Assessing the Effectiveness of Stable Isotope Approaches for Tracing the Fate of N and S Emissions from Oilsand Operations in Surrounding Terrestrial and Aquatic Evironments

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There are increasing concerns regarding the environmental impact of Alberta's oilsands industry, including the cumulative impact of the N and S emissions from all currently operational oilsand projects on the surrounding terrestrial and aquatic environment. A quantifiable assessment of this impact would benefit from the ability to differentiate between natural and anthropogenic N and S contributions to the environment. This project will determine the stable isotope compositions of N and S compounds in (a) industrial emissions, (b) atmospheric deposition, and (c) various environmental receptors including lichens, plant foliage, soils and surface water obtained from numerous sites located at various distances from the major emission sources in the Athabasca oilsands region around Fort McMurray. The obtained results will reveal to which extent stable isotope ratios of N and S compounds emitted from the oilsands operations can be used, in concert with chemical analyses, to trace the fate of industrial emissions in the surrounding terrestrial and aquatic environment. The project will make a major innovative contribution to assessing the environmental footprint of industrial N and S emission from the Athabasca oilsands region and devise strategies for long-term monitoring of N and S emissions. This will help to demonstrate to Canadians and consumers world-wide that industrial operators in the Athabasca oilsands region of northeastern Alberta are serious about assessing the environmental impact of their N and S emissions in a scientifically testable manner thereby demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship. Therefore, this project will make an essential contribution to a sustainable exploitation of Alberta's vast energy reserves locked up in the Athabasca oilsands, while making a contribution towards maintaining a healthy environment. An improved environmental record of Alberta's oilsands industry will benefit all Canadians by ensuring sustainable energy supplies while protecting the environment.