ConocoPhillips Canada (CPC) is a long-time Canadian company committed to the value-based development of natural resources in a manner that respects the environment as well as the values, culture and health of the communities in which it operates.

CPC recognizes that Canada’s water resources are under pressure on numerous fronts, and we are prepared to do our part to address this issue. We are pursuing economically viable solutions that conserve fresh water resources and enhance the efficiency of water utilization at our facilities. We will also reduce the potential impact from our operations on natural water resources.

• CPC has improved its rapid emergency response capability for hydrocarbon spills and enabled our workforce with the capabilities, knowledge and resources necessary to deliver environmental excellence.
• To protect groundwater quality, CPC has stopped installing underground storage tanks and raised the standard on secondary containment around tanks beyond the customary industry level.

Working with stakeholders

CPC is committed to working with governments and our stakeholders to develop appropriate water use regulations for industry. 

• CPC participates in the industry’s water use strategy committee.
• CPC is also promoting an integrated surface and groundwater monitoring program with neighbouring oil sands projects south of Fort McMurray to address cumulative effects on water.
• CPC is working with stakeholders to develop equitable and effective environmental policy and regulation.

Preserving freshwater

CPC’s first choice is to use non-potable water sources; freshwater is used only as a last resort.  

• As part of our long-term strategy to decrease the use of freshwater, we are reviewing all water licenses to better understand allocations and water sources. This information will be used to complete life-cycle assessments of water use in all operations.
• CPC is developing a water management plan, including an objective to eliminate freshwater use in Enhanced Oil Recovery in water-scarce areas.
•  At our Surmont Project, we are using steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) technology that pumps steam into the sands, heating the bitumen until it flows to parallel producing wells. Such facilities are designed to recycle up to 90 percent of the water used for steam.