The recent move by Prime Minister Mark Carney to expedite a new oil export pipeline to the West Coast is increasing the pressure on Ottawa to make a decision regarding a longstanding environmental issue affecting the oilsands in Northern Alberta — the management of tailings ponds.
The oil production in the region is expected to increase, with the Alberta government aiming to double the crude production. However, the industry has been storing industrial mining wastewater in large tailings ponds for decades due to a ban on releasing any water, leading to concerns about the toxicity of the fluid and its impact on wildlife and the environment.
Efforts to deter birds and wildlife from the tailings ponds include using air cannons and scarecrows, highlighting the ongoing environmental challenges faced by the industry. The volume of tailings fluid has grown significantly, prompting calls for regulations to treat and release the wastewater. Some Indigenous leaders advocate for a slowdown in oilsands production until the issue is resolved.
Alberta plans to define the water quality standards required for release by the end of the year, but the federal government holds authority over waterways. Companies assert their capability to treat tailings water effectively but emphasize the need for clear regulatory standards. The debate around treat-and-release policies continues, with concerns raised about potential environmental and health risks.