Repository of the Athabasca River Basin

Oil sands: From debate to dialogue

Authors

Year of Publication: 2010

Abstract:
Canadians need a serious national dialogue now on how to sustainably develop and manage future growth in Canada's oil sands. What is currently taking place is a debate, rather than a dialogue, with strongly opposing positions firmly entrenched on all sides.

Citation:

[Anonymous] (2010). Oil sands: From debate to dialogue. (National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy, Ed.). 33 pages . Abstract

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Oil-sands fine tailings reclamation involving sand-fines mxtures

Authors Lo, R. C., Lord E. R. F., & Coward J. M.

Year of Publication: 1994

Citation:

Lo, R. C., Lord E. R. F., & Coward J. M. (1994). Oil-sands fine tailings reclamation involving sand-fines mxtures. 5 pages .

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Oilsands exploration - a mine operator's perspective

Authors Fraser, E.

Year of Publication: 1989

Citation:

Fraser, E. (1989). Oilsands exploration - a mine operator's perspective. 14 pages .

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Oilsands pollution and the Athabasca River: Modelling particulate matter deposition near Alberta's largest free-flowing river

Authors Macdonald, E.

Year of Publication: 2013

Abstract:
Research undertaken by Ecojustice demonstrates that pollutants emitted by oilsands facilities in Northern Alberta are contaminating the nearby Athabasca River and its tributaries, which are fish-bearing waterways.

Citation:

Macdonald, E. (2013). Oilsands pollution and the Athabasca River: Modelling particulate matter deposition near Alberta's largest free-flowing river. 13 pages . Abstract

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Oilsands transportation infrastructure

Authors

Year of Publication: 2013

Abstract:
Canada’s oilsands sector is planning a substantial increase in production in the years ahead. The existing pipeline network is near capacity, so companies have proposed significant new pipeline and rail projects to accommodate the projected growth in oilsands production. New transportation infrastructure — most notably pipelines, but also rail — makes it possible for oilsands production to grow. Conversely, companies are unlikely to build new oilsands facilities unless they feel confident that they can get their product to desirable markets. From the Pembina Institute’s perspective, the federal government and the Government of Alberta are not adequately managing the environmental impacts of today’s oilsands production. Our concerns apply both to the cumulative impacts on the local environment (air, land, water and wildlife) and to the greenhouse gas pollution associated with oilsands production. Until we have strong enough policies in place to ensure that the cumulative impacts of current and future oilsands production remain below science-based limits, approving transportation infrastructure that enables expanded oilsands production is the wrong choice. While any transportation initiatives should be required to adhere to the highest safety and environmental standards, no method of transporting crude oil will ever be completely safe. The best way to manage that risk — both for affected communities and for the world’s climate — is to reduce the amount of oil we use.

Citation:

[Anonymous] (2013). Oilsands transportation infrastructure. (Pembina Institute, Ed.). 6 pages . Abstract

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Oleophilic separation of tar sands oil-water mixtures and minerals

Authors Kruyer, J.

Year of Publication: 1984

Citation:

Kruyer, J. (1984). Oleophilic separation of tar sands oil-water mixtures and minerals. (Meyer, R.F., Wynn, J.C., Olson, J.C., Ed.). 8 pages .

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On properties of royalty and tax regimes in Alberta's oil sands

Authors Plourde, A.

Year of Publication: 2010

Abstract:
Simulation models that include royalty and tax provisions are used to examine the distribution between developers and governments of net returns from the development of Alberta’s oil sands deposits. A specific focus is to assess the effects on the level and distribution of net revenues associated with a number of changes in assumed revenue and expenditure conditions. Developers typically bear a greater share of the consequences of variations in capital expenditures than they do of changes in operating expenditures, prices, and exchange rates. A comparison across royalty and tax regimes suggest that there is a positive relationship between the level of net revenues estimated to accrue to either developers or governments and the share of the consequences of changes in conditions borne by that party. Some differences across production technologies are noted. The role of the federal government as a fiscal player in oil sands development has shrunk over time. In contrast, under the current regime, the Government of Alberta captures a higher share of net returns and typically bears a greater proportion of the consequences of changes in conditions than at any time since the introduction of an explicit royalty and tax regime in 1997.

