Canada to study tailing ponds in northern Alberta

Canada has agreed to more rigorous study of oil sands tailings ponds in northern Alberta. Specifically, the feds plan to assess the toxicity of Naphthenic acids. 

The request was made in March by environmental groups and local First Nations, and the need for further study has been backed by dozens of scientists and medical professionals who signed a supporting letter. 

Scrutiny on the ponds has increased after it became public last year that wastewater from an Imperial Oil site had been leaking for months.

The Chief of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation says today’s development is part of an ongoing effort to find a way for First Nations and the oil sands to coexist. 

“We need to make sure that people are employed, but we need to make sure that it is done in an efficient way where the environment is protected and this is going to sustain our way of life for the future,” Chief Allan Adam, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation.

Group Environmental Defence claims naphthenic acids in the tailings ponds are toxic, although Canada has never formally classified them as such. Ecojustice claims the acids are known to kill birds and fish and may also be harmful to humans if they leak into nearby waterways. 

“There are gaps in the information about the effects of naphthenic acids on human health and on the environment so the goal of this is to better understand those risks and then to see regulation,” said Bronwyn Roe, an Ecojustice lawyer.

Naphthenic acids will now be added to an assessment plan under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. The feds say that plan will be finalized by next summer.

A spokesperson for the Alberta government says even though health canada previously determined that the acids are not toxic, the province is also taking a closer look as part of its $55 million a year oilsands monitoring program.