Description

A study conducted by Environment Canada concluded that areas surrounding oil sands developments have high levels of mercury, both airborne and in water bodies. The most dangerous form of mercury is 60 km north of Fort McMurray and is found to be 13 times higher than normal levels. The further an area is from the oil sands, the less the concentration of mercury in the environment. However, almost 17 000 square kilometers have elevated mercury levels that have been associated with contaminants in oil sands facilities. The study also cites a positive correlation between increasing oil sands development and mercury levels. The mercury has led to more warnings of consuming plants and animals that have very high levels of the substances in the region.  

Language: English