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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.

Aquatic reclamation in the Athabasca, Canada, oil sands: Naphthenate and salt effects on phytoplankton communities

Authors Leung, S. S., MacKinnon M. D., & Smith R. E.
Year of Publication: 2001

Abstract:
Microcosm experiments with natural indigenous phytoplankton communities were conducted to assess the effects of waters from oil sands extraction processes, emphasizing the naphthenate and salt constituents. Process waters of varying ages (zero to eight years) remediation histories, and chemical composition were obtained from outdoor mesocosms and inoculated with phytoplankton assemblages from a reference lake in the study area. Community composition measures, including percentage model affinity (PMA) and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), revealed significant community effects of water from systems less than five years old, with naphthenate concentrations greater than 20 mg/L, compared to water from the reference lake. Canonical correspondence analysis, PMA, and regression analyses further showed that naphthenate concentration was significantly correlated with community structure. Using CCA, groups of taxa characteristic of waters with > 20 mg/L naphthenates (including Botryococcus braunii, Gloeococcus schroeteri, Cosmarium depressum, Chrysococcus rufescens, Chromulina spp., Ochromonas spp., and Keratococcus spp.) were identified. Salinity, as reflected in conductivity, was positively correlated with naphthenate concentration and itself appeared to influence the community structure. The results confirmed an important role for naphthenates in ecological effects of process waters from oil sands mining, but the influence of covarying factors such as salinity requires further investigation.

Citation:
Leung, S. S., MacKinnon M. D., & Smith R. E. (2001).  Aquatic reclamation in the Athabasca, Canada, oil sands: Naphthenate and salt effects on phytoplankton communities. 20(7), 11 pages . Abstract
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Aquatic system workshop September 1978

Authors Chamberlin, T. W., & Harding E. A.
Year of Publication: 1978

Abstract:
A workshop on aquatic systems was held 20 and 21 September 1978 in Edmonton, Alberta. Participants included members of Alberta Environment, Alberta Recreation, Parks and Wildlife, Fisheries and Environment Canada, and consultants conducting research for the Alberta Oil Sands Environmental Research Program. T.W. Chamberlin of the Resource Analysis Branch, British Columbia Ministry of the Environment and E.A. Harding, a former Project Biologist for the branch, presented the philosophy and structure of aquatic system inventory as conducted by the Resource Analysis Branch. Additional topics included data management and examples of detailed interpretive projects. Practical sessions provided air photo interpretation practice relevant to aquatic inventory.

Citation:
Chamberlin, T. W., & Harding E. A. (1978).  Aquatic system workshop September 1978. 162 pages . Abstract
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Aqueous geochemistry and stable isotope ratios as predictive risk management tools for assessing vertical hydraulic connectivity in the Athabasca oil sands region

Authors Cowie, B. R., James B., & Mayer B.
Year of Publication: 2014

Citation:
Cowie, B. R., James B., & Mayer B. (2014).  Aqueous geochemistry and stable isotope ratios as predictive risk management tools for assessing vertical hydraulic connectivity in the Athabasca oil sands region.
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Are "naphthenic acids" from oil sands tailings waters really naphthenic acids?

Authors Fedorak, P. M., Grewer D. M., Young R. F., & Whittal R.
Year of Publication: 2010

Citation:
Fedorak, P. M., Grewer D. M., Young R. F., & Whittal R. (2010).  Are "naphthenic acids" from oil sands tailings waters really naphthenic acids?. 6 pages .
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Are oil sands affected wetlands functioning ecosystems? Measuring ecological integrity with plant decomposition rates

Authors Hornung, J., & Wytrykush C. M.
Year of Publication: 2007

Citation:
Hornung, J., & Wytrykush C. M. (2007).  Are oil sands affected wetlands functioning ecosystems? Measuring ecological integrity with plant decomposition rates. 2 pages .
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Are there toxic interactions between salinity and naphthenic acids in the toxicity of oil sands process water to freshwater invertebrates?

