Oil sands tailings ponds - Revision history

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

2020-01-31T05:10:05Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 05:10, 31 January 2020
(No difference)

Energy>Jmdonev at 21:42, 19 January 2020

2020-01-19T21:42:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:42, 19 January 2020
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Category:Done ~~2018~~-12-~~10]]~~		[[Category:Done 2020-01-31]]
	~~[[Category: Rudi grade Ashley edit~~]]
	[[File:640px-Syncrude_mildred_lake_plant.jpg\|400px\|framed\|right\|Figure 1. Oil sands tailings pond in Fort McMurray, Alberta.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (June 9, 2015). ''Syncrude's Mildred Lake site, plant and tailings ponds'' [Online]. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_sands#/media/File:Syncrude_mildred_lake_plant.jpg</ref>]]		[[File:640px-Syncrude_mildred_lake_plant.jpg\|400px\|framed\|right\|Figure 1. Oil sands tailings pond in Fort McMurray, Alberta.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (June 9, 2015). ''Syncrude's Mildred Lake site, plant and tailings ponds'' [Online]. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_sands#/media/File:Syncrude_mildred_lake_plant.jpg</ref>]]

	<onlyinclude>The '''Oil sands tailings ponds''' are settling ponds that contain the [[pollution vs waste\|waste]] byproduct of [[oil sands]] [[extraction]] and upgrading. They are a mix of [[water]], sand, silt, clay, unrecovered [[hydrocarbon]]s, and other contaminants.</onlyinclude><ref name=alb>Canada's Oil Sands. (Accessed Oct.20, 2018). ''Tailings Ponds'' [Online]. ~~Available~~: ~~https://www.~~canadasoilsands.ca/en/explore-topics/tailings-ponds</ref> The management of [[tailings pond]]s is one of the most difficult [[environment]]al challenges associated with oil sands and their existence is extremely controversial.<ref name="RE2"/> Currently, tailings ponds occupy a fair amount of space in Alberta—covering around 77 square [[meter\|kilometers]]. Including all tailings ponds structures along with the ponds themselves, the total covered area is 220 square kilometers—an area about 1.5 times larger than the city of Vancouver (about 176 square kilometers as of 2010).<ref name=tailings>Alberta Environment & Water. (June 19, 2015). ''Oil Sands Information Portal: Tailings Ponds – Tailings Ponds Surface Area'' [Online]. Available: http://osip.alberta.ca/library/Dataset/Details/542</ref>		<onlyinclude>The '''Oil sands tailings ponds''' are settling ponds that contain the [[pollution vs waste\|waste]] byproduct of [[oil sands]] [[extraction]] and upgrading. They are a mix of [[water]], sand, silt, clay, unrecovered [[hydrocarbon]]s, and other contaminants.</onlyinclude><ref name=alb>Canada's Oil Sands. (Accessed Oct. 20, 2018). ''Tailings Ponds'' [Online]. This was available at: canadasoilsands.ca/en/explore-topics/tailings-ponds but that resource has now been combined with an oil lobbying group, the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers.</ref> The management of [[tailings pond]]s is one of the most difficult [[environment]]al challenges associated with oil sands and their existence is extremely controversial.<ref name="RE2"/> Currently, tailings ponds occupy a fair amount of space in Alberta—covering around 77 square [[meter\|kilometers]]. Including all tailings ponds structures along with the ponds themselves, the total covered area is 220 square kilometers—an area about 1.5 times larger than the city of Vancouver (about 176 square kilometers as of 2010).<ref name=tailings>Alberta Environment & Water. (June 19, 2015). ''Oil Sands Information Portal: Tailings Ponds – Tailings Ponds Surface Area'' [Online]. Available: http://osip.alberta.ca/library/Dataset/Details/542</ref>

