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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.

The effects of synthetic crude oil on microbial and macroinvertebrate benthic river communities - Part I: Colonisation of synthetic crude oil contaminated substrata

Authors Lock, M. A., Wallace R. R., Barton D. R., & Charlton S.
Year of Publication: 1981

Abstract:
An acute, short-term synthetic crude oil spill into a northern brown-water river in Alberta, Canada, was simulated by dipping limestone bricks into the oil and then examining their microbial and macroinvertebrate colonisation under conditions of light and dark. A reduction to <0·3% of surface radiation in the dark resulted in a non-significant reduction of algae as compared with samples in the light. On oiled bricks in the light compared with the controls there was an increase in bacterial numbers by a factor of 9, an increase in chlorophyll a by a factor of 9, an increase in diatoms by a factor of 5·6 and an increase in blue-green algae by a factor of 0·7. Significant increases were also noted in the trichopteran Lepidostoma, the Chironomidae and the Naididae. On oiled bricks in the dark the only significant changes were an increase in numbers of bacteria and Tanypodinae and a reduction in Gastropoda and Baetis sp.; all other parameters did not differ significantly from the control. It therefore appears that synthetic crude oil has a stimulatory action upon bacterial, algal and macroinvertebrate benthic colonisation but one that is not apparent under conditions of low light. The traditional approach of assessing the impact of a pollutant through the use of ‘indicator species’ needs to be reconsidered to include the supporting food web.

Citation:
Lock, M. A., Wallace R. R., Barton D. R., & Charlton S. (1981).  The effects of synthetic crude oil on microbial and macroinvertebrate benthic river communities - Part I: Colonisation of synthetic crude oil contaminated substrata. 24(3), 10 pages . Abstract
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The endocrine disrupting and embryotoxic effects of untreated and ozone-treated oil sands process-affected water