Authors Turcotte, D., Paslowski A., Lanser B., Alm K., & Liber K.
Year of Publication: 2009

Citation:
Turcotte, D., Paslowski A., Lanser B., Alm K., & Liber K. (2009).  Are there toxic interactions between salinity and naphthenic acids in the toxicity of oil sands process water to freshwater invertebrates?. 2 pages .
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Aromatic naphthenic acids in oil sands process-affected water resolved by GCXGC-MS only weakly induce the gene for vitellogenin production in zebrafish (Danio Rerio) larvae

Authors Reinardy, H. C., Scarlett A. G., Henry T. B., West C. E., Hewitt M. L., Frank R. A., et al.
Year of Publication: 2013

Abstract:
Process waters from oil sands industries (OSPW) have been reported to exhibit estrogenic effects. Although the compounds responsible are unknown, some aromatic naphthenic acids (NA) have been implicated. The present study was designed to investigate whether aromatic NA might cause such effects. Here we demonstrate induction of vitellogenin genes (vtg) in fish, which is a common bioassay used to indicate effects consistent with exposure to exogenous estrogens. Solutions in water of 20–2000 μg L–1 of an extract of a total OSPW NA concentrate did not induce expression of vtg in larval zebrafish, consistent with earlier studies which showed that much higher NA concentrations of undiluted OSPW were needed. Although 20–2000 μg L–1 of an esterifiable NA subfraction of the OSPW NA concentrate did induce expression, this was of much lower magnitude to that induced by much lower concentrations of 17α-ethynyl estradiol, indicating that the effect of the total NAs was only weak. However, given the high NA concentrations and large volumes of OSPW extant in Canada, it is important to ascertain which of these esterifiable NA in the OSPW produce the effect. Up to 1000 μg L–1 of an OSPW subfraction containing only alicyclic NA, and considered by most authors to be NA sensu stricto, did not produce induction; but, as predicted, 10–1000 μg L–1 of an aromatic NA fraction did. Such effects by the aromatic acids are again consistent with those of only a weak estrogenic substance. These findings may help to focus studies of the most environmentally significant OSPW-related pollutants, if reproduced in a greater range of OSPW.

Citation:
Reinardy, H. C., Scarlett A. G., Henry T. B., West C. E., Hewitt M. L., Frank R. A., et al. (2013).  Aromatic naphthenic acids in oil sands process-affected water resolved by GCXGC-MS only weakly induce the gene for vitellogenin production in zebrafish (Danio Rerio) larvae. 47(12), 6 pages . Abstract
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Arsenic source and distribution in groundwater from the Cold Lake oil sands region, Alberta

Authors Moncur, M., Paktunc D., Birks J. S., Ptacek C. J., Welsh B., & Thibault Y.
Year of Publication: 2014

Abstract:
Elevated arsenic concentrations have been observed in shallow groundwater in the Cold Lake Oil Sand Region of Alberta. The geology of this area includes up to 200 m of unconsolidated glacial deposits, with six regional interglacial sand and gravel aquifers, underlain by marine shale. Arsenic concentrations in unconsolidated sediment samples ranged between 1 to 17 ppm. Mineralogical characterization of the sediment samples revealed the presence of fresh framboidal pyrite in the deeper unweathered sediments with variable As contents of up to 1800 ppm. In contrast, the weathered sediments did not contain framboidal pyrite, but exhibited spheroidal Fe-oxyhydroxide grains with elevated As concentrations, interpreted as pseudomorphs after pyrite. X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) indicated that the weathered sediments are dominated by As5+ species having spectral features similar to those of goethite or ferrihydrite with adsorbed As, suggesting that Fe-oxyhydroxides are the dominant As carriers. XANES spectra collected from the unweathered sediment samples indicated the presence of a reduced As species characteristic of arsenopyrite and arsenian pyrite. A survey of over 800 water wells, isolated from industrial activity, were sampled for As and found that 50% of the wells contained As concentrations exceeding drinking water guidelines of 10 μg/L. Measurements of As speciation from 175 groundwater samples indicate that As(III) was the dominant species in 76% of the wells. Higher As concentrations in groundwater were associated with increasing depth and reducing conditions, circumneutral pH and lower concentrations of SO4. Speciation modelling showed that the majority of groundwater samples were undersaturated with respect to ferrihydrite, suggesting that reductive dissolution of Fe-oxyhydroxides, likely formed during glaciation, may be the source of some As in deeper groundwater whereas sulfide oxidation of pyrite during weathering is the source of As released to shallow aquifers. Understanding the distribution and form of As present naturally in the region’s aquifers is important for managing water resources to minimize the potential health risks of As exposure.

