Alberta Energy Regulator Under Fire Over Oil Sands Water Management Decision
The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation, and Mikisew Cree First Nation are sounding the alarm over Alberta's oil sands water management practices. They claim that the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has made a 'textbook example of an unreasonable decision' by exempting Suncor from conducting an environmental assessment for releasing treated tailings wastewater into the Athabasca River.
According to the AER, since 2019, they have reduced the cumulative red tape count by 22.4% (9218 requirements) while maintaining rigorous environmental and safety oversight. However, this decision raises concerns about the adequacy of Alberta's regulatory oversight and the protection of the Athabasca River.
The proposed release of approximately 10 million cubic meters of treated oil sands tailings and process water annually into the Athabasca River is alarming, especially considering the river's importance as a living watershed that supports drinking water, fish, wildlife, harvesting, culture, and communities throughout northern Alberta and beyond.
Chief Adam of the Mikisew Cree First Nation stated, 'This is not just a Fort Chipewyan issue. The Athabasca River continues north toward into the Northwest Territories as part of the Mackenzie River Basin.' He also highlighted that other oil sands operators will be watching how regulators and government approach this decision.
The AER's decision was made in just 14 days, with no federal legislation authorizing the activity nor an Alberta directive or regulatory framework to assess against. The significance of this decision extends beyond one application, setting a precedent for future applications.