Authors He, Y.
Year of Publication: 2012

Abstract:
Due to a policy of no release, oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) produced by the surface-mining oil sands industry in North Eastern Alberta, Canada, is stored on-site in tailings ponds. There is concern regarding the toxic effects of OSPW on aquatic organisms. Knowledge of the chemical composition and toxicity of OSPW is limited. Research is necessary for potential remediation and release of OSPW back into the environment. Due to the large volume and persistency of OSPW, active efforts are necessary for the remediation of OSPW before release and habitat reclamation. Currently, ozonation is considered one possible method for remediation of OSPW by reducing the concentrations of dissolved organic compounds, including naphthenic acids (NAs), which are considered among the primary toxic constituents. However, further work is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of ozonation in reducing the toxicity of OSPW and to ensure that ozonation does not increase the toxicity of OSPW. The overall objective of this work was to determine the toxic effects of OSPW on endocrine disruption and embryo development, using both in vitro and in vivo models, and the effectiveness of ozone treatment for reducing the toxicity of OSPW. In the first study, untreated and ozone-treated OSPW were examined for effects on sex steroid production using the H295R cell line steroidogenesis Assay. The results indicate that exposure to untreated OSPW can significantly decrease synthesis of testosterone (T) and increase synthesis of 17β-estradiol (E2) by 0.55±0.06 and 2.0±0.13-fold, respectively, compared to that of control groups (ρ < 0.05). These effects were due to increased aromatase enzyme activity and decreased E2 metabolism. The results also suggest that ozonation is an effective treatment to reduce concentrations of NAs in OSPW without altering steroidogenesis. In the second study, the T47D-kbluc (estrogen responsive) and MDA-kb2 (androgen responsive) cell assays were used to determine whether OSPW might act as either agonists or antagonists of the estrogen receptor (ER) or androgen receptor (AR), respectively. The estrogenic responses to untreated OSPW were significantly greater by 2.6±0.22-fold compared to control group (ρ < 0.05). Exposure to untreated OSPW produced significant antiandrogenic response in the presence of 0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 nM T by 16±6.5%, 47±7.6% and 75±9.7%, respectively, of that of the corresponding concentrations of T alone (ρ < 0.05). The results suggest that compounds in the dissolved organic fraction of OSPW have estrogenic and anti- androgenic properties, acting as ER agonists and/or AR antagonists. Ozonation of the OSPW partially mitigated the antiandrogenicity but had no effect on the estrogenicity of OSPW. In the third study, the endocrine-disrupting effects of OSPW and ozone-treated OSPW were determined by quantifying relative changes in the abundances of transcripts of genes along the brain-gonad-liver (BGL) axis in male and female fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas). The results indicate that OSPW has endocrine-disrupting effects at all levels of BGL axis and these effects of impaired expression of genes along the BGL axis are sex specific. For example, exposure to OSPW resulted in significantly greater abundances of transcripts of vtg (Vitellogenin), chg-l (Choriogenin L) and chg-h (Choriogenin H minor) by 4.9±1.2, 5.4±1.5 and 3.4±0.78-fold, respectively, compared to those of control groups (ρ < 0.05) in livers from male fathead minnow. However, in livers from female fathead minnows, exposure to OSPW resulted in significantly lesser abundances of transcripts of vtg, chg-l and chg-h by 0.002±0.0011, 0.022±0.007 and 0.036±0.024-fold, respectively, compared to those of control fish (ρ < 0.05). Ozonation of OSPW attenuated the effects on abundances of transcripts of some genes, and the attenuation was more prominent in males than in females. However, impact of ozonation on endocrine-disrupting effects of OSPW was less evident than in the in vitro studies described in Chapter 2 and 3. The results also provide a mechanistic basis for the endocrine-disrupting effects of OSPW from other studies, including impaired reproduction of fathead minnows exposed to OSPW. In the final study the effects of untreated, ozone-treated, and activated charcoal-treated OSPW (OSPW, O3-OSPW, and AC-OSPW) on the survival, growth, and development of embryos of fathead minnows were determined. Compared to the control group, which had an embryo survival rate of 98±2.1%, survival was significantly less when exposed to OSPW (44±7.1%; ρ < 0.05). Eggs exposed to untreated OSPW exhibited a significantly greater rate of premature hatching, and embryos exhibited more frequent spontaneous movements. Incidences of hemorrhage (50±3.4%), pericardial edema (56±7.1%), and malformation of the spine (38±5.4%) were significantly greater in embryos exposed to OSPW compared to control group (ρ < 0.05). Significantly greater concentrations of ROS (1.7±0.11-fold), and greater abundances of transcripts cyp3a, gst, sod, casp9, and apopen (2.4±0.34, 2.2±0.26, 3.1±0.74, 3.3±0.57 and 2.4±0.25-fold, respectively) compared to control groups (ρ < 0.05), indicated that exposure to OSPW caused oxidative stress, which can result in damage to mitochondria and promote activation of caspase enzymes and apoptotic cell death. Removal of dissolved organic constituents in OSPW by ozone treatment, or by activated charcoal, significantly attenuated all of the adverse effects associated with untreated OSPW. The results suggest that the organic fraction of OSPW can negatively impact the development of fathead minnow embryos through oxidative stress and apoptosis, and that ozonation attenuates this developmental toxicity. Overall, the findings from the research described in this thesis provide novel and important insights into the toxicity and mechanisms of the toxicity of OSPW with respect to endocrine disruption and development of embryos of fish. In addition, the research provides compelling evidence that ozonation might be an effective method for accelerating the remediation of OSPW. The results of the research might help regulators develop effective strategies for reclamation, remediation and potential release of OSPW back to the environment.

Citation:
He, Y. (2012).  The endocrine disrupting and embryotoxic effects of untreated and ozone-treated oil sands process-affected water. 165 pages . Abstract
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The environmental hydrogeology of the oil sands lower Athabasca area, Alberta

Authors Miall, A. D.
Year of Publication: 2013

Abstract:
Shallow fresh groundwater and deep saline groundwater are used together with surface water in the extraction of bitumen from the Athabasca Oil Sands both in the surface mining and in situ operations. However, increasing efficiencies in processing technologies have reduced water use substantially, and currently at least 75% of the water used in most operations is recycled water. Much concern has been expressed regarding contamination of surface waters by seepage from tailings ponds, but hydrogeological studies indicate that this is not happening; that seepage capture design is effective. Oil sands mining and in situ project licensing and operation regulations include Environmental Impact Assessments that mandate considerable hydrogeological measurement and monitoring work. However, little of this is independently evaluated for accuracy or synthesized and interpreted for the public. Recent changes in Alberta environmental regulation, including the establishment of the Alberta Environmental Monitoring Management Board (in October 2012) are expected to bring new transparency to environmental management of Oil Sands operations.

