August 10, 2007

Greenpeace guns for the tar sands

Canada’s most "environmentally destructive" project expands

EDMONTON

Greenpeace is setting up shop in Edmonton and it has set its sights on shutting down Alberta’s tar sands.

“The tar sands are one of the most environmentally destructive projects in Canada, if not the world,” said Greenpeace campaign organizer Geeta Sehgal adding they create 40 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year.

“The tar sands are also taking their toll on Albertans,” said Mike Hudema, Sehgal’s colleague. “Increased homelessness rates, urban construction shortages, skyrocketing housing prices and pollution-related health problems can all be attributed to the development of the tar sands.”

But the industry shows no signs of slowing with Suncor filing an application to expand the company’s oilsands mining operations. It will require 1,800 contractors to build the project and related infrastructure.

Suncor, the first company to commercially develop the oilsands, claims their new plan includes “detailed environmental and socio-economic impact analyses.”

They say the project will use new technology that will reduce air emissions and requires a smaller workforce, “which mitigates the social impact on the community.”

Suncor spokesman Patti Lewis said Suncor has a vision for oil sands development that includes reducing the environmental impact.

“(Suncor and Greenpeace) don’t necessarily have to be opposing forces,” she said, adding that they’ve worked together in the past and will again in the future.

DCN NEWS SERVICES

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