December 2010 ongoing

Purpose: Provide Project proposal information to and collect information from the public and stakeholders to incorporate into the Project decision process.

Objectives • Identify key community and public interest groups and individuals. • Encourage participation of community and public groups and individuals

who may have an interest in the Project. • Provide adequate information for people/stakeholders to learn about the

Project and weigh the advantages and disadvantages. • Identify and understand the mine development concerns and issues of

various stakeholders/communities of interest. • Obtain information from the public and stakeholders that will assist in

Project decision-making. Activities and Products • Two Open houses - Hinton, Alberta - November 30 and December 1,

2010. • Prepare, review and address open house results in Project plans.


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• Provide follow-up with open house participants as requested.

Component: Ongoing public engagement and Issue Resolution

January 2011 to February 2012

Purpose: Prepare Project options for detailed consideration and discussion with people and stakeholders who indicate an interest in contributing to the Project plan and design as it evolves.

Objectives • Ensure public concerns are addressed. • Ensure public engagement needs identified in the EIA Terms of

Reference (TOR) are addressed throughout the EIA data collection and reporting process.

• Continue to establish methods to actively engage the public stakeholder communities of interest as more detailed Project proposals and descriptions are developed.

• Enhance public understanding of the proposed Project, foster support as a result of a credible and consistent public engagement process (including making and keeping commitments).

• Obtain information from the public and stakeholders that will assist in Project decision- making.

Activities and Products • Coordination for follow-up, meetings, record keeping,

compiling/reporting results. • Publicly advertise the availability and provide the proposed EIA Terms

of Reference (PTOR) and Public Disclosure Document – documents were available either electronically or through direct mail to all of the people on the public/ stakeholder contact list with multiple copies provided to First Nation and Aboriginal contacts.

• Comments were requested to assist in finalizing the PTOR. • Prepare and distribute Project newsletter to update Project plans;

announce availability of the PTOR and hold Project open house in Hinton, Alberta November 29, 2011 and provide weekly open house opportunities during the month of December 2011.

• Begin engagement with Hinton Fish and Game Club – January 2012 and ongoing.

• Meet with stakeholders to discuss and resolve specific interests, needs and concerns (e.g., trappers, oil and gas and forestry interests) – ongoing.

• Prepare, review and address open house results in Project plans. • Provide follow-up with open house participants as requested.

Component: Prepare public engagement report and continue public engagement during Project application review

January to March 2012 with public engagement continuing

Purpose: Draft and finalize the public engagement report component of the EIA report with ongoing public and stakeholder engagement during and following

Objectives • Ensure public needs and issues identified are responded to by Project

representatives. • Ensure the public engagement needs identified in the EIA Terms of

Reference are addressed throughout the EIA data collection and reporting process.

• Enhance public understanding of the Project proposal, foster support as a result of a credible and consistent public engagement process; including


April 2012 Page G-4



application review. a record of making and keeping Project related commitments. • Continue to inform and engage with the public and stakeholders to assist

in Project decision-making. Activities and Products • Prepare a comprehensive report of the public engagement process,

program, methods used, results collected and used in Project decision-making.

• Continue to work with the stakeholders to address detailed requirements for Project planning (e.g., Yellowhead County, Hinton Fish and Game Club, CN Rail, residents of Carldale – Pedley area).

• Continue to work with other land and resource users (e.g., oil and gas and forest industry, trappers) to address any outstanding interests, needs or issues that have been identified during the public engagement and Aboriginal consultation programs.

• Factor interests, needs and issues identified during the public engagement and Aboriginal consultation programs into EIA report preparation.

• Continue to receive, record and respond to comments, questions and information requests concerning the Project.


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G.1.3 Decision Statement

Public engagement results have been used in decision-making, design and development planning for the Project. The purpose was to ensure the Project application reflects the comments, questions and interests identified during the public engagement process and program. Project representatives adopted the following decision statement to reinforce the use of information and data collected during the public engagement program:

Coalspur Mines Project managers will decide on the methods, infrastructure and development strategies for mine development that will enable the orderly mining of coal in an economically viable, environmentally sound and socially responsible manner in the vicinity of Hinton, Alberta.

Where issues, needs or interests are identified, the extent of land use activities or cultural sites will be detailed so that specific locations can either be avoided or have alternative plans developed to minimize or mitigate mining disturbance.

G.2 THE NEED FOR PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT Project leaders believe public and stakeholder engagement was and continues to be needed to:

• Ensure Coalspur’s corporate commitment to public engagement is met.

• Meet the regulatory approval process for the mine application.

• Be a good corporate neighbour by being proactive in providing Project information and public participation opportunities for the purpose of building trust and good working relationships with the public and stakeholders.

• Identify public and stakeholder interests, needs, issues and opportunities for the purpose of addressing Project requirements as part of the mine application process.

• Gain the benefit of public and stakeholder comment to ensure a more complete and responsive mine application.

G.2.1 Public Engagement Objectives

Project leaders have established the following objectives to guide the public engagement program:

• Establish a public engagement program within the overall application, work scheduling and budget.

• Identify key community and interest groups and people who may be directly affected by mine development and encourage their involvement.

• Provide adequate information for people to learn about the Project and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of its development.

• Obtain information from the public to assist in Project planning and design proposals and decision-making.

• Identify and understand the interests, needs and concerns of stakeholders and the public and ensure they are addressed.

• Enhance public understanding of the Project and foster support through a credible and consistent engagement process.

• Deliver the commitments made during the public engagement program in a timely manner.


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G.2.2 Public Engagement Principles

The following public and stakeholder engagement principles were agreed to and used to guide planning, design, delivery and reporting of the public engagement program:

• The integrity of the regulatory process will be preserved.

• During the Project application process, anyone who is interested will be engaged in ongoing, open and mutually respectful dialogue.

• Decisions that may affect the public and stakeholders will be clearly identified and explained.

• Public participants will be provided with opportunities to view, learn, question and understand proposed development and operating practices for the Project.

• Access will be provided to Project representatives so that information is provided and issues, needs and interests are discussed fully and accurately.

• A flexible, convenient and efficient public and stakeholder engagement program will be planned that is open, fair and responsive to all participants with clearly outlined Project objectives and timelines.

• Provide meaningful public engagement opportunities that are advertised, documented, and linked to the Project decision-making processes.

• Adhere to Project and application time requirements to the extent possible.

• There will be no disagreements based on a lack of understanding of the Project proposals.

