This document released on loosefiles.caDocument Released Under the Access to . Information Act / Document divulgué en vertu de la Loi sur l'accés a l'information MIN-139494 SCENARIO NOTE MEETING WITH PROFESSOR DAVID SCHINDLER Time ANDLocaTion | Date September 15, 2010 ‘Time 8:45 PM-9:45 PM MDT Place Nisku Inn, 1101 4th St., Edmonton PARTICIPANTS Organization: University of Alberts Professor David Schindler Department of Biological Sciences Environment Canada EC) Minister Jim Prentice Context oF MEETING | © Recent scientific publications by Dr. Schindler and his co- authors have provided evidence showing increased concentrations of organic and metallic substances in the Athabasca river watershed in the vicinity of areas with oil sands development and use. ‘Dr. Schindler is a highly prominent, internationally recognized academic who has been publicly critical of the science and the reported findings by the Government of Alberta, industry and the Regional Aquatic Monitoring Program (RAMP) to date in addressing oil sands related water and air contamination and associated ecosystem health in the Athabasca River watershed. © Dr. Schindler may be involved in a press conference on September 16, 10am MDT at the University of Alberta providing evidence of deformed fish that have been collected from the lower Athabasca River, Peace Athabasca Delta and ‘Lake Athabasca. This information is being released in advance of the Joslyn North Mine Project Environmental Assessment hearings scheduled to start on September 21, 2010. + Dr. Schindler and other environmental critics have called for Environment Canada to take more of a leadership role in the research and monitoring being conducted in the oil sands area. He is very respectful of Environment Canada, and considers the Department (in particular the National Water Research Institute) a highly credible scientific organization. Updated February 2009 000001Document Released Under the Access to | Information Act / Document divulgué en:vertu de la Loi sur l'accés 4 l'information. ANTICIPATED © You will want to obtain Dr. Schindler's perspectives on the key Onsectives, environmental issues, concerns and science knowledge gaps t Ourcomes, surrounding the Alberta oil sands development and how he L DELIVERABLES views Environment Canada’s role(s) in addressing these. =SpEcIFICRESULTSTO | © You can use this opportunity to highlight that over the last year, | AIMFOR INTHE MEETING | at your request, the department markedly increased its research } and monitoring initiative to determine if the oil sands industrial activities are contaminating the air and watersheds of the t ‘Athabasca River Basin. Dr. Schindler's perspectives can be used i to help inform the EC-Alberta Environment joint science program design, priorities and deliverables. I ISSUES Schindler ef af Water Quality Key Findings: Proceedings of the National Academy of t Sciences (PNAS) Publications ‘© Kelly/Schindler et al PNAS (2009) (Attachment One) ~ Oil sands operations were shown to be greater sources (through airborne deposition, snowmelt, rainfall and landscape disturbance) of regional Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds contamination than previously documented. The study also identified serious deficiencies of the Regional Aquatic Monitoring Program (RAMP), highlighting >10 years of inconsistent sampling design, inadequate statistical power, and monitoring-insensitive responses that missed major sources of PAC input to the Athabasca watershed. The authors recommended the existing RAMP must be redesigned with more scientific and technical oversight to better detect and track PAC discharges and effects. © Kelly/Schindler et af PNAS (2010) (Attachment Two) - Concentrations of elements such as mercury, nickel and thallium in winter and all 13 priority pollutant elements (PPEs as defined by the US EPA Clean Water Act) in summer were greater in tributaries with ‘watersheds more disturbed by oil sands development. Reported concentrations of some PPEs were greater than Canada’s or Alberta’s guidelines for the protection of aquatic life. A departmental analyses is attached (Attachment Three) Regional Aquatic Monitoring Program (RAMP) © RAMP isan industry-funded, multi-stakeholder environmental monitoring program initiated in 1997 ated in response to recommendations from the Northern River Basins Study ~ 1996). The objective of RAMP is (o integrate aquatic monitoring activities across different components of the aquatic environment, different geographical locations, and Athabasca oils sands and other developments in the oil sands region to assess and detect cumulative effects and regional trends ‘+ RAMP is governed by a multistakeholder committee with representatives from all levels i of government (including EC, HC, DFO and Alberta Environment), Aboriginal 00002Document Released Under the Access to Information Act / Document divulgué en vertu de la Loi sur l'accés a l'information. communities and industry. * Dr. Schindler and other environmental groups have been publicly critical of RAMP" scientific design and transparency and reported findings of oil sands impacts. Environment Cai Oil Sands Science Program - ‘* EC works closely with the Alberta government under the Canada-Alberta Administrative ‘Agreement for the control of deposits of deleterious substances under the Fisheries Act and ensures that existing, new or expanded facilities meet the requirements and regulations of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, the Species at Risk Act, the Migratory Birds Convention Act. ‘© BC's oil sands science program is making significant progress towards addressing many identified key issues and knowledge gaps. EC, in close partner Alberta Environment and other federal departments (NRCan, DFO, Parks), is currently conducting enhanced research and monitoring activities on + tailings pond management and impacts on groundwater and surface water quality; + chemical fingerprinting of industrial vs, naturally occurring oil sands hydrocarbons; ings pond and riverine toxicology (water, sediment) and ecosystem health impacts (fish, invertebrates); ‘© regional air quality assessment and modeling; + regional water availability and ecological flow needs; ‘tailings pond enforcement-related inspections. «EC's science program will help determine whether elevated contaminant levels are primarily the result of the natural seepage from the bitumen formations that the ‘Athabasca River flows through or could they be attributed to industrial oil sands inputs from tailings pond seepage and/or atmospheric deposition. Currently we cannot definitively determine whether tailings pond seepage is responsible for any observed toxicological effects in riverine biota. s.14(a) EC's science program activities contribute to help inform this analysis and discussion. POINTS TO REGISTER * We have some of our best scientists working in the oil sands, in close partnership with Alberta Environment and other relevant groups (e.g. ‘Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA), Peace-Athabasca Delta Environmental Monitoring program, academics). Do you have something 000003Document Released Under the Access to Information Act / Document divulgué en: vertu de la Loi sur l'accés a l'information, else in mind in terms of how the overall science program should be designed or communicated? You have been critical of regional monitoring efforts such as RAMP — I'm interested in knowing your opinion on how such a program could be redesigned to be more effective, scientifically credible and publicly acceptable, You have always been publicly very supportive of Environment Canada in terms of our scientific credibility. What do see as next steps for us working government to government with Alberta and with other organizations and stakeholders to ensure that the science generated is defensible. Tunderstand you might be involved in a press conference, as early as tomorrow, on deformed fish collected from the Athabasca. I would like to know more about this issue. Would you explain your concerns? ! t 000004 ;Document Released Under the Access to Information Act / Document divulgué en vertu de la Loi sur l'accés a l'information BACKGROUND Biography Dr. David W. Schindler is the Killam Memorial Chair and Professor of Ecology at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, and is recognized as an eminent limnologist and freshwater ecologist both in Canada and intemationally. Dr. Schindler received his doctorate from Oxford University, England, where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar. He is the author of >250 scientific publications, and the recipient of >30 national and international awards of distinction, and ten honorary doctorates from universities within Canada and the United States. Highlights of his awards and scientific achievements include: the first (1991) Stockholm Water Prize, the first Romanowski Medal of the Royal Society of Canada (1994), Environment Canada’s Vollenweider Lectureship (2001), the NSERC Gerhard Herzberg Gold Medal for Science and Engineering (2001), the Killam prize (2003), the Alberta Order of Excellence (2008), the Sandford Fleming Award (2009), and the Edward T. LaRoe Memorial Award, Society for Conservation Biology (2010). He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, a Fellow of the Royal Society of London (UK), a member of the U.S. National Academy of ‘Sciences and in 2004 he was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada. 000005Document Released Under the Access to Information Act / Document divulgué en vertu de la Loi sur l'accés a information, Oil sands development