Suncor Base Mine Extension

The Suncor Base Mine Extension Project may pose the risk of local and regional degradation of ambient air and increase the deposition of atmospheric contaminants that may cause harm to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. These contaminants may impact water quality, soil, plants, and animals in and around the area. Lower air quality will also affect the people living in and around this area. The mine extension is located near the Athabasca River. This extension may have potential impacts on drinking and recreational water quality due to the possibility of spills and alterations to groundwater flow patterns. How will Suncor minimize possible water contamination? In the case of contamination, how will Suncor react? The open-pit mine may also cause/contribute to acidification and surpass the ecosystems’ critical load due to emissions from the project. This result could impact plants, wildlife, fish and their habitat, as well as the people living in and around this area. What steps will Suncor take to minimize environmental damage?