	There are several environmental concerns that are associated with the existence of tailings ponds. The main problem with the ponds is that they include toxic and harmful [[chemical]]s such as [[ammonia]], [[mercury]], and naphthenic [[acid]]s. The water containing these chemicals is toxic to animals, particularly aquatic organisms.<ref name="RE2"/> If aquatic organisms enter these ponds, significant levels of damage can occur. In addition, these ponds are not sealed tightly. Instead, the water and contaminants from the pond seep into the soil surrounding it, potentially contaminating [[groundwater]] and harming wildlife surrounding the pond. As well, these ponds exist almost indefinitely, with over 830 million cubic [[meter]]s requiring long term containment.<ref name="RE2"/> This poses a risk to wildlife, mainly birds, who can be harmed if they come into contact with the [[water]] in these ponds.		There are several environmental concerns that are associated with the existence of tailings ponds. The main problem with the ponds is that they include toxic and harmful [[chemical]]s such as [[ammonia]], [[mercury]], and naphthenic [[acid]]s. The water containing these chemicals is toxic to animals, particularly aquatic organisms.<ref name="RE2"/> If aquatic organisms enter these ponds, significant levels of damage can occur. In addition, these ponds are not sealed tightly. Instead, the water and contaminants from the pond seep into the soil surrounding it, potentially contaminating [[groundwater]] and harming wildlife surrounding the pond. As well, these ponds exist almost indefinitely, with over 830 million cubic [[meter]]s requiring long term containment.<ref name="RE2"/> This poses a risk to wildlife, mainly birds, who can be harmed if they come into contact with the [[water]] in these ponds.

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

2019-01-04T18:14:56Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 18:14, 4 January 2019
(No difference)

2dev>Jmdonev at 21:13, 27 October 2018

2018-10-27T21:13:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:13, 27 October 2018
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Category:Done 2018-08-03]]		[[Category:Done 2018-12-10]]
			[[Category: Rudi grade Ashley edit]]
	[[File:640px-Syncrude_mildred_lake_plant.jpg\|400px\|framed\|right\|Figure 1. Oil sands tailings pond in Fort McMurray, Alberta.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (June 9, 2015). ''Syncrude's Mildred Lake site, plant and tailings ponds'' [Online]. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_sands#/media/File:Syncrude_mildred_lake_plant.jpg</ref>]]		[[File:640px-Syncrude_mildred_lake_plant.jpg\|400px\|framed\|right\|Figure 1. Oil sands tailings pond in Fort McMurray, Alberta.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (June 9, 2015). ''Syncrude's Mildred Lake site, plant and tailings ponds'' [Online]. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_sands#/media/File:Syncrude_mildred_lake_plant.jpg</ref>]]

	<onlyinclude>'''~~Tailings~~ ponds''' are settling ponds that contain the [[pollution vs waste\|waste]] byproduct of [[oil sands]] [[extraction]] and upgrading. They are a mix of [[water]], sand, silt, clay, unrecovered [[hydrocarbon]]s, and other contaminants.</onlyinclude><ref name=alb>~~Alberta Energy~~. (~~June 19~~, ~~2015~~). ''~~Reclamation~~'' [Online]. Available: ~~http~~://www.~~energy.gov.ab~~.ca/~~OilSands~~/~~1722.asp~~</ref> The management of tailings ~~ponds~~ is one of the most difficult [[environment]]al challenges associated with oil sands and their existence is extremely controversial. Currently, tailings ponds occupy a fair amount of space in Alberta—covering around 77 square [[meter\|kilometers]].~~<ref name="RE1">Alberta Government. (July 27, 2015). ''Tailings Ponds'' [Online]. Available: http://oilsands.alberta.ca/tailings.html</ref>~~ Including all tailings ponds structures along with the ponds themselves, the total covered area is 220 square kilometers—an area about 1.5 times larger than the city of Vancouver (about 176 square kilometers as of 2010).<ref name=tailings>Alberta Environment & Water. (June 19, 2015). ''Oil Sands Information Portal: Tailings Ponds – Tailings Ponds Surface Area'' [Online]. Available: http://osip.alberta.ca/library/Dataset/Details/542</ref>		<onlyinclude>The '''Oil sands tailings ponds''' are settling ponds that contain the [[pollution vs waste\|waste]] byproduct of [[oil sands]] [[extraction]] and upgrading. They are a mix of [[water]], sand, silt, clay, unrecovered [[hydrocarbon]]s, and other contaminants.</onlyinclude><ref name=alb>Canada's Oil Sands. (Accessed Oct.20, 2018). ''Tailings Ponds'' [Online]. Available: https://www.canadasoilsands.ca/en/explore-topics/tailings-ponds</ref> The management of [[tailings pond]]s is one of the most difficult [[environment]]al challenges associated with oil sands and their existence is extremely controversial.<ref name="RE2"/> Currently, tailings ponds occupy a fair amount of space in Alberta—covering around 77 square [[meter\|kilometers]]. Including all tailings ponds structures along with the ponds themselves, the total covered area is 220 square kilometers—an area about 1.5 times larger than the city of Vancouver (about 176 square kilometers as of 2010).<ref name=tailings>Alberta Environment & Water. (June 19, 2015). ''Oil Sands Information Portal: Tailings Ponds – Tailings Ponds Surface Area'' [Online]. Available: http://osip.alberta.ca/library/Dataset/Details/542</ref>