G.2.3 Scope of Public Engagement

A range of community, stakeholder and public interests were identified to be encouraged to participate in the public and stakeholder engagement process and program. Broadly, the interests identified included but were not limited to (in no particular order):

• First Nations and Métis communities and organizations declared to have a traditional use interest in the area;

Note: A separate Aboriginal consultation program was planned and delivered to address the unique requirements of Aboriginal communities and people.

• residents and organizations in the town of Hinton and surrounding areas of Yellowhead County;

• environment and health non-governmental organizations;

• Provincial government;

• Federal government;

• Municipal governments;

• businesses;

• resource rights holders including identified industry operators, trappers guides and outfitters in the region;

• people with an interest in the area based on their historical patterns of use;

• recreation users; and

• Coalspur employees.

Wherever possible, local and regional representatives or organizations will be the first point of contact for engagement.


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G.2.4 Use of Public Engagement Results

Public response was used to assist in identifying and selecting optional methods, infrastructure and development strategies for the Project.

Project representatives’ intentions are to use appropriate, successful methods to maintain public engagement and Aboriginal consultation during the Project application process and for the operating life of the Project if approval is granted.

G.3 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT METHODS

A number of public and stakeholder engagement methods were identified during the planning for the public engagement program and implemented successfully. A number of the methods will continue to be actively used to ensure that additional, valuable information and data are collected from public, stakeholder and Aboriginal interests while the Project application is under review and, should the Project be approved, continue for the life of the Project. Public engagement methods are described below.

G.3.1 Establishment of a Stakeholder Contact List

A list of contacts was developed, reviewed and updated with Project managers. This contact list was used as the basis for communicating with and involving a range of stakeholder interests as part of the public engagement program. The list was initially developed using known stakeholder interests:

• representatives of governments (federal, provincial, municipal);

• First Nations and other Aboriginal community representatives known to have a traditional use interest in the area;

Note: A separate Aboriginal consultation program was planned and delivered to address the unique requirements of Aboriginal communities and people.

• regional health representatives;

• non-government organizations;

• forestry, oil and gas industry operators in the region who may have an interest;

• public land and resource rights holders; and

• organized outdoor recreational interests.

The Town of Hinton and regional residential property owners who expressed an interest in the Project were added to the contact list. Their contact information was gathered from three open house opportunities held in Hinton, Alberta in the Autumn of 2010, Spring of 2011 and Autumn of 2011. The contact list was also updated through requests from direct contact with Project representatives based in Hinton, Alberta.

The contact list continues to be dynamic; people who learn about the Project as it progresses and wish to be informed as it evolves are being added to the contact list as they make their interest known. All of the information collected for people on the contact list will only be used in conjunction with the Project, consistent with Alberta’s freedom of information and protection of privacy legislation.

As at February 1, 2012 the public and stakeholder list included over 500 contacts including the following interests:

• elected officials, regulatory representatives and administrative managers;

• aboriginal – First Nation and Métis communities and organizations;


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• government Federal;

• government Provincial;

• government Municipal;

• business (including forestry, oil and gas, potential contractors and suppliers);

• trappers, guides and outfitters;

• non-government organizations;

• Town of Hinton and area residents; and

• project team members.

G.3.2 Bi-monthly Reporting of Contacts, Commitments and Follow-up

Bi-monthly reporting of public and stakeholder contacts, commitments and follow-up requirements or actions have been provided to Project managers for their review, verification and action. “Rolling reports” that began in November 2010 included all public and stakeholder contacts made and the resulting engagement and consultation activities completed and responded to. The record was kept using an on-line format for record-keeping and follow-up (the form is included in Appendix 5) that allowed contacts to be easily recorded and described.

Note: A separate contact record was kept during the Aboriginal consultation component for the Project. Alberta Environment and Water (AEW) required that the contacts, commitments and follow-up made with Aboriginal governments and communities be reported at least bi-monthly.

G.3.3 Initial Contact and Orientation with Key Stakeholders

Project representatives undertook a thorough and comprehensive initiative to contact and orient key stakeholders early in the Project application process. This initiative to begin stakeholder engagement was seen be helpful to the success of the public engagement program, the regulatory review process, subsequent documentation and reporting - either through their knowledge and endorsement of the approach or through the need to support the engagement program through their participation. The key stakeholder interests included:

• Member of the Legislative Assembly;

• Yellowhead County Council and administrators;

• Hinton Town Council and administrators;

• nearby Hinton and other area residents;

• potentially affected Aboriginal communities and groups;

• Hinton Fish and Game Association;

• oil, gas, forestry and coal companies operating in the region; and

• executive managers of Alberta Ministries of Environment and Water, Energy, Sustainable Resource Development and Transportation.

As interest groups are identified, Project leaders continue to engage them to ensure any interests, needs or concerns are identified and mitigated where possible.

G.3.4 Access to Project Staff

Location of the Project office in Hinton allowed Project staff to work on Project planning and also encourage interested people to visit and learn about the Project. The Project office is an important asset in the public engagement program as it supports participation and formal data collection.


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The Project office has been able to:

• show that Coalspur wishes to ensure there is a long-term, responsive and positive relationship established with the community, area residents and land users through access to timely information and responses to their interests, needs or concerns related to the proposed Project;

• demonstrate Project representatives’ interest in ensuring that the company is supporting active engagement of residents at the community level;

• provide a community location where residents of Hinton and surrounding area can conveniently go to obtain or provide information on the mine application and EIA information;

• provide opportunities for residents to submit their ongoing comments related to interests, concerns and potential needs related to the Project and in particular, active mining; and

• allow Project representatives to quickly and efficiently respond to any urgent or immediate issues or needs that may be identified.

G.3.5 Newsletters

Project newsletters were prepared and distributed to provide background, updates and responses to the interests, needs and issues that emerged from public and stakeholder engagement. The newsletters were intended to create awareness and participation in the Project’s engagement program.

1st Newsletter – May 2011

The first newsletter was prepared for distribution in May 2011. The contact list had been updated from the first open house events held on November 30 and December 1, 2010 in Hinton and totalled approximately 450 contacts. The newsletter was distributed to the contact list based on people’s preferences in receiving either electronic or hard copy versions by mail.

The newsletter provided:

• an overview of Coalspur as the Project proponent; • community comments and company responses from the November 30 and December 1, 2010

open house; • an overview of the public engagement and Aboriginal consultation program; • an update on current Project activities; • Hinton office Project personnel updates; • job opportunities with the Project; • ongoing information and communication opportunities including contacts and information for

follow-up; and • an invitation to an open house to occur in the spring of 2011.

