Natural Resources Conservation Board, Lethbridge, AB

Under the Natural Resources Conservation Board Act, the NRCB reviews proposals that affect the province's non-energy natural resources. The NRCB has been responsible for regulating Alberta's confined feeding operations since 2002. The NRCB has a Chief Executive Officer and six divisions that provide support to the Board and are responsible for ongoing regulatory functions under the Agricultural Operation Practices Act. The Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) was established in 1991 as a quasi-judicial agency of the Government of Alberta. Initially, the board reviewed proposed non-energy natural resource developments. In 2002, through the Agricultural Operation Practices Act, the board began to regulate Alberta’s confined feeding operations. In addition to board members, who conduct reviews and set policy, the NRCB has two core divisions: Applications, and Compliance and Enforcement. Although their activities are distinct, the divisions have one thing in common – making balanced decisions in the public interest. This means considering the potential economic, social and environmental effects of proposed developments. NRCB staff also provide scientific, communications, administrative, and legal support to the decision-making functions.