River water intake facility and responsible water usage

Kearl will use the latest proven technology to mine bitumen using the least amount of fresh water possible.

Approximately three percent of the Athabasca’s natural average flow is allocated to the oil and gas industry. Kearl’s allocation is approximately 10 percent of industry’s allocation. To minimize the impact on the Athabasca River during low-flow periods, Kearl has the capacity to store 30 days worth of water required to sustain production.

In addition, environmental professionals are frequently on site sampling groundwater and surface water to monitor effects of development. Kearl works closely with the Government of Alberta and other regulatory bodies to ensure that monitoring processes and procedures meet or exceed industry requirements.