Tories must recant false statements about oilsands pollution

Premier & minister must acknowledge scientific facts

EDMONTON – Government members must recant statements claiming oilsands operators are not polluting the Athabasca River and tell Albertans what’s being done to fix the problem, NDP environment critic Rachel Notley said today.

“Ed Stelmach and Rob Renner have misled Albertans for years by insisting water pollution near oilsands plants is only due to natural causes, and by attempting to discredit research which suggests otherwise,” Notley said.

“Dr. David Schindler’s latest research is proving this government dead wrong. Ed Stelmach owes an explanation to Albertans, but instead he’s in hiding.”

Environment ministry staff quietly acknowledged pollution as an issue in the oilsands yesterday, but Stelmach and Renner have refused to admit the inaccuracy of their statements denying oilsands pollute Alberta watersheds.

“As far back as May 15, 2008, Mr. Renner guaranteed the Legislature that leachate from oilsands operations was not entering the watershed,” Notley said.

“This government needs to accept scientific facts, and use them to ensure a safe environment and sustainable development for the years ahead.”

Backgrounder

(all quotes from Alberta Hansard)

Environment Minister Rob Renner, Question Period, May 15, 2008:

“There is no evidence to indicate that there is any impact on the Athabasca River as a result of leaching or leaking or emissions from tailings ponds associated with activity in the oil sands.”

Environment Minister Rob Renner, Question Period, May 28, 2008:

“Since 1976 there has been no further leakage from this pond.”

“There is ongoing monitoring of the Athabasca River, and there is no indication, no evidence whatsoever that that groundwater has gone beyond (the tailings pond).

“There is ongoing monitoring to ensure that these seepage capture systems are effective, and I can assure the member that there is no evidence to indicate otherwise.”