Additional newsletter information was made available through a newspaper insert in the Hinton and Edson weekly papers and at an open house on June 14 and 15, 2011 in Hinton, Alberta. A copy of the May 2011 Project newsletter is included in Appendix 5.

2nd Newsletter – November 2011

A second newsletter was prepared and distributed to over 500 names on the Project contact list by electronic and surface mail.

The second newsletter provided a comprehensive update on the Project based on both detailed design and planning decisions that had been made and influenced by the comments received through the


April 2012 Page G-10

public and stakeholder engagement program and consultation with Aboriginal community leaders and traditional land use study representatives.

This eight page newsletter included a detailed summary of the June 2011 open house results, including specific responses to the range of themed interests, needs and issues raised by participants. The second newsletter was designed to be a focused reference for people who wished to be engaged in the next more detailed review of the Project. Accordingly, information was provided to help people understand the Project as proposed and company activities as it established itself in the community. Along with the open house summary from June 2011, the following information was provided:

• Coalspur Mines Ltd. description - Similarly to the first Project newsletter, an overview of the company behind the Project introduced the newsletter.

• Status of the Project approval process - The approval of the transfer of the 1983 mine permit approval by the ERCB was noted, along with Alberta Environment and Water’s requirements for the regulatory reporting and review process.

• Project activities and anticipated timing - An overview of the status of the Project, decisions on facility development in particular the coal preparation plant, the mine access corridor, coal conveyor, coal storage and rail loadout locations, coal exploration activities, status of commercial agreement for coal transportation to markets and the projected Project application review and approval schedule. Information was provided on the availability of the proposed terms of reference for an environmental impact assessment, the opportunity for public comment and how copies could be obtained.

• Coalspur in the community - Information on all of the Project staff in Hinton, a summary of their experience and the role they play in the Project. Also, a summary of the stakeholder groups that were engaged by Hinton Project staff was included.

• Ongoing information and communication - Project representatives’ contact information was provided for anyone who wished to follow-up directly with staff in the Hinton office. People were encouraged to attend an open house on November 29, 2011 in Hinton and weekly opportunities (on Tuesday afternoons in December) to drop-in at the Project office in Hinton.

• Job opportunities - Since there had been inquiries at the previous open house about availability of job opportunities, the newsletter included information on where to get additional information on the status and availability of Project staff positions should they become available.

A copy of the second newsletter is included in Appendix 5.

G.3.6 Open Houses

Three sets of public engagement open houses have been held. Four hundred and forty-four (444) visits were recorded from them. Exit surveys were completed with a sample of participants at each open house and indicated that a majority of those attending felt they were given an opportunity to learn about, be engaged in discussions about the Project and observes their comments being actively recorded.

The open houses provided an opportunity to inform people and gather comments on what people felt had to be addressed as part of the Project environmental assessment, application preparation and subsequent mine development. Open house events were consistently supported through:

• attendance of Project managers and leaders to help provide context and explain the Project;

• poster boards providing Project information to assist people in learning through words, pictures and graphics;



• methods to actively and obviously collect comments from participants;

• a method to collect and follow-up with specific interests, needs or concerns that may emerge; and

• an exit survey of participants to evaluate the event in terms of applicability of information, participation of Project managers and leaders, any recommended improvements for future similar events and, generally, the success in achieving open house objectives.

Each open house took place in the late afternoon and early evening. Three open house events were held in Hinton targeted primarily to residents in the Town of Hinton and rural residential communities that may be proximate to the proposed Vista Coal Project location. The third open house event held on November 29, 2011 was followed up with drop-in opportunities at the Hinton Project office, planned for once a week on Tuesday afternoons during the month of December 2011.

Planning for open houses was supported by an open house plan that guided the process, identified required participant orientation materials, presentation information (poster boards and graphics) and staff resourcing requirements.

Products from each open house included:

• a summary report of open house events including interests, needs and issues identified;

• preparation of any correspondence regarding public engagement updates as required by regulatory agencies (e.g., Alberta Environment and Water);

• drafting, Project leader approval and production of a report to address comments and questions raised by participants; and

• development of a list of interests, issues and needs and how Project representatives anticipated addressing them in the mine application and during mine development. This information was also used to inform and direct the Project consulting team in their data collection and the development of any required mitigation recommendations.

Project staff and consultants encouraged open house participants to view detailed map and Project information and to identify and discuss any interests, needs or issues they might have. A number of methods were used to capture this information from participants so that the information gathered was addressed in the Project application and that any requested follow-up was completed.

During their one-on-one conversations with participants, Project staff and consultants actively solicited and recorded comments either on flip charts posted at each information station or on a contact record form (used particularly when contact information was provided by the open house participant, usually for the purposes of follow-up).

In addition, exit surveys were completed with a sample of the participants who attended each open house. The survey was used to monitor whether or not the open house met participants’ needs for information and provided an additional opportunity for them to comment on or identify any additional outstanding interests, needs or issues.

1st Open House – November 30 and December 1, 2010

Coalspur conducted the first open house for the Vista Coal Project in Hinton, Alberta on November 30 and December 1, 2010. Following is a description of this open house, including purpose, approach (notification, attendance, format and data collection) and results.

224 community members attended the event. Project representatives and consultants collected comments about needs, interests and concerns to be considered in the Project application. Many



participants expressed support for the Project. A majority of those who completed exit surveys indicated their learning and participation needs were met.

Purpose: The open house was intended to:

• Provide a formal, documented opportunity for mutual learning, comment, response and methods for ongoing contact related to the Vista Coal Project.

• Build the profile of Coalspur and links to the community by putting a “face” on the company, including opportunities for ongoing contact with Coalspur representatives by encouraging people to speak directly with them one-on-one and to arrange any follow-up contact as required.

• Provide an opportunity for people to learn about the Vista Coal Project, its feasibility assessment, description, location, technical requirements, mine access requirements, regulatory approval process and anticipated schedule so they can provide informed comments.

• Present, verify and expand (as required) the issues, needs and interests that have been identified during the meetings or office visits Project staff have participated in. This includes the objectives and future intentions related to exploration activity in the Vista South area.

• Continue to identify people’s interests, issues, needs and questions related to the proposed Project that must be addressed as part of the regulatory application process.

• Provide information on the regulatory decision process and how information collected during the public engagement and Aboriginal consultation programs will be used in Project application preparation.

• Provide Project contact information for follow-up opportunities.

