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SLAVE LAKE, Alta. — A new front is opening in the debate over Alberta’s carbon capture plans as environmental organizations begin raising concerns the technology could facilitate further oilsands development.
Keepers of the Water has released a report calling for greater transparency, independent oversight and community engagement as plans advance for the proposed Pathways Project, a carbon capture and storage network being developed by the Pathways Alliance.
The report, Key Facts About the Pathways Project: Oil Sands Alliance Carbon Capture and Storage Proposal – Community Engagement Report (2024–2026), summarizes two years of consultations with Indigenous Nations, community members, researchers and partner organizations.
It examines the proposed carbon capture system and outlines concerns related to water use, groundwater protection, pipeline safety and the potential for induced seismicity associated with underground carbon storage.
The report also reviews the 2020 carbon dioxide pipeline rupture near Satartia, Miss., and summarizes feedback gathered during community engagement sessions across northeastern Alberta.
Keepers of the Water says communities need access to independent information before decisions are made on projects that could affect their lands, waters and treaty rights.
“Our goal is to ensure communities have access to independent, accessible information so they can make informed decisions about projects that may affect their lands, waters, and rights,” the organization said in a statement accompanying the report.
The organization is calling for greater transparency, accountability and independent assessment as the project moves through regulatory and planning processes.
The Pathways Project would capture carbon dioxide emissions from multiple oilsands operations in northeastern Alberta and transport the gas by pipeline for permanent underground storage near Cold Lake.
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