The Waters That Bind Us

Published: Feb 23, 2009

Transboundary Implications of Oil Sands Development

Oil sands development uses large quantities of freshwater and produces large amounts of toxic waste, posing a risk not just to local ecosystems but to those downstream as well. The Waters That Bind Us: Transboundary Implications of Oil Sands Development explores both the impact that oil sands development has on water resources and current water management practices in Alberta and the Northwest Territories. It includes six recommendations for improving water management practices and minimizing risks to water resources from oil sands development.Summary

Water sustains us and provides us with life. While many of us take water for granted, the health of water resources and surrounding ecosystems is a primary concern for people living downstream of oil sands development in northeastern Alberta. The oil sands industry uses large quantities of water and produces large amounts of toxic waste, both of which have an impact on the ecosystem and could, by association, impact people’s health, traditional subsistence activities and ways of life.

Residents of northeastern Alberta are becoming increasingly politically active in an effort to protect the region’s water resources. A number of legal challenges have been issued against the provincial and federal governments for mismanagement of oil sands development and for infringing on treaty rights, culture and human health.

Downstream in the Northwest Territories, there is also concern about the long-term impacts of oil sands development on water resources. Residents want effective and strong water management standards put in place now, so that the region can avoid the water problems occurring in northeastern Alberta.

>> Download full report The Waters That Bind Us.

>> Download the fact sheet.