Citation:

Plourde, A. (2010). On properties of royalty and tax regimes in Alberta's oil sands. 38(8), 10 pages . Abstract

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On the flow and beaching behaviour of sub-aerially depositedpolymer-flocculated oil sands tailings: A conceptual and energy-based model

Authors Charlebois, L. E.

Year of Publication: 2012

Abstract:
This thesis presents the background, observations, and analyses performed during an investigation of the flocculated mature fine tailings (MFT) technology at the Suncor Energy Oil Sands Tailings Reduction Operation (TRO) in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. The sub-aerial flow and deposition of flocculated MFT on a sloping beach can be described in the context of a rheology-energy conceptual model. The conceptual model, or flow map, can provide deposition cell designers and operators with a useful framework for managing beach development in a sub-aerial deposition cell. Observations during field work resulted in the development of the flow map and the establishment of numerical boundaries for the transitions between flow types. Practical applications for this new conceptual model are provided. The database of fully-developed beach surveys presented in this thesis demonstrates the trend of strongly concave profiles. This concavity has significant repercussions for tailings management and cell design, and cannot be ignored when calculating storage volumes. Furthermore, it is shown that the McPhail (1995) stream power model provides a robust tool for estimating ultimate beach profiles developed from the sub-aerial discharge of polymer-flocculated MFT. The model has been validated against field-scale measurements and is consistent with the rheology-energy conceptual model developed to describe the flocculated MFT flow behaviour.

Citation:

Charlebois, L. E. (2012). On the flow and beaching behaviour of sub-aerially depositedpolymer-flocculated oil sands tailings: A conceptual and energy-based model. 112 pages . Abstract

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On the interactions between naphthenic acids and inorganic minerals

Authors Nodwell, M.

Year of Publication: 2011

Abstract:
Naphthenic acids are a family of carboxylic acids that are found in oil sands bitumen. These compounds partition to the aqueous phase during extraction and refining and are toxic to various biota. The removal of these acids from solution is difficult due to their low concentrations, complexity of the mixture and poor understanding of the behaviour of the mixed compounds. In particular, partitioning of these organic acids to solid surfaces is not well understood. Knowledge of this equilibria would be helpful for potential process development. The research presented here describes the adsorption of two surrogate naphthenic acids onto inorganic minerals (copper sulphide and copper hydroxide). Decanoic acid and cyclohexane pentanoic acid were found to be insoluble in water at pH 3, leading to hydrophobic adsorption onto the minerals and the reaction vessel surfaces. At pH 8.5, both acids formed insoluble copper-carboxylate complexes when mixed with the minerals. The hypothesized 2:1 acid:copper stoichiometry was confirmed. The mechanism of complexation varied with the reaction conditions; both chelating and bridging complexes were observed in the resultant metallo-organic solids. The relative hydrophobicity of the two NA surrogates was also found to contribute to the different adsorption trends. During the pH 8.5 reactions, the solution pHs were found to drop. The uncontrolled decreases in pH had significant effect on the water-solid partition and on the apparent mineral loading of the organics. It appears that soluble copper cations have a higher extent of reaction with the carboxylate anions than does copper contained in the mineral solids. Quantification of these reactions is difficult; however this research does enable conclusions about how the organic acids and inorganic minerals interact and sets the stage for future research.

Citation:

Nodwell, M. (2011). On the interactions between naphthenic acids and inorganic minerals. 65 pages . Abstract

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On the nature of Athabasca oil sands

Authors Czarnecki, J., Radoev B., Schramm L. L., & Slavchev R.