contributes polycyclic aromatic compounds to the Athabasca River and its tributaries Erin N. Kelly’ Jeffrey W. Short, David W. Schindler, Peter V. Hodson, Mingsheng Mat ‘and Barbra L Fortin® “Deparment of isos cece, University of Sebi and Department of Beegy and Sogo of Endrabmental Stsies, Queers Univers) Kingston ON, Cana Alvin K. Kwan, Joe, Edmonton, AB, Canada TSG 26; “sana 175 South Frankl suet, Suite 2, lumen, Asia nN oneibued by David W. Shiner, October 2, 2008 (nt for ei September 21,2008) Foroveradecade the contibution of oilsands mining and processing to the polhtion ofthe Athabasca River has been controversial, We ‘how that the oll sands development Is a greater source of contam- ination than previously realized. in 2008, within 0 km of ol sands Upgrading facies, the loading tothe snowpack of airborne partic. Utes was 11400 T over 4 montht and induded 391 kg of polyeyclic ‘somatic compounds PAC, equivalent to 600 Tof bitumen wile 168 got dstolved PAC was aso deposited. Dissolved PAC concentrations inwiotales tothe Athabatca increased fom 0.003 ug/Lupsream of ‘ol rands development t 0.023 wa in winter and to 0.202 g/L in ‘summer downstream: inthe Athabasca, dissolved PACconcentrations ‘were mostly <025 g/L in winter and 0.030 g/Lin summer, except near ol sands upgrading feces and talings ponds in winter {2.031- 0.089 g/t) and downstream of new development insurer (0.063-0.135 np). Inthe Athabasca ands wbutaries, development within the part 2 years was related to elevated dissolved PAC Concentrations that wor aly txt sh embryos. netted snow, Gdssolved PAC concentrations were up to 8 pg/L, thus spring ‘snowmelt and washout during ran events are important unknowns. ‘These results Indicate that major changes are needed tothe way that tevironmental impact of ol sands development are monitored and managed. torn caontion | ol sna pocsing | wart contamination | hydrcarbone | oleae mining he Alberta oilsands consist of water, sand, and bitumen, a heavy and viscous hydrocarbon, that i recovered by surface ‘ot by in sit steam injection. To produce crude oi bitumen must be exacted with hol water and upgraded by using heat, pressure, and catalysts (1). Production of bitumen increased from ‘85.000 to 13 milbon barrels per day from 1995 to 248 (2,3) The lreadisturbedby mine operations was $30 kin 207, and the area ‘Of tings ponds surpassed 130 kum? in 2008 (1, 4). Olt sands production by both mining and insitu methods wll increase rapidly. ‘fith projected output ranging (om 2010 29 milion barrels per day by 2020 8). ‘Some residents of downstream Fort Chipewyan are convinced ‘that the ol sande industry is responsible for higher than expected ‘uncer rates (6) However, government, industry und related agen- fies relying in parton the joint Regional Aquatic Monitoring Program (RAMP), report tat effects are minimal, that natural sources cause elevated contaminant concentrations in the Aha bisea and is tributaries (7), and that human health and the Environment are no at ik from oll sands development (8-10), see Controversy Background Information in SI Text ‘Since 1997, the RAMP, funded by industry and directed by @ mulstakeholder committe, has monitored aquatic econpstems hear the oll sands development (11). However, it lacks scenic fversight and a peer review severely eriticiaed its ability to detect ellecs (12), RAMP data are not publicly avalabie, and the ‘methods wsed to analy, interpret, and report the data are not ‘emirely wansparent dame-anst | PAAS | Dwcember28,2008 | vol 16 | 90.52 ‘We conducted an independent, detailed, and accessible assess: ‘ment ofthe loadings of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAC) to the north-flowing Athabasca River, its tributaries, the Athabasca Delta and Lake Athabasca (Fig. 1). in February to March and June to August 2008, we sampled water using polyethylene membrane devices (PMDs} In March, the accumulated snowpack was sum- pled at most sites Athabasca River sites were selected upstream and ‘Sowntzeam of oilsands mining and processing activity, Upstream fand downsiram sites near of! sands development are direlly ‘exposed 1o erosion ofthe MeMurray geologic formation (MeMF). ‘where most ol sands occur (13). “Three sites slong each of four impacted tributaries were selected sing 2006 Landsat imagery. The fist was located upstream of oil sands development and the MeMF, the second midstream within the MeMF But upsream of mining activity, and the third neat stream mouths athe confluence with the Athabasea, downstream ‘of development and downstream or within the MeMF. Comparable sites were chosen on two reference tributaries unaffected by industry Inthe summer, additional stream mouth sites, with and ‘without upstream development, wee included to inerase statistical power. “After sampling, 208 Landsat imagery revealed marked changes in the extent of al sands development since 2006, Some tributary sites could be compared as planned, but some midstream and Stream mouth sites unaffected in 2006 were affected by new development in 2008 To assess the impacts of this new develop- rent, the change in development between 2006 and 2006 wis categorized visually from Landsat imagery s nl-smal (N-S) and ‘meaiwmlarge (M-L). This gave four clases of new development Inidsteam¥N-S, midsiream /M-L, steam mouth INS, and stream ‘mouth M-L. To compare the relative importance of natural erosion land mining on PAC mobilization, PAC concentrations in water ‘were regressed against the proportion of the catchment within the MeME. overal land disturbance, nd land disturbed by oll sands mining in 2008, These comparisons were made for all tbtares ‘combined and separately for the Athabasca ‘Samples were analyzed for PAC (som of parent and alkylated homologues of two three- and four ring pobyyeic aromatic hydrocarbons dibenaothiophene). Melted snow was analyzed for the mass of particulate and associated PAC retained on O45-um ‘lass fiber ters and for dissolved PAC in fiat. Because PMDs ecumlate only dissoWed PAC from water (14), equivalent water ‘concentrations were calculated from PAC concenirationsin PMDs, ‘artrconubny EMK. WS. DW, 454M ded rar EMM SCC Saeti smh hes oe ENEWS Frnt cin aught AAS cpm me pon pe aegis aging orton se we marahmn pri 86/0387 ona 205306 000006Z 04 ” ARIU, wn ww om mewn Fig. Soy Area Map Sher bu, Ahab Rr ak nares AR Umamed cetk ANTD urna res: HOR Hore Re ACR. Cre reek ‘op, or Cee Gere vet Steno Rr AC Mean Ck ACK Macy Re Es Rr 2G cl Creek MA Must ie FR Febg Re FOR, Fort re Th Tare CALR, alma Rr EY. yun tence oper 2 misteans steer mou) anciats mage atte {Sur compost, wha bunk vats, reese vation ard pink nome Stned snr developed ates Squares rears exiting and approved Sans prec assuming equilibrium between PMDs and ambient water concen trations after ~30.day deployment Further details are provided in Methods and Anabrical and Stastical Method Detais in SI Text Document Released Under the Access to Information Act / Document divulgué en verty de la Loi sur l'accés a l'information. Results Partclates and PAC in Snow. Substantial depoiton of airborne particulates was discovered within 50 km of the Suncor and Syncrude upgrading facilities, near ARG (Fig. 2 and Fig. Si) Particulate deposition exponentaly declined from 19 gi at ARG, near the upgrading fale, to <0.35 gim® at sites >S0 km distant (particulates = 106 X e-27* pm? x = ke rom ARG, = 0.71, P< O00O1, n = 23; Fig. $24). Integrating over a SO-km radius indicates deposition of 1,400 metric T of particulates during =4 ‘months of snowfall ‘Most particulates collected at ARG consisted of ol sands bite sen. Aol ck formed on the surface of melted snow (Fig. $3), and the PAC distribution was similar wo the four oll sands samples, ie, dominated by diberzothiophenes, phenanthrenexanthratencs, ‘luoranthenespyrenes, and benzanthracenevehrysenes (Fig S4 ‘and B). Compared with the ol sands, PAC inthe snow particulates, ‘were slightly enriched in naphthalenes and unsubstituted four- to Tiveting PAC, suggesting adeinture with volatile and combust ered PAC jie, dominated by less-subetuted four of more-ring PAC (15)]. Using a measured mean rato of 1000649 + 0.000168, (Gee Anabical and Staisteal Method Del i SI Tex) for total PAC to bitumen in oll sands, the 0.414 mg of PAC per gram of particulate in AR6 snow was equivalent to 64% bitumen, "The proportion of PACin snow particulates declined rapidly with stance from ARG, ingicating that bitumen was deposited closer to the source than particulates (Fg. 3). Measured PAC deposition 03). Integrating over a S0-km radius ghes 168 kg of dissohved PAC accumulated during 4 months. Dissolved PAC concentrations in ig.2._whte04s smwnarmanGi iter her 00 ml ofmled snow romeachte was hae. Vellom distance between bl, communities ‘od aporoed noe maing project PRAS | Oweamber29,2008 | ve 06 | nse | 2237 t 000007 |Document Released Under the Access to Information Act / Document divulgué en vertu de la Loi sur 'accés a l'information ON ‘whe eating in anew faim) okeaiae Fig. PertcatenedslvedPACloaing gn nace snowpic Mach 2008 (A) Ahab Rv, Atha, ane Lake Athos Tr Res (Gieiya creck) Elotine 2) Beaver Bebe tr () Maske ver steptane Re Boke ont seater e509 aa appro roles yar See et AromScncortesnen Stepan aa fetes Pete Canad Dover okay Rein, Muy Ol Sui wt, TOTALDee re Iran Shel lsn Sonate aiver ond acpi NM: Manor, tpt! Ot Keo Peta Canada. Forts Mildred Lae sane ARIBe AT, eat Steen and ilenium span ARIGto ARS enced by own, Upaacing lcs a ar RG reled snow declined from 48 pp/L at AR6 to <027 yg/Lat sites from upstream to downsiseam and were greater in summer than cy Ssoim away, and exceeded 0: gi. at 9 of 10 sites within 