ThE GrOuNDBIrCh

THE GROUNDBIRCH
GAZETTE
Shell’s Newsletter for Northeast BC
Montney Moments
with Manuel
An update from Manuel Willemse –
Development Manager for Shell’s
Groundbirch Venture
Time flies. It does not seem that long ago when the first
Groundbirch Gazette went out. I remember writing my
article as if it were yesterday. It has been a busy period
of time and a lot has happened since then.
First of all, and most importantly, we need to take a moment
to reflect on the fact that on November 24, 2010, we had
a fatality on our premises during the commissioning of the
Montney 3 Gas Plant. This is a great loss for the family
and friends of the deceased, and for all of us (Shell and
contractors) in the Groundbirch business community.
We are working closely with WorkSafeBC to establish
the cause of the fatality, and of course, we are committed
to taking steps to prevent future reoccurrence of any
potential work-related issues that may be found during
the investigation. I do want to emphasize that it is clear
that there was not any danger to the public at any
moment during the commissioning.
In terms of field activities, we drilled an additional 17 wells,
and started up the Montney 3 Gas Plant, increasing our
gas processing capacity by 80 million standard cubic feet
per day (mmscft/day). We also submitted a regulatory
application for the Montney 4 Gas Plant, which will add
another 100 mmscft/day later in 2011.
Beyond Groundbirch
to Shell in other
areas of NEBC…
Shell workers unearth
unique dinosaur bone
A quick look at Shell’s history in Canada reveals it is
a company of ‘firsts’, both here in Canada and around
the world. Well, imagine the surprise when in 2008,
heavy equipment operator Brian Halliday of H.F. Nodes
Construction Ltd. unearthed a 75-million-year-old dinosaur
fossil working for Shell in the Basin Centred Gas region
southeast of Tumbler Ridge, BC. At the time, Shell
engaged local expert and palaeontologist Richard McCrea
on how to proceed after revealing a partial leg bone of
a Late Cretaceous duck-billed Hadrosaur.
The result was that Shell employees generously offered
to help with an excavation should that be necessary, but
it turned out that after visiting the site, it was unlikely that
an excavation would turn up any more bones. However,
we did discover a few more fragments of the original
bone. This dinosaur bone now resides and is available
In addition, we have reached an agreement with the
City of Dawson Creek on a unique project to construct a
water treatment facility that can provide reclaimed water
to our operations. This project will, to a large extent,
eliminate our need to use freshwater in our development
operations. To complement this project, we are actively
working on a network of water pipelines and storage
ponds that will significantly reduce the traffic on the roads
associated with water trucks. I, personally, find this project
very rewarding, because it is not only a better answer
for the environment in terms of reduced freshwater
consumption and the community in terms of traffic on
the roads, but it is also an excellent example of what can
be achieved by working closely with the local community
towards innovative solutions.
Looking forward, we have continued to learn about
how to effectively produce the gas that is trapped in
the reservoir in our field and we are beginning to apply
that knowledge to expand our development and to grow
our production.
Because of our past geographic concentration of activity,
we have a good understanding of what is required to produce the gas from the north end of our field. For this
reason, and with the infrastructure already in place, we
are moving forward more quickly with development in
the north end of the field. We will continue to have activity
in the south, albeit at a slower pace, as we temporarily
concentrate our resources in the north. Over time, we will
get back to a more even balance.
So what will you see as a result? As I mentioned earlier,
the Montney 3 Gas Plant is now up and running and
we are working on the detailed design and regulatory
approval for the Montney 4 Gas Plant (this will be built
beside Montney 3). These plants significantly increase
our processing capacity in the Sunset area of the field
(the northeast quadrant). In the Saturn area (the northwest
quadrant), we are working on the design of a new
processing plant that will be called Saturn 1. This plant
is being designed to process up to 200 mmscft/day of
gas and it is our hope to begin construction of the plant
in the latter part of 2011.
for public viewing at the Dinosaur Discovery Gallery
at the Peace Region Palaeontology Research Centre
in Tumbler Ridge.
Museum Collections Manager Lisa Buckley said, “What
makes this dinosaur bone discovery a ‘first’ is that it
was the first Hadrosaur fossil found in BC with what
experts believe is an Albertosaurus tooth scrape (from
the Tyrannosaurus family) evident on the fossilized bone.”
