Oil Sands Policy and Procedure

Health and Safety

Health and Safety is an important consideration for SGS. We have a Health, Safety and Environmental Policy which supplements the SGS Global Health, Safety and Environmental Policy. These policies dictate the fundamental principles and core program requirements that SGS Canada management and employees must abide by in Canada. All visitors to our site are bound by our health and safety policies, including:

• Clients
• Consultants
• Engineering firms
• Suppliers
• Contractors

Pilot plant testing programs are prefaced by a HazOp Meeting that all staff working on the project must attend. Clients planning to be on-site and contributing to a project are encouraged to attend.

In addition, we operate a variety of operational activities such as employee health monitoring programs (hearing, blood lead, silica, others as needed), designated substance monitoring programs, dust collection systems, MSDS-based worker information data bases to ensure health and safety in our workplace. We appreciate any involvement or contributions other parties might make in this area because we are committed to our corporate responsibility.

Environmental Responsibility

SGS’s internal environmental policy insists that sustainable environmental practices are given top priority. We are a co-signee to the CIM Environmental Policy Statement, which promotes environmentally sustainable operations in the mining and exploration industries. We stand by and support industry standard policies.

The SGS Applied Research and Training Facility has all of its waste removed by certified waste disposal commercial waste disposal companies and does not store any waste on site. There is no discharge of any waste to the environment on our site. On-site environmental conditions are carefully monitored and responsibilities are clearly outlined for management and employees. Standards and operating procedures are documented and followed, so that our policy is maintained. While we appreciate any involvement or contributions that other parties might make in this area, we know that this is our responsibility.

Water and Waste Management

Minimizing the impact of mining operations on local water resources and controlling the generation of waste has become a top priority for the mining industry. Residual products and often dangerous waste originate from oil sands activities. These by-products must be transported and disposed of in a transparent, safe and environmentally hygienic manner, which fully complies with provincial and federal legislation. SGS has developed a reputation as an organization with exceptional understanding of water treatment and waste management, providing innovative and practical treatment solutions to the commodities processing industry. We have the technical expertise to provide effective mitigating strategies and innovative, practical solutions that reduce the environmental impact of your operations. As the market leader in inspection, verification, testing and certification, SGS’s expertise can reduce your operational risks and liabilities.

Social Responsibility

SGS is committed to social responsibility and promotes practices that support a sustainable community. With integrity and impartiality, we continually:

• Respect the traditions and values of local heritage.
• Support the community through the hiring of local people to positions at the SGS Fort McKay pilot plant.
• Seek employees from local technical schools and universities.
• Transfer our technology and expertise to local people through training programs.
• Support local business by purchasing goods and services from within the community.

Building Relationships: Fort McKay First Nations

SGS and Fort McKay First Nations have developed both a commercial and forward-looking relationship related to the SGS Fort McKay pilot plant. The relationship includes:

• Joint involvement in the construction and leasing of the SGS Fort McKay pilot plant and site at the Fort McKay Caribou Energy Park.
• A 10-20 year commitment to the development of a successful pilot plant facility at Fort McKay.
• A plan to include pilot research training at the SGS pilot plant for members of First Nations, including Aboriginal Tribal Council members.
• A commitment to focus testing activities on new technologies for oil sands.
• An interest to assist Fort McKay in the commercialization of new technologies for their own oil sands development programs.