The federal government must tackle water pollution from the oilsands – Policy Options
The government already has the necessary power. It just needs the courage to use it to stop contamination from tailings ponds.
Perched on the shores of the Athabasca River in northern Alberta are a staggering 1.4 trillion litres of toxic industrial waste, stored in open pits known as tailings ponds created through oil production.
For decades, it has been public knowledge that this toxic waste is leaking into the surrounding environment. Yet the federal government has still not investigated the true dangers posed by these substances.
This could change immediately. With tools at its disposal under federal laws, it is time for Ottawa to take responsibility and protect communities and the environment from further contamination.
Read More: https://policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/april-2024/oil-sands-pollution/
