What does an Independent Case Study of the Alberta Energy Regulator’s Coal Mining Regulations tell us? With Mandy Olsgard

The Grassy Mountain Open-Pit Coal Mine proposed by Benga Mining Ltd., (Riversdale) in the Crowsnest Pass has raised questions and concerns about the regulatory process in Alberta, such as the transparency, independent decision-making, and enforcement capacity of the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER). What is AER’s history and track record with regards to Coal Mining regulations in Alberta?     This presentation will provide a summary of a case study of the regulatory process for coal mining in Alberta through the application phase to operational monitoring and finally closure and reclamation using examples from regulatory documents published by and submitted to the Alberta Energy Regulator for the Cheviot (Cardinal River and Luskar) Mine operated by Teck Resources Ltd in West Central Alberta. The speaker will provide examples of predicted risks to human and environmental health from coal development and how these are monitored, mitigated or managed through regulatory oversight with supporting data from industrial and environmental monitoring reports.   Speaker:     Mandy L. Olsgard M.Sc., P. Bio. Principal, Sr. Toxicologist/ Risk Assessor               Mandy Olsgard is currently the owner and Senior Toxicologist at Integrated Toxicology Solutions. Over the past 15 years Mandy has worked as a toxicologist and risk assessor in research, consulting and regulatory environments to develop coordinated and effective risk management plans for energy and non-energy resources by collaboratively addressing industry, regulatory, First Nations, Metis, and public stakeholders’ concerns.   The focus of Mandy’s career to date has been on researching and developing methods to understand the toxicity of environmental contaminants released from conventional and non-conventional oil and gas, mining and municipal sectors and impacts to environmental and human health. She has done this through provision of technical expertise on regulatory application reviews, regulatory hearing proceedings, multi-stakeholder technical working groups and independent research.