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Repository of the Athabasca River Basin

Oil Sands Environmental Management Bibliography

The Cumulative Environmental Management Association (CEMA)partnered with the Oil Sands Research and Information Network (OSRIN) to create the new Oil Sands Environmental Management Bibliography, which includes documents relevant to the environmental management of oil sands development in Alberta. The majority of the documents focus on the mineable oil sands in the Athabasca deposit, though some documents relate to in-situ developments. This bibliography was last updated in November 2014.

Relation between the activity of anaerobic microbial populations in oil sands tailings ponds and the sedimentation of tailings

Authors Bordenave, S., Kostenko V., Dutkoski M., Grigoryan A., Martinuzzi R. J., & Vourdouw G.

Year of Publication: 2010

Abstract:
Oil sands tailings ponds contain a variety of anaerobic microbes, including methanogens, sulfate- and nitrate-reducing bacteria. Methanogenic activity in samples from a tailings pond and its input streams was higher with trimethylamine (TMA) than with acetate. Methanogens closely affiliated to Methanomethylovorans hollandica were found in the TMA enrichments. Tailings sedimentation increased with methanogenic activity, irrespective whether TMA or acetate was used to stimulate methanogenesis. Increased sedimentation of autoclaved tailings was observed with added pure cultures under methanogenic, as well as under nitrate-reducing conditions, but not under sulfate-reducing conditions. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy indicated the presence of microbes and of extracellular polymeric substances in tailings particle aggregates, especially under methanogenic and nitrate-reducing conditions. Hence different classes of microorganisms growing in tailings ponds contribute to increased tailings aggregation and sedimentation. Because addition of nitrate is known to lower methane production by methanogenic consortia, these observations offer the potential to combine lower methane emissions with improved microbially-induced tailings sedimentation.

Citation:

Bordenave, S., Kostenko V., Dutkoski M., Grigoryan A., Martinuzzi R. J., & Vourdouw G. (2010). Relation between the activity of anaerobic microbial populations in oil sands tailings ponds and the sedimentation of tailings. Abstract

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Relationship between ecological indicators (Arcellacea) total mercury concentrations and grain size in lakes within the Athabasca oil sands region, Alberta

Authors Neville, L. A., Patterson R. T., Gammon P., & Macumber A. L.

Year of Publication: 2014

Abstract:
Industrial mercury (Hg) sources associated with the processing of Athabasca oil sands (AOS), Alberta, Canada, may pose an environmental risk to nearby water bodies via either waterborne or airborne transport. Using a dataset derived from 63 lakes in the area, this study investigates the relationships between total-Hg (THg), organic matter, grain size, and lake ecology as measured by environmentally sensitive arcellacean (testate lobose amoebae) communities. The lakes studied include 59 lakes within a 75 km radius of the operations, plus four distal lakes ~150 km from the main industrial operations. Hg transport to the lakes is primarily through airborne pathways. The four distal lakes in the Peace–Athabasca Delta (~150 km downstream of the AOS operations) were examined to determine if the operation is emitting potential waterborne inputs, in addition to airborne inputs, and to identify any associated impact to those ecosystems. Total mercury in lakes close to the AOS were similar to values recorded in lakes farthest away. THg was most closely linked to the silt fraction, suggesting much of the Hg in these lakes is minerogenic in origin, either adsorbed and/or lattice-bound. THg is not statistically related to organic matter as has been observed in other Canadian lakes. The ecologic response to THg levels was investigated via the distribution of key indicator species and, or species diversity (Shannon diversity index). The spatial extent of arcellacean ecosystem stress in the study lakes did not correlate with THg concentrations. This is perhaps due to the generally low THg levels found in these lakes, all except one had THg concentrations lower than current CCME guidelines. While these findings may rule out any direct link between THg concentrations in the lakes and observed Arcellacea faunas, ecosystem stress unrelated to THg was observed northeast of the AOS, which warrants further examination. The results of this research suggest that the natural lake arcellacean faunas in the region are not being significantly impacted by current THg concentrations.

Citation:

Neville, L. A., Patterson R. T., Gammon P., & Macumber A. L. (2014). Relationship between ecological indicators (Arcellacea) total mercury concentrations and grain size in lakes within the Athabasca oil sands region, Alberta. 72(2), 11 pages . Abstract

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Relationship between soil properties and patterns of bacterial β-diversity across reclaimed and natural boreal forest soils

Authors Dimitriu, P. A., & Grayston S. J.