Notification: Community members were made aware of the open houses using two methods:

• Advertisements were placed in two local weekly newspapers (Hinton Parklander and Hinton Voice) for the weeks beginning November 18 and November 25, 2010 (two placements each).

• Twenty-four (24), 30-second announcements were broadcast over two days (November 29 and 30) on a local radio station, 97.5 FM.

As well, local industry and government stakeholders were invited to a lunch meeting on November 30, for a special presentation by Coalspur’s Managing Director and CEO.

Attendance: People who attended were greeted as they arrived and asked to sign in before they participated. It was explained that the purpose of collecting personal information was to prepare a Project contact list to provide Vista Coal Project updates to those people who were interested. It was also noted that all of the personal information would be managed and used as required by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Those people who did not wish to provide their personal information were counted as well. Following sign-in, people were provided with a brief orientation to the information available and asked if there were any specific areas of interest, need or concern that they wished to begin with.

A total of 224 community members attended the open house held in Hinton on November 30 (127 participants) and December 1 (97 participants). The following interests were represented among those who attended:

• area residents/property and rights owners; • business owners or operators; • recreational users;



• Provincial Government administrators; • forest industry; • oil and gas industry; • First Nations; • trappers and outfitters; and • non-government and community organizations.

In addition, seven local industry and government stakeholder representatives attended a lunch meeting and presentation on November 30, 2010.

Event Format: At each open house, poster boards at six stations provided participants with brief, focused information points. Project representatives and consultants were available at each station to provide detailed information and answer questions. A separate area with tables and chairs was available for participants to meet one-on-one with Project representatives. The six stations and the information provided at each included:

Welcome and Orientation - Community members were greeted, welcomed and oriented to the open house format. They were guided to Project staff and consultants who were best able to discuss and respond to specific questions or comments.

Corporate Information and Background - Participants learned about Coalspur’s corporate philosophy and approach, the current Vista Coal Project, and had the opportunity to meet company and Project leaders at this station.

Project Economic and Market Feasibility - Participants were given information about the economic assessment for the Project, including recent market information about coal mining.

Proposed Mine site Geographic Information and Maps - Project geologists were available at this station to review maps of the proposed mine facilities locations, and to discuss the results of geological studies in the mine permit area.

Preliminary Project Schedule, Aboriginal Consultation, and Public Engagement - Information was provided about the schedule of the current and subsequent applications required by the regulatory decision-making process. This included plans for Aboriginal consultation and public engagement.

Potential Employment Opportunities - The last station provided information about potential employment opportunities at the mine. A Project representative was available to accept resumes.

The open house events were actively supported by Project staff and application consulting team members as noted in Table G.3.6.1.



Table G.3.6.1 Support for 1st Open House – Resource People

Eugene Wusaty Coalspur Mines Managing Director and CEO

Dermot Lane Coalspur Mines Vice-President, Development

Denis Lehoux Coalspur Mines Vice-President, Operations

David Leslie Coalspur Mines Vice-President, Technical Services

Gordon Mudryk Coalspur Mines Manager, Coal Processing & Logistics

John Innis Coalspur Mines Chief Geologist

Dana Pellerin Coalspur Mines Geologist

Mona Rockwell Coalspur Mines Office Administrator, Hinton, Alberta

Dan Meyer Lifeways of Canada Limited Archaeological Consultant

Dane McCoy Millennium EMS Solutions Ltd. Environmental Consultant

Jim Gendron LTG Consulting Public Engagement Program

Melanie Moore LTG Consulting Public Engagement Program

Community Needs, Interests and Concerns: Participants provided 290 comments describing their needs, interests or concerns about the proposed Project. Six major themes emerged for which 25 or more comments were provided:

• support for the Project (36 comments); • potential air quality and nuisance effects of the Project (77 comments); • mine planning and facilities location (48 comments); • recreation access and use (31 comments); • effects on water quality and quantity (32 comments); and • potential economic and social effects on the town of Hinton (28 comments).

In addition to these six main themes, participants provided comments about:

• reclamation and end land use plans (12 comments); • public engagement approach (7 comments); • effect on trappers (6 comments), effect on wildlife (5 comments); • effect on fisheries (4 comments); • aboriginal consultation (4 comments); and • historical resources preservation (4 comments).

Detailed comments, questions and Project responses are included in Appendix 5.

Exit Survey: Sixty-four (64) exit surveys were completed. The first section of the survey explored whether or not the open house met participants’ learning needs. The results are described Table G.3.6.2.



Table G.3.6.2 Participant Learning at 1st Open House

N %Yes

Did you get the information you needed? 51 80

Was the event helpful? 61 95

Were the materials provided easy to understand and use? 59 92

Were staff helpful in explaining the materials so you could respond? 60 94

Were your questions answered fully? 51 80

Did you comment on those areas of greatest interest/need/concern to you? 57 89

Did staff listen and record your comments? 58 91 N = the number of respondents. Percentages may not be exact due to rounding.

Twenty-five (25) comments were provided about the open house. Several participants (6 comments) were positive about the opportunity to learn about the proposed Project.

“Very fun, relaxed and informative. Thank you. Go long!”

“Continue all public involvement events in the same manner. Having the staff available (in numbers) was excellent and all were great to discuss issues with.”

Other themes for which two or more people commented included the need for handouts (5 comments), the need for more detailed information (4 comments), more maps (2 comments), schedule open houses at major milestones (2 comments), have more visuals (2 comments).

The second section of the exit survey asked respondents to review a list of concerns or interests and to indicate which were important to them.

The percentage of respondents who indicated concern is presented in Table G.3.6.3 (in descending order).

Table G.3.6.3 Potential Areas of Concern at 1st Open House

Potential Area of Concern Number who Indicated Concern

Groundwater quality 45

Residential property effects 44

Human health 40

Surface water quality 37

Wildlife and fisheries 37

Surface water quantity 36

Reclamation 35

Groundwater quantity 34

Recreation access 28

Industrial and mine related traffic volumes and safety 27

Protection of historical resources 23

Public safety 23

Public engagement process/ events/opportunities 15



The concerns or interests noted by 50% or more of the respondents included: groundwater quality (70%), residential property effects (69%), human health (62%), surface water quality and quantity (58%), wildlife and fisheries (58%), reclamation and return of mined lands to public use (55%) and groundwater quantity (53%).

Follow-up: Notices were placed in two local newspapers thanking people for their attendance and participation in the open house.