22 ka of ARS. PAC in Tributaries. Dissolved PAC concentrations in the six Inibularies sampled during winter and summer mostly increased Fig. sine wit ang warmer Sve PAC concetatins uot) (A Tabane.) Ma winter (Fig. 44). Mean concentrations increased from 0.0 hug/L at upsiream sites in both winter and summer to 0023 = 00059 gi and 0202 = 0.16) jg/L. a stream mouth sits, respectively, similar to melied snow. Differences among sites ‘along tributaries were highly significant (two-way ANOVA, In sna eam meu tay ses nln 10 re” re Sconce rargeindevecpmer fom s006t9 20081 5-8 thao Re, thaboseaDelta anak haar Wine (0) unmet. nde arp (utoranated by dead ele rola ond Sta Netod Owain Tee rotineudedncakultons MOA, My Fomor: X nah Erorba ar andar err of De ean, 22a | wm poatrae/13073/en081200106 eye 00008% Va transformed, P = 0,004), but not between season (P = 0.91), ‘The power to detect seasonal diferences was low (8 = 0.05).so 1 seasonal effect could not be discounted. The greater trend of increasing PAC downstream in summer compared with winter (Eig, 44) was nearly significant (interaction P = 0.095) at only moderate power (B= 030). This analysis incloded al upstream, midstream, and downstream tributary sites, repardies of development. Almost all development ‘tas near the sream mouth on some tributaries, with insignificant ‘evelopment nesr midstream or upstream sites. Analyzing only these tributaries, no significant increase in PAC concentrations between upstream and midsieam sites was found (Fig. S64) Thus, when development was insigiicant, flow of water through the MMF di not signfkanty affect PAC concentrations, inicaling that natural soures are no: solely responsible for increased con cenirations of PAC midstream or at siteam mouths. Tncteasing PAC concentations from upstream to downstream in the tibutares (Fig. 44-and Fig. SSA) could reflect increasing ‘contributions from natural erosion of the MeMF, greater distut= bance from development, or both. Lite ofthe variably in summer PAC conoentrations of tibutaries was explained bythe proportion of MeMF, total surface land disturbance, or oll sands mining disturbance in watersheds (Pyaar ~ 0.009, Paaance = 0.003, Ea anae = U0, P > 1.68, df= 19) ‘Contrast, when midstream and stream mouth sites were grouped, PAC concentrations were strongly assoeated with new land disturbance o mining activity expansion from 2006 to 208. ‘Mean PAC concentrations increased fod from 0.012 = 0.0012 a [NS sites t9 0027 = Q0052 ugiL at ML sts in winter, and B-fold from 0028 = 0.0055 to 0.197 = 0.0738 up in summer (Fig, 48). Season and disturbance effets were highly significant (two-way "ANOVA, in transformed, P < 0.004), and the season and ditur- ‘ace interaction was neatly significant (P = 0.065, B = 0.36). The power to detec the seasonal effet was > OS, mch greater than for the previous test (B = 005). Comparing only midstream or stream-mouth sts leads to essentially the same conclusions (Fig, S58 und C). Thus, seasonal ferences in PAC concentrations are likely real, and increased PAC concentrations in both winter and summer test {rom land disturbance by oilsands development between 2006 and 2008. ‘Approximately 5% of PAC homologues accumulated by PMDs deployed atthe MCL sites consisted of three-ring PAC, dominated by alkylsubstituted dibenzothiophenes, phenanthrenes/an- thracenes and fluorenes, with the remainder most four-ring PAC incioding allyl-substituied fluoranthenes/pyrenes and. benza thraceneschrysenes and negligible naphthalenes (Fig. $1D). Er Fichment of three-ring PAC in PMDs compared with oi sands (Fig. Sé4) & consent with greater solbility of three- vs. foun PAC The near absence of mpnthalenes in PMDs is also consist with low concentrations of these PAC in bitumen (Fig. 4), ‘Athabasca River, Athabasca Delta, and Lake Athabasca, Dissolved PACeoneentrations were usually iow at mossiteson the Athabasca River, Athabatea Delta, and Lake Athabasea, but often great ‘during summer (Fig. 4 C and D). In winter, concentrations were tmostly <0025 wai, except at sites near ol! sands upgrading ‘elites and tailings ponds which ranged from 0031 10 0.085 g/L (ig 4C). in summer, PAC concentrations in the Athabasca were ‘sully 0.050 g/L. Upstream and within ol sands development, Concentrations were unrelated (othe proportion of MeMF, ital surface land. digturbance, and oll sands mining disturbance (Raatr = 0.137, Fancy = 0.006, eu wo = 0.085; > 0.33, af = 8) However, immediatly downsteash of new development, con- ‘centrations ranged from 0.083 to 0.135 ng/L (Fig. S6) Discusion ‘The increased deposition of particulates and PAC in snow close 19 the Suncor and Syncrude Upgrading facies cleanly implicates reap ea Document Released Under the Access to | Information Act / Document divulgué en vert de la Loi sur l'accés a l'information them as sourees and coresponds oa similarity between pater of PAC congeners in parculstes and ol sands (Fig. $4.4 and 8). The enrichment of snow particulates by the more voatle PAC and by five ring PAC (eg ,bemaoalpyrene) is typical of PAC volatized by heat of pariculates produced by combustion. The dominance of ‘oly material in snow from ARS also suggests a separate organic bitumen phase in stack emission that i present as droplets larger and ess buoyant han average particulates and precipitates ear the ource, Aleratively, the eavier particles might be bicumen- ‘contaminated dust eroded by wind from mine sites (Fig $7), but this was inconsistent with the high organic content of particulates hear AR6. Although mining can modlize dust, deposition would Tkely be localized and site-specific, and further study ts needed to catablish detailed loadings. “The similar deposition patterns of particulates und dissolved AC in melted show (Fig. S24 and C) suggests that dissolved PAC did not leach from particulates, bul was seavenged from the atmosphere, Snow samples were filtered within an hour of thawing, leaving Title time for PAC dissolution, More likely, PAC dissolved in the snowmelt were readily desorbed from rnon-bitumen particulates or scavenged {rom vapor-phase PAC by ie nuclei in plumes of condensing steam from stack emis sons, as oveurs with metals (16). “The ol sands industry is a known source of air pollutants. Snow surveys in 1978 and 1981 identified elevated metal depsiion via Tiyash particulates 25 km north and south, and 10 km eat and west ‘of Suncor and Syncrude upgrading facies (16 1) In 1978, 95% of particulates were deposited within 25 km of the sacks (17), but PAL deposition was not measured, From 200S to 2007, the mean anneal eease of particulates measured by Suncor andeslimated by ‘Synerude (stack and fugitive emissions) was 6037 = 927 T (18) In ‘contrat, during the 4 months before sampling in 2008, emissions ‘were almost twice as large at 11,400 T and contaminated an area nearly 2fold larger, with only 6% of particulates fling within 1 25-4om ead Assuming similar deposition rates during the year Jmplies a total annual particule deposition of ~34,000 T. This i ‘early Give times curent reported emisions and similar to annual ‘epotton rates of 32,594 T in 1978 (19), before precpitators were installed. The dsrepancy may be due to dust fom mining (Fig. $7) ‘or somewhat elevated loading estates that were based ona circle fround AR6, despite somewbat greater particulate deposition orthiouth of upgrading facilities than easest (16). The lose ‘ssciaion of deposition with proximity tothe upgrading facilities ‘Suggests that they are the primary source ‘Aitborne PAC from ol sands development conveys a consider- able burden (0 the surrounding watershed. Historical stack dis ‘charges of particulates rich in aluminum (Al) (16,17), and a strong, ‘correlation between Al and PAC concentrations in show (r= 094, Pe nutnt, sugges that large amounts of particulate PAC have ‘been dcharged since the onset of o sands production in the 1960s. [depesition rates are constant throughout the year, the estimated annual lense of PAC is now ~1,200 kg associated with 1,800 T bf bitumen particulates, and another SOD kg of dissolved PAC. This mount of bitumen released in a pulse would be equivalent to a ‘major ol spill repeated annually “Given that particulate deposition rates in the 1970s before instalation of stack preciptators (19) were as great a today, this Situation has likely persisted for 30-40 years. Asa result, current background PAC concentrations in surface sol, vegetation, snow, tnd runoff over a broad area of boreal forest may be greater than {rue background concentrations contributed naturally by oil sands in the region. Although RAMP collects snow for hydrologic ‘monitoring (11), pollutant concenrations are not reported. in the carly 19805, snow sampling was recommended in northeastern ‘Alber and agjacent areas of Saskatchewan and the Northwest “Temntories to asses the effects of ar emissions from expanding oil sands development (16, 7). The absence of such a program has made i progresvely more dificult to separate polution inputs PRAS | December 29,2008 | ve 196 | no.52 | 22340 000009 ;= 04 oo from rang background contamination. With more ol sinds de velopment projets approved and proposed, including new and expanded upgrading fits the inzeased deposition of airborne PAC wil further raise regional “background” concentrations. “Tributaries impacted by ol sands development indicate a second ‘major flux of PAC to receiving waters. Recent disturbances (new Toads, deforestation, encampment, exploration, mining) expose “and diteibute fresh bitumen to wind and si erosion and enhance bitumen transport to surface waters, which leach obt the most salable PAC. The lack of correlation between