Kearl EPO community updates

Imperial today provided an update on work underway at its Kearl oil sands facility. Work continues to complete remediation efforts which includes expanding our seepage interception system with additional drainage structures, pumping wells and equipment, and increasing water and wildlife monitoring in the area. We continue to provide information to communities, regulatory officials from the Alberta Energy Regulator and government departments.

Weekly updates:

• Pumping and collection systems operating as work progresses on addressing areas of shallow seepage. Installation work complete at three of four locations, final location nearing completion.
• Regular inspections and sampling at seep areas ongoing. Water sampling results provided weekly to AER and communities.
• Enhanced wildlife monitoring is ongoing, barrier installed to prevent fish from entering waterbody.
• Continued to provide information to communities on ongoing cleanup, mitigation and remediation actions. Holding site tours for community members and community leadership.
• Water testing has indicated drinking water is safe, which has been confirmed by the local regional municipality.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) update

On May 4, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) announced it has started an investigation into the situation at Kearl. Imperial is cooperating with the department. We have been providing information on the situation at Kearl and have hosted regulatory officials for tours and testing at our site.

Seepage mitigation and prevention

Imperial continued to advance work to address shallow seepage and collect water on site. Pumping systems are operating at all four seep locations and work is continuing to complete final seep mitigations. Collection systems are being activated and continuous monitoring is also in place to ensure mitigations are working as intended. As work is completed in some areas, work crews are being demobilized from the site. About 150 people continue to work on related activities at the site.

Total off-lease surface area impacted by seepage locations covers about one hectare. Additional fencing continues to be installed as work is completed to prevent potential access by wildlife. Wildlife monitoring is ongoing, with regularly scheduled sweeps in the area. We are working in collaboration with communities to incorporate their feedback on our monitoring plans.

The company has determined the seepage was caused by shallow subsurface pathways from on-lease industrial wastewater sources bypassing the existing Seepage Interception System (SIS). This shallow groundwater pathway was created by placement of construction fill material, generated through the development of on-lease infrastructure. We are taking actions to prevent the reoccurrence of industrial wastewater seepage leaving the Kearl lease boundary:

• Monitoring of the surface and groundwater seep locations has been enhanced
• Design upgrades and infrastructure improvements to the SIS have been completed
• Surface and shallow ground water interception trenches, complete with water return pumps, have been constructed
• A shallow well point vacuum system has been installed in the vicinity of Waterbody 3

Cleanup of drainage pond overflow

Sampling has been conducted to confirm cleanup of impacted materials resulting from wastewater released from a drainage pond on January 31, 2023. Imperial continues to work with the Alberta Energy Regulator on cleanup certification.

Based on our monitoring, released fluids did not enter any waterways and water sampling shows there has been no impact to local drinking water sources. There is no indication of impact to wildlife.

The company has determined the overflow was caused by a combination of equipment problems and process failure. We are taking actions to prevent reoccurrence at all drainage ponds:

Inspected and re-programmed all level measurement equipment around the ponds

• Enhancing processes for sediment management
• Increased inspection requirements during regular operator surveillance
• Conducted additional training for all operators working in this area

Water quality

Imperial continues to take actions to prevent potential impacts to downstream waterbodies. We continue to actively monitor Waterbody 3, which is primarily located on the Kearl lease.  Surface water continues to be sampled on a weekly basis, with results provided to the regulator and communities. At Waterbody 3, Imperial latest water quality results showed no detection of F2 hydrocarbons and naphthenic acids. Recovery equipment near the waterbody, which includes a vacuum system to collect the shallow groundwater, has been installed and fully activated.

Alberta Environment and Protected Areas has indicated there is no evidence that municipal drinking water sources located more than 200 kilometres downstream in Lake Athabasca have been affected. Imperial also continues to respond to community requests to provide drinking water in the Fort Chipewyan region.

Fish and wildlife

Imperial, with participation and observation from community representatives, has collected a sample of fish from Waterbody 3. These samples were submitted to a third-party for analysis and results will be shared with communities.

As a further precaution, we have installed a barrier to prevent fish from entering the waterbody.

On May 28, regular monitoring identified approximately 15 deceased minnows at the outflow location of a submersible pump within the muskeg area to the west of Waterbody 3 (not from within the body itself). 

Imperial shut all pumps off within the muskeg to the west of the waterbody until further investigation is complete.  This incident is currently under investigation.  The fish screen around the pump is being reviewed.  There is no indication of changes in water chemistry.  All pumps were shut off immediately after the fish were discovered.

The fish mortalities were reported to the EDGE hotline and to Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

Community engagement

Imperial continues to engage directly with Indigenous community leaders and other community members to answer questions, provide information and begin to rebuild trust. We recognize that we still have work to do in this area and are committed to improving our communications in the future.

Community representatives were onsite with our environment and regulatory teams on May 10 to observe fish tissue sampling from Waterbody 3. We will continue to provide opportunities for community participation in environmental monitoring activities that take place over the summer.

Imperial continues to host site tours for community members and community leadership.

We have shared our mitigation and monitoring plans with communities and their independent technical reviews are underway. We are also seeking input from communities on our plans to improve our communications going forward.

Imperial today provided an update on work underway at its Kearl oil sands facility. Work continues to complete remediation efforts which includes expanding our seepage interception system with additional drainage structures, pumping wells and equipment, and increasing water and wildlife monitoring in the area. We continue to provide information to communities, regulatory officials from the Alberta Energy Regulator and government departments.

Summary

• Pumping and collection systems operating as work progresses on addressing areas of shallow seepage. Installation work complete at three of four locations, final location nearing completion.
• Regular inspections and sampling at seep areas ongoing. Water sampling results provided weekly to AER and communities.
• Progressing plans to further protect nearby waterbody from potential seepage.
• Continued to provide information to communities on ongoing cleanup, mitigation and remediation actions. Holding site tours for community members and community leadership.
• Water testing has indicated drinking water is safe, which has been confirmed by the local regional municipality.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) update

On May 4, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) announced it has started an investigation into the situation at Kearl. Imperial is cooperating with the department. We have been providing information on the situation at Kearl and have hosted regulatory officials for tours and testing at our site.

Seepage mitigation and prevention

Imperial continued to advance work to address shallow seepage and collect water on site. Pumping systems are operating at all four seep locations and work is continuing to complete final seep mitigations. Collection systems are being activated and continuous monitoring is also in place to ensure mitigations are working as intended. As work is completed in some areas, work crews are being demobilized from the site. About 150 people continue to work on related activities at the site.

Total off-lease surface area impacted by seepage locations covers about one hectare. Additional fencing continues to be installed as work is completed to prevent potential access by wildlife. Wildlife monitoring is ongoing, with regularly scheduled sweeps in the area. We are working in collaboration with communities to incorporate their feedback on our monitoring plans.

The company has determined the seepage was caused by shallow subsurface pathways from on-lease industrial wastewater sources bypassing the existing Seepage Interception System (SIS). This shallow groundwater pathway was created by placement of construction fill material, generated through the development of on-lease infrastructure. We are taking actions to prevent the reoccurrence of industrial wastewater seepage leaving the Kearl lease boundary:

• Monitoring of the surface and groundwater seep locations has been enhanced
• Design upgrades and infrastructure improvements to the SIS have been completed
• Surface and shallow ground water interception trenches, complete with water return pumps, have been constructed
• A shallow well point vacuum system has been installed in the vicinity of Waterbody 3

Cleanup of drainage pond overflow

Sampling has been conducted to confirm cleanup of impacted materials resulting from wastewater released from a drainage pond on January 31, 2023. Imperial continues to work with the Alberta Energy Regulator on cleanup certification.

Based on our monitoring, released fluids did not enter any waterways and water sampling shows there has been no impact to local drinking water sources. There is no indication of impact to wildlife.

The company has determined the overflow was caused by a combination of equipment problems and process failure. We are taking actions to prevent reoccurrence at all drainage ponds:

• Inspected and re-programmed all level measurement equipment around the ponds
• Enhancing processes for sediment management
• Increased inspection requirements during regular operator surveillance
• Conducted additional training for all operators working in this area

Water quality

Imperial continues to take actions to prevent potential impacts to downstream waterbodies. We continue to actively monitor Waterbody 3, which is primarily located on the Kearl lease. We will be working with the Alberta Energy Regulator to confirm recent test results showing detections of F2 hydrocarbons and naphthenic acids. Our ongoing third-party sampling analysis in Waterbody 3 continues to meet aquatic life guidelines for F2 hydrocarbons. No guidelines exist for naphthenic acids.

Recovery equipment near the waterbody, which includes a vacuum system to collect the shallow groundwater, has been installed and fully activated. This is in addition to pumping equipment that was already in place at the seep. We have enhanced our monitoring efforts in this area and regular sampling programs by third parties are underway.

Alberta Environment and Protected Areas has indicated there is no evidence that municipal drinking water sources located more than 200 kilometres downstream in Lake Athabasca have been affected. Imperial also continues to respond to community requests to provide drinking water in the Fort Chipewyan region.

Fish and wildlife

Imperial, with participation and observation from community representatives, has collected a sample of fish from Waterbody 3. These samples were submitted to a third-party for analysis and results will be shared with communities.

As a further precaution, we are also progressing plans to install a fish barrier to prevent migration.

Community engagement

Imperial continues to engage directly with Indigenous community leaders and other community members to answer questions, provide information and begin to rebuild trust. We recognize that we still have work to do in this area and are committed to improving our communications in the future.

Community representatives were onsite with our environment and regulatory teams on May 10 to observe fish tissue sampling from Waterbody 3. We will continue to provide opportunities for community participation in environmental monitoring activities that take place over the summer.

Imperial continues to host site tours for community members and community leadership. 

We have shared our mitigation and monitoring plans with communities and their independent technical reviews are underway. We are also seeking input from communities on our plans to improve our communications going forward. 

Imperial today provided an update on work underway at its Kearl oil sands facility. Work continues to complete remediation efforts which includes expanding our seepage interception system with additional drainage structures, pumping wells and equipment, and increasing water and wildlife monitoring in the area. We continue to provide information to communities, regulatory officials from the Alberta Energy Regulator and government departments.

Summary

• Pumping and collection systems operating as work progresses on addressing areas of shallow seepage. Work is expected to be fully complete by end of May.
• Regular inspections and sampling at seep areas ongoing. Water sampling results provided weekly to AER and communities.
• Progressing plans to further protect nearby waterbody from potential seepage.
• Continued to provide information to communities on ongoing cleanup, mitigation and remediation actions. Submitted root cause findings to AER and shared with communities (seepage)(drainage pond overflow).
• Water testing has indicated drinking water is safe, which has been confirmed by the local regional municipality.
• Several community representatives attended fish tissue sampling at Waterbody 3.
• Received preliminary results indicating frog mortalities were due to natural causes.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) update

On May 4, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) announced it has started an investigation into the situation at Kearl. Imperial is cooperating with the department. We have been providing information on the situation at Kearl and have hosted regulatory officials for tours and testing at our site.

Seepage mitigation and prevention

Imperial continued to advance work to address shallow seepage and collect water on site. Pumping systems are operating at all four seep locations and work is continuing to complete final seep mitigations. Collection systems are being activated and continuous monitoring is also in place to ensure mitigations are working as intended. As work is completed in some areas, work crews are being demobilized from the site. About 100 people continue to work on related activities at the site.

Total off-lease surface area impacted by seepage locations covers about one hectare. Additional fencing continues to be installed as work is completed to prevent potential access by wildlife. Wildlife monitoring is ongoing, with regularly scheduled sweeps in the area. We are working in collaboration with communities to incorporate their feedback on our monitoring plans.

The company has determined the seepage was caused by shallow subsurface pathways from on-lease industrial wastewater sources bypassing the existing Seepage Interception System (SIS). This shallow groundwater pathway was created by placement of construction fill material, generated through the development of on-lease infrastructure. We are taking actions to prevent the reoccurrence of industrial wastewater seepage leaving the Kearl lease boundary:

• Monitoring of the surface and groundwater seep locations has been enhanced
• Design upgrades and infrastructure improvements to the SIS have been completed
• Surface and shallow ground water interception trenches, complete with water return pumps, have been constructed
• A shallow well point vacuum system has been installed in the vicinity of Waterbody 3

Cleanup of drainage pond overflow

Sampling has been conducted to confirm cleanup of impacted materials resulting from wastewater released from a drainage pond on January 31, 2023. Imperial continues to work with the Alberta Energy Regulator on cleanup certification.

Based on our monitoring, released fluids did not enter any waterways and water sampling shows there has been no impact to local drinking water sources. There is no indication of impact to wildlife.

The company has determined the overflow was caused by a combination of equipment problems and process failure. We are taking actions to prevent reoccurrence at all drainage ponds:

• Inspected and re-programmed all level measurement equipment around the ponds
• Enhancing processes for sediment management
• Increased inspection requirements during regular operator surveillance
• Conducted additional training for all operators working in this area

Water quality

Imperial continues to take actions to prevent potential impacts to downstream waterbodies. We continue to actively monitor Waterbody 3, which is primarily located on the Kearl lease. We will be working with the Alberta Energy Regulator to confirm recent test results showing detections of F2 hydrocarbons and naphthenic acids. Our ongoing third-party sampling analysis in Waterbody 3 continues to meet aquatic life guidelines for F2 hydrocarbons. No guidelines exist for naphthenic acids.

Recovery equipment near the waterbody, which includes a vacuum system to collect the shallow groundwater, has been installed and fully activated. This is in addition to pumping equipment that was already in place at the seep. We have enhanced our monitoring efforts in this area and regular sampling programs by third parties are underway.

Alberta Environment and Protected Areas has indicated there is no evidence that municipal drinking water sources located more than 200 kilometres downstream in Lake Athabasca have been affected. Imperial also continues to respond to community requests to provide drinking water in the Fort Chipewyan region.

Fish and wildlife

Imperial, with participation and observation from community representatives, has collected a sample of fish from Waterbody 3. These samples were submitted to a third-party for analysis and results will be shared with communities.

As a further precaution, we are also progressing plans to install a fish barrier to prevent migration.

Imperial and the AER have taken water samples at Waterbody 4 which suggest that the frog mortalities seen a few weeks ago are not linked to water chemistry in Waterbody 4. Preliminary results indicate frog mortalities were due to natural causes.

Meeting with communities

Imperial continues to engage directly with Indigenous community leaders and other community members to answer questions, provide information and begin to rebuild trust. We recognize that we still have work to do in this area and are committed to improving our communications in the future.

Community representatives were onsite with our environment and regulatory teams on Wednesday May 10 to observe fish tissue sampling from Waterbody 3. We will continue to provide opportunities for community participation in environmental monitoring activities that take place over the summer.

We have shared our mitigation and monitoring plans with communities and have offered for them to complete their own independent reviews of our technical work. We are also seeking input from communities on our plans to improve our communications going forward. We’ve put forward proposals to communities for near-term engagement with potential schedules and are gathering feedback.

Imperial today provided an update on work underway at its Kearl oil sands facility. Work continues to complete remediation efforts which includes expanding our seepage interception system with additional drainage structures, pumping wells and equipment, and increasing water and wildlife monitoring in the area. We continue to provide information to communities, regulatory officials from the Alberta Energy Regulator and government departments.

Summary

• Pumping and collection systems operating as work progresses on addressing areas of shallow seepage. Work is expected to be fully complete by end of May.
• Regular inspections and sampling at seep areas ongoing. Water sampling results provided weekly to AER and communities.
• Progressing plans to further protect nearby waterbody from potential seepage.
• Continued to provide information to communities on ongoing cleanup, mitigation and remediation actions. Submitted root cause findings to AER and shared with communities (seepage)(drainage pond overflow).
• Water testing has indicated drinking water is safe, which has been confirmed by the local regional municipality.
• Enhanced wildlife and fish monitoring ongoing; fish sampling program underway.
• Announcement from ECCC of investigation, Imperial cooperating. 

ECCC update

On May 4, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) announced it has started an investigation into the situation at Kearl. Imperial is cooperating with the department. We have been providing information on the situation at Kearl and have hosted regulatory officials for tours and testing at our site.

Seepage mitigation and prevention

Imperial continued to advance work to address shallow seepage and collect water on site. Pumping systems are operating at all four seep locations and work is continuing to complete final seep mitigations as ground thaws. Collection systems are being activated and continuous monitoring is also in place to ensure mitigations are working as intended. As work is completed in some areas, work crews are being demobilized from the site. About 100 people continue to work on related activities at the site.

Total off-lease surface area impacted by seepage locations covers about one hectare. Additional fencing continues to be installed as work is completed to prevent potential access by wildlife. Wildlife monitoring is ongoing, with regularly scheduled sweeps in the area. We are working in collaboration with communities to incorporate their feedback on our monitoring plans.

The company has determined the seepage was caused by shallow subsurface pathways from on-lease industrial wastewater sources bypassing the existing Seepage Interception System (SIS). This shallow groundwater pathway was created by placement of construction fill material, generated through the development of on-lease infrastructure. We are taking actions to prevent the reoccurrence of industrial wastewater seepage leaving the Kearl lease boundary:

• Monitoring of the surface and groundwater seep locations has been enhanced
• Design upgrades and infrastructure improvements to the SIS have been completed
• Surface and shallow ground water interception trenches, complete with water return pumps, have been constructed
• A shallow well point vacuum system has been installed in the vicinity of Waterbody 3 (WB3)

Cleanup of drainage pond overflow

Sampling has been conducted to confirm cleanup of impacted materials resulting from wastewater released from a drainage pond on January 31, 2023. Imperial continues to work with the Alberta Energy Regulator on cleanup certification.

Based on our monitoring, released fluids did not enter any waterways and water sampling shows there has been no impact to local drinking water sources. There is no indication of impact to wildlife.

The company has determined the overflow was caused by a combination of equipment problems and process failure. We are taking actions to prevent reoccurrence at all drainage ponds:

• Inspected and re-programmed all level measurement equipment around the ponds
• Enhancing processes for sediment management
• Increased inspection requirements during regular operator surveillance
• Conducted additional training for all operators working in this area

Water quality

Imperial continues to take actions to prevent potential impacts to downstream waterbodies. We continue to actively monitor Waterbody 3, which is primarily located on the Kearl lease. We will be working with the Alberta Energy Regulator to confirm recent test results showing detections of F2 hydrocarbons and naphthenic acids. Our ongoing third-party sampling analysis in Waterbody 3 continues to meet aquatic life guidelines for F2 hydrocarbons. No guidelines exist for naphthenic acids.

Recovery equipment near the waterbody, which includes a vacuum system to collect the shallow groundwater, has been installed and fully activated. This is in addition to pumping equipment that was already in place at the seep. We have enhanced our monitoring efforts in this area and regular sampling programs by third parties are underway.

Alberta Environment and Protected Areas has indicated there is no evidence that municipal drinking water sources located more than 200 kilometres downstream in Lake Athabasca have been affected. Imperial also continues to respond to community requests to provide drinking water in the Fort Chipewyan region.

Fish and wildlife

Imperial has invited community representatives to observe and participate in the collection of a sample of fish from Waterbody 3. These samples will be submitted to a third-party for analysis and results will be shared with communities.

As a further precaution, we are also progressing plans to install a fish barrier to prevent migration.

On May 5, Imperial notified regulators of deceased frogs (less than 10) found near a waterbody north of the Kearl lease. The frogs were found near Waterbody 4, which is located approximately 250 metres north of the lease. The waterbody is not fish bearing, has no inlet, and no outlet. The frogs have been collected for additional assessment.

Meeting with communities

Imperial continues to engage directly with Indigenous community leaders and other community members to answer questions, provide information and begin to rebuild trust. We recognize that we still have work to do in this area and are committed to improving our communications in the future.

We have shared our mitigation and monitoring plans with communities and have offered for them to complete their own independent reviews of our technical work. We are also seeking input from communities on our plans to improve our communications going forward. We’ve put forward proposals to communities for near-term engagement with potential schedules and are gathering feedback.

Imperial today provided an update on work underway at its Kearl oil sands facility. Work continues to complete remediation efforts which includes expanding our seepage interception system with additional drainage structures, pumping wells and equipment, and increase water and wildlife monitoring in the area. We continue to provide information to communities, regulatory officials from the Alberta Energy Regulator and government departments.

Summary

• Pumping and collection systems operating as work progresses on addressing areas of shallow seepage. Work is expected to be fully complete by end of May.
• Regular inspections and sampling at seep areas ongoing. Water sampling results provided weekly to AER and communities.
• Progressing plans to further protect nearby waterbody from potential seepage.
• Continued to provide information to communities on ongoing cleanup, mitigation and remediation actions.
• Water testing has indicated drinking water is safe, which has been confirmed by the local regional municipality.
• There continues to be no indication of impacts to wildlife or fish.

Seepage mitigation and prevention

Imperial continued to advance work to address shallow seepage and collect water on site. Pumping systems are operating at all four seep locations and work is continuing to complete final seep mitigations as ground thaws. Collection systems are being activated and continuous monitoring is also in place to ensure mitigations are working as intended. As work is completed in some areas, work crews are being demobilized from the site. About 100 people continue to work on related activities at the site.

Total off-lease surface area impacted by seepage locations covers about one hectare. There continues to be no indication of impact to wildlife. Additional fencing continues to be installed as work is completed to prevent potential access by wildlife. Wildlife monitoring is ongoing, with regularly scheduled sweeps in the area. We are working in collaboration with communities to incorporate their feedback on our monitoring plans.

Cleanup of drainage pond overflow

Sampling has been conducted to confirm cleanup of impacted materials resulting from wastewater released from a drainage pond on January 31, 2023. Imperial continues to work with the Alberta Energy Regulator on cleanup certification.

Based on our monitoring, released fluids did not enter any waterways and water sampling shows there has been no impact to local drinking water sources. There is no indication of impact to wildlife.

The company has determined the overflow was caused by a combination of equipment problems and process failure. We are taking actions to prevent reoccurrence at all drainage ponds:

• Inspected and re-programmed all level measurement equipment around the ponds
• Enhancing processes for sediment management
• Increased inspection requirements during regular operator surveillance
• Conducted additional training for all operators working in this area

Water quality

Imperial continues to take actions to prevent potential impacts to downstream waterbodies. We continue to actively monitor Waterbody 3, which is primarily located on the Kearl lease. We will be working with the Alberta Energy Regulator to confirm recent test results showing detections of F2 hydrocarbons and naphthenic acids. Our ongoing third-party sampling analysis in Waterbody 3 continues to meet aquatic life guidelines for F2 hydrocarbons. No guidelines exist for naphthenic acids.

Recovery equipment near the waterbody, which includes a vacuum system to collect the shallow groundwater, has been installed and fully activated. This is in addition to pumping equipment that was already in place at the seep. We have enhanced our monitoring efforts in this area and regular sampling programs by third parties are underway. We continue to evaluate an additional precautionary step to install a barrier at the outflow of the waterbody. 

Alberta Environment and Protected Areas has indicated there is no evidence that municipal drinking water sources located more than 200 kilometres downstream in Lake Athabasca have been affected. Imperial also continues to respond to community requests to provide drinking water in the Fort Chipewyan region.

Meeting with communities

Imperial continues to engage directly with Indigenous community leaders and other community members to answer questions, provide information and begin to rebuild trust. We recognize that we still have work to do in this area and are committed to improving our communications in the future.

We have shared our mitigation and monitoring plans with communities and have offered for them to complete their own independent reviews of our technical work. We are also seeking input from communities on our plans to improve our communications going forward. We’ve put forward proposals to communities for near-term engagement with potential schedules and are gathering feedback.

Imperial today provided an update on work underway at its Kearl oil sands facility. Pumping systems are operating at all seep locations, intercepting water and returning it to collection locations. We continue to provide information to communities, regulatory officials from the Alberta Energy Regulator and government departments.

Summary

• Pumping systems operating as work progresses on expansion of seepage interception system.
• Implementing plans to further protect nearby waterbody from potential seepage.
• Continued to provide information to communities on ongoing cleanup, mitigation and remediation actions.
• Participated in federal environmental committee hearing reviewing tailings ponds.
• Water testing has indicated drinking water is safe, which has been confirmed by the local regional municipality.
• There continues to be no indication of impacts to wildlife or fish.

Seepage mitigation and prevention

Imperial continued to advance work to address seepage and collect water on site ahead of spring melt. Pumping systems are operating at all four seep locations and work is continuing to complete seep mitigations. Trenching work is well advanced and continuous monitoring is also in place to ensure mitigations are working as intended. About 200 people continue to work on related activities at the site.

Total off-lease surface area impacted by seepage locations covers about one hectare. There continues to be no indication of impact to wildlife. Additional fencing continues to be installed as work is completed to prevent potential access by wildlife. Wildlife monitoring is ongoing, with regularly scheduled sweeps in the area. We are working in collaboration with communities to incorporate their feedback on our monitoring plans.

Cleanup of drainage pond overflow

Sampling has been conducted to confirm cleanup of impacted materials resulting from wastewater released from a drainage pond on January 31, 2023. Imperial continues to work with the Alberta Energy Regulator on cleanup certification.

Based on our monitoring, released fluids did not enter any waterways and water sampling shows there has been no impact to local drinking water sources. There is no indication of impact to wildlife.

The company has determined the overflow was caused by a combination of equipment problems and process failure. We are taking actions to prevent reoccurrence at all drainage ponds:

• Inspected and re-programmed all level measurement equipment around the ponds
• Enhancing processes for sediment management
• Increased inspection requirements during regular operator surveillance
• Conducted additional training for all operators working in this area

Water quality

Imperial continues to take actions to prevent potential impacts to downstream waterbodies. We continue to actively monitor Waterbody 3, which is primarily located on the Kearl lease. We will be working with the Alberta Energy Regulator to confirm recent test results showing detections of F2 hydrocarbons and naphthenic acids. Our ongoing third-party sampling analysis in Waterbody 3 continues to meet aquatic life guidelines for F2 hydrocarbons. No guidelines exist for naphthenic acids.

We have put forward a plan to the regulator to install additional recovery equipment and accelerate an already planned recovery program at Waterbody 3. We are also enhancing our monitoring efforts and evaluating an additional precautionary step to install a barrier at the outflow of the waterbody.

Alberta Environment and Protected Areas has indicated there is no evidence that municipal drinking water sources located more than 200 kilometres downstream in Lake Athabasca have been affected.

Meeting with stakeholders

Imperial representatives participated at a hearing of the federal Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development on April 20 in Ottawa. During the appearance, Imperial’s chief executive Brad Corson reiterated the company’s commitment to correcting the situation and ensuring it does not happen again.

The company’s statement is available here. 

Meeting with communities

Imperial continues to engage directly with Indigenous community leaders and other community members to answer questions, provide information and begin to rebuild trust. We recognize that we still have work to do in this area and are committed to improving our communications in the future.

We have shared our mitigation and monitoring plans with communities and have offered for them to complete their own independent reviews of our technical work. We are also seeking input from communities on our plans to improve our communications going forward.

Imperial today provided an update on work underway at its Kearl oil sands facility. As part of work to address seepage and collect water on site, pumping systems have been activated at all seep locations. We continue to provide information to communities, regulatory officials from the Alberta Energy Regulator and government departments.

Summary

• Pumping systems operating at all locations as work progresses on expansion of seepage interception system.
• Implementing plans to further protect nearby waterbody from potential seepage.
• Continued to provide information to communities on ongoing cleanup, mitigation and remediation actions.
• Participating in federal environmental committee hearing reviewing tailings ponds.
• Water testing has indicated drinking water is safe, which has been confirmed by the local regional municipality.
• There continues to be no indication of impacts to wildlife or fish.

Seepage mitigation and prevention

Imperial continued to advance work to address seepage and collect water on site ahead of spring melt. Pumping systems are now operating at all four seep locations as work advances to complete seep mitigations. About 200 people continue to work on related activities at the site.

There continues to be no indication of impact to wildlife. Additional fencing continues to be installed as work is completed to prevent potential access by wildlife. Wildlife monitoring is ongoing, with regularly scheduled sweeps in the area. We are working in collaboration with communities to incorporate their feedback on our monitoring plans.

Cleanup of drainage pond overflow

Sampling has been conducted to confirm cleanup of impacted materials resulting from wastewater released from a drainage pond on January 31, 2023. Imperial continues to work with the Alberta Energy Regulator on cleanup certification.

Based on our monitoring, released fluids did not enter any waterways and water sampling shows there has been no impact to local drinking water sources. There is no indication of impact to wildlife.

The company has determined the overflow was caused by a combination of equipment problems and process failure. We are taking actions to prevent reoccurrence at all drainage ponds:

• Inspected and re-programmed all level measurement equipment around the ponds
• Enhancing processes for sediment management
• Increased inspection requirements during regular operator surveillance
• Conducted additional training for all operators working in this area

Water quality

Imperial continues to take actions to prevent potential impacts to downstream waterbodies. We continue to actively monitor Waterbody 3, which is primarily located on the Kearl lease. We will be working with the Alberta Energy Regulator to confirm recent test results showing detections of F2 hydrocarbons and naphthenic acids. Our ongoing third-party sampling analysis in Waterbody 3 continues to meet aquatic life guidelines for F2 hydrocarbons. No guidelines exist for naphthenic acids.

We have put forward a plan to the regulator to install additional recovery equipment and accelerate an already planned recovery program at Waterbody 3. We are also enhancing our monitoring efforts and evaluating an additional precautionary step to install a barrier at the outflow of the waterbody.

Learn more about Imperial’s ongoing water sampling and monitoring program: Kearl water results video 

Meeting with stakeholders

This week, Imperial representatives will participate at a hearing of the federal Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development. We recognize the importance for Canadians to hear directly from us on the progress of our remediation actions and to answer questions. We take the situation at our Kearl oil sands facility very seriously; we apologize for these incidents and are taking steps to correct the issues to ensure they do not happen again.

Meeting with communities

Imperial continues to engage directly with Indigenous community leaders and other community members to answer questions, provide information and begin to rebuild trust. We recognize that we still have work to do in this area and are committed to improving our communications in the future.

We have shared our mitigation and monitoring plans with communities and have offered for them to complete their own independent reviews of our technical work. We are also seeking input from communities on our plans to improve our communications going forward.

Imperial today provided an update on its investigation into a drainage pond overflow at the Kearl site earlier this year. Following extensive review, the company has determined that the overflow was caused by a combination of equipment problems and process failure.

“This incident should not have happened. We have identified the issues and are taking actions to prevent potential reoccurrence,” said Simon Younger, Senior Vice President, Upstream. “We recognize the concerns that this incident has raised with local communities, and we sincerely apologize. We are working to share information and answer questions as we work to rebuild trust.”

Cleanup work from the overflow is complete and soil sampling to confirm is underway. Based on the company’s monitoring, released fluids did not enter any river systems and water sampling continues to show that there have been no impacts to local drinking water sources. There is no indication of impact to wildlife.

Imperial’s investigation determined that measurement equipment was not providing accurate pond level information to the central control room. Because the equipment was not accurately reading the pond level, a normally automatic pump was in a manual operation mode and was not activated to pump down the level of water.

This pond collects water from surface water drainage systems and the seepage interception system, which is primarily natural groundwater and precipitation, with a small amount of industrial wastewater. It also receives water, silt and sediment from the surrounding area, which accumulates over time. There was a gradual buildup in sediment materials, which impacted accurate measurement of the pond level.

Routine operator inspection rounds did not initially detect the high pond level due to winter conditions and low visibility. The release was identified on Feb. 4 and immediately reported to the Alberta Energy Regulator.

Imperial is taking the following actions to prevent reoccurrence at all drainage ponds:

• Inspected and re-programmed all level measurement equipment around the ponds
• Enhancing processes for sediment management
• Increased inspection requirements during regular operator surveillance
• Conducted additional training for all operators working in this area
• The update was shared with community leadership earlier today, as well as with the Alberta Energy Regulator.

Seepage mitigation and prevention

Work continues to complete mitigation measures to address seepage located in areas near the Kearl lease boundary. About 200 people continue to work on related activities at the site.

There continues to be no indication of impact to wildlife or fish. As a precaution, additional fencing continues to be installed as work is completed to prevent potential access by wildlife. Wildlife monitoring is ongoing, with regularly scheduled sweeps in the area. We are working in collaboration with communities to incorporate their feedback on our monitoring plans.

Water quality

Earlier this week, we received information from the Alberta Energy Regulator on additional sampling data from Waterbody 3 located primarily on the Kearl lease showing detections of F2 hydrocarbons and naphthenic acids. We continue to actively monitor the waterbody and will be working with the regulator to confirm these results.

Our ongoing third-party sampling analysis in Waterbody 3 continues to meet aquatic life guidelines for F2 hydrocarbons. No guidelines exist for naphthenic acids.

We continue to take actions to prevent potential impacts to downstream waterbodies. Last week, we put forward a plan to the regulator to install additional recovery equipment and accelerate an already planned recovery program. We are also enhancing our monitoring efforts and are evaluating an additional precautionary step to install a barrier at the outflow of the waterbody.

We have created an informational video featuring Imperial’s water lead that provides information regarding our ongoing water sampling and monitoring program.

Meeting with communities

Imperial continues to engage directly with Indigenous community leaders and other community members to answer questions, provide information and begin to rebuild trust. We recognize that we still have work to do in this area and are committed to improving our communications in the future.

We continue to share information directly with communities and to hear their feedback. We have shared our mitigation and monitoring plans with communities and have offered for them to complete their own independent reviews of our technical work. We are also seeking input from communities on our plans to improve our communications going forward.

Imperial today provided an update on work underway at its Kearl oil sands facility. The company continues to advance work to address seepage and collect water on site ahead of spring melt. Meetings with community leadership and members are ongoing, and we continued to accommodate requests from communities and governments for visits and independent water sampling at our site. We continue to work with regulatory officials from the Alberta Energy Regulator and government departments to provide information.

Summary

• Progressed work on expansion of seepage interception system.
• Submitted additional and accelerated plans to the Alberta Energy Regulator to further protect nearby waterbody from potential seepage.
• Continued to meet with Indigenous leaders and communities to share progress on ongoing cleanup, mitigation and remediation actions.
• Water testing has indicated drinking water is safe, which has been confirmed by the local regional municipality.
• There continues to be no indication of impacts to wildlife or fish

Seepage mitigation and prevention

Imperial continued to advance work to address seepage and collect water on site ahead of spring melt. Ongoing work includes tie in of monitoring and pumping wells, as well as drainage structures in the area which will continue to collect water that can be pumped back to collection areas. About 200 people continue to work on related activities at the site.

There continues to be no indication of impact to wildlife. Additional fencing continues to be installed as work is completed to prevent potential access by wildlife. Wildlife monitoring is ongoing, with regularly scheduled sweeps in the area. We are working in collaboration with communities to incorporate their feedback on our monitoring plans.

Cleanup of drainage pond overflow

Sampling has been conducted to confirm cleanup of impacted materials resulting from wastewater released from a drainage pond on January 31, 2023. Imperial continues to work with the Alberta Energy Regulator on cleanup certification.

Based on our monitoring, released fluids did not enter any waterways and water sampling shows there has been no impact to local drinking water sources. There is no indication of impact to wildlife.

Water quality

Earlier this week, we received information from the Alberta Energy Regulator on recent sampling data from a waterbody located primarily on the Kearl lease showing low concentration detections of Naphthenic Acids and F2 hydrocarbons.

As indicated by the regulator, the water continues to meet aquatic life guidelines for F2 hydrocarbons. No guidelines exist for Naphthenic acids, however they were detected in low concentrations.

Testing has not detected these constituents at the outlet of the waterbody that connects to a tributary of the Firebag River. 

We will be working with the regulator on plans for further testing in this area and are taking actions to prevent potential impacts to downstream waterbodies. We have put forward a plan to the regulator to install additional recovery equipment and accelerate an already planned recovery program in addition to enhancing our monitoring efforts. We have also shared this plan with local communities.

We have created an informational video featuring Imperial’s water lead that provides information regarding our ongoing water sampling and monitoring program.

Meeting with communities

Imperial continues to engage directly with Indigenous community leaders and other community members to answer questions, provide information and begin to rebuild trust. We recognize that we still have work to do in this area and are committed to improving our communications in the future.

We continue to hold in-community meetings to share information directly with communities and hear their feedback. We have shared our mitigation and monitoring plans with communities and have offered for them to complete their own independent reviews of our technical work. We are also seeking input from communities on our plans to improve our communications going forward.

Imperial today provided an update on work underway at its Kearl oil sands facility. The company advanced work on drainage structures and pump installation to address seepage in targeted areas ahead of spring melt. Meetings with community leadership and members are ongoing, and we continued to accommodate requests from communities and governments for visits and independent water sampling at our site. We continue to work with regulatory officials from the Alberta Energy Regulator and government departments to provide information.

Summary

• Advanced construction of drainage structures, including trenches and pump installation to expand our existing seepage interception system.
• Continued to meet with Indigenous leaders and communities to share progress on ongoing cleanup, mitigation and remediation actions.
• Continued to host community representatives at Kearl site for tours and independent water sampling.
• Engaged local community businesses to support mitigation and cleanup work.
• Water testing has indicated drinking water is safe, which has been confirmed by the local regional municipality. Imperial’s current monitoring and water sampling data has been stable and shows no impacts to local waterways or drinking water.
• There continues to be no indication of impacts to wildlife or fish.

Seepage mitigation and prevention

Imperial progressed construction on drainage structures in the area and advanced work to complete monitoring and pumping wells related to the seep mitigation system. About 200 people continue to work on related activities at the site.

Cleanup of drainage pond overflow

Sampling has been conducted to confirm cleanup of impacted materials resulting from wastewater released from a drainage pond on January 31, 2023. Imperial continues to work with the Alberta Energy Regulator on cleanup certification.

Based on our monitoring, released fluids did not enter any waterways and our water sampling continues to show there has been no impacts to local drinking water sources. There is no indication of impact to wildlife. 

Meeting with communities

Imperial continues to engage directly with Indigenous community leaders and other community members to answer questions, provide information and begin to rebuild trust. We recognize that we still have work to do in this area and are committed to improving our communications in the future.

Over the past week we held in-community meetings, including in Fort Chipewyan, to share information directly with communities and hear their feedback. Our technical experts were available to meet with community members and answer questions. We also continued to host community representatives for tours and accommodated requests for independent water sampling at our site.

We have shared our mitigation and monitoring plans with communities and have offered for them to complete their own independent reviews of our technical work.

Imperial did notify communities at the time of both incidents in May 2022 and February 2023. We deeply regret that during our investigation into the May incident that updates were not regularly provided to communities following our initial notification as we did not meet their expectations.

Engaging with local businesses

Imperial has engaged Indigenous community-owned businesses to support our work on cleanup, installation of mitigation measures and ongoing monitoring. Work conducted included environmental monitoring, overflow cleanup, drainage structure construction, soil and vegetation sampling and analysis as well as tree clearing.

Water quality

Imperial’s current monitoring and water sampling data continues to show that there has been no impact to local waterways or drinking water. The company has maintained a robust water sampling program at Kearl since operations began a decade ago and contracts independent third-party organizations to provide water monitoring services.

We have created an informational video featuring Imperial’s water lead that provides information regarding our ongoing water sampling and monitoring program.

Imperial today provided an update on work underway at its Kearl oil sands facility. The company has now completed drilling more than 140 wells as part of seep mitigations. Meetings with community leadership and members are underway, additionally we have accommodated requests from communities and governments for independent water sampling at our site. We continue to work with regulatory officials from the Alberta Energy Regulator and government departments to provide information.

Summary

• Drilling completed on additional monitoring and collection wells for seep mitigation.
• Held in-community meetings with Indigenous leaders and community advisory groups to share progress on ongoing cleanup, mitigation and remediation actions.
• Hosted community representatives at Kearl site to conduct independent water sampling.
• Federal Environment Minister confirmed recent tests to date show Fort Chipewyan water is safe, potable, and meets Canadian drinking-water standards.
• The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has declared drinking water to be safe in the community of Fort Chipewyan.
• Imperial’s current monitoring and water sampling data has been stable and shows no impacts to local waterways or drinking water.
• There continues to be no indication of impacts to wildlife or fish.

Seepage mitigation and prevention

Imperial completed drilling more than 140 monitoring and pumping wells as part of its plans to expand its seepage interception system in close proximity to the Kearl lease boundary. Work is now underway to complete these wells and construct drainage structures in the area ahead of the spring melt. About 200 people continue to work on related activities at the site.

Seepage from the tailings containment structures was anticipated and mitigation measures are included in mine design as part of Kearl’s regulatory requirements. Kearl’s seepage interception system is designed to capture seepage in deeper groundwater layers; however, the noted seepage originated in shallower layers. The additional water capture systems will manage the shallow seepage.

The seepage is primarily natural groundwater, with a small amount of industrial wastewater. Several naturally occurring constituents (i.e., minerals and metals) are elevated in the seep locations adjacent to the lease boundary. Importantly, our data tells us that all concentrations reduce quickly with increasing distance from the lease boundary and our monitoring continues to show no change to baseline conditions in the Firebag River.

Cleanup of drainage pond overflow

Sampling work has been conducted to confirm removal of impacted materials due to wastewater released from a drainage pond on January 31, 2023. We are waiting to receive testing results. All visibly impacted surface ice and snow in the area has been removed and safely disposed.

Based on our monitoring, released fluids did not enter any waterways and our water sampling continues to show there has been no impacts to local drinking water sources. There is no indication of impact to wildlife. Imperial continues to work closely with the Alberta Energy Regulator on the cleanup.

Meeting with communities

Imperial is engaging directly with Indigenous community leaders and members to answer their questions, provide information and begin to rebuild trust.

Imperial has been meeting with community leadership and members over recent weeks. We have also hosted community representatives for tours and accommodated requests for independent water sampling at our site.

We have shared our mitigation and monitoring plans with communities and have offered for them to complete their own independent reviews of our technical work.

We appreciate the opportunity to share information directly with communities and hear their feedback. We recognize that we still have work to do in this area and are committed to improving our communications in the future.

Imperial did notify communities at the time of both incidents in May 2022 and February 2023. We deeply regret that during our investigation into the May incident that updates were not regularly provided to communities following our initial notification which did not meet their expectations.

Water quality

Imperial’s current monitoring and water sampling data continues to show that there has been no impact to local waterways or drinking water. The company has maintained a robust water sampling program at Kearl since operations began a decade ago and contracts independent third-party organizations to provide water monitoring services.

We have created an informational video featuring Imperial’s water lead that provides information regarding our ongoing water sampling and monitoring program.

Imperial has offered and is providing drinking water to communities that have ongoing concerns about drinking water quality.

Imperial today provided an update on work underway at its Kearl oil sands facility. Nearly 200 people are working on related activities at the site. The company has toured community leaders through the area, as well as regulatory officials from the Alberta Energy Regulator, the Government of Alberta, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Summary:

• Imperial is progressing seep mitigations; nearing completion of cleanup from drainage pond overflow at Kearl.
• The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has declared drinking water to be safe in the community of Fort Chipewyan.
• Imperial’s current monitoring and water sampling data has been stable and shows no impacts to local waterways or drinking water. Imperial will be sharing further details regarding its water sampling shortly.
• All seven Indigenous communities have been invited to site for tours and to conduct independent monitoring and water sampling; in-community meetings are occurring.
• Imperial confirms there continues to be no indication of impacts to wildlife or fish

Seepage mitigation and prevention

Imperial continues to address isolated areas of shallow seepage in close proximity to the Kearl operating lease. The seepage is primarily natural groundwater and precipitation, with a small amount of industrial wastewater.

The possibility of seepage is anticipated and included in mine design as part of regulatory requirements. Kearl’s seepage interception system is designed to capture seepage in deeper groundwater layers; however, the noted seepage originated in shallower layers.

To address these issues, Imperial is installing additional monitoring and pumping wells, as well as additional drainage structures in the area which will continue to collect water that can be pumped back to collection areas. Imperial has several drilling rigs onsite and work is near completion, we remain on track for 100% completion in the coming days.

• 17 of 17 pumping wells have been drilled
• 42 of 52 shallow monitoring wells have been drilled
• 64 of 72 deep monitoring wells have been drilled

Extensive and ongoing water monitoring has confirmed the seepage is isolated and has not entered local waterways and our water sampling continues to be stable and show there have been no impacts to local drinking water sources. There is no indication of impact to wildlife. Additional fencing has been installed at inactive work areas to prevent potential access by wildlife.

We have shared our mitigation and monitoring plans with communities and have asked for their input on these plans. We have also asked communities to tell us how they would like to participate in these monitoring programs.

Cleanup of drainage pond overflow

Work to clean up wastewater released from a drainage pond on January 31, 2023, is nearing completion. All impacted surface ice and snow in the area has been removed and safely disposed. Sampling is in progress to confirm all impacted materials have been removed.

Based on our monitoring, released fluids did not enter any waterways and our water sampling continues to show there has been no impacts to local drinking water sources. There is no indication of impact to wildlife. Imperial continues to work closely with the Alberta Energy Regulator on the cleanup.

Meeting with communities

Imperial extended invitations to all seven communities to visit the site, and also offered all communities the opportunity to do independent onsite monitoring and water testing. We are working directly with communities that have asked to do so.

Additional in-person meetings with communities are occurring at their request. Meetings are planned to review monitoring information with community representatives, and we are actively answering community questions.

We work hard to maintain transparent communication with our communities, and we recognize the communities’ concerns about delays in receiving additional information.

We deeply regret that our communications during our investigation into the seepage did not meet the expectations of some communities, we have committed to taking the necessary steps to improve our communications, so this does not happen again in the future.

It was always our intent to share our findings when we had more definitively determined the cause and planned actions. We are committed to learning from this and will continue to provide updates to the communities.

Water quality

On March 14, the RMWB issued a public update confirming that final test results of water from the Fort Chipewyan Water Treatment Plant is safe, potable and meets all Canadian drinking water standards and requirements. The RMWB posted the update to its website: 03.14.23-Community-Notice-FCWTP-Update.pdf (rmwb.ca).

In response to community concerns regarding local drinking water, Imperial is providing drinking water to communities who have requested it for emergency back-up purposes. We are in the process of sending a shipment to the community of Fort Chipewyan this week.

Imperial employs a robust water monitoring program at the Kearl site, which has been in operation for over a decade. Our extensive surface water monitoring to date shows no evidence to suggest that local drinking water supplies have been compromised.

The water in the seeps is primarily composed of natural groundwater, with a small contribution of industrial wastewater. Several naturally occurring constituents (i.e., minerals and metals) are elevated in the seep locations adjacent to the lease boundary. Importantly, our data tells us that all concentrations reduce quickly with increasing distance from the lease boundary and our monitoring continues to show no change to baseline conditions in the Firebag River.

Additionally, increased monitoring has been ongoing since the seepage issue was first identified in May 2022 and data has been shared openly with the Alberta Energy Regulator on an ongoing basis. Results have been stable and consistent with above commentary confirming there are no impacts to local drinking water supplies.

Imperial will be sharing further details regarding its water sampling shortly.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) direction issued on March 10, 2023

We are responding to verbal direction provided by ECCC officials following their visit to Imperial’s Kearl site the week of March 6, 2023 and we are waiting for ECCC to provide us with the written Direction. Monitoring to date indicates there has been no impact to fish or local waterways. Several measures were underway prior to issuance by ECCC. Surface water pumps were installed and are helping prevent the seep from entering a waterbody.

Monitoring to date at this waterbody indicates there has been no significant change in baseline conditions. As part of our mitigation and monitoring plans that have been previously submitted to the Alberta Energy Regulator, we plan to collect the fish from this waterbody as a precaution and install a fish barrier to prevent migration.

Imperial understands that Environment and Climate Change Canada is seeking additional information and we are co-operating with the department.

Imperial today provided an update on its cleanup of a drainage pond overflow at its Kearl oil sands facility.

Work to clean up overflow released from the drainage pond on January 31, 2023, has made significant progress both on and in close proximity to the Kearl operations lease. All impacted surface ice and snow in the area has now been removed and safely disposed.

Based on our monitoring, released fluids did not enter any waterways and there have been no impacts to local drinking water sources. There is no indication of impact to wildlife. Imperial will continue to work closely with the Alberta Energy Regulator to certify the cleanup.

Imperial plans to invite community leaders to visit the site and will continue to be responsive in addressing questions and concerns from local Indigenous communities and municipalities in the area.

"First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest apologies for this incident. Cleanup is well advanced, and we are taking all necessary steps to prevent this from happening again. We want to assure communities in the area that monitoring is ongoing and there have been no impacts to waterways,” said Simon Younger, senior vice president of upstream at Imperial.

“Imperial has always been dedicated to transparently communicating with our community partners, including local Indigenous communities, as they rightly expect. We recognize that we have fallen short of these expectations, and we are committed to rebuilding trust by keeping them regularly informed of our operations as we continue addressing this issue.”

Imperial is continuing to address a separate issue related to seepage in close proximity to the Kearl lease. The seepage is primarily natural groundwater and precipitation, with a small amount of industrial wastewater. Extensive and ongoing water monitoring has confirmed that seepage has not entered local waterways. As such, there have been no impacts to local drinking water sources. There is no indication of impact to wildlife.

In compliance with regulations, the Kearl facility has an advanced seepage interception system for its tailings area, which is a customary design feature for operations such as Kearl. Based on the ongoing investigation conducted in full cooperation with the AER, we have determined that the seepage occurred in shallower ground layers not protected by the system. 
Imperial is undertaking several immediate actions to rectify this issue.

These actions include:

1. Ongoing extensive monitoring of local waterways;
2. Drilling work which is underway to install additional monitoring and collection wells to expand the site’s existing seepage interception system to better protect against seepage events at all levels;
3. Construction of additional drainage collection structures; 
4. Adding additional surface pumps to ensure water is returned to collection areas.

Monitoring and sampling programs will continue and Imperial is committed to keeping all stakeholders fully informed as our plans progress.