Year of Publication: 2010

Abstract:
Productivity gradients in the boreal forest are largely determined by regional-scale changes in soil conditions, and bacterial communities are likely to respond to these changes. Few studies, however, have examined how variation in specific edaphic properties influences the composition of soil bacterial communities along environmental gradients. We quantified bacterial compositional diversity patterns in ten boreal forest sites of contrasting fertility. Bulk soil (organic and mineral horizons) was sampled from sites representing two extremes of a natural moisture-nutrient gradient and two distinct disturbance types, one barren and the other vegetation-rich. We constructed 16S rRNA gene clone libraries to characterize the bacterial communities under phylogenetic- and species-based frameworks. Using a nucleotide analog to label DNA-synthesizing bacteria, we also assessed the composition of active taxa in disturbed sites. Most sites were dominated by sequences related to the α-Proteobacteria, followed by acidobacterial and betaproteobacterial sequences. Non-parametric multivariate regression indicated that pH, which was lowest in the natural sites, explained 34% and 16% of the variability in community structure as determined by phylogenetic-based (UniFrac distances) and species-based (Jaccard similarities) metrics, respectively. Soil pH was also a significant predictor of richness (Chao1) and diversity (Shannon) measures. Within the natural edaphic gradient, soil moisture accounted for 32% of the variance in phylogenetic (but not species) community structure. In the boreal system we studied, bacterial β-diversity patterns appear to be largely related to “master” variables (e.g., pH, moisture) rather than to observable attributes (e.g., plant cover) leading to regional-scale fertility gradients.

Citation:

Dimitriu, P. A., & Grayston S. J. (2010). Relationship between soil properties and patterns of bacterial β-diversity across reclaimed and natural boreal forest soils. 59(3), 10 pages . Abstract

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Relationships between habitats forages and carrying capacity of moose range in northern Alberta. Part 1: Moose preferences for habitat and strata and forages

Authors Nowlin, R. A., Watmough S. A., Dillon P. J., & Somers K. M.

Year of Publication: 1978

Citation:

Nowlin, R. A., Watmough S. A., Dillon P. J., & Somers K. M. (1978). Relationships between habitats forages and carrying capacity of moose range in northern Alberta. Part 1: Moose preferences for habitat and strata and forages. 63 pages .

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Relationships between lake water chemistry and benthic macroinvertebrates in the Athabasca oil sands region, Alberta

Authors Parsons, B. G., Watmough S. A., Dillon P. J., & Somers K. M.

Year of Publication: 2010

Abstract:
Sulphur and nitrogen emissions in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR) are a threat to regional lentic ecosystems. Benthic macroinvertebrates have been used successfully elsewhere to monitor the impacts of acid emissions on water bodies and the opportunity exists to implement a regional lentic biomonitoring program in the AOSR. Metrics are often used to assess the impacts of anthropogenic stressors because they describe biological conditions through a variety of measures. The selection of appropriate metrics is an integral component of any biomonitoring program and it depends on the in situ relationships between water chemistry and benthic macroinvertebrates. In order to establish these relationships we compared lake water chemistry parameters with benthic macroinvertebrate communities and metric scores from 32 lakes in the AOSR through Redundancy Analyses. Lake acidity correlates positively with Hyallelidae and negatively with Chironomidae and Oligochaeta while dissolved organic carbon is also an important determinant of benthic macroinvertebrate community composition. A number of metrics were strongly correlated with lake acidity and the following compositional metrics proved to be the most suitable for monitoring acidification in the AOSR: % Diptera, % Oligochaeta, % EPT, Total Ephemeroptera and Total Trichoptera.

Citation:

Parsons, B. G., Watmough S. A., Dillon P. J., & Somers K. M. (2010). Relationships between lake water chemistry and benthic macroinvertebrates in the Athabasca oil sands region, Alberta. 69(1), 7 pages . Abstract

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Relative distribution and biomass of invertebrates in fens and marshes in the boreal region of northeastern Alberta

Authors Williams, K. L.