	There are several environmental concerns that are associated with the existence of tailings ponds. The main problem with the ponds is that they include toxic and harmful [[chemical]]s such as [[ammonia]], [[mercury]], and naphthenic [[acid]]s. The water containing these chemicals is toxic to animals, particularly aquatic organisms.<ref name="RE2"/> If aquatic organisms enter these ponds, significant levels of damage can occur. In addition, these ponds are not sealed tightly. Instead, the water and contaminants from the pond seep into the soil surrounding it, potentially contaminating [[groundwater]] and harming wildlife surrounding the pond. As well, these ponds exist almost indefinitely, with over 830 million cubic [[meter]]s requiring long term containment.<ref name="RE2"/> This poses a risk to wildlife, mainly birds, who can be harmed if they come into contact with the [[water]] in these ponds.		There are several environmental concerns that are associated with the existence of tailings ponds. The main problem with the ponds is that they include toxic and harmful [[chemical]]s such as [[ammonia]], [[mercury]], and naphthenic [[acid]]s. The water containing these chemicals is toxic to animals, particularly aquatic organisms.<ref name="RE2"/> If aquatic organisms enter these ponds, significant levels of damage can occur. In addition, these ponds are not sealed tightly. Instead, the water and contaminants from the pond seep into the soil surrounding it, potentially contaminating [[groundwater]] and harming wildlife surrounding the pond. As well, these ponds exist almost indefinitely, with over 830 million cubic [[meter]]s requiring long term containment.<ref name="RE2"/> This poses a risk to wildlife, mainly birds, who can be harmed if they come into contact with the [[water]] in these ponds.

	Another concern about the use of tailings ponds is the volume of oil sands tailings produced from [[bitumen]] extraction. For every barrel of bitumen extracted from the oil sands, 1.5 barrels of tailings waste is produced.<ref name="RE2">Pembina Institute. (June 19, 2015). ''Tailings Ponds'' [Online]. Available: http://www.pembina.org/oil-sands~~/os101~~/tailings</ref> This large volume of tailings requires a large area for storage, and the sheer size of tailings ponds can be an issue, as they encroach on wildlife territory.		Another concern about the use of tailings ponds is the volume of oil sands tailings produced from [[bitumen]] extraction. For every barrel of bitumen extracted from the oil sands, 1.5 barrels of tailings waste is produced.<ref name="RE2">Pembina Institute. (June 19, 2015). ''Tailings Ponds'' [Online]. Available: http://www.pembina.org/oil-sands/tailings-ponds</ref> This large volume of tailings requires a large area for storage, and the sheer size of tailings ponds can be an issue, as they encroach on wildlife territory.

	Efforts are being made to reduce the impact that tailings ponds have on the environment. First, bird deterrence systems have been created and used to prevent birds from landing on the ponds. These [[air]] cannons are used to frighten away the birds if they get too close. Targets have also been set for companies to reduce tailings and provide specific dates for when the ponds will be closed and reclaimed.<ref name=~~"RE1"~~/> In addition, timelines are being created that requires that fluid tailings be processed as quickly as they are being created, preventing tailings growth.<ref name=~~"RE1"~~/>		Efforts are being made to reduce the impact that tailings ponds have on the environment. First, bird deterrence systems have been created and used to prevent birds from landing on the ponds. These [[air]] cannons are used to frighten away the birds if they get too close. Targets have also been set for companies to reduce tailings and provide specific dates for when the ponds will be closed and reclaimed.<ref name=alb/> In addition, timelines are being created that requires that fluid tailings be processed as quickly as they are being created, preventing tailings growth.<ref name=alb/>

