Make Companies Pay for Abuse of Water!
- by: Care2.com
- recipient: Alberta Premier Alison Redford
For six months Statoil Canada was abusing the water privileges they were given as corporation, using 3,000 cubic meters over their alotted 10,000 without anyone knowing.
The limits put in place for water use are there for a reason. Abusing these limits negatively affects the environment. Oil sand operations rarely return the water they use back to the natural water cycle and cause ecosystems like that of the Athabasca River to become at risk.
Statoil has received a creative sentencing for their crime, including spending $185,000 to educate the industry about how to properly use surface water diversion. But what use is this resource if corporations aren't forced to use it? The government needs to keep a closer eye on oil and gas companies and ensure that they monitor their resources accurately. Urge Premier Alison Redford to enforce water laws and keep oil companies accountable for their actions!
Dear Premier Alison Redford,
Statoil Canada has been caught violating the terms of its water license by under reporting the number of cubic meters they have been using. Alberta Environment and Water estimates that the oil corporation used about 13,600 cubic meters of water when they were only allowed 10,000.
This type of abuse can destroy ecosystems and in turn adversely affect surrounding environments. Oilsand operations rarely return the water they use back to the natural water cycle.
(Your Comments Here)
This oil company was able to get away with this deception for six months before they were caught and who knows how many other companies are engaged in similar behavior. It is imperative that the government keeps a close eye on all oil companies, keeping them accountable for their actions. I urge you to enforce the current water laws and put rules in place that force corporations to engage in accurate monitoring of resources.
