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MARKUS ERMISCH and KRISTY BROWNLEE
QMI Agency
EDMONTON – Alberta’s energy industry could face tougher rules if an independent review of oilsands water-monitoring data shows toxin levels in the Athabasca River are increased by industrial development, says Alberta’s environment minister.
“If the review indicates that more needs to be done to protect the watershed from industrial activity, we’re committed to doing so,” Rob Renner said Friday.
“Our response will be that our responsibility is to protect the environment. And if it’s identified that more protection is required, then we would take the appropriate measures to implement that.”
Edmonton is creating an independent committee of scientists to review how a team led by University of Alberta ecologist Dr. David Schindler linked toxins in the Athabasca to oilsands developments, while industry and government maintain the toxin levels are naturally occurring from bitumen seepage.
The committee, which will consist of up to six scientists, will compare methodology, statistical techniques and how data was handled. It won’t be allowed to collect new data. Renner said he wants the review on his desk by February next year.
“I expect (the review) to bring some clarity to the debate. And I think that is important. There is a lot of confusion right now because of the conflicting interpretations of the data,” the minister said.
“It is very difficult for me to understand, for the premier to understand, how we can have eminently qualified scientists that presumably are using the same data to come to different conclusions.”
Environmentalists have long argued that toxin levels found downstream from the oilsands development are increased by industrial activity. Government and industry have so far disputed that claim, saying toxins are naturally occurring. Schindler’s peer-reviewed study, however, has cast doubt over the government’s assertion.
“As oilsands activity continues, there is a public demand to have the best information as quickly as we can,” Renner said.
Meanwhile, Edmonton NDP critic Linda Duncan released a report on Friday that calls on the federal government to step in and regulate Alberta’s oilsands.
The 49-page document outlines recommendations to protect water, fish and migratory birds in northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories.
The report said Ottawa should halt further oilsands development until assessments are done.
It also recommends Environment Canada send officers to Fort McMurray to enforce environmental laws.
“The federal government must step up to the plate and intervene, act and show leadership,” said Duncan.
markus.ermish@sunmedia.ca
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