Year of Publication: 2005

Abstract:
The existence of a thin aqueous film, separating bitumen (a form of heavy oil) from inorganic solids in Athabasca Oil Sands, is analysed based on “first principles”. There is a general consensus in the literature on the hydrophilic character of the solids in oil sands. However, a review of the references cited in support of the solids being encapsulated in thin water envelopes produced a surprising lack of evidence. A theoretical analysis indicates that a water film separating clean, hydrophilic quartz and bitumen is stable under most conditions, and unstable for acidic oil sand ores. The existence of water-wet solids in the Athabasca Oil Sands remains a reasonable yet unproven postulate. It could therefore be dangerous to accept the water-wet solids postulate and then use it to interpret other phenomena.

Citation:

Czarnecki, J., Radoev B., Schramm L. L., & Slavchev R. (2005). On the nature of Athabasca oil sands. 114-115, 7 pages . Abstract

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On the rise of buoyant plumes in turbulent environments

Authors Djurfors, S.

Year of Publication: 1977

Abstract:
A plume rise model is derived from the equations of turbulent motion, retaining the turbulent flux terms. The solutions are similar to those proposed earlier by Csanady but containing an exponential decay term. The model finds particular value in predicting a leveled-off plume trajectory in neutral atmospheric conditions. In unstable atmospheric conditions the ultimate mode of behavior depends on whether the atmospheric turbulence or the unstable stratification finally dominate the plume motion.

Citation:

Djurfors, S. (1977). On the rise of buoyant plumes in turbulent environments. 10 pages . Abstract

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On the rise of vertical plumes

Authors Djurfors, S.

Year of Publication: 1977

Citation:

Djurfors, S. (1977). On the rise of vertical plumes. 14 pages .

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On the use of traditional knowledge in project planning and implementation in the Athabasca Oil Sands areas including the communities of Fort McKay, Fort McMurray, Anzac, Fort Chipewyan, Gregoire Lake, and Janvier

Authors Barnaby, J., & Emery A.

Year of Publication: 2001

Citation:

Barnaby, J., & Emery A. (2001). On the use of traditional knowledge in project planning and implementation in the Athabasca Oil Sands areas including the communities of Fort McKay, Fort McMurray, Anzac, Fort Chipewyan, Gregoire Lake, and Janvier. 56 pages .

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On-line solid phase extraction - HPLC - Orbitrap mass spectrometry for screening and quantifying targeted and non-targeted analytes in oil sands process-affected water and natural waters in the Athabasca oil sands region

Authors Pereira, A. S., & Martin J. W.

Year of Publication: 2014

Abstract:
In response to mounting evidence of local environmental contamination around the Alberta oil sands industry, the Alberta Environmental Monitoring Panel announced a new world class environmental monitoring program for the Alberta oil sands region in early 2011, and a new monitoring system is now being delivered jointly by the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta. This new program involves much more frequent sampling of water at many locations around oil sands activity. However, a particular challenge remains that there are currently no proven or validated analytical methods for characterizing the highly complex mixture of organic compounds in bitumen-impacted waters which meet requirements for qualitative and quantitative accuracy, sensitivity, precision, and high throughput. To address this need, an on-line solid phase extraction (SPE) technique was developed for oil sands process-affected water (OSPW), and for natural surface and groundwater samples in the Athabasca oil sands region. The on-line SPE method was connected directly to a high pressure liquid chromatography – Orbitrap mass spectrometry (SPE-HPLC-Orbitrap MS) instrumental system, allowing comprehensive profiling of thousands of dissolved organic compounds, and quantitative analysis of naphthenic acids (NAs), with only 5 mL of a natural water sample. The new method improves upon existing methods by reducing sample volume requirements, eliminating sample preparation time, reducing the possibility of contamination, and increasing the accuracy and precision without sacrificing chromatographic performance, method sensitivity, or method quantitative quality. The new method is anticipated to be useful for high-throughput environmental water monitoring for purposes of current or future environmental compliance by industry, or for forensic source elucidation by monitoring programs and researchers. The method requires a small investment in equipment to setup, but can pay for itself in terms of cost (e.g., solvents and disposable SPEs), and time savings (cost of technician’s time in manual solid phase extraction or other extraction step), not to mention the more precise and higher quality data that are resultant. Considering the capital cost of any HPLC-ultra-high resolution mass spectrometer system (e.g., minimum $600k), it is the opinion of the authors that the minor additional cost of on-line solid phase extraction can be well justified for Provincial and/or Federal water monitoring around oil sands development.