Curator of the Peace Region Palaeontology Research
Centre Richard McCrea describes the adult Hadrosaur
as, “a four-tonne planteater with an intimidating set of
choppers–2,000 grinding teeth mounted in eight rows
on each side of the jaw.” He added that palaeontologists
from the Research Centre in Tumbler Ridge were very
pleased with the way that Shell reported the find, and
said he and his coworkers are looking forward to
working with Shell on any future fossil discoveries.
In 2010, McCrea said he and his staff had great luck
prospecting in Northeast BC. He added, “In 2011, we plan
to continue excavation of other sites in the area, including
what we believe to be two complete skeletons, one of a
Hadrosaur and one of an Ichthyosaur, a giant marine
WINTER 2011
While we expect to be drilling more wells in the north
end of the field, this does not mean that we will have
an equally greater impact on the community and the
environment, because we expect to be drilling more wells
from each surface lease. This will mean fewer rig moves,
fewer pipelines and fewer new roads for the same
number of wells.
In addition, in 2011, we will be building some of the
infrastructure that is required to better support this
development. For example, we hope to be building a
number of primary roads and upgrading some existing
roads to be suitable for all-season use. These upgraded
roads will not only be wider and better suited for use by
large vehicles; the fact that they will be all-season roads
will allow us to operate year-round and this should help
to smooth out our activity throughout the year, rather
than go through the peaks and valleys of activity that
are normally associated with three-season roads.
We are also aiming to conduct a 3D Seismic Program
in the northwest area of the field. It is our hope that
the results of this seismic work will provide us with a
better view of the subsurface geology in the area and
will enable us to better plan and execute our drilling
and completions work. We hope to start this seismic
work in the autumn of 2011.
As I stated at the start of this article, it has been a busy
few months and we have come a long way, but there is
still much that needs to be done. Every day is an exciting
challenge but we cannot (and will not) lose sight of the fact
that we are a part of your community. We want to hear
from you if you have any questions or concerns about
our plans and activities, and we remain committed to
working with you and to keeping you informed on all
facets of our activities.
Sincerely,
Manuel
reptile.” Buckley and McCrea from the museum suggest
a Chance Encounter approach to fossils, which differs from
the prevailing views of the archaeological world. In fact,
they recently collaborated on a Palaeontology Chance
Encounter Procedure they hope all companies might
consider in their work extracting natural resources
including oil and gas.
To visit the history link on Shell’s website, please go to:
http://www.shell.ca/home/content/can-en/aboutshell/
who_we_are/history/our_history/
Halliday with foreman Dan Bradley get a close-up look
at the fossil
The Groundbirch Gazette – winter 2011
1
HEART TO HART WITH ANDREW
A Message from Andrew Dahlin, Production Operations Manager for Shell in Northeast BC
we worked together to create a priority list for what the
community and Shell will work jointly on to solve and/
or to get more clarity. In the February GCAG meeting,
we focused on shallow water (aquifer/drinking water)
protection and data collection — including input from
The Ministry of Environment. In the March meeting, we
discussed traffic impact (including dust) and mitigation
opportunities. For more information on the GCAG,
please see the article on Page 6.
In my first letter in the Fall 2010 issue of The Groundbirch
Gazette, I expressed a desire for us to get to know our
neighbours and to be an active and contributing member
in the local community. Keeping that in mind, in this letter
I want to talk about the progress we have made and
my views on how Shell and the local community are
working together:
1. Groundbirch Community Advisory Group
(GCAG): Since the first Groundbirch Gazette, we
have had additional Community-Shell meetings at the
McLeod Community Hall. In these sessions, we jointly
explored issues in the local area as they related to oil
and gas activity, with the aim of working together toward
solutions. I have been really pleased by the input we
have received to date from the local community, and
2. Minimizing Road Issues: We understand that our
local neighbours have concerns about traffic and safety
on local roads, and as a result, Shell has initiated traffic
control on the Stewart Lake Road. This includes checking
radio use, using radar to identify speeders, and collecting
the license plates of vehicles that are not following safety
rules and passing these details onto the senior managers
of the companies with expectation of action. We are also
working with the local RCMP to see how they can assist
us in enforcement on public roads used by Shell.
