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March 2011

Vol. 16, No. 13 Week of March 27, 2011

Alberta oversight ‘inadequate’

An Alberta government-appointed panel found that the current system for monitoring water quality in the oil sands region is inadequate and that environmental impacts from industrial development in northern Alberta are not well known.

Environment Minister Rob Renner appointed the six-member panel of scientists last September as part of a process intended to recommend a more comprehensive monitoring system in June.

The panel also said more scientific analysis is needed if the government is to fully understand the impact of bitumen operations on the environment, including the Athabasca River, the main waterway through the oil sands region.

Renner said the panel’s findings will be incorporated in the omnibus report.

Based on the panel’s work, he conceded that more rigorous environmental monitoring is clearly needed and that a coordinated, cumulative effects system must be implemented.

Rachel Notley, environmental spokeswoman for the New Democratic Party, said the report shows the government has misled the public about the impact of oil sands development.

She said there is no reason to trust the government to protect health, the environment and ultimately the sustainability of the oil sands industry, while Alberta’s international reputation is being jeopardized.

—Gary Park






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