The Alberta government, recognizing the urgency of addressing the growing tailings ponds in the province’s oil sands, has established a new committee to accelerate reclamation efforts. The committee, comprising six members, will evaluate potential policies and options to expedite the reclamation process safely and effectively. The committee will have the support of an external facilitator, ensuring objectivity and expertise. This initiative builds upon previous research and initiatives aimed at addressing the same issue, including the Oilsands Innovation Alliance, the Oilsands Tailings Research Facility, and university research teams. However, environmental groups have expressed frustration over the lack of progress, despite extensive research on the topic. In response to this concern, committee members represent a broad range of perspectives, including a First Nations chief, an engineering professor, and an oil and gas executive. The committee will collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including oil sands producers who have submitted reclamation plans to the Alberta Energy Regulator, despite concerns about the reliance on unproven technologies. Tailings ponds have grown to occupy vast areas, some exceeding 300 square kilometers, and continue to expand. The committee’s mandate includes ensuring that reclamation efforts do not compromise the safety of Albertans or the cleanliness of waterways for future generations.
Alberta Committee Appointed to Accelerate Tailings Pond Reclamation in Oil Sands