Year of Publication: 2013

Abstract:
Habitat selection determines the environment characteristics experienced by the individual. Arthropod assemblages are better predicted by plant community characteristics than by other environmental features. However, the role of local habitat characteristics (microhabitat structure, food) in regulating invertebrate distribution is less well known. The invertebrate fauna of northeastern Alberta’s boreal peatlands and wetlands is especially poorly documented. I investigated invertebrate-vegetation associations of between and within fens and marshes, and variation across wetland hydrological zones. Family richness and biomass were greatest in wet meadow zones of marshes. Sampling instruments used to evaluate microhabitats collected complementary invertebrate types and different abundances. Vacuum sampling captured many phytophilous and soil associated fauna. Sticky traps caught mainly small-bodied, flying insects. Aerial sweep netting caught some large organisms but inadequately represented wetland biota. Overall, invertebrate composition was better predicted by vegetation zone than by hydrological regime or plant species richness within wetlands

Citation:

Williams, K. L. (2013). Relative distribution and biomass of invertebrates in fens and marshes in the boreal region of northeastern Alberta. 183 pages. Abstract

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Relative influence of local- and landscape-level habitat quality on aquatic plant diversity in shallow open-water wetlands in Alberta's boreal zone: Direct and indirect effects

Authors Rooney, R. C., & Bayley S. E.

Year of Publication: 2011

Abstract:
Reclamation usually involves modification of the local environment to achieve some biotic target, but if the influence of Landscape Condition on that target is great, we may fail to meet it despite efforts at the local-level. We sought to determine the relative influence of local- and landscape-level habitat on aquatic plant diversity in shallow open-water wetlands. Furthermore, we asked whether the influence of Landscape Condition should be attributed to direct (dispersal-related) effects, or to the indirect effect of landscape variables that influence local habitat quality. Finally, we asked if spatial scale (300–2000m) would affect conclusions about the relative influence of local- and landscape-level effects. Using structural equation modeling, we found that Local Condition is consistently more influential than Landscape Condition. As landscape size increases, the relative importance of Landscape Condition declines and there is a trade-off between its direct and indirect components. At ≤500m direct landscape effects were of greater importance than indirect effects, whereas indirect effects of Landscape Condition became more important at ≥1500m. This suggests that the dominant mechanism by which land use influences diversity depends on the spatial extent of the landscape. We recommend that reclamation designs include a high proportion of wetland habitat and incorporate seeding/planting if diverse plant communities are desired. Additionally, we note that the influence of the landscape is strongest within 300m. Thus, the focus of reclamation efforts should remain at the in-lake level and the immediate surroundings: this is where efforts will achieve the greatest effect on aquatic plant diversity.

Citation:

Rooney, R. C., & Bayley S. E. (2011). Relative influence of local- and landscape-level habitat quality on aquatic plant diversity in shallow open-water wetlands in Alberta's boreal zone: Direct and indirect effects. 26(7), 11 pages . Abstract

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Remediation and revegetation of tar sands composite tailings containing naphthenic acids and high salt using alder-Frankia symbionts

Authors Greer, C. W., Mehta P., Labelle S., Guibord N., Foritn N., Beaudin J., et al.

Year of Publication: 2005

Abstract:
The remediation and revegetation of tailings sands produced during the extraction of bitumen from the Athabasca tar sands present numerous challenges, from the sheer volume of tailings produced to the quality of the tailings (toxicity, high salt, low nutrients) to support growth. The objective of this work is to characterize alder-Frankia symbionts as potential candidates for the remediation and revegetation of composite tailings (CT). A variety of alder species have been examined for seed germination efficiency, and for growth in CT sands. The most robust species, Alnus rugosa and A. crispa, are indigenous to northern Alberta. Species of Frankia have been evaluated for survival and growth under high salt conditions, as well as in toxic naphthenic acids, and one strain, designated F9, was selected for further study. Survival and growth of alders inoculated with Frankia, the mycorrhizal fungus, Hebeloma, or both were evaluated in greenhouse assays using composite tailings (CT) sands obtained from the Athabasca tar sands operations. In addition, the microbial community structure and activity in CT soils containing Frankia inoculated species of alder have been examined. Frankia F9 was specifically detected using PCR amplification, in the endophyte community from alders that had been inoculated with the strain. Enrichment cultures derived from alder-Frankia planted CT sands were able to degrade a commercial naphthenic acid mixture. The results clearly demonstrate that alders are capable of survival and growth in CT sands, and that their presence has a positive impact on the diversity and activity of the indigenous microbial community. Also, alders that had received the specific Frankia inoculum retained this bacterium in their internal tissues, as demonstrated by strain-selective PCR analysis, indicating that a specific strain of symbiont can be successfully introduced into the alder during development. Current work includes the continued refinement of molecular techniques to monitor and track the specific Frankia inoculum, and the evaluation of the effectiveness of the alder-Frankia symbionts in field trials on CT residues.

