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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.

Histopathological effects of naphthenic acids and salinity to yellow perch Perca flavescens

Authors Nero, V., Farwell A. J., Lee L. E. J., & Dixon D. G.

Year of Publication: 2004

Citation:

Nero, V., Farwell A. J., Lee L. E. J., & Dixon D. G. (2004). Histopathological effects of naphthenic acids and salinity to yellow perch Perca flavescens. 56 pages .

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Historical compilation of fish tissue contaminant data

Authors

Year of Publication: 1997

Citation:

[Anonymous] (1997). Historical compilation of fish tissue contaminant data. (D. A. Westworth & Associates Ltd., Ed.). 35 pages .

Download: 0-662-25368-X.pdf (1.39 MB)

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Historical overview of the Fort McMurray area and oil sands industry in northeast alberta (with expanded bibliographies on oil sands, surficial geology, hydrogeology, minerals and bedrock in Northeast Alberta)

Authors Hein, F. J.

Year of Publication: 2000

Abstract:
This report contains an overview of the exploration and historical development of the Fort McMurray area, with emphasis on development of the oil sands industry in Alberta. This compilation was initiated as part of ongoing work by the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board(EUB), Alberta Geological Survey, on the geology of the Athabasca oil sands deposit. In doing this compilation a number of historical references and survey work were found in Edmonton at the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board, Alberta Geological Survey Office. Other references to this work is scattered throughout the public domain, and has never been compiled as a comprehensive reference list related to the oil sands or to the geology of northeastern Alberta.

Citation:

Hein, F. J. (2000). Historical overview of the Fort McMurray area and oil sands industry in northeast alberta (with expanded bibliographies on oil sands, surficial geology, hydrogeology, minerals and bedrock in Northeast Alberta). 32 pages . Abstract

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Historical resources impact assessment Lease No. 22 (ASA Permit No. 84-53)

Authors Van Dyke, S., & Reeves B. O. K.

Year of Publication: 1985

Abstract:
Syncrude Canada Ltd. contracted Lifeways of Canada Limited to carry out an Historical Resources Impact Assessment of their Bituminous Sands Lease No. 22 as a part of a continuing program of environmental research. Archaeological field studies were carried out over a 32 day period in July and August with a crew of six persons. The archaeological program consisted of the examination of river banks, terraces, outcrops, knolls, ridges, sand flats, re1ic landforms (i.e., glacial beach ridges), and aspen/spruce islands be1ieved to exhibit elevation differences not apparent in existing contour mapping. In the course of the program, 7,608 shovel tests were excavated for the purpose of locating prehistoric sites. Approximately 33% of the level of effort was expended on the Clearwater Plain including the shore of the Athabasca River and the terraces adjacent to the Beaver River. An additional 33% of the level of effort involved shovel testing of the banks and associated terraces of the MacKay and Dover rivers in the western portion of the lease. The remainder of the effort was expended in areas on the Dover Plain, away from the latter drainages.

Citation:

Van Dyke, S., & Reeves B. O. K. (1985). Historical resources impact assessment Lease No. 22 (ASA Permit No. 84-53). 175 pages . Abstract

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Historical Royalty Revenue

Authors

Year of Publication: 2010

Abstract:
This excel data incorporates royalty revenue from 1970 to the present, it is updated with all the Royalty information each August. It includes forecasting and budget scenarios in Millions.

Citation:

[Anonymous] (2010). Historical Royalty Revenue. Abstract

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Historical trails research project Wood Buffalo Regional Municipality

Authors Prager, G.

Year of Publication: 2004

Abstract:
This report summarizes historic documentary research conducted on historic trails in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo in northeastern Alberta.

Citation:

Prager, G. (2004). Historical trails research project Wood Buffalo Regional Municipality. 48 pages . Abstract

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Historical trends in greenhouse gas emissions of the Alberta oil sands (1970-2010)

Authors Englander, J. G., Bharadwaj S., & Brandt A. R.