3. Using Less Fresh Water: A Water Recycle-Reuse
Facility has now been built and the first 10+ kilometres
of water pipeline are now operational. This means we
now have the ability to recycle flowback water for use
in hydraulic fracturing operations and we can deliver
that water to other wellpads via pipeline. This is the start of
what will become a material water recycle/reuse network
of infrastructure. Using less fresh water is not only
the right thing to do from a sustainability view, but it
also means less water trucking, and thereby less noise,
dust, safety, and traffic issues on local roads. Those are
concerns that you brought to our attention and we are
listening and taking action based on your feedback.
4. First Nations Consultation: As we mentioned
in the Fall 2010 Groundbirch Gazette, First Nations
Community Affairs Representative Tamara Dokkie,
plus Murray Slezak and our management team including
myself, have been working hard to strengthen our
relationship with First Nations in the areas of building
relationships, in consultation on our business activities,
and in bringing First Nations companies into our business
so that they too can benefit from our development in
areas with traditional treaty rights. This effort remains
a high priority for us as part of our drive to increase
local employment and the use of area businesses in
our development.
I would also like to mention that we have contributed
financially and volunteered time to a number of local
organizations this past year. We believe that giving to
the local area where we do business is very important
and we take this role seriously. Please read the article
in this newsletter on how we have invested in the local
community on Page 6.
Again, I welcome you to call if you have any concerns
or comments or suggestions about anything related to our
gas development in Groundbirch. If you live in the area
of our operational activities, we welcome you to come out
and participate in our Groundbirch Community Advisory
Group meetings by calling Shell Community Affairs at
1-888-384-6465 or email [email protected].
All the best,
Andrew
Meet Shell’s GROUNDBIRCH Team
MURRAY SLEZAK
Murray Slezak has been
at Shell for more than
30 years and his current
role is Socio-Economic
Specialist providing
guidance on Local Content
(hiring local employees and
using local contractors) and
social impact management
for a number of Shell assets within Upstream Americas.
He has been supporting the Groundbirch asset for almost
two years. Murray has a broad range of experience in the
areas of procurement and socio-economic management
in support of Shell’s seismic, drilling, construction, and
operations activities across Canada. Murray is based in
Calgary, but often travels to NEBC to develop plans and
strategies to increase Local Content through collaboration
with local residents and businesses, as well as working
with non-profit organizations, governments, industry
associations, and other stakeholders. He graduated from
Athabasca University with a Bachelor of Administration in
1992, and also has a Diploma in Business Administration
from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (1980). Murray enjoys working with stakeholders, but away from
work his interests are sports, camping, travel, and spending
time with his family, which now includes two sons-in-law.
2
The Groundbirch Gazette – winter 2011
DEAN FREEMAN
Dean Freeman is the
Production Superintendent
for Shell’s Northeast BC
assets, which includes
Groundbirch. He has
been in this role since
May 2009, and has
been employed by Shell
since March 2007 as a
Superintendent. Dean was born and raised in Northeast
BC and grew up in Dawson Creek. He has been a resident
of the Peace area for most of his life. Dean attended
postsecondary in BC’s Lower Mainland, obtaining a
diploma in Petroleum Technology from the British Columbia
Institute of Technology (BCIT). Dean is a Power Engineer
and he is also certified in Production Accounting. He has
more than 20 years of operational experience and roles
throughout the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin.
Dean currently lives in Fort St. John with his lovely wife
and his four children. He spends most of his spare time in
the community with his family, but also immensely enjoys
outdoor activities such as camping and fishing.
ORLANDA MORRIS
Orlanda has been at Shell
since April 2010, eleven
days after completing her
Associate of Arts Degree
at Northern Lights College.
She is the Administrative
Assistant in the Fort St.
John office for the
Groundbirch Venture.
Orlanda was born and raised in Peace Country and
she knows a lot of the people who live in this community.
Orlanda said, “It’s important that we take pride in our
community and care for all of those who live within it.
I don’t just work here. I live here too!” Orlanda is new
to the oil and gas industry but she worked for more than
20 years in customer service in the banking industry and at
other companies. She said, “I look forward to learning all
that I can about the industry and plan to build my
career at Shell.” You will see Orlanda whenever you
come in the door of the local office in Fort St. John.
She really enjoys working with the public and says it’s
gratifying when people leave with a smile. Orlanda
really enjoys her work and the people she works with.
