Designs,
Syncrude is one of the largest producers here. They have invested $1.6 billion in reducing SO2 emissions by 60%. Studies show our region's air quality is as good, or better than Edmonton, Calgary or Toronto.
There are 58 air quality monitoring stations throughout the region, and it is monitored 24 hrs a day, 365 days a year.
The industry accounts for only 5% of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions and only 0.1% of global emissions.
ALL tailing ponds are set for reclamation within 20 years.
Because I live here and my man works in the industry, I can assure you that operations are CONSTANTLY monitored so they do not have a long-term, permanent impact on the eco-system.
The Royal Society of Canada does not believe the industry has impacted the water quality in the area, but recommends further studies. Which the oil companies fully support. There are more than 100 water monitoring stations in the area. As I pointed out to you before, they withdraw only 1/5 of 1% of the Athabasca River's flow. That jumps to 0.5% in winter. Process-affected water is NEVER discharged into the local water systems.
In the last 5 years, Syncrude alone has invested more than $300 million to improve operations and reduce their enviromental impact. I imagine the other oil companies have done similarly.
On a community level, Syncrude has donated over $10 million for community projects int he last 2 years, paid $28 million into the government's climate change fund, planted over 5.5 million trees, $2 million to conservation and bird protection programs.
Do accidents happen? Yes, of course, they do.
But I think our record is far better than Saudi Arabia's or China's. Plus we take responsibility when there is a problem and fix it. Not cover it up, like the Chinese have done.
It's too bad Americans have not had any of these same concerns when it comes to their other foreign oil suppliers.