Citation:
Moncur, M., Paktunc D., Birks J. S., Ptacek C. J., Welsh B., & Thibault Y. (2014).  Arsenic source and distribution in groundwater from the Cold Lake oil sands region, Alberta. Abstract
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As long as the rivers flow: Athabasca River knowledge use and change

Authors Candler, C., R., Olson R., & DeRoy S.
Year of Publication: 2010

Abstract:
This report is based on limited research conducted for the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) and the Mikisew Cree First Nation (MCFN) as part of the Athabasca River Use and Traditional Ecological Knowledge Study (the Study). The report focuses on community knowledge of the Athabasca River, how it has changed over past decades, and how ACFN and MCFN use of the river and its many tributaries has changed as a result. Key issues raised by participants in the Study include issues of lower water levels and reduced water quality.

Citation:
Candler, C., R., Olson R., & DeRoy S. (2010).  As long as the rivers flow: Athabasca River knowledge use and change. (Firelight Group Research Cooperative, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN), Mikisew Cree First Nation (MCFN), Ed.). 84 pages . Abstract
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Aspects of the hydrologic and sediment regimes of the Muskeg River basin and the consequences of vegetation removal

Authors Hudson, H. R.
Year of Publication: 1984

Abstract:
In a near-natural state the aptly named 1520 km2 Muskeg River basin in northeastern Alberta has an average annual water yield of 94 mm, (20 percent of the precipitation), and an average annual sediment yield of 3210 tonnes (2.20 t/km2) which is derived almost exclusively from channel and riparian sources. The goals of this investigation were to describe the present hydrologic and sediment regimes and to predict the consequences of surface disturbances which precede oil sands mining. Runoff plots were established in three representative surficial material areas to measure runoff and sediment yields from small denuded sites so as to develop runoff and sediment yield models. Runoff lot responses to summer convectional showers stripping of the muskeg cover will result in response to rainstorms and a major increase in upland erosion. However, because of the limited number of rainfall events during the study period, the rainfall-runoff relationships are not statistically significant. Sediment yield is reasonably well predicted by the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE), using a single storm approach. On fine-textured ground moraine deposits, which cover the southeastern half of the basin, over half the incident precipitation from the largest rainfall event was routed as surface runoff. Average annual sediment yields were predicted to be in the order of thousands of tonnes per km2, depending on actual site conditions. In the sandy outwash areas about 98 percent of the incident precipitation is infiltrated, and average annual sediment yields are predicted to be in the order of tens to hundreds of tonnes per km2, depending on actual site conditions.

Citation:
Hudson, H. R. (1984).  Aspects of the hydrologic and sediment regimes of the Muskeg River basin and the consequences of vegetation removal. 46 pages . Abstract
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Assessing accumulation and biliary excretion of naphthenic acids in yellow perch exposed to oil sands-affected waters

Authors van den Heuvel, M. R., Hogan N. S., MacDonald G. Z., Berrue F., Young R. F., Arens C. J., et al.
Year of Publication: 2014

Abstract:
Naphthenic acids are known to be the most prevalent group of organic compounds in oil sands tailings-associated waters. Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) were exposed for four months to oil sands-influenced waters in two experimental systems located on an oil sands lease 30 km north of Fort McMurray Alberta: the Demonstration Pond, containing oil sands tailings capped with natural surface water, and the South Bison Pond, integrating lean oil sands. Yellow perch were also sampled from three lakes: Mildred Lake that receives water from the Athabasca River, Sucker Lake, at the edge of oil sands extraction activity, and Kimowin Lake, a distant reference site. Naphthenic acids were measured in perch muscle tissue using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Bile metabolites were measured by GC–MS techniques and by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection at phenanthrene wavelengths. A method was developed using liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS) to evaluate naphthenic acids in bile. Tissue analysis did not show a pattern of naphthenic acids accumulation in muscle tissue consistent with known concentrations in exposed waters. Bile fluorescence and LC–HRMS methods were capable of statistically distinguishing samples originating from oil sands-influenced waters versus reference lakes. Although the GC–MS and HPLC fluorescence methods were correlated, there were no significant correlations of these methods and the LC–HRMS method. In yellow perch, naphthenic acids from oil sands sources do not concentrate in tissue at a measurable amount and are excreted through a biliary route. LC–HRMS was shown to be a highly sensitive, selective and promising technique as an indicator of exposure of biota to oil sands-derived naphthenic acids.