Outside the office, she loves to walk, garden, and downhill
ski with family and friends, her two biggest priorities.
How Shell is working to
reduce its freshwater use
In the Fall 2010 issue of the Groundbirch Gazette, we talked about a few initiatives
that we are undertaking to reduce our use of freshwater, which is an important issue
for both Shell and the local community. Since our last newsletter, we have made some
good progress.
First, we have commissioned our first Water Recycle-Reuse Facility located in the Sunset
Prairie area. The new facility consists of a pump and pumphouse, a lined flowback
pond, and an unlined freshwater pond (‘flowback’ water is water that is produced out
of the well after it has been completed and has a high salt content). With this new facility,
we can mix freshwater with flowback water and reuse this water. Currently this is a pilot
program and if it works as expected, we will build other similar facilities as we grow
our development.
In addition to a reduction in freshwater use, these Water Recycle-Reuse Facilities will also
help reduce trucking (which is a major issue for the local area in terms of dust, safety,
and noise), because we will have the facilities to pump water from these ponds to wellpads
through water pipelines that are installed when we build the gas production pipelines.
Another initiative we talked about in our last newsletter was the Dawson Creek Reclaimed
Water Plant. Shell is working with the City on a facility for treating the City’s wastewater
and then transporting the water through an approximately 48-kilometre pipeline to the
Groundbirch field where it will be reused in oil and gas operations. Shell is providing
funds towards the construction of the reclaimed water plant that will be built and operated
by the City of Dawson Creek. The pipeline and associated facilities will be built and
operated by Shell.
The City of Dawson Creek sought the approval of the electors for this project through
an Alternative Elector Approval Process (AEAP) where people had the right to request
that the agreement should go to a referendum. Only 1.5% of the electorate responded in
this fashion so the agreement was adopted by City Council on Oct. 4. The AEAP showed
that the project enjoys popular support.
Last summer, Shell kicked off pipeline surveying, front-end engineering, environmental
fieldwork, and public consultation. Regulatory applications for the 48-kilometre pipeline
have been and are being submitted. Although timing depends on a variety of factors
including design work and regulatory approvals, we plan to start construction of the
pipeline and have it operational by the end of 2011.
The City of Dawson Creek is working hard on progressing front-end engineering and
permit applications on the reclaimed water facility. In our next issue, we will have another
update for you on where we are at with this exciting project.
The Groundbirch Gazette – winter 2011
3
Volunteers drive rural
community spirit at
the McLeod Hall
and the McLeod
Elementary School
Joanne Verbruggen, a volunteer from the McLeod Hall Group of McLeod Social Services
and Recreation, still remembers the men firing up the woodstove prior to local events
at the old hall in Progress, which had electricity, but no running water, and it had
outhouse-style toilets attached to the building, one for men and one for ladies. “On
cold days, people did not waste much time in the washroom,” she laughed. “Many functions were held in this old hall and the same goes for all of the other community
halls, but not without a lot of volunteer commitment to keep them operating.”
Due to the new health codes and building standards, it was decided to build a new
modern facility by extending the gymnasium on the local McLeod Elementary School
and adding hall facilities. In fact, the McLeod Hall replaced three aging historical
facilities throughout the region, created a central gathering place for the communities
of Groundbirch, Sunset Prairie, Progress, and Willow Valley.
Everything from weddings, funerals, elections, and emergency evacuations to dances,
school lunches, school events, youth meetings, and business and nonprofit meetings
take place at the hall, which was built in 2002. The volunteers behind the hall work
very hard to keep the facility running for the local area. “A lot of our volunteers are
full-time ranchers, as this is a ranching community, but most of our men and women
also work elsewhere.”
Shell rents the McLeod Hall to hold bi-annual Open Houses with the local community
and to hold Groundbirch Community Advisory Group meetings every six weeks. Other
companies also rent the space. Other community groups also use the hall, and this is
subsidized by business rentals. The McLeod Hall volunteer group also raises money
by holding events such as a September steak supper and dance each fall.
Most of the money that the volunteers raise goes right back into upgrading the facilities.