Year of Publication: 2013

Abstract:
There has been increased scrutiny of the Alberta oil sands due to their high carbon intensity (CI) relative to conventional crude oil. Relying entirely on public and peer-reviewed data sources, we examine historical trends in the CI of oil sands extraction, upgrading, and refining. Monthly data were collected and interpolated from 1970 to 2010 (inclusive) for each oil sands project. Results show a reduction in oil sands CI over time, with industry-average full-fuel cycle (well-to-wheels, WTW) CI declining from 165 gCO2e MJ−1 higher heating value (HHV) of reformulated gasoline (RFG) to 105 (−12, +9) gCO2e MJ−1 HHV RFG. 2010 averages by production pathways are 102 gCO2e MJ−1 for Mining and 111 gCO2e MJ−1 for in situ. The CI of mining-based projects has declined due to upgrader efficiency improvements and a shift away from coke to natural gas as a process fuel. In situ projects have benefitted from substantial reductions in fugitive emissions from bitumen batteries. Both mining and in situ projects have benefitted from improved refining efficiencies. However, despite these improvements, the CI of oil sands production (on a pathway-average basis) ranges from 12 to 24% higher than CI values from conventional oil production. Due to growing output, total emissions from the oil sands continue to increase despite improved efficiency: total upstream emissions were roughly 65 MtCO2e in 2010, or 9% of Canada’s emissions.

Citation:

Englander, J. G., Bharadwaj S., & Brandt A. R. (2013). Historical trends in greenhouse gas emissions of the Alberta oil sands (1970-2010). 8(4), 7 pages . Abstract

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History and developments in the treatment of oil sands fine tailings

Authors Sobkowicz, J. C.

Year of Publication: 2011

Citation:

Sobkowicz, J. C. (2011). History and developments in the treatment of oil sands fine tailings. 19 pages .

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History and governance models as a blueprint for future federal-provincial co-operation on environmental monitoring in the Alberta oil sands region

Authors Wallace, R. R.

Year of Publication: 2013

Citation:

Wallace, R. R. (2013). History and governance models as a blueprint for future federal-provincial co-operation on environmental monitoring in the Alberta oil sands region. 40 , 6 pages .

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History of land reclamation at Suncor

Authors Paquin, L.

Year of Publication: 2000

Citation:

Paquin, L. (2000). History of land reclamation at Suncor. 11 pages .

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History of the Athabasca oil sands region 1890 to 1960's - Volume II: Oral history

Authors Parker, J. M.

Year of Publication: 1980

Abstract:
During the last two centuries, the Athabasca Oil Sands region has been an eldorado for resource development. With the economy of the fur trade predominating from 1778 until the 1950's, the major forces shaping the development, i.e., private enterprise, church missions, and government enterprise, have come from outside the region. Prior to 1890, society in the region was conditioned by, fur trade economy and religious proselytism. The fur trade, dominated by the Hudson's Bay Company, sought economic benefits which depended on stable social conditions. To a certain extent,social stability was reinforced by the presence of missionaries. Their role was one of introducing Christian religious practices and attendant material comforts of education and health care to the original inhabitants. Thus these two external influences, company and Church, complemented one another. Subsequently, the missionaries provided to the original inhabitants also paternal protection from intrusion of government and industry in their expansion into the region. Oral history interviews indicate that this paternal activity lessened as churches began to focus upon the needs of newcomers.

Citation:

Parker, J. M. (1980). History of the Athabasca oil sands region 1890 to 1960's - Volume II: Oral history. 70 pages . Abstract

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History of the Athabasca oil sands region 1890 to 1960's Volume I: Socio-economic development

Authors Parker, J. M., & Tingley K. W.

Year of Publication: 1980

Abstract:
There is no doubt that the Athabasca Oil Sands region has been an eldorado for resource development. The major forces shaping its development, i.e., private enterprise, church missions and government enterprise, have come from outside the region. The economy of the fur trade predominated from 1778 until the 1950's. The role of religious organizations was one of civilizing the original inhabitants by introducing Christian religious practices and attendant material comforts of education and health care. Perhaps most significant was the provision of paternal protection from intrusions of government and industry in their expansion into the region. Oral history interviews indicate that this paternal activity lessened as churches began to focus upon the needs of newcomers. Prior to 1890, society in the region was conditioned by fur trade economy and religious proselytism. The fur trade, dominated by the Hudson's Bay Company, sought economic benefits which depended on stable social conditions. To a certain extent social stability was reinforced by the presence of missionaries. These two external influences, Company and Church, complemented one another. [2] Separated by muskeg from the south and accessible only through the Churchill-Clearwater rivers, the society of the region remained relatively isolated until the establishment of Fort McMurray in 1870. This post portended the changes in transportation and routes which led to the entry of agencies of the Crown, the third major external influence to enter the region.

