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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.

Chemical fingerprints of Alberta oil sands and related petroleum products

Authors Yang, C., Wang Z., Yang Z., Hollebone B., Brown C., Landriault M., et al.

Year of Publication: 2011

Abstract:
Alberta oil sands are known to contain the world's largest reserves of bitumen. The rapid growth in their production could result in a significant environmental impact. Fingerprinting bitumen and petroleum products from the Alberta oil sands is essential in order to better understand the chemical compositions of oil sands, prepare for potential oil spills, and address the associated environmental problems. This study presents an integrated quantitative chemical characterization of Alberta oil sands bitumen and other related Alberta oils using gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The characterized target hydrocarbons include n-alkanes, unsubstituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their alkylated homologues (APAHs), biomarker terpanes and steranes, bicyclic sesquiterpanes, and diamondoids. The chemical features of bitumen in oil sands are clearly distinguishable from those of most other conventional crude oils. The chemical fingerprints of diluted oil sands bitumen and Albian Heavy Synthetic crude were significantly altered by either the diluent blended with the former or the upgrading processing of crude bitumen in the latter. A chromatographic hump of unresolved complex mixtures (UCMs) eluting between n-C10 to n-C40 is pronounced and n-alkanes are nearly absent in bitumen extracted from oil sands. Alkylated naphthalenes account for only a small proportion of the total APAHs in Alberta oil sands extracts. The PAH compounds in oil sands extracts and diluted bitumen are dominated by alkylated homologues with the relative distribution of C0– < C1– < C2– < C3– for all five APAH series. Biomarker terpanes and cage-like adamantanes were determined in almost identical abundance and distribution profile in oil sands extracts and diluted crude bitumen, while biomarker steranes and bicyclic sesquiterpanes were removed to varying degrees by physical weathering or biodegradation.

Citation:

Yang, C., Wang Z., Yang Z., Hollebone B., Brown C., Landriault M., et al. (2011). Chemical fingerprints of Alberta oil sands and related petroleum products. 12(2), 15 pages. Abstract

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Chemical profiling of waters associated with mining operations and the McMurray Formation for source identification in the Alberta oil sands region

Authors Frank, R. A., Roy J., Bickerton G., Rowland S., Headley J. V., Scarlett A., et al.

Year of Publication: 2013

Citation:

Frank, R. A., Roy J., Bickerton G., Rowland S., Headley J. V., Scarlett A., et al. (2013). Chemical profiling of waters associated with mining operations and the McMurray Formation for source identification in the Alberta oil sands region. 1 page .

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Chemistry and geotechnical properties of fluid fine tailings treated by in-situ polymerization of silica

Authors Moffett, R. H., & Flatter J. L.

Year of Publication: 2013

Citation:

Moffett, R. H., & Flatter J. L. (2013). Chemistry and geotechnical properties of fluid fine tailings treated by in-situ polymerization of silica.

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Chronic toxicity of vanadium to flagfish

Authors Holdway, D. A., & Sprague J. B.

Year of Publication: 1979

Abstract:
The 96-h LC50 of vanadium to adult American flagfish (Jordanella floridae) was 11.2 mg l−1 in very hard water. Larvae showed 28-day LC50's of 1.13 and 1.88 mg l−1 of vanadium with larger larvae being more resistant. These appeared to be thresholds of lethality. During continuous exposure for 96 days, larval growth and survival were the most sensitive indicators of vanadium toxicity and were marginally reduced at 0.17 mg l−1. At 0.041 mg l−1, there were no deleterious sublethal effects but there was definite stimulation of growth in females and of reproductive performance. The threshold for chronic toxicity was judged to be about 0.08 mg l−1. The “safe”-to-lethal ratio was 0.007 and this could be used as an application factor for other species. There was no clear evidence that vanadium had any long-term cumulative toxicity.

Citation:

Holdway, D. A., & Sprague J. B. (1979). Chronic toxicity of vanadium to flagfish. 13(9), 5 pages . Abstract

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Circulation of water and sediment in the Athabasca Delta area

Authors Neill, C. R., Evans B. J., & Lipsett A. W.

Year of Publication: 1981

Abstract:
The objective of the study was to describe how water and sediment from the Athabasca River are distributed through the delta system and how they circulate and mix in Lake Athabasca and flow through to the Slave River, with a view to understanding the pathways ano destinations of contaminants that might reach the Athabasca River. Study components included literature reviews, remote sensing interpretations, field investigations and mathematical analyses. The project was viewed as a first stage study to sketch the essentials of the system and to outline needs and methodologies for a better definition.

