A North American environmental watchdog says it has found "scientifically valid evidence" that oilsands tailings ponds are contaminating groundwater sources. "Based on the scientific tools used today, the current literature shows that there is strong scientifically valid evidence of oilsands processed water seepage into near-field groundwater around tailings ponds when compared with the first peer-reviewed evidence published in 2009," says the report. Many of these byproducts are toxic and environmentalists have long warned of the risks of leaks from tailings ponds, while the residual oil that covers the ponds can trap migratory birds. For years it's been unclear whether pollutants detected in waterways near oilsands operations came directly from plant operations or from bitumen already in the soil. Although tailings ponds may be leaking into groundwater, the commission found there is less evidence to suggest it's seeping into surface water sources like the Athabasca River, which runs adjacent to one of the oldest oilsands tailings ponds.

Source: CBC News September 03, 2020 22:07 UTC