Citation:

Parker, J. M., & Tingley K. W. (1980). History of the Athabasca oil sands region 1890 to 1960's Volume I: Socio-economic development. 154 pages. Abstract

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History of wetland reclamation in the Alberta oil sands

Authors Daly, C. A.

Year of Publication: 2011

Citation:

Daly, C. A. (2011). History of wetland reclamation in the Alberta oil sands.

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Host response to inoculation and behaviour of introduced and indigenous ectomycorrhizal fungi of jack pine grown on oil-sands tailings

Authors Danielson, R. M., & Visser S.

Year of Publication: 1989

Abstract:
Pinusbanksiana Lamb, seedlings were inoculated with nine mycorrhizal fungi and outplanted on an oil-sands containment dyke that had been amended with muskeg peat. After one growing season, E-strain (Complexipes), Hebeloma sp., Thelephoraterrestris Ehrh.:Fr., and Laccariaproximo Boudier each formed mycorrhizae with greater than 40% of the new short roots within 10 cm of the stem. Cenococcumgeophilum Fr., Pisolithustinctorius (Pers.) Coker & Couch, Astraeushygrometricus (Pers.) Morgan, Lactariusparadoxus Beardslee & Burlingham, and Sphaerosporellabrunnea (Alb. & Schw.:Fr.) Svrcek & Kubika each formed mycorrhizae with less than 6% of the short roots on egressed laterals. Of the introduced fungi, only E-strain was present in substantial quantities after 3 years. The quantity of short roots converted to mycorrhizae by indigenous fungi was 4, 33, and 72% after 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. The change in mycorrhizal fungi appeared to be a noncompetitive replacement process, in which the original short root resident fungus died in the near absence of mycorrhizal fungi. At the end of the 3rd year, the major indigenous fungi converting short roots to mycorrhizae were E-strain, Tuber sp., Suillus-like spp., Myceliumradicisatrovirens Melin, and an unidentified basidiomycete. Inoculation with E-strain and Thelephoraterrestris resulted in a 2- to 3-fold increase in shoot weight after 2 years compared with uninoculated seedlings.

Citation:

Danielson, R. M., & Visser S. (1989). Host response to inoculation and behaviour of introduced and indigenous ectomycorrhizal fungi of jack pine grown on oil-sands tailings. 19(11), 9 pages . Abstract

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Hot water generation for oil sands processing from enhanced geothermal systems: Process simulation for different hydraulic fracturing scenarios

Authors Hofmann, H., Babadagli T., & Zimmermann G.

Year of Publication: 2014

Abstract:
The oil sands in northern Alberta, Canada are home to one of the largest hydrocarbon deposits on earth. Huge amounts of hot water—around 50–60 °C—are needed for the current extraction procedure and processing technology. The current practice of obtaining water from the Athabasca River and heating it by the burning of natural gas creates severe economic and environmental costs. In fact, 6% of Canada’s gas consumption is used for this purpose. As seen, the generation of huge amounts of fossil energy through oil sands extraction requires a substantial amount of fossil energy consumption (natural gas). Geothermal energy has the potential to significantly reduce natural gas consumption and greenhouse gas emissions at competitive costs. In this paper, we investigate how and whether or not the required hot water can be generated from the granitic basement rocks beneath the oil sands mining areas near Fort (Ft.) McMurray, located in the north east of Alberta. Hydraulic fracturing and resulting reservoir scenarios were simulated for different expected conditions in the region in order to find suitable fracturing strategies and conditions for an Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS). The simulations show that suitable fracturing treatments can increase the hydraulic performance of the system and that EGS heat generation can significantly reduce the environmental impact at comparable costs associated with the current processing technology. With this effort, significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and natural gas consumption can be achieved.

Citation:

Hofmann, H., Babadagli T., & Zimmermann G. (2014). Hot water generation for oil sands processing from enhanced geothermal systems: Process simulation for different hydraulic fracturing scenarios. 113, 23 pages . Abstract

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How constructions of the future shape organizational responses: Climate change and the Canadian oil sands

Authors Le, J. K.