Citation:

Greer, C. W., Mehta P., Labelle S., Guibord N., Foritn N., Beaudin J., et al. (2005). Remediation and revegetation of tar sands composite tailings containing naphthenic acids and high salt using alder-Frankia symbionts. 11 pages . Abstract

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Remote sensing data summary: Alberta tar sands

Authors Aird, W. J., & Pierce S. P.

Year of Publication: 1976

Citation:

Aird, W. J., & Pierce S. P. (1976). Remote sensing data summary: Alberta tar sands.

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Removal of naphthenic acids from oil sands process water using petroleum coke

Authors Zubot, W. A.

Year of Publication: 2010

Abstract:
The research presented in this thesis demonstrates that NAs removal from OSPW using PC is an adsorption on carbon process. Both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms fit the experimental data reasonably well. For typical NAs concentrations in OSPW of 60 mg/L, the adsorption capacity averaged about 0.26 mg NAs/g PC. Consequently, for water treatment applications, the adsorbent would need to be used at percentage level concentrations. This is in contrast to commercially available activated carbons, which are generally applied at concentrations in the 1 to 200 mg/L range. The kinetic adsorption profiles offered an excellent fit using a second order rate model (r2 = 0.9998). Furthermore, the process is biphasic. Initially, the adsorption rate is fast but the overall rate of removal is ultimately governed by a slower diffusion controlled mechanism. The pH value of the OSPW is also a major factor controlling the extent of adsorption. When the pH of OSPW is lowered to values of about 5.9, there are significant improvements in the overall removal of NAs. A noteworthy change in OSPW quality following PC treatment was increased concentrations of vanadium. A portion of the vanadium present in the PC matrix leaches upon initial contact with OSPW. However, long-term contact between OSPW and PC—such as in an OSPW saturated PC deposit—tends to slowly remove vanadium from the aqueous phase. The removal mechanism is suspected to be an adsorption process. Vanadium leaching was more pronounced at higher pH values. Therefore, lowering the pH of OSPW using a weak acid such as carbon dioxide not only facilitates NAs adsorption but also helps mitigate vanadium leaching. Preliminary experiments indicate formal steam activation increases the PC surface area and markedly improves NAs adsorption. Because, the activation process increased the solubilization of vanadium by approximately an order of magnitude, practical applications using steam activated material could be limited. Fortunately, at SCL's integrated oil sands production facility, explicit formal activation is not necessarily required to exploit the water treatment properties of the material.

Citation:

Zubot, W. A. (2010). Removal of naphthenic acids from oil sands process water using petroleum coke. 168 pages. Abstract

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Removal of organic and inorganic contaminants from oil sands tailings using carbon based adsorbents and native sediment

Authors Stewart, M.

Year of Publication: 2013

Abstract:
The extraction and refinement of oil sands bitumen produces substantial quantities of liquid tailings and solid coke. Tailings contain metals and naphthenic acids, which require remediation before mine closure. Adsorption is a potential remediation technique which may reuse stockpiled petroleum coke. This thesis investigates the adsorption of contaminants on sediment, petroleum coke and biochar. The determination of naphthenic acid concentration using ESI-FTICR-MS was also explored. Results suggest limited adsorption of naphthenic acids on sediment occurred, while petroleum coke and biochar removed elevated concentrations of naphthenic acids and metals. Pretreating petroleum coke by acid washing increased its ability to adsorb contaminants by removing surface bound impurities. Electrospray ionization was a strong semi-qualitative tool for naphthenic acid measurement, but deviated significantly from other methods for quantitative measurement. In summary, the adsorption of oil sands contaminants is feasible using carbonaceous adsorbents. Metal release was limited when pretreated petroleum coke and biochar was used.

