Environmental issues on reclamation of oil sands fine tails
- Alberta Dept. of Energy, Edmonton (Canada)
- Suncor, Inc., Alberta (Canada)
- Syncrude Canada Ltd., Edmonton, Alberta (Canada)
The hot water process for the extraction of bitumen from oil sands leads to the production of large volumes of waste-water and the formation of a large inventory of fine clay tailings. The eventual reclamation of the fine tailings and associated waters is required. The two surface mining oil sands operations in Alberta, Syncrude and Suncor, have each developed detailed conservation and reclamation plans. This paper covers the environmental issues associated with the fine tailings handling options implemented under these reclamation plans. These options include fine tails capping with water and dry landscape scenarios. Environmental issues considered in these reclamation plans include: land use, ground and surface water discharges, ecological impacts, and the cost of implementation. The paper highlights environmental issues associated with the fine tails reclamation options and how alternative extraction methods may affect reclamation strategies.
- OSTI ID:
- 229648
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9502114-Vol.2; TRN: 96:000932-0081
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 6. UNITAR international conference on heavy crude and tar sands on fueling for a clean and safe environment, Houston, TX (United States), 12-17 Feb 1995; Other Information: PBD: [1995]; Related Information: Is Part Of Heavy crude and tar sands -- Fueling for a clean and safe environment. Proceedings: Volume 2; Meyer, R.F. [ed.]; PB: 733 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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