Even the creation of the hall itself was entirely a volunteer effort. Several years ago
through fundraising, grants, and government financial support, community members
decided to create a new place for locals to gather by extending the gym at the McLeod
Elementary School. “The school, which opened in 1967, used to have the gymnasium
and a wee tiny kitchen with an electric stove,” said Verbruggen. “We increased the
size of the gymnasium by about one-third, and added the large kitchen, vestibule,
washrooms, and a storage room.”
Recently, the McLeod Hall Group managed to raise $14,000 to purchase new
commercial electric stoves to replace gas stoves, which makes the kitchen safer.
“It will be a dream kitchen for the many volunteers and the caterers that use the
facilities,” said Verbruggen. The Shell Social Investment team supported by Andrew
Dahlin will pay $5,218 for a new dishwasher. Verbruggen added, “A big thank you
to Shell for helping us with the dishwasher! Because water is hauled to our community
hall and school, the use of a dishwasher will cut down water use significantly, which
benefits everyone and saves costs.” The volunteers also raised enough money to buy
new tables and chairs and dishes for the hall, and to pay half the cost of a new
Zamboni floor-cleaner for the school and hall (costs shared by the school board).
Some of the money raised by the McLeod Hall volunteer group goes right back into the
local community, as they often hold free local events. Just prior to Christmas, they hold
a free holiday supper. “There’s turkey with all the trimmings, Christmas carols, and
Santa brings candy bags for the kids,” said Verbruggen. “Local churches and the local
community come out to help and we ask people who attend to bring a dessert or salad
to share with everyone as well as something to give to the food bank.”
The hall is also a huge benefit to the school. Principal of McLeod Elementary School
Danyell Dutka said, “I enjoy using that wonderful big kitchen to bake with the kids.”
In addition to learning opportunities, the school uses the kitchen to provide the kids
with hot lunches once a week, with the help of PAC (Parents Advisory Committee).
PAC is another small but mighty group of volunteers that really make a difference
in the lives of families that live in the school’s district. This group does a variety of
fundraising events throughout the year to help the McLeod Elementary School with
special purchases.
About six years ago, PAC provided the finances for the school to build a beautiful new
playground. Other contributions from PAC, said Dutka, helped to renovate the library
complete with tables and chairs and new books. The principal added that PAC also
bought a musical program and instruments and sports equipment. PAC uses the hall
to prepare hot lunches once a week for the kids, and they also hold special events
there. Before Christmas, PAC held a special activity day with a free lunch where
children go through different stations making crafts and playing carnival games.
Dutka said, “We only have 39 children and as a result, we have a very small budget
provided by the school board. PAC has been very good about supporting us in getting
the extra things along the way. The school and PAC work very well together. We talk
all the time about the needs of the school and PAC is more than willing to support us
in any way that will benefit the children’s education. Somehow they always find a way
to make it happen.”
In fact, this is how Shell got acquainted with PAC (through hall rentals). We were
looking for a local community location in the area to hold a ‘meet-and-greet’ about
our development activities and plans, and PAC was looking for a way to make more
money for bigger purchases.
President of PAC Tracy Anderson said, “There is a local business in the area that caters
for special events at the McLeod Hall and other areas, but instead of taking the Shell
job, the owner suggested that PAC take on the responsibility of catering for Shell’s two
Open Houses as a fundraiser. (The Groundbirch Community Advisory Group meetings
are done by the caterer as they are more frequent.) PAC volunteers have catered events
before such as school dances, so they know how to prepare a wonderful meal for the
community. Shell and the local area have benefitted from delicious food at the bi-annual
Open Houses ranging from beef-on-a-bun to steak dinner.”
The money raised from the bi-annual Shell Open Houses is PAC’s biggest two
fundraisers each year, and this has enabled the group to renovate the library at
the McLeod Elementary School and to purchase larger items for the school such as
sports equipment.
Shell’s next Open House will be held on April 27, 2011. PAC will be catering and
the supper will be held at the McLeod Hall. We look forward to seeing everyone at
this event from the communities of Groundbirch, Sunset Prairie, and Progress. If you
are interested in volunteering for the McLeod Social Services and Recreation group
that manages the McLeod Hall and the curling rink, please call President Bill Bentley
at (250) 843-7575. If you would like to volunteer for PAC to help out the McLeod
Elementary School, please call President Tracy Anderson at (250) 780-2050.
4
The Groundbirch Gazette– WINTER 2011
Building Local Capacity – What does that mean?