Citation:
van den Heuvel, M. R., Hogan N. S., MacDonald G. Z., Berrue F., Young R. F., Arens C. J., et al. (2014).  Assessing accumulation and biliary excretion of naphthenic acids in yellow perch exposed to oil sands-affected waters. 95, 8 pages . Abstract
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Assessing and monitoring aquatic ecosystem health: Approaches using individual population and community/ecosystem measurements

Authors Cash, K. J.
Year of Publication: 1995

Abstract:
As part of a larger project on development of an ecosystem integrity and cumulative effects monitoring program for the Peace, Athabasca, and Slave River basins, this report reviews the concept of ecosystem health and cumulative effects assessment as well as the theoretical framework and practical objectives of these approaches. The report reviews the literature on existing individual, population-, and community-level approaches and associated measurements being used for the assessment of aquatic ecosystem health and cumulative effects. It also identifies the types of data required to assess and monitor aquatic ecosystem health and cumulative effects in large northern rivers. Finally, the report discusses the applicability of these approaches and associated measurements, and recommends approaches with potential for use in the Northern River Basins Study.

Citation:
Cash, K. J. (1995).  Assessing and monitoring aquatic ecosystem health: Approaches using individual population and community/ecosystem measurements. (Environment Canada, Ed.). 70 pages . Abstract  Download: 0-662-23047-7.pdf (3.21 MB)
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Assessing corporate certification as impetus for accurate reporting in self-reported financial estimates underlying Alberta's Mine Financial Security Program

