Shale gas development in Quebec: Analyzing Environmental risks and the use of
 Strategic Environmental Assessment to inform decision *

Abstract 
On March 8, 2011, the investigative report on the development of shale gas in the province of Quebec was released to the public. The report was commissioned by the government of Quebec during the fall of 2010 following a strong social opposition voicing concerns about the potential environmental risks associated with a large scale development of shale gas in the province. The report which raised even more questions than it could provide answers, finally called for a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) to be carried out. However, since the inception of the SEA Committee, many from environmental groups and opposition leaders have denounced the SEA process for its lack of transparency and credibility. This paper analyzes the main environmental issues related to shale gas development, discuss the implementation of an SEA for the Shale gas development program in Quebec and how it would effectively inform and influence the decision making process. Read more  

*: Communication presented in Montreal, XVII Colloque International 12-15 Juin 2012; Secrétariat international francophone pour l'évaluation environnementale (SIFÉE)

=========================================================

The Chad-Cameroon petroleum pipeline project: A Critical review
of the Draft Environmental Assessment report*

Abstract
The Chad-Cameroon Petroleum Development and Pipeline Project had been considered to be the single largest private sector investment in Sub-Saharan Africa. Estimated initially to cost about US$3.7 billion, it involves the drilling of 300 oil wells in the oil fields of the Chad Doba region and the construction of 1,100 km long export pipeline to an offshore loading facility in Cameroon (IEG, 2009). The Pipeline Project was classified by the World bank as a Category A project. Consequently, in accordance with the Bank safeguard and sustainability policies, it was subject to undergo a full environmental impact assessment. A Draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was prepared and made publicly available in October 1997 and an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) finalized in June 1999. This paper provides a critical analysis of the EIA report. First, it explores the key environmental issues related to oil exploration and production. Second, it reviews the EIA regulatory framework under the Bank policy and the state of Chad legislation. Third, it discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the methodology with regard to different components of a standard EIA process and the overall quality of the assessment. Read more 

*: Research paper: McGill Univerisity (Montreal), 2011


=========================================================

Environmental Conflict: A Critical Look at Big Oil
Corporations practices in the Niger Delta *  

Abstract
The environmental stewardship movement in United States in the mid-sixties culminated with the establishment in 1969 of the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA). Following NEPA many countries around the world developed their own legislations with the main goal of sustaining the natural environment. However, environmental conflicts have continued to arise due essentially to a deficit of trust between local communities and industrials and governments. In many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, environmental conflicts have emerged for decades as a result of the little consideration often given to local communities in the attribution of wealth generated from natural resources exploitation. This paper discusses the on-going environmental conflict in the Niger Delta (Western Africa), analyze the responses to the conflict and reflect on how some EIA provisions could prevent conflict and tensions among stakeholders. Read more  

*: Research paper: McGill Univerisity (Montreal), 2011

=========================================================

Abstract 
Until recently, most decisions about energy projects have been based solely on cost, resource availability and productivity. Now, with environmental concerns becoming increasingly important, energy projects, specifically those related to oil and gas operations are often associated with a variety of adverse environmental impacts. Environmental concerns generally trigger a strong opposition to energy projects that often result in lost time, additional cost, and lower performance for the projects. Adopting CSR can help corporate meet stakeholders’ obligations. However, its proper implementation has appeared in many occasions to be quite challenging. This paper analyzes the growing trend of CSR adoption as a corporate business strategy and its ability to be an effective tool in managing stakeholders in the management of energy projects. Read more  

*: Research paper: McGill Univerisity (Montreal), 2011


=========================================================

Assessing the impact of the Highway 25 expansion project
 on air quality in Montreal using AcrGIS*

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to assess local air pollution implications of the Highway 25 expansion project in Montreal. The basic concept of the roadway air dispersion model consists in calculating air pollutant levels in the vicinity of a highway by considering it as a line source. To fulfill this assessment, GIS software was used in order to determine pollutant distribution around the study area based on data collected by existing air monitoring stations located in the city of Montreal. GIS interpolation methods, notably Kriging and Inverse Distance Weighted was used to generate maps of pollutant concentrations across the study area. From the results, recommendations will be made in regards to the project and appropriate mitigatory alternatives suggested.

Key words: GIS for EIA, traffic pollution, air quality

*: Diene, M; Chiaburu, M; Dulgheru, M; Kendrick B. 2010 Published in Geographia Napocensis, Anul IV, nr.1


=========================================================

Strategie de Developpement durable du Quebec 2008-2013:
Quel Systeme d'indicateurs de developpement durable pour le Quebec?*

Abstract

Apres avoir publié sa Stratégie de développement durable pour la période 2008-2013, le Gouvernement du Québec sous la direction du parti liberal s’est alors engagé à definir une première série d’indicateurs de développement durable afin de pouvoir mesurer ses progres en matiere de durabilité.  Toutefois, les multiples expériences entreprises au plan international afin d’etablir un système d'indicateurs de developpement durable mettent en évidence la difficulté à s’accorder sur un mécanisme d’évaluation qui offrirait une mesure adéquate et concensuelle de la performance dans la recherche d’un développement durable. Cette situation est attribuable au concept du développement durable qui fait l’objet de diverses interprétations mais aussi relève de la complexité à définir des indicateurs qui tiennent compte à la fois du social, de l’économie et de l’environnement et de leurs interrelations. Néanmoins quelques modèles conceptuels de la durabilite ont été concus par diverses organisations dans le but de faciliter l’elaboration de systèmes d’indicateurs de developpement durable. Cet article passe en revue ces modèles conceptuels, analyse leurs avantages et limites et discute des déterminants d’un système d’indicateurs de développement durable pour le Québec. Lire plus   

*: Research paper: Concordia Univerisity (Montreal), 2007

=========================================================

Abstract
Since the early seventies, the Government of Quebec has adopted regulations and guidelines whose main purpose was to ensure that developmental activities would be conducted with no significant adverse effects to the environment. More recently, in its new energy strategy, the provincial Government has renewed its support for the development of the wind energy sector (MRNF, 2006). However, despite claims made by its advocates to be a clean source of energy, it appears that wind energy may also be associated to some extent with a few environmental issues. As a result, large wind energy projects are required in Quebec to undergo an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA). First, this paper examines the current EIA practice in Quebec with respect to wind power projects. Second, it highlights some deficiencies that can be corrected across the application of the EIA process. Third it explores a way forward that could make the wind energy program an effective lever towards a more sustainable development. Read more  

In Senegal, energy security has been a constant challenge for all successive governments. The country economic growth is mainly jeopardized by its weak energy sector, with non actionable oil and gas proven resources. In 1998, the government announced an objective of 30% rural electrification by 2015 from the 8% baseline. Despite the ongoing political discourse to bring an end to the energy supply issue, the lack of planning and analytical tools, along with reliable data and information system constitute a major drawback in designing efficient energy policies and strategies. Using a long-range advanced planning tool, such as LEAP, this paper presents various alternative scenarios of energy development in Senegal as well as the environmental effects, and their estimated costs. The findings could be used to foster policy planning, redefine the energy sector priorities, design and implement more sustainable energy strategies. Read more  

*: Research paper: University of California Davis, 2005