Fifteen (15) respondents indicated they would like a Project representative to follow-up with further information. Specific topics for follow-up were noted as:

• detailed map requests (5); • employment or contracting opportunities (2); • mountain bike trails access and protection; • effect on Seabolt Estates; • selenium or water concerns (2); • visual aesthetics/effect; • reclamation and end land use plans; • follow-up on wildlife movements and environmental effects; • social/health planning; and • information on AltaLink project relationship.

2nd Open House – June 14 and 15, 2011

Coalspur hosted a second Project open house in Hinton, Alberta on June 14 and 15, 2011. Following is a description of the event, including its purpose, approach (notification, attendance, format and data collection) and results.

A total of 144 people attended the open house. Project representatives and consultants collected comments about needs, interests and concerns to be considered in the Project application. Many participants expressed support for the Project. The results indicated that a majority of exit survey respondents found that the open house met their learning and engagement needs.

Purpose: The focus of the second open house was on information exchange, mutual learning and solicitation of comments from Project stakeholders and the public related to the Project using updated information and proposals for mine development. Specifically, the open house in June 2011 was designed to:

• Continue to provide a formal, documented opportunity for mutual learning, comment, response and methods for ongoing contact related to the Vista Coal Project.

• Build the profile of Coalspur and links to the community by putting a “face” on the company, including opportunities for ongoing contact with Coalspur representatives by encouraging people to speak directly with them one-on-one and to arrange follow-up contact as required.

• Provide an opportunity for people to learn about the Vista Coal Project, the regulatory approval for the 1983 mine licence, Project feasibility assessment, description, location, technical requirements, mine access requirements, regulatory approval process and anticipated schedule so they can provide informed comments.

• Present, verify and add to the issues, needs and interests identified in the open house held on November 30 and December 1, 2010.



• Expand the focus to include proposals for coal preparation and transportation within the region ensuring that issues, needs and concerns identified at the previous open house are accounted for in planning, design and development proposals.

• Continue to identify people’s interests, issues, needs and questions related to the proposed Vista Coal Project that must be addressed by Coalspur representatives as part of the regulatory application process.

• Provide information on the regulatory decision process and how information collected during the public engagement and Aboriginal Consultation programs will be used in Project application preparation.

Geographic Focus on Infrastructure: While the geographic focus continued to be on the overall Project as proposed, the emphasis for the June 2011 open house was on the infrastructure that supports coal preparation and transportation to market. The planning, design and development of an access corridor, coal preparation plant location, coal conveyor and loadout facilities for coal preparation and transportation to markets represented an amendment to the approved mine permit application for which an environmental impact assessment (EIA) was required by Alberta Environment and Water.

Also, there were a number of interests, needs and concerns identified from the open house in late 2010 that were reported on and accounted for in the proposed Project design and development. These were brought forward at the June 14 and 15, 2011 Project open house.

Notification: Community members were made aware of the open house using three methods:

• Advertisements were placed in two local weekly newspapers the Hinton Voice and the Hinton Parklander on June 2 and 9 and June 6 and 13, respectively.

• Ten (10) 30-second announcements were broadcast over 2 days (June 13 and 14) on a local radio station, The Eagle - 97.5 FM in Hinton and 94.3 FM in Edson.

• Through newsletter distribution to the contact list (over 400) and an e-mail distributed to one hundred and ninety-six (196) contacts who provided their e-mail address advising them of the opportunity to participate in an open house.

Attendance: A total of 144 people attended the open house held in Hinton on June 14, 2011 (86 participants) and June 15, 2011 (58 participants). The following interests were represented among those who attended:

• area residents/property and rights owners; • business owners or operators; • recreational users; • provincial Government administrators; • forest industry; • oil and gas industry; • First Nations; • trappers and outfitters; and • non-government and community organizations.

Event Format: At each open house, poster boards at six stations provided participants with brief, focused information points. Project representatives and consultants were available at each station to provide detailed information and answer questions. A separate area with tables and chairs was available for participants to meet one-on-one with Coalspur representatives.



The information provided at each of the six stations included:

Welcome and Orientation - Community members were greeted, welcomed and oriented to the open house format. They were guided to Coalspur staff and Project team members who were best able to discuss and respond to specific questions or comments.

Corporate Information and Project Update - Participants learned about Coalspur’s corporate philosophy and approach, updates on the Vista Coal Project, and had the opportunity to meet company and Project leaders at this station.

Proposed Mine Site Geographic Information and Maps - Coalspur geologists were available at this station to review maps of the proposed mine facilities locations, and to discuss the results of geological studies in the mine permit area.

Preliminary Project Schedule, Aboriginal Consultation, and Public Engagement - Information was provided about the schedule of the current and subsequent applications required by the regulatory decision-making process. This included plans for Aboriginal consultation and public engagement.

Environmental Assessment - A Project representative was available to discuss plans for an environmental assessment.

Rail Loadout Options - Project staff were available to present and discuss two options for rail loadout. Pictures and maps were available.

The open house was actively supported by Project staff and consultants as noted in Table G.3.6.4.

Table G.3.6.4 Support for 2nd Open House – Resource People

Dermot Lane Coalspur Mines Vice-President, Development

Alan McGowan Coalspur Mines Vice-President, Operations

David Leslie Coalspur Mines Vice-President, Technical Services

Gordon Mudryk Coalspur Mines Manager, Coal Processing & Logistics

Dave Montpetit Coalspur Mines Manager, Transportation

John Innis Coalspur Mines Chief Geologist

Mona Rockwell Coalspur Mines Office Administrator, Hinton, Alberta

Dan Meyer Lifeways of Canada Limited Archaeological Consultant

Dane McCoy Millennium EMS Solutions Ltd. Environmental Consultant

Jim Gendron LTG Consulting Public Engagement Program

Melanie Moore LTG Consulting Public Engagement Program

Community Needs, Interests and Concerns: Participants provided 100 comments describing their needs, interests or concerns about the proposed Project. The themes included:

• support for the Project (8 comments); • interest in job or contract opportunities (19 comments); • potential air quality and nuisance effects of the Project (19 comments); • need for more detail about mine planning and facilities location (30 comments), social and

recreation effects (6 comments); • effects on water quality and quantity (3 comments);



• reclamation and end land use plans (4 comments); • public engagement approach (7 comments); • effects on wildlife (5 comments); and • aboriginal consultation (5 comments).

Detailed interests, needs and concerns along with the responses provided by Project representatives are provided in Appendix 5.

Exit Survey: Fifty (50) exit surveys were completed. The first part of the survey explored whether or not the open house met participants’ learning needs. The results are described in Table G.3.6.5.