Citation:

Neill, C. R., Evans B. J., & Lipsett A. W. (1981). Circulation of water and sediment in the Athabasca Delta area. 182 pages . Abstract

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Clay tailings from Alberta oil sands and other sources: A review

Authors

Year of Publication: 1977

Abstract:
Data in existence in the open literature or in unclassified company reports on the physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of Alberta's oil sands clay tailings are reviewed. Treatment and disposal procedures for these tailings, as well as for clay tailings from other industries, are discussed. Tailings disposal requirements, particularly those of an environmental nature, are appraised for in-situ and other oil sands bitumen recovery operations currently being considered as alternatives to the hot water process for mineable deposits. General background to the disposal problems is provided in brief descriptions of the extractive processes involved, as well as in an Appendix summarizing the structure and properties of clay minerals.

Citation:

[Anonymous] (1977). Clay tailings from Alberta oil sands and other sources: A review. (Alberta Research Council, Ed.). 87 pages . Abstract

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Clearing the air on oil sands myths

Authors Grant, J., Dyer S., & Woynillowicz D.

Year of Publication: 2009

Citation:

Grant, J., Dyer S., & Woynillowicz D. (2009). Clearing the air on oil sands myths. 32 pages .

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Climate change - Reducing emissions/VCR update

Authors Webster, G.

Year of Publication: 1997

Citation:

Webster, G. (1997). Climate change - Reducing emissions/VCR update. 7 pages .

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Climate implications of the proposed Energy East Pipeline: A preliminary assessment

Authors Flanagan, E., & Demerse C.

Year of Publication: 2014

Citation:

Flanagan, E., & Demerse C. (2014). Climate implications of the proposed Energy East Pipeline: A preliminary assessment. 30 pages .

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Climatological analysis of recent data from the Athabasca oil sands area

Authors Rudolph, R. C., Oleskiw M. M., & Stuart R. A.

Year of Publication: 1984

Abstract:
This report is a climatological analysis of recent data from the Athabasca Oil Sands area. Data sources included the MAPS network of automatic meteorological data acquisition, forestry lookout stations, minisondes, snow pack surveys, and the Atmospheric Environment Service observing station at Fort McMurray. The data were analysed using a computer package of statistical subroutines. It was found that large variations existed in the mean values of meteorological data from the the MAPS network. These variations were the results of statistical fluctuations due to the short period of record and terrain differences. To reduce the variations, MAPS temperature and precipitation were correlated with Fort McMurray values. Mean monthly values of temperature were well estimated by Fort McMurray values throughout the year and by forestry station measurements in summer. However, mean monthly precipitation was not reliably estimated by this technique. While the duration of summer rainfall correlated well with station elevation, rainfall amount varied considerably between MAPS and forestry station, due in part to the convective component of summer precipitation. Surface winds were found to be strongly controlled by terrain. Speeds were generally higher at exposed locations and lower at low elevations. Terrain-induced flows were predominant during winter and autumn months, and during summer and spring evenings. Diurnal variation in direction due to surface heating was noted during summer and spring but was not dominant. A poorly defined veer of less than 20° was observed between the surface and 400-m wind directions in all seasons except winter. In winter, differences in direction between the two levels were apparently random due to flow decoupling in stable conditions. Minisonde data exhibited expected trends to increased instability in afternoon hours and during spring and summer months, especially in the lowest layer. The most common stability categories at all levels in all seasons were neutral and slightly stable.The report concludes with two important recommendations. The first is that thorough quality control checks be implemented before new data sets are used for analysis. The second and farther reaching is that meteorological data requirements in the Athabasca OiI Sands area be reassessed before meso-scale monitoring is reactivated.

Citation:

Rudolph, R. C., Oleskiw M. M., & Stuart R. A. (1984). Climatological analysis of recent data from the Athabasca oil sands area. 211 pages . Abstract

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Climatological and meteorological research needs for the Athabasca tar sands area Task Force report

Authors

Year of Publication: 1973

Abstract:
The five atmospheric environmental problems most likely to be caused by extensive development of the Athabasca Tar Sands are identified. The research required and meteorological observations necessary to solve the problems are summarized in a table. Appendices include an inventory of existing meteorological and climatological stations.

Citation:

[Anonymous] (1973). Climatological and meteorological research needs for the Athabasca tar sands area Task Force report. (Conservation and Utlilization Committee, Ed.). 40 pages . Abstract

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Closing the performance gap: The challenge for cumulative effects management in Alberta's Athabasca oil sands region

Authors Kennett, S. A.