Year of Publication: 2013

Abstract:
This empirical study examines the relationship between constructions of the future and anticipated organizational responses to climate change. Findings from the Athabasca oil sands region of Alberta, Canada indicate that actors’ views of climate change affect not only the way they construct the future of oil sands development, but also which responses they see as legitimate. Specifically, whether actors construct a future of no development, partial development or full development of the oil sands, influences the combinations of organizational responses they recommend (i.e. not responding, lobbying, engaging, developing and informing). These findings contribute to our understanding of organizational responses to climate change by showing that (1) climate action requires more than actors simply viewing climate change as strategic; (2) different constructions of the future create alternative strategic environments that necessitate divergent responses; (3) strong future constructions narrow the repertoire of business responses to climate change; and (4) in this process governments play a crucial role beyond setting climate change policy. This study thus highlights the importance of studying future constructions if we want to understand current organizational responses to environmental issues that contribute to climate change.

Citation:

Le, J. K. (2013). How constructions of the future shape organizational responses: Climate change and the Canadian oil sands. 20(5), 20 pages . Abstract

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How does the sun shine on Suncor? A comparison of prestige mainstream and tabloid media reporting on Alberta's oil and gas industry

Authors Deephouse, D. L., Lugosi N., & Thomarat M.

Year of Publication: 2010

Abstract:
Do ownership or markets influence news reporting about business issues? We used quantitative and discourse analyses to examine this question in reporting of eight Canadian newspapers about a controversial business issue, the proposal by an expert panel for the Alberta government to raise royalties paid by the oil and gas industry. We found some similarity among newspapers serving different markets but few commonalities within a large conglomerate and an equity alliance.

Citation:

Deephouse, D. L., Lugosi N., & Thomarat M. (2010). How does the sun shine on Suncor? A comparison of prestige mainstream and tabloid media reporting on Alberta's oil and gas industry. 12 pages . Abstract

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How fen vegetation structure affects the transport of oil sands process-affected waters

Authors Rezanezhad, F., Andersen R., Pouliot R., Price J. S., Rochefort L., & Graf M. D.

Year of Publication: 2012

Abstract:
Oil sands mining in the Athabasca oil sands region disturbs large tracts of peatlands as the vegetation-soil layer must be removed. Processing oil sands produces large volumes of wet material containing oil sand process-affected water (OSPW) that has elevated concentrations of sodium (Na) and naphthenic acids (NAs). Attempts to reclaim mined landscapes to peat-forming systems command knowledge of the transport, fate and impact of OSPW in organic soils. Four mesocosms placed in a greenhouse were randomly assigned with two treatments: 1) a moss carpet (Bryum pseudotriquetrum) and 2) graminoids (Carex aquatilis and Calamagrostis stricta). Transport of Na and NAs through peat was significantly delayed by sorption and diffusion in peat matrix. After two growing seasons of receiving OSPW, the graminoid plants continued to grow without showing stress from OSPW, while mosses showed a considerable decline in health. Microorganisms were more active under sedges than mosses and their activity varied over time either because of seasonal variation or as a consequence of variation in Na concentration. The findings of this study are limited due to the small number of replicates and the lack of a control, but represent a first step towards the creation of peatlands in the post-mined areas.

Citation:

Rezanezhad, F., Andersen R., Pouliot R., Price J. S., Rochefort L., & Graf M. D. (2012). How fen vegetation structure affects the transport of oil sands process-affected waters. 32(3), 13 pages . Abstract

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How the oil sands got to the Great Lakes basin: Pipelines refineries and emissions to air and water

Authors Israelson, D.

Year of Publication: 2008

Citation:

Israelson, D. (2008). How the oil sands got to the Great Lakes basin: Pipelines refineries and emissions to air and water. 50 pages .

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Human Health Monitoring Program: A summary of findings and recommendations

Authors Committee, N. R. B. H. H. M. P. M.

Year of Publication: 1999

Citation:

Committee, N. R. B. H. H. M. P. M. (1999). Human Health Monitoring Program: A summary of findings and recommendations.

