Project OverviewOur existing southeast retention pond collects precipitation and uncontaminated runoff from the Joffre Site such as groundwater from sumps and drainage tiles. Water from the retention pond is re-used in operations once it is softened / clarified. This pond has been in operation for many years and there is some contamination from historical events dating back to the early 1980s.

We have concluded a geotechnical assessment and engineering design work to confirm the location for a new retention pond as well as its specifications. Based on this work, we believe the best location for the pond is directly east of the existing southeast pond. (See aerial diagram at right).

We have been providing information on the proposed retention pond to stakeholders and continue to seek any input or advice on the proposed project as technical specifications and more details are available. A schedule for next steps is shown on page 4, including requirements for regulatory approvals.

Proposed New Stormwater Retention Pond NOVA Chemicals Joffre Site

Fall 2015

A Responsible Care® company

Any input you have on this project or any aspect of our operations is welcome.

The proposed retention pond is directly east of the existing southeast pond.

A new pond, incorporating best practices, will also help the site more effectively capture run-off from major storm events. Specifically, the new pond will allow us to:

• meet a 1:25-year storm event • avoid overflows and unplanned discharges • improve make-up water quality for re-use in

our manufacturing facilities• reduce maintenance challenges • allow ongoing access for remediation of sediments.

The proposed new pond as well as all of NOVA Chemicals’ current ponds meet the regulatory requirements as outlined by Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP).

The new pond will also allow us to remediate the existing pond over a period of time using a staged ‘‘in-situ” approach to reduce the potential for issues like odour.

Proposed New Stormwater Retention Pond

A Responsible Care® company

• The new pond is designed to have a capacity of approximately 202,184 cubic metres (m3); existing pond capacity is approximately 42,000 m3.

• The main pond will have a 60 millimetre synthetic (Linear Low Density Polyethylene [LLDPE]) primary liner with a prepared native clay subgrade to provide impermeability meeting the standards for stormwater collection. There will be a drain underlying the liner to remove any shallow groundwater.

• Two forebays, each with a volume of 14,537 m3, will have the addition of an articulated mat (concrete block) or equivalent to allow equipment to enter for cleaning.

• Clay from pond excavation will be used in the project construction, with remaining clay and top soil spread into the adjacent field for use in continued cultivation.

Design Specifications: • The pond will be tied into the existing site stormwater

system; this is a gravity fed system with all piping below grade.

• Approximately 5.8 hectares (ha) (14 acres) will be required for the pond. There will be some additional space required for temporary stockpile areas. This is the only feasible location that allows us to tie into the gravity-fed system.

• Permanent pool depth 0.8 metres (m) (2.6 feet); active pool depth will range from 0.8 to 3.2 m (2.6 to 10.5 feet).

The total project cost for constructing the new pond is estimated at $11 million.

Water Flows To / From The Retention Pond

The pond has been designed for two main functions: store the runoff volume and also treat the concentration of total suspended solids that are anticipated to be present in the inflow. The treatment level will greatly improve the water quality of the recycled water going back to be used in operations for cooling. To accomplish this second task, the pond has been designed as a wet pond, which includes both an active and permanent water volume.

Two upstream forebays act to remove the initial energy from the runoff and allow the majority of the sediment to settle out in the forebays where it can be cleaned and removed. The two forebays have been designed to operate one at a time, or in parallel, depending on operating need. The potential to isolate one forebay while the other is operating will allow one to be taken off-stream for cleaning while the other is still in service. A four-metre-wide ramp has been included in the southwest corner of each forebay to allow access for a small skid steer or grade-all to accomplish sediment removal.

Manufacturing Site

Footprint

Retention Pond

Emergency Overflow to

Creek

Process Treatment

Used in Operations for Cooling

Cooling Towers

Surface Runoff

Recycled water is used in the cooling process whenever possible.

A Responsible Care® company

Proposed New Stormwater Retention Pond

Project Considerations• The new pond construction will involve excavation

activities. We will continue to work with our contractors to implement our Responsible Care® Good Neighbour Strategy to actively manage potential community impacts from increased activity.

• Heavy equipment will be mobilized to the construction site utilizing site access south of the plant adjacent to the abandoned greenhouse property. Day-to-day traffic will access the site through the main access gate.