Citation:

Stewart, M. (2013). Removal of organic and inorganic contaminants from oil sands tailings using carbon based adsorbents and native sediment. 169 pages . Abstract

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Removal of organic compounds and trace metals from oil sands process-affected water using zero valent iron enhanced by petroleum coke

Authors Pourrezaei, P., Alpatova A., Khosravi K., Drzewicz P., Chen Y., Chelme-Ayala P., et al.

Year of Publication: 2014

Abstract:
The oil production generates large volumes of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW), referring to the water that has been in contact with oil sands or released from tailings deposits. There are concerns about the environmental impacts of the release of OSPW because of its toxicity. Zero valent iron alone (ZVI) and in combination with petroleum coke (CZVI) were investigated as environmentally friendly treatment processes for the removal of naphthenic acids (NAs), acid-extractable fraction (AEF), fluorophore organic compounds, and trace metals from OSPW. While the application of 25 g/L ZVI to OSPW resulted in 58.4% removal of NAs in the presence of oxygen, the addition of 25 g petroleum coke (PC) as an electron conductor enhanced the NAs removal up to 90.9%. The increase in ZVI concentration enhanced the removals of NAs, AEF, and fluorophore compounds from OSPW. It was suggested that the electrons generated from the oxidation of ZVI were transferred to oxygen, resulting in the production of hydroxyl radicals and oxidation of NAs. When OSPW was de-oxygenated, the NAs removal decreased to 17.5% and 65.4% during treatment with ZVI and CZVI, respectively. The removal of metals in ZVI samples was similar to that obtained during CZVI treatment. Although an increase in ZVI concentration did not enhance the removal of metals, their concentrations effectively decreased at all ZVI loadings. The Microtox® bioassay with Vibrio fischeri showed a decrease in the toxicity of ZVI- and CZVI-treated OSPW. The results obtained in this study showed that the application of ZVI in combination with PC is a promising technology for OSPW treatment.

Citation:

Pourrezaei, P., Alpatova A., Khosravi K., Drzewicz P., Chen Y., Chelme-Ayala P., et al. (2014). Removal of organic compounds and trace metals from oil sands process-affected water using zero valent iron enhanced by petroleum coke. 139, 8 pages . Abstract

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Replacing the oil sands' Regional Aquatic Monitoring Program (RAMP) with effective environmental monitoring systems

Authors Donahue, W. F., Hrudey S. E., Naeth M. A., Plourde A., Therrien R., Van Der Kraak G., et al.

Year of Publication: 2011

Citation:

Donahue, W. F., Hrudey S. E., Naeth M. A., Plourde A., Therrien R., Van Der Kraak G., et al. (2011). Replacing the oil sands' Regional Aquatic Monitoring Program (RAMP) with effective environmental monitoring systems. 43 pages .

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Reply of the Expert Panel to the criticism by Dr. Kevin Timoney of the Royal Society of Canada Expert Panel Report: Environmental and health impacts of Canada's oil sands industry

Authors Gosselin, P., Hrudey S. E., Naeth M. A., Plourde A., Therrien R., Van Der Kraak G., et al.

Year of Publication: 2012

Citation:

Gosselin, P., Hrudey S. E., Naeth M. A., Plourde A., Therrien R., Van Der Kraak G., et al. (2012). Reply of the Expert Panel to the criticism by Dr. Kevin Timoney of the Royal Society of Canada Expert Panel Report: Environmental and health impacts of Canada's oil sands industry. 50 pages .

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Report and recommendations of the task force on tree and shrub planting on active oil sands tailings dams

Authors Hurndall, B. J., Morgenstern N. R., Kupper A., & Sobkowicz J.

Year of Publication: 2011

Abstract:
Dam safety concern over the planting of trees and woody shrubs is in conflict with progressive reclamation, which is also a desirable outcome for oil sands tailings dams. International dam safety practice commonly restricts trees and woody shrubs on the downstream slopes of dams to preclude damage to drains, aggravation of seepage and piping and to ensure the integrity of both visual and instrumentation monitoring which require access and clear sight lines. To address this issue, Alberta Environment (AENV) requested the Oil Sands Research and Information Network (OSRIN) to convene a third-party Task Force to provide independent opinion and recommendations on the subject. The Task Force met in December 2010 and has recommended that provision for trees and woody shrubs on the slopes of active oil sands tailings dam shall be considered part of the responsibility of the Engineer-of-Record and plans will be submitted to AENV, Dam Safety for approval. The Task Force appreciates that it will be customary for the Engineer-of-Record to consult with corporate reclamation specialists for input into the recommended tree and shrub planting zones and tree and shrub exclusion zones. Potential exclusion zones include local critical areas such as drains, liners, berms, drain outfalls, ditches, access ramps and adjacent to instrumentation, etc.