Citation:
Miall, A. D. (2013).  The environmental hydrogeology of the oil sands lower Athabasca area, Alberta. 40(3), 18 pages . Abstract
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The environmental impacts of Alberta's tar sands industry

Authors Page, H. V.
Year of Publication: 1974

Citation:
Page, H. V. (1974).  The environmental impacts of Alberta's tar sands industry. 11 pages .
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The esterification of naphthenic acids for methyl ester production

Authors Dastjerdi, Z.
Year of Publication: 2010

Abstract:
The remediation of tailings water, a by-product of bitumen extraction, is of utmost importance to the Athabasca oil sands industry due to its toxicity to aquatic environments. Naphthenic acids (NAs), natural components of bitumen, are the major contributor to the toxicity of tailings water. The use of algae for remediation of tailings water is a new approach to reduce the toxicity of tailings water. The combined extracted NAs and algal oils can potentially be used as a low cost feedstock for the production of biodiesel. In this study, the feasibility of using NAs for the production of biodiesel was investigated using mixtures of canola oil and commercial NAs as model compounds. Since NAs are a mixture of cyclic and acyclic carboxylic acids, the acid-catalyzed esterification of NAs without canola oil was investigated. The acid-catalyzed esterification reaction was carried out with methanol, and the influence of variables affecting the esterification process was examined. The experimental results showed that increasing temperature and catalyst concentration increased the reaction rate and final conversion of NAs to their corresponding methyl esters. The catalyst study showed that sulfuric acid had a more positive effect on the esterification reaction compared to p-toluene sulfonic acid. Additionally, an excess methanol:oil ratio had a negative effect on the esterification reaction due to the solubility of NAs in methanol. The acid-catalyzed transesterification/esterification of mixtures of NA and vegetable oil (canola oil along with 5% NAs) with methanol was investigated at different operating conditions. The outcomes of these experiments showed that increasing temperature, sulfuric acid concentration, and methanol content had positive effects on the rate of reaction and final ester products. The general conclusion of the thesis is that the conversion of NAs to useful products is indeed feasible and can be part of the solution to tar sands tailing pond remediation.

Citation:
Dastjerdi, Z. (2010).  The esterification of naphthenic acids for methyl ester production. 80 pages . Abstract
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The evaluation of soil mixture plots established in 1970 on a tailings sand dyke slope

Authors Rowell, M. J.
Year of Publication: 1980

Citation:
Rowell, M. J. (1980).  The evaluation of soil mixture plots established in 1970 on a tailings sand dyke slope. 84 pages .
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The evaluation of wastewaters from an oil sand extraction plant

Authors Strosher, M. T., & Peake E.
Year of Publication: 1976

Abstract:
organic constituents of wastewaters from the existing Athabasca oil sands extraction plant were characterized and quantified. Twenty-one chemical parameters were determined on a total of ten samples taken during November and December, 1975 from the tailings pond dike filter drainage system, the upgrading plant final effluent to the Athabasca River and the intake pond waters. In addition, a number of specific aromatic hydrocarbons and organic sulphur compounds were identified and heavy metals and vanadium were determined. Tailings pond dike filter drainage samples contained 100-120 mg/l of total organic carbon, 69% of which was extractable with organic solvents. Ninety-two percent of the extractable carbon was in the form of oxygenated compounds, including organic acids (79%), phenols (4.5%), ketones (2.7%), aldehydes (1.9%), organic acid esters (1.5%), amides (1.0%), and quinones (0.2%). Organic sulphur compounds averaged 5.3%, organic nitrogen compounds 1.1% and hydrocarbons 0.04% of the extractable material. Upgrading plant effluents contained an average of 36 mg/l of total organic carbon, only 15 mg/l of which was extractable. Oxygenated compounds accounted for 30% of the extractable organic carbon, organic sulphur compounds 17%, nitrogen compounds 7% and hydrocarbons 7%. The remaining 6 mg/l of organic carbon was not accounted for. On the basis of these findings and previously measured water flow data, a calculated daily average of 198 kg (435 lbs) of organic carbon was released to the river from the tailings pond dike filter system and 1460 kg (3,245 lbs) was discharged from the upgrading plant effluent. These amounts corresponded to about 0.8% of the natural organic load of the river. It is recommended that further studies be conducted on these and other wastewaters on a year-round basis to determine (a) the seasonal variations in amounts of organic constituents, (b) the identity of individual compounds, (c) the toxicity of compound groups and, (d) the physical state of existence of the organic compounds. It is also recommended that studies be extended to include the characterization of organic constituents in the Athabasca River in order that any environmental effects may be better understood. BACKGROUND AND PERSPECTIVE The research conducted for the Hydrology Technical Research Committee of the Alberta Oil Sands Environmental Research Program was based upon a short preliminary study by the same contractor (\"Characterization of Wastewaters from the Great Canadian Oil Sands Bitumen Extraction and Upgrading Plant\" EPS SNW-WP-7S-6) done under the supervision of the Federal Environmental Protection Services. These studies are the first published on the analytical methods necessary to quantify the organic chemical nature of two types of discharge to the Athabasca River from an existing oil sands extraction plant. The work provides information on the types of organic chemical compounds that enter the aquatic environment from an existing oil sands extraction plant, and, as such, will be useful to the Hydrology Technical Research Committee in developing the capability to predict the direct physical and chemical impacts in the aquatic environment of oil sands development and useful to other Technical Research Committees in predicting the biological impacts of development. ASSESSMENT It is the impression of the Hydrology Technical Research Committee that this work is of a completely satisfactory technical quality. The report has been reviewed extensively by members of the Hydrology Technical Research Committee and the Oil Sands Environmental Study Group. The researchers have incorporated all suggestions in a satisfactory manner. Study results appear to have several practical applications. The Hydrology Technical Research Committee has subsequently supported the application of this type of research to samples of Athabasca River water and sediments from above and below the oil sands extraction plant, of process effluent water and of coke storage runoff drainage, in order to predict the environmental impacts of organic chemical compounds. In addition, lethal and sub-lethal aquatic faunal studies could utilize the result of this study.