Table G.3.6.5 Participant Learning at 2nd Open House

N % Yes




Was the staff helpful in explaining the materials so you could respond? 50 100



Did staff listen and record your comments? 46 87 N = the number of respondents. Percentages may not be exact due to rounding.

Results indicate that a majority of exit survey respondents felt the open house met their learning and engagement needs. Fourteen (14) comments were provided about the open house.

• Eight (8) people wrote positive comments about the open house. • Six (6) comments provided suggestions for future events and the information provided.

The second part of the exit survey asked respondents to review a list of topics (concerns or interests) and indicate which were important to them. The number of respondents who indicated concern is presented in Table G.3.6.6 (in descending order).



Table G.3.6.6 Potential Areas of Concern at 2nd Open House

Potential Area of Concern Number who

Indicated Concern

Residential property impacts 26

Public safety 22

Reclamation and return of mined lands to public use 22


Human health 19



Public engagement process/events/opportunities 18

Recreation access of public land 18





The concern or interest indicated by 50% or more of respondents was residential property impacts.

Follow-up: Six respondents indicated they wanted a Project representative to follow-up with further information. Specific topics for follow-up were:

• progress. We are very interested in the Project and success of this outstanding mine. • start up? Construction dates. Any projects that our crane company could place bids on for

future crane work. • public engagement in the process; • water, noise, air quality; and • just an update on progress.

3rd Open House – November 29, 2011 and December 2011

A third open house was provided on November 29, 2011 to show specific mine plans, proposals for mine development along with coal processing, conveyor and loadout facilities location and design proposals. This open house was supplemented by a series of drop-in opportunities at the Coalspur Project office in Hinton, weekly on Tuesday afternoons throughout the month of December 2011. A total of 76 people attended the two open house offerings.

A key component of this open house was to inform the public that the proposed terms of reference were filed with the Government of Alberta and public comments were being solicited until January 6, 2012.

The opportunity to learn about and be engaged in the Project discussion was confirmed by those participating in exit surveys.

Purpose: The open house on November 29, 2011 and the weekly opportunities in December 2011 were designed to:



• Continue to provide a formal, documented opportunity for mutual learning, comment, response and methods for ongoing contact related to the Project.

• Build the profile of Coalspur and links to the community by putting a “face” on the company, including opportunities to speak directly with Project representatives one-on-one and to arrange any follow-up contact as required.

• Provide an opportunity for people to learn about the Vista Coal Project, the mine feasibility assessment process, Project description, location, technical requirements, mine access requirements, regulatory approval process, the EIA PToR, and anticipated Project schedule so that they could provide informed comments.

• Present, verify and add to (as required) the issues, needs and interests that were identified in the open houses held to date and have been discovered by Project staff as they undertake local community engagement on a day to day basis.

• Expand the focus to include proposals for coal preparation and transportation within the region ensuring that interests, needs and concerns identified at the previous open houses are accounted for in planning, design and development proposals.

• Continue to identify people’s interests, issues, needs and questions related to the proposed Project that must be addressed as part of the regulatory application process.

• Provide information on the regulatory decision process and how information collected during the public engagement and Aboriginal consultation programs were to be used in Project application preparation.

• Provide company contact information for follow-up opportunities.

Notification: Community members were made aware of the open house using two methods:

• Advertisements were placed in local newspapers notifying people of the open house at the Hinton Legion on November 29, 2011 and the weekly drop-in opportunities on Tuesday afternoons during the month of December 2011 at the Project office in Hinton. Ten (10) advertisements were placed among four newspapers:

Hinton Parklander on November 14, 21 and 28, 2011

Hinton Voice on November 10, 17 and 24, 2011

Edson Leader on November 14, 21 and 28, 2011

Jasper Fitzhugh on November 17 and 24, 2011

• A Project newsletter was prepared and distributed by e-mail and surface mail to over 460 contacts.

Attendance: A total of 76 people attended the open house on November 29, 2011 at the Hinton Legion (60 participants) and the weekly drop-in opportunity at the Project office during December 2011 (16 people). The following interests were represented among those who attended both open house opportunities:

• area residents/property and rights owners; • business owners or operators; • recreational users; • provincial Government administrators; • forest industry; • oil and gas industry; • First Nations; • trappers and outfitters; and



• non-government and community organizations.

Event Format: The open house format for November 29, 2011 was designed to respond to suggestions provided at a previous open house on June 14 and 15, 2011. At those events, a few participants suggested that future open houses include more visuals and more detailed maps as people found it easier to relate to pictures and graphics. More visuals and detailed maps were made available at the November 29, 2011 open house and 8.5x11”copies of each poster board were available for participants to take away.

The open house on November 29 was supplemented by additional drop-in opportunities at the Hinton Project office. Coalspur staff members were available to discuss and receive comments on the Project on each Tuesday afternoon in December (December 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2011) from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday November 29, 2011 at Royal Canadian Legion, 250 Pembina Avenue, Hinton: People were encouraged to visit anytime between 3:00 and 8:00 p.m.

Poster boards graphically illustrating the proposed Vista Coal Mine Project along with supporting printed information for participants to take away were provided at each of five “information stations” with the following themes:

Welcome and Orientation – People were greeted and oriented to the open house format. They were directed to Project staff and team members to discuss and respond to specific questions or comments. This station had the newsletter and a listing of the resource people available at the open house as handouts to support participants in providing questions and comments on the Project. Copies of the EIA PTOR and Project Description Document were also available.

Corporate Information and Background – This open house, like those prior, included an opportunity to learn about Coalspur’s corporate philosophy and approach, the Project, and to meet company and Project leaders at this station. Information on potential employment was provided similarly to other open house events with Project representatives available to address questions regarding future employment opportunities and likely hiring schedule.

Project Update and Status – Participants were provided with information about the status of the Project application, including the compilation of the results of the first set of open houses included in the newsletter developed in conjunction with this open house. The decision by the ERCB and Alberta Environment and Water regarding the status of environmental assessment requirements were provided. Participants were encouraged to review the EIA PToR that was open for public review and comment until early in 2012. Previous and continuing economic feasibility assessments and market information about coal mining and applicability to the Project was also included.

Proposed Mine Development – Geographic Information, Mine Plan, Maps, Site & Facility Layout – Project staff were available to review maps of the proposed mine plan, facilities locations, and to discuss the results of geological studies in the mine permit area. Emphasis was placed on providing information and collecting responses to detailed development proposals for coal preparation, access and conveyor corridor and rail load out facilities that comprise the amendment to the existing mine permit.

