Environmental issues on reclamation of oil sands fine tails

The hot water process for the extraction of bitumen from oil sands leads to the production of large volumes of waste-water and the formation of a large inventory of fine clay tailings. The eventual reclamation of the fine tailings and associated waters is required. The two surface mining oil sands operations in Alberta, Syncrude and Suncor, have each developed detailed conservation and reclamation plans. This paper covers the environmental issues associated with the fine tailings handling options implemented under these reclamation plans. These options include fine tails capping with water and dry landscape scenarios. Environmental issues considered in these reclamation plans include: land use, ground and surface water discharges, ecological impacts, and the cost of implementation. The paper highlights environmental issues associated with the fine tails reclamation options and how alternative extraction methods may affect reclamation strategies.