Citation:

Hurndall, B. J., Morgenstern N. R., Kupper A., & Sobkowicz J. (2011). Report and recommendations of the task force on tree and shrub planting on active oil sands tailings dams. 15 pages . Abstract

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Report of an application of Atlantic Richfield Company Cities Service Athabasca. Inc. Imperial Oil Limited And Royalite Oil Company Limited

Authors

Year of Publication: 1969

Citation:

[Anonymous] (1969). Report of an application of Atlantic Richfield Company Cities Service Athabasca. Inc. Imperial Oil Limited And Royalite Oil Company Limited. (Oil and Gas Conservation Board, Ed.). 125 pages .

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Report of an inquiry into licensing of long-term exports of oil sands production

Authors

Year of Publication: 1994

Citation:

[Anonymous] (1994). Report of an inquiry into licensing of long-term exports of oil sands production. (National Energy Board, Ed.). 31 pages .

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Report of the dialogues on the oil sands: Engaging Canadians and Americans

Authors of Producers, C. A. P.

Year of Publication: 2011

Citation:

of Producers, C. A. P. (2011). Report of the dialogues on the oil sands: Engaging Canadians and Americans. 52 pages .

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Report of the Joint Review Panel established by the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board and the Gov't of Canada: Shell Canada Ltd applications for an oil sands mine bitumen extraction plant cogeneration plant and water pipeline in the Fort McMurray area

Authors

Year of Publication: 2004

Abstract:
Shell Canada Limited (Shell) filed Applications No. 1271285, 1271307, and 1271383 with the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB). Application No. 1271285 was made pursuant to Sections 10 and 11 of the Oil Sands Conservation Act for approval of an oil sands mine, a bitumen extraction plant. Application No. 1271307 was made pursuant to Section 11 of the Hydro and Electric Energy Act for approval of a cogeneration plant. Application No. 1271383 was made pursuant to Part 4 of the Pipeline Act for approval of a fresh water pipeline. The project would be located approximately 70 kilometres north of Fort McMurray and 10 kilometres east of Fort McKay. It is designed to produce 31 800 cubic metres per day of bitumen product. The project required an environmental assessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA). On June 26, 2003, the federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans referred the environmental assessment of the project to a review panel. On August 18, 2003, Canada and the EUB entered into an agreement to establish a joint environmental assessment panel (the Panel) for the project. Under the agreement, the Panel was charged with fulfilling the review requirements of both CEAA and the Energy Resources Conservation Act (ERCA). The Panel considered Applications No. 1271285, 1271307, and 1271383 at a public hearing held in Fort McMurray, Alberta, on October 6 through 10 and October 15, 2003. Participants who provided evidence at the hearing included Shell, other oil sands developers, First Nations, local aboriginal groups, local residents, nongovernment environmental groups, a local medical staff association, and representatives from provincial and federal regulatory agencies. While participants raised a number of issues for the Panel’s consideration, most of the issues centred on anticipated environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the project. Having regard for its responsibilities under ERCA and CEAA, the Panel carefully considered all of the evidence pertaining to the applications. The Panel finds that the project is in the public interest, and the Panel is prepared to approve Applications No. 1271307 and 1271383. The Panel is also prepared to approve Application No. 1271285, subject to the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council. Furthermore, the Panel concludes that the project is unlikely to result in significant adverse environmental effects, provided that the mitigation measures proposed by Shell and the recommendations of the Panel are implemented. In approving Application No. 1271285, the Panel set out conditions relating to mining operations, resource conservation, and tailings management. In addition, the Panel also made recommendations to the federal and provincial governments that would aid in the mitigation of the anticipated environmental effects of the project and would address the need for follow-up measures.

