Releasing oilsands tailings into river only one solution being considered: Guilbeault

Canada’s environment minister says releasing treated oil sands tailings into the environment isn’t the only solution being considered to clean up the massive, toxic ponds. 

Steven Guilbeault says that even though his government is developing regulations on how the tailings could be drained into the Athabasca River, other solutions are also under review.

Guilbeault’s comments come as investigators from UNESCO arrive in Alberta to consider threats to Wood Buffalo National Park, which could be placed on the list of World Heritage Sites in danger. 

First Nations and environmental groups worry that the provincial and federal governments have already decided that treating and releasing the water is the way to go. 

But Guilbeault says that’s not the case and that any treatment plan would have to be approved by his department. 

He says the decision will be made after wide consultation, not just with oil sands companies. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 17, 2022.