PAC concentra: tions in water and the extent of older development suggests tht ‘isturbed areas eventually stabilize. However, the lack of correla tion may also reflect increasing background PAC concentrations At sts distant from upgrading faites and unaffected by land ‘isurbance, the regional background of total dissolved PAC in ‘Surface waters is ~0015 pg/L closely comparabe with concentra- tion in emote Canadian Arctic rivers (20) In contrast, at the most impacted steam mouths, PAC concentrations were 10- to nearly SOvold greater (e.g, ELS, PAC = 0.682 ug/L), sila 0 concen trations toxic to fish embryos (as ow as 04 gi (21). The PAC in fl sands, snow, and water were dominated by homologues of three-ringed allyl phenanthrene, alkyl dlbenzetiophenes, and ali iaorenes, PAC mest closely associated with embyotoriity of rude ol! (22, 23). Embyos of fathead minnows (Pimephules promelas) and. white sucker (Carotomus commersoni, species ative to the Athabasca watershed, showed higher rates of mortal: ity, reduced rates of growth, and signs of pathology typical of PAC tonicity when exposed toa lite aS 001-01 g/L of alkyl phenan threne in ol sands leachate (calculsted from res 24 and 2), PAC ta lo limit ish production through endocrine disruption, Com pared with reference fish, gonads of slimy scalpin (Cornus cognas) land pearl dace (Marganscur margara) collected near active ot ‘Sinds processing were les capable of symhesizing sx steroids (26). PAC may contribute toa greater prevalence of abnormal juvenile tnd adult fish captured in the Athabasca near and downstream of oilsands mining (11,27) Dring spring the snowmelt pulse could increase PAC concen trations in tnbutares to those tie to both aquatic ad terrestrial ‘organisms (28,20). Disolved PAC woud be immediately available to biota but particulate PAC may be taken up by iter feeders or partition int wate for uptake by fish across ils. Residual particles Fray also accumlate onthe forest floor with organic material orn ‘nerlyng soil, causing PAC to leach more gradually into surface waters, adding (o the overall PAC burden, ‘Ofte 2 fish species resident in the Athabasca anc its tributaries (20), 19 spawn in the spring or carly summer (31), Embryos thse Species are likey present when PAC concentrations ae greatest. f Toeatee in shallow tributaries receiving PAC-enriched snowmelt, tmbyos may aaa experience phovo-enhanced toxicity (32). New hatched whitefish embryos exposed to sublethal concentrations of ‘eene (allyl phenanthrene) dled when coexpesed 10 visible and UUY ight (33), Toxicity may also increase tf PAC and metal sociated with ol sands at syergisticaly as Ubserved for Daphnia magna (34). DDissoived PAC did no persist as far asthe Athabasca River Delta and FL. Chipewyan, at Teast during the seasons sampled. However, PAC-contaminated sediments in the Athabasca Delia and Lake ‘Athabasca (35,36) are consistent with fong-range atmospheric and flava transport of particulate PAC. Our sampling did not inclode the intervening spring snowmel, which would release a pulse of PAC vp to 5U km from oll sands upgrading faites into nearby tufbutares and the Athabasca. Although this should increase PAC Concentrations in rbutares, it ight not be detected in the main ‘Stem because of high-volume dilution by uncontaminated snowmelt {rom areas upstream ofl sands mining, PAC may also be removed from the water column by microbial degradation and adsorption to ‘organic matter thal settles ont ofthe water column (37). These ution and removal processes likely acount for declining con 22350 | wm prascrgpe/10.107/ en 09209108 Document Released Under the Access to Information Act / Document divulgué en vertu de la Loi sur l'accés a l'information. centrations of dissolved PAC as the Athabasca Hows to Lake ‘Athabasca and Fort Chipewyan, Conduslons De to substantial Noadings of sirborne PAC, the oilsands industry is far greater source of regional PAC contamination than previ ‘ously realize, Despite previous recommendations (17). there n0 apparent detailed monitoring of PAC fluxes via wet and dry deperition in the winter or summer, when similar or greater contributions are likely. Monitoring of air the snowpack, spring Sowmelt, and summer rain and vegetation is essential to ently ‘and control sources of PAC and thelr potential environmental and human health impacts, A second important source of PAC is landhcupe disturbance. Surprisingly impacts are related primarily 0 recent disturbance (<2 y), which suggests that revegetation or erosion controls mitigate ong term loadings. ‘Conirolson waterborne PAC ae critical because concentrations a telbutary mouths and atone site on the Athabase are already ‘vith the range toxic to fish embryos. However, the impacts onthe ‘Athabasca ecosystem of mining wastewater snowmely or contam- Jnaled groundwater remain enigmatic due 10 high seasonal vri- ability of flow and dilution capacity. ‘Our study confirms the serous defects of the RAMP (12). More than 10 yearsof inconsistent sampling design inadequate statistical power, and monitoring insesiive esponscs have missed. major fourees of PAC 10 the Athabasca watershed. Most importantly, RAMP claims that PAC concentrations are within baseline con- tions and of natural origin have fostered the perception that high-intensity mining and processing have no serious environmen tal impacs, The existing RAMP must be redesigned with more ‘Scientific nd technical oversight to better detect and track PAC ‘ischarges and effects Oversight by an independent board of ‘experts would make better use of monitoring resources and ensure that data are available for independent scrutiny and analyses, The scale and intensity of ol sands development and the complexity of PAC transport and fate inthe Athabasca watershed demand the highest quay of seiemificeffor. Methods ‘Stay Design, Searteon ses wee chain on te ain sen AtabA, the Det and ake Athabasca, om south of For Mor onrea of Gevaon Ine toFor Cxoenyan downtraam of sevtopren) i 1) The Aaa Fer exponed othe MM 80k upsteam of Fort MM nd ree ‘hin tsar to Eymundion ek bua raring trom tre et Steepbak Muste,ané Frebog Rives) nave Bene Eland or Re) lading reese bag ons Aen} ond hoe enpctedby ol sands deooren eepbane Muse BES {sande Rie andthe Hone iver sear uth were sapied ite ‘hisurne 3) Mrethersvear owen stestAR down ARTTUB lake, ope, Mea, For. andtyrmaneon Cees and MrKay ard Cue! Re ‘were sampled ony sures, “anaes wre pao ty wing ACI 9 ArcMap version 92 (9.10 einetectnents aac trance on geology and cle tae between RG ardother season ses Arai end Stat Moth Dota it Text for Sea). Fad Samping. io Ware non wat coleced Hoy 12 tes on the Atha five Abeba Det ondate Athabasca a tom 1b Stes Samples ‘rovecolected overheat he he andrepicateda MU tease, ‘reser ond eight ol ieinon cores werercoaedto calle snow eersty, Snow wer eclverta ri PA areal epotion rat, for PAC an integrated Semple of the snopack wat eked ana gore sve. and subse (77s-400m}weshteedvougha tap multiedWhsiman Gite The ‘ees rove, and the ie nas coma, spa wth sta pres {ersedhyirecabon urate tandrorno Smut cron, shaken erred ‘ee wh 00m of 0M and red at -20C. ‘x were deployed nthe ADNabose and fs tba or M20 dp to pase mentor assed PAN Insurer a iter an provide ine (Regrtedmeuie of desohd PAN (1). PDS were dane by snicaton ‘Sau with desrerernane (20M, put DOM-ceaed etl olde, ety 000010PNAS a sapped in DEM ned lina ol and ore i essed Zp bap at Ore Ari actors on the Shab ie the Hore Mie rout ro ton were doled pers, nah ver Bote and sirace water One uo ws splye nate iver btm athe fire he AUN tes, tltary ster PDs were reed by ung global postenng yer cor irc ar a etal eter wre) epate PMD vee depoyed within “Som atiter unre PAC wre sures be igh MUS) or lL. One ib Slant an feild an, Races he ceployed PMOL wee iced wth ‘tre and sree ee. ‘isan aples were cated nse rom the eres ae, the ‘stand west ork ofthe ath Rie north of umount andundernate Site moh ofthe epbant Rhee Alanon ere ates Labertery. PAC ware mesure the Unive of Albers ageothemia| ‘Anica aberatany by ang an Agent GON gehvomatograoh couples {age?sinen Xuma atv seat ang 7835 inet moire 18 {Sr440, Dene method and insur nd method aetecin ns are 1. Sneak ot ta 850 iat tamer Abr rd ‘Struensee sen ovr Abe A Ca 2 hen oan st tend ay ‘Sot mane force prance pgeeyotan a A eanacearspcioesarsnipaniere nonepsbletera acy promemectotwententan rea 1. En tn hemes Coons GS) Abr ERs 208 an eeptwree e ore tn Perot groan atom on’ upon alabe tome wow atncaperaerv ae Mancsdn ina xse cantenaucccontenaoshesentyaet Nom (eoltninceoqepesctonrsissona.patcasnron «« Rena fog 1 tate ir oy ar Sa hg gy rent ‘rouse OM 1 Cr iein kt atropine Pont Mts » Srna scr an ‘to oman eboouten a isomatonsalace Aoera 1 fut ara Agia Montag Rogen WALA Won tl oven ‘cate Gs aun torurmertat nnspere Ai ‘Strano i ecg Sine sce © omy «SER mata 8: cr aman xen a as aan (Gon bon tray hp ot ete sea an Were, So ‘Sorter han, amon area wena cane 4. Kaun acd etn tacoma Aton human oonre eter Posen) (hn thar an shonin er ous ns ul terme Netanya foe Ane whe as aro peeareerat 1 twas uti tre Ansan ne xen Mtg mogen) (aun Sn vey na od sto mene! Mason retary ou min aberscncnnnor 1 Ra nor Agata Mote Pagan) 2898 Pl Te! apa (tears good anc sin pete a ea ‘oa auton. va Mpa Sen ter 0.2300 San ei at tong Pen instant cv ot (auton eens Cay toes 14 Ge hla re aera an 3000 Memnonng pm SSoecipeeans seqrenremeteponsearpoenve v9 Sileneere oom wtmnntrnwenatehcerorinreete eera ervinn tng een cpm rc omc ve tare lA Koi (8 4 Nine ton fe Deaton of Pats ‘anon rt tram abet howe tre sb Se ‘st heen yas ton ere Oa fap 9 bs Str nines ae rae, 17 tan n(n eB my ne NSE Hy re pr ‘Met on nto