Year of Publication: 2007

Abstract:
Interest in cumulative effects management for Alberta’s Athabasca oil sands region can be traced back at least to public hearings before Alberta’s Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) in 1997. Faced with a significant increase in project applications and planned development, key players quickly recognized the limitations of a project-by-project approach to environmental regulation. This broad consensus led to two related initiatives. The first was a process of multi- stakeholder collaboration that resulted in the establishment of the Cumulative Environmental Management Association (CEMA) in 2000. The second initiative was the Government of Alberta’s Regional Sustainable Development Strategy (RSDS) for the Athabasca Oil Sands Area, released in 1999. These initiatives were intended to address the challenges of managing the cumulative effects of large-scale oil sands development by identifying issues, developing work plans, establishing management frameworks, and harnessing the expertise and commitment of government, the private sector, Aboriginal organizations and other stakeholders. RSDS and CEMA also complemented a broader policy on integrated resource management (IRM) that the Alberta Government was developing at the same time. In addition, they were consistent with efforts by the federal and Alberta governments to implement legal requirements and policy statements that required consideration of cumulative environmental effects within project-specific environmental assessment. Ten years after the original impetus for these initiatives, the pace, scale and intensity of oil sands development have vastly exceeded initial expectations and continue to increase rapidly. At the same time, troubling questions are being asked about the effectiveness of both CEMA and RSDS. The EUB has expressed concern about slow progress in generating management frameworks for cumulative effects in a series of decisions beginning in 1999. According to the Board, these frameworks are needed to assist it in discharging its statutory mandate to ensure the orderly development of oil sands resources and to determine whether or not proposed projects are in the public interest. Participants in CEMA from the federal government, Aboriginal organizations and environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs) have also raised concerns about the slow progress of CEMA in achieving tangible results. Possible explanations of CEMA’s performance gap were explored in 16 interviews with participants in CEMA from the Government of Alberta, the Government of Canada, the oil sands industry, First Nations, ENGOs, the CEMA secretariat and private consulting firms. Two individuals from the Clear Air Strategic Alliance were also interviewed.

Citation:

Kennett, S. A. (2007). Closing the performance gap: The challenge for cumulative effects management in Alberta's Athabasca oil sands region. 70 pages . Abstract

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Co-biodegradation of linear & cyclic naphthenic acids in a circulating packed bed bioreactor

Authors D'Souza, L.

Year of Publication: 2012

Abstract:
Large volumes of oil sand process water are generated as part of the Clarke caustic hot water process used for extraction of bitumen from shallow oil sand reserves. These process waters contain naphthenic acids in high concentrations (40-120 mg/L) which are persistent in the environment for decades. The toxic nature of naphthenic acids has been found to endanger aquatic biota and terrestrial habitat. Reclamation of these oil sand process waters has also come to the forefront due to the increasing future demand for water consumption in the oil sand industry and the need for sustainable use of water. Bioremediation as a cost effective technology for treatment of these process affected waters is gaining impetus. In earlier works in our group, the biodegradation of single naphthenic acids in the circulating packed bed bioreactor was studied in the batch and continuous modes. In this work, a circulating packed bed bioreactor has been used to study the batch and continuous co-biodegradation of different combinations of the four model naphthenic acids (one linear, and three cyclic compounds of different molecular structures) namely octanoic acid, trans 4-methylcyclohexanecarboxylic acid (4MCHCA) and a mixture of cis and trans isomer of 4-methylcyclohexaneacetic acid (4MCHAA). The circulating packed bed bioreactor effectively biodegraded all the candidate NAs with rates as high as 401.1 mg/L-h for octanoic acid, 208.8 mg/L-h for trans-4MCHCA, 4.5 mg/L-h and 10.2 mg/L-h for cis-4MCHAA and trans-4MCHAA, respectively. The maximum removal rates of the cyclic naphthenic acids were found to be much lower than that of octanoic acid irrespective of the presence of the other compound in the mixture. The data in this study also suggests that removal rate of NAs in the mixture was influenced by geometric isomerism of the compounds where biodegradation of cis isomer was much slower than that of its trans counterpart. Moreover, increase in the carbon number (presence of additional methyl group) resulted in lower removal rate. Another important finding of this work was that co-biodegradation of octanoic acid with trans- 4MCHCA and 4MCHAA has no impact on trans-4MCHCA but co-biodegradation enhanced the removal rate of cis-4MCHAA which is the most recalcitrant of the three compounds used in this study by 23%.