We are working with Energy Services BC, ‘the voice of the British Columbia oil and
gas service sector’, to identify area companies that could be considered for contracting
opportunities. We also amended our contracting practices to increase the number of
local businesses considered and evaluated for bid opportunities. We also require the
‘winning’ businesses to implement local involvement plans to further support our Local
Content goals.
In this issue of The Groundbirch Gazette, we introduced you to our Socio-Economic
Specialist Murray Slezak, who has worked hard with our team in 2010 to increase
Shell’s use of local contractors by 10 per cent, and we plan to improve upon our
performance even further in 2011. “Some of our efforts deliver immediate results
while others have a longer time frame,” he said. “We believe that communities most
impacted by our activities should benefit the most in terms of business opportunities
and employment, and we call this ‘Local Content’.” In the last year alone, Murray
provided one-on-one assistance to more than 50 local businesses that sought
assistance in meeting industry or Shell requirements.
One of the successful recipients of local work is Troyer Ventures Inc., an oilfield fluid
hauling services provider. Steve Troyer said, “We have been working with Shell
for almost two years hauling away produced water and condensate and providing
hot oiler, steamer, and vacuum truck services.” One thing that Troyer felt was very
important in working with Shell is that the two cultures matched well in terms of
safety. “We have a great relationship with Shell. They listen to what our needs are
and try to help us with any challenges we might be facing. We’re a better company
today because we work with Shell.”
The leadership team for the Groundbirch asset believes in hiring local workers and
businesses. The vast majority of our regular full-time employees and contract workers
live in the area. We provide employment priority to area residents who are interested,
qualified, and can meet our ‘fitness-for-duty’ requirements. We are also working on
a number of Local Content initiatives in collaboration with Energy Services BC (ESBC),
local contractors, residents, government, aboriginal organizations, and the Canadian
Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP).
Groundbirch Team
Implements Road
Transport Safety
Initiatives
As Andrew Dahlin mentioned in his letter, we heard
from the local community that issues associated with
road safety are top-of-mind for the local Groundbirch
community. As such, we are continually working to
improve in this area, as safety is a core value at Shell
and part of our culture.
One of our initiatives this winter was to send out a flyer
to all of our truck contractors and drivers reminding
them to put chains on their tires in both wet and icy
conditions. There were a few incidents on our roads
In addition to changing our approach to contracting, Shell collaborates with Energy
Services BC and CAPP to deliver business capacity workshops. These training sessions
focus on helping local businesses understand prequalification requirements, marketing,
relationship management, industry contracting strategies, submission of qualified bid
proposals, cash management, and meeting contract requirements. Colleen Evans,
Procurement Specialist from ESBC, worked with Shell on contract readiness workshops.
She said, “Shell has played a very integral role in supporting and involving the
services of ESBC. Shell puts a huge focus on helping local contractors to meet its safety
requirements. At ESBC, we really appreciate the support that Shell has given us and
our members.” ESBC strives to promote local services to energy companies such as
Shell, and also verifies to Shell what contractors qualify as ‘local’.
At the 2010 Energy Conference hosted by The City of Fort St. John (October 12-14),
Shell participated in business capacity workshops that many local contractors attended
and we received some wonderful feedback by email. Peter Berfelo, a local businessowner,
said, “The opportunity to interact with industry professionals and learn has translated into
a greater resolve to achieve prime contractor status. Excellent advice was offered and I
intend to use it well.” Kathleen O’Neill from Northern Region Advantage Fleet Services
Inc., said, “I would like to personally thank you for your valuable input during last week’s
two-day contract readiness workshop that I attended. It was very informative for me.”
In terms of aboriginal businesses and people, Shell recently began working with the
Northeast Aboriginal Business & Wellness Centre to improve its ability to help member
businesses land oil and gas contracts. In terms of employment, we are a contributing
partner to the Northeast Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership program. We
provide in-kind and financial support to this nonprofit organization, and also Murray is a
Board member and is happy to report that several recent training initiatives will result
in successful employment of aboriginal people within the energy industry.
If you would like additional information on pre-qualification requirements or
contracting inquiries, please call Murray Slezak at (403) 519-4693 or
email [email protected].
where Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) slid into ditches,
as they had limited traction because of the lack of
chains. It’s a requirement on all Shell roads to use chains
in wet and/or icy conditions, and we will be checking
to make sure that all HGVs vehicles travelling on Shell
roads follow this rule.
