In-Situ Tar Sands Extraction Risks Contaminating Massive Aquifers
Research by Carolyn Campbell, Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) Conservation Specialist
Recent research has revealed significant risks to massive underground freshwater channels from tar sands activity north of Lac La Biche and Cold Lake. In this region, the bitumen resource is deep enough that underground extraction (in situ) techniques, often involving high-pressure steam, are used instead of surface strip mining. Since accidental steam blowouts have already occurred in the region, the potential for pollution of Canada's largest freshwater aquifer is genuine. Increased monitoring requirements are necessary now to manage these risks, and new oil sands project approvals in the region should be halted until these risks can be better understood.