Citation:

D'Souza, L. (2012). Co-biodegradation of linear & cyclic naphthenic acids in a circulating packed bed bioreactor. 99 pages . Abstract

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Co-disposal of fine tails and overburden utilizing pipelining techniques

Authors Lord, E. R. F., Maciejewski W., Cymerman G., & Lahaie R.

Year of Publication: 1993

Citation:

Lord, E. R. F., Maciejewski W., Cymerman G., & Lahaie R. (1993). Co-disposal of fine tails and overburden utilizing pipelining techniques. 20 pages .

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Co-measurement of volatile organic and sulfur compounds in the Athabasca oil sands region by dual detector pneumatic focusing gas chromatography

Authors O'Brien, R. J., Percy K. E., & Legge A. H.

Year of Publication: 2013

Abstract:
Odors are a continuing source of concern to some residents in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo that includes the Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR). Sulfur dioxide (SO 2), fugitive volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and a variety of sulfur-inorganic and -organic compounds, which in total are called total reduced sulfur (TRS), can be a source of this odor. The organic fraction of TRS is, as a general class, the most odiferous. To help understand this issue, the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) of Alberta instituted a program for the dual measurement of these compounds by pneumatic focusing gas chromatography (PFGC). The PFGC, normally equipped with a flame ionization detector (FID) for measurement of VOCs, was fitted with a parallel pulsed flame photometric detector (PFPD), and was deployed in 2009 at a WBEA ambient air monitoring station (AMS-2) near emission sources in the area. The instrument successfully measured a variety of hydrocarbon and sulfur compounds at the ppb level. After 2009, Oil Sands processing procedures were apparently modified in the AOSR, with a resultant 10- to 100-fold drop in gaseous sulfur compound levels, and a drop in public odor complaints. At that time, the PFGC was moved to the WBEA Bertha Ganter-Fort McKay air monitoring station (AMS-1) in the First Nation community of Ft. McKay. Here, in spite of greatly reduced sulfur compound levels, odor complaints were still received. The concentrations of sulfur compounds at this new location, however, were below the detection limit of the PFPD. To address this challenge, the PFPD was replaced with the more sensitive sulfur chemiluminescence detector (SCD). As documented in this chapter, the newly designed system is now routinely identifying and quantifying individual sulfur compound concentrations well below 100 parts per trillion (ppt). Such greatly enhanced sensitivity is necessary to address odors that still persist in the AOSR, so that odor types can be identified and communicated to stakeholders.

Citation:

O'Brien, R. J., Percy K. E., & Legge A. H. (2013). Co-measurement of volatile organic and sulfur compounds in the Athabasca oil sands region by dual detector pneumatic focusing gas chromatography. 31 pages . Abstract

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Coagulation-fluocculation pretreatment of oil sands process affected waters

Authors Wang, Y., Pourrezaei P., & El-Din M. G.

Year of Publication: 2008

Abstract:
Coagulation/flocculation/sedimentation (CFS) pre-treatment was used to treat oil sands process-affected water (OSPW). The process was optimized in order to achieve a high removal of turbidity and total organic carbon (TOC). Aluminum sulfate (alum), ferric sulfate, and ferric chloride were used as the coagulants, and synthetic organic polymers (cationic, anionic, and nonionic) were also tested as the coagulant aids to increase the efficiency of the process. The addition of the alum resulted in a superior performance compared to that of ferric salts. Based on the turbidity and TOC removals, 250 mg/L of alum was chosen as the optimum condition, which resulted in the turbidity, TOC, and naphthenic acids (NAs) removal of 97-99%, 12-20% and 10-37%, respectively. The addition of 5 mg/L of cationic polymer to 250 mg alum/L during the coagulation slightly increased the TOC removal, but did not increase the NAs removal over alum treatment alone. The obtained result highlights the applicability of the CFS process to remove the dissolved NAs from OSPW. Zeta potential measurement indicated that the dominant removal mechanism at optimized condition was the destabilization of the particles through charge neutralization by adsorption of the aluminum hydroxide precipitates. Surface functional groups analysis also confirmed the removal of the particles and organic compounds, including NAs, by the growing flocs from OSPW.

Citation:

Wang, Y., Pourrezaei P., & El-Din M. G. (2008). Coagulation-fluocculation pretreatment of oil sands process affected waters. 5 pages . Abstract

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Coal and oil sands exploration reclamation requirements

Authors

Year of Publication: 2010

Abstract:
This directive provides the coal exploration program (CEP) and oil sands exploration (OSE), requirements for reclamation certification: criteria, assessment methodology, and sampling methodology. It applies to public and private land. It replaces the Directive SD 2010-01 Coal and Oil Sands Exploration Reclamation Requirements.