Authors Thibault, B.
Year of Publication: 2012

Abstract:
Alberta’s Mine Financial Security Program (MFSP) establishes the procedures for determining and administering financial security for reclamation of oil sands and coal mining operations. The program establishes more transparent and consistent methods for determining the financial security amount required to cover the mine’s suspension, abandonment, remediation and surface reclamation liabilities should the operator fail financially – while considering the value of the resource as assets against the liabilities. For oil sands mining operations, total MFSP liabilities can run in the hundreds of millions of dollars. To determine financial security amounts, mine operators self-report estimates of the liabilities and assets in the operation. Accuracy of the asset and liability estimates is important to provide public assurance that the program is providing appropriate levels of financial security. Within the MFSP, certain mechanisms are used to improve regulator and public confidence in the accuracy of these estimates. Under analysis here is the corporate certification requirement: a high-level representative – either the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of a corporate mine operation or a designated financial representative (DFR) of a joint venture – must certify that appropriate procedures were used to determine the estimate values and that the estimates are reasonable. By investigating the legal and regulatory setup for the MFSP, this paper assesses the expectation of increased confidence from the certification requirement by describing its legal implications and the impetus it places on corporations to ensure appropriate procedures for generating estimates. In short, the corporate certification requirement ensures documentary evidence of officer involvement in any misreporting by mining operators. For any misreporting that constitutes an offence under the governing legislation – the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) – this could raise individual officer liability under the Act. EPEA has enforcement provisions to penalize misreporting under the MFSP, which can be applied to companies as well as individuals. The individual penalties, which can include imprisonment or monetary penalties, can be applied to a corporate officer where he or she had some minimum level of involvement in the misreporting. With respect to some of the most important estimates, there is a link between the MFSP calculations and values reported under disclosure obligations in securities law. This is another mechanism for improving regulator and public confidence in the MFSP estimates and includes a similar certification requirement. While the effectiveness of this mechanism is not within the scope of this analysis, it provides a comparator against which to analyze the effectiveness of the MFSP corporate certification requirements, particularly in terms of the penalties available under each regime. In light of the relatively small magnitude of the monetary penalties available under EPEA and important barriers to investigation and enforcement of misreporting violations, the extent to which certification requirements incent better estimate procedures is not clear. This is particularly true given the small penalties under EPEA relative to those available under securities law. Nonetheless, the risk of reputational injury could provide a less formal but still very powerful incentive that certification bolsters by demonstrating officer involvement. Unfortunately, the absence of a role for civil society in the scrutiny of the estimates precludes a potentially stronger role for certification to incent enhanced estimate veracity. In conclusion, there is some expectation that the inclusion of the MFSP certification requirement provides an incentive for better procedures for asset and liability estimation in the MFSP Annual Report. It is difficult to assess the strength of this incentive, particularly because of uncertainties around the capacity to investigate reporting misconduct with respect to complex internal accounting procedures, on which the enforcement and, in turn, certification requirements rely for effectiveness. A few more conclusions are discussed further. First, there is a lack of clarity in industry around the potential for liability against the certifying authority arising from certification. This can have two negative consequences. For one, the potential liabilities that do exist are not having their full deterrent effect if they are not properly understood by the actors they are intended to impact. Also, reduced certainty with respect to any business decision, but particularly for potential monetary and imprisonment penalties, can undermine efficient business behaviour and lead to suboptimal policy results. This can be improved by: • more clearly explaining how individual liability attaches from the certification; • providing concrete hypothetical examples of misreporting infractions that can lead to individual officer liability; and • better linking the “effect” (wording) of the certification statement to EPEA’s standards for individual officer/agent liability. Second, it is not clear what internal capacity or threshold triggers Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD) employs to initiate a more concerted governmental audit or third-party audit of an MFSP Annual Report. The effectiveness of these procedures is critical to the mechanism through which certification engages potential legal liabilities or reputational costs for certifying authorities. Uncertainty around ESRD’s capacity or procedures for pursuing more concerted investigations undermines clarity around the certification’s effectiveness. This can be improved by: • providing more information to stakeholders around ESRD’s review process and where and how ESRD chooses to exercise its audit powers and pursue enforcement measures; and • establishing clearer presumptions or default values for certain parameters of asset and liability estimation, such as minimum per-hectare reclamation costs, derivation from which requires an explanation from the operator.

Citation:
Thibault, B. (2012).  Assessing corporate certification as impetus for accurate reporting in self-reported financial estimates underlying Alberta's Mine Financial Security Program. 37 pages . Abstract
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Assessing cumulative environmental effects of oil sands projects

Authors of the of Canada, O. A. G.
Year of Publication: 2011

Citation:
of the of Canada, O. A. G. (2011).  Assessing cumulative environmental effects of oil sands projects.
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Assessing environmental regulation in the Canadian oil sands

Authors
Year of Publication: 2012

Citation:
[Anonymous] (2012).  Assessing environmental regulation in the Canadian oil sands. (IHS CERA, Ed.). 49 pages .
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Assessing Forest Health in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region