We also gather data around our Groundbirch operations
on traffic speeds. As a result, we learned that currently
one-third of traffic on the public Braden Road is speeding
more than 10 km/h over the 80 km/h speed limit. As this
is a public road, we cannot determine how many of the
speeders are connected to the oil and gas industry, but
we are taking action in the following manner.
To reduce speeding along the Braden in the Groundbirch
area, Shell is currently working with the RCMP to help
fund more traffic stops. RCMP Highway Patrol could
benefit from more resources to patrol this road, especially
in the winter months, as it has become an important
road for both commercial and public traffic.
Shell also monitors traffic on its heavy haul routes as well
as resource roads. When a driver is caught speeding, we
call the managers from that company and ask them to
take action (which has included additional monitoring
through to dismissal). Our priority is to ensure that all of
our employees, workers, and other commuters are safe
on any roads that Shell uses.
A recent change that we wanted to mention is Industry
Canada’s new protocol around Resource Road
Channels for the South Peace Area in BC, including the
Groundbirch and North Deep Basin areas where Shell
has developments. In time, the eighty-five Resource Road
Channels will become the standard across the entire Peace
River region in BC. To make sure every vehicle has the
correct radio channels and that drivers know our
road safety expectations, we put an information booth
up at the start of Stewart Lake Road and also on
Sunset Pasture Road.
We have also made considerable progress in working
with local school boards to ensure the safety of children
travelling by school bus to and from school. During
school bus hours when kids are picked up and dropped
off at school, we make sure that Shell traffic stays off the
roads. As well, we notify the school board of any rig
moves, water hauls, or any traffic increase that could
affect school bus routes. Rig moves are also advertised
to the general public via local radio and television ads
and signage. In the unlikely event that Shell traffic meets
a school bus on the road, our standard is for our vehicles
to pull over to a full stop and let the school bus travel by.
We have also implemented one-way routing on local
roads to try and minimize safety risks associated with
a high volume of traffic.
The Groundbirch Gazette – winter 2011
5
Shell gets out in the community to
lend its support to local causes
From the Kiskatinaw Fall Fair to the Whiskey Jack Nordic Ski Trails to the future Dawson Creek Calvin Kruk Centre for
the Arts and many local First Nations events, Shell has been demonstrating its local community involvement in 2010.
Shell provided support to an array of social investment projects in the community, including equal contribution to events
in three key First Nations bands. Shell’s contribution to the Saulteau First Nations helped support their Children’s
Summer Camp and Development Programme. In recognition of this donation, Shell was invited to participate in
their ‘Introduction to Golf’ day. Our First Nations Community Affairs Representative Tamara Dokkie and Production
Operations Manager Andrew Dahlin joined in for a fun-filled day with the youth.
From Aug. 6 to 8, 2010, Shell participated in the Kiskatinaw Fall Fair in Sunset Prairie, BC. Organizers were thrilled
with the increased attendance and participation this year. President of the Kiskatinaw Fall Fair Joe Breti said, “This is
a rural, grassroots-oriented event and it’s a great event for the local community. It shows kids where their food actually
comes from!” The fair featured arts and crafts, heavy and light horse events and livestock displays that reflected the
history and heritage of the area. With Shell’s financial support and the participation of Shell staff in the area, as well
as the support of other local businesses, the fair was a great success.
Another event Shell supported last year was the Northern Redneck Riders (NRR) Finals, a club that consists of families
from Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Hudson Hope, Chetwynd, Grande Prairie, Valleyview, Fairview, Grimshaw, and
communities in-between getting together. Riders participated in barrel racing and pole bending. In both events
competitors are timed as they complete running patterns on top of their horses. The NRR mandate is to promote families
having fun with their horses, and displaying strong sportsmanship and fair play. Shell Planner/Scheduler Michelle
Sage, who attended the 2010 rodeo, said, “I presented belt buckles to the kids that won the barrel and pole races.
It was a lot of fun and the people were very friendly and gracious.” Michelle added, “This was the first time that I had
ever gone to a farm community event, as I didn’t grow up in an agricultural community. I would definitely do it again!”
