This is the world’s most destructive oil operation—and it’s growing
Tailings ponds have been growing for more than 50 years with no end in sight and no solution to clean them up, says Belanger. They’re also leaking into the Athabasca River, he says.
Air pollution including acid rain also plagues the remote region. One study found that acid rain would eventually damage an area almost the size of Germany. Tar sands operators could reduce their pollution and better manage the tailings waste problems, but they’re reluctant to spend the money, Belanger says. As a result of these issues, tar sands oils have a higher environmental cost than other sources, he notes