Project Schedule, Aboriginal Consultation, and Public Engagement – Information was provided about the schedule of the Project application required for the regulatory decision-making process. This includes plans for Aboriginal consultation and public engagement.



Project representatives and consulting team members provided support to participant engagement at the open house. The Project resource people attending are named in Table G.3.6.7.

Table G.3.6.7 Support for 3rd Open House – Resource People

Resource Person Project Role

Coalspur Mines Ltd. – Hinton

Allan McGowan Vista Project Development

Curtis Brinker Environment/Regulatory

Gord Mudryk Coal Processing and Logistics

Gladys Nelson Human Resources and Community Relations

Mona Rockwell Administration Manager

Ryan O’Regan Exploration Geologist

Bryan Ottewell Mine Engineer

Coalspur Mines Ltd. – Calgary

Dermot Lane Regulatory Requirements

David Leslie Mine and Project Development

John Innis Geological Assessment

David Montpetit Transportation Management

Project Consulting Team

Dane McCoy, Millennium EMS Project Manager

Randy Rudolph, Millennium EMS Air Quality Assessment

Steve Bilawchuk, ACI Acoustical Consultants Noise Assessment

John Kansas, Hab-Tech Environmental Wildlife Assessment

Dan Meyer, Lifeways of Canada Historic Resource Assessment/ Aboriginal Consultation

Melanie Moore, LTG Consulting Public Engagement Program

Jim Gendron, LTG Consulting Public Engagement Program

Weekly Drop-In Opportunities - December 2011: Additional open house opportunities were provided during December, weekly on Tuesday afternoons (December 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2011) from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Hinton Project office. Project staff were available to discuss and receive comments.

People were welcomed as they entered the reception area at the Project office and asked to register to ensure they were included in the Project contact list. Participants were then directed to the board room where poster boards and information materials were available. The handout materials available at the November 29, 2011 open house were also provided during each of the drop-in opportunities in December.

Coalspur staff asked participants if there was any interest, need or concern they specifically wished to discuss and if so, engaged in that discussion. Comments and questions provided by the people who



visited were recorded and added to the list of interests, needs and concerns gathered during the November 29, 2011 open house.

Those who wished additional information or follow-up were noted, with arrangements made to do so.

Community Needs, Interests and Concerns: Participants provided 52 comments describing their needs, interests or concerns about the proposed Project. The themes included:

• employment and contract opportunities (17 comments); • wildlife – access for hunting (7 comments); • environmental impact (8 comments); • mine facilities - location of conveyor/crossing Highway 16 (6 comments); • socio-economic impact of mine on Hinton (6 comments); • public engagement (3 comments); • traffic management (2 comments); and • support for Project (2 comments).

Detailed interests, needs and concerns and Project representatives’ responses are included in Appendix 5.

Exit Survey: Sixteen (16) exit surveys were completed at the November 29, 2011 open house. The first section of the survey explored whether or not the open house met participants’ learning needs. The results are described in Table G.3.6.8.

Table G.3.6.8 Participant Learning at 3rd Open House

N % Yes




Was the staff helpful in explaining the materials so you could respond? 16 100



Did staff listen and record your comments? 16 81 N = Number of respondents. Percentages may not be exact due to rounding.

As in previous sets of open houses, the opportunity to learn about and be engaged in the Project discussion was confirmed by those who completed exit surveys.

In the second section of the survey, respondents were asked to review a list of topics (concerns or interests) and indicate which were important to them. The number of respondents who indicated concern is presented in Table G.3.6.9 (in descending order).



Table G.3.6.9 Potential Areas of Concern at 3rd Open House

Potential Area of Concern Number who

Indicated Concern

Human health 7



Recreation access of public land 5


Residential property impacts 4

Reclamation and return of mined lands to public use 4



Public safety 3

Public engagement process/events/opportunities 3



Follow-up: Six respondents indicated they would like a Coalspur representative to follow-up with more information. Specific topics for follow-up were noted as:

• employment opportunities; • construction start-up date; • equipment needs; and • what Coalspur can do to help attract doctors to Hinton.

G.4 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT RESULTS

The results from the public engagement methods were collected and responses have been provided for each question or comment (see Appendix 5). These results have been reviewed and grouped into theme areas. In some cases, consistent sub-themes emerged.

Table G.4.0.1 describes each theme and sub-theme identified for the questions and comments collected from participants and notes the public engagement method at which they were provided.



Table G.4.0.1 Public Engagement Methods/Interests, Needs and Concerns Identified

Public Engagement Method

Interest, Need, Concern Themes (Sub-themes)

Initial

Contact with

Stakeholders

Open

Houses

Project

Office

Ongoing Discussion

with

Public/Stakeholders

Mine planning, mine access and facility location (access corridor and loadout location, coal plant location and design)

Air quality (dust) and nuisance factors (noise and views from Hinton)

Wildlife and fisheries (trapping, hunting, angling)

Water management and effects on water quality and quantity

Employment and contracting opportunities Social and recreational effects (other industry, recreational access and other land uses)

Land reclamation plans (schedule and end land use)

Historic values and resources Public engagement & Aboriginal consultation (public information, awareness and engagement, traditional land use studies)

An initial summary of responses is provided below for each of the themes and sub-themes that emerged from the questions and comments identified to date in the public engagement program. These initial interests, needs and concerns, along with the responses, have been presented in Project newsletters.

G.4.1 Mine Planning, Mine Access and Facility Location

Response: The rail loadout, conveyor, coal preparation plant and access road preferred locations have been identified. The options were developed using criteria that considered technical requirements and community comments. Before finalizing these sites, approval will be needed from Alberta Transportation for design and location of the road access from and the conveyor crossing of Highway16.

Access Corridor and Loadout Location

Response: Four options for rail loadout were identified between the Hinton boundary and the vicinity of Pedley. Each of the options was reviewed considering: CN Rail’s strict guidelines and regulations, conflict with logging roads, ravine and creek crossings, oilfield sites, room for a storage building, conveyor and road access. The preferred option best met the selection criteria. The location requires that the conveyor cross over Highway 16.



Also important was the need to ensure that no major existing vehicle crossings would be blocked and impact on neighbours would be minimized. In this regard, discussion began with two Pedley area residents in the spring and purchase agreements have been reached with both.