Shell participated in the August 2010 Kiskatinaw Fall Fair in
Sunset Prairie
Livestock displays reflected the history and heritage of the area
(August 2010 Kiskatinaw Fall Fair)
Shell also contributed staff time and financial support to the Northern BC Regional Science Fair, which was held in
April 2010 in Fort St. John. The Fair attracted more than 300 local students from Grades 4 to 12. Students spent
months preparing their science projects and competing in their own schools for a chance to attend the Regional Science
Fair. The Fair consisted of project judging, science activities, presentations from scientists, provincial science programs,
contests, and an awards ceremony. Shell’s Production Superintendent Dean Freeman participated as a judge for the
Grades 5 to 6 levels. With Shell’s financial support, two students were able to attend the 2010 Canada Wide Science
Fair in Peterborough, Ontario.
In 2010, Shell also participated in supported the Energy in Action events hosted by the local Canadian Association
of Petroleum Producers (CAPP). Energy in Action, a collaborative effort by CAPP member companies, is a program
that teaches students in Grades 4 and 5 about our oil and natural gas resources and the importance of environmental
stewardship. This year, Shell’s Production Superintendent Dean Freeman and Community Affairs Representative
Tamara Dokkie attended the May 2010 event hosted at the Tremblay Elementary School in Dawson Creek. Shell staff
worked with students to plant trees, shrubs, and flowers around the perimeter of the newly installed Metis Medicine
Wheel. Together, with the cooperation of School District 59, the seating area was also installed.
Shell supported more than 35 local community groups in 2010 and invested over $125,000 towards new initiatives
in the area.
Update on the
Groundbirch
Community
Advisory Group
Meetings
In our last newsletter, we talked about the formation of
the Groundbirch Community Advisory Group (GCAG),
which is a forum for Shell and a range of community
members to meet on an ongoing basis to discuss Shell’s
plans and for Shell to receive input from the community.
We invited you to talk openly and freely with us and
many of you took us up on that offer.
At the first meeting in October, we provided an overview
to the attendees of our proposed plans for development.
We also spent a lot of time listening and talking with the
participants about their concerns, issues, and ideas related
to our business activities today and those planned for the
future. Over 25 members of the community attended this
meeting and we were very pleased with both the number
of people that participated and their input.
Carson Newby, Shell Community Affairs Representative
said, “We were very happy with the open and vigorous
discussion that we participated in with you, our local
residents, about our gas development and how it impacts
6
The Groundbirch Gazette– WINTER 2011
the local community and how you want us to mitigate
those impacts. I can tell you that we are listening, and
together with your help, we hope to make significant
progress in these areas in 2011.”
At the second GCAG meeting in early December,
Shell and local residents continued to discuss the
issues brought to the forefront in the first meeting and
also started to prioritize those concerns. Among the
key issues raised at the meetings were:
Ensuring good communication, consultation, and delivery on commitments from Shell;
n
n Understanding the effect of the gas development
on residential water wells;
Frank Cook presenting a cheque to Edward Schmidt for
Junior Curling equipment
To learn more about Shell’s social investment program
or for more information about how to apply for
funding for your non-profit group, please visit
www.shell.ca/community.
water wells, hydraulic fracturing, and water use. The
March meeting focused on traffic impacts, including dust,
and related mitigation opportunities.
“This is a collaborative process between Shell and all
community members,” said Newby. “We intend to
work together as a team to face and address the issues
and challenges associated with the development of
Shell’s project.”
For more information, or if you are a resident in our
development area and want to join us for the next
meeting, please contact Carson Newby in Community
Affairs at [email protected]. We look forward
to hearing from you.
n Understanding hydraulic fracturing and overall water use by Shell;
Addressing flaring and traffic impacts
including dust;
n
Improving weed control on disturbed sites and
having locals execute this work; and,
n
n Ensuring the sense of community in the area is
not lost.
At the conclusion of the second meeting, it was agreed
by all participants that the process has potential and
everyone seemed eager to attend the next meeting.
The early February meeting focused on residential
The Groundbirch Gazette
Shell’s Newsletter for Northeast BC
Winter 2011
The Groundbirch Gazette is a biannual newsletter
featuring Shell stories happening in the Groundbirch
area. If you have any questions, comments and/or
ideas for stories, please contact local Community Affairs
at 1-888-384-6465 or email [email protected].