Citation:
Strosher, M. T., & Peake E. (1976).  The evaluation of wastewaters from an oil sand extraction plant. 103 pages . Abstract
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The extraction process and its chemical byproducts as used by Syncrude

Authors Schutte, R.
Year of Publication: 1975

Citation:
Schutte, R. (1975).  The extraction process and its chemical byproducts as used by Syncrude. 10 pages .
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The fate of napthenic acids in wetland sediments: Microbial metabolism and community structure

Authors Del Rio, L. F.
Year of Publication: 2004

Citation:
Del Rio, L. F. (2004).  The fate of napthenic acids in wetland sediments: Microbial metabolism and community structure. 124 pages .
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The fate of particulate emissions from an isolated power plant in the oil sands area of western Canada

Authors Barrie, L. A.
Year of Publication: 1980

Abstract:
The nature and fate of particulate emissions from an isolated power plant in the Athabasca oil sands area of western Canada are investigated on the basis of measurements of particulate elemental concentrations in the air 80 km from the source late one winter and close to the source early the next summer, of dry deposition patterns of particulate sulfur and heavy metals in the early summer, and of total (wet and dry) deposition patterns of major ions and metals during two winters. Results of plume chemistry studies to investigate SO2 oxidation during summer and winter and of fly-ash analyses for heavy metals are also used. It is found that: (1) many elements in particulate matter deposited around the plant originate primarily from a different source in summer and in winter; (2) deposition near the source is more alkaline than in outlying areas; (3) wet and dry deposition of acidic oxides of sulfur and nitrogen from the power-plant emissions appear to be the main source of snowpack acidification in downwind areas; and (4) acidic compounds can be transported over long distances before being removed.

Citation:
Barrie, L. A. (1980).  The fate of particulate emissions from an isolated power plant in the oil sands area of western Canada. 338, 8 pages . Abstract
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The feasibility of a weather radar near Fort McMurray, Alberta

Authors Barge, B. L., Humphries R. G., & Olson S. L.
Year of Publication: 1976

Abstract:
The feasibility of a weather radar to map precipitation in the Alberta Oil Sands Environmental Research Program (AOSERP) study area near Fort McMurray, Alberta was investigated. Consultations with various groups and agencies associated with AOSERP revealed that representative precipitation data are of greatest importance to the Meteorology and Air Quality Technical Research Committee and the Hydrology Technical Research Committee. Typically, measurements are required of accumulated precipitation amounts accurate to 20 percent with spatial resolutions of four km2 • The present raingauge network may be unable to provide precipitation data with sufficient resolution and accuracy. On the other hand, careful study suggests that a radar calibrated with surface gauges may provide adequate estimates of surface precipitation. Several problems must be carefully investigated before a useful weather radar system can be realized. Of prime consequence are radar design, melting layer effects, radar location and data management. Although capital and operating expenditures for a precipitation measurement radar system need to be closely examined, it has been shown elsewhere for areas greater than 3000 km2 that a weather radar system is more economical for precipitation measurement than an equivalent raingauge network. In summary, a weather radar (calibrated with precipitation gauges) can approach fulfilment of requirements for more accurate precipitation data within the AOSERP study area.