Authors Clair, T. A., & Percy K. E.
Year of Publication: 2015

Abstract:
This report summarizes the most recent results from the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association’s Terrestrial Environmental Effects Monitoring (TEEM) forest health monitoring program. During 1998-2007, WBEA operated the Acid Monitoring Program (AMP) focused on potential adverse effects including acidification of forest soils from sulphur and nitrogen oxides, and detrimental impacts to vegetation. In 1998, TEEM initiated measurement and sampling at a network of 11 jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) dominated, interior forest stand plots. Additional plots were added between 1999 and 2003, and another cycle of measurement and sampling of soils and vegetation occurred on 13 plots in 2004. During 2006-2007, the Science Subcommittee (SSC) of TEEM completed a science review of the existing AMP. In 2008 based on science advice, TEEM adopted the source-to-sink approach for effects monitoring by measuring at key points along the emissions, chemical transformation, deposition, and terrestrial receptor pathway. TEEM also adopted the forest health approach to terrestrial monitoring focused on establishing/determining cause-effect relationships between air pollutants and forest ecosystem health in the region. In 2011/12, the enhanced forest health network of 25 plots was sampled. This report comprises 12 chapters integrating monitoring history, network design, results from air/deposition monitoring, deposition modeling, above- and below-ground biological and chemical measurements made in 2011/12, as well as comparative status of some indicators measured at five plots that were sampled in 1998, 2004 and 2011/12. The highest passively measured and modeled air concentrations of SO2, NO2, NH3, and HNO3 were reported nearer the industrial operations. Ozone (O3) concentrations, as expected, increased with distance from the sources. Three chapters reporting air quality and deposition of pollutants showed similar patterns of air concentration and spatial deposition for S and N. Two patterns were visible. The first was a west to east pattern resulting in S and N concentrations/ deposition being higher east of the mining and upgrading operations than to the west. There was also a north-south pattern in air concentrations, showing the influence of valley topography on pollutant dispersion. Air quality and deposition measurements indicated that nitrogen and sulphur concentrations/deposition amounts are enhanced within 30 km of the operations, decline with increasing distance from them, and reach background levels ~40-50 km away from main industrial emission sources. Trace elements in vegetation including heavy metals generally follow the same spatial distribution pattern. Levels of sulphur and nitrogen in jack pine foliage at six plots increased from 1998 to 2012. Nitrogen is being taken up in vegetation, and is not accumulating in mineral soils. Sulphur in soils was correlated with modeled S+N deposition at the LFH, 0-5 and 5-15 and 15-30 cm depths. Neither soil nitrogen nor pH showed any correlation with measured deposition. Soil microflora as well as vascular cover, forb cover and shrub richness were strongly and positively vii related to atmospheric deposition of base cations. There was no correlation between ecosystem variables and S and N as acidifiers because of the importance of base cations which neutralizes the acid inputs. The role of atmospheric nitrogen deposition as a nutrient has the potential to increase in relative importance. Base cation/aluminum (BC: Al) ratios in the LFH and mineral soil layers were not correlated (P=0.94) with modeled sulphur and nitrogen deposition. The BC: Al ratio ranged from 1 to 5 at twenty of the twenty-one plots sampled. The BC:Al trigger set under the CEMA Acid Deposition Management Framework (http://cemaonline.ca/index.php/cema-recommendations/aciddeposition) was not exceeded, in 2011/12. Environmental monitoring must never remain complacent, and must always be innovative, adaptive and responsive as is demonstrated in this report. We hope that state of the art monitoring continues to be responsive, and adaptable to continuing oil sands development, and will be fully supported and adequately funded going forward.

Citation:
Clair, T. A., & Percy K. E. (2015).  Assessing Forest Health in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region. WBEA report # 2015-05-25 Final report. 226 pp.. Abstract
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Assessing land cover change resulting from large surface mining development

Authors Latifovic, R., Fytas K., Chen J., & Paraszczak J.
Year of Publication: 2005

Abstract:
A remote sensing based land cover change assessment methodology is presented and applied to a case study of the Oil Sands Mining Development in Athabasca, Alta., Canada. The primary impact was assessed using an information extraction method applied to two LANDSAT scenes. The analysis based on derived land cover maps shows a decrease of natural vegetation in the study area (715,094 ha) for 2001 approximately 8.64% relative to 1992. Secondary assessment based on a key resources indicator (KRI), calculated using normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI measurements acquired by NOAA–AVHRR satellites), air temperature and global radiation was performed for a time period from 1990 to 2002. KRI trend analysis indicates a slightly decreasing trend in vegetation greenness in close proximity to the mining development. A good agreement between the time series of inter-annual variations in NDVI and air temperature is observed increasing the confidence of NDVI as an indicator for assessing vegetation productivity and its sensitivity to changes in local conditions.

Citation:
Latifovic, R., Fytas K., Chen J., & Paraszczak J. (2005).  Assessing land cover change resulting from large surface mining development. 7(1), 19 pages . Abstract
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Assessing pulp mill contamination using morphological deformities in Chironomid larvea (Diptera: Chironomidae), upper Athabasca River, April, 1992

Authors Warwick, W. F.
Year of Publication: 1997

Abstract:
The goal of this project was to provide baseline information on the occurrence and spatial distribution of chironomid deformities in depositional areas of the upper Athabasca River. These data were supplemented by identification and counts of individual chironomid taxa. The technique allowed an evaluation of spatial trends in the incidence of deformities relative to known point source effluents in the upper Athabasca River.-

