Oil Sands Truth: Shut Down the Tar Sands

Water

Water is needed in huge amounts in tarsands production and in all other construction stages of tarsands infrastructure across the continent. It takes five litres of water to produce one of usable petrol. There is also water used to move gas, build new tar pits or that water which becomes polluted in the outlying areas. Waste tailings ponds are so vast as to be visible from outer space at this early point in production. Water is now being privatized in slow motion, as “access rights” are available in Alberta. As production grows and climate change continues to parch southern Albertan land, more and more water will be needed to help supply fuel for the American market. This water will ultimately be diverted from rivers, lakes, farms and cities throughout Canada; the water levels in the Athabasca River have already dropped several meters. The Deh Cho/Mackenzie River is already threatened, both from development along its valley and it is downstream from tar sands operations. A generation ago, the Athabasca River was clear and drinking was common. Now, those that live with the river consider it poison and off-limits.

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Fort Chip Nations Quit Government "Oilsands Watchdog Group"

First Nation pulls out of oilsands watchdog group
Last Updated: Tuesday, March 6, 2007 | 10:46 AM MT
CBC News

The largest First Nations community in the Fort McMurray area has walked away from an organization set up to protect the environment from too much oilsands development.

Government and industry are not taking protection of the environment seriously, said Sherwin Sheh, who speaks for the Mikisew Cree of Fort Chipewyan.

The First Nation is following the lead of the Athabasca Chipewyan and pulling out of the Cumulative Environmental Management Association.

Will an American Surge Win the War for Oil?

Will an American Surge Win the War for Oil?
by Macdonald Stainsby
March 25, 2007

http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=102&ItemID=12415

Deh Cho wary of tar sands, demand action

N.W.T. fears toll from oilsands development
http://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/Local%20News/295973.html

By RENATO GANDIA
staff// Fort McMurray Today
Friday March 23, 2007

Destruction of the Mackenzie River watershed, hundreds of dead adults and sick babies in the Deh Cho First Nation. That’s the scenario a Northwest Territories chief is predicting if oilsands development is not slowed.
Grand Chief Herb Norwegian wants immediate action from the Alberta and N.W.T. governments to protect the quality and quantity of water that flows downstream from the oilsands.

Alberta Government declares water for tarsands sacred even in drought

This is the crux of the matter: water.

Now that the government has officially decided that the needs of feeding climate change are more important that even emergencies such as drought relief, the time to allow these people to make decisions regarding the tarsands has gone beyond past due.

N.W.T. to push for water deal with Alberta

Last Updated: Friday, March 2, 2007 | 11:17 AM MT
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2007/03/02/water-oilsands.html

Water will top the agenda when the environment ministers from the Northwest Territories and Alberta meet in Edmonton on March 20.

The territorial government is trying to reach an agreement on water quality and quantity with its southern neighbour, said Bob Bailey, the N.W.T.'s deputy environment minister.

Yet More Projects Get Go-ahead: Kearl project approved

The strategy of the major oil and energy producers in being able to maintain what they call "non interference" (via regulation, shut downs, etc) is simple. Keep all of the projects that are combining to cause: Climate change, theft of resources from people and nations, deforestation and mining of the landscape alongside increases in violence against women, children and elders in their wake-- disconnected from one another.

Water Rights for Sale in Alberta

If you aren't cynical enough and want further proof that none of the Canadian political parties are serious about tackling climate change, the fact they never mention the tarsands demonstrates that it is mostly for show.

When the recent document urging the five fold expansion of the tarsands was leaked through the CBC, this should have made it quite clear why this new water regime is necessary.

The world is running out of fresh water and Canada has lots of it.

Dehcho, Chipewyan nations call for oilsands moratorium

Last Updated: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 | 12:38 PM CT
CBC News North

Northern First Nations are calling for a halt to further development in Alberta's oilsands, saying the massive industrial growth is hurting their land, their water and their people.

Dehcho First Nations Grand Chief Herb Norwegian told a news conference in Fort McMurray Tuesday the effect of the massive development can be felt downstream along the Mackenzie River system.

The Costs of Alberta's "Black Gold"

Oil Sands: The Costs of Alberta's "Black Gold"
Alana Herro – July 7, 2006 – 4:27am

http://www.worldwatch.org/node/4222

Why is Cancer Sweeping Tiny Fort Chipewyan?

May 22, 2006
Globe and Mail
Why is Cancer Sweeping Tiny Fort Chipewyan?
by Patrick Brethour

A generation ago, Lake Athabasca was clear and clean enough that Fort Chipewyan residents drew their drinking water straight from it, and thought nothing about dipping a cup over the side of a canoe during hunting trips. Those days are long gone, as industrial development -- particularly the explosive growth of the oil sands -- accelerates along the Athabasca River, the main tributary of Lake Athabasca.