The volunteer-led Community Advisory Committee (CAC) to Petro-Canada’s Oakville Refinery in Ontario was formed in 1991 to work with the refinery to reduce environmental impacts on the community. The CAC membership includes local citizens, local politicians and Petro-Canada senior management.
By addressing specific emission sources and working to mitigate odours, the CAC has seen a significant reduction in complaints, from 700 in 1994 to 77 in 2001.
The CAC issues newsletters, maintains a website (which can be viewed in the Environment-Community Involvement section of the Web site at www.petro-canada.ca) and hosts an annual open house event. It’s a co-operative approach to share solutions and keep the lines of communication open.