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Human perception of the natural environment

Authors Marino, M. L., Collins J., & g. Brawn

Year of Publication: 1980

Abstract:
While many benefits can result from development of the Athabasca Oil Sands deposits, the associated technological and industrial growth has altered both the physical and social environment in the region. Research in the Human System of Alberta Oil Sands Environmental Research Program is designed to assess implications of this endeavour for local communities and to anticipate long-term changes in the region, in order to provide information relevant to planning of future oil sands development. One of the objectives of Human System research is to better understand the relationship between people and their natural and manmade environment, a dimension of which is the relationship between perceptions of biophysical environment and human behaviour. The significance of understanding environmental perceptions rests in their potential to influence human attitudes toward environment and ultimately human behaviour. For instance, different perceptions of environmental characteristics, such as town layout, bush, wildlife, open spaces, etc., may have a bearing on the manner in whiGh people will utilize available resources. This, in turn, may affect the degree to which they will impact their environment, and could be of importance to policy areas as management of resource use by the people, and the planning and design of new urban centres or recreational areas in the oil sands region. Consequently, the purpose of the present study was to review the current state of knowledge on the effects that perceptions of biophysical environment may have on human behaviour. From that perspective, the study was also to define the conceptual and empirical issues involved in the relationship between people and their changing biophysical environment in the Athabasca Oil Sands region. This endeavour was to facilitate the development of possible future field research projects related to resource management and planning.

Citation:

Marino, M. L., Collins J., & g. Brawn (1980). Human perception of the natural environment. 149 pages . Abstract

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Human system Alberta Oil Sands Environmental Research Program 1975-1980: An integration and synthesis of research results

Authors Kasinska, B. M.

Year of Publication: 1983

Abstract:
This document is a summary of a workshop held on 7-8 June 1979 at the Mayfield Inn, Edmonton, Alberta, in order to provide guidance to the Alberta Oil Sands Environmental Research Program (AOSERP) concerning the establishment of a system to biologically monitor the effects of air pollution in the AOSERP study area. The workshop was a preliminary step in the development of a biomonitoring program for the AOSERP study area. It resolved r some important issues that will permit AOSERP to proceed with that development. Where important issues were not resolved, we have \"flagged\" them for consideration

Citation:

Kasinska, B. M. (1983). Human system Alberta Oil Sands Environmental Research Program 1975-1980: An integration and synthesis of research results. 227 pages . Abstract

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Hybrid aerogel SiNP membranes for photocatalytic remediation of oil sands process water treatment

Authors Iqbal, M., Purkait T. K., Aghajamali M., Hadidi L., Veinot J. G. C., Goss G. G., et al.

Year of Publication: 2014

Abstract:
There are many candidate technologies that could be applied to the treatment of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW). Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are particularly useful for degrading biologically toxic or non-degradable materials such as aromatics, pesticides, petroleum constituents, and volatile organic compounds in wastewater. AOPs based on photocatalysis using nanomaterials are promising due to the high surface area, and exquisite tunability of surface chemistry afforded by the nanoparticles as well as the potential for harnessing sunlight as a passive, cost-effective energy source to initiate the reactions. However, application of these attractive materials in large-scale operations remains a challenge. To address these challenges, photocatalytic reactors have been proposed that utilize nanoparticle slurries or nanoparticles immobilized on various membrane supports. Ceramic membranes are often preferred because of their thermal and chemical stability. Recently, another class of support known as aerogels has attracted attention in absorption-based remediation. To date, there is a lack of reports in which these materials or nanomaterial hybrids have been applied as photocatalytic membranes. In this report, we present new hybrid silica aerogels that contain Si nanoparticles (SiNPs). The aerogels are produced using versatile and straightforward sol-gel reactions in the presence of SiNPs. Monoliths of the final SiNP-containing aerogel are obtained after drying in supercritical CO2 and have extremely high surface areas (>1,000 m2/g) as well as uniform and narrow pore structures. These hybrid aerogels offer distinct advantages of low density, high surface while maintaining the characteristics of immobilized SiNPs.

Citation:

Iqbal, M., Purkait T. K., Aghajamali M., Hadidi L., Veinot J. G. C., Goss G. G., et al. (2014). Hybrid aerogel SiNP membranes for photocatalytic remediation of oil sands process water treatment. 29 pages . Abstract

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Hybrid poplar: The new addition to Syncrude`s land reclamation species

Authors Fung, M. Y. P.

Year of Publication: 1991

Citation:

Fung, M. Y. P. (1991). Hybrid poplar: The new addition to Syncrude`s land reclamation species. 4 pages .

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Hydraulic fill and tailings engineering

Authors Kupper, A. G.

Year of Publication: 2012

Citation:

Kupper, A. G. (2012). Hydraulic fill and tailings engineering. 7 pages .

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