A new study led by University of Alberta ecologist Dr. David Schindler and published in the renowned Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences makes some alarming conclusions about the water near the tar sands. After monitoring 60 sites along the Athabasca River and its tributaries, Dr. Schindler concluded the tar sands have added carcinogenic toxins to the area environment.
Simon Dyer, Oil Sands Program Director at the Pembina Institute, responded to the release of the paper "Oil sands development contributes elements toxic at low concentrations to the Athabasca River and its tributaries," published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
"This is the second peer-reviewed study that shows definitively that oil sands development is contributing to pollution of the Athabasca watershed. These studies clearly contradict the Government of Alberta claims that pollution in the Athabasca River is natural. Read more about Pembina reacts to study showing oil sands mines contribute heavy metals to the Athabasca River
Following the recent release of new mining pollution data — compelled by a lawsuit by MiningWatch Canada & Great Lakes United — the Environmental Law Centre's Laura Bowman posts on the "sorry state of access to pollution data in Canada":
Read more about National pollutant data finally released, sort ofThe question remains, does anyone even know the environmental impact from spills and routine releases from industry and municipalities in Canada? Is it even possible for anyone to find out if there are reporting and access to information barriers?
Environmental groups worry some of Canada’s mines are dragging feet on federal order to report toxic mining waste
TORONTO – New data released Friday in response to a lawsuit won last year by Ecojustice, on behalf of Great Lakes United and MiningWatch Canada, is beginning to shine a light on the toxic legacy of Canada’s mining and tar sands industries.
Unfortunately, despite a lawsuit and a government order to report pollutant releases, some facilities have failed to comply. Read more about Incomplete reporting still reveals mining companies’ toxic threat
Greenpeace Canada, Sierra Club Prairie, Keepers of the Athabasca and Global Forest Watch Canada today released two databases compiled by prominent scientist Dr. Kevin Timoney, one with more than 6,500 incidents, regarding tar sands operations that raise serious concerns about how the Alberta government allows oil companies to operate in this province. Read more about Thousands of industrial incidents raise serious concerns about toxic oil industry
When contaminated land is remediated and re-used, one of the biggest concerns for owners and developers is whether the government will hold them liable in the future for the land’s condition, especially if remediation standards change. In 2009, Alberta Environment introduced the remediation certificate as a voluntary tool that could address some of those concerns.
On May 12, 2010, 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm, join Cindy Chiasson, Executive Director of the Environmental Law Centre, to learn more about remediation certificates. Topics will include:
Click here to register for this event. Read more about Get the Real Dirt on Remediation Certificates (Webinar)
The AEN has received a request from the Alberta Water Council (AWC) to identify two to three Non-Point Source Pollution Working Group. ENGO sector participants for a new working group:
Deadline to indicate interest is at noon Monday April 12, 2010.
The Council, through its “Recommended Projects to Advance the Goal of Healthy Aquatic Ecosystems” recognized an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the contributions of non-point source pollution and the policies and tools that can minimize their impacts. Work in this area appears to align nicely with the Government of Alberta’s new direction to address impacts of all activities on the landscape through a cumulative effects management approach Read more about Call for Delegates: Member, AWC Non-Point Source Pollution Working Group
Each year, from October to June, Carbon Environmental Boutique will be hosting monthly seminars and discussion groups to discuss eco issues and mindful living.
October’s seminar topic and details: Detoxing Your Home
Focus: Discovering and eliminating the toxins found in everyday items
Cost: Free
Light refreshments will be served.
Read more about Seminar: Detoxing Your Home
On a typical cleaning day in the average Canadian home, chemical levels in the indoor air can be hundreds to a thousand times higher than the outdoor air in the most polluted cities. Participants of the Going Non-Toxic workshop will learn about the major sources of poor indoor air quality and the causes of chemical sensitivities. Discover easy, cost effective, non-toxic alternatives and win a toolkit to get you started! Read more about Green Living Series: Going Non-Toxic Workshop
The Government of Canada is pleased to be hosting a webinar in English to help further explain to stakeholders key initiatives under the Chemicals Management Plan, the associated documentation, as well as how to participate. The objective of the webinar is for federal officials to provide information on the Chemicals Management Plan, how to respond to the Challenge to Industry, the update of the Domestic Substances List, and notification for new substances.
The webinar will be held in English on July 22, 2009, from 12:00 pm – 3:15pm EDT, with capacity for 130 participants. Read more about Stakeholder Workshops on the Chemicals Management Plan
