Province Plans More Research On Acid Rain Issue

Province Plans More Research On Acid Rain Issue

Thursday, August 20, 2009 at 14:36

 

 

Reports of acid rain in the La Loche area have prompted the Saskatchewan government to order more studies on the issue.

 

Environment minister Nancy Heppner says government crews have embarked on a long-term study of air quality and other factors in the region.

 

The move was sparked by reports, dating back to 2008, that acid rain from the Alberta oilsands is drifting over to this side of the border.

 

Heppner says she wants to get a better understanding about what’s happening over the long term, before deciding what action is required.

 

“The extent and the impact on the environment — right now we know that the pH levels in some of the lakes appear to be affected, and so once we have some more long-term monitoring and testing done, we’ll be able to draw some more conclusions about it, but right now it’s monitoring the pH levels in water and soil,” Heppner says.

 

However, at least one northern mayor isn’t too impressed with the Environment minister’s plan.

 

Buffalo Narrows Mayor Bobby Woods says something needs to be done now, before pollution from the oilsands gets any worse.

 

“Mining is happening over there (in Alberta), but it’s impacting us. That’s all we’re getting, is the negative impact. We’ve got to talk about it now, and how we can work together with Alberta and northern Saskatchewan to be able to come up with a solution to this thing, and to be able to satisfy people’s needs,” Woods says.

 

Heppner says her department has spent close to $2-million on sustainable development plans for the northwest.

 

She says that’s to make sure any future oilsands development on this side of the border is done in a sustainable fashion.