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On November 14, 2006, the Alberta Energy and
Utilities Board (EUB) approved the application submitted by
Suncor Energy Inc. to proceed with two major projects in the
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Alberta, near Fort
McMurray. The board made its favourable decision in spite of
considerable opposition by stakeholders, who raised concerns
regarding serious infrastructure shortages in Wood Buffalo and
the impact that these shortages may have on further oil sands
development.
Numerous interventions with regard to the Suncor application were
discussed at public hearings held by the EUB in July 2006. The
interveners cited socioeconomic concerns in relation to further
oil sands investment; both Suncor and the EUB agreed that further
oil sands development would place greater strain on the existing
infrastructure base in the region.
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