A new, one-stop web portal makes it easy to find detailed information on the environmental performance of Alberta’s oil sands facilities.
Searchable data highlighting such things as facility-specific water use, greenhouse gas emissions, tailings pond size and land disturbance and reclamation is part of Alberta’s ongoing work to make oil sands information more open and transparent.
“Open access to information allows people to form their own opinions and ask important questions about industry performance and regulatory oversight,” said Alberta Environment and Water Minister Diana McQueen. “Science is driven by debate and discussion and it is my hope that this site serves to drive excellence and innovation in oil sands environmental management. It is part of our commitment to being a world-leading, responsible energy producer.”
While oil sands data and information has always been publicly available, it has often been difficult to find and time-consuming to access. The portal is the culmination of three years work to compile data and information from a variety of sources.
In addition to facility data, the Oil Sands Information Portal includes an interactive map with real-time regional air quality information and river flow data. It also provides a downloadable data library with easy access to environmental impact assessments, water approvals and licenses, and compliance reporting.
“This is just the beginning,” said Minister McQueen. “We know there is more information to add to the portal and we are committed to continually updating this valuable tool with new information and new environmental indicators as they become available. Once a new, enhanced monitoring system for air, land, water and biodiversity is built, this portal will serve as a key reporting tool.”
By consolidating environmental data from a variety of sources into one interactive portal, Albertans are better able to access information without having to search multiple sources or make formal information requests. An integrated data portal supports the Government of Alberta’s move towards cumulative effects management.
Visit the Oil Sands Information Portal at osip.alberta.ca