Citation:
Warwick, W. F. (1997).  Assessing pulp mill contamination using morphological deformities in Chironomid larvea (Diptera: Chironomidae), upper Athabasca River, April, 1992. 40 pages . Abstract  Download: 0-662-24833-3.pdf (1.92 MB)
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Assessing the ability of oil sands based wetlands to support sustainable waterfowl populations

Authors Bennett, K. E., & Bendell-Young L.
Year of Publication: 1999

Citation:
Bennett, K. E., & Bendell-Young L. (1999).  Assessing the ability of oil sands based wetlands to support sustainable waterfowl populations.
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Assessing the biogeochemical development of oxygen and sulfur in oil sands fluid fine tailings in batch microcosms

Authors Chen, M.
Year of Publication: 2012

Abstract:
Elevated concentrations of hydrogen sulfide produced by sulfate-reducing prokaryotes are highly reducing, and can impair function of higher trophic levels inside end-pit lakes in the Alberta oil sands region. Microcosms have previously simulated the microbial community structure of tailing ponds; they are used here as analogues of the sediment-water interface of end-pit lake environments to determine sulfide generation patterns and the behaviour of oxygen. In this study, sulfide generation was positively correlated with depth and biotic activity, with production fluxes of ~2 x 103 nmol cm-3s-1. Oxygen consumption in the tailings is dependent on both biotic and abiotic processes. These results have implications for quantitatively estimating impacts of sulfide production and oxygen availability to biota, in addition to the biogeochemical cycles linked to their functional roles in tailings-affected ecosystems.

Citation:
Chen, M. (2012).  Assessing the biogeochemical development of oxygen and sulfur in oil sands fluid fine tailings in batch microcosms. 141 pages . Abstract
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Assessing the biometeorology of a newly established reclamation cover in Fort McMurray Alberta

Authors Goodbrand, S.
Year of Publication: 2009

Citation:
Goodbrand, S. (2009).  Assessing the biometeorology of a newly established reclamation cover in Fort McMurray Alberta.
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Assessing the effects of the oil sands mining industry on wetland plant physiology performance

Authors Mollard, F., Roy M., Frederick K., & Foote L.
Year of Publication: 2011

Abstract:
Created wetlands of the Fort McMurray post‐mined landscape have been amended with oil sands processed substrates (CT, MFT) and water (OSPW). Plant species found in these wetlands appear to tolerate the salinity and toxicity (Naphthenic Acids, Heavy Metals) of the processed materials. They offer an opportunity to identify plant mechanisms responsible for their ability to tolerate polluted wetlands. We propose that plants growing in wetlands amended with oil sands processed material may demonstrate measurable biological stress symptoms even though their physical appearance and performance seems to remain unaffected. We studied Carex aquatilis, an abundant wetland plant species in the Fort McMurray region in five natural (reference), and ten affected wetlands. We measured plant physiological processes: photosynthesis, transpiration rates, stomatal conductance, and leaf fluorescence. Our results show that C. aquatilis critical physiological processes, including carbon assimilation and water economy, are not significantly different between treatments. On the other hand, processes related to leaf light use efficiency (Fv/Fm, Performance Index) were significantly higher in plants growing in oil‐sands‐affected wetlands. Results suggest that processed materials can positively affect some plant photosynthetic stages but they are fully compensated and have a non‐significant impact in the entire carbon assimilation process. Our results are coherent with previous research that suggests that processed materials slightly and positively enhance Typha latifolia performance.

Citation:
Mollard, F., Roy M., Frederick K., & Foote L. (2011).  Assessing the effects of the oil sands mining industry on wetland plant physiology performance. Abstract
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Assessing the long-term impact of acid deposition and the risk of soil acidification in boreal forests in the Athabasca oil sands region in Alberta Canada