Citation:
Barge, B. L., Humphries R. G., & Olson S. L. (1976).  The feasibility of a weather radar near Fort McMurray, Alberta. 77 pages . Abstract
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The feasibility of coaxial time domain relfectometry as an insitu site characterization tool for determining the moisture content of mine tailings

Authors Lefebvre, M. E.
Year of Publication: 1997

Citation:
Lefebvre, M. E. (1997).  The feasibility of coaxial time domain relfectometry as an insitu site characterization tool for determining the moisture content of mine tailings. 129 pages .
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The fish and fisheries of the Athabasca River basin: Status and environmental requirements

Authors Wallace, R. R., & McCart P. J.
Year of Publication: 1984

Abstract:
The information presented here reviews what is currently known of fish ecology and production of the Athabasca Basin, and includes discussions of fish production, sport and commercial use of fish populations, and alternative opportunities for recreational fishing in the rivers of the Athabasca Basin. Fisheries management objectives for the basin rivers and data gaps in existing knowledge of fish and fisheries are also discussed. In addition, water quality criteria for the protection of fish and aquatic life have been referenced, and, where possible, stream flows which affect fish populations have been included. The Athabasca Basin accounts for 23% of the land area of Alberta. For the purposes of this report, the basin has been divided into 10 sub-basins: four mainstem sub-basins, and six tributary sub-basins. The mainstems of the principal rivers of the 10 sub-basins provide approximately 4,390 km of fish habitat which can be roughly divided as providing 1,500 km (34%) coldwater habitat (supporting mainly trout and whitefish), 2,250 km (51%) warmwater habitat (supporting mainly pike, walleye, and goldeye), and 640 km (15%) transition zone intermediate between the two. Both commercial and recreational fisheries occur within the Athabasca Basin. The commercial fish catch represents a substantial proportion of the overall harvest and total market value of the Alberta commercial fishery. The recreational fishery occurs mainly in rivers and streams, though some lakes and reservoirs provide alternate opportunities. In 1980/81, approximately 9% (26,346) of Alberta's licensed anglers resided and fished within the Athabasca Basin. The opportunities provided to sport fishermen by the basin rivers have local, regional and in some cases, national significance. The Athabasca River rises high in the Rocky Mountains, and terminates at the delta created by the Peace and Athabasca rivers at the western extreme of Lake Athabasca. Over its length, the Athabasca River grows from a torrential high-mountain stream to a silt-laden major river at its delta, and its basin encompasses virtually every temperate stream type. In its upstream reaches, the Athabasca River flows generally northeast, steadily increasing in volume as it receives flows from the Berland, McLeod, Pembina, Lesser Slave, Lac La Biche, and Calling rivers. Further downstream, in the vicinity of a series of rapids, the river receives flows from the Pelican and Horse rivers. Near Fort McMurray, the Athabasca forms a confluence with the Clearwater River, and turns to flow north through the Athabasca Oi1 Sands region. Within the oil sands, the Athabasca River receives flows from many rivers and streams, including the Steepbank, Muskeg, Mackay, Ells, Firebag, and Richardson rivers. Reaching the Peace-Athabasca Delta near Embarras Portage, the Athabasca River subsequently forms part of the Mackenzie drainage, which empties into the Beaufort Sea. Flowing through diverse and widely differing terrain, including remote alpine areas, populated urban settings, and the 1argest open-pit oil sands mining sites in the world, the Athabasca Basin is made up of a corresponding variety of waterbodies. Within the basin, each sub-basin has characteristic fish-producing capabilities, which are largely determined by the conditions which contribute to its environment. The primary features of each sub-basin and the characteristics of its lakes and rivers are summarized.

