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Protecting Water Quality

The Clearwater Project is expected to use zero surface water and/or potable groundwater for steam generation and general plant operations. The project’s low-pressure SAGD design means reduced water requirements in comparison to many other SAGD projects. The co-injection of solvent increases bitumen recovery and productivity, and significantly reduces water usage due to the reduced need for steam. (Our operating staff will require small amounts of potable water for drinking and washing.)

Water for plant operations is expected to be sourced from approved non-potable (brackish) underground sources using wells. These will either be new wells drilled at the project site or on other lease areas and connected to our facility via pipe lines. Water that is no longer usable will be injected deep underground in an approved disposal well. Overall water use in the Clearwater Phase I Project is estimated at approximately 1,100 cubic metres per day.

The site will be constructed to ensure excess rainwater and snowmelt are directed into a storm water pond. This water will be released only after acceptable testing determines it is safe to do so. There will be no tailings ponds at Clearwater.