[IPSM] Study Proves It: Tar Sands Operations Poisoning Athabasca Basin, Fort Chipewyan

[Macdonald Stainsby]

Study Proves It: Tar Sands Operations Poisoning Athabasca Basin, Fort
Chipewyan

By RENATO GANDIA, SUN MEDIA

High levels of cancer-causing toxins are being found in areas downstream
of Fort McMurray's oilsands, says a study commissioned by residents of
Alberta's oldest community.

Waters in Fort Chipewyan contain high levels of arsenic, the fish are
contaminated with high levels of mercury and polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons - another pollutant - are higher than they should be, said
Kevin Timoney.

Timoney is the ecologist who studied the waters and sediments in the
Peace-Athabasca Delta near Fort Chipewyan, 610 air km northeast of Edmonton.

However, the study found that the hamlet's drinking water was safe.

Residents are not surprised with the results of the study because their
elders have been saying all along something is wrong with their water.

Anglers have caught fish with abnormal growths and hunters have found
fowl covered in oil.

"This is only a start to proving that there is a direct link to oilsands
development and our health," said Allan Adam, the newly elected chief of
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation.

"This is not news to us.

"It simply supports what we have been saying to this government of
Alberta and to industry for decades."

Timoney's findings re-ignited Mikisew Cree First Nation's call for a
moratorium on oilsands development.

"The federal and provincial governments are continuing to issue
approvals for projects despite all of the uncertainties with the true
environmental effects of oilsands development," said Russell Kaskamin a
councillor with Mikisew Cree.

"I'm shocked but I'm not surprised," said Dr. John O' Connor, a doctor
who has been documenting rare cases of cancer in the area.

"(The study) verifies what has been happening in Fort Chip for many years."

http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Alberta/2007/11/09/4642196-sun.html

-- 
Macdonald Stainsby
Coordinator, http://oilsandstruth.org
--
moderated radical news & discussion list:
http://lists.econ.utah.edu/mailman/listinfo/rad-green

In the contradiction lies the hope.
     --Bertholt Brecht.

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-- 
Macdonald Stainsby
Coordinator, http://oilsandstruth.org
--
moderated radical news & discussion list:
http://lists.econ.utah.edu/mailman/listinfo/rad-green

In the contradiction lies the hope.
    --Bertholt Brecht.