14 DAY TRIAL // As if some people needed any more reasons to frown upon tar sands, it was this past Monday when the Alberta Energy Regulator released a new report linking emissions originating from a plant processing such unconventional petroleum deposits to health problems experienced by people living close to it.
In its report, the Alberta Energy Regulator details that the facility in question is Baytex Energy's Peace River plant. According to Eco Watch, this facility's working agenda boils down to processing bitumen, and translates into the release of quite a lot of foul odors.
The same source tells us that, over the years, plenty of people living in the plant's proximity have complained that these odors are making them sick. Headaches, dizziness, vomiting, fatigue, even muscle spasms are among the symptoms that locals have until now accused.
According to Think Progress, fainting, weight loss, gray skin and strange growths have also been documented among people living close to Baytex Energy's Peace River plant. What's more, it would appear that some families have even been forced to move elsewhere.
Following an investigation into the matter at hand, the Alberta Energy Regulator has concluded that, as shown by evidence at hand, there might indeed be a link between the foul odors released by said facility on a regular basis and the health problems documented in the local population.
Hence, the Alberta Energy Regulator has ordered Baytex Energy to take steps towards ensuring that its bitumen processing plant drastically limit its impact on the air in its proximity. More precisely, the company has been given four months to implement technology intended to control the release of odors.
“Odors caused by heavy oil operations in the Peace River area need to be eliminated to the extent possible as they have the potential to cause some of the health symptoms of area residents,” the report reads. Furthermore, “Operational changes must be implemented in the area to eliminate venting, reduce flaring and, ultimately, conserve all produced gas where feasible.”
According to the Alberta Energy Regulator, a regional air quality monitoring system should also be implemented in the region, and it would be best if further studies examining the link between such emissions and odors, and health problems were to be carried out.
Commenting on this report, local landowner Brian Labrecque said that, “This validates what we have been saying for years – that the tank-top emissions are causing health problems.” “It’s been a very long road and we are relieved the AER [Alberta Energy Regulator] is showing some teeth and holding industry accountable,” he added.