Coal Plant Location and Design

Response: In their 1983 approval for the location of the coal preparation plant, the ERCB required that it be located outside of the 1983 mine permit boundary to create a greater distance from potential surface mineable coal. The Project evaluation determined that the best location for the plant is north and west of the northwest corner of the existing Project mine permit boundary. The benefits of the new location include adequate setback from mineable coal deposits, shorter conveyor and access road. The plant will not be visible from Highway 16 or Hinton.

G.4.2 Air Quality, Noise and Views from Hinton

Response: The Project proposal is for the mine and plant site to be located approximately 10 kilometres from the Town of Hinton boundary at its closest point. Measurable environmental effects are not anticipated for Hinton during this Project. The extensive regulatory standards for environmental assessment, monitoring and reporting set out by the Government of Alberta will be met. Development of future, potential mining closer to Hinton will require new applications and environmental assessments including ongoing public engagement as the issues and needs of interest to the community are addressed.

G.4.3 Wildlife and Fisheries

Response: The Project EIA has been completed and includes studies that examine the potential effect on the movement of wildlife both within and through the proposed Project area. It also considers water management to ensure that surface water quality and quantity are maintained for a healthy fishery. The results of the studies have been used to develop management strategies to address wildlife and fisheries needs.

Trapping, hunting and angling

Response: Potential effects of the Project were assessed and reported for regional activities such as trapping, hunting and fishing. The trappers with fur resource licences in the area were contacted to determine if the Project might impact their activity and if so, what mitigation requirements might need to be considered.

G.4.4 Water Management and Effects on Water Quality and Quantity

Response: As part of the Project application, an EIA must be prepared. The EIA will describe and report on any potential effects on water quality and quantity. This information will be shared with the community through the publicly available Project application.

G.4.5 Employment and Contracting Opportunities

Response: Coalspur’s first preference is to hire locally with lead recruitment functions out of the Hinton Project office. Significant contractor and employee recruitment will likely begin 1 to 2 years following the Coalspur Board’s decision to proceed (expected early in 2012).

G.4.6 Social and Recreational Effects

Response: The environmental assessment will examine the socio-economic effects of the Project on other industries, housing, other infrastructure (e.g., health, education), recreation, hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering, and traditional land uses. Project representatives have met and will continue to meet with other industry representatives to develop plans for managing any potential conflicts.



G.4.7 Land Reclamation Plans

Response: The Project application incorporates progressive and continuous reclamation of lands where mining has been completed. A reclamation plan is included as part of the Project application.

G.4.8 Historic Values and Resources

Response: A complete and thorough review and assessment of historical, paleontological and archaeological resources at the site has been completed as part of the Project EIA and application. Results are reported in a Historical Resources Impact Assessment to Alberta Culture and Community Spirit, the regulatory agency concerned.

G.4.9 Public Engagement and Aboriginal Consultation

Response: Public engagement was planned to be early, regular and timely during the preparation of the EIA and Project application. The program developed included a process with regular newsletters, open houses, face-to-face meetings, telephone and e-mail communication and engagement with community members and other stakeholders. Community comment was considered as the Project application was developed. Public and stakeholder engagement will continue as the application is undergoing regulatory review. Consultation has been initiated and is underway with several Aboriginal communities in the region; Traditional Land Use Studies have been important in Project planning.

G.5 ONGOING PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

G.5.1 Meetings with Interested People and Groups

Project representatives identified interest groups who wish to learn more about the proposed Project and how it may affect them. Meetings with specific groups that were identified as part of the public engagement program or who contacted Project representatives have been ongoing since the Autumn of 2010. The aim was to create opportunities for stakeholders to learn about the Project and for Project representatives to learn more about the range of stakeholder interests. The result was to ensure that those interests, needs or concerns are accounted for as part of the application and addressed prior to submission of the Project application for formal regulatory review. A record has been kept of the meetings and follow-up actions identified and pursued as required.

Pedley–Carldale – East River Estates Residents

Special effort was made in May and June 2011 to engage residents and industrial operators in the Pedley–Carldale – East River Estates area where the Project rail loadout facilities were proposed to be located. As a result of these efforts, the two Pedley area residents who would be potentially directly affected by the development have entered into agreements that fully address their needs.

Discussions are continuing to ensure that road access to and from the rail loadout area is managed safely and efficiently to account for both industrial and residential requirements.

Several Carldale residents have raised questions and concerns regarding air and noise from the load-out facility and potential traffic changes through their community. Vista Coal Project leaders and other involved stakeholders, CN Rail, Yellowhead County and Alberta Transportation, are in discussion to address the interests and needs identified by residents.

Hinton Fish and Game Club

The Hinton Fish and Game Club who have a gun range and club facilities immediately east of the proposed Project access corridor to and from Highway 16 have been in discussion with Project



representatives. Discussions have focused on potential impacts and mitigation options that must be considered to ensure continued enjoyment of Fish and Game Club lands and activities as the Project is developed.

G.5.2 Ongoing Discussion

Groups that Project representatives have contacted during the application process and continue to communicate with have included:

Athabasca Bioregional Society Athabasca Watershed Council Canadian Natural Resources Limited Friends of the Foothills Society Foothills Land Management Forum Forest Recreation Management Association Hinton All-Terrain Vehicle Society Hinton Chamber of Commerce Hinton Community Sustainability Plan representatives Hinton Fish & Game Association Hinton Mountain Bike Park representatives Hinton Town Council Hinton Track and Trails representatives Jasper National Park Keepers of the Athabasca Local trappers Manitok Energy Ltd Tourmaline Oil Town of Edson representatives Trout Unlimited - Local Chapter West Fraser Timber Yellowhead Arrow Launchers Association Yellowhead Community Futures Hinton Yellowhead County Council Yellowhead Synergy Group People who have asked for Project-specific information and/or wished to comment

As part of our ongoing public engagement program, Project representatives will continue to involve anyone who is interested in learning more about the Project and wishes to comment.

Project consultation with Aboriginal communities has included:

• Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation;

• Mountain Cree Camp, members of Ermineskin First Nation;

• Ermineskin First Nation;

• Aseniwuche Winewak Nation;

• Nakcowinewak Nation of Canada;

• Foothills Ojibway Society; and

• Métis Nation of Alberta Region 4.



Coalspur plans to hold additional open houses after submission of the Application and EIA to review the information in the Application including the plans for reclamation of the site.

Details of the consultation process, program and traditional land use studies that have been initiated are provided in Consultant Report #11 (CR#11) and Section E.11.

section g – public engagement · announce availability of the ptor and hold project open house in...

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