Citation:

Pereira, A. S., & Martin J. W. (2014). On-line solid phase extraction - HPLC - Orbitrap mass spectrometry for screening and quantifying targeted and non-targeted analytes in oil sands process-affected water and natural waters in the Athabasca oil sands region. 33 pages . Abstract

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One D model in the lower Athabasca River

Authors Khanna, V. K., & Herrera W. V.

Year of Publication: 2002

Abstract:
This project contains two reports. One detailing the development of the OneD model and the second for comparison of the OneD and cdg1-D models.

Citation:

Khanna, V. K., & Herrera W. V. (2002). One D model in the lower Athabasca River. Abstract

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Open water survey of Athabasca River at Bitumount (Reach #4)

Authors

Year of Publication: 2004

Abstract:
Data associated with an open water survey of Reach #4 of the Lower Athabasca River. Reach # 4 is located on the Athabasca River between 20 and 27 km north of Fort McKay near the Bitumount historical site. This survey is part of a larger program to collect open water and winter river bathymetry at four locations on the Lower Athabasca River downstream of Fort McMurray.

Citation:

[Anonymous] (2004). Open water survey of Athabasca River at Bitumount (Reach #4). (Trillium Engineering and Hydrographics Inc., Ed.). 16 pages . Abstract

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Opportunity oil sands

Authors Bryson, C.

Year of Publication: 1996

Citation:

Bryson, C. (1996). Opportunity oil sands. 241 pages .

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Optimizing MFT dewatering by controlling polymer mixing

Authors Demoz, A., Munoz V., & Mikula R.

Year of Publication: 2010

Citation:

Demoz, A., Munoz V., & Mikula R. (2010). Optimizing MFT dewatering by controlling polymer mixing. 5 pages .

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Optimizing the capture of oil sands fines in sand beach area

Authors Sun, R., Goldszai A., & Li C.

Year of Publication: 2012

Citation:

Sun, R., Goldszai A., & Li C. (2012). Optimizing the capture of oil sands fines in sand beach area. (Sego, D. C., Wilson, G.W., Beier, N., Ed.).

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Organic capping type affected nitrogen availability and associated enzyme activities in reconstructed oil sands soils in Alberta, Canada

Authors Jamro, G. M., Chang S. X., & Naeth A. M.

Year of Publication: 2014

Abstract:
Organic materials applied in land reclamation play a key role in the development of ecosystem properties and functions. Peat mineral soil mix (PMM) and LFH (identifiable litter (L), fragmented litter (F) and humus (H)) mineral soil mix (LFH) are commonly used organic amendments for oil sands reclamation in northern Alberta. These materials have contrasting soil properties, with organic matter in LFH more decomposed and having a lower carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio than that in PMM. We quantified the effects of LFH and PMM capping material on N availability and enzyme activities during early ecosystem development in the oil sands region. Monthly samples were taken from 0 to10 and 10 to 20 cm layers from June through October in 2011 and 2012. The N availability and activities of soil enzymes including β-1,4-N-acetyl glucosaminidase (NAGase), urease, arylamidase and protease were measured. In-situ N availability was measured using plant root simulator (PRS™) probes. Repeated measures ANOVA indicated that N availability and NAGase, arylamidase and protease activities were greater in LFH than in PMM and were affected by time of sampling. These differences were attributed to the lower C:N ratio in LFH than in PMM. We found greater N availability and enzyme activities in the fall than in the summer in both years. These differences were likely caused by fresh labile C inputs through root exudates and litter fall during fall that induced greater enzyme activities and led to greater N mineralization despite the potential limitation by the lower fall temperature. Overall, the greater N availabilities and enzyme activities in LFH suggest that LFH would be a better soil capping material than PMM for early ecosystem development in oil sands reclamation.

