Oilsands pollution exceeds official estimates: study

[CHIMO]

EDMONTON – An independent study suggests pollution from Alberta's oilsands is nearly five times greater and twice as widespread as industry figures say.

The study says toxic emissions from the controversial industry are equal to a major oil spill occurring every year. Government and industry officials say contamination in area soils and rivers is natural, but the report links it firmly to oilsands mining.

"We found rather massive inputs of toxic organic compounds by the oilsands industry to the Athabasca River and its tributaries," said David Schindler, a co-author of the study. "The major contribution to the river was from industry."

The study, published Monday in the U.S.-based Proceedings of National Academy of Science, also takes direct aim at Alberta's monitoring program.

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/735399--oilsands-pollution-exceeds-official-estimates-study?bn=1

[HillbillyBob]

1. And this is a surprise?

When the talk of 'developing' the oil sands as a fuel source and some said that this would happen because the oil companies cannot be trusted not to make a freakin mess that the tax payers will end up paying to clean up..if it is ever cleaned up.