February 4, 2013 – Delay of the Athabasca River Framework prioritizes industry wants over environmental needs. Although a framework to protect the minimum water flow needs of the Athabasca River was promised by 2011, it still does not exist. Such a framework is necessary to protect fish in the river at times of low flow, when oxygen is scarce. It would require companies to halt withdrawals when river flows are dangerously low. “This means that industry can still withdraw 260,000 litres per minute from the Athabasca River when flows are already too low to protect the environment. This is unacceptable,” said Jesse Cardinal, of the Keepers of the Athabasca.
“Furthermore, we believe the Government of Alberta is planning to announce a framework that does not include this critical element,” Cardinal added.
Startup of the Imperial Kearl mine is imminent, and as part of that approval a low flow limit was promised by government. Regulators approved the Kearl mine on the understanding that the Athabasca River would be protected during low flow periods. “The Government of Alberta has failed to deliver on this commitment,” said Cardinal.
“Solutions exist to require companies to store water for use during low flow periods, but these measures are not being required. “Why is Alberta caving in again to industrial interests to keep costs low, rather than protecting its natural heritage?” asked Helene Walsh, also of the Keepers.
Keepers of the Athabasca call on the provincial government to immediately institute an Athabasca River Framework that fully protects the river under low flow conditions. “Too much is at stake for the environment to fail to keep this promise to the citizens of Alberta,” Walsh said.
Contacts:
Jesse Cardinal 780 404-5315
Helene Walsh 780 922 0908