Alta. tailings pond to get federal inspection (CBC News)
Last Updated: Monday, November 15, 2010 | 8:11 PM ET
CBC News
The tailings pond at CNRL's Horizon oilsands project near Fort McKay, Alta. The western edge of the pond, which doesn't have a berm, can be seen in the middle of the picture. (CBC)Environment Canada officials will be in northern Alberta on Tuesday to inspect a tailings pond operated by Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. that was the subject of a CBC News investigation.
Federal Environment Minister John Baird made the announcement in the House of Commons on Monday, in response to a question from Alberta NDP MP Linda Duncan.
"We're deeply concerned about the reports that we have learned of," Baird said. "I have spoken to my deputy minister and Environment Canada officials will be on the ground to take a look at the situation tomorrow."
The pond is part of CNRL's Horizon oilsands project near Fort McKay, Alta.
The pond has containing berms on only three of its sides. Tailings on the western edge are contained by topography and clay beneath the surface, an arrangement approved by Alberta's Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB).
Federal Environment Minister John Baird in the House of Commons on Monday. (CBC)But aboriginal people in the area are concerned that the animals they traditionally hunt and trap are drinking water from the pond, which could potentially put toxins into their food supply. There are no physical barriers to keep animals off the site.
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. acknowledged Monday that beavers are getting into a section of the site but they are doing what they can to keep the animals away.
"Yes we are aware that there are beavers, but not in the pond ... There is some surface water to the west of the tailings pond which is fresh water and not affected by the process water," said Calvin Duane, manager of environment for CNRL.
"We were aware of that quite some time ago and we're actually working with local trappers to work with us from Fort McKay to get the beavers out of there, so yes we're being very proactive with that, working with the local community to get the beavers out."
CNRL's Duane said the company might consider putting up a fence but is currently trying to keep animals away from the pond to the best of its ability. Measures include clearing vegetation to make the area less attractive to wildlife and monitoring the movements of animals.
"It can never have a zero effect," Duane said. "What we do is we try to get as low as we possibly can and that's what we're aiming to achieve."
CBC story not accurate: ERCB
The ERCB sent out a news release Monday stating the CBC story was inaccurate — that the tailings are not leaking into the muskeg or a stream at the western edge.
"The water body in question is a minor stream which flows downhill into the tailings pond," ERCB spokesman Davis Sheremata said in written statement,
"The tailings pond and the stream lie at the bottom of the natural depression and all water in the area flows into the pond, not out of it."
Sheremata said ERCB inspectors checked the site on Monday and found it was compliant with its regulations. The muskeg lies within the CNRL lease boundaries and is proposed to be used as a dedicated area to dry mature fine tailings.
Alberta Environment Minister Rob Renner said nothing appears to be out of line at the tailings pond and monitoring hasn't revealed any leaks or unregulated release of tailings.
"Early indications are that the tailings pond itself is well within the overall footprint that was prescribed," he said.
"This is a new tailings pond so it's just being filled up and there is an area on the west end of the pond that is using a natural hill to contain the pond."
CNRL is obligated to use animal deterrents at the site to ensure no wildlife is harmed. Renner said his officials are investigating to ensure that these measures are in place.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/11/15/edmonton-cnrl-pond-environment-canada.html#ixzz15P6ATtHe
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