Citation:

Jamro, G. M., Chang S. X., & Naeth A. M. (2014). Organic capping type affected nitrogen availability and associated enzyme activities in reconstructed oil sands soils in Alberta, Canada. 73, 9 pages . Abstract

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Organic constituents of oil sands extraction plant wastewaters

Authors Strosher, M. T., & Peake E.

Year of Publication: 1977

Citation:

Strosher, M. T., & Peake E. (1977). Organic constituents of oil sands extraction plant wastewaters. 17, 9 pages .

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Organic materials as soil amendments in reclamation: A review of the literature

Authors

Year of Publication: 1993

Abstract:
A review of pertinent literature was conducted to examine the effect of various organic materials when used as amendments to disturbed soil. The review was designed to be a reference document for government and industry staff involved in soil conservation and management of disturbed land. A literature base was established through extensive computer database and library searches and a survey of Alberta companies and government services was conducted to obtain information focusing on the use of organic amendments occurring in Alberta. Little of the literature dealt with the use of organic amendments specifically for land reclamation conditions similar to those found in Alberta. Organic amendments reviewed included animal manures, crop residues, peat, wood waste, sewage sludge, municipal yard waste, humates, vermicomposts and spent mushroom compost. The effect of these organic amendments on soil chemistry, soil physics and soil biology was examined. Organic amendment application, costs, longevity of effects, and use in reclamation were also examined. Benefits and drawbacks for each of the amendments was discussed. Adding organic amendments to soil quickly raises the level of soil organic matter, often resulting in improved biological, chemical and physical properties of the soil. Benefits of a single application of an amendment are not permanent. However, improved soil conditions provide a more favourable environment for plant establishment, critical for the buildup and maintenance of adequate soil organic matter contents. Growing plants provide a continual supply of organic matter inputs to soil. Organic amendments do not take the place of normal topsoil salvage, storage and replacement. An organic amendment may be required when topsoil degradation has occurred or on an old disturbance where no topsoil was salvaged. Type of organic amendment used depends on the purpose of the amendment, cost and availability, and location and future use of the reclamation site.

Citation:

[Anonymous] (1993). Organic materials as soil amendments in reclamation: A review of the literature. (Land Resources Network Ltd., Ed.). 63 pages . Abstract

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Organic matter accumulation in reclaimed soils beneath different vegetation types in the Athabasca oil sands

Authors Anderson, J.

Year of Publication: 2014

Abstract:
As of 2008, 60,234 ha of boreal forest had been disturbed by strip mining in the Athabasca Oil Sands in northern Alberta. Reclamation of this area is proceeding concurrently with mine operations, and 6,687 ha are considered to be reclaimed by industry (Hrudey et al. 2010). My study focused on understanding how vegetation planting prescriptions affect soil organic matter (SOM) accumulation in the mineral section of peat/mineral mix (PMM) reclaimed soils. SOM concentration is important in reclaimed soils, as it increases soil fertility and is directly related to site productivity (Farnden et al. 2013). Reclaimed sites which are not particularly wet or dry are planted with either deciduous or spruce trees, and in some cases, grasses. I assessed SOM accumulation, and its source, in different vegetation treatments. Three research questions were developed: (1) Does organic matter content of mineral soil differ between reclaimed and natural soils? (2) What are the dominant sources of organic matter accumulation in the mineral soil of each reclamation treatment? (3) Has SOM accumulated quickest in soils under replanted deciduous (Populus tremuloides/balsamifera), spruce (Picea glauca) or grasses? Seventeen sites were studied, 4 each of the reclaimed deciduous and grassland, 5 reclaimed spruce, and 4 natural forest analogues. At each site, vegetation, forest floor and soils were surveyed. In the laboratory, soil samples from four depths at each site were tested for several properties, including organic matter concentration. The SOM content of all reclaimed soils was significantly higher than the natural analogues. The mechanisms by which SOM accumulates differed for each vegetation treatment: dissolved organic matter and macrofaunal activity were the dominant sources of SOM in deciduous sites; root litter and macrofaunal activity were the dominant sources of SOM in the grassland sites; there was no sign of SOM accumulation at the spruce sites. SOM accumulated quickest in the deciduous sites, intermediate in the grassland sites, and not at all in the spruce sites.