	==Interactive Map==		==Interactive Map==

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

2018-09-03T22:23:31Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 22:23, 3 September 2018
(No difference)

energy>Jmdonev at 21:31, 25 July 2018

2018-07-25T21:31:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:31, 25 July 2018
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Category:Done ~~2015~~-07-24]]		[[Category:Done 2018-08-03]]
	[[File:640px-Syncrude_mildred_lake_plant.jpg\|400px\|framed\|right\|Figure 1. Oil sands tailings pond in Fort McMurray, Alberta.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (June 9, 2015). ''Syncrude's Mildred Lake site, plant and tailings ponds'' [Online]. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_sands#/media/File:Syncrude_mildred_lake_plant.jpg</ref>]]		[[File:640px-Syncrude_mildred_lake_plant.jpg\|400px\|framed\|right\|Figure 1. Oil sands tailings pond in Fort McMurray, Alberta.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (June 9, 2015). ''Syncrude's Mildred Lake site, plant and tailings ponds'' [Online]. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_sands#/media/File:Syncrude_mildred_lake_plant.jpg</ref>]]

	<onlyinclude>'''Tailings ponds''' are settling ponds that contain the waste byproduct of [[oil sands]] extraction and upgrading. They are a mix of [[water]], sand, silt, clay, unrecovered [[hydrocarbon]]s, and other contaminants.</onlyinclude><ref name=alb>Alberta Energy. (June 19, 2015). ''Reclamation'' [Online]. Available: http://www.energy.gov.ab.ca/OilSands/1722.asp</ref> The management of tailings ponds is one of the most difficult ~~environmental~~ challenges associated with oil sands ~~development today~~ and their existence is extremely controversial. Currently, tailings ponds occupy a fair amount of space in ~~Alberta - covering~~ around 77 square [[meter\|kilometers]].<ref name="RE1">Alberta Government. (July 27, 2015). ''Tailings Ponds'' [Online]. Available: http://oilsands.alberta.ca/tailings.html</ref> Including all tailings ponds structures along with the ponds themselves, the total covered area is 220 square ~~kilometers - an~~ area about 1.5 times larger than the city of Vancouver (about 176 square kilometers ~~in Canada in~~ 2010).<ref name=tailings>Alberta Environment & Water. (June 19, 2015). ''Oil Sands Information Portal: Tailings Ponds – Tailings Ponds Surface Area'' [Online]. Available: http://osip.alberta.ca/library/Dataset/Details/542</ref>		<onlyinclude>'''Tailings ponds''' are settling ponds that contain the [[pollution vs waste\|waste]] byproduct of [[oil sands]] [[extraction]] and upgrading. They are a mix of [[water]], sand, silt, clay, unrecovered [[hydrocarbon]]s, and other contaminants.</onlyinclude><ref name=alb>Alberta Energy. (June 19, 2015). ''Reclamation'' [Online]. Available: http://www.energy.gov.ab.ca/OilSands/1722.asp</ref> The management of tailings ponds is one of the most difficult [[environment]]al challenges associated with oil sands and their existence is extremely controversial. Currently, tailings ponds occupy a fair amount of space in Alberta—covering around 77 square [[meter\|kilometers]].<ref name="RE1">Alberta Government. (July 27, 2015). ''Tailings Ponds'' [Online]. Available: http://oilsands.alberta.ca/tailings.html</ref> Including all tailings ponds structures along with the ponds themselves, the total covered area is 220 square kilometers—an area about 1.5 times larger than the city of Vancouver (about 176 square kilometers as of 2010).<ref name=tailings>Alberta Environment & Water. (June 19, 2015). ''Oil Sands Information Portal: Tailings Ponds – Tailings Ponds Surface Area'' [Online]. Available: http://osip.alberta.ca/library/Dataset/Details/542</ref>

