ConocoPhillips Canada First to Donate Water

Water Conservation Trust of Canada Welcomes Historic Application

CALGARY, June 9 /CNW/ - The Water Conservation Trust of Canada (Water Trust) announced today it has been named a recipient in a landmark application to transfer an Alberta water licence. ConocoPhillips Canada is applying to donate the first licence to privately protect instream flow. The Water Trust protects and enhances aquatic ecosystems by accepting donations of water made surplus from licence holders.

"We are pleased to accept this valuable contribution to Alberta's instream flows," said Water Trust's executive director Maureen Bell. "ConocoPhillips Canada has been a supporter of the Water Conservation Trust of Canada from our early days, and has demonstrated its commitment to conserving water resources with this generous donation."

ConocoPhillips Canada is contributing 50 percent of its water licence on the Medicine River, a tributary of the Red Deer River. The water is available because of ConocoPhillips' conservation efforts. The Water Trust has the support of the Red Deer River Watershed Alliance to hold the water in this tributary.

"We believe this is an important opportunity to contribute to the sustainability of the Medicine River," said Lloyd Visser, ConocoPhillips Canada Vice President, Environment and Sustainable Development. "Our application aims to support the habitat enhancement and recreation values of this river."

ConocoPhillips Canada has earned a 2010 Emerald Award nomination for water management initiatives including this donation. The Emerald Awards celebrate the achievements by individuals and organizations in Alberta committed to protecting the environment. The winners will be announced Thursday, June 10 in Calgary.

The Water Conservation Trust was founded in 2006 with the objective of participating in Alberta's water market to the benefit of aquatic ecosystems. "Water is our most precious resource and the demand for it continues to grow," said Bell. "This is particularly true here in semi-arid, southern Alberta where rivers are over-allocated."

In 1999, the Alberta government introduced the Water Act, which created the framework for the water market and paved the way for organizations such as the Water Trust. The Water Trust has been working to co-ordinate its efforts with both the provincial and federal governments to achieve objectives consistent with their conservation policies.

Alberta Environment is reviewing ConocoPhillips Canada's application. A decision is pending.

Water Conservation Trust of Canada

The Water Conservation Trust of Canada was established as an effective water market management tool. Its mission is to improve social, economic and environmental outcomes by acquiring water entitlements for instream flow. The current activities of the Trust are focused in the water market in Southern Alberta.

For further information: Rocco Ciancio, [phone]