In response to the Federal Oil Sands Advisory Panel's report released in December, the
federal Minister of the Environment, Peter Kent, announced a $20-million per year
comprehensive water quality monitoring system for the Athabasca
River.
In its research findings, the Oil Sands Advisory Panel concluded
that the environmental monitoring programs already in place are
unable to definitively distinguish, with reasonable statistical
confidence or power, oil sands industrial impacts from natural
sources.
The new proposed monitoring system will include more frequent and
widespread sampling of the Athabasca River, and will eventually
encompass the monitoring of air quality and biodiversity. The
program will be administered by Environment Canada and is expected
to be funded by oil sands producers.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.