	There are several environmental concerns that are associated with the existence of tailings ponds. The main problem with the ponds is that they include toxic and harmful [[chemical]]s such as ammonia, [[mercury]], and naphthenic [[acid]]s. The water containing these chemicals is toxic to animals, particularly aquatic organisms.<ref name="RE2"/> If aquatic organisms enter these ponds, significant levels of damage can occur. ~~Additionally~~, these ponds are not sealed tightly. Instead, the water and contaminants from the pond seep into the soil surrounding it, potentially contaminating groundwater and harming wildlife surrounding the pond. As well, these ponds exist almost indefinitely, with over 830 million cubic [[meter]]s requiring long term containment.<ref name="RE2"/> This poses a risk to wildlife, mainly birds, who can be harmed if they come into contact with the [[water]] in these ponds.		There are several environmental concerns that are associated with the existence of tailings ponds. The main problem with the ponds is that they include toxic and harmful [[chemical]]s such as [[ammonia]], [[mercury]], and naphthenic [[acid]]s. The water containing these chemicals is toxic to animals, particularly aquatic organisms.<ref name="RE2"/> If aquatic organisms enter these ponds, significant levels of damage can occur. In addition, these ponds are not sealed tightly. Instead, the water and contaminants from the pond seep into the soil surrounding it, potentially contaminating [[groundwater]] and harming wildlife surrounding the pond. As well, these ponds exist almost indefinitely, with over 830 million cubic [[meter]]s requiring long term containment.<ref name="RE2"/> This poses a risk to wildlife, mainly birds, who can be harmed if they come into contact with the [[water]] in these ponds.

	Another concern about the use of tailings ponds is the volume of oil sands tailings produced from [[bitumen]] extraction. For every barrel of bitumen extracted from the oil sands, 1.5 barrels of tailings waste is produced.<ref name="RE2">Pembina Institute. (June 19, 2015). ''Tailings Ponds'' [Online]. Available: http://www.pembina.org/oil-sands/os101/tailings</ref> This large volume of tailings requires a large area for storage, and the sheer size of tailings ponds can be an issue, as they encroach on wildlife territory.		Another concern about the use of tailings ponds is the volume of oil sands tailings produced from [[bitumen]] extraction. For every barrel of bitumen extracted from the oil sands, 1.5 barrels of tailings waste is produced.<ref name="RE2">Pembina Institute. (June 19, 2015). ''Tailings Ponds'' [Online]. Available: http://www.pembina.org/oil-sands/os101/tailings</ref> This large volume of tailings requires a large area for storage, and the sheer size of tailings ponds can be an issue, as they encroach on wildlife territory.

	Efforts are being made to reduce the impact that tailings ponds have on the environment. First, bird deterrence systems have been created and used to prevent birds from landing on the ponds. These air cannons are used to frighten away the birds if they get too close. ~~As well, targets~~ have been set for companies to reduce tailings and provide specific dates for when the ponds will be closed and reclaimed.<ref name="RE1"/> ~~Additionally~~, timelines are being created that requires that fluid tailings be processed as quickly as they are being created, preventing tailings growth.<ref name="RE1"/>		Efforts are being made to reduce the impact that tailings ponds have on the environment. First, bird deterrence systems have been created and used to prevent birds from landing on the ponds. These [[air]] cannons are used to frighten away the birds if they get too close. Targets have also been set for companies to reduce tailings and provide specific dates for when the ponds will be closed and reclaimed.<ref name="RE1"/> In addition, timelines are being created that requires that fluid tailings be processed as quickly as they are being created, preventing tailings growth.<ref name="RE1"/>

	==Interactive Map==		==Interactive Map==
	It can be difficult to comprehend the amount of area that tailings ponds take up. Below is a labelled, interactive map showing the mining pits, tailings ponds, some reclaimed area, and the Athabasca river. Take a note of the scale on the bottom right-hand side of the map (this will change when zooming in and out, but gives an idea of the size of mines and tailings ponds).		It can be difficult to comprehend the amount of area that tailings ponds take up. Below is a labelled, interactive map showing the mining pits, tailings ponds, some reclaimed area, and the Athabasca river. Take a note of the scale on the bottom right-hand side of the map (this will change when zooming in and out, but gives an idea of the size of mines and tailings ponds).

	<html><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?~~mid~~=~~zT985R0gOSDg~~.~~k3kNoslvTjWQ~~" width="~~780~~" height="585"></iframe></html>		<html>
			<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d192097.99566778357!2d-111.76160867348173!3d56.97582978233581!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x53b0718974f2f7c7%3A0xf31665703d4cb502!2sTar+Island%2C+AB!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sca!4v1532554135571" width="800" height="585" frameborder="0" style="border:0" allowfullscreen></iframe></html>

			==For Further Reading==
			*[[Oil sands]]
			*[[Fossil fuel extraction]]
			*[[Hydrocarbon]]
			*[[Pollution vs waste]]
			*Or explore a [[Special:Random\|random page]]

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}
	[[Category:Uploaded]]		[[Category:Uploaded]]

J.williams: 1 revision imported

2015-08-26T21:31:28Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 21:31, 26 August 2015
(No difference)

J.williams at 16:57, 12 August 2015

2015-08-12T16:57:17Z

New page

[[Category:Done 2015-07-24]]
[[File:640px-Syncrude_mildred_lake_plant.jpg|400px|framed|right|Figure 1. Oil sands tailings pond in Fort McMurray, Alberta.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (June 9, 2015). ''Syncrude's Mildred Lake site, plant and tailings ponds'' [Online]. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_sands#/media/File:Syncrude_mildred_lake_plant.jpg</ref>]]

<onlyinclude>'''Tailings ponds''' are settling ponds that contain the waste byproduct of [[oil sands]] extraction and upgrading. They are a mix of [[water]], sand, silt, clay, unrecovered [[hydrocarbon]]s, and other contaminants.</onlyinclude><ref name=alb>Alberta Energy. (June 19, 2015). ''Reclamation'' [Online]. Available: http://www.energy.gov.ab.ca/OilSands/1722.asp</ref> The management of tailings ponds is one of the most difficult environmental challenges associated with oil sands development today and their existence is extremely controversial. Currently, tailings ponds occupy a fair amount of space in Alberta - covering around 77 square [[meter|kilometers]].<ref name="RE1">Alberta Government. (July 27, 2015). ''Tailings Ponds'' [Online]. Available: http://oilsands.alberta.ca/tailings.html</ref> Including all tailings ponds structures along with the ponds themselves, the total covered area is 220 square kilometers - an area about 1.5 times larger than the city of Vancouver (about 176 square kilometers in Canada in 2010).<ref name=tailings>Alberta Environment & Water. (June 19, 2015). ''Oil Sands Information Portal: Tailings Ponds – Tailings Ponds Surface Area'' [Online]. Available: http://osip.alberta.ca/library/Dataset/Details/542</ref>

There are several environmental concerns that are associated with the existence of tailings ponds. The main problem with the ponds is that they include toxic and harmful [[chemical]]s such as ammonia, [[mercury]], and naphthenic [[acid]]s. The water containing these chemicals is toxic to animals, particularly aquatic organisms.<ref name="RE2"/> If aquatic organisms enter these ponds, significant levels of damage can occur. Additionally, these ponds are not sealed tightly. Instead, the water and contaminants from the pond seep into the soil surrounding it, potentially contaminating groundwater and harming wildlife surrounding the pond. As well, these ponds exist almost indefinitely, with over 830 million cubic [[meter]]s requiring long term containment.<ref name="RE2"/> This poses a risk to wildlife, mainly birds, who can be harmed if they come into contact with the [[water]] in these ponds.

Another concern about the use of tailings ponds is the volume of oil sands tailings produced from [[bitumen]] extraction. For every barrel of bitumen extracted from the oil sands, 1.5 barrels of tailings waste is produced.<ref name="RE2">Pembina Institute. (June 19, 2015). ''Tailings Ponds'' [Online]. Available: http://www.pembina.org/oil-sands/os101/tailings</ref> This large volume of tailings requires a large area for storage, and the sheer size of tailings ponds can be an issue, as they encroach on wildlife territory.

Efforts are being made to reduce the impact that tailings ponds have on the environment. First, bird deterrence systems have been created and used to prevent birds from landing on the ponds. These air cannons are used to frighten away the birds if they get too close. As well, targets have been set for companies to reduce tailings and provide specific dates for when the ponds will be closed and reclaimed.<ref name="RE1"/> Additionally, timelines are being created that requires that fluid tailings be processed as quickly as they are being created, preventing tailings growth.<ref name="RE1"/>

==Interactive Map==
It can be difficult to comprehend the amount of area that tailings ponds take up. Below is a labelled, interactive map showing the mining pits, tailings ponds, some reclaimed area, and the Athabasca river. Take a note of the scale on the bottom right-hand side of the map (this will change when zooming in and out, but gives an idea of the size of mines and tailings ponds).

<html><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=zT985R0gOSDg.k3kNoslvTjWQ" width="780" height="585"></iframe></html>

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Uploaded]]