Notice of Application
OSCA Application 1952256
EPEA Application 022-00149968
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
Horizon Oil Sands Mine and Processing Plant
The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has received Oil Sands Conservation Act (OSCA) amendment application 1952256 and Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) amendment application 022-00149968 from Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) for approval to construct and operate the Naphtha Recovery Unit Tailings Treatment Project (NRUTT project) at its Horizon Oil Sands Mine and Processing Plant (Horizon). The AER is reviewing the applications and supporting information provided.
This notice also sets out the deadline for filing statements of concern on both applications. See the section below on how to file a statement of concern for filing dates.
Description of the Applications
The proposed NRUTT project will add a secondary treatment process to recover residual diluent (i.e., naphtha) and bitumen from the froth treatment Naphtha Recovery Unit (NRU) tailings stream at the Horizon project prior to deposition of NRU tailings in the tailings pond. The NRUTT project will result in an incremental recovery of 6,300 barrels per calendar day (1,000 cubic meters per calendar day) of synthetic crude oil (SCO) in addition to existing production at Horizon and recover additional hot process water for reuse within the process.
The NRUTT project will be located within the Horizon approved project area approximately 70 km north of Fort McMurray.
For a copy of the applications, contact
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
Suite 2100, 855 – 2nd Street SW
Calgary, AB T2P 4J8
Attention: Mackenzie Cator
Telephone: 403-517-6902
Email: mackenzie.cator@cnrl.com
To receive a copy of the applications and supporting documents, submit an information request, as outlined at www1.aer.ca/ProductCatalogue/ordering.html, to
AER Information Distribution Services
Suite 1000, 250 – 5 Street SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0R4
Telephone: 1-855-297-8311 (toll free; option 0)
Fax: 403-297-7040
Email: InformationRequest@aer.ca
Refer to this notice when requesting information for a faster response.
Requirement to File a Statement of Concern
If you have concerns with these applications, you must file a statement of concern as described below. If you do not file a statement of concern, the AER may approve the applications without further notification.
How to File a Statement of Concern
For your submission to be considered a valid statement of concern, it must be filed by 11:59 p.m. on July 15, 2024. Send one copy of your statement of concern to Canadian Natural Resources Limited at the name and address above and one copy either online via the AER’s web-based form or by mail or email:
Mail or email:
Regulatory Applications
Alberta Energy Regulator
Suite 1000, 250 – 5 Street SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0R4
Fax: 403-297-7336
Email: SOC@aer.ca
Contents of a Statement of Concern
For your submission to be considered a valid statement of concern, it must include
- why you believe you may be directly and adversely affected by a decision of the AER on the applications;
- the nature of your objection to the applications;
- the outcome of the applications you advocate;
- the location of your land, residence, or activity in relation to the location of the energy resource that is the subject of the applications; and
- your contact information, including your name, address in Alberta, telephone number, and email address or, if you do not have an email address, your fax number.
The AER also requests that you include the application number in your statement of concern.
Confidentiality
Section 49 of the Alberta Energy Regulator Rules of Practice (Rules of Practice) requires that all documents and information filed in a proceeding be placed on the public record. If you file a submission, you must not include any personal information that you do not want to appear on or are not authorized to put on the public record. Section 49(2) of the Rules of Practice states how to apply to the AER for an order to keep information confidential. The Rules of Practice is available on the AER website at www.aer.ca.
Jurisdiction
Submissions relating exclusively to compensation for land use are not dealt with by the AER and should be referred to the Land and Property Rights Tribunal (formerly the Surface Rights Board).
Under section 21 of the Responsible Energy Development Act, the AER does not have the jurisdiction to assess the adequacy of Crown consultation associated with the rights of aboriginal peoples as recognized and affirmed under the Constitution Act, 1982.
For information on AER procedures, contact the regulatory applications specialist, Adriana Ledi, by phone at 780-788-6405 or by email to Adriana.Ledi@aer.ca.
Issued at Calgary, Alberta, on June 14, 2024.
ALBERTA ENERGY REGULATOR