tc Poa Prem Creat ue. AOKI Me {Saber antes tern Pee 14 hans lt en ry RYO mn ee 13 Mortar tna tery nest etn cnr eran abe Mpriarnntncnteccnan tsenpltnmermet Cues Are kta re rawr hanes Pepe Document Released Under the Access to Information Act / Document divulgué en-verty de la Loi sur l'accés 4 l'information. presenedn Asi and ttt Method Ota in Teat and Table especie nahi ad Sait Matus Dstt of QNDE. contamination by est avPAC source erst ssiaton of aquecun PAC cancer airs th PAC depton caletlons ae prove in Arua! and Stata Method Detatrn Ter ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. DK Tinoney,R Gandambe, R.Radmanovch, {idoetur aren T-B00g Jordan k Vshderbaves Daves ad Ls prone stance wth planing nd til or corto wore Pars Ce da andthe Government of bes granted reset perks The Aube eon ia ee a a acy Fag Mes nt ‘aiscnl clog! knowadge an cet tovetana eran Mat ‘Reman aed Petar Le (otal Foren Wine) sipped GS esta and ened ‘Reve ounsaion and tne Water an Ouran Gorgon Foundation 2 Yr, cunt rt 6 Mc DDS 2, Gan eS, Hoe (99) est roo ened et Pa (Ctstnategsnre srg meen tae roar gee ema ‘erat av nh Cpe le, ro aed er N 12 finden et a ont ne oe oy teat eget {ar rece fe bn het Moree Oe! Pep MOP cea Siete ements ore 2. oo ar Te NO nn aa con pre oon (CFatceaseers tive edo poe emai yaeorton Ta ‘it amar! 15-5, 24 Carel Raa eon Prat 88 Tony a noe He 2, Clamchane noon pareta ner Ancona mat ‘crapatee see caomaconnenoneratoliond antalen 2 ema me Mn aa. area rt 29 Tenorey 7 the a St yates erin [ils Yan Gopher Soper tone A a 2 ye ana onan ratatrngeeme trh 22. A agora Agus Menta Regan) OO Aopen. 2008 Te Trout Ste oes igurtna hance pe Dre md a. earn Goomn 00 ate of cna 12, Reed Gly (947 rnc nce potent aloo Serrano veasaet cn oe 39 tian talent kaiA Ben tind antonio ‘tive nya sonac cron Sond tone so teen nan 2K nanan: ene 2s. Cont Gt Scum er aie npc nd cna ‘twin eat ngage te acento SSemntrninner hep nd Amores cstret (Kent: Thtinpecrerusrna enya ar cnenncpne Sun (ShaLelp nt aeons rans ery toarrdSeaapnet Eton ‘rv canes Sano unt ah 4, Biwi cry Pot On LC 0 St pater of ret face sensi ieocetre uasnaninbelowe Ahan Ewe 2 1p Menta oF 2 of iting nding Diagn natin an sx Cont Covey tad 1202 Creer ada ‘oosorar ngewe ou Eng 12 Enranenmeciyteenenarenrte 2090 AS haa 9s ‘ume mc a sand A ror 10. Sot ce nen eLearn ‘Siemens Same ner, mtr id te at ‘olcsconoe mena tretemvna ii on aang leh as | Dweember38 208 | vol 06 | no. 52 | 2281 000011 tS V4 a Document Released Under the Access to Information Act / Document divulgué en vertu de la Loi sur laccés 4 l'information Oil sands development contributes elements toxic at low concentrations to the Athabasca River and its tributaries Erin N. Kelly’, David W. Schindler’, Peter V. Hodson? Jeffrey W. Short‘, Roseanna Radmanovich*, and Charlene C. Nielsen* socpartment of nage Sciences Usa of Abeta, Eemeonton AB, Canada TEG 268; "Deparment of llogy and Shoal of Environmental Suse, ‘Gueers Unhery, ngan ON, Cnads KL ING "Oceana Juneau. AK 9801 onrinte by Oa W. Shine, My 2, 280 et for eiew March 2, 2010) ‘We show thatthe oll sands Industry ralasas the 13 slments ‘ansidered priority pollutants (PPE) under the US Environmental Protection Agency's Gan Water Act via air and water. t0 the ‘Athabasca River and its watered. in the 2008 snowpack, all PE except selaniom ware grster near ol sands developments ‘than at more remote ses, Bitumen upgraders and local ol sands ‘development were sources of arbor emissions. Concentrations of mercury nickel, and thallum in winter and ll 13 PPE In summer vere greter In tbutales with watersheds more dturbed by tlevelopment than in ess dlsturbed watersheds. in the Athabasca River during summer, concentrations of al PPE were greater near developed areas than upstream of development. At sites down- stream of development and within the Athabasca Delta, concen ‘uations ofall PE except berytium and selenium remained greater than upstream of development. Concentrations of some PPE at fone location In Lake Athabasca near Fort Chipewyan were also rater than concentration inthe Athabasca River upstream of fvelopment. Canada's or Alberta's guidelines for the protection ff aquatic Ife wore exceeded for saven PPE—cadmium, copper, Tad, mercury, nickel, silver, and zin—in melted snow and/or wa: ‘ter collected near of downstream af development ‘sand mining | sands proceing | trace met | mborne deoston | Bisres ec ne ater ol ei ine tom 182,000 fo 13 milion Barrel between 1995 and 2008 (2) andi project o double by 20003). By 208, mining had i {ube 530 of boreal andcape, with alngs ponds covering nor than 130 kn? (3). Development ofthe of sand ning ‘ring proesing and tangs pond leakage, has raed concems {Shout pallstion ofthe Athabuice River (AR) (6) Downstream ‘eset (ear that ceased eacct rte (7) maybe tlated to pluton from the oll sands industry. Based in parton resus fom the Regional Aauaie Monitoring Progam (RAMP) indus, g>- tment and related agencies Gaim tat human health andthe fnronment are nl at sk fom od sands development (8,9) nd that sourrs of elements and. plyyele aomanc compounds (@AC) in the AR ad tuts are natural (10). However, the {elabliy of RAMP fadags hasbeen questioned repeatedly (11— 13) Hence accurt, independent assessments the eles ofthe ‘il sands industry on concentrations of tc ehement inthe AR, fd ts tbutais are uravlble "Me noriloving AR, is truss, the Athabasca Delta (AD) ad Lake Athabasca (LA) (igure 1 in reference 13) were Investigated 0 fest the hypotes that increased concentrations ‘of elements in these waterbodies ate entire) from natural sour~ ‘es In Eebrary and June 208, surface wate was oletd from Si and 47 sted respectively. In March, the accumulated winter Scowpack was sampled a 31 sts. Sites onthe AR were chosen Upsteam or downstream of ol sands mining and processing ac thy, Upstream sites and ll te near ei sands development are txposed rectly tthe MeMuray ecloge Formation (eM), vw ra crgegv00107 Mpa 108758107 where most oil sands occur (13). Using 2006 Landsat imagery, thre sites along each of four tnbutares affected by oll sands evelopment were chosen, The fist was located upstream of ci sands development and the MeMF, the second was midstream ‘within the MeME but upstream of mining, and the third was near Seam mouths above the confluence with the AR, downstream ‘of development and downstream of or within the MeMF. Com parable stes were selected on two undeveloped reference ti butaries, To increae statistical power, additional stream mouth sites, with and without upstream development, were sampled in June. Here we present resulis forthe 13 elements on the US, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lst of priority pollu- tants (PPE): Sb, As, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb Hig, Ni Se, Ag. Tl, and Zn ‘Based on 2008 Landeat imagery, it was determined that some midstream and stream mouth ses that were undeveloped in 2006 ‘had been developed by the ol sands industry by 2008, To ase the ceffecs of development on the AR and its inbutaies, digital dis turbance data [change analysis of forest ecozones within Alberta (1991-2001) and Cenads aocess (roads, mines, forest fragments, and reservoirs buffered by $00 m), andthe extent of ol sands de ‘velopment in 2008 (14)] were merged using geographic information ‘stem (GIS) software to crete an index of relative overall land 08, except for Hg. = ). Estimated total depositions of Pb, Hg, and Ni cover 4 mo at sites within a SO-km radius of site ARS were 162, U1, and $83 kg. respectively (S1 Text and Dataset Si). Local inputs of PPE with pe 2 depesition caused by ol sands evelopment were discernible as far as 85 km from site AR6 (Fig. 14, Fig, S14, and Dataset $1), with mean and maximum loatlngs as much as 28- and 169-fld greater than at BG sites, respectively (Fig, 18). Ditoved PPE deportan in snom. Deposition of dissolved PPE in ‘snow generally was les than that of particulate PPE (Fig. 1 and Datasets Sl and 82). Dissolved PPE with a type 2 deposition paltern, including Ni, Sb, Cr, Cu, Tl, and Za, were as much as 5- fold greater than BG at ND sites (Fig. 18, Fig, SUB, and Dataset 2), with maxima. a sites other than ARS. Deposition of dis- solved Ca, Pb and Hig, with a type 3 patter, were as much a A we Deposition Patterns - Type 2 i : zy An Shaan a) oD ‘Sb, Cr, Cu, NI, Tl, Zn P 0,As, 6d 67, 4,9, 7,20 Dounce nen ARs ea 8 serge 06 . Snowpack in March Neer Devetopment NO) $8. -wereary J" copper 22 chroma |* | — Lead Sie)" | iramle if- wp) ee (slg | o aa: ° daz . 