Tar Sands Even More Harmful That Previously Believed?
Dear Larry, New Ecojustice research confirms that upgrading oil extracted from Alberta’s oilsands is indeed a nasty bit of business that puts waterways, fish and people at risk. The burning and combustion required to transform raw bitumen into synthetic crude oil comes at a heavy cost: the release of airborne pollutants — some of which have been found to cause cancer in humans and impact the development and survival of fish. Our research shows that these toxic substances are making their way into the Athabasca River, contaminating a waterway that holds ecological, cultural and commercial significance for the people who live along its shores. The river is also a vital life source for many wildlife species; it is home to more than half of the province’s fish species. Learn more about Ecojustice’s research here But that’s just part of the story. Because even though the oilsands are one of the biggest industrial projects on the planet, the federal