Citation:

Anderson, J. (2014). Organic matter accumulation in reclaimed soils beneath different vegetation types in the Athabasca oil sands. 98 pages . Abstract

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Organic matter accumulation in western boreal saline wetlands: A comparison of undisturbed and oil sands wetlands

Authors Trites, M., & Bayley S. E.

Year of Publication: 2009

Abstract:
Reconstructing landscapes after open pit mining of the Canadian oil sands presents enormous challenges. Freshwater peatlands dominate the pre-disturbance landscape; however, elevated salinity in the post-disturbance landscape will exclude the use of many freshwater vegetation species for reclamation. Successful reclamation will require plants to grow and accumulate peat despite elevated salinity. We evaluated the potential of salt-tolerant plants to accumulate peat by integrating plant production and decomposition rates in natural and oil sands wetlands across a salinity gradient. These wetlands were dominated by marsh-like vegetation with relatively rapid decomposition, especially of the belowground plant material. Aboveground production was high enough to compensate for rapid decomposition, resulting in mean annual organic matter accumulation of 307 g m−2. Thus, both natural wetlands (which despite the elevated salinity had peat deposits >35 cm) and the oil sands wetlands accumulated organic matter during the study. There is potential for peat to accumulate in future oil sands wetlands, although long-term accumulation rates may be slower than in undisturbed freshwater fens and bogs. A reliable water supply and a host of other factors will be required for wetlands to accumulate organic matter, and eventually peat, in the post-mining landscape.

Citation:

Trites, M., & Bayley S. E. (2009). Organic matter accumulation in western boreal saline wetlands: A comparison of undisturbed and oil sands wetlands. 35 (12), 8 pages . Abstract

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Organic matter quality in reclaimed boreal forest soils following oil sands mining

Authors Turcotte, I., Quideau S. A., & Oh S. - W.

Year of Publication: 2009

Abstract:
Following surface mining of the Athabasca Oil Sands deposits in northeastern Alberta, Canada, land reclamation entails the reconstruction of soil-like profiles using salvaged soil materials such as peat and mining by-products. The overall objective of this research was to assess soil organic matter (SOM) quality in different reclamation practices as compared to undisturbed soils found in the region. Soil samples (0–10 cm) were taken from 45 plots selected to represent undisturbed reference ecosites and reclamation treatments. Soil OM pools were isolated using a combination of acid hydrolysis and physical separation techniques. Chemical composition of the low density fractions was characterized using ramped cross polarization (RAMP-CP) 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Differences between disturbed and undisturbed sites reflected the influence of different botanical inputs (peat vs. forest litter) to SOM composition. Reconstructed soils were characterized by significantly lower alkyl over O-alkyl carbon (ALK/O-ALK) ratios (0.3) than undisturbed sites (0.5). For these reconstructed soils, a significantly higher proportion of soil carbon was present in the sand associated (Heavy sand) pool (49.2 vs. 37.3) and in the acid-unhydrolyzable residue (AUR) fraction (61.3 vs. 54.7). These SOM parameters were significantly related to time since reconstruction, with the AUR (p value = 0.012) and Heavy sand (p value = 0.05) fractions decreasing with time since reconstruction, while the ALK/O-ALK ratio increased (p value = 0.006). These findings suggest that the ALK/O-ALK, AUR, and Heavy sand parameters are suitable indicators for monitoring SOM quality in these reconstructed soils following oil sands mining.

Citation:

Turcotte, I., Quideau S. A., & Oh S. - W. (2009). Organic matter quality in reclaimed boreal forest soils following oil sands mining. 40(4), 9 pages . Abstract

Oil Sands Environmental Management Bibliography

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