Citation:
Wallace, R. R., & McCart P. J. (1984).  The fish and fisheries of the Athabasca River basin: Status and environmental requirements. Abstract
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The future of oil sands production in Alberta

Authors Khan, M. A.
Year of Publication: 2007

Citation:
Khan, M. A. (2007).  The future of oil sands production in Alberta. 70 pages .
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The future of oil: A straight story of the Canadian oil sands

Authors Patel, S.
Year of Publication: 2012

Abstract:
The Future of Oil is a clear, concise, yet complete guide to the Canadian oil sands industry. It does not sugar-coat the hard facts and cuts through the "Dirty Oil" and "Ethical Oil" debate by objectively presenting the arguments of oil sands critics and proponents alike. Most of all, The Future of Oil offers, for the first time, an invaluable insider's view of a crucial energy debate that will be with us for some time to come.

Citation:
Patel, S. (2012).  The future of oil: A straight story of the Canadian oil sands. 242 pages . Abstract
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The future of oilsands mining projects

Authors Baugh, J. E., & McClennon L. L.
Year of Publication: 1976

Citation:
Baugh, J. E., & McClennon L. L. (1976).  The future of oilsands mining projects. 14 pages .
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The geochemical evolution of oil sands tailings pond seepage resulting from diffusive ingress through underlying glacial till sediments

Authors Holden, Alexander, A.
Year of Publication: 2012

Abstract:
Oil sands tailings are comprised of sands, silts, clays, and process-affected water (OSPW). The latter includes high concentrations of dissolved ions, as well as organic contaminants, making the water toxic to aquatic organisms. In Northern Alberta, tailings ponds are being constructed on glacial till, overlying sand channel aquifers, establishing a potential hydraulic connection between the pond and downstream water systems. However, to date, no targeted attempts have been made to characterize the biogeochemical evolution and end products as tailings pond OSPW infiltrates into glacial till prior to reaching these aquifers, thus overlooking a key component of the contaminant transport pathway. Addressing this knowledge gap is a critical step towards protecting aquatic resources. Cation exchange capacity, exchangeable cation, batch sorption and radial diffusion cell experiments and supporting geochemical simulations were conducted: a) to assess the potential for release (or attenuation) of trace elements and major ions from glacial tills when exposed to OSPW; and b) to identify the principal geochemical processes involved in controlling pore water and sediment chemistry. The experiments revealed that sediment-bound cations available for exchange, consisted of Ca>Mg>K>NH4>Na; while the mean cation exchange capacity in the till (Methylene Blue method) was 4.7±2.7meq 100g-1. Results further indicate that the ingress and interaction of OSPW with the glacial till sediment-pore water system will result in: the mitigation of incoming sodium by ion exchange with sediment-bound calcium and magnesium, followed by limited precipitation of calcium and magnesium carbonates; sulfate reduction and subsequent sulfide precipitation; and biodegradation of organic carbon. High concentrations of OSPW chloride (~375mg L-1) are expected to persist. Ion exchange, oxidation-reduction, and mineral phase reactions including reductive dissolution of metal oxyhydroxides influenced trace metal mobility, which is similar to previous observations within sandy aquifer settings. Furthermore, though several trace elements showed the potential for release, large-scale mobilization is not supported. Understanding the environmental impact of tailings seepage is of great importance in managing water resources in Alberta. The present research offers a scientific basis to guide future remediation and reclamation strategies, seepage management schemes, and development of compliance legislation, and is therefore anticipated to have industry-wide benefit.

Citation:
Holden, Alexander, A. (2012).  The geochemical evolution of oil sands tailings pond seepage resulting from diffusive ingress through underlying glacial till sediments. 223 pages . Abstract
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The geochemistry of saline springs in the Athabasca oil sands region and their impact on the Clearwater and Athabasca rivers

Authors Gue, A. E.
Year of Publication: 2012

Citation:
Gue, A. E. (2012).  The geochemistry of saline springs in the Athabasca oil sands region and their impact on the Clearwater and Athabasca rivers. 159 pages .
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The geographical impact of outsiders on the community of Fort Chipewyan, Alberta

Authors Mathewson, P. A.
Year of Publication: 1974

Citation:
Mathewson, P. A. (1974).  The geographical impact of outsiders on the community of Fort Chipewyan, Alberta. 184 pages .
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The geotechnical characteristics of the Athabasca oil sands

Authors Dusseault, M. B.
Year of Publication: 1977

Citation:
Dusseault, M. B. (1977).  The geotechnical characteristics of the Athabasca oil sands. 472 pages .
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The Government of Alberta's guidelines on consultation with First Nations on land and natural resource management.

