Water Matters

Slow Down Oil Sands to Save Wetlands, Scientist Says

As development continues to destroy wetlands crucial to Alberta’s water security and climate regulation, a new research paper by a University of Alberta ecologist, Dr. Lee Foote, concludes that the government should negotiate mineable oil sands development limits. The paper cites doubtful reclamation success for the extensive peat wetlands central to that landscape. The Alberta Wilderness Association and Water Matters call on Alberta’s political party leaders to commit to meaningful wetland conservation measures including protection of boreal wetlands. Read More

Open Letter: Water for Alberta's Rivers

Dear Albertans:

We believe you understand the value of water and the need to use water wisely. That is why so many of you have participated in Alberta’s Water for Life Strategy, providing guidance to decision-makers about how we use and manage our water resources.

The goals of the Water for Life Strategy are:

  • Safe, secure drinking water
  • Healthy aquatic ecosystems
  • Reliable, quality water supplies for a sustainable economy

Drilling Down: Groundwater Risks Imposed by In Situ Oil Sands Development

Groundwater monitoring and management steps laid out by Alberta ENGO

"Groundwater is a key turning point for the future of oil sands development and environmental management," says William Donahue, Ph.D., science advisor to Water Matters, an Alberta-based water-policy think-tank, "Unlike many surface water issues where provincial and federal governments have been playing catch up in their monitoring and assessment efforts, there is an opportunity to get ahead of the curve on groundwater protection, and that's what our recommendations are all about." Drilling Down: Groundwater Risks Imposed by In Situ Oil Sands Development, released today by Water Matters, provides clear, achievable recommendations for improving groundwater management, assessment and monitoring in the oil sands region. Read More

Oil sands monitoring steps laid out by Alberta ENGO

Keys to regaining credibility include establishing baselines, asserting federal leadership, and maintaining scientific independence

The credibility of Alberta's and Canada's attempts to responsibly manage the environmental effects of oil sands development rests on responding to calls for improved monitoring of the Athabasca River. Today Water Matters, an Alberta-based water-policy think-tank, has released Replacing the Oil Sands' Regional Aquatic Monitoring Program (RAMP) with Effective Environmental Monitoring Solutions, providing recommendations for improving freshwater monitoring system between the Government of Canada and the province of Alberta. Read More

Matters and others appeal to the EAB to turn down precedent setting transfer on the Bow

Water licence change threatens Bow River: Approval would grant irrigation district power to assign industrial water rights

CALGARY — Ecojustice is appealing recent amendments to the Eastern Irrigation District (EID) water licence that would give the District power to function as a water broker and supplier without accountability to the environmental health of the region’s water quality and ecosystems.

Ecojustice filed the appeals with the Alberta Environmental Appeals Board on behalf of Water Matters, the Alberta Wilderness Association, Trout Unlimited Canada and three individuals. Read More

Tailings regulations all bark, no bite

ERCB says it can exempt oilsands operators from meeting its regulations

CALGARY — The Energy Resources Conservation Board has declared it has the power to exempt oilsands operators from meeting its regulatory standards, a move environmental groups say is indicative of the board’s toothless tailings pond management.

The ERCB’s declaration came in response to a review application submitted in August by Ecojustice, on behalf of the Pembina Institute and Water Matters. Read More

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