Press Release
May 07, 2024
Alberta is launching the new Oil Sands Mine Water Steering Committee to speed up the reclamation of oil sands tailings ponds. The expert committee will study potential policies and measures for and suggest options that would best allow for reclamation to occur as quickly and safely as possible. Alberta’s government will use the committee’s work to create an accelerated plan to reclaim the water in oil sands tailing ponds and eventually return the land for use by future generations.
“Managing oil sands mine water and reclaiming tailings ponds is a complex issue that requires collaboration. This committee will look at all the feasible options for addressing oil sands mine water and tailings ponds and suggest ways to safely reclaim the land and ensure our waterways remain clean for future generations.”
Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas
Tailings ponds are a complex issue that likely cannot be addressed through just one solution. Significant technical research and analysis has been conducted by industry, as well as the province’s Oil Sands Mine Water Science Team. There have also been past discussions with local Indigenous communities on this issue, and the Crown-Indigenous Working Group for the Potential Oil Sands Mining Effluent Regulations has issued several reports examining different options. However, no clear consensus has been identified and research is still emerging. The steering committee is expected to evaluate a wide range of options for addressing oil sands mine water and reclaiming tailings ponds in an accelerated timeframe.
To do this, the steering committee will review all relevant research and engage with communities, industry and governments to ensure that many perspectives and potential solutions are considered. More information will be shared in the coming months on how the public can submit technical information. All viable solutions to this challenging issue will be considered.
“This is an important step forward to responsibly address oil sands mine water and reclaim tailings ponds more swiftly and effectively.”
Tany Yao, MLA for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo
The province is looking forward to the committee’s advice to help develop an accelerated plan for addressing tailings ponds while protecting the health of local and downstream communities and the environment.
Members of the committee
The Oil Sands Mine Water Steering Committee will include:
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