Authors
Year of Publication: 2014

Citation:
[Anonymous] (2014).  The Government of Alberta's guidelines on consultation with First Nations on land and natural resource management.. (Government of Alberta, Ed.). 17 pages .
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The Great Canadian Oil Sands operation

Authors Allen, A. R., & Sanford E. R.
Year of Publication: 1973

Citation:
Allen, A. R., & Sanford E. R. (1973).  The Great Canadian Oil Sands operation. 18 pages .
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The groundwater vector in the reclaimed oil sand mining landscape: Learnings from the operational phase

Authors Barker, J. F., Thompson N. R., Oiffer A. A. L., Mayer K. U., & Tomkins T. G.
Year of Publication: 2010

Abstract:
During oil sands mining, significant volumes of liquid tailings are generated and retained in large tailings ponds. This process-affected (PA) water is toxic to aquatic organisms and so its release to the surrounding environment is limited. However, where PA water has escaped tailings pond containment an opportunity is provided to assess the fate of toxicants as they migrate through the groundwater pathway or vector. In general, expansion of oil sands mining in NE Alberta is encountering more surficial sandy aquifers which are susceptible to transport of contaminants to nearby aquatic systems. One can expect that more of these shallow aquifers will be impacted by PA water, especially where external tailings ponds are located nearby. Not only are these aquifers important reservoirs of water in the reclaimed landscape, but they represent pathways or vectors for contaminants to surficial aquatic systems. When considering water within the reclamation landscape, should the groundwater vector be minimized, or does it present natural attenuation benefits for protection of surface waters? A number of groundwater studies, with lab and modeling support, were undertaken within the operational phases of oil sands mining and present an opportunity to anticipate the challenge or opportunity provided by the groundwater pathway (MacKinnon et al., 2005; Gervais and Barker, 2005; Oiffer et al., 2009; Yashuda et al., in press; Ferguson et al., 2009). Most petroleum hydrocarbons retained in PA water within tailings ponds and dykes are attenuated before significant migration in groundwater. The major remaining toxicant is a complex mixture of naphthenic acids (NAs). NAs are non-volatile, hydrophilic, alkyl-substituted acyclic and cyclicaliphatic carboxylic acids. These are naturally occurring, but are concentrated in the PA water during extraction of oil. A number of field studies, generally supported by laboratory and modeling work, suggest that NAs are mobile and persistent in shallow groundwater of the oil sands mining area. Therefore, little attenuation, beyond dispersive dilution, can be anticipated along the groundwater vector in the reclaimed landscape. While PA-impacted groundwater usually contains little trace metals, there is concern that the mildly anaerobic PA-impacted groundwater plumes may leach toxic metals from the aquifer material. It is possible that such groundwater plumes would leach inorganics after lengthy exposure times over long (> 1 km) pathways and so could attain undesirable levels of Se, As, etc. However, studies of current plumes show little accumulation of such toxic constituents in groundwater plumes. Groundwater studies continue, emphasizing the natural attenuation of NAs, mobilization of metals, etc. as well as remediation methods that might be considered during the transition from operational to reclamation phases of oil sands mining. To date, there is little evidence that deliberately directing tailings water through groundwater pathways holds additional opportunity for toxicity attenuation. Studies to date also suggest that the groundwater pathway is unlikely to induce significant leaching of toxic materials from the shallow sand aquifers in the oil sands mining area. Ongoing research continues to improve our understanding of the groundwater vector, but these learnings need to be conveyed to reclamation planners as they optimize reclamation designs.

Citation:
Barker, J. F., Thompson N. R., Oiffer A. A. L., Mayer K. U., & Tomkins T. G. (2010).  The groundwater vector in the reclaimed oil sand mining landscape: Learnings from the operational phase. 2 pages . Abstract
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The growth and photosynthesis of Typha in oil sands process-affected material and water

Authors Foote, L., & Hornung J.
Year of Publication: 2008

Citation:
Foote, L., & Hornung J. (2008).  The growth and photosynthesis of Typha in oil sands process-affected material and water. 67 pages .
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The growth response of Myriophyllum spicatum Potamogeton richardsonii and Chara vulgaris to reclamation materials nutrient amendments (inorganic and organic) and salinity in laboratory conditions

Authors Luong, L.
Year of Publication: 1999

Citation:
Luong, L. (1999).  The growth response of Myriophyllum spicatum Potamogeton richardsonii and Chara vulgaris to reclamation materials nutrient amendments (inorganic and organic) and salinity in laboratory conditions. 178 pages .
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