Problem area: tailing ponds at Syncrude's oil sands plant in northern Alberta
Alberta floats tailing pond crackdown
Alberta's energy regulator proposed tighter rules today for tailings ponds at oil sands plants, as the toxic byproducts from the oil extraction attract growing international attention.
In a draft directive, Alberta's Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) said developers of oil sands projects would be required to prepare operations and abandonment plans for the ponds and submit them for the regulator will review.
It would also force companies to file schedules for pond construction, use, closure and other milestones with the board, or face penalties if the rules are broken.
"Many of the oil sands projects are not meeting the targets for the management of fluid fine tailings set out in their applications to the board," ERCB chairman Dan McFadyen said in a statement. "This directive will set firm requirements for oil sands operators to manage their tailings - and meet those requirements - or face enforcement action."
Tailings ponds gained increased notoriety in late April after 500 ducks were killed when they landed on one at the Syncrude Canada oil sands operation in northern Alberta.
Syncrude said a snowstorm delayed the deployment of a sound-cannon system that normally scares waterfowl away.
The board said industry and other interested parties will have until 15 September to comment on the directive, Reuters reported.