2 =| we | dee] oe 9 ‘Ld l 7 7 | at pe pe aise 0,4, Ml 2n Be 4 1D navsmonnd pace 0001 temno sates anaes P pO. ‘oni ND pH0.06 p=0.001 ‘p<0.007 ‘only NO Parieuate (or Dinatved (0) ig. nom depotion pattems Vand depoion of Ein nowpac ol {too upgrasng facts Type 2, exponential dace from ARG and les ‘orenea np (exept Hp which seapresed in gl Osta are peer lected in March (0 aed. parc. Ty ‘aurce Type 3 lel sources ony.) hucived apart cepeiion| ed snean'= 306 ses hte Sar an NO ses gy bars The numbers {ove te yoy ba represent ne mansrarn value ner development. The suibuon of ements sed beow each pane! i sr ott nthe pane! ove and ats ree oa ol | wengnaoroeaie/0 reer 00073407 ements th sie Sstrbutors deen mt ety et 000013;PNAS | 1Bold greater than BG at ND sites (Fig. 1B, Fig, S12, and Dataset $2). Stes with the greatest concentrations of Sb, Ci, Cr, (Gu, Pb, Ty, and Zn were not always the same as sites with the greatest deposition (Dataset $2), because snow depth and den- Sty were greater at some ND sites. Deposition of disoled type 2 and 3 PPE (Fig. 14, Fig $18, and Dataset §2) was greater than established BG concentrations a far a 85 km from ARG. This finding is consistent with the presence of localized sources of PPE in addition to upgraders (ig. 14 and B, Fig S1B, and Dataset $2) PE in Tetris. I all six tributaries sampled, concentrations of, PE in water didnot increase significantly from upstream sites ‘outside the MEMF lo midstream and stream mouth sites within the MeME in either summer or winter (Dataset 83). Thus, PPE ‘concentrations were unaffected by contact of river water withthe MeMF and were unrelated to the proportion of MeME within ‘each vatershed in summer or winter (Pryayp < 0.2; P> 02; df = 25) Differences among sites were not statistically significant feven in three tributaries with almost all development near stream ‘mouths (two-way ANOVA; Datasct 3), and PPE concentrations Sometimes were greater at sites upstream of the MeMF than at ‘midstream sites within the MeMF. Within the MeME, concen- trations of seven PPE increased up to -fld from midstream to stream mouth sites in summer, but notin winter, although di ferences wete not significant (paired test; Dataset $3). PPE concentrations during ow flow under ice often were greater than in summer (Dataset $3). Tn contrast, concentrations of some PPE in tributary water ine creased significantly near oilsands development and were sig- ‘fcantly correlated with overall lad disturbance (eg, Cd, Zn: scutes = 0.2 and 03; P = 005 and P< 001, respectively, df = 18) and with the proportign of oll sands development within waterbed (64, 08, Ni 4 and 0.3; P< 001 and 002, respective af tions of some PPE in ‘winter, such as Hg, Ni, and", were as much as fold greater in ‘Waterheds with more development (two-way ANOVA and two- Sample test P< 0.02 Fig. 24, Fig SIC, and Dataset $4) than in Jest developed watersheds In summer, concentrations of PPE in Watersheds exposed to >25% overall development were as much 's Hfold greater than in lest developed watersheds (two Way ANOVA and two-sample est; P< 002; Fig 2, Fig. SIC, and Datset $4). "At all midstream and stream mouth sites, Sb, Cd, Cr, Po, Ni, ‘Ag, and Zn concentrations were greater in winter (ovo-way ‘ANOVA; P'<'003), whereas Hg concentrations were greater in Document Released Under the Access to Information Act / Document divulgué en vertu de la Loi sur l'accés a l'information. summer (P < 0.002). At more disturbed site, concentrations of ‘As, Be, Hg and Se were greater in summer than in winter, but at less disturbed sites only Hg was more concentrated in summer. Similar patterns were observed when only stream mouth sites ‘were considered (Dataset $4) PPE in the Athabasca Ror, Athabasca Det, and Lake Athabosca, [Neither summer nor winter concentrations of PPE inthe AR at sites upstream from or near development were related signif ‘cantly tothe proportion of MeMF within a watershed. Cd was an ‘exception, with concentrations inversely related to MeMF in winter (Free = 04; P = 0.05; df= 8). In contrast, Zn concen teatonsin the AR during winter were related tothe proportion of ‘overall lind disturbance within a watershed (Pasumane™ 07; P< ‘0.002; df= 8). Ininte, concentrations of Cr, Hg, Niand Agin the AR under ice were up to 8fold greater just downstream of tings ponds, impoundments, or other oll ands development infrastructure than upstream. Hg remained slightly increased (1.5-fold) down- stream and in the AD, However, none of the concentrations downstream wassigniieandy greater than upstream (two-way and ‘one-way ANOVA: P > 0.08; Fig. 3, Fig. SI D, E, and F, and Dataret 5), probably because of low statistical power (B<0.17). In summer, concentrations of Sb, As, Cr, Cu, Pb, Hg, and Ni, were up to old greater inthe AR near oll sands development than upstream (one-way ANOVA, P < 0.01; multiple comparison, P< (005; Fig. 3, Fig. SLD, and Dataset $6), Concentrations of Be, Se, ‘Ag, Tland Zn were detectable ner oil sands development but not ‘upstream (Fig 3, Fg. SLD, and Dataset 6). Downstream of the oll sands development, and extending as far as the AD, concentrations of many PPE remained signif cantly greater than upstream (Sb, As, Cr, Cu, Pb, Hg, Ni; one- way ANOVA, P < 0.02; multiple comparison, P < 005; Fig. 3, Fig. SIE, and Dataset $6). Ag, Tl, and Zn were detectable only near ol sands development and inthe AD (Fig 3, Fig SLD, and Dataset $6). At LA, near the AR discharge, concentrations of eight PPE were as much as 24old greater than upstream of oi sands development (Sb, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Hg, Ni; Fig 3, Fig. SIF, and Dataset $6). Within the AR and AD, concentrations of| Cr, Cu, Pb, Hg, Ni and TI were greater in summer than winter (owo-way ANOVA: P < 0.02; Dataset $5), but concentrations fof Zn were greater in winter (two-way ANOVA; P < 0004; Dataset $5) f— Winter (W) Tributary water - midstream & stream mouth sites |«== summer (8) if Wereuy —)""| Thallium]! 7“ Chromtum |" /Beryitam|"| Copper iit > as é | $e. ” E 7 te . ee nc Re ft Aersb, Po ‘30 Carag. zn W poms enyoaarass pros siowow a seas S pone onyedieo2% peat ony >aiet20% ayn a26% Relate index of Overall Development aes aiturbed = <28%, more cisurbed 25%) Fig.2. Bement concentrations mean 2 SE erred in 9 excepto Hp wiht expruedin ng in water rom midstream and uta mouth shes Dp ieatee Ise of oral atrbance by development 25%, eu daub 225%, more Btrbed Black bar iste (gry bry seer oh ‘rico in ony sat at 923%, sore nly at rove tured us, The Soon ener ite below panel sla otha nthe pane! abo [aaa afr ta cements wh ita outs ayaa usta Edtion | Sot 000014ae Document Released Under the Access to Information Act / Document divulgué en vert de la Loi sur l'accés a l'information. Athabasca River water [==sanmrt ‘Mercury ‘Arsenio |{ Silver ‘Cadmium |{ Beryllium: fe ow i 4 y TT Y cltotouy upennaunup era seeDt> Upcoronue euzeale cote aerate” Aas “ Stat Shad pos Elaant concataton (w/,eeapt Marna) Fig. 3. tementconcenvatins nen = erred in excep for Hg. ich i exreied in agin water rom the AR cece in winter, ac ‘rd and summery ba). Up, AR user n= 3 Des A downtea rine gevlopment = 7, 08D, AR downstream and Athabasca Deta (a= [tate Atk ine deeson wt ana ony >On, rete dun lol at tes net devopment. incebes ea development and Sowa ‘hat ware not waited sian power «0.171. The davon of ‘eierto a eenants wth slr debuts. Diseussion (Oi sands development releases significant mases of PPE to the AR and fs watershed va air and water, confirming major transport pathways previously identifed for PAC (13). De pasion pater of PAC (13) and type 1 and 2 PPE were similar End were consistent wih oilsands upgraders being an atmo- spheric source. In contrast 10 PAC, type 2 and 3 deposition paliems for PPE were consistent with local sources of airborne PPE. Local sources of PPE were identified as far as &S km from 'ARG, indicating that PPE contamination is more widespread than PAC. In the AR and its tnbutaries, PPE were related to ‘real lad dsturbance, whereas PAC costamination was caused Fria by new development (13). Concentration of PPE. down Fea of development onthe AR, within the AD, and as far as one location on LA remained greater than upstream concentrations. “Thus, during summer, PPE contamination was measrable futher from the source than PAC. ‘Artare Contaminants. Within SO km of upgrading faites (AR6), TAO metric tons of atbome particulates were deposited in 2908 uring 4 mo of snowtll (igure 2 of ret 13). The majority ofthe particulates consisted of oil sands bitumen, as indicated by the Targe proportion of oil per unit particulate mass and simi distrbutons of PAC and PPE in ol sands ad particulates (Aigure Sa and b in ref. 13), Diflerenial fractionation of PPE. during “parading and low solubility of some elements in water may be "sponsible for any difereces in the disiebution of PPE in oi ‘tds and in particulates (Fig S24 and B), Coke and fy ash from Upgraders contain significant amounts of Niand elements oper than PPE, and relative concentrations of elements in ashed coke tnd By ash (16,17) ae similar to those in snow particulates. Par ficolate elements decline more rapidly with distance from ARS than do disolved elements. Thus, partitioning between phases likely occured before emision rather than after melting of snow (Datasets St and 52), ‘Type 2 and 3 deposition patterns implicate local soures, such as land clearing, mining, road dus, and other emissions related to oil sands development, as substantial additonal sources of PPE contamination (Datasets Sand $2). Oil sands industries have emitted airborne PPE fr at least 30. Increased deposition sitibuted to Rly ash was found 25 km north and south and 10 km fast end west of upgrading facies during snow surveys in 1978 6 | womsnaeresi917spae 0005407 leer ised blow pane art hate the panel above and Rass and 1981 (21, 22). Deposition destined from 1978 to 1981 ater installation of preciptators (22). By 2008, the area contaminated by particulates was nearly 2fld lager than in 1978-1981, De- postion of particulates was about 34,000 metric tons in 2008, five fimes greater than emission inventories and close to annual de position rates before preciptators (13) ‘Although no PPE were measured in carler studies, deposition ‘of other clements (6, total K, Na, and Ca and dissolved Al) ‘was significantly greater in 2008 than in 1978, before installation of prespitator (paired test; P < 0.006) and was greater chan in 1981, ater installation (P < 0.04). In contrast, deposition of particulate Al, V, and'Ti and dissolved V was significantly lower {in 2008 than in 1978/1981 (P < 0.03; 51 Text), Hence, the success ‘of technologies in controlling diferent elements appears uneven, although differences among studies also may relate to site, sampling and analytical