Citation:

[Anonymous] (2004). Report of the Joint Review Panel established by the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board and the Gov't of Canada: Shell Canada Ltd applications for an oil sands mine bitumen extraction plant cogeneration plant and water pipeline in the Fort McMurray area. (Alberta Energy and Utilities Board, Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, Ed.). 112 pages . Abstract

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Report of the joint review panel established by the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board and the Government of Canada: Albian Sands Energy Inc. application to expand the oil sands mining and processing plant facilities at the Muskeg River Mine

Authors

Year of Publication: 2006

Citation:

[Anonymous] (2006). Report of the joint review panel established by the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board and the Government of Canada: Albian Sands Energy Inc. application to expand the oil sands mining and processing plant facilities at the Muskeg River Mine. (Alberta Energy and Utilities Board, Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, Ed.). 116 pages .

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Report of the Joint Review Panel established by the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board and the Government of Canada: CNRL application for an oil sands mine bitumen extraction plant and bitumen upgrading plant in the Fort McMurray area

Authors

Year of Publication: 2004

Citation:

[Anonymous] (2004). Report of the Joint Review Panel established by the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board and the Government of Canada: CNRL application for an oil sands mine bitumen extraction plant and bitumen upgrading plant in the Fort McMurray area. (Energy and Utilities Board, Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, Ed.). 111 pages .

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Report of the Joint Review Panel established by the federal Minister of the Environment and the Energy Resources Conservation Board: Decision 2011-005: Total E&P Joslyn Ltd. Application for the Joslyn North Mine Project

Authors and Agency, E. R. C. B. C. E. A.

Year of Publication: 2011

Citation:

and Agency, E. R. C. B. C. E. A. (2011). Report of the Joint Review Panel established by the federal Minister of the Environment and the Energy Resources Conservation Board: Decision 2011-005: Total E&P Joslyn Ltd. Application for the Joslyn North Mine Project.

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Report of the Joint Review Panel Shell Canada Energy Jackpine Mine Expansion Project. Application to amend Approval 9756 Fort McMurray Area

Authors and Agency, E. R. C. B. C. E. A.

Year of Publication: 2013

Citation:

and Agency, E. R. C. B. C. E. A. (2013). Report of the Joint Review Panel Shell Canada Energy Jackpine Mine Expansion Project. Application to amend Approval 9756 Fort McMurray Area.

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Report of the Royal Commission on the Development of Northern Alberta

Authors on the of Alberta, R. C. D. N.

Year of Publication: 1958

Citation:

on the of Alberta, R. C. D. N. (1958). Report of the Royal Commission on the Development of Northern Alberta. 115 pp..

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Report on an ecological survey of terrestrial insect communities in the AOSERP study area

Authors Ryan, J. K., & Hilchie G. J.

Year of Publication: 1981

Abstract:
Insect communities were sampled in 12 sites representative of major vegetation types in the study area of the Alberta Oil Sands Environmental Research Program (AOSERP). Insect biomass in 1978 averaged 8.2 kg ha-2 (oven dry weight), ranging from 2.8 kg (jack pine site) to 31.1 kg (fen site). In 1979, average biomass per site was 5.9 kg ha-2, ranging from 0.9 kg (disturbed site) to 20.9 kg (fen). Most insects were soil dwellers as only 1.6 to 8% of biomass was collected on foliage. Diptera larvae dominated soil collections. Ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) at most sites contributed heavily to the biomass total. Coleoptera and Lepidoptera were the third and fourth ranked contributors to biomass totals. Members of 261 insect families were found in the study area, of which 220 were collected in this survey. A collection of butterflies yielded 51 species, making a total 55 species known from the area. Representatives of 80 species of carabid beetles were collected, and the total carabid fauna of the AOSERP vicinity was found to be 139 species. Insect damage surveys showed great variation in the rates of insect attack on dominant plant species. Dogwood leaves bore the greatest frequency of insect scars (84 to 100%), while aspen leaves had the most leaf area •removed (1.4.7%). Few deciduous tree stems bore damage, but gall and bud damage were common on spruce. Insects caused little crown mortality. Trophic structure analysis showed that herbivores comprised the largest insect group. Carnivores, which were mostly entomophagous, were over-represented in quantitative samples due to their activity. The saprovore food chain allows protein concentration by microbes which are then consumed by saprovore animals.

Citation:

Ryan, J. K., & Hilchie G. J. (1981). Report on an ecological survey of terrestrial insect communities in the AOSERP study area. 201 pages . Abstract

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