Citation:

[Anonymous] (2010). Coal and oil sands exploration reclamation requirements. (Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Ed.). 10 pages . Abstract

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Coarse level Predictive Ecosite Map (PEM) for the lineal characterization survey area located in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo

Authors Nash, J., Fisher D., & Wierenga T.

Year of Publication: 2012

Citation:

Nash, J., Fisher D., & Wierenga T. (2012). Coarse level Predictive Ecosite Map (PEM) for the lineal characterization survey area located in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. 14 pages .

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Cold Lake - Beaver River basin groundwater quality state of the basin report

Authors

Year of Publication: 2006

Abstract:
This report is one of four State of the Basin reports described below. Each report gives specific information to provide a snapshot that illustrates the current condition of the Cold Lake–Beaver River (CLBR) Basin. The reports contain inventory and assessment information related to surface and groundwater quantity, quality and aquatic resources of the basin. Also identified are the management tools that are currently available to address water issues in the basin. In addition to providing background information and a knowledge base for the CLBR plan, the reports update information in the 1985 planning documents. Developing the State of the Basin reports was a collaborative team effort using expertise from Alberta Environment, Sustainable Resource Development, Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Prairie Farm Rehabilitation and Administration, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and the Lakeland Industry and Community Association (LICA).

Citation:

[Anonymous] (2006). Cold Lake - Beaver River basin groundwater quality state of the basin report. (Alberta Environment, Ed.). 85 pages . Abstract

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Cold Lake - Beaver River basin groundwater quantity and brackish water state of the basin report

Authors

Year of Publication: 2006

Abstract:
This report is one of four State of the Basin reports described below. Each report gives specific information to provide a snapshot that illustrates the current condition of the Cold Lake–Beaver River (CLBR) Basin. The reports contain inventory and assessment information related to surface and groundwater quantity, quality and aquatic resources of the basin. Also identified are the management tools that are currently available to address water issues in the basin. In addition to providing background information and a knowledge base for the CLBR plan, the reports update information in the 1985 planning documents. Developing the State of the Basin reports was a collaborative team effort using expertise from Alberta Environment, Sustainable Resource Development, Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Prairie Farm Rehabilitation and Administration, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and the Lakeland Industry and Community Association (LICA).

Citation:

[Anonymous] (2006). Cold Lake - Beaver River basin groundwater quantity and brackish water state of the basin report. (Alberta Environment, Ed.). 82 pages . Abstract

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Cold Lake - Beaver River basin groundwater quantity and brackish water state of the basin report - Appendices

Authors

Year of Publication: 2006

Abstract:
This appendix highlights and summarizes some of the current legislative statutes, policies and guidelines that influence water management in the CLBR Basin. In addition, information is provided on the inter-provincial agreement between Alberta and Saskatchewan and the Cold Lake Sub-Regional Integrated Resource Plan.

Citation:

[Anonymous] (2006). Cold Lake - Beaver River basin groundwater quantity and brackish water state of the basin report - Appendices. (Alberta Environment, Ed.). 61 pages . Abstract

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Cold Lake - Beaver River surface water quality state of the basin report

Authors

Year of Publication: 2006

Citation:

[Anonymous] (2006). Cold Lake - Beaver River surface water quality state of the basin report. (Alberta Environment, Ed.). 65 pages .

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Cold Lake - Beaver River surface water quantity and aquatic resources state of the basin report

Authors

Year of Publication: 2006

Abstract:
This report is one of four state of the basin reports. Each report gives specific information to provide a snapshot that illustrates the current condition of the Cold Lake-Beaver River (CLBR) Basin. The reports contain inventory and assessment information related to surface and groundwater quantity, quality and aquatic resources of the basin. Also identified are the management tools that are currently available to address water issues in the basin. In addition to providing background information and a knowledge base for the CLBR plan, the reports update information in the 1985 planning documents.

Citation:

[Anonymous] (2006). Cold Lake - Beaver River surface water quantity and aquatic resources state of the basin report. (Alberta Environment, Ed.). 154 pages . Abstract

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Collaboration in Canada's oil sands: Fluid fine tailings management

Authors Fair, A. E., & Beier N. A.

Year of Publication: 2012

Citation:

Fair, A. E., & Beier N. A. (2012). Collaboration in Canada's oil sands: Fluid fine tailings management.

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Collaboration in developing Canada's world-class oil sands resource

Authors Saubestre, V., Lambert G., & Geekie K.

Year of Publication: 2012

Citation:

Saubestre, V., Lambert G., & Geekie K. (2012). Collaboration in developing Canada's world-class oil sands resource.

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