Authors Jung, K.
Year of Publication: 2012

Abstract:
Significant amounts of SO2 and NOx have been emitted from the Athabasca oil sands region (AOSR) in Alberta, Canada, in the past several decades. The impact of acid deposition on forest ecosystems and the risk of soil acidification were assessed in jack pine (Pinus banksiana) and trembling aspen (aspen) (Populus tremuloides) stands in acid-sensitive watersheds (NE7 and SM8) in the AOSR. NE7 has been exposed to greater rates of deposition. A simulated N and S deposition experiment was also conducted. Nitrogen deposition increased N availability in NE7, indicated by increasing Diff_N (Diff_x: the difference of parameter x in tree rings between NE7 and SM8) and decreasing Diff_δ15N over time in aspen stands. Sulfur deposition increased in stemflow due to interception deposition, which decreased pH and base cations in soil towards jack pine but not towards aspen releasing enough base cations through canopy leaching. The Ca/Al ratio did not reach the critical limits of 1.0 for soil solution (range: 1.0 to 4.1) or 0.5 for fine roots (range: 0.7 to 7.9) while Al concentrations in soil solutions (range: 0.1 to 8.5 mg L-1) achieved the level inhibiting seedling growth of aspen and Picea glauca (a common species succeeding aspen). Critical loads of S deposition ranged from 223 to 711 molc ha-1 yr-1, and S deposition did not exceed critical loads; N deposition was not considered due to N limitation in boreal forests. Exceedances were underestimated when only bulk deposition was considered as compared to those that use total deposition because intercepted SO42- deposition made up approximately 60% of total deposition. The H+ budgets of soils were negative in NE7 and SM8, implying that soils were recovering from previous acidification, reflecting the reducing trends of S emission. Simulated N deposition provided beneficial effects on tree growth but not for understory. Simulated S deposition increased leaching loss of base cations and reduced exchangeable base cations in the surface soil. I concluded that acid deposition has changed soil and tree chemistry, and tree growth in the AOSR, which could give adverse effects on understory plants sensitive to Al toxicity and cationic nutrient deficiency.

Citation:
Jung, K. (2012).  Assessing the long-term impact of acid deposition and the risk of soil acidification in boreal forests in the Athabasca oil sands region in Alberta Canada. 200 pages . Abstract
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Assessing the suitability of paste as a medium for plant growth

Authors Feng, Y., Sinclair L., Li X., & Fung M. Y. P.
Year of Publication: 1999

Abstract:
When a polymer is added to the tailings slurry in the extraction process in oil sands refining, it accelerates the release of water and forms a consolidated, dense material known as 'paste.' This material has a solids content of approximately 65% by weight, 30% of which is made up of fine particles. A study was initiated to explore the possibility of using paste as a plant growth medium in which the paste must hold water and nutrients for growth while allowing adequate water movement and aeration. To also attain a favorable soil structure, it was thought that amending the paste with an adequate amount of peat would improve its physical and chemical properties such as to render it a suitable soil environment for plant growth. The study was a growth chamber experiment in which the effects were assessed of peat amendments on seed germination, and a greenhouse experiment in which the growth of three selected plant species were determined, including highlander grass, jack pine, and trembling aspen. Paste has the potential to be modified into a suitable plant growth medium. Adding peat can greatly enhance seed germination, and seedling survival and growth. There seemed to be some improvement in plant performance as the amount of peat included increased from 5% to 10%. Increasing the amount of peat still further to 15% had at best marginal incremental effects. The optimum amount of peat amendment was around 10%. Of the three plant types tested, highlander grass performed the best on the paste material amended with peat, showing performance comparable to the control. Trembling aspen grew relatively well but the survival rate was low. If the seedlings survived the first few weeks, the potential for continued growth seemed good. Jack pine showed signs of stress such as needle damage, stunted growth and low survival rates and seemed unlikely to establish well even on the peat amended paste. 1 ref., 4 tabs., 2 figs

Citation:
Feng, Y., Sinclair L., Li X., & Fung M. Y. P. (1999).  Assessing the suitability of paste as a medium for plant growth. 11 pages . Abstract
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Assessing the toxicity of oil sands region groundwaters using early life stage freshwater mussels: An examination of suitability

Authors Gillis, P. L., McInnis R., Bickerton G., & Parrott J. L.
Year of Publication: 2013

Citation:
Gillis, P. L., McInnis R., Bickerton G., & Parrott J. L. (2013).  Assessing the toxicity of oil sands region groundwaters using early life stage freshwater mussels: An examination of suitability. 1 page .
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