• Once constructed, the new pond will be within the site fence line limiting access to people and wildlife.

• Ponds are operated under an Alberta Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) Approval. The Approval outlines stringent operating parameters which are reported to AEP monthly and annually. Stormwater from process areas can only be released to the storm retention system once it is tested and confirmed to meet discharge criteria. All of our operations, including the pond system, are operated according to our Responsible Care and environmental management principles.

• Groundwater monitoring wells and regular testing are conducted in the vicinity of all of our retention ponds and within and outside our fenceline to ensure no off-site contamination is occurring.

• A Conservation and Reclamation Plan has been developed to ensure that topsoil is conserved for future reclamation and that natural drainage is not impeded. Clay and topsoil will be recontoured in the adjacent field.

Regulatory Requirements for the Proposed New Retention Pond• Rezoning — Lacombe County — rezoning of

approximately 8 hectares (20 acres) of agricultural land to industrial is required (includes areas up to main access road).

• Amendment to Joffre Site AEPEA Approval — AEP — NOVA Chemicals operates under an EPEA Approval. The Approval outlines the operating requirements of the site retention ponds and how industrial runoff and other water sources may be released to the storm ponds. As a result, NOVA Chemicals will be seeking an amendment to the site AEPEA Approval with the construction of the new pond.

• Water Act Authorization for Dam Safety — AEP — Based on berm heights greater than 2.5 m and a volume above 30,000 m3, an application to the Dam Safety Branch of AEP is also required.

Excess soil from the pond excavation will be used to re-contour existing agricultural areas with mindfulness to not impede natural drainage.

All of our operations, including the pond system, are operated according to our Responsible Care and environmental management principles.

A Responsible Care® company

General Timeframe / Activities for the Proposed Project

Proposed New Stormwater Retention Pond

Activity TimingInitial introduction of proposed project at Joffre Community Advisory Panel (JCAP) meeting

March 2015

Introduction of project at Community Open House April 29, 2015One-on-one meetings with stakeholders potentially impacted by the project April 2015 and continued

throughout project phasesUpdates provided at JCAP meetings June 4, 2015 and

September 2, 2015Discuss rezoning potential with Lacombe County — at annual site visit June 9, 2015Project overview and regulatory information — SiteLine community newsletter and project fact sheet (posted to web site)

July and September 2015

Project investigation and design phases (DBM and EDS), geotechnical work and conservation and reclamation plan

Complete Fall 2015

Project details, opportunity to discuss with stakeholders (prior to filing of regulatory applications) at Community Open House

October 14, 2015

File AEP regulatory application November 2015File rezoning application with Lacombe County November 2015File Water Act Authorization for Dam Safety January 2016Construction start once approvals are received Summer 2016Pond completion and commissioning 2017Remediation of existing pond 2017 - 2027

Communications / Consultation ObjectivesNOVA Chemicals’ vision is to be seen as a “socially responsible neighbour” in the communities where we operate and do business. This means working co-operatively with stakeholders to help them understand our operations and plans, to incorporate stakeholder suggestions whenever practical, and to address issues and opportunities.

We value and encourage the input of stakeholders into our operations. As a member of the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC), NOVA Chemicals is committed to the Responsible Care ethic which covers all aspects of a company’s business including health, safety, environmental protection, sustainability and engagement with stakeholders.

Objectives of Our Ongoing Communications and Consultation Program:• To advise stakeholders in a proactive and timely

manner of the proposed new retention pond project;• To demonstrate our land use principles to reduce

impact to and consideration around maintaining buffer lands in agricultural production;

• To seek stakeholder input into the project and to identify and address as possible any potential issues / opportunities stakeholders have;

• To support the regulatory application process and meet any consultation requirements;

• To continue open and proactive dialogue and communications with stakeholders founded on long-term, co-operative working relationships; and

• To meet our Responsible Care commitments and thus contribute to NOVA Chemicals’ vision and mission.

We value your input and suggestions at any phase of this proposed project. Please contact us for more information.

For economic / business information: 403-754-4523

Community Relations: 403-314-7421 | 403-314-8619 | joffresite@novachem.com | www.novachemicals.com/Joffre