diferences. ‘Nonetheless, excessive deposition of elements has occurred for more than 30, and emissions of As, Pb, and Hg tothe ait by Suncor and Syaerude increased ~3-fo between 2001 and 2008 (G3), Our estimates ofthe annual particulate deposition of Pb, Hig. and Ni, integrated within aS0-km radius of AR6, were 36%, 96%, and $996 lower, respectively than reported annual emis sions. This difference probably indicates that some emisions are ‘deposited outside the 50-km radius. Hg concentrations in shes respond rapidly to changes in atmosphere deposition of Hg 24), these changes are of concern because Hg concentrations in fishes from the AR and AD ate already high (1). ARiverbome Contaminant. Similarities between the relative con- entttions of PPE in snow and river water link emissions of alr tome elements tothe AR and its tnbutaries (Fig S2 C and D), PE in the snow pack probably were released as pulse during sing mel. In summer, PPE are deposited directly to waterbodies tnd the watershed, During snownset and ea evens, elements are ‘ischarged to surface waters, but a proportion is retained in sot land vegetation. Particulate and disolved Ni best represent the ‘ype 1 deposition patter. In summer, when direct deposition of Srbome contaminants tothe river occurs, Ni concentrations are Strongly correlated with concentrations ofall other PPE in the AR land ts tributaries ( > 08, except Ag = O5;P < 0001). Inwinter, ‘when airbome elements are deposited to snow on river ice, par ticulate deposition of all PPE except Se deciines exponentially con 000015 |5 V4 a from ARS, although some also are affected by local sources. In river water under ice, concentrations of Ni were not correlated ‘with other PPE, suggesting that concentrations under ice reflect, Inputs from erosion or effluent dcharge, not atmospheric sur ‘Concentrations of three PPE and four other elements koowa to be increased in ol sands process water are much greater inthe [AR only near talings ponds ool sands development in winter. ‘This nding suggests alings pond leakage or discharge as sources of element tothe AR ‘The patern of increased PPE concentrations in snow and the river stem does not suppor the dim that contamination of the ‘AR and ite tributaries is only from natural erosion of ol sands. ‘Concentrations of PPE did not increase significantly 35 water flowed through the MeME from midstream to steam mouth sites, in winter or summer (Dataset $3) and element concen~ tuations in bottom and suspended sediments of tributaries did not reflect greuter exposure to natural oll sands (25). Previous| records of upsiream-10-downstream tends in waterborne Ni and Za concentrations during high flow (26) probably reflect runoff ‘of snowmelt and rain from disturbed areas ‘contami- nated by atmospheric deposition. Tastead, our results indicate that the source of PPE. was from cil sands development. In tributaries, overall land disturbance ‘avsed a major flux of PPE to water (Fig. 2 and Dataset 4). In ‘summer, increased concentrations of many PPE. were signif. tantly related to development at midstream and tbutary mouth Sites (Fig SI and Dataset $4), At les disturbed tributary sits, ‘conceniations of most PPE were greatest under winter ice (Dataset $4) However, at more disturbed tributary sites, con: ‘centrations of several PFE were greater in summer than winter (Dataset $4, indicating the impact of land disturbance. Ifthe fouree were natural erasion of oll sands, concentrations a all, Sites would have been greater in summer than winter ‘nthe AR, PPE concentrations were greater downstream of oil sands development, particularly in summer, and many remained increased over upstream concentrations at downstream and. AD sites (Fig. 3 and Dataset $6). This increase may be the result of ratual creases in BG concentrations downstream, based on the river continuum concept (27)- However, among all PPE, the pat {em of increases over upstream concentrations inthe AD and LA. was similar to increases ND (Fig. SI), indicative of a persistent “anthropogenic signal with ol sands development asthe most ikly Soutee. Long term rends (1989-2006) at an AR site downstream of fol sands development show that metal concentrations generally ‘creased, but with o sgnifeant trends aftr flow adjustment ex- ‘cep fora decine in Pb (28). In contrast, from 1960-2007, stream flow and concentrations of three elements decreased, but tur bidity nutrients, As, and Alincreased at Old Fort, just within the ‘AD, probably because of anthropogenic disturbance (29). In Sediments, metal concentrations increased downstream to the ‘AD and LA (30), indicating deposition of suspended partic- ‘lates inthe meandering channels ofthe AD. Tnereased airborne deposition of elements for ~40y probably has increased PPE and PAC (13) concentrations in surface sis, ‘vegetation snow, and runoff over a broad area of boreal forest Although RAMP has sampled snow for hydrologic monitoring (G1), pollutant concentrations were not reported, despite past recommendations for regional monitoring of contaminants in ‘Snow (21,22). Given the lack of detailed longcterm monitoring, i eiicult to tell how much upstream concentrations have in- creased over true BG a the result of longeterm airborne de- postion (13). Previously, concentrations of several elements in Irbutaries to the AR have exceeded guidelines forthe protection ‘of aquatic life during spring (26), These concentrations were thought to be natural and useful as baseline data to assess future femisions (26). However, reaches of these tributaries are within 50 km of ARE, where we show that deposition of many elements Document Released Under the Access to Information Act / Document divulgué en vertu de la Loi sur l'accés a l'information. tosnow is incteased.Emision from new and expanded upgrading TRaises wil further lcreasereponl BG concrratons ‘ConcenationsafCa.Ou, Pb Hig Ni, Ag and Zain meted snow and in tlttary and AR water eeceded gullies forthe pro {ection of aquatic if (Sf Tex) othe greatest extent a sits neat evelopment (Fig 8), For ample, seven PPE exceeded ge tines in mow st ND sex whereas ony Ci exceeded guidelines at some BG sites (Fg 83) iim snow was 200- and 50fold greater {han the hardnes-dependen and inerim guidelines, especie, ‘ofthe Canaan Counal of Miniter of the Envinment(OCME} ‘Wate: Quality Guidelines forthe Protection f Aquatic Lie and Ag ‘es I5 fold reser than CCME pudeings al one AR sit in Feb> ‘ary (Fig $8) (32). Oter highly tose metal (CC, Po Hg, {nd 2) exceeded guidlines by up Sold (Fig 53). Guidelines were exeeded mor often in umaner han in winter at AR sca ‘Similar, guidelines wore exceed during the spring reset (26), when metals should be most tx berause water harness {ecreses fom >100 mg to <5 mg. For example, unde these conditions the CCME pudelne of 2-4 yg CuL would be acutely lethal 1 minnow embryos (33), creating an annual sk of te uliment fare for 19 fish species that spawn inthe AR and is tnbuars in spring or early sumer (34). Metal mires aso ‘an at synergistically (35), and some FPE potentiate PAC tox. ‘Sy to aque organisms (19). "BPE concentrations in ned snow and in ubtary and AR water did ot exceed drinking water quality pudsines (Fg. 83). Neverteles,iereased Jeposon of elements considered pri- iy pollutants under the US EPA Clean Water Act are of once o Buman health. As indicated, a sh consumption ad- Story ents for Hg in walleye from the AR (IS) and the AD Wetlands provide an inreased potential or ig metition (3). Links have been proposed between diseases prevalent in For Chipewyan and the eareinogeniy of PAC (612) Elects of PAC canbe potentiated by caeposure 10 As (2), which above BBG concentrations downtream of development as far a8 The AAD. Ato, high loadings of 08 o snow may present hel sks teenie mootebiosrumlate Cd in ver and Kidneys, electing ‘eponel Gibsons of CA in vegetation (97). Montonng PPE Invegeation and country fods where ol sands emission fll on sborginal treaty lands Besental Conchsions. Contrary to claims made by industry and government inthe popular press, the ol sands industry substantially increases loadings of toxic PPE to the AR and its tributaries via air and pathways. This inerease confirms the serious defects of RAMP (1-13), which has not detected such pattems in the AR ‘watershed, Detailed long-term monitoring is essential to istin- [Bish the sources of these contaminants and control their po- fens impacts on envionmental and human heats (13) A ‘robust monitoring program to measure exposure and bealth of ‘ish, wilde, and humans should be implemented in the region affected by oil sands development (38, 38). Methods Stedy Dig. Stes ware lected to itnguh contbarons of o sande evelopnertor natu iurerfostmetlosdng Adetaled dessptono! thetuoy doug G8 anos and # uy aes ap cn be found (3. tt ating. Snow wt cece rom 12 te the AR A, and LA ae ftom "ort tern Maren 3008 To leat area! epestion ates of ‘ements snow cores were coleted ot eid In (13). AN agente Spi ofthe snowpach nar ealeces for Hg and the elements wit Mle shoe scewnhed Teton xiape, and an wd washed Teton ‘top Samples ware pisced ito aad wathed 2 Teflon js Og) Fac ‘athe wlcemoutredhighdemty poetylene Bote other tenant nd ored foren uel ana in February and Jone ure tar samples were collected tal ten for asin of ig and 30 other elements ng an utacean sap roto) amples were acded S00 wh concerted ace etal PRUs cay Eon | 506 000016| / | | = la a rade HC. For other laments, 250: samples wer aced wth OS ml of tne prace mie ad Duis p ur and Ss Bans were ied Intth nt and one” taming ameugrs Ol Sane om ping eaten (9) tatertry. Seow mace and tees ough 4S gle te. rice was determined. Unter red (dase) sow Samples were (eta) snow an hee water and raves fr tithe Unvety of Albee Low aevel Mercy Ana ‘erator by eal vapor atomic Hurescence oecromey (VAS ar ples were ane or ter eomerts at he Queers Unverity Anan Serves Unt wing ince cupid pam atomic eon wecosooy Sr an utvrone nebulae (KPAGS an atte Royal Mitary Colege sia nce Grp sting EPS. oth aratores ae aces by ‘Se Canaan aecition for ebortryAczedeatlon te nematinal O- buizalon for sandareoninternalonal flerteciea Commas {lanee sanded 17025. Concrtasons of elmer pauls were ‘Gleted a purtte = total dsohed Salt of sacs wore analyzed fr elements 2 he Univeité du ‘utter | Rinse Laberatore de Chimie Marine et Specvomtie Se ae bth erences des Mar de Rinou BMS 1. trem tenor merino C00) ler Lan ‘ruraoaia erie sabi row fos tic ured ‘tonteaptnerocooaabare' purayPA8eh 220.0 lr lege | | i | g : ‘igen comes. + Soins cn mre Ae Oe ‘cau aha ay Pn Laing ote nanan «Sn ete Peon bara indy ple The sei mcs pe orton ty un 1 San be earn nr noun Abe 1953808 baa Cac Seaver inert See nee 4. Mleod ue Coren haan amen pour Alontong gn sa ony Rio et dao Ak Cs goer Caton theca emote Erma ape Bot ‘1 apm Gab tk ur © 96) Or on) Aga Mennerng ‘Metin ane et ne! ot Yu ep 87 ns ts Ena bnon sey firs diet ty eed at th o.tayours bot Cicra setaona ous pc oom opan 1 Sottfore wn oat ce srenget hanger Abr et ‘Stes prt cou cose won eee nom fcogcnaorenesrn 1 Minow ano hen met ner n sro may Tapas See sce ne eco er oa ort i rk a on a re at 1% Geer of Abs Gb 209 stra ae Sang Regu! (Siutameeplet attest ofenasonsmnineonononenion Be ut hog Ta G2 Mar ef meta phar rie hnrente te cen ning meen rn hee ae Paet n1 Gn Comune sy of tae ed besprae a eft | wrvgnmorocgier9 r0ruers 0054107 Document Released Under the Access to Information Act / Document divulgué en vertu, de la Loi sur 'accés a l'information. napa and Stati Matods, To compare the lathe importance of ‘tatralerotenandminingeneement mociiation element concentrations eae wr need pane apron o hewn wine 2eoe Tose comparions mere ase fat Tor te a ‘ins of anaes org and other elements, qultyassrancelaalty control eaten samples below the detection int ll source den ‘ihatien of slaments snow, citations of reside ‘element de boston, deugnaton of 8G vetus impacted for som, percent above eacalatons comparson wit itr elementtaadng stom com Darton th gudefneh andvtatiticalmethogroreprvideun Methods vive combined snd spe ‘ACANOWLEDEMENTS. KTinoney, .Grandabe, 8 Fort, doce, [Totton Troup Pardon Vadis Ber Daven NL Rue, Bikey ard t bint Loos prowded aitane wih paring, eld wor Seder labraton snipes Pues Canad andthe Goveramet® of bert [anabe esovce evelopment granted esearch permis The Athabsi ‘fpr, MueCre and For tacky Fre Nations aod MA promde Serapea knowage and aces toad tional orton M Hannan Sha tne gopled G8 dala vd Selned wotaresh. The Tides nd the ‘er ona Bote cord Foundations nde the wore ‘nee nam sos Novem ene 22 raya nn 1H SaaS he OSE Sy rn rp tere ea la tennant Recah Pet Pome Esra 2 Nos Poot aie ROR) OO weap ok: eed 2 hata Re OH vec hw ad oh aay nt ‘hopes apt a ad a aE i ath ny rie 7 Maret nae 28, Huey 1 Codey 8 Cniy PM, Quagraine EC Q0OS) The Curation snd ‘Sarina nian nd peer oping 2 ‘oat naan a ann, el Cag CE (98 he Hw ‘Sloman once Comune 373097. 2 ne oy ate eat aro oe ‘ty Sons eet on inane gr ow aa Pe ‘nae nner Gu rng ren mn 2 Shon mwa toes Faroe one Sethe” Ary he es acre tame oe ‘tsa hrm Ose tyson Pepa Mara 1. anal Ae ang Popa Babi) 2) 208 an Ret i re a oA a eB re 22 Gratin Sand © ty of ha Einar G00 cana wt sty ‘rnammcne pests ae rategny ee Rew Hwee 15 an One Dept ly of mage eye ree ‘hep sayarg mma ints ee Aga Tae oe Richie Gonomee senate ‘ervey sea prcprstn 5 ol Ewen 73 28. oe 0990 sara i Ba tay Mp 0 be 1» Rosey ttn rn ay ing Papa 1. Yn eat an ono nett et of ‘mer to aos yew ow, ety eoDocument Released Under the Access to on Information Act / Document divulgué en vertu de la Loi sur l'accés a l'information. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION ADM-XXXXXX_ MEMORANDUM TO ASSISTANT DEPUTY MINISTER ENVIRONMENT CANADA SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ACTIVITIES RELATED TO ALBERTA OIL SANDS DEVELOPMENT For Information PURPOSE, To provide Environment Canada's scientific perspective on Kelly et al. 2010 publication “Oil sands development contributes elements toxic at low concentrations to the Athabasca River and its tributaries.” SUMMARY © The Kelly ef al paper quantifies dissolved and particulate metals in water and snow pack in the oil sands area. ‘© S&T scientists agree that the approach used by Kelly et al. (2010) to estimate the impact of oil sands operations on contaminant loadings to the Fort McMurray region is reasonable, but key assumptions remain untested. + There is agreement that increased ‘priority pollutants’ (PPE) levels are closely associated geographically with oil extraction activities. ‘© There is no reason to dispute the actual value of metals reported. Standard collection methodologies and reputable analytical laboratories were used. © This was a complicated paper and at times it is difficult to determine exactly how sampling sites were grouped for analyses. For example, in a subset of analyses, for unspecified reasons, additional samples were added “to increase statistical power”. There are still uncertainties associated with atmospheric deposition values derived from snow column measurements and also with derivations of spatial variation in deposition based on a restricted number of sampling sites. * EC scientists are assessing whether there are observable toxic effects of Athabasca River water based on standard toxicity testing using fish and invertebrate bioassays. CONSIDERATIONS The goal of the research was to distinguish anthropogenic loading of metals from natural sources, by using an experimental design with sampling sites upstream and downstream of oilsands development, and both in and out of the McMurray Geologic Formation (MeMF) that contains bitumen. Water © For the water analyses, the authors assume that by comparing results collected, for example, from upstream of development but inside the MeMF, with those downstream and inside the McME, the quantity of anthropogenic loading would be quantified. 000018Document Released Under the Access to Information Act / Document divulgué en vertu de la Loi sur l'accés a l'information. ‘© Acrucial unstated assumption in the study design is that the natural loadings (i.e. surficial crosion and ground water inputs) of metals to the aquatic environment are spatially constant throughout the McMF. Although this assumption is not correct, without further research itis difficult to assess if the study conclusions should be discounted or not. Ample data exists (pers comm. Preston McEachem, Alberta Environment) that shows that levels of metals vary considerably in aquifers with the McMF, ground water inputs into surface waters are notoriously heterogeneous, and anecdotally the amount of bitumen exposed for erosion is very heterogeneous in the Athabasca River water shed, Snow ‘The study indicates that snow deposition and melt are important atmospheric conduits for the transport of metals from oil sands development activities to the regional landscape and watersheds around Fort McMurray. Although the study design does not explicitly distinguish between natural and industrial sources, the only likely natural deposition would ‘originate in areas of naturally exposed bitumen, which is likely a very small percentage of the land cover. ‘©The study reports that deposition of particulate matter exceeds the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) values by around five times. tis reasonable to assume this is accurate ‘because there can be the formation of secondary particulate matter in the atmosphere that ‘would increase deposition. Also, there could be significant dust from mining operations that could also contribute to deposition but which is not reported to the NPR ‘© The study notes that estimates of particulate deposition of lead, mercury and nickel within a 50 km radius of the up-grading facilities in Fort McMurray do not account fora large percentage of the reported releases of these metals in the emissions inventories (inventory values confirmed by NPRI). The authors conclude that some emissions are deposited outside of the SOkm radius, which is likely an accurate assumption. © Uncertainties still remain with the atmospheric deposition values derived from snow column ‘measurements and with the derivations of spatial variation in deposition based on a low number of sampling sites. These unccrtaintics are not fully explored in this paper, thus, it is difficult to determine the extent to which deposition and spatial distribution patterns presented are statistically robust. CURRENT STATUS © S&T scientists are continuing their efforts to verify these results and resolve outstanding scientific issues as previously identified in order to reduce the uncertainty surrounding the sources of the observed contaminants in the Athabasca River Basin and further downstream. NEXT-STEPS ‘© Environment Canada will be actively sampling in the Athabasca area, including in a number of tailing ponds, and a series of aerial deposition si fall and winter in support of EC Enforcement activities and other legislated responsibilities. nie 000019Drafting Officer's Name: Karl Sthuefer, Fred Wrona Input from: Shao-Meng Li, AQRD; Heather Morrison. AQRD Directorate! Branch: WSTD Phone No: 905-336-4884 Date Drafted: September 1, 2010 Document Released Under the Access to Information Act / Document divulgué en vertu de la Loi sur l'accés 4 l'information. Dan Wicklum DG, WSTD 000020