Oilsands expansion plan raises native group’s fears

NISKU, ALTA. — Reclamation plans for a $12.8-billion Albian Sands oilsands expansion project could leave little more than poisoned lakes and a landscape forever unable to support diverse wildlife, an aboriginal group told Alberta’s energy regulator yesterday.

Chief Roxanne Marcel of the Mikisew Cree told the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board her band of about 2,700 people — roughly half of whom still live in the region — fears there are too many uncertainties around the project at Muskeg River, about 70 kilometres north of Fort McMurray. “We’re not sure what they’re proposing is going to work,” she said.

The project’s proponents, which include Shell Canada and Chevron Canada, want to create four lakes to dispose of mine tailings. The companies say the four end-pit lakes would become normal boreal waters and create fish habitat.

But the Mikisew Cree introduced